Essential Oils 101

By Arlene Stearns

Essential oils are definitely a current buzz word, especially with younger generations. Youll find them everywhere from Walmart to specialty shops. What are essential oils? What is their history? Why are essential oils so powerful? How are they used? What are the health benefits? Are they all the same?

Lets start with the basic definition. Essential oils are the highly concentrated version of the natural oils in plants. They are derived from plants by a process called distillation, usually with steam or water, where many parts of the plants may be used, including the plant roots, leaves, stems, flowers, or bark. However, citrus essential oils are either cold pressed or steam distilled from the rinds of citrus fruits. Even though they are called "oils," essential oils do not have an oily texture. Most are clear, but some (blue tansy, patchouli, orange and lemongrass) are amber, yellow, green or even dark blue in color.

Throughout human history, there has been evidence of the use of plant-based medicine and aromatic plants. Archeologists support the use of aromatic plants as food spices, medicine, and for ceremonial purposes as far back as 50,000 years. Essential oils are referenced in the Bible as well as the history of the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. According to The Kings Medicine Cabinet, by Dr. Josh Axe, In the Bible, essential oils are referenced 264 times, and 33 different types of oils are mentioned.

In the form of ointments, incense, and other extracts, spices and aromatics were used extensively during the time of the spice trade. The spice trade was the catalyst for the development of aromatic plant use beginning in India, China, and Java, and introduced into Persia, Arabia, Northern Africa, and Europe, where their popularity rapidly spread.

French chemist Ren Maurice Gattefosse first coined the term aromatherapy in 1937. Gattefosse became interested in essential oils after an accident in 1910 severely burned his hand. He treated the burn with a salve he produced with undiluted lavender oil. To his amazement, the pain immediately subsided, and his injury healed without infection or scarring. Because of Gattefosses work, Dr. Jean Valet used essential oils in WWII to treat injured soldiers. Interest in essential oils grew and led to Marguerite Maury being the first person to individually prescribe essential oil combinations to treat nerve endings along the spine using a Tibetan massage technique. Essential oils are used today for medicinal purposes by doctors, nutritionists, and parents worldwide.

Essential oils offer a powerful, all natural alternative to drugs without side effects because their tiny molecules can actually penetrate your cells, and some can even cross the blood-brain barrier to fight bacteria and viruses. Essential oils are typically used in the following ways: topically, inhalation with a diffuser, or ingestion. When essential oils are applied anywhere on the body, they actually pass through your skin and into your circulatory system and cells. The soles of your feet are a popular area for topical application because the larger pores there provide almost immediate absorption. Other key areas include the back of the neck, temples, behind the ears, abdomen, upper back, and along the spine. Many essential oils are so powerful when used topically or orally that dilution with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, is recommended.

A very popular way to use essential oils is to just add 15 drops into a diffuser or bowl of hot water and breathe it in. Diffusing essential oils can have great health benefits because of their ability to travel through the air into your olfactory system, which is connected directly to your brain and can enter your cells and blood stream in seconds. This method of healing by means of the olfactory is often called aromatherapy. Your childs recovery from a cold or illness is expedited by diffusing cloves and frankincense essential oils into the air; this combination is also excellent for preventing illness. Other commonly diffused oils are lemon to clean the air; peppermint to improve energy; and lavender for headache reduction and relaxation.

Research suggests that some oils are more effective when ingested; however, only therapeutic-grade oils should be ingested and only if recommended by your physician or health care specialist. Dosage and dilution varies according to the age, size, and health of the individual. Dried herbs and spices such as ginger root, cinnamon and Echinacea have health benefits. Also, consuming healthy foods like fresh vegetables can support healing, but nothing surpasses the healing properties of essential oils.

Please note: Not all essential oils are created equally. Essential oils should be bottled in dark glass containers to protect them from oxidation and sunlight. Like herbal supplements, essential oils are not certified by the FDA. Terms such as pure, natural, and therapeutic grade are marketing terms and are no indication of the efficacy of the product. Do your research, not only of the oil, but also the company and processing methods.

Arlene Stearns is the owner of ImageUp System, and a representative of NuSkin/Pharmanex, which includes a line of essential oils.