Igor MarcikicEssential oils are highly concentrated aromatic essences derived from various plant extracts. The powerful aromas of these oils affect your mood, feelings, and mindset, as well as catalyze change in the human body. Ancient Alchemists named these aromatic plants “essentials” believing their fragrances reflected the plants’ true inner beauty.
Short History Of Essential Oils Use
Throughout history the oils played an essential part of spiritual and healing rituals, cosmetics and food preparation dating back to the early Egyptians; who is credited for creating the most complex methods for using them believing the oils were the of utmost importance to achieve divinity.
The oils were once considered such a valuable commodity that when grave robbers raided the tombs of the wealthy and noble, they would steal the essential oils and leave behind the gold and jewels.
When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, he forced the priests to hand over their secret essential oil formulas believing they gave one great power. Fearing the invaders would use the oils in nefarious ways; the Egyptian priests provided the Greeks with misinformation and left out vital ingredients in the formulas.
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine.” halted a plague in Athens by using the aromatics of essential oils. The Greek Physician, Pedanius Dioscorides, wrote a book describing methods for using essential oils that are used today in many medical schools and practices around the world.
In India, the Ayurvedic healing tradition routinely uses essential-oil fragrances to obtain the right doshic balance needed for good health.
Essental Oils In Modern Times
Essential oils made a strong comeback in the early part of the 20th century in France when Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a perfumer in Grasse, was accidentally burned as a result of an explosion in his lab.
He immediately submerged his hand in a lavender rinse and much to his surprise his burn healed at a rapid rate without leaving a scar. As a result, he changed his practice to studying the effects of this type of alternative medicine.
Essential Oils Immediate Effects
Recent studies have yielded the following results:
How To Apply These Oils?
There are several methods of applications for essential oils. The most common is the dilution. To use essential oils it is recommended that you dilute them with a carrier.
The most popular carrier oils are jojoba, sesame, almond, coconut, castor, grape seed, avocado, apricot, olive, Shea butter, and safflower. Water is also a common carrier.
The dilution of these oils depends on your method of application; such as for massage, bath, compress, inhalant, body mist, room spray, mouthwash or liniment.
There are many formulas, uses and a vast amount of information available both online and offline about essential oils. These resources can help you understand how to use the oils to achieve your desired results and treat your ailments both internally and externally.
Most Common Essential Oils And Th Effects Of Using Them
These are some examples of the most common oils:
Patchouli
Geranium
Lemongrass
Lavender
Tea Tree
Bergamot
Ylang Ylang
Chamomile
Marjoram
Rosemary
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
The list above is just the tip of the iceberg. The use of oils and aromatics are extensive and can become a supplementary part of a treatment or used as an alternative form of treatment that will not produce the negative side effects that pharmaceutical drugs may cause.
If you are interested in putting them into practice, it is important you research the techniques and methods for proper use. Otherwise, you may not achieve the efficacy you desire.
Essential oils are one of nature’s medicinal wonders and still the key element in many non-Western medical practices. These oils will be studied and enjoyed by people around the world for centuries to come.
