REMEDIES: Essential Oils (OILS, HEALTH, HERBS)

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Essential Oils

by author Armand Ayaltin, RHA, RHP

 

We have just completed a century marked by specializations in almost

every field and profession. This trend of mechanistic thinking, which

focuses on the parts rather than the whole, doesn’t hold its own in the

field of healing, where the subject is the living human body with its

subtle dimensions, complexities and interactions of all the different parts.

 

Nature has patiently shown us her complex systems, harmoniously

interacting with each other as a unit and herbalists have had much

opportunity to observe this reality. What we call single herbs are

complex chemical compositions. As a result of the extraction process,

essential oils of aromatic herbs are much more concentrated compounds

than found in the natural form.

 

Essential oils are endowed with so many attributes that they have become

a unique therapeutic substance in the armamentarium of the herbal

practitioner. Of course scent is a great plus in their favour. However

alluring though, their aromas should not lead us to abuse them by

overuse. So how can essential oils be safely used in the maintenance of

human health?

 

Healing depends on all the different aspects of the human being working

in harmonious balance with each other. Take for example the physical

organs. According to Asian medicine, when an organ is degenerated, it’s

not the only one. Our organs work in league within a network of

associated organs. Sometimes an organ " takes the fall " because its

supportive network has been weakened or stressed. In holistic

therapeutics, contributory factors are just as important as the actual

illness.

 

Since " disease " does not happen overnight, it may not be possible to

" get rid of it " by heroic measures. The rational way would be to take

care of the body when it’s in relative health. Aromatherapy is one of

the more pleasant ways to help maintain the different systems of the

human body in harmonious balance. Essential oils have the necessary

ingredients for dealing with the physical as well as the emotional.

 

Promote Elimination

 

One of the major hindrances to the body’s efficient running is

clogged-up eliminatory channels. Elimination takes place at different

levels-the bowels, kidneys, lungs, liver, lymphatic system, skin and of

course at the cellular level too. The term " cleansing " means

facilitating the elimination of accumulated body toxins through these

systems.

 

There are a few practices which, performed daily, serve well to benefit

the body’s overall eliminatory efforts and may be performed without

external help. These are: drinking adequate amounts of clean water;

exercising (including some outdoor activity); eating whole grains and

some uncooked vegetables and fruits, and getting enough rest and sleep.

Peace, good humour and at least one big laugh are important too. Health

practitioners may assist elimination with periodic massage therapy and

colonic irrigations two to four times a year.

 

Different eliminatory processes benefit from the use of essential oils.

For the bowels, occasionally massaging the abdomen with an oil prepared

from rosemary, ginger and black pepper is helpful. This will also

improve digestion and assimilation.

 

Kidneys are important organs for maintaining optimal blood electrolytes,

thus balancing the pH of the blood and tissues–vital for vibrant health

and energy.

 

Some of the oils useful for kidney support are sandalwood, juniper,

eucalyptus and onion. A bath-oil formula is convenient. Eating small

amounts of raw onions with food is also useful. People using these

preparations may experience increased micturition (urination).

 

The following are some of the lung oils: sage, sandalwood, eucalyptus,

pine, cedar, cypress and hyssop. A suitable formula containing some of

these may be used for inhalation and occasional massaging of the back

and chest.

 

For the liver, prepare a massage medium using some of the following

oils: cumin, rosemary, pine, lemon and onion. Massage over the liver or

its reflex areas. The preferred way of benefiting from cumin and onions

is to include them in one’s diet rather than applying them externally,

unless one is in an antisocial mood! Turmeric is another spice that is

beneficial.

 

Keep it Moving

 

The lymphatic system is one of the most neglected areas of health

maintenance. It has great significance in the areas of circulation and

immunity and is worth regular attention. One of the best ways to avoid

stagnancy of lymphatic fluid is by drinking enough good quality water

with some fresh lemon squeezed into it. Specific exercises like skipping

rope, rebounding, swimming and daily dry-rubbing the whole body with a

loofah or a brush will all benefit elimination and your health. Another

way is to periodically see a therapist specializing in manual lymph

drainage of the whole body. If desired, a massage oil prepared with the

essential oils of birch and lavender for gently applying over the whole

body in the direction of the lymph flow is helpful.

 

Cleansing programs should not be attempted on one’s own. Consult a

registered herbal practitioner, naturopath or your favourite health

practitioner trained in the use of essential oils before embarking on an

elimination and exercise program. Essential oils should only be used

diluted in a vegetable or seed oil in a one to three percent concentration.

 

Each person may respond differently to a given formula. Any of the oils

mentioned may be used in combination. Please remember that some

essential oils may cause an allergic reaction in susceptible people.

Essential oils are to be used as aromatic oils for external application.

 

Armand Ayaltin is a registered herbal practitioner living in North

Vancouver, BC.

 

Source: alive #222, April 2001

 

http://www.alive.com/521a2a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=220

 

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