Therapeutic Essential Oils and Healing

Therapeutic Essential Oils and Healing will reveal some “must have” essential oils that individuals should consider keeping on hand for family emergencies and day to day mishaps. If you’ve read any of my health hubs then you know that I’m an avid seeker of natural things that will assist in healing one’s body whenever possible. The most common ways used to administer essential oils are through the nose and skin.

A lay person may think that natural essential oils are used only for aromatherapy; however that is not the case. In addition to aromatherapy, to enhance one's senses, therapists use essential oils for massages, and throughout ancient times in many parts of the Eastern World therapeutic essential oils have been used as the key elements for healing.

India’s Ayurvedic healing traditions involved using fragrances of essential oils to assist in balancing one’s doshas to promote and or maintain good health. In ancient Egypt where fragrance was very important as it was tied with divinity; it was believed that bathing, anointing, and using fragrances would imitate and lead to holiness. As with other ancient time remedies things occur in history that causes a change from tradition.

History reveals that the essential oils schism started to occur when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and some of Egypt’s ancient knowledge of their essential oils were lost. Priests knowing that the Greeks had no intent of using these ancient secrets to seek higher spirituality intentionally gave incomplete formulas for the therapeutic essential oils. The Romans abused the oils by running them through fountains and using them in orgies of food and drink. Christian priest condemned what the Romans were doing and forbade their followers from using these oils.

After these historical incidents the divide between specific holistic medical and cosmetic applications of essential oils started developing and has remained within some cultures. Again, it has taken Westerners seeking and desiring natural health-care alternatives to cause therapeutic essentials oils, to be introduced into the States in the form of aromatherapy, cosmetic uses, massage oils, and slowly the healing aspects of these pure natural oils. Unfortunately, the U.S. medical establishment has not accessed many of the Eastern studies that have been published in other languages and lags behind in researching and or disputes the possibilities that can be accomplished with therapeutic oils in the area of healing.

For years I’ve experimented and had fun with essential oils for aromatherapy. The burning of a candle and or a mixture of a couple of essential oils is almost a daily routine. My sister on the other hand has discovered Neem oil and has tried it on just about everything. What started out to be a product to ward off mosquitoes has become her favorite hair, nail and skin product that works in ways you wouldn’t imagine. She also started using the Tea Tree oil for treating minor wounds to being used as a mouth wash. I on the other hand have been a little slow in jumping on board with these natural oils because I’ve been focused on eating healthy and fitness.

That is until a few days ago when I had an ear ache that would not go away. For a week I had been taking over the counter remedies of antihistamines and decongestants, and NASIDs things the doctor recommends prior to getting on antibiotics for ear infections. Unfortunately, I started having tinnitus (ringing in the ears), then that little voice in my head said research some natural remedies to help eliminate this ear ache. My research revealed that I had been doing all the wrong things; i.e. should not be taking antihistamines and decongestants, nor NASIDs because they can cause tinnitus. Then I recalled that my grandmother use to place warm oils into our ears as children which lead to my research of healing and natural essential oils.

Therapeutic aromatherapy involves treating medical conditions with essential oils. These oils can reduce inflammation, fight infections, promote wound healing, affect hormonal levels, heat the skin in a liniment, promote blood circulation and digestion, act as a decongestant to lessen sinus pressure and lung congestion, and stimulate the immune system.

Some oils numb the pain, while others produce heat and increase circulation to ease pain, yet others create relaxation and stimulate the nervous system that can interfere with the brain’s processing of pain signals.

Just as there are different quality grades of vitamins and supplements so are there different grades of essential oils. The 1st required step - The scientific method differentiates between true essential oils and those that can be used for fragrance only. An oil’s purity can be affected by numerous environmental factors, such as: geographical region, altitude, climate, soil, growing conditions, harvesting method, season, and time of day the plant is harvested can affect the oil's purity!

The 2nd step - Involves the method called the proper steam distillation process. Stainless steel cooking chambers must be used and oils must be distilled at lowest temperature and pressure possible. Contacts with metals like aluminum and copper or too high pressure and temperature will destroy the oils therapeutic value. Also, therapeutic oils should be taken from the first distillation only; all other distillations should be performed for fragrance or other products using essential oil mixtures.

The final step - In getting a true therapeutic essential oil is to ensure that there are no additives such as: added alcohol, carriers, chemical solvents, diluents, or water. Nothing should be added during or after the process. Please note however, that only 2 percent of essential oils sold in the US are true therapeutic grade. So be sure to read labels carefully and ask questions concerning the quality of the natural essential oils you purchase. In order for essential oils to work properly and safely they must be free of pesticide and chemical residues.

True therapeutic essential oils are stimulating to the immune-system, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-microbial, anti-tumoral, and even anti-viral.  When shopping for therapeutic essential oils please keep in mind that the word, (therapeutic) may not be used on the label, it may be described in a variety of word combinations; such as “pure concentrate ayurvedic” or “purely organic” depending on the brand name. In such cases, it becomes important to contact the company or ask a representative concerning the processing of the essential oils.

Neem Oil - Azadirachta indica

One article I read referred to the neem tree as a ‘miracle’ tree. One of the oldest known oils that has been used in medicines since ancient times. I guess if you are ever stranded on a deserted island, the one oil you should try to have with you is neem oil, or at least hope there is a neem tree there. Neem oil and the neem leaf are good for your overall good health; it conditions your skin and body, while assisting to enhance your immune system.

This oil can act like insecticide killing scabies, head lice, while keeping mosquitoes from biting you. It promotes healthy hair by combating dryness and preventing premature graying while assisting in preventing some types of hair loss. Relieves dry skin while providing anti-bacterial ingredients to fight acne and boils.

In addition, you can use it to fight periodontal disease, take a bath, and or use it as a spermicidal for birth control. It is said to be a great nail oil, in that it softens brittle nails and kills fungus. As you can see there are a lot of heath benefits associated with using this one essential oil.

Tea Tree Oil - Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea Tree comes from a native tree of Australia and the Aborigines refer to its oil as an ‘all-cure’ medicine with magical healing powers. Once you learn of all the potentials that this essential oil has you will probably agree with the natives. Tea tree oil has the following medicinal properties: Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-viral, balsamic (absorbs nutrients), cicatrisant (heals and protects wounds), expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant, and sudorific (promotes removal of toxins).

Having these medicinal qualities means that tea tree oil offers the healing benefits of treating skin infections like acne, boils, and warts. It can be used as a natural cure for bad breath, inflamed gums, and canker sores. Tea tree oil is also said to treat sore throats, congestion, dandruff, lice, and even yeast infections. This therapeutic oil has stimulating effects on hormones secretions, circulations, etc. and it boosts up your immunity and acts as a shield against infections.

Eucalyptus Oil – Myrtaceae

The eucalyptus aromatherapy oil is derived from the tall evergreen eucalyptus tree which is a native to Australia, but can be found in Europe, India, and South Africa. The natives refer to this as the ‘fever’ tree. Eucalyptus essential oils offers the medicinal benefits of being anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, and stimulating. Presently this oil is being used in over the counter drugs as rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes.

As with the neem and tea tree essential oils, the eucalyptus oils offer numerous health benefits. The eucalyptus aromatherapy oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, runny nose, sore throat, asthma, sinusitis, and nasal congestion. While being used mostly as an aromatic essential oil; it is a good antiseptic to heal wounds like ulcers, burns, cuts, and abrasions; while being effective on insect bites and stings. Works with easing muscle pains and invigorates anyone suffering from mental exhaustion and or stress. Can be used for skin care, taken internally to control blood sugars, reduce fever, and remove intestinal germs.

Peppermint Oil - Agonis flexuosa

One of the oldest medicinal herbs is the peppermint which was used in Roman times and the species of this tree grows in Western Australia. The health benefits of peppermint oil include the ability to treat bowel spasms, fever, headache, indigestion, nausea, pain, stomach problems, and respiratory problems. Peppermint oil is also used as a flavoring agent can be found in a wide variety of applications like chewing gum, ice creams, tea, toothpaste, soaps, and shampoos.

This essential oil contains numerous nutrients and minerals including calcium, copper, folate, iron, manganese, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamins A & C. Peppermint oil can also be used for dental care, due to its antiseptic properties. In addition to the previous mentioned health benefits, its menthol qualities aids in muscle relaxation to assists in irritable bowel syndrome, provides pain relief, and acts as an antispasmodic proven to be very effective for gastroscopy, colonscopy, and urinary tract infection. It also builds your immune system and improves blood circulation.

As one can see, there can be many health benefits derived from proper use of essential oils. I’ve chosen four of my favorites to discuss within this hub. If you would like to learn more about how to use essential oils for aromatherapy take a look at my hub on Aromatherapy Essential Oils to Spice Up a Love Life the link is provided below.

Again therapeutic essential oils can provide healing relief for acne, arthritis, anxiety, colds, depression, flu, menstrual difficulties, nervous tension, and stress. Be sure to consult a qualified aromatherapist, herbalist, and or someone experienced in alternative medicine if you are inexperienced in the use of essential oils to ensure proper use and dilution.

Disclaimer: This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should do your own research, and then consult your present physician. If your doctor does not believe in alternative medicines and you would like to give them a try then find a reputable doctor familiar with alternative medicines that can assist you in deciding what treatments might meet your specific needs.

Update: Per readers' requests - Part 2 has been completed!

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has named the top 10 essential oils on their website. I have revealed to you three of the top ten (tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint) please see my second hub Therapeutic Essential Oils and Healing Naturally for the rest of the list.