Essential Oils and their Healing Properties
What are essential oils?
Put simply, essential oils are known as “volatile oils” and are highly concentrated oils that have been extracted from a plant. A volatile oil is an oil that has the ability to vaporize easily. An essential oil can contain several hundreds of identified compounds. These complex mixtures can be further divided into three groups – 1) Hydrocarbons (highly volatile) 2) Monoterpenes (moderately volatile) and 3) Sesquiterpenes (not too volatile)
How can Essential Oils help?
Since essential oils are extracted from different plants, the oils carry the healing properties of the plant itself. They are known to help improve physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
How to use Essential Oils
There are various ways in which you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
Diffusing oils in a store-bought water mist diffuser
Applying essential oils on to the skin with a carrier oil (ex: coconut oil)
Ingesting oils at very small quantities
Please consult with your health care provider before applying oils to skin or ingesting oil.
Essential Oil Safety Tips
Keep out of reach from children
Use with caution in pregnancy as oils can have an effect on hormones
Do not use oils around eyes or in ears
Ensure you dilute oils if you are applying the essential oils to your skin
Essential oils can cause skin reactions, so always test the oil in a small spot before applying to large area
References:
PDQ Integrative, a. (2017). Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ®). [online] PubMed Health. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032645/ [Accessed 23 Jun. 2017].
Worwood, V. (2012). Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child. New World Library.
Dr. Samina is a licensed and registered Naturopathic Doctor. She is passionate about helping patients find true clarity and confidence in their health using evidenced-based natural therapies. Her practice focuses on women's health, pregnancy and pediatrics. She has supported patients with fatigue, stress, pain, anxiety, digestive concerns, irregular/absent periods, acne, weight management and more! The tools she utilizes includes acupuncture, botanical medicine, supplements and diet/lifestyle counselling.