When individuals get started using essential oils, they generally will start with one of two very popular applications: inhaling certain oils for sleep and relaxation, or topically applying antimicrobial oils to heal wounds and infections. They may or may not have the idea that there’s a whole world of uses for essential oils, and the great history in the development of their applications. We won’t bore you too much here, but invite you to learn about the three major “schools” of aroma-medicine, and how each makes use of these oils.
It’s important to overcome the idea many Americans have of aromatherapy, relating it only to what we might call “spa aromatherapy”. This is the experience of wonderful smells for overcoming tension and stress, with saunas, hot river rocks, and eucalyptus-scented towels. The true definition of the term is the entire branch of natural medicine dealing with the aromatic chemicals distilled from plants. It doesn’t have to do with us smelling the aromas, it has to do with the chemical nature of the oils themselves.
As aromatherapy practice evolved in Europe, the major methods of essential oil use became associated with its proponents in particular countries. The German method embraces inhalation, the English uses topical application via massage, and the French, where modern aroma-medicine originated, primarily involves involves ingestion.
The method favored in Germany is inhalation, perhaps the most commonly imagined route of administration of essential oils. The applications are actually much more diverse than one would expect purely from inhalation, however. At one end of the spectrum, we have inhalation for affecting mental conditions: reducing anxiety and improving rest. Oils for this are generally soft and floral — lavender is the primary culprit, and chamomile being so popular in Germany that there’s even a variety called “German Chamomile”. Inhalation is also a wonderful way to receive healthy, natural stimulation that’s been proven to sharpen our focus.
Inhalation of oils offers more “medicinal” applications as well. Breathing in oils for cold and flu care is especially common and very useful. The oils are directly absorbed by the cells lining the respiratory system. Here, the proven antibacterial, antiviral and anticatarrhal (congestion loosening) of the oils can go right to work. Further, this is an excellent means to protect ones self of from catching an infection, as essential oils have been show to actually strengthen the immunity of each cell individually, making it harder for a viral invader from spreading infection.
Aromatherapy massage, the English method, also strikes a balance between using aromatics for their support of well-being and their medicinal uses. We can clearly see that adding lavender or sandalwood to a massage oil has the potential of making the massage more relaxing. Science even tells us these aromas quickly change our body chemistry, lessening our production of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) and shifting other indicators of stress. Colds, flu, and other illnesses are also supported via topical application: immune supportive oils are absorbed into our bloodstream, and our lymph system is flushed both by the oils and the motion of the massage.
One of the fastest growing uses of essential oils also includes topical application, but wasn’t necessarily in the minds of the developers of the English method: aromatherapy skin care. Essential oils offer an incredible array of therapeutic benefits for the skin — really for every skin type and condition. One can mix and match carrier oils and essential oils to create a perfect personal recipe. Research has show the ability of formulas containing oils like frankincense, sandalwood and rosehip seed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other oils with high antioxidant contents like sea buckthorn and carrot root can actually slow the aging process. And you’ll smell great while having great looking skin!
Then we come to the French school of aroma-medicine, primarily utilizing essential oils taken internally in very small amounts. The concept has been very controversial, though this controversy seems unfounded. It’s not that taking oils in this manner is dangerous, it’s that ingesting essential oils without knowing what you’re doing can be dangerous — there’s a big difference. Knowledge is crucial using this method, as it limits the margin for error.
The protocols used by French doctors involve very small amounts of essential oils. These are in the range of one to three drops at a time, up to three times daily. This is different than tossing back a bottle like a cocktail, which must be what some are imaging when advocating oils never be ingested. The way the doctor/patient/essential oil use worked until only recently (as the movement by big business and government has made using natural therapies more difficult, and in many cases illegal) one would see a doctor specially trained in the use of oils. They would give you a prescription with a specific blend for your condition, and a dosage regime that was used only as long as necessary. While this sort of treatment isn’t available in the States, it’s important to note that oils can and should be used this way if this is the best method to treat an illness.
As a beginning aromatherapy practitioner, it’s helpful to know all the possibilities of therapeutic essential oil use. As your knowledge grows, you’ll find specific recipes and directions within each of these three major techniques. Simply knowing about them will give you a head start in your education involving this wonderful world of botanic medicine.
For more on the therapeutic value of organic essential oils, and one of many important oils individually such as chamomile essential oil, visit The Ananda Apothecary online.
