Aroma Therapy
Essential oils are so much more than a means to disguise bad smells + aromas. With around 300 essential oils extractable from flowers, trees, leaves, roots, grasses + fruits, we have at our disposal an enormous natural source of medicinal therapy, cosmetic, + everyday household products.
Recognised + valued ingredients in medicines, food, drinks, cosmetics + perfumes for thousands of years, we continue to see essential oils used in our modern day products. It’s not fully understood how or why aromatherapy works to the extent that it does – I guess our scientists could struggled to explore + measure “aromas” given their invisible wafty nature – but having stood the test of time + having experienced for myself the healing, cleansing + soothing properties, I’d say essential oils belong in our lives.
Efficient + versatile
A single oil can have many different uses + applications. Take peppermint oil for example – very effective in treating nausea, inflammation, headaches, indigestion + flatulence. Used in cosmetic products for oily skin, in moths balls to deter moths + other insect repellants – a few drops in an unwelcome ant nest + they will leg it pronto. Impressively versatile.
Even more impressive is when you take a number of essential oils + blend them together in specific quantities to create a synergetic effect – that is to create an amplified potency + diversity of uses. It’s no wonder in the christmas story, 2 of the 3 wise men brought oils of frankincense + myrrh – seemingly having the foresight to cover the health risks of a young couple + a new born taking refuge in a mangey pub barn – both essences with antibacterial + antifungal qualities + notably used to help treat sores, wounds, fevers, coughs, colds, dermatitis, bronchitis, diarrhea, stress, nervous conditions + tension.
Natural resource
Could essential oils be our most ignored natural resource?
Synthesised from both sunlight + the soils’ nutrients – these pure plant sourced essences are in complete biochemical harmony with the human body + our natural environment.
They enter the body (through the skin, airways or orally) + leave the body (through sweat, breath, pees + poos) leaving no residual toxins.
They have stood the test of time from as far back as 2000 BC, they are potent meaning a little goes a long way, easily sourced + cheap to buy.
Imagine if every household had a handle on the everyday applications from say 10 essential oils. There’d be a lot less chemical laden products kicking about our bathrooms, medicine cabinets, larders + garden sheds which in turn would make for a less toxic environment.
Frequent the Fragrant
There’s a fine art to working with essential oils – so do your research or stick to using already synergised blends in the recommended mode d’emploi.
Bec’s yoga classes will almost always be experienced with an aroma in the air – promoting deep breathing + adding a certain extra pleasure to your yoga experience. Try Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, or a synergetic blend.
Bec Loves de Mamiel altitude oil – I never leave home without this pocket elixir.
The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood is a great reference for a complete guide to aromatherapy + essential oils