Category Archives: Aromatherapy

Myrtle Oil and Its Uses in Mediterranean Herbalism and Folklore

If you’ve ever been to a formal English garden, you’ve probably seen myrtle (Myrtus communis) without even knowing it. Because of its dense foliage and springy branches, myrtle is favorite plant of topiary artists, along with holly, privet and bay laurel. A large fragrant bush native to North Africa and Southern Europe, myrtle has been a staple of herbalism and folklore in this region for millennia. In aromatherapy, myrtle essential oil is usually diffused as a general antiseptic and expectorant to clear sinus congestion [1], and used topically as a skin tonic [2]. The oil is a pale yellow to orange mobile liquid with a fresh, herbal-camphoraceous odor reminiscent of eucalyptus.

The myrtle bush grows up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall and has lance-shaped leaves, small white flowers, and dark purple berries; rarer varieties also produce pale yellow or amber berries. In Greek, Roman and Jewish traditions, myrtle symbolized renewal and love: the herb was sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love (called Venus in Roman times) and to Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. Relatedly, myrtle has remained one of the plants traditionally associated with matrimony in Europe and the Mediterranean Middle East. Since the plant was associated with virility and the masculine forces of the universe, girdles of myrtle leaves were often given to Jewish bridegrooms on their wedding nights, and the leaves and flowers still appear in wedding bouquets today [3].

An equally lively use for myrtle involves harvesting its leaves and berries and steeping them in alcohol to create a fragrant liqueur called mirto, a popular libation on the Southern Italian island of Sardinia, and also in Corsica. Mirto comes in two varieties: mirto rosso, or “red” mirto, made from the mytle plant’s dark purple berries; and mirto bianco, or “white” mirto, derived from myrtle leaves and sometimes the rarer yellow berries. The practice of making mirto may be connected to myrtle’s medicinal uses in the Mediterranean: Dioscorides, a Greek physician credited with creating the first Western compendium of herbal medicine, recommended a potion of myrtle leaves in wine for treating bladder and lung infections [2].

According to the 16th-century physician Culpeper, myrtle leaves have drying and binding properties and are suitable for treating diarrhea and dysentery [4]. They were also a primary ingredient in Angel’s Water, a 16th-century skin care tonic [1]; it was at about this time, with the invention of the greenhouse, that myrtle bushes were first sucessfully grown year-round in England for use as topiary plants.

Topiary Elephants in Tropical Park, Bangkok, Thailand

Topiary often assumes fanciful shapes, such as these topiary elephants in a tropical park near Bangkok, Thailand.

Today, myrtle is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean for its essential oil. Besides its tonic benefits for the skin, myrtle essential oil can be diffused to treat colds, congestion, and persistent coughs [1]. Myrtle essential oil is currently being researched as a potential herb to support the thyroid gland [5], and it may also be useful in tamping down an overactive thyroid. There has also been extensive research on two compounds in the stem and leaf, Myrtucommulone A and semimyrtucommulone B, demonstrating significant antioxidant properties in lab tests [5]. As a perfume, the refreshing, slightly sweet scent of myrtle blends well with herbaceous and slightly spicy oils such as bay, clary sage, clove, hyssop, lavender, rosemary and thyme.

REFERENCES

1. “What is Myrtle Oil?” WiseGeek: Clear Answers for Common Questions. Accessed May 12th, 2014. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-myrtle-oil.htm.

2. Ryman, Danièle. “Myrtle (Myrtus communis)”. Aromatherapy Bible. Accessed May 14th, 2014. http://www.aromatherapybible.com/myrtle.html.

3. “Myrtus“. Wikipedia. Accessed May 14th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtus#Common_myrtle.

4. Culpeper, Nicholas. 1816. Culpeper’s Complete Herbal. Published by Richard Evans; pg. 242.

5. Charles, Denys J. November 27th, 2012. Antioxidant Properties of Herbs, Spices and Other Sources. Springer.

Hyssop Oil and Its Ancient Use in Ritual Purification

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The warming, slightly camphoraceous scent of hyssop oil has been associated with rites of purification, cleansing and sanctification since Biblical times. In aromatherapy, hyssop essential oil has antiseptic, expectorant, and cough suppressant properties [1], and is often included in diffusion blends to chase away winter colds, sinus congestion, and feelings of melancholy. Hyssop essential oil is a colorless to pale yellow-green liquid that blend well with other herbaceous and floral oils such as angelica, clary sage, geranium, melissa, and rosemary.

Hyssopus officinalis is a shrub native to the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Eastern Europe in the region around the Caspian Sea. It has lance-shaped leaves and produces bundles of blue, pink or white flowers during the summer. Hyssop was known to the Greeks in Classical Antiquity, and some scholars have suggested the word hyssop derives from the related Hebrew word esov or esob, which refers to a plant used in the Old Testament to purify temples and other sacred places. Hyssop also appears in the Bible as a treatment for leprosy. However, some scholars have argued that the hyssop of the Bible is actually a kind of thyme or marjoram, two other aromatic plants with similar antiseptic and cleansing properties.

Whatever the ancient truth, hyssop remained popular as a strewing herb in medieval European churches because it drove away fleas, which carried plague, as well as lice and other pests. Inspired by this use, some Roman Catholic sects still interpret Hyssopus officinalis as the hyssop of the Bible and use the flowers and leaves to scent the water used in purifying rituals called aspersions[1].

Fresh hyssop herb is also used in cooking, although sparingly because it has a strong minty taste with a slightly bitter edge due to the presence of tannins. Along with coriander seed, hyssop leaves are also a part of the complex and closely guarded recipe for Chartreuse liqueur, which makes use of over one hundred different aromatic plants! Bee keepers also sometimes raise bees on hyssop nectar to produce a richly aromatic honey [1].

As a medicine, hyssop essential oil may be diffused to ease respiratory complaints such as congestion, cough, and asthma [2]; it is currently listed in the British Pharmacopoeia for addressing colds and bronchitis [2]. In a massage, hyssop oil acts as a circulatory stimulant, making it helpful for reducing menstrual discomfort, healing bruises and sores, and managing the pain of rheumatism [3]. The oil may also ease digestive complaints when applied to the abdomen [2].

Hyssop essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy, and should not be given to children or people with epilepsy, kidney or liver disease [4], or high blood pressure [2], as hyssop oil can induce a mild increase in blood pressure. Use hyssop essential oil in dilution on the skin, or simply inhale the oil from a diffuser to quickly access its gentle, clarifying benefits.

REFERENCES

1. “Hyssopus officinalis“. Wikipedia. Accessed May 10th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyssopus_officinalis.

2. Lawless, Julia. 2013. “Hyssopus officinalis” In: The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well-Being. Conari Press.

3 Grieve, M. “A Modern Herbal: Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)” Accessed May 14th, 2014. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hyssop48.html.

4. Millet Y, P Tognetti, M Lavaire-Perlovisi et al. 1979. “Experimental study of the toxic convulsant properties of commercial preparations of essences of sage and hyssop.” Rev. Electroencephalogr. Neurophysiol. Clin. 9: 8-12.

Indian Natural Essential Oils

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India is one of the epicenters of herbal medicine, with an Ayurvedic tradition that is thousands of years old, so it’s no surprise that Indian natural essential oils are some of the most highly valued in aromatherapy. At the Essential Oil Exchange, we strive to honor the historical and cultural context of the essential oils we offer. Below, we take a closer look at the four Indian natural essential oils that have stood the test of time as healing agents in Ayurveda and beyond.

Sandalwood: (Santalum album) Sandalwood is a parasitic evergreen tree with smooth, brownish gray bark and small purple or white flowers. Extremely long lived, sandalwood trees must be allowed to reach at least 30 years of age (and preferably 60 years) before their wood can be harvested. Also called aloeswood in the Hindu scriptures, the woody-balsamic aroma of sandalwood essential oil has been associated with feelings of the sacred and is commonly used in meditation to ground the psyche and create a sense of being connected to the universe. Sandalwood oil is also burned in Hindu temples and used as an anointing oil to open the third eye chakra—the center of intuition, clairvoyance, and imagination.

Therapeutically, sandalwood essential oil can work wonders in balancing skin that is either too dry or too oily [1]. The oil may also soothe sensitive or irritated skin, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars [1], elevate mood, and increase mental focus [2]. It is also notably used as an aphrodisiac [2], along with jasmine and patchouli oil.

Sandalwood incense is world famous for its pure, grounding scent.

Vetiver: (Vetiveria zizanoides) A hardy grass whose roots anchor the soil around rivers and watercourses, vetiver is also the source of a thick, viscous essential oil. Vetiver essential oil, distilled from the plant’s fibrous roots, is used in up to 25% of all Western perfumes both as a fixative and for its slightly sweet, earthy, almost animalic scent. In India, screens and mats woven from vetiver grass are used to repel insects; water can also be sprinkled on vetiver grass screens to create fragrant, cooling breezes.

Vetiver oil is used in aromatherapy to ease states of nervousness, promote calm, and address occasional sleeplessness [3]. Aromatherapists have even explored the calming effects of vetiver oil for panic attacks and and flashbacks [4]. In massages, the oil may be used as a tonic for mature skin, to speed wound healing and reduce scarring, and to treat eczema and irritated skin [3]. The smell of vetiver oil acts to open the root chakra, increasing feelings of groundedness and security.

A single blade of fresh vetiver grass.

Patchouli: (Pogostemon cablin) Anyone familiar with the hippy era of the ‘60s is probably also familiar with patchouli essential oil. Though it became popular in that back-to-nature era as an earthy fragrance with aphrodisiac qualities, patchouli has an even longer history in India. Patchouli is a large herbaceous shrub in the mint family, with serrated green leaves and small white or pink flowers. Its name probably comes from the Sanskrit words patch and ilai, together meaning “green leaf”. Patchouli leaves were used as a wound poultice in India because of their antiseptic and anti-infectious properties [5], and were also placed in clothing chests to drive off textile moths. During British rule in India, clothing imports often came packed with patchouli leaves to protect them enroute; as the fragrance became associated with expensive Asian goods, merchants started scenting their wares with patchouli oil to give them a more “exotic” feel—even if they weren’t imported!

Like most other Indian natural essential oils, patchouli oil has a roster of benefits for the skin, including toning mature skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and moisturizing dry skin [6]. The scent of patchouli oil is rich and earthy: just inhaling it can have positive calming and stress-reducing effects [6]. For this reason, patchouli oil can also be used to center the mind before meditation. Patchouli opens the heart and sacral chakras, enabling the practitioner to let go of obsessions, jealousies and insecurities.

Patchouli delivers diverse benefits to the skin when used in spa treatments.

Spikenard: (Nardostachys jatamansi) Sometimes called Indian valerian because of its similar calming properties, the aromatic roots of spikenard have been used as an incense by Buddhist monks and Nepalese shamans literally for thousands of years. A montane plant native to the Himalayas between altitudes of 11,000 and 17,000 feet, spikenard has been used in India as a perfume, skin tonic, and medicinal plant for supporting the immune system [7]. Spikenard has an especially long spiritual history in both South Asia and the West: spikenard oil appears in the Bible multiple times, most notably as an ingredient in the ointment used to anoint Jesus’ feet at the Last Supper.

A botanical color plate of a spikenard plant in bloom.

Spikenard essential oil is frequently added to valerian root essential oil as an adulterant, since the oils have very similar therapeutic actions. In aromatherapy, spikenard oil soothes the mind and helps one to let go of the need for control, a common side effect of a strong will. Spikenard’s grounding effect on the psyche can combat occasional sleeplessness, while its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects are valued in treating migraines and headaches, irritated skin, allergic skin reactions and rashes, wounds, and even dandruff [8]. Used in a meditative practice, spikenard essential oil opens the heart and solar plexus chakras, helping one to be comfortable in their own skin and relax into the present moment.

REFERENCES

1.Keville, Kathy. “Aromatherapy: Sandalwood” HowStuffWorks. Accessed May 16th, 2014. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-sandalwood.htm.

2. Wong, Cathy ND. “Sandalwood Essential Oil: What You Need to Know.” Alternative Medicine: About. com. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aromatherapy/a/Sandalwood-Essential-Oil.htm.

3. “Vetiver Essential Oil: Benefits and Uses”. AromaWeb. Accessed May 15th, 2014. http://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/vetiver-oil.asp.

4. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”. West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. Accessed May 16th, 2014. http://www.westcoastaromatherapy.com/free-information/articles-archive/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/.

5. Das, Kuntal, Nilesh K. Gupta, S. Vijayabhaskar, and U.M. Manjunath. April-June 2011. “Antimicrobial potential of patchouli oil cultivated under acidic soil zone of South India.” Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery 3 (2):104-111.

6. “Patchouli Oil Benefits”. Patchouli Plant .com. Accessed May 14th, 2014. http://www.patchouliplant.com/patchouli-benifits.html.

7. Rowan, Tiffany. “How to Build Your Immune System With Essential Oils.” Accessed May 16th, 2014. http://tiffanyrowan.com/essentialoils/how-to-build-your-immune-system-with-essential-oils-before-the-cold-and-flu-season-hits/.

8. “Health Benefits of Spikenard Essential Oil”. Organic Facts. Accessed May 15th, 2014. http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-spikenard-essential-oil.html.

Elemi Oil and Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties for the Skin

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The little-known elemi essential oil is sometimes called “poor man’s frankincense” because of its similar aroma and list of uses in aromatherapy. But don’t let the name fool you: elemi oil may be more economical to produce because it comes from a fast-growing tropical tree, but it is in no way an inferior product. Elemi essential oil can be used in many of the same applications as frankincense oil. In fact, researchers now know that elemi (Canarium luzonicum) is related to both frankincense and myrrh, and the oil has similar antiseptic, skin tonic and anti-inflammatory actions [1].

Elemi trees can grow up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall in their native Philippines, where the tree’s pale yellow resin is harvested to make a gum which is then distilled to produce elemi essential oil. Called pili in Tagalog, the elemi tree gets its English name from the Arabic word elemi, which means, roughly, “above and below”: a reference to the belief that elemi oil supports both physical and spiritual health [2]. Elemi trees begin to produce resin after losing their leaves during the dry season, and the gum is then harvested in two commercial grades: primera, which has been cleaned of foliage and other residue before export from Manila; and secunda, a crude form of the gum which may contain leaf or twig residue.

Archaeological records show that elemi was traded widely in the Mediterranean Middle East and made it as far west as Egypt, where the ancient Egyptians used the oil in embalming mixtures as a fixative. Elemi oil was also used in Europe as a skin tonic for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, there was a lot of confusion in Europe about where exactly elemi oil came from: in the 17th and 18th centuries, the term elemi was freely applied to a number of resinous tree species, including the Icica genus native to Brazil and other members of the Boswellia genus, which includes the frankincense tree [2]. These different species were grouped together because they all produce resinous gums that can be used in skin treatments and to treat infections, so people confused them with elemi oil. The root word of elemi is now thought to be enhaemon, the name of an unidentified medicine written about by Pliny that was supposedly derived from the resin of a kind of Arabian olive tree.

Now of course, we know that true elemi essential oil comes from the Philippines. Besides its uses in aromatherapy, elemi oil is an ingredient in varnish, hand soaps, and incense blends. Therapeutically, elemi essential oil may be inhaled from a diffuser as an expectorant to treat congestion and sinusitis [3]. Like its cousin frankincense, elemi oil can be a remarkable skin tonic when used in massages, reducing the appearance of scars, bringing relief to irritated, infected, or inflamed skin, and revitalizing mature skin [3]. Its anti-inflammatory actions can be beneficial for treating nerve pain, sore joints, and muscle soreness [4]. Elemi essential oil’s warm aroma is emotionally uplifting and stimulating, good for relieving feelings of stress, mental exhaustion and tiredness [4].

REFERENCES

1. “Elemi Essential Oil”. Quinessence Aromatherapy. Accessed May 20th, 2014. http://www.quinessence.com/blog/elemi-essential-oil.

2. “Canarium luzonicum” Wikipedia. Accessed May 15th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canarium_luzonicum.

3. “What Is Elemi?” WiseGEEK: Clear Answers for Common Questions. Accessed May 20th, 2014. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-elemi.htm.

4. Wilson, Roberta. 2002. Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty. Penguin Books: 67-68.

Cinnamon Leaf Oil is an Anti-spasmodic with Warming Properties

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Who doesn’t love the spicy, warm fragrance of cinnamon? Whether used in cuisine or aromatherapy, cinnamon’s sweet, pungent, slightly spicy aroma is recognized worldwide. A little-known fact about cinnamon is that two varieties of the oil are used in aromatherapy: we’ve already covered the medicinal uses of cinnamon bark oil, and it is to the gentler but equally effective cinnamon leaf essential oil that we now turn.

Distilled from the leaf of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum syn. zeylanicum) [1] rather than the bark, cinnamon leaf oil is lighter in color, has a softer scent more reminiscent of cloves, and is less sweet-smelling than the bark oil. Cinnamon leaf essential oil is also more versatile in aromatherapy since it contains smaller amounts of potentially sensitizing compounds such as cinnamaldehyde.

Though the cinnamon tree is native to Indonesia, it is also cultivated in India, Sri Lanka and elsewhere for its bark and leaf. One of the oldest spice commodities, cinnamon was an important trade good between China, India, and the Mediterranean world; it was used as a temple incense in Greece, and the Egyptians used cinnamon oil in foot massages, to ease childbirth, and to stem excess bile that led to indigestion [1]. In the Middle Ages, ground cinnamon was added to mulled wines and was an important aphrodisiac in love potions, probably because of its warming effect. The word cinnamon likely comes from the Greek kinnamon, meaning tube or pipe, a reference to the tube-like appearance of cinnamon sticks [1].

In aromatherapy, cinnamon leaf is considered a tonic for the respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems, and recent research has found that cinnamon leaf and bark oils have antimicrobial [2] and anti-inflammatory [3] actions. Research is also being done on the potential for supplements of ground cinnamon to regulate blood sugar in diabetics [4].

Though mainly used in diffusion, cinnamon leaf oil is sometimes added to hot baths or compresses in minute quantities. Cinnamon leaf oil may be diffused and inhaled to treat respiratory infections, colds, sneezing, and to alleviate feelings of weakness or low energy [5]. In a warm bath or oil blend, cinnamon leaf essential oil is often used to calm digestive spasms and imbalances in secretions that can cause nausea, diarrhea or indigestion [6]. Cinnamon leaf oil is also used to reduce pain in sore muscles and arthritic joints, to relieve chills, and to treat delayed or painful menstrual flow [5]. Though generally gentler than the bark oil, cinnamon leaf oil may still irritate sensitive skin and should be used very sparingly in any oil blend.

REFERENCES

1. “Cinnamon”. Wikipedia. Accessed May 14th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon

2. Chaudhari, LK, BA Jawale, S Sharma, H Sharma, CD Kumar, and PA Kulkarni. Januaru 2012. “Antimicrobial activity of commercially available essential oils against Streptococcus mutans”. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice 1(13): 71-4.

3. Tung, YT, PL Yen, CY Yin, ST Chang. October 2010. “Anti-inflammatory activities of essential oils and their constituents from different provenances of indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) leaves”. Pharmaceutical Biology 48(10): 1130-36.

4. Subash, Babu P, S Prabuseenivasan, and S Ignacimuthu. January 2007. “Cinnamaldehyde–a potential antidiabetic agent”. Phytomedicine 14 (1):15-22.

5. Lawless, Julia. June 2013. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: the Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well-Being. Conari Press.

6. “Glossary – Cinnamon Leaf Oil”. TrueNatural. Accessed May 16th, 2014. http://www.truenatural.com/glossary/entry/cinnamon+leaf+oil/.

Essential Oils for Massages

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Massage is probably one of the most effective methods of aromatherapy, combining the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy with those offered by essential oils. If you’re interested in exploring essential oils for massages in aromatherapy, there are a few things you need to know to make sure your essential oil experience is safe, pleasant, and most of all, effective.

The term “massage” refers to a number of different therapies involving the manual manipulation of soft tissues such as the skin and muscles to produce a therapeutic effect, such as pain reduction. In aromatherapy massage, the massage strokes themselves may be very light; the goal is to facilitate the penetration of essential oils into the skin and deeper tissues. People can and often do self-massage with essential oils that target specific problems: rubbing a bit of lavender oil onto the temples to treat a headache is a simple example of massage aromatherapy.

The first rule when using essential oils for massages is to know which essential oils are appropriate for massage and which aren’t. A few essential oils are never used in massage because they contain ingredients that can be toxic in large doses, or that are strongly irritating to the skin. Essential oils that should not be used in massages include cassia, cinnamon bark, mugwort, pennyroyal, wintergreen, and wormwood oils.

Some essential oils that carry some risk of sensitization may still be used sparingly and with care in massages. Examples of potentially sensitizing oils are clove bud, fennel, fir needle, oakmoss, oregano, palmarosa, pine needle, thyme, and verbena essential oils. A small number of oils—primarily citrus oils—also have the potential to be phototoxic or photosensitizing, meaning that they create dermal irritation when skin is exposed to sunlight after application. Photosensitizing oils include angelica, bergamot, blood orange, bitter orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and tangerine oils.

Though opinions differ among aromatherapy practitioners, the general rule for using essential oils in massages is to dilute the full-strength oils in a carrier oil. When diluting an essential oil in a carrier oil, the ratio is approximately 12 drops of essential oil to 30 mL or 1 fluid ounce of a carrier oil base. If you’re using multiple essential oils in a massage blend, remember that the ratio is 12 drops total of essential oil to carrier oil, so you’ll only need to add a few drops of each essential oil in the blend. Please note that this is an adult dose; for guidelines on using essential oils with children, you should consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner.

Carrier oils are usually nut, seed, or vegetable-based oils such as sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, wheat germ, or olive oil. Many of these carrier oils are high in nutrients such as vitamin E (sweet almond and wheat germ oils) and vitamins A, C and B-complex (avocado oil), giving them moisturizing and nourishing benefits for the skin all on their own.

Most nonsensitizing essential oils can be used in massages. However, there are definitely some oils that stand apart for their therapeutic benefits when added to a massage blend. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular essential oils for massages to give you something to get started with:

Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary oil is used in massages to treat sore muscles and joints as well as headaches and migraines [1]. Some aromatherapists employ it as a skin tonic to fight cellulite, especially in the thigh region [2].

Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender oil has a calming effect on the nerves and is often applied in minute quantities to the temples to reduce headaches [3]. As a skin salve, lavender oil is helpful in the treatment of minor cuts, insect bites and burns [3].

Peppermint Essential Oil: Due to its high concentration of menthol, peppermint oil has a cooling and numbing effect on the body and is commonly used to treat irritated or inflamed skin [4]. A massage with peppermint oil may also improve circulation, suppress nausea, and stimulate digestion [5].

Clary Sage Essential Oil: Clary sage oil is a well-known antispasmodic that is often used to soothe cramps and painful menstruation [6]. The oil may also help regulate skin secretions [6], and its sweet, herbaceous scent brings joy to anyone who smells it.

Along with classic massage, another technique to maximize the therapeutic effect of essential oils is to use a hot compress: this method uses heat and moisture to drive essential oils deeper into the target area of the body for greater effect. To make a hot compress, you should first apply a carrier oil to the area of the body you want to treat, and then add a few drops of your essential oil or oil blend. A helpful blend for cramps can be made by combining clary sage, marjoram, geranium, lavender, and cypress oils. Wet a towel with hot tap water, place it overtop the treated area, then place a dry towel overtop. Lie down with the hot compress in place for 15 to 20 minutes and you should experience noticeable relief.

REFERENCES

1. “Rosemary Herb Oil Medicinal Uses and Benefits”. Annie’s Remedy. Accessed May 21st, 2014. http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail51.php.

2. “Natural Ways to Remove Cellulite”. Livestrong. Last modified March 12th, 2014. http://www.livestrong.com/article/179423-natural-ways-to-remove-cellulite/.

3. “What are the health benefits of lavender?” Medical News Today. Last modified September 10th, 2013. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922.php.

4. “Peppermint.” University of Maryland Medical Center. Last modified May 7th, 2013. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint.

5. “The Essential: 6 Uses for Peppermint Oil”. June 4th, 2013. Mighty Nest Blog: Living a Healthy, Engaged and Mindful Life. http://mightynest.com/blog/the-essential-6-uses-for-peppermint-essential-oil.

6. Keville, Kathy. April 30th, 2007. “Aromatherapy: Clary Sage”. HowStuffWorks. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-clarysage.htm.

Camphor Oil as a Topical Analgesic for Sore Muscles and Sprains

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Say camphor oil and many people have visions of mothballs stuffed in a musty old closet somewhere. It’s true that camphor was a prime ingredient in repellents used to protect textiles from being eaten by moths, but the smell of our distilled white camphor essential oil is much subtler, with a strong mentholic top note and just a hint of the medicinal about it. In aromatherapy, pure camphor essential oil is used as a topical analgesic for sore muscles and joints [1], a general antiseptic [2], and an expectorant that can open respiratory passages and clear congestion [1].

Native to the East Asian countries of China, Japan and Taiwan [3], the camphor tree (Cinnamonum camphora) can grow up to 100 feet (35 meters) tall and has been used for medicinal and construction purposes for hundreds of years. The pungent camphor essential oil is extracted from the chipped wood, branches and stumps of the tree and then further fractionated to yield white, yellow, and brown camphor. The yellow and brown oil fractions can contain between 10% and 80% safrole, a toxic and carcinogenic compound, so they are never used in aromatherapy.

Historically, camphor oil was employed as a treatment for plague and an embalming ingredient in ancient Persia [4]; camphor wood’s durability and insect repellent properties also made it a natural building material for Chinese temples and sailing ships. White camphor essential oil contains no safrole and is used in a variety of aromatherapy applications today. It is most well known as the primary ingredient of Chinese Tiger Balm, a salve used to treat sore muscles and sprains. The essential oil is used in dilution as a topical anaesthetic for muscle soreness and joint pain [4]. Camphor essential oil may produce skin sensitization, so it should always be diluted in a carrier oil, lotion, or salve.

Depending on the chemotype, camphor essential oil can contain high levels of the compound camphor, a cooling compound similar to the menthol in peppermint oil. Camphor has expectorant and numbing analgesic properties [5]. Linalool, another component of camphor oil [5], has been studied for its potential stress-relieving properties in rats and is a major component of lavender oil [6]. The sharp, medicinal-minty smell of camphor oil can increase feelings of alertness and sensitivity to one’s surroundings—give yourself a whiff whenever you’re feeling tired or groggy and feel your senses stand to attention.

REFERENCES

1. “Camphor: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and Warnings”. WebMD. Accessed May 22nd, 2014. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-709-CAMPHOR.aspx?activeIngredientId=709&activeIngredientName=CAMPHOR&source=0.

2. “Camphor-Medicinal Uses”. Wikipedia. Accessed May 22nd, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor#Medicinal.

3. “Cinnamomum camphora“. Wikipedia. Accessed May 22nd, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamomum_camphora.

4. Gentry, Pamela. “Camphor Essential Oil Uses and Benefits”. Accessed May 22nd, 2014. http://www.ehow.com/way_5459333_camphor-essential-oil-uses-benefits.html.

5. Frizzo, Caren D, Ana C Santos, Natalia Paroul, Luciana A Serafini, Eduardo Dellacassa, Daniel Lorenzo, and Patrick Moyna. October 1st, 1999. “Essential Oils of Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora Nees & Eberm) Cultivated in Southern Brazil”. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology 43: 313-16.

6. Nakamura, Akio, Satoshi Fujiwara, Ichiro Matsumoto and Keiko Abe. 2009. “Stress Repression in Restrained Rats by (R)-(-)-Linalool Inhalation and Gene Expression Profiling of Their Whole Blood Cells”. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 57 (12): 5480-85.

How to Use Essential Oils

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The world of aromatherapy is literally thousands of years old. Besides whole herbs, essentials oils are one of the oldest therapeutic agents still used by humans. So for the newcomer to aromatherapy, exactly how to use essential oils can be somewhat mystifying at first.

What is an essential oil? First of all, it probably helps to understand what an essential oil is. Essential oils are volatile compounds found in the roots, leaves, seeds, bark, heartwood, or resins of plants. Sometimes called the “blood” of plants, essential oils consist of different classes of molecules, such as terpenes, phenols, and esters, that perform various functions for the living plant, such as stimulating cell growth, preventing bacterial growth, and protecting it against predation. The molecules in an essential oil are often small enough to enter cell membranes when applied to the skin or inhaled, which is why they are such useful agents in aromatherapy.

Preparing essential oils: There’s no one guide to how to use essential oils in aromatherapy, as different practitioners have their own favorite methods. However, most aromatherapists recommend that you dilute concentrated essential oils in a carrier oil before using them directly on your body. Carrier oils are usually vegetable or nut oils such as olive, coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. Adding essential oils to natural lotions such as shea butter is another method of dilution. The motto for diluting essential oils is that a little goes a long way: in general, a diluted oil blend should consist of 2% essential oil for adults. So, for every 30 mL (or 1 fluid ounce) of carrier oil, you would add about 12 drops total of any essential oil.

One question we get all the time is whether any essential oils can be used “neat”, that is, without any dilution. Opinions vary widely among aromatherapists about the safety of using essential oils at full strength: some sources claim that a few essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, and sandalwood oil, can be used neat on small areas of skin. However, other aromatherapists err on the side of caution and recommend diluting any essential oil you work with, even those generally regarded as nonsensitizing. The general rule with any essential oil is to recongnize that these are powerfully concentrated therapeutic agents and to treat them with respect: always do a small patch test with the essential oil in dilution before applying it to a larger area of skin, even if you have worked with that essential oil in the past.

Blending essential oils: After you’ve become familiar with a few essential oils, you can get creative and blend multiple essential oils to create a synergy. This is when knowing the properties of the oils in your cabinet really comes into play: after all, you want a blend where the oils complement each other and enhance the overall effect. Consider how you want to use your essential oil blend: as a fragrance? A massage oil? For diffusion? You wouldn’t want to add potentially irritating essential oils such as cassia or cinnamon bark to a massage blend, but these same oils might work great in a diffuser. To help you out, each of our essential oils comes with a handy list of other essential oils with which it blends especially well. Don’t be afraid to use your own instincts as a guide, either—if you don’t like how certain oils smell together, don’t combine them.

Storing essential oils: Ever wonder why essential oils come in those dark glass bottles? The volatile active constituents of essential oils are fragile and can be easily degraded by exposure to sunlight and temperature changes; the dark glass acts as a shield to greatly extend the shelf life of your oil. Place your custom essential oil blends in an amber or dark blue glass bottle with an airtight lid or stopper. Store all essential oils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children or pets. Finally, many essential oils are flammable, so be sure also to keep your essential oils away from open flames and sources of heat or electricity.

How to use essential oils in aromatherapy: There are two basic ways to use essential oils in aromatherapy, with endless variations depending on the practitioner.

Topical application: Diluted essential oils are applied to the skin in treatments that target specific areas of the body. An essential oil massage might be used to address sore muscles or joint aches, indigestion or stomach upset, menstrual discomfort, or skin problems such as acne or infections. In a variation of the massage technique, essential oils can also be added to warm bathwater along with a moisturizing agent.

Diffusion: In this aromatherapy method, essential oils are added to an oil diffuser, burner, or sometimes to a bowl of hot water to create steam, which is then inhaled. Aromatherapy by diffusion is the preferred method of getting the benefit of oils that can be too strong for topical massage, such as lemongrass, cassia, or cinnamon bark. Because the point of entry for diffused oils is through the mucosal lining of the throat and lungs, diffusion is often used to address respiratory complaints such as excessive mucus, congestion, or coughs. Essential oils are often used at full strength in diffusion aromatherapy.

How to use essential oils in the home: You don’t have to be into aromatherapy to take advantage of essential oils. Looking for a natural way to spruce up your bathroom or living room? Consider adding some elevating essential oils to a diffuser to scent a room and perk up your senses! Citrusy scents like lemon, sweet orange, verbena or lemongrass can also eliminate odors and airborne bacteria. Some oils such as catnip and citronella may be diffused outdoors as natural insect repellents. Antiseptic essential oils such as pine needle, thyme, peppermint, and most citrus oils make effective cleansers for disinfecting your kitchen and bathroom, especially when added to water above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For a double dose of cleansing power, add lemon juice or vinegar to your cleanser: the concentrated acids and hot water act as efficient antimicrobial agents that are safe to humans.

Use Bay Laurel Oil to Inspire Confidence and Mental Clarity

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Perhaps no other plant holds as storied a place in Mediterranean history as the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). Not be confused with the Caribbean bay tree, the bay laurel is an evergreen tree or shrub with lance-shaped, shiny green leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean regions of Greece, Italy, and West Asia. Bay laurel essential oil is renowned for its ability to stimulate appetite and digestion, and has a variety of ancient uses as a food and medicinal herb.

The bay laurel tree appears in the Bible and in Greek and Roman myth. In the ancient Mediterrean world, the bay laurel was the symbol of victory: victors in the ancient Greek Panhellenic games (the precursor to our modern-day Olympics) were crowned with wreathes of laurel leaves to commemorate their achievement. This practice gave rise to the saying, “to rest on one’s laurels”. Laurel leaves have continued to be associated with achievement up to the present day—we still use laurel symbolism to denote people who have earned a college degree as baccalaureates, meaning “those crowned with laurels”.

Why is the bay laurel so firmly linked to accomplishment in ancient and modern minds? For one thing, bay laurel oil and leaves were sacred to the Greek god Apollo, the father of poetry and artistic endeavors. Furthermore, the scent of bay laurel oil is widely thought to stimulate creativity, inspiration, and confidence [1].

The bay laurel tree also left a lasting impression on Mediterranean cuisine and herbalism. Along with thyme, oregano, and rosemary, dried bay leaves have been one of the key ingredients in pasta sauce even before the tomato was brought over from the New World. Because they are rigid and can have sharp edges, whole bay leaves are inedible and must be removed from sauces before eating. However, bay leaves are often ground up to render them edible and added to Bloody Mary cocktails for a distinctive savory flavor.

Bay laurel oil or the fresh leaves have also been used as a wound salve [2], appetite stimulant [3], and an expectorant to clear respiratory congestion [4]. A poultice made of boiled bay laurel leaves was a common folk remedy for skin rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, or stinging nettles [2]. Since bay laurel oil can cause skin sensitization, it is best used in dilution. Try mixing a small quantity of bay laurel oil with other camphoraceous, fruity or spicy oils such as lavender, frankincense, cypress, or clary sage. Or you can diffuse bay laurel oil directly from an oil burner to aid your concentration, mental clarity, and confidence!

REFERENCES

1. Worwood, Valerie Ann. 1999. Aromatherapy for the Soul. Novato, CA: New World Library: 202.

2.”Laurus nobilis“. Wikipedia. Last modified April 16th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurus_nobilis.

3. Rudrappa, Umesh. “Bay Leaf Nutrition Facts, Medicinal Properties and Health Benefits”. Nutrition and You. Accessed June 4th, 2014. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bay-leaf.html.

4. “Bay Laurel Essential Oil.” Aromaweb. Accessed June 3rd, 2014. http://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/bay-laurel-oil.asp.

Magnolia Oil as a Calming Tonic and Exotic Perfume

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The magnolia is one of the most well-traveled flowers in the world, with species in South Asia, the Pacific, and North America. The magnolia essential oil we offer at the Essential Oil Exchange is steam distilled from the flowers of Michelia alba, a hybrid species created by crossing the South Asian Magnolia champaca with Magnolia montana. Our magnolia essential oil is pale to orangish yellow with a crisp, green, not too floral scent with a tropical-fruity hint!

The magnolia plant has broad green leaves and large white flowers with spear-shaped petals that exude an alluring scent. Also called white champaca, white sandalwood, and white jade orchid tree, magnolia flowers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to move qi, the vital force that regulates the body’s organ systems [1]. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe that when qi becomes blocked or stagnant, illness is the result. A fragrant tea known as yulan is also steeped from magnolia flowers in China, and the blossoms are used in temple ceremonies in India to mark life milestones such as births, deaths, and religious holidays. In South Asia, the scent of magnolia flowers is associated with renewal, growth, and new beginnings.

The uses of magnolia essential oil in aromatherapy are many, and more aromatherapists continue to discover its roster of therapeutic uses every day. As an antimicrobial and antiseptic agent, magnolia oil is often diffused to treat respiratory infections [2], and may also offer relief for allergenic reactions and congestion [3]. The oil is also sometimes applied topically to reduce fevers, regulate female hormones, and as an emollient that nourishes the skin and balances oil secretions [4]. On the emotional plane, magnolia essential oil is thought to calm the nerves while stimulating awareness, increasing overall confidence, and acting as an aphrodisiac. That’s quite a profile!

Of course, magnolia oil can also simply be worn as an exotic perfume: it blends well with citrus or sweet-herbaceous oils such as basil, bergamot, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli and petitgrain. Only small amounts of magnolia essential oil are required in any fragrance blend, as it is quite an “assertive” oil; or you can wear it alone as a signature scent that will light up a room the instant you walk in.

REFERENCES

1. Dharmananda, Subhuti, PhD. March 2001. “Magnolia Bark”. Institute for Traditional Medicine Online, Portland Oregon. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/magnolia.htm.

2. Fortunato, Michelle. “Medicinal Properties of the Magnolia Flower”. eHow. Accessed June 4th, 2014. http://www.ehow.com/list_6157057_medicinal-properties-magnolia-flower.html.

3. Pulugurtha, Shamala. “Magnolia Flower Health Uses”. Livestrong. Last modified April 28th, 2011. http://www.livestrong.com/article/430820-magnolia-flower-health-uses/.

4. “Essential Oils Guide – CHAMPACA (Magnolia michelia alba, M. champaca)”. Diamond Heart. Accessed June 2nd, 2014. http://diamondheart.net/essential-oils-guide/126–champaca-magnolia-michelia-alba-m-champaca.