Understanding essential oils

People use essential oils to treat ailments from stress to stiff joints. We spoke with a naturopath to learn more about what essential oils are and how you can use them.

By Paul Russell

Essential oil is a liquid extract from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, seeds or peels. People use these oils to treat certain health conditions. They’re usually distilled using steam or water. Each oil has the “essence” of the plant’s scent or flavor. That’s what gives essential oil its name.

How can we benefit from essential oils?

Essential oils may not work for everyone, and research results are mixed. But some research has shown they can help with mental and physical concerns, such as:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep

Some Naturopathic practitioners use essential oils for their healing abilities.

“Essential oils have many uses, from fighting viruses and bacteria to calming emotions,” says Elizabeth Nolan. She’s a naturopathic and bioenergetic practitioner in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador.

For example, she uses lavender, peppermint or both to treat cold sores. She also makes a custom blend to rub on the soles of the feet. It’s designed to help prevent colds and flu.

Some people turn to essential oils to manage pain. For example, Helichrysum is an oil that’s often used for this purpose, but there are others.

How are essential oils used to treat different conditions?

Essential oils can be inhaled, applied directly to the body or ingested in some cases. The method will depend on the essential oil, the health issue and the model the naturopath or aromatherapist follows. The model normally used in Canada is the English model. It recommends that a carrier oil is always used to dilute any essential oils used on the body. If you use any other mode, it’s recommended that you consult a licensed practitioner and follows instructions closely.

Is aromatherapy and essential oil therapy the same thing?

Nolan says the dictionary definition of Aromatherapy is the inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes. Whether you inhale it from a diffuser or apply it to your body, you’ll still inhale the essence. So, Nolan believes that any use of essential oils is a form of aromatherapy.

Is it safe to use essential oils?

Essential oils are safe, Nolan says, when used with care and caution. Like anything you put on your skin, do a small test patch to ensure you have no adverse reaction.

“There’s a wealth of information online. It’s worth searching any essential oil you plan on using. Look for agreement among multiple sites for its safe use,” says Nolan. “For example, some essential oils can be harmful to cats and dogs.” You need to avoid certain essential oils during pregnancy and for use on children under two years of age, as well.

Nolan also warns that “more” isn’t necessarily “better” when it comes to essential oils. Use them selectively and sparingly.

“Too much can do more harm than good. So, if you use a diffuser for aromatherapy, don’t have it on all day. A short period — 20 to 30 minutes or so — is likely all you need.”

Are all essential oil products the same?

The quality of essential oils can vary greatly, Nolan says. High quality essential oils have no additives. The manufacturers extract them using a chemical-free method (like distillation or cold-pressing). When buying essential oil, choose a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.

“It’s important to read the ingredient list carefully,” says Nolan. If you see one brand of an essential oil that’s much cheaper than others, it’s probably diluted. Claims like “pure,” “therapeutic grade” or “all-natural” can be unclear, Nolan says. Always ask before you buy.

Get professional help with your essential oil treatments

While you can use essential oils on your own, aromatherapists and most naturopaths have valuable knowledge and experience.

Look for aromatherapists who have “CAHP” after their name (Certified Aromatherapy Health Professional). That means they’ve passed the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists’ courses and written exams. Some naturopaths use essential oils in their practices and others do not, so be sure to ask your naturopath if they have training in essential oils.

Originally published on Lumino Health.