Questions about essential oils
Published 8:32 am Friday, October 11, 2019
Hi Dr. Kim,
I want to get into using essential oils and was wondering which ones are the most user-friendly. I heard that certain oils cannot be applied directly to the skin. What can you tell me about that? — Ashton from Elizabethton
Hi Ashton,
Thanks for your question. I’m glad that you’re asking for advice before diving right in, saving yourself lots of time and money. Essential oils make up a large part of Aromatherapy, the art of using aromatic plants for health purposes. They are also trendy right now, as growing and extraction methods improve and more high-quality oils become widely available. What many people do not realize about essential oils is that they are not simply scented, they are potent substances extracted from plants that create a reaction in your body. Essential oils are pressed from plants and are concentrated chemicals. If you squeeze an orange peel, what comes out of the peel is the essential oil, containing the essence of the plant. Essential oils are also “volatile” — that is, reactive and flammable, which is why it is possible to light the inside of an orange peel and watch it burn like a candle.
Essential oils have been used around the world in baths and home remedies for hundreds of years. I can recommend some safe and gentle oils, but the best strategy for their use is to invest in some good books with health and safety information, never use too many oils at one time, use the recommended carrier oils, and do not use them if you have hormonal imbalances, allergies, or sensitivity to strong fragrances. Some oils are not recommended for use during pregnancy. The oils must be stored in a dark, cool place and remain in the colored glass bottles which shield them from strong light.
Lavender essential oil (lavandula augustifolia) is one of the most gentle, ancient, and widely used of the oils. It is one of few oils that can be applied “neat” — that is, without a carrier oil, to the skin. Note that just because some oils can be applied neat to the skin does not mean that everyone should do this. It is possible to have a reaction to an oil that is not an allergen for most people. Lavender is one of the best oils to get started with because it has a wide variety of uses and a calm, fresh fragrance. It may very well be the most versatile of the essential oils. It helps with wound healing, skin smoothing and repair, sleep, calming the nerves, and awakening mental clarity. A bath of epsom salts, lavender oil, and oats in a gauze bag creates a complete mineral bath for total skin cleansing and refreshment. The medicinal properties of lavender oil are sedative and antiseptic. Lavender is a wonderful plant in general, since it is naturally pest-repellent, a foraging source for honey bees, and beautiful to look at and smell. Its name comes from “lavo,” to wash. To use lavender essential oil, keep a small bottle of it to be applied to the skin in cases of bruises, burns, and injuries (avoid applying it to open cuts). Lavender can be placed in an essential oil burner, and in my experience smells best in the kind that releases steam from the top. Burn this oil when people have the flu or colds. It can be added to mop water for an antiseptic floor wash, warm or cool compresses, baths, and cotton balls for quick aromatherapy.
Rose essential oil (rosa damascena) is seen as a romantic, perfuming flower, and its ant-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties are often overlooked. Though it is possible to use this oil “neat,” it seems to work better in sweet almond oil or avocado oil. The fragrance of rose is stronger than the lavender oil. A few drops in a warm bath refreshes the skin and deeply cleanses hair. 1-3 drops of rose oil added to a warm compress eases rheumatic pains. In a burner, rose essential oil calms anxiety, soothes the nerves, and enhances sleep. Rose oil’s medicinal qualities are astringent and antibacterial.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It has a fresh, camphor-like, somewhat minty smell and should be used directly or in a mixture of carrier oil. Many people are not a fan of the smell when placed in a burner. Rosemary oil would be more suitable for use in a burner than tea tree oil. This essential oil naturally repels ticks. Misted onto clothing and exposed areas before hiking or working outdoors, it can reduce the chances of a tick bite. This oil is somewhat drying but gentle for skin. A few drops mixed with daily shampoo will bring the tingling-clean feeling to the scalp and control dandruff. In soaps, tea tree oil is a natural sanitizer. This oil is a great natural deodorant, and tea tree based deodorants work well for people with nervous sweating or labor-intensive jobs. When added to foot baths, its antifungal properties help to clear nail fungus. It is a great antiseptic for skin conditions such as acne or blisters.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and Calendula (Calendula officinalis) essential oils come from different flowers but have similar properties. Chamomile has a medical history that is at least 2000 years old. It is famous for its daisy-like flowers and mildly pungent smell. This oil in a burner has a sweet, calming smell. On the body, it can be used in cases of acne, allergic reactions, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Massaging the body with chamomile oil reduces pain and inflammation. Most sources recommend that Chamomile be used with a carrier oil. Calendula, similar in function, treats burns, rashes, insect bites, and skin ulcerations. Cold infusions of water and a few drops of Calendula can be applied to the skin. A drop of Calendula on a cotton ball held lightly in the ear soothes ear infection symptoms. This oil is soothing for bee and wasp stings. In a burner, Calendula brings energy to the room and has a distinctive, cheerful fragrance. Chamomile and Calendula oils should not be used during pregnancy.
These are five multi-functional, uplifting essential oils that compose a great starter-kit for someone just beginning to use them. Oils in the mint family (such as peppermint and rosemary), tend to create strong reactions in people sensitive to smells. Generally, the stronger the fragrance of the oil is, the stronger the reaction could be. It is important to follow the directions on labels, and never buy essential oils from unknown sources. Never eat or ingest any essential oil, or apply large amounts (remember, less is more and essential oils are reactive). Do not try to use an oil for its health benefits if you do not find the fragrance to be pleasant, because the art of aromatherapy depends on our olfactory experience. If after some use of these simple oils you feel confident to try others, consider collecting oils from a theme. For example, you could start with oils that come from flowers, or study the ones which come from trees, which are altogether a different aromatherapy experience. Over time, it is a rewarding experience to find out which oils add harmony and fun to your lifestyle. I discovered that bergamot oil smells nice in the morning next to brewing coffee, and that eucalyptus adds an invigorating touch in the shower. Overall, I do recommend that reading, research and gentle experimentation be done before using essential oils regularly, but much prefer them over synthetic perfumes and chemical products. With mindful awareness and a bit of patience, the use of essential oils can become a handy tool to have around the house as well as a life-long interest, and a support to your health along the way.
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Dr. Kimberly McMurtrey DNP, APRN, FNP-C is the Primary Provider at Tri Cities Health, located on West Elk Ave., Elizabethton. If you would like to submit a question for her to answer you can call 423-543-7000 or email your questions to tricitieshealth@outlook.com.
**Medical Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.