Essential oils
Through out history people always searched for methods of healing and wellbeing,
The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Later, the Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedar wood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may have also invented crude distillation machines, but very little is known.
The Greeks learned a great deal from the Egyptians and added more, then
The Roman Empire built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks.
Within the 12th century, an Abbess of Germany named Hildegard grew and distilled lavender for its medicinal properties.
Within the 13th century, the pharmaceutical industry was born. This event encourages great distillation of essential oils.
Nowadays you can find essential oils in many industries as well as using them for physical and mental therapy.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants.
The oils capture the plant's scent and flavour, or "essence."
Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.
“There are different ways that manufacturers extract the essential oils, including:
Steam or water distillation. This process passes water or hot steam through the plants, pulling the essential compounds away from the plant matter.
Cold pressing. This process works by mechanically pressing or squeezing plant matter to cause it to release essential juices or oils. A simple example of this would be smelling the fresh scent of lemon after squeezing or zesting a lemon peel.”
Essential oils can be inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. They may stimulate your sense of smell or have medicinal effects when absorbed.
Some of these oils are:
Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion
Lavender: used to relieve stress
Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation
Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity
Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
Lemon: used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more
There are three ways to use essential oils:
1. Through smell. Aromatherapists believe that breathing in essential oils might allow them to enter the lungs and bloodstream, where some of the potentially helpful compounds may benefit the body.
Diffusing in an essential oil diffuser
Wearing as a personal fragrance
Wearing jewelry made from diffuser stones or wood.
2. On your skin. As well as inhaling them, adding essential oils to a carrier oil and massaging them into the skin may also deliver the active compounds to the body.
People should never apply essential oils directly to the skin without diluting them, unless under the direct guidance of a healthcare professional.
Massage
Apply to targeted areas and rub in
Add to lotions or moisturizers
3.“internal” Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed.
It is also dangerous to swallow essential oils. Not only are essential oils extremely concentrated, but they can also irritate the sensitive cells inside the body. So if you want to use essential oils internally Make sure that the essential oil is safe for internal use and then try one of these methods:
Add to a glass of water
Take in a veggie capsule
Put a drop under your tongue
“Many people think that because essential oils are natural products, they will not cause side effects. This is not true. The potential side effects of essential oils include:
* Irritation and burning: Always dilute oils with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Apply a small amount to a small area of skin first to test for any reactions.
*Asthma attacks: While essential oils may be safe for most people to inhale, some people with asthma may react to breathing in the fumes.
*Headaches: Inhaling essential oils may help some people with their headaches, but inhaling too much may lead to a headache in others.”
Essential oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years, with the aim of improving a person’s health or mood.
Hama sabri
Calgary
July 2020
