The popularity of essential oils has been growing exponentially over the past few years. And with good reason! They are powerful plant medicines that used both in aromatherapy and topically are healing, body, mind and soul. Just opening a bottle of lavender essential oil for a deep breath is a soothing experience – so peaceful it makes me want to go for a midnight stroll through lavender fields!
Let’s look at just a few of the benefits of lavender specifically.
- Sleep. Well known as a relaxing scent, dried lavender and lavender oil helps to induce sleep. A study conducted on college students showed lavender oil improved the quality of sleep (how long, time needed to fall asleep, and restfulness) by 60%. And the improvement is immediate, unlike other therapies for sleep.
- Anxiety, stress and depression. Studies over the past five years show the tremendous impact of lavender oil on the brain and the autonomic nervous system. It has a calming yet refreshing effect that addresses anxiety, stress and depression.
- Pain relief. Often used as a gentle treatment for headaches and migraines, lavender oil is also helpful in soothing sore and tense muscles, sprains, aches, etc.
- Skin Healing. Typically with a cut or a burn, we reach for cool water, soap and ointment before bandaging. Research has repeatedly shown that lavender has amazing antimicrobial properties to combat infection and bacteria. Mixing raw coconut oil, which also has antimicrobial properties, with lavender is a simple but effective treatment for burns.
- Nausea. Forget that nasty tasting pink stuff from the pharmacy! Keep a bottle of lavender oil in the bathroom for stomach upsets and take it with you for a natural remedy for motion sickness. Simply breathing it in can calm the nausea – spray some on skin or clothes or rub on your temples or palms for soothing relief.
These are just a few of the benefits of this one essential oil! Diffused in the air, lavender makes a lovely alternative to chemical laden air fresheners. Try using it as a refreshing perfume alternative as well! The aromatherapy benefits can be enjoyed alone with a single oil or blended with complimentary oils to make your own unique scent.
Spend some time researching reputable websites about essential oils and you will find that there IS a place for these in your life and home.
The key is RESEARCH!
As with any amazing medicinal products, it is imperative to research and know what you are putting on or in your body. Not all essential oils are created equal. It is important to look for Therapeutic Grade essential oils. While there unfortunately is not an individual organization who tests quality, oils are partially a “you get what you pay for” product as well as necessitating research into the ethics of a company. A little research goes a long way.
In addition to quality concerns, there are also safety concerns and good practices to follow.
- Dilution. We cannot stress this enough. Dilute. Dilute. Dilute. While some oils, such as lavender, are safe to put on the skin neat (without dilution), many oils are not safe and can cause harm if mis-used. “Hot” oils such as oregano, cinnamon, clove, thyme, cassia and others can literally burn skin, particularly the thinner areas such as face, neck, behind the ears, etc. A neutral oil such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and many others, will help you receive the benefits of the oil without risking a burn or damage to your skin. You can purchase a package of rollerballs and blend small amounts of your essential oil and carrier oil to use when needed.
- Ingestion. While many proponents of essential oils recommend ingesting essential oils, we caution against this unless under the care of a qualified professional. These are potent plant medicines and just as you can burn skin, you can harm your digestive system if they are not taken properly.
- Sun exposure. Certain oils, particularly citrus essential oils, are photosensitizing, meaning when used on the skin, they make skin more sensitive to light, not just sun, but any strong UV lights such as a tanning bed. The furocoumarins in these essential oils react to light and can make you more prone to sunburn or even change the pigmentation of skin. Always avoid sunlight and strong UV lights for 12 hours after using these oils.
- Storage. Just as your cooking oils in the kitchen can go bad, so can your essential oils and blends with carrier oils. Avoid exposure to heat, oxygen, and light when storing your oils. Properly stored, they have a long shelf life. However, if they do go bad, they can cause skin irritation. With our consistent heat here in Hawaii, you may want to store your less-used oils in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
- Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant need to be very cautious in using essential oils. Oils can harm both mother and baby if used improperly and certain oils, when placed on acupuncture points, can trigger premature labor. We recommend consulting a medical professional before incorporating any oils into your natural pregnancy plan.
- Children. The soft, delicate skin of our kiddos as well as their developing bodies require even more caution than adults when using essential oils. Dilution is even more critical for children than adults. Research carefully before using oils directly on your child’s skin. When diffusing oils, be aware of their properties. For example, peppermint is great for focus and energy, but can disturb sleep patterns when diffused after 2 pm.
- Allergies. As with anything else, sensitivities can occur when using essential oils. While reactions are not common, it’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts to a new oil. A small patch test with a carrier oil is highly recommended when you first start using a new oil.
We use essential oils frequently for their healing properties in our Honolulu spa facials and treatments. We have studied them and follow safety guidelines very carefully in every instance and keep our clients informed regarding photosensitivity concerns after a treatment.
One final tip! The next time you have the hiccups, put one drop of essential oil on your finger and put it on the roof of your mouth. Hiccups? What hiccups? (It also works by putting the peppermint oil at the base of your skull at your C-1 vertebra, but the mouth works faster.)
Happy healing!
