There is a major difference between pure essential oils and fragrances. Pure essential oils are produced from plants via either steam distillation (about 95% of all oils are produced this way) or cold pressing (citrus oils), or they are produced as absolutes (rose and jasmine). Essential oils are very complex -- they often contain as many as 400 constituents. These natural plant-derived oils have a variety of health benefits and, generally speaking, are very safe to use.Fragrances are produced in a laboratory from a petrochemical base, usually coal tar. Fragrances do not have the same properties as natural essential oils because they have synthetic components. They are also far more likely to produce negative reactions in people. Some of these synthetic products contain chemicals that are extremely toxic. In the process of breathing them in or putting them on your skin you can incorporate these chemicals into your system. One of the more dangerous chemicals is diethyl phthlate (DEP). Because it can cause a variety of serious problems, DEP has been banned in Europe, and more recently, in California. It is a common ingredient in many synthetic products and is often found in personal care products without being listed on the label.
Most of the aromatherapy products found in mainstream stores are based on fragrances. This includes air fresheners, candles, soaps and more. I'm sure you can guess that your typical car freshener is not made from essential oils! It is documented that the vast majority of air fresheners contain diethyl phthalate. When using aromatherapy for health benefits, you want to make sure you are using pure essential oils.
An Ounce of Prevention
Most of us have heard (or used) the adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This is absolutely true during cold and flu season. Here are some tips that will come in 'handy'!
It's important to keep your exposure to harmful microbes to a minimum. Here are some basic tips to keeping clean in the home, office, or on the go.
1. Wash your hands regularly and often
2. Use lavender oil to sterilize your hands (a dab on your fingertips, rub them together).
3. If people are near you who are obviously sick and potentially contagious, put oils into your airspace. You can do this either by placing certain oils under your nose and mouth or by putting them into an entire room via a diffuser.
4. Some oils, like lavender, are relatively safe to put directly on your skin, others need to be diluted with a carrier oil. Check with a reliable source before any direct application of any essential oils you don't have experience with.
5. You can always put oils on a hanky or tissue and hold it near your face as a method of diffusion.
Another favorite blend for clearing the air, so to speak, is Medieval Mix in the Arua Cacia Essential solutions (based on ancient preventative formulas). It's a blend of oils that are highly antimicrobial, antibacterial and smell really good. It makes an excellent bathroom odor spray, too. (Try adding lemon essential oil to the spray bottle for an even crisper scent.).
Little Ones
Using oils to prevent picking up a contagious diseases can also work for children. When using oils with children, stick with the safer oils and in smaller concentrations. Once again, lavender is very appropriate for children for sterilizing their hands. You can easily make up a batch for them before they go to daycare and make day care provider is aware of it. Lavender has little chance of hurting the eyes if a child rubs their eyes with oil on their hands, so it's ideal for kids.
Side Effects of Illness
There are many side effects from getting certain illnesses. It is often very beneficial in the overall healing process to deal with these side problems.
Here are some basic reactions to colds:
1. Mouth sores: Can be very irritating, as well as annoying. Sandalwood oil diluted in jojoba can be usefully applied directly on the sores. If you're prone to cold sores, you should know that sandalwood is effective at stopping the replication of the (herpes) virus causing the sores. Use it at the first sign of a sore.
2. Sleep Problems: Jasmine is an excellent oil to aid in promoting deep sleep. Simply rub the Precious Essentials Jasmine (pre-blended in Jojoba) under the nose and mouth and breathe it in all night. And Essential Solutions Pillow Potion is formulated specifically for sleep issues. Also try Rose, Lavender and Sandalwood
3. Nasal Congestion: Eucalyptus or peppermint (diluted with jojoba) either under or in the nose is truly helpful. For extra benefit, diffuse into the atmosphere, especially when resting or sleeping.
Diffusing Oils
Diffusing essential oils is quite easy. Simply dropping them or spraying them into the atmosphere is sufficient to reap benefits from their aromas and benefits. Spraying or dropping oils on vacuum cleaner filters, air ducts, etc. are also useful. Adding a heat source to your single note or essential oil blends causes the oils to volatize more quickly. If you don't have an electric or battery operated diffuser, try adding a couple of drops of oil to an unlit candle. When you light the candle, the heat will diffuse the oil.
Gargling with Essential Oils
Many of us have learned the value of gargling with a warm salt water solution -- gargling with essential oils can also be helpful. Here is a blend that's both easy and effective.
2 drops of peppermint
1 drop of myrrh
1 drop of tea tree oil
Blend with a small amount of milk (rice, soy, dairy, hemp, almond, etc) and gargle or swish in the mouth for approximately 60 seconds several times each day. Continue as necessary. Note: Water instead of milk will work, but the fat in the milk acts as a buffer and more effectively distributes the oils.
Also, one or two drops of thyme or oregano can be added to this blend. Start with a well-diluted solution and use with care, as these oils can be somewhat irritating to some people.
Oils for Inflammation
Two very effective anti-inflammatories are lavender and German chamomile. These are easily used for just about any type of inflammation. Blending them together is also recommended. There are many other anti-inflammatory essential oils, including anise and sandalwood.
Oils for Cold, Flu's and Infections
Lavender is a particularly useful oil for many kinds of infections. It is especially helpful for occasional and frequent ear infections. It is soothing, anti-inflammatory and relaxing. Kids generally like it and it is very safe. Dilute it down to about 10%, and apply it gently into the ear with a clean finger or a cotton swab. (Always use caution with cotton swabs as not to go to deep into the ear canal.)
Eucalyptus is excellent oil for opening the bronchioles and allowing for easier breathing. It has some antimicrobial properties as well, and breathing it in gets it directly into your sinuses and bronchioles where you want it. Dilute to 1%.
Peppermint, besides being an excellent hiccup remedy, also helps open the bronchioles, It is stimulating -- so if you are trying to rest it is not the best choice. It also cools the body when you put in on directly, so be wary about using it if you feel chilled. Dilute to 1%.
Oregano essential oil is a highly antimicrobial essential oil that has been formulated into a variety of oral supplements, sometimes at a considerable expense to the consumer. Consider that making your own oregano formula would be much less expensive and possibly more effective. At Aura Cacia, we don't advocate using essential oils internally, so this would be one you would make for topical use. Essential oils absorb quite effectively into the blood stream through topical and inhalation applications. This can be a safer method of application as there is no need to digest the essential oil and there is little interaction with the liver and/or the kidneys. Oregano is also excellent for the respiratory system, for which inhalation of the essential oil either directly from the bottle or through a steam application would be quite effective. Be careful with oregano directly on the skin -- it's an irritating essential. Diluting oregano for topical application should be to at least 1% or more.
Frankincense is excellent during cold and flu season as it is both an antiseptic and an expectorant and may aid as well in treating bronchitis and asthma. Frankincense is said to have the ability to deepen the breath. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Aura Cacia offers frankincense either with or without jojoba oil. It is typically non-irritating and may be tolerated without a carrier. This oil is also a good for dry skin and is excellent in treating irritated noses and winter weather dryness.
Anise is the seed from which licorice is flavored. It is an excellent expectorant and recommended for the treatment of unproductive coughs. Those of you old enough may remember a well-known cough remedy that smelled and tasted like licorice! It is also used in making the liqueur known as Anisette, which was recommended for bronchitis and spasmodic asthma. Anise is also beneficial for the digestive system and is used along with fennel in popular 'gripe' and/or colic preparations. Dilute to 1%
Thyme essential oil's principal, active constituent is thymol, which is responsible for thyme's reputed antimicrobial action. Thyme is recommended for all infections as it stimulates the production of white blood cells. It is a very effective expectorant and useful in treating congestion and infections of the lungs. It is one of the four essential oils constituents (thymol, eucalyptol, methyl saliciliate and menthol) found in the antiseptic mouthwash Listerine. Dilute to 5%.
Lemon is generally loved for its lifting and stimulating aroma. Lemon is also an excellent, highly antimicrobial oil that is quite effective in treating cold, flu, bronchitis and asthma symptoms. It helps to stimulate white blood cells that are necessary in fighting infection.
Jojoba oil is the recommended carrier oil for most applications. It never goes rancid, it does not promote the growth of bacteria, and it is nearly identical in structure to the sebum of our skin.
Rescue Recipes and Helpful Hints
An all around excellent blend that kills bacteria and smells great!
Medieval Magic
1 empty (4 oz) spray bottle
200 drops Medieval Mix
100 drops lemon
25 drops eucalyptus
fill with water
Shake the bottle 20 or more times before each use and spray liberally to disinfect, deodorize and freshen surfaces and air spaces.
A common problem during cold and changing weather is dry, flaky skin, especially on the face and scalp. Here are two recipes that will definitely help.
Scalp Rescue
2 half dollar-size dollops of Aura Cacia Unscented Massage Cream
3 drops Precious Essentials Rose Otto
5 drops sandalwood essential oil
If possible, apply to freshly washed hair and scalp. Mix in the palm of the hand and massage deeply into the scalp. Leave on for several minutes (or overnight if possible). The best time to use any essential oil recipe on the skin is when it is moist and warm. Consider purchasing a shower cap and running a hair dryer over it (as if you were drying your hair). The heat will penetrate the cap and warm the scalp. Be careful not to burn!
Skin Saver
1 drops carrot seed essential oil
1 drops Precious Essential German Chamomile
3 drops Precious Essential Rose Otto
Wash face and hands thoroughly before mixing. Drop oils into the palm of the hand and massage liberally into the face and neck, concentrating on dry patches. If possible, exfoliate the skin with Aura Cacia Unscented Body Polish before use. This will help slough off dead, dry skin and expose fresh, clear skin. Dry skin can impede the penetration of essential oils.
Licorice Cough Blend (not to be ingested!)
5 drops bay
5 drops fennel
10 drops anise
Expectorant and Decongestant Blend (not to be ingested!)
3 drops basil
3 drops thyme
10 drops lemon
In a small glass (a shot glass, glass ramekin or glass measuring device works well) blend the recommended oils. Drop into your favorite diffuser, humidifier or simply breathe deeply directly from your blending glass. Be very careful not to get on the hands or skin as this blend could be quite irritating.
When finished with the blend, simply set the glass aside in a place that is out of the reach of children. The oils will continue to volatize and the aroma will be useful and enjoyed for hours. You may also choose to empty the oils into a sink, bathtub or shower where the oils will continue to volatize until they are washed down the drain. Natural diffusers in your household like pinecones, dark carpets and pillows are also excellent choices.
Eucalyptus Steamer
1-2 drops of Eucalyptus
1 bowl of steaming water
1 large towel
Add the eucalyptus to the steaming water. Position the head (face down) over the bowl. Pull the towel over the head and the bowl (like a tent). You must keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply. This is an instant feel-good remedy for nasal congestion.
Chest Rub
A quick and easy way to make a chest rub is to use Aura Cacia unscented massage cream. A few drops of eucalyptus and a drop of peppermint to a small amount of the massage cream can be mixed directly in the hand and rubbed on before going to bed.
Ear Trouble
Add 9 drops of German Chamomile Precious Essentials to 1 drop of lavender for an excellent and soothing treatment for ear infections.
More Blending Ideas
Rose, vanilla, patchouli and jasmine are excellent essential oils for relaxation.
Rose and carrot seed oil are excellent in skin care formulas.
Rose and neroli blend quite well together.
Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary applied to a towel in a steam room or sauna is quite nice.
Other Topics
Sandalwood Dilution
Start with a base of 3-4 drops of either jojoba or olive oil, and then add 1 drop of sandalwood. Sandalwood has been found to be effective at small doses. The Aura Cacia Precious Essentials Sandalwood is formulated to a 7% blend. In many studies, its antimicrobial action was effective at even lower doses.
Candles
If you're making your own candle, you can add essential oils in the scenting process. If you simply want to add scent to a room by using a candle as a diffusion source, you can drop a few drops of the oil onto an unlit candle and light it. The heat of the flame will volatize the essential oil. Don't use an excessive amount of oil as it could catch fire.
Massage
As a general rule, dilute oils in a massage to at least 1% for the harsher oils. Lavender can be safely and effectively (on a frequent basis) be used at 10%. There is virtually no risk that you will absorb too much oil into your blood system during a massage. The key concern is simply skin irritation.
Sinus Trouble
A 5% dilution of thyme oil (try using the Precious Essentials Sandalwood as your carrier) swabbed directly into the nostril or added to a warm salt water solution in a netti pot several times a day (at least twice) as needed. If you don't have a netti pot and you frequently have sinus infections, you should consider getting one.
Irritating Oils
While all oils can be irritating to one degree or another, the oils to be most concerned about are: cinnamon bark (never use over 1% dilution), oregano, thyme, lemongrass (quite irritating), clove, and wintergreen.
Using Essential Oils Directly on the Skin
Some oils can cause burning and/or irritation to the skin if used directly in large enough amounts. Other oils are relatively safe when used directly on the skin. The safest course is to always dilute your oils with a carrier oil. The preferred carrier is jojoba, but you can also use olive oil, almond, apricot, sesame, grapeseed, sunflower or safflower.
Ingesting Essential Oils
At Aura Cacia, we NEVER recommend ingesting essential oils. Inhalation and skin application are both safe and effective.
It should be understood that essential oils swished around the mouth or used vaginally or rectally are not considered '"internal." Aura Cacia does not recommend using essential oils internally for 'therapuetic' purposes. We do know that there are many cookbooks and recipes that utilize essential oils as ingredients. 9And hopefully recommend you use only 100% pure essential oils.) The application of heat during cooking will cause essential oils to volatize.
Diluting Essential Oils
Dilution is based on the following percentages:
1% dilution is approximately 10 drops of essential oil per oz. of carrier oil
Storage of Essential Oils
Stored correctly, most essential oils (except citrus) can last almost indefinitely. Proper storage is vital. Always leave the top on when not in use. Store in a cool dark place. Essential oils don't necessarily "go bad," but in some cases the most volatile components (top notes) may evaporate and basically be lost. A few oils can actually oxidize and start to go bad. Citrus oils are the most susceptible to this and, even under proper storage conditions, they won't last more than a couple years.
On the other end of the spectrum, some oils will never degrade to any great extent. Most 'base' oils, last essentially forever. These include sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, blue cypress, etc.
Eucalyptus Video
We have a video on eucalyptus and will soon have other videos available on a variety of oils, including lavender, sandalwood, peppermint, rose, lemon, rosemary, and more.