When I first started my interest in aromatherapy I was not sure what to expect - I just thought those little drops help reduce headaches, toothache, muscle tension when added to a massage oil, and generally produce a nice smell when diffused in a room. I thought it was cool and fashionable to have a few bottles, and use them without much consideration, at will.
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| Scroll down for Seven Essential Oils used in most of the Basic Aromatherapy Kits |
Broadening my perspective on this branch of herbalism - which in itself is a vast knowledge, I realized that I was sort of 'invited' to learn about the essential oils of plants. It became a part of my spiritual journey.
Respect the Product
The liquid we buy in a 10 ml bottles is the most precious part of a plant. It usually takes an enormous amount of leaves, flowers or bark from hundreds of species to produce this little tiny bottle, and it takes a lot of work on the part of humans - so -great respect to that.
When you hold a bottle - always have this in your mind - there are hundreds of plants in it that have been 'sacrificed' to be squeezed and distilled to let the medicinal juices flow.
Words of Caution
As the interests of the general public grows, the companies try to make a bigger profit and find not always sustainable and fairtrade ways to deliver a looked-after product. This is unfortunately the case with essential oils production and I read many times of producing oil from endangered species.
Another problem is to hide the real ingredients that have been chemically manipulated and sell it as the 'real thing'. Such bottles may have very little or none at all of the essential oil that is claimed on a label of the bottle. So we have to be careful and bear those things in mind.
The best solution is to buy organic products, of course. They are more expensive but they are of real value and we should have no problem understanding this, after consideration of the above.
What are Essential Oils?
In short an essential oil is the most precious part of the plant. Paraphrasing - it is a 'pharmacy' or a part of 'immune system' that each plant has in its parts - a volatile oil is released when a plant is in danger - from harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects or weather conditions.
Partially, this is why you cover a herbal tea you make with a saucer for about 10 minutes. It keeps the volatile oil in your cup instead of vaporizing into the air. This way the tea is more beneficial.
Essential Oils May Differ
Essential Oils named after the same plant may differ in both scent and qualities. This is due to the variety of conditions the plants grow, how they are harvested and transformed, and variety of species.
What is named as a Lavender Essential Oil, for example, may have hundreds of slightly or significantly different qualities including scent, and the end-product is not always exactly the same within the same company, year-to-year.
So do not be surprised if the smell differs (in intensity - for example) when you open the bottle. If it has no chemical additives, is purely organic, it can still vary greatly.
How to Categorize Essential Oils?
If you want to dive deeper into aromatherapy, the first thing you may struggle with is that there are hundreds of essential oils and they seem to have similar properties with different scents. Which one to choose from the vast spectrum for your own personal needs?
After gathering a number of different essential oils (around 40) and using them in a variety of ways over a few months I had a sudden revelation and had arranged them in seven groups.
The order seemed perfectly logical, and I was glad that I found the key to differentiate the oils in terms of scent, properties, and ways of use. Each new oil I buy perfectly fits into one of the categories. I also gladly learnt about later on that many other aromatherapists discovered the same order on their own - so it does seem like a genuine guiding pattern.
Of course there are other methods to classify essential oils but this one serves the most comprehensive purposes. It allows us to feel quite confident in the realm of aromatherapy, especially if we want to make healing mixtures and perfume compositions.
These categories also allow the beginners to start with one oil in each group - so all 'the essentials' of every group can be learned, understood and utilized in the best way.
And of course you do not need to buy them randomly, stuffing your mind with their properties, and getting confused. For your initial basic aromatherapy kit you need seven essential oils that cover all of the categories.
The classification is based on the scent (and as it follows - on the species and its properties) - which is of course the most important part of aromatherapy.
1. Floral
2. Citrusy
3. Minty
4. Coniferous
5. Herbal
6. Spicy
7. Woody-Musky
There are a few essential oils that may fit into two categories. As in life - there are exceptions to the rule. We may argue if Melissa Essential Oil is more Herbal of Citrusy. For the scent - it is the Citrusy family - but I acknowledge that its properties fall more into the category of Herbal.
Also, there are many more essential oils produced than those stated below, and new ones are 'discovered'. I'm focusing here on the ones that are most prominent on the market where I live (Northern Europe).
1. Floral
The predominant scent is that of a flower garden. The most common oil in this category is Lavender Essential Oil. The queen of floral scent is of course Rose Essential Oil. The most dear one is Jasmine Essential Oil. A more exotic name is Ylang Ylang, and it is crazily sweet, in addition. Geranium Essential Oil has also a very intense scent. It is especially recommended for women, not only in perfume compositions but to help with skin conditions, menstrual pain or menopause. Probably the least commonly known is Neroli Essential Oil, distilled from the flowering blossoms of the orange tree, Citrus aurantium.
Floral scents oils have been at the forefront of perfumery for ages. They usually have the top notes - intense at the beginning, fading away quite quick - so they usually need a base note from the bottom of our list.
In terms of healing properties they have a blissfully uplifting and calming quality. It is easy to imagine what we feel while sniffing the intense yet delicate fragrance of lavender, rose or jasmine. We are in the fairy land.
This category has just a few representatives - to make an oil from the most subtle part of a plant - the petals of a flower - is mind-bogglingly difficult. There are just those few plants that allow this. But we may see this category expanding as the techniques of distillation develop.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Lavender Essential Oil.
2. Citrusy
This is the most invigorating category that hits us with a pleasant, refreshing and most positive smell. We cannot help but smile around the citrusy-lime fragrances. They are not great as perfumes on their own - too intense. A drop in other mixtures can refresh a composition in a great way.
Citronella Essential Oil has the most powerful scent in this family, for some people - too powerful. This may vary as it depends on the plants variety and the conditions they have been growing and many other factors. Citronella is most often used in insect repellants - natural or chemical.
Others Citrusy essential oils are: Lime, Lemon, Lemon Grass, Lemon Balm (Melissa), Grapefruit, Mandarin/Tangerine, Orange, Neroli and Bergamot Essential Oil. The last one not only I find the most pleasing in its scent and versatile in its many uses.
All Citrusy oils are a great help in fighting fatigue, low mood and really getting into the causes of those. They are natural energizers, and are the best choice to aromatize a room not only to uplift the atmosphere but to clear the air from mold, viruses, bacteria. They stimulate and brighten up the mind, so apart from Mandarin Essential Oil that is calming down the senses, it is best not to use them before bedtime.
The thing to remember is that most of the citrus category is phototoxic. Do not use on face and hand applications as it may cause serious sunburns. They are really the best mood uplifters - put a few drops in a room diffuser, especially in those long winter evenings.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Bergamot Essential Oil.
3. Minty
Peppermint is the most valuable and known herbal medicine. All products of the minty category have a cooling effect that allows to fight fever, help clearing the airways, making the breathing more deep and regular, and help with nausea and stomach cramps of whatever cause.
Peppermint Essential Oil is quite potent however and I would suggest to use it in small doses. Spearmint Essential Oil is less intense. Other oils in this category are Eucalyptus and Cajeput. Sometimes they are mixed up and Cajeput is sold as Eucalyptus, which is one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy. It has a few varieties: Eucalyptus Globulus, Radiata and Lemon.
They have strong disinfectant, refreshing and analgesic (soothing pain) qualities. Work especially well with recurring headaches, reducing stress. They stimulate the mind and are best used during afternoon hours when we need this extra kick of energy and coolness at the same time.
They are great room atomizers during the hot Summer time, repelling flying and crawling insects from your indoors, and help with reducing inflammation after an insect bite.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Eucalyptus Essential Oil.
4. Coniferous
There is a proven positive emotional and psychological impact of walking through a coniferous forest. Even a new mindfulness activity emerged recently: forest baths. They have a wonderful effect on the mind-body-spirit system.
But we usually do not have direct access to a clean, evergreen woodland, every day. This is when aromatherapy can serve us at its best. Thanks to the availability of many different varieties of coniferous essential oils, we can build the scent of the forest according to our own imagination.
The crisp, forestal smell of conifers creates an atmosphere of purity and peace. Cypress, Fir, Juniper, Pine, Spruce introduce an emotional balance on a deep, far reaching level. They affect deeper parts of the soul.
Physically they have strong anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, and help in respiratory therapies, in gout, rheumatic pains and urinary infections in a form of massage. They all give an excellent purifying experience. Mentally, they all increase alertness, focus and inner calmness.
It's very important to use them minimally, as they have a high component of terpenes. Generally not recommended on delicate skin applications. Most of the oils in this family are susceptible to oxidation. Be certain the fresh oil is properly stored, in a cool or cold place (lower shelf in the fridge). Even if they are a bit oldy, they can still be a great companion in a household cleaning.
Treat coniferous oils as your secret weapon against viruses, winter blues, mental and physical exhaustion and when and where you need to introduce a purification and cleansing process. They give this extra boost of stimulation and calmness.
Do not use them on a daily basis, rather as an extra treat and trip to the imaginary forest when you can totally switch off and re-energize your system on a subtle level. Use them more often for a short period - in convalescence and in general debility.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Siberian Fir Essential Oil.
5. Herbal
There is a wide range of essential oils that belong to this category. Most of the plants are proper herbs that have been in use for millennia, and most of them come from the region where the first civilization started and flourished - the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
They all have quite sharp herbaceous and distinctive scents much more potent than that of a plant species alone. And because of the high component of medicine oils, they have to be used with caution, by more experienced aromatherapists. At least - the rule of thumb is - use them in small quantities of 1-2 drops per 5-10 ml of base oil or water. And it is vital if they do not cause any allergic reactions (see below).
Most of them are good at fighting severe skin or respiratory infections. They work well on internal organs of the abdomen or back when massaged into the skin, improving their functioning. They are also widely used in cosmetic products - healing and preventing acne, dandruff, fungal infections.
Some of them have a calming effect (Chamomile), some of them are energizers (Rosemary). Tea tree essential oil is also highly regarded as an excellent addition to house cleaning products.
The herbal family include: Basil, Bay Leaf, Caraway, Chamomile, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Hop, Hyssop, Marjoram, Myrtle, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Tea Tree, Yarrow and some more.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Tea Tree Essential Oil.
6. Spicy
Similar to the herbal essential oils, the spicy ones are also very potent and should be used in low dilutions and with care as they may cause skin irritation. Of them, the Clove is the most known and common and has the most versatile properties. It is mainly known for applications in a mouth-wash in case of toothache and tooth decay.
I do not recommend them on their own even for inhalation, they can be irritant to the delicate mucus membranes of our respiratory system. Spicy essential oils work best as an addition to oils from other categories, especially flower and citrusy. They add their strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory power and make the scent really charming.
Allspice, Anise, Black Pepper, Caraway, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Ginger, Nutmeg.
In general, they are great to enhance mental focus, clarity, alertness and vigour.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Clove Essential Oil.
7. Woody-Musky
Those grounding, earthy scents are always recommended and used in male perfumes. They have deep, stabilizing effect on the mind, boosting a sense of self-worth and enriching one's own sense of belonging.
It is widely regarded that those oil 'heal the soul' as they can penetrate quite deep into the system, and have detoxifying properties. Often used in clearing a space from negative energy or to assist in Shadow-work. Most of the woody-musky essential oils have been used in religious ceremonies and have been named 'sacred oils' in many cultures across the globe.
Some of them smell quite pungent on their own so it is best to use them in mixtures. Most have the base note, they are really useful in perfume making.
I have a particular bond with Carrot Seed essential oil in this category. When first bought and opened - I thought I will never use it - the smell was abhorrent to me. However I did make it into some body massage mixtures and after application was totally shocked how deeply calming effect this addition had on my whole system. I felt calm, composed, relaxed and reassured like never ever before. So, there we go, make use of this sacred oil for your benefit:
Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Nard, Niaouli, Palmarosa, Palo Santo, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver.
Which one to choose for the basic aromatherapy kit: Sandalwood Essential Oil.
Five Most Important Rules in Aromatherapy
The first important rule is - always do an allergy test first. Apply 1-3 drops of an essential oil mixed with half a tea spoon of a carrier oil (jojoba, argan, almond, avocado, olive, sunflower) to your inner forearm. Check after 24 hours. If any skin discomfort occurs, such as itching, stinging, swelling, rash or redness - do not use the essential oil on your skin.
The second important rule is - never apply an essential oil anywhere on its own. ALWAYS mix with an appropriate amount of a carrier oil or water (shake vigorously before application).
The third important rule is - do not treat pregnant women or children under the age of seven with essential oils. Be careful when pets are around.
The fourth important rule is - do not exaggerate with the amounts, especially at the start of your adventure. Unfortunately we hardly apply this rule at the beginning and are tempted to put a few drops more than is stated in the direction of use. I admit honestly that had gave in to that sin a few times. The more you get into aromatherapy - the more you know and feel that less is best.
The fifth important rule - gather information about aromatherapy from valuable sources. Do not read what is written in online women's magazines - the articles most often than not seem to be artificially generated - copy & paste texts with few alterations - to fit all. They often do not have very important clues and precautions on how to use a particular essential oil or repeat wrong information - such as it is good idea to add an essential oil to your shampoo or toothpaste. No, it is not a good idea.
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As I mentioned at the start - aromatherapy became a companion on my life journey - something I would not expect - to such a degree - when I first started my interest. Being surrounded by the oils almost everyday, in a variety of forms, enhances the sense of well-being on every level. Yes, but there is another dimension.
Aromatherapy also opens up and introduces us to a spiritual realm. Our everyday life - you cannot help but notice - gradually changes, depending only on how much involved you are in directly using and applying essential oils to your body and space.
So be mindful that you may start with aromatherapy in a solely cosmetic - perfume purpose, but when you are a few weeks or months engaged in this practice, it will turn you onto a more sublime and spiritual path. You cannot escape it. You may become a little woo-woo person and away with the fairies* :)
* In such a case, work with the grounding properties of Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood or Vetiver essential oil :)
Namaste
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Sources:
I have done the insight research on my own - so the practice counts as the source. But of course I have read books, articles and watched You Tube videos from respectful websites - multiple times - to digest all the information. And I am grateful to all the people that have contributed to researching this subject.
It will be now difficult for me to recollect them all, as I am not an academic, and I do not pay much attention to write down everything I see and read.
When I find the time, I will put below a list of recommended books and internet websites.
