Essential Oils (EO)

'An EO is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the characteristics of the plant from which it is derived.'

Pure essential oils (EO) are commonly used in perfume and beauty products, also in the manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The average citizen is widely palmed off with inferior, manufactured, synthetic substitutes.

EO can influence the atmosphere. It has been scientifically proven that EO affect humans on energetic, physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and aesthetic levels. Using EO is a means of regaining control of an important, possibly nebulous but tangible aspect of your personal space.

The destruction of our natural environment and multinationals (e.g. Monsanto) attempts to control natural resources threaten our access to these gifts of nature.

It is most important to note than only 100% pure EOs have any medicinal properties. 99% nature identical oils may smell fantastic however they have no healing properties whatsoever! Pure EO can be used in the home to replace many if not all; household, cleaning, beauty and health products.

EO are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include expression, solvent extraction, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping and cold pressing. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavouring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.

The earliest recorded mention of the techniques and methods used to produce EO is believed to be that of Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Andalusian physician, pharmacist and chemist' 

 Most (internet) research dates EO use back to 4500 B.C.E. amongst the Egyptians. They included aromatic herbs in religion, cosmetics and medicines and were renowned for their knowledge of cosmetology, ointments and aromatic oils. The most famous of their herbal preparations “Kyphi” was a mixture of 16 ingredients that could be used as incense, perfume or medicine.

'However it is important to realize that almost without exception the apparatus, substances, and procedures of this art originate before the Arab alchemists of the Middle Ages and even before the grand synthesis of Alexandrian alchemy. The apparatus used in Neolithic (and in some cases Paleolithic) Mesopotamian cooking, perfumery, ceramics, and metallurgy include all kinds of containers, sieves, ovens, furnaces and fires, also mortars, pestles and grinders of all types. Along with these apparatus were an enormous range of procedures including distillation and sublimation.'

 'EOs were used medicinally in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sold/sell medicinal oils range(d) from skin treatments to remedies for cancer often based solely on historical accounts of the use of EOs for these purposes. Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments, and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries.

As the use of EOs has declined in evidence-based medicine, one must consult older textbooks for much information on their use. Modern works are less inclined to generalize; rather than refer to "EOs" as a class at all, they prefer to discuss specific compounds within an oil, e.g. methyl salicylate, rather than the 'whole oil' in this case "wintergreen".

Interest in EOs has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that EOs and other aromatic compounds have curative effects.'

There is an increasing amount of scientific research and evidence which has proven the efficacy in a range of treatments of individual EOs e.g. the work done by Gattefosse in the second world war using lavender oil particularly, to treat wounded soldiers, I found 7 different scientific documents on the on cinnamon oil alone*.

Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air, heated, or burned as incense.

Some oils (I have been taught, also in my opinion and personal experience) can be safely ingested. The general consensus though, is that they are only for external use.

EO can ease a wide assortment of ailments and relieve the discomforts of many health problems; aches, pains, and injuries. Many of the oils have powerful anti viral, anti fungal, antibacterial and antibiotic qualities and unlike pharmaceutical drugs, they leave no dangerous toxins in the body.

My empirical belief is that EOs can be relaxing, uplifting, calming, pain relieving, sedating and/or stimulating. They restore physical and emotional well being. There is at least one EO that can affect anything the human body experiences. 

Almost all EO can be used safely if properly diluted as necessary. Having knowledge is the key to safe usage.

Concentrated substances are rarely intended for use “as is” and EOs are no different. There is rarely a time when you would not want to dilute the potency of an EO, by adding a drop (or more) to a carrier (oil). This provides a good medium to absorb the oil into the skin and spreads the oil over the skin effectively. It is also possible to inhale EO. The perfume tone* used will dictate how frequently it would need to be repeated. EO can also be diluted in hydrosol/flower waters, pure or mixed with colloidal silver and/or plain water (I live in the NL so our tap water is excellent and unadulterated – check the quality of your tap water and use bottled or filtered water if in doubt)

.25% Dilution (1 drop per 20mls of carrier oil) – for sick children between 6 months and 6 years you may increase up to.50% if needed. For children under 2 hydrosols and/or herbs are usually the best choice.

1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon (5mls) of carrier oil; 5-6 drops per 30 mls 1 fl.oz) – for children over age 6, pregnant women, the elderly, people with sensitive skin, compromised immune system, serious health issues. Also for massaging over a large area of the body.

2% dilution (2 drops 5mls of carrier oil; 10-12 drops per 30mls) – ideal for most adults and in most situations. A good dilution for daily skin care.

3% dilution (3 drops per 5mls of carrier oil; 15-18 drops per 30mls) – for short-term use with a temporary health issue, se.g. muscle injury or respiratory congestion. Up to 10% dilution is fine, depending on the health issue, the age of the person and the oils

25% dilution (25 drops per 5mls of carrier oil; 125-150 drops per 30mls) – very occasionally would a dilution of this strength is warranted, for a muscle cramp, bad bruising, or severe pain.

Using oils “neat” (undiluted) – Lavender is one of a few EOs that can be used neat. A bug bite, burn, or sting, might be a good reason to use Lavender neat. Great knowledge and great caution need to applied before choosing to use EO undiluted, some individuals can experience irritation, sensitivity even burning with neat EO.

Edited from wikipedia, books by Julia Lawless, Valerie Ann Worwood, internet pdf's on essential oils and Mesopotamian Origins and the Material Discipline March 2009
* research conducted amongst others at the National Taiwan University.