Like many people interested in natural health, you may have heard about essential oils, but are you aware at the truly diverse and profound healing applications they have? Often the term "aromatherapy" is sort of a hazy concept of smells and good health, but the uses of essential oils go far beyond that. Did you know the same oils used in aromatherapy have been successfully used to treat serious staph infections? Have been shown again and again to eradicate candida infections? That they prevent the transmission of the herpes virus from cell to cell? That they even have anticancer and anti-tumorial action in laboratory experiments, prompting further investigation? How about a little deeper look into these oils for a little inspiration into learning more how you might use them for your own ultimate health and healing.
The term "aromatherapy" is very misleading. It implies "aroma" is always involved in the "therapy". But this is true only in the minority of the time! Aromatherapy is actually the entire branch of botanical and herbal medicine that utilizes the volatile natural chemical compounds extracted from plants for therapeutic use. And is so happens that these volatile aromatic compounds, the "essential oils", are very diverse in their makeup. Some are made up of hundreds of individual molecules -- and these molecules are very compatible with our own physiology. They are easily absorbed by our bodies, and remarkably have an incredible array of healing actions, just "solid" herbs and plant medicines would -- just in a very concentrated form.
Many leading aromatherapists believe the greatest health benefits from essential oils come from their anti-infectious nature. Their ability to prevent and cure infectious illness such as colds and flu caused by bacteria and viruses. This potential is supported by a very large body of data from the scientific community, with research noting efficacy against herpes simplex, the SARS virus, the MRSA "superbug", candida fungus, and a variety of infectious bacteria.
There are many ways the home practitioner can use the oils for immune system support and illness prevention. In the "flu-season" (or anytime someone is sick at home or at work) immune-supportive and antiviral essential oils can be diffused in the air around you. Inhaling "nebulized" oils enhances the immunity of the respiratory system, and the vapor has been shown to directly inactivate "live" viruses. Practitioners will also massage essential oils (diluted in a carrier oil -- must for topical application in most cases) into their feet or even their lymph nodes. The feet are a very receptive area for the activity of the oils, as they contain endpoints of meridians of the body. It is thought that different organ systems, including the respiratory system, can be treated application of oils to these "reflex" points, a practice called "reflexology". MANY people find that if they have been treating themselves consistently with essential oils, they are the only ones who do not get sick when friends, family or co-workers do.
Along these lines are the antiseptic applications in aromatherapy. "Antiseptic" simply means an "antimicrobial" used on the skin's surface. The most simple application is the use of Tea Tree in place of products like Neosporin, alone or in a 50/50 blend with Lavender (this is choice for use with children). Tea Tree is a very broad spectrum antiseptic, and has a wide variety of uses. It's excellent for acne, used in a 5% concentration based either in a carrier oil like Grapeseed or Hazelnut, or aloe vera gel. Tea Tree is excellent for athlete's foot and other mild skin infections, as are Palmarosa, Geranium and many other essential oils. All these make great smelling, healthier choices than pharmaceutical preparations.
High end natural skin care products nearly always contain essential oils. Many, many oils have very therapeutic effects on the skin, and personal formulas can be made for practically every skin condition. Itchy, irritated skin? Go for Chamomile and Lavender. Mature skin? Sea Buckthorn, Carrot Seed and Rose Otto in Rosehip Seed carrier. Dry Skin? Try Lavender or Sandalwood in a base of Apricot Kernel. The combinations of custom formulas here are endless, and for that reason, very exciting. Finally its possible to combine "active ingredients" that precisely match your needs, and all are completely natural, healthy, and effective.
Seeking a new form of pain relief? You'll find an answer in aromatherapy. Wintergreen has long been used -- it's also known as "methyl scalicilate", which is really liquid aspirin. Yet there are many more effective choices. Spice oils like Ginger and Pepper have been researched for their anti-inflammatory activity, and are found in many blends to reduce pain and increase mobility for arthritic ant rheumatic conditions. And the single most effective ingredient of all is the little known Helichrysum. Though it's fast becoming popular for one reason: it works very well. This one oil manages to reduce inflammation, speed healing and alleviate pain all at the same time. It is often used in combination with the other oils mentioned for a wonderful synergistic effect.
The most advanced therapeutic activity is now being elucidated in laboratories around the world. A few essential oils with a long history of medicinal use are being researched for their anticancer activity, with very positive results. Frankincense has been shown to directly eradicate cancerous cells, while leaving healthy cells of the same type unaffected. The oil has been tested with human cell lines from different organs, all showing the same positive results. Lemongrass, also with a long history of medicinal use, is also being examined. This area of research is so exciting, as the "fight against cancer" is not making leaps and bounds in the world of conventional medicine, and the world really needs readily available, effective alternatives that essential oils appear to have the potential to deliver.
This is just a cursory review of the many medicinal applications essential oils are being used for by practitioners around the world. This is in addition to their stress-relieving, invigorating, and/or mind sharpening aromas -- the "classic" idea of aromatherapy. Maybe one or more of these uses will give you reason to venture into the world of natural medicine by way of essential oils. They truly have a wonderful array of healing potentials for you and everyone in your family.
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