Use of essential oils dates back to ancient India, Persia, and Egypt; however, the distillation process used today did not become common practice until the 11th century. Even so, it wasn’t until the 18th century that essential oils saw any commercial traction. This article will help you understand some basics about essential oils and how to use them.
What Are Essential Oils Made From?
Essential oils get their name as they are extracted from the essential part of the plant, be that the leaves, bark, resin, etc. Prior to the rise of modern medicine and pharmaceuticals, people sought to alleviate their illnesses with the healing properties of plants. Essential oils continue to be popular for their therapeutic and aromatic qualities as many individuals turn to more natural, homeopathic remedies for minor ailments.
As mentioned before, not all essential oils are derived from the same part of the plant. Some botanicals only contain medicinal properties in their leaves or budding flowers while others store their oils in their roots, bark, and so on. Below is a list of various oils and the part of the plant from which they are derived.
- Citrus rinds: Orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit, etc.
- Flowers/Buds: Jasmine, rose, chamomile, clove, boronia, linden blossom, etc.
- Leaves: Cinnamon, bay, eucalyptus, tea tree, myrtle, lemon myrtle, violet, etc.
- Barks and woods: Cinnamon, cedarwood, cassia, sandalwood, rosewood, etc.
- Roots: Ginger, angelica, etc.
- Resins: Frankincense, benzoin, myrrh, etc.
- Seeds: Nutmeg, parsley, anise, cardamom, dill, cumin, fennel, coffee bean, etc.
However, individuals cannot simply munch on some flowers and expect results. It takes hundreds if not thousands of pounds of botanicals to produce the concentrated oils used today. By far the most popular method of extraction is steam distillation, with the exception being citrus. Citrus based oils are obtained through expression, which involves squeezing and pressing the botanicals’ peel.
How to Use Essential Oils
There are a number of methods to using essential oils that can be broken down into three categories: inhalation, topical, and ingestion. That being said, not all oils are created equal. Some should only be inhaled, while others can be used directly on the skin.
Aromatic/Inhalation
With this method of application, most individuals choose to use a diffuser to release the oils into the surrounding air. Most of these diffusers are completely silent.
Other popular aromatic methods include making a steam tent by placing a towel over your head and letting it drape over a steaming bowl to breathe in the vapors, and making a tissue cup. This last method requires a small cup with a lid and some tissues. Individuals using this method place the tissues in the cup along with 5-10 drops of oil. When so desired, the individual lifts the lid and breathes deeply from the opening.
Topical
Many essential oils can be applied directly to the source of pain. Essential oils are also used as part of aromatherapy massage. Applying the oils to the palms of your hands and the bottoms of your feet is significantly effective because that’s where we have the most reflex points on our body. Lastly, compresses are another method of topical application. Hot compresses with essential oils can be used to relieve sore muscles, joint pain, menstrual cramps, etc. Cold compresses can improve headaches, sprains and bruises. Individuals should always perform a basic skin test for topical application, particularly when using oils neat (undiluted). More information on sensitivities and precautions can be found below.
Internal/Ingestion
Not all essential oils are of the same quality. This is when I think it’s most important to choose you’re certified therapeutic grade oil. It means that the manufacturer is doing the highest level of testing to ensure that the essential oils are pure and extracted at the optimal time. Some of the most common methods of ingestion include using oils when cooking, in your water, tea, capsules, and swishing in the mouth for a minute before swallowing or even for gargling. Again, be sure to discuss your oil use with an Essential Oil professional before consuming it orally.
Skin Sensitivity
Some precautions should be taken with certain essential oils. Anytime you plan on using essential oils, you should perform a basic skin test to see if your body has a negative reaction. Bear in mind, if you are typically sensitive to the botanical as a whole, you will likely react the same way to the oil.
To perform the test, place a small amount of carrier oil (typically coconut oil, grapeseed or olive oils) followed by your essential oil in the inner wrist. If your skin becomes irritated within 20 minutes, you can try to dilute the oil with a carrier directly to make it useable or apply it to tougher areas of skin, such as the heel of your foot.
All certified therapeutic grade essential oils will come with labels to help you identify how to best use them. The three most common designators are neat, sensitive, and dilute.
Neat oils, meaning undiluted, are oils that can be applied directly to the skin without a carrier. Individuals should exercise caution using the neat method of application, to avoid getting the undiluted oil in the eyes, nose, or ears. Even though most people can apply these oils directly to their skin, everyone (particularly individuals with sensitive skin) should do a skin test first.
If an oil has a sensitive symbol on it, it means that some people can apply it directly to their skin while others cannot. These oils should also be tested first before using as directed. If you already know you have sensitive skin, then you should dilute the oil first.
The third most common symbol you will see on essential oils is dilute. These are oils that should be diluted in a 1:3 ratio or more depending on your skin sensitivity. These oils can cause irritation to any and all skin types when undiluted.
One last precaution to consider is photosensitivity. Some oils, such as citrus, can react in sunlight and cause irritation if not diluted. Remember, diluting never hurts and will not negatively affect the oil potency. Skin tests and diluting oils when necessary are key to a positive experience using essential oils.
Learning to use essential oils every day is a powerful tool. Each month, I will blog on various oils and how to use them for a more natural way to keep you, and your family, healthy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at Kimberly@wellnessbalancellc.com
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