Essential Oils

Aromatic oils have been used since ancient times. For example there are 188 references to oils in the Bible, and some oils such as Frankincense, Myrrh and Spikenard were used for anointing and healing of the sick.

Other oils were used as a protection against diseases or for an uplifting and relaxing purpose. The Buddhist king Ashoka, 3rd century B.C.E., organized and itemized the cultivation of many medical plants that are still in use today.

Yellow Emperor's Book of Internal Medicine, which dates from 2000 B.C.E., has the earliest known medical records from China.

How do Aromatic Oils work?

Essential Oils enter the body in different ways. Absorbed through the skin, passing into the circulatory system, as well as being inhaled and passing into the blood stream via the lungs or being transmitted through the nervous system directly to the brain via the limbic system. (The limbic system is where our memories, vital functions and instincts are controlled.)

Essential Oils have the ability through their chemical structure to penetrate a cell wall and to transport oxygen and nutrients to that cell. The time it takes for an Essential Oil to travel throughout the body and to affect every cell, including the hair, is less than 20 minutes; the effect will stay in the body between 3-6 hours. In some cases the effect will stay as long as 12-14 hours. Furthermore, each Essential Oil has a different frequency, ranging from 52 Hz up to 320 Hz. A healthy body has a frequency ranging from 62-78 Hz, and disease usually begins at 58 Hz or below. Read more about cell frequency and health.

Different ways to use Essential Oils

An aromatic or essential oil can be applied on a piece of cloth, in a bath, during massage, through diffusers or via direct application on the skin. These are only some of the ways you can benefit from the essential oils.

Before you use an oil, please read the label carefully as each oil or mixture of oils may cause certain reactions. It is also a good idea to test a drop of the oil on your skin (wrist) to determine if there may be a possibility of allergic reaction.

Essential oils should never be taken internally, unless prescribed and administered by a medically qualified practitioner.

Pregnancy and Essential Oils

Although Essential Oils can be very supportive during both pregnancy and the birth itself, certain oils should be avoided because they might raise your blood pressure or affect you in some other less desirable manner. As a general rule, you should avoid direct contact with Essential Oils until at least the sixth month and then only under supervision of a qualified professional therapist. As a safety measure, only use Essential Oils in a diffuser.

Shelf Life for Essential Oils

Most Essential Oils of highest quality have an average shelf life of approximately 2 years. When they are in sunlight they will start deteriorate. The same will happen if you keep them in anything other than amber or brown bottles. If you prefer to store your Oils in colored bottles you need to place them in a cool, dark place.

DISCLAIMER

Always check sensitivity to oils by preparing correct dilution for adult or child use and then apply small amount to a part of the arm. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

The information herein regarding use of and preparation of oils is general only. This information does not take the place of qualified medical assistance. This information is only a brief summary of information found in manuals on aromatherapy.