Published on January 10, 2023

Essential Oil Therapy

Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils.

essential oils

Written by Fabiana Vidal, B.S., LMT - Certified Integrative Holistic Therapist, Integrative Health & Wellness Coordinator

What is an Essential Oil?

Essential oils are extracted directly from natural plant material through primarily cold steam distillation and cold-press techniques. Each plant has specific properties that have been used for thousands of years to bring balance to body, mind and spirit. They can be used for tranquility, digestive balance, respiratory support, to alleviate discomfort, for prayer and meditation, and overall well-being.

Methods for Therapeutic Use: Inhalation and Topical

Inhalation

Direct: One to three drops in a cotton pad, therapeutic inhaler
Indirect: Room diffuser (ultrasonic/electric)

Topical

Self-care massage with essential oil blend

Dilution guide

1% dilution: Three drops of EO per tablespoon of carrier oil
2% dilution: Six drops of EO per tablespoon of carrier oil
5% dilution: 15 drops of EO per tablespoon of carrier oil

Truth in essential oil integrity and quality

When purchasing essential oils, it is important to be informed about the quality, reputation and integrity of the supplier.

Essential oil suppliers should have a good and trustworthy reputation in the field of aromatherapy. Providing GC/MS reports for each of their essential oils and understanding their commitment to sustainability are important values to know before purchasing.

What to look for in the labeling:

Common name
Scientific (Latin) name
Method of production
Part of plant used to extract essential oil
Country of origin
Chemical (chemotype) specificity
How it was grown (Organically, wild crafted, cultivated, etc.)

The benefits of essential oils

Lavender - calming (Lavandula angustifolia)

lavender

Body systems affected: Cardiovascular, digestive and nervous
Aromatic indications: Soothes irritability, depression, anxiety and hyperactivity; balances emotions; alleviates fears, extreme emotions, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, insomnia, headaches, neuralgia, hypertension and stress-related disorders and digestive upsets

Lemon - uplifting (Citrus limon)

lemom

Body systems affected: Digestive, immune, respiratory and nervous
Aromatic indications: Promotes physical energy; purifying, invigorating, enhancing and warming; soothes anxiety, depression, stress and anger/irritability

Peppermint - stimulating (Mentha x piperita)

peppermint

Body systems affected: Digestive, nervous, respiratory and musculoskeletal (spasms, muscular stiffness, aches and pains)
Aromatic indications: Stimulating, refreshing, focusing and purifying; alleviates mental fatigue, tension headaches, migraines, neuralgia and travel sickness

Citrus Fresh blend – balancing (Orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, spearmint)

citrus

Body systems affected: Immune and lymphatic
Aromatic indications: Relaxing, calming and balancing; enhances feelings of well-being; balances emotions

Bergamot – uplifting (Citrus bergamia)

bergamot

Pairs well with lavender.

Body systems affected: Digestive and nervous
Aromatic indications: Sedative; uplifting yet calming; balances emotions; helps with irritability, depression and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

PanAway® blend – stimulating (Wintergreen, helichrysum, clove, peppermint)

DiGize

Contains naturally occurring constituents, including methyl salicylate, which has aspirin-like properties.

Body systems affected: Musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous
Aromatic indications: Stimulating and anti-inflammatory; alleviates pain from sprains, spasms, stiffness, rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica; helps relax muscles and support healthy joint and cartilage function

DiGize® blend – warming (Ginger, tarragon, peppermint, juniper, fennel, lemon-grass, anise, patchouli)