A powerful healing modality,aromatherapyhas recently blossomed into a thriving section of herbal medicine.
How to choose the right essential oils:
1.
This is where everyone should start.
Why do you want to start using essential oils?
Do you have a physical problem?
Is it chronic or acute?
Perhaps there is no pain-point, and youre looking to evoke a state of being, like relaxation.
Or maybe you’re looking to use essential oils to scent cleaning products.
But with aromatherapy, its equally important to consider your personal smell preference.
For example, spikenards sedative effect makes it a go-to for insomniacs.
Aromatherapy is an intimately personal practice; Its not one size fits all when it comes to blending.
Evidence fromAncient Egypt tells usthat aromatic oils were likely being used before 4500 B.C.
As the Egyptians knew so well, oils have different properties that we dont always consider.
Some are heating, others cooling, and some resonate with us in different parts of our bodies.
For example, 1,8 cineole, also known as eucalyptol, is a chemical found largely ineucalyptusandrosemary.
Additionally, the chemical menthol triggers the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin and is responsible forthe cooling sensation1.
As some oils cool, some can also bring on the heat.
These oils should be used with caution and include oregano, thyme, cinnamon leaf, and clove.
More warming oils include yarrow, sweet marjoram, ginger, basil, and black pepper.
From a holistic perspective, I often blend synergies with 3-5 essential oils.
Blending oilswith similar chemical components gives heightened effects.
Let packaging be your first clue!
There is no regulatory body that scientifically evaluates and certifies the purity of essential oils.
The Latin name is important because there are many species of certain plant families, like lavender.
In fact, there are over 250 species of eucalyptusonly eight of which are commonly used in aromatherapy.
Knowing where an oil is from is key to understanding environmental factors that alter chemical constituents and aroma.
Be wary of cheap oils and gimmicky claims.
A single ounce of rose otto retails for $400 or more!
Given current industry practices, you should also be wary of popular, gimmicky claims.
Perhaps the most egregious is using the label “Therapeutic Grade.”
There is no such thing as “therapeutic grade” or “certified pure” essential oils.
There is no regulatory body that scientifically evaluates and certifies the purity of essential oils.
Whenpurchasing essential oils, ask sellers if they provide data information sheets on their oils.
This objective data can help you assess the quality of an oil when read (and tested!)
Think beyond the oils.
Making your own all-natural product?
Theres more to it than just essential oils.
and somecommon carrier oilsare best used before six months to a year after purchase.
Additionally, when purchasing and using oils, be mindful of their method of utility.
Diffuse, diffuse, diffuse.
An easy way to integrate aromatherapy into your everyday life is throughdiffusing.
Diffusion refers to a method of transmitting essential oils into the air within a specified area.
Clinical research shows that diffusedlemon essential oilis an affordable intervention that has apositive effect on test anxiety.
Additionally, diffusing cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary is an uplifting blend.
If you’re able to, avoid diffusers made from plastic that use water as a carrier.
Heating often changes the chemical structure of essential oils, potentially affecting their aroma and therapeutic benefit.
Therefore, I use rosalina, eucalyptus radiata, and german chamomile.
A sleep blend for relaxation.
Every night, I anoint my pulse points with a rollerball blend that supportsrestful sleep and deep relaxation.
I turn to a well-balanced, herbaceous blend oflavender, roman chamomile, and clary sage.
All three of these oils are high in esterspromising an instant calming effect on the central nervous system.
Lavender and clary sage are also both high in monoterpene alcohols that help nurture balance.
Though again, clary sage is not recommended during pregnancy.
Spikenard, vetiver, ylang-ylang, and sweet marjoram are other sleep-supporting oils with which you could blend.
A moisturizing face serum.
I have thinskin thats prone to dryness.
I want my beauty products to help keep me moisturized and prevent environmental damage and premature aging.
Sometimes, Ill add sandalwood to round out the aroma.
Helichrysum is one of my favorite scents, so I like using it every day.
Rose is the queen of luxurious essential oils and a true aromatic treat.
Rose helps reduceinflammation and redness2, while nicely prepping the skin for other products.
Add 6 drops helichrysum and 3 drops rose into combined 12-ouncerosehip-seed oiland 12 ounce argan oil.
Use on face after cleansing.
Additionally, based on your skin key in, other carrier oils may be suitable.
The bottom line.
Essential oils are powerful plant medicines that can support well-being in a number of ways.
Once you find the right oils for your needs and preferences, the sky is really the limit.
