The Many Health Benefits Of Essential Oils
The use of essential oils dates back to the beginning of time. It stands to reason they were recorded in the oldest civilizations in the world. Egypt, India, China and Greece have used them throughout history for culinary purposes, healing and beauty treatments. Without a doubt, they date back to the earliest gardens, study of plants, and were reverently collected and highly valued.
The Bible has hundreds of references to a wide array of essential oils. They were often brought as gifts to be used as anointing oils during prayers and ceremonies. They were also used in a therapeutic manner for healing various ailments. There are verses with instructions on which oils to gather and the ratios for mixing them. Some of the oils they mention are: Sandalwood, hyssop, frankincense, myrrh, cassia, cyprus, cinnamon, juniper, myrtle, and spikenard.
Oregano oil is well known for its efficacy in treating infections and allergies. Cypress and thyme also have antimicrobial properties. Frankincense is being studied in Europe and is being recognized for improving immune system function. Conventional medicine is starting to accept the attributes of certain essential oils. They are no longer dismissed as alternative medicine.
As a word of caution, essential oils are not meant to be taken internally. They are a highly distilled and concentrated essence of certain plants. When buying them, go to a reputable place, take a light loupe, and read the fine print. Some essential oils have toxins in them, and in other cases they are diluted and mixed with another cheaper oil.
With the exception of oregano oil, tea tree oil and lavender oil, it took me awhile to expand my horizons and start using more of them on a regular basis. I have always been of the opinion that fresh air is better than trying to cover it with some kind of fragrance. It seemed to me that some aromatherapy, along with the misting gadgets – is sort of like air freshener, which I am not a fan of. But once I began to differentiate the real essential oils and gather a few more of them, their benefits started to make more sense.
Another word of caution is that most essential oils are very strong. They can be mixed with olive oil or coconut oil to be used as a massage or bath oil. Since the olfactory nerves are in such close proximity to the brain, breathing in the strong aroma of certain oils is quite invigorating and interesting. I wanted to be able to learn to identify each of the fragrances. How many people know what myrrh smells like? So while in a candle lit, quiet, hot bath – I will rub a certain oil on my hands, and then cup my hands over my face and breathe it in. Similar to training the ear to recognize musical notes, we can train our sense of smell to identify different plants.
When you do this kind of close encounter with distilled essential oils, you have to be careful not to touch your skin or eyes. I love the smell of wild roses and lavender, but thyme and cyprus is especially woodsy and strong. Cyprus, thyme, and eucalyptus oils are perfect for the cold and flu season.
In addition to the relaxation, pleasant aromas and spiritual benefits – there are micro benefits in using these oils. Some of them have antimicrobial, anti viral and anti fungal properties. Since they are distilled chemical compounds, I have often wondered if certain essential oils can alter neurochemistry, specifically dopamine and serotonin, if used on a regular basis. This would be very helpful in treating addiction, depression and possibly other mental health disorders.
The best thing we can do for ourselves is to maintain autonomy over our own health. We do so on an individual level by learning and discerning what things are good for us – and what things to avoid. It is a good idea to include some research on essential oils, and how you might incorporate them into your self care routine.
If you don’t have time to collect a few bottles of essential oils and you do catch a cold or flu during the holiday season – get yourself an old fashioned jar of Vicks VapoRub. Although it doesn’t go back to Biblical times, it was introduced in 1905 as Vick’s Magic Croup Salve and rebranded as Vicks VapoRub in 1912.
Breathe Easy. And Happy Holidays!
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West Vintage (2020). Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West Vintage with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.