Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. Essential oils were used by the Egyptians and even by the Three Wise Men as part of their gifts to baby JC (because every newborn needs frankincense and myrrh, but hey, I guess it’s the thought that counts).
What makes this practice withstand the test of time? I don’t really know, but if I had to guess, it’s safe and easy to do, it has many different applications, it can be used by all ages, it’s generally easy to find, and many see positive results. Many people swear by it as therapeutic for a variety of conditions, though it can’t be considered a medical treatment for an illness or ailment.
As I typically do, let’s start at the beginning.
Aromatherapy, by definition, is the therapeutic application of plant–based essential oil. What is essential oil? It’s the extracted aromatic essence of a plant called terpene; extraction is usually accomplished by distillation via steam or water. A highly concentrated oil from the plant (or plant part) is withdrawn and this becomes the essential oil. This oil contains the aromatic properties and the health benefits of the plant.
What do essential oils do?
Essential oils offer anti-viral or anti–bacterial therapy, meaning that they help upregulate our immune system. They can be antiseptic when applied topically and anti-inflammatory (some oils relieve gas and aid in digestion). They’re also used to treat headaches and backaches because of their analgesic effects.
One of my favourite things about essential oils is how they provoke memories. Have you ever smelled a familiar scent and been reminded of something from your past (most commonly the cologne of your ex-boyfriends)?
Essential oils are really helpful for studying. I used to sniff them while studying test material and then have the oils out with me during the exam. The material I had studied was much easier to recall, and this is believed to be in part because of the connection between the olfactory bulb (a.k.a. our brain’s nose) and the amygdala and hippocampus––two areas of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. Our olfactory nerve endings contain millions of receptor cells that can recognize up to about 400 different scents. When you recognize a scent, a signal is sent to your brain and a response, memory or emotion is activated.
Now, I can’t possibly list every essential oil out there, but I would like to name a few that I find particularly useful.
Here’s a handy chart:
Lavender
I love me some lavender. I can’t begin to tell you the all the wonders of lavender, but here are some of them:
- Relieves anxiety and promotes a sense of calm
- Helps heal wounds
- Improves sleep
- Helps clear acne-prone skin
- Alleviates pain and headaches
- Helps boost immunity
- Repels bugs
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is such a refreshing and invigorating smell.
- Acts as a decongestant
- Acts as a deodorant
- Has antiseptic properties
- Helps repels bugs
- Invigorates and energizes
Frankincense
One of the oldest oils out there, it boasts a mild woodsy aroma. Frankincense is used for a variety of conditions, most notably skin:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Good for oral health
- Reduces scars and wrinkles
- Acts as an astringent
- Anti-aging
- Speeds healing
Peppermint
Peppermint, an energy-boosting oil that smells super fresh.
- Acts as a decongestant
- Helps relieve allergies
- Reduces fever
- Analgesic and anti–spasmodic for muscles and joints
- Repels bugs
- Aids digestion
Lemon
This little citrus gem is packed with health benefits.
- Anti–microbial
- Energizing
- Promotes weight loss and detoxification
- Improves digestions
- Helps nourish the skin
Tea Tree
Famous for its anti–microbial effects, tea-tree oil has a distinct smell and is widely used in many topical creams and ointments.
- Has antiseptic properties
- Anti–bacterial and anti–fungal
- Repels bugs
- Acts as a natural deodorant
- Helps heal wounds
Want to know more? Hear what an expert has to say.
