The area of the brain that deals with our sense of smell
is one of the most primitive; perhaps that is why experiencing
a certain smell can suddenly and evocatively whisk us back
to a specific place and time. Aromatherapy is the art
of using pure essences extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers,
bark, roots, or other parts of a plant, to create a sense
of emotional or physical well-being. Some essential
oils have medicinal or therapeutic properties, and some are
merely practical – for example, citronella is used to
repel mosquitoes.
The oils are generally extracted by distillation (most frequently
by steam or water) or by a process of absorption in liquid
CO2 (which then returns to gas leaving only the oil).
Aromatic extractions from plants have been used since ancient
times; for example the Egyptians had a form of distillation,
and used aromatic incense and also cedarwood, clove, cinnamon,
nutmeg and myrrh for embalming which could apparently still
be sensed when the mummies were discovered in more recent
times. In the early twentieth century, a French chemist,
René Maurice Gattefosse discovered the healing powers
of lavender after burning his hand in a laboratory accident
and plunging it into lavender oil, after which it healed rapidly.
He published a book on the anti-microbial effects of the oils
in 1937 and in 1928 coined the term “Aromatherapy”.
The development of aromatherapy has mostly emanated from France;
until in 1977 Robert B. Tisserand, an English aromatherapist
brought knowledge of the art to English speaking nations in
‘The Art of Aromatherapy’ - the first aromatherapy
book published in English.
In recent times, the interest in more natural forms of therapy
has caused aromatherapy to grow in popularity so that the
oils are readily available at many outlets, and in common
usage – for example, Tea Tree oil being used as an everyday
antiseptic for cuts and so on.
There are various ways of using the oils – they are
absorbed through the skin, for example during massage, or
as a bath additive. They can also be absorbed through
the lungs via a vaporizer or inhalations. The oils are
very concentrated though, and should generally not be used
directly on the skin without first being combined with a carrier
oil such as almond, avocado or another natural oil.
Some essential oils are contra-indicated in pregnancy, epilepsy
and other conditions, and some are irritating to the skin,
so it’s important to read the instructions on the bottle.
Here’s a guide to some of my favourite oils:
CHAMOMILE ANTHEMIS NOBILIS - Calming
With its distinctive apple, herb aroma this oil aids sleep
and soothes tired muscles. It also encourages emotional peace
and calm with a gently calming effect on mind, body and emotions.
An excellent oil for dry, sensitive and allergic skins.
CLARY SAGE SALVIA SCLAREA - Cleansing
Deeply relaxing and euphoric. Lifts the spirits. emotionally
and physically. Sensual, pungent.
FRANKINCENSE BOSWELLIA CARTERI Centering, Calming
A lovely scent, excellent for focus in meditation. Encourages
feelings of well-being. Calming. Soft and resonant aroma.
GERANIUM PELARGONIUM GRAVELOENS Uplifting, Cutting Through
Balances emotions. Cuts through negativity. Balances sebum
and is therefore suitable for all skin types. Has a penetrating
floral perfume.
LAVENDER LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS Clearing, Healing
Clear light flowery aroma, versatile oil for relaxing and
balancing mind and body. Aids sleep, soothes tired muscles,
benefits the immune system, encourages stillness and tranquility.
Has some antiseptic qualities and is useful for the skin.
LEMON CITRUS LIMONUM Clarity
Refreshes and cools bringing clarity to mind and emotions.
Restores vitality, a tonic to the circulatory system. Beneficial
effects on the immune system, is cleansing on the skin.
NEROLI CITRUS AURANTIUM Enlightening
My favourite. Brings a profound sense of peace. Good
for ageing, dry and sensitive skin and balancing in times
of shock and hysteria.
PATCHOULI POGOSTEMON CABLIN Grounding
Earthy, sensual, grounding oil which uplifts the spirit whilst
clearing the mind. Moisturising for dry skin. A musky, exotic,
lingering aroma though with overly ‘hippie’ associations
for some!
ROSE ROSA DAMASCENA Soothing, Healing
With a feminine floral perfume this oil is both soothing and
uplifting, great when sad or tired. Good for the heart.
Sensual, romantic, creative, gently cheering.
ROSEMARY ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS Clearing
A powerful mental stimulant which aids memory and concentration,
restores vitality and invigorates. Helpful when overworked,
good for exams! A refreshing herb/wood fragrance.
TEA TREE MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA Antiseptic, Healing
A practial oil with powerful antiseptic properties. Benefits
the immune system; disinfects and de-odorises, strengthens
especially during the winter months and convalescence. Very
helpful in skin care and currently very popular for a number
of uses.
An exotic and sensual oil with relaxing qualities. Soothes
and uplifts. Regulating and calming. Good for both oily
and dry skin. Sweet heady floral aroma.
NEXT ISSUE: Karma
Jeli Lala is an intuitive visionary with a playful and creative
approach to healing. Her gifts of channeling light and information
from other realms and her loving sensitivity have helped many
people along their path to wholeness.
Jeli welcomes comments and may be contacted on:
Email: jelila@jelila.com
Website: www.jelila.com or www.imagine-retreats.com
