Essential Oils for the more experienced Aromatherapist

Introduction
Aromatherapy is the modern name given to the use of pure aromatic Essential Oils from herbs, trees & flowers which have historically been used for medicinal purposes. From the time of Moses (1240BC) until the end of the First World War plants provided the only source of medicines. In the last 15 years there has been a revival of interest particularly for the treatment of stress related complaints, family first aid and every day aches, pains, illnesses and emotional problems. The oils in this collection have been chosen by Aromatherapist, Julie Foster, as four of the most precious, with wide ranging applications in modern aromatherapy and for their fascinating medicinal folklore histories.

Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)
Applications: Frankincense, distilled from the gum which seeps from the bark of the frankincense tree, is a particularly useful oil in treating anxiety and hyperactivity. It has a warm spicy scent and is known to be almost overwhelming in its ability to relax the mind whilst inducing a “higher state” of consciousness. Frankincense is known to slow down and deepen breathing which is why it is so conducive to prayer. Deeper breathing can help those suffering from stress related asthma or fatigue because it enables the body to acquire more oxygen. It also helps to slow down speech which for some people can be enough to slow their minds down and reduce feelings of panic and overwhelming emotion. Frankincense is a sedative so it can help with stress related insomnia and it is helpful in calming the digestive tract, reducing symptoms of indigestion, irritable bowel and bloatedness. It has a balancing effect on the skin so many Aromatherapists use it to treat people whose skin reflects stress-related problems such as eczema or spots.

Blends well with: Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender, Bergamot and Orange.

Historical note: Frankincense is one of the jewels in the aromatherapy crown. There is probably no civilisation in the East or West that has not prized Frankincense - Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Greek, Roman and Hebrew cultures all attached great importance to its use as a purifier and Holy Ointment. It is mentioned in the thirtieth book of Exodus in the Old Testament because as Moses led the Jews out of Egypt in 1240BC he received instructions from God to use Frankincense to make Holy Incense. The Egyptians were the first to use Frankincense in 1500BC. Pictorial evidence from the tombs of the Pharoes has shown that they blended it with animal fat and honey for use as a cosmetic face mask. The Romans used it as a medicine with Avicenna the Greek physician, responsible for treating the Roman Emperor, writing: “It strengthens the wit and understanding of man”. Culpepper the English 16th century herbalist wrote: “there is little that can be better for depression, poor memory and to strengthen the nerves”.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile)
Applications: Chamomile distilled from the herbal flowers is one of the best oils available for treating anxiety and insomnia. It has a calming and anti-depressive effect. Chamomile has a profoundly balancing effect on the emotions which makes it ideal for the hyperactive, workaholic types or the chronic worriers. It is a useful oil to use to help treat stress related skin conditions such as allergies and eczema. It is generally believed to stimulate the immune system so it is useful for those people who tend to succumb to “bugs” when they are working very hard.

Blends well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Rose and Frankincense.

Historical note: Chamomile has been used for over 2000 years for treating nervous complaints. Its name derives from the Greek 'Kamai' meaning 'ground apple' because of its fresh fruity scent. It was called 'Maythen' by the Saxons and was revered as one of their nine sacred herbs. It was later adopted by the Christians and dedicated to Saint Anne who was the mother of the Virgin Mary. In the language of flowers Chamomile stands for 'patience in adversity'. It is often known as the 'plants physician' because it seems to improve the health of the plants within its immediate vicinity.

Clary Sage (Salvea Sclarea)
Clary Sage is recommended for physical and mental relaxation particularly for individuals who are suffering from stress related insomnia. Although Clary Sage has a sedative action it is also uplifting and can engender a euphoric state in some people. It is calming for the digestive system and can be helpful for indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It also has a good reputation for relieving the pain associated with menstruation and stress related migraine.

Blends well with: Lavender, Sandalwood and all of the citrus oils.

Historical note: Clary Sage, from the Latin word 'Clarus' meaning clear, has been used since medieval times for its healing properties. The great herbalist Culpepper referred to it as "clear eye” because it was believed to cure any eye problems and it was also known as “eye-bright”. Historically it was made into a tea with Chamomile to treat 'female hysteria' which today would be referred to as panic attacks. A similar brew was also made to cure headaches and migraine.

Administering Essential Oils Safely
As with conventional medicine the objective is to introduce the substance into the blood stream. Inhalation and skin absorption are two of the fastest ways and therefore a variety of methods (as follows) can be used. Remember Essential Oils are pure plant substances which have been used for thousands of years so they can be trusted to help with family health problems in a safe and natural way.

1. Add 4-10 drops to the bath after it has finished running. (For children or individuals with sensitive skin mix with a tablespoonful of milk first to aid dispersion and then add to the bath)


2. Add 2 drops to a tablespoon full of Sweet Almond Oil or good quality Olive Oil and massage into the affected area or back


3. Put 2 drops onto the pillow or the front of night clothes or onto a handkerchief.


4. Put 4 drops into a small dish of water on top of an aromatherapy burner.

Note:
For children under 10 use half quantities
If pregnant, epileptic or suffering from liver problems then please seek advice from us or another qualified Aromatherapist. Essential Oils should never be taken internally and are best stored in a cool, dark place with the cap firmly in place. Keep out of the reach of children.

Julie Foster
Aromatherapist
BA (Hons) ITEC, MFHT, MFHL