Essential Oils: Why the Greeks, Monks & Witches used them
Whenever people spoke about using essential oils, I would roll my eyes. Skip forward a couple of years, and here I am bringing aromatherapy diffusers into my classes; one sits right next to my bed, and just this morning, I was on set, and in the green room waiting for me was a box of essential oils, and a diffuser. I brought the bottle labelled 'Relax', aka Lavender, with me on set. I'd open it in between takes and take a whiff to calm the nerves. Weird, ya I know, but Lavender has always been a calming scent to me; its calming effect may be tied back to when I was a kid, and my Papou used to plant them everywhere in his garden, or is there actual science backing the benefits of essential oils? But first, let's step back to when and why they were used.
Essential oils and their use have spanned across different cultures and civilizations.
A Brief History:
Ancient Civilizations:
Aromatic plants and their extracts can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, India, and Greece.
In ancient Egypt, essential oils were used for medicinal, cosmetic, and religious purposes. They played a significant role in embalming practices and were used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Greece and Rome:
The ancient Greeks and Romans also embraced the use of aromatic plants. Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as the "father of medicine," documented the medicinal properties of various plant extracts, laying the foundation for aromatherapy.
Ayurveda in India:
In India, the ancient healing system of Ayurveda has a rich tradition of using aromatic plants and their extracts. Ayurvedic texts, such as the Charaka Samhita, describe using essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
Middle Ages and Renaissance:
During the Middle Ages, the knowledge of essential oils was preserved and expanded upon by scholars in the Islamic world. Avicenna, a Persian polymath, wrote extensively about the distillation of essential oils.
In medieval and early modern Europe, individuals practising folk magic and herbal medicine were often labelled as witches. These practitioners utilized various natural substances, including herbs and oils, for multiple purposes, such as healing, protection, and divination.
In the Renaissance, renewed interest in science and herbal medicine led to further exploration of essential oils in Europe.
18th to 19th Centuries:
In the 18th Century, Monks in Italy got all witchy and invented the now-popularised Apertifs, a pre-dinner drink believed to aid digestion and stimulate the appetite. Aperitifs are herbal liqueurs and fortified wines with infused and distilled botanicals, herbs, and spices.
In the 19th century, the field of aromatherapy began to take shape. Renowned chemists in France, like René-Maurice Gattefossé, conducted research on the therapeutic properties of essential oils.
20th Century to Present:
The term "aromatherapy" was coined by Gattefossé, and the practice gained popularity in the 20th century. Aromatherapy involves using essential oils for holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health.
The interest in essential oils continues to grow, with ongoing research exploring their potential health benefits and applications, particularly for the nervous system, which might explain why I have such a strong affinity for the Lavender scent.
The Smell Sense & Brain Connection:
The sense of smell is intricately connected to emotions, memories, and experiences. This phenomenon can be attributed to the close anatomical relationship between the olfactory system (responsible for the sense of smell) and the brain's limbic system (associated with emotions and memories). Ah ha! There is literally a close link between the sense of smell and memories. Research on the effects of essential oils on the nervous system is an evolving field. While some evidence suggests positive outcomes, more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding. Here are some scientific insights into the potential links between essential oils and nervous system health:
Stress and Anxiety Reduction:
A study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" (2014) investigated the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects of lavender oil. The results suggested that inhaling lavender essential oil may have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Another study in the "International Journal of Neuroscience" (2009) explored the anxiolytic effects of bergamot essential oil. The findings indicated that exposure to bergamot essential oil may help reduce anxiety.
Sleep and Relaxation:
Research published in "Natural Product Communications" (2013) investigated the sedative effects of essential oils, including Lavender and chamomile. The study suggested that these crucial oils positively impact sleep and relaxation.
Cognitive Function and Memory:
A study in the "International Journal of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health" (2015) explored the effects of rosemary and peppermint essential oils on cognitive performance and mood. The findings suggest that these essential oils positively impact cognitive function and mood.
Pain Relief:
Research in the "Journal of Natural Medicines" (2016) investigated the analgesic (pain-relieving) effects of lavender essential oil. The study suggested that inhaling lavender oil may contribute to pain relief.
Neuroprotective Effects:
A study in "Phytomedicine" (2013) examined the neuroprotective effects of essential oils, including frankincense. The findings suggested that frankincense essential oil might have potential as a neuroprotective agent.
So, there is something to be said about using essential oils and their positive impacts on our health. Until science catches up on proving or disproving the ancient healing wisdom passed down, here's a basic cheat sheet of essential oils commonly associated with various aspects of well-being. Remember that individual responses to essential oils can vary, so it's a good idea to test them in small amounts and observe your reactions.
1. Stress Relief:
Lavender
Chamomile
Bergamot
Frankincense
Ylang-Ylang
2. Relaxation:
Lavender
Chamomile
Sandalwood
Cedarwood
Geranium
3. Energy Boost:
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Orange
Grapefruit
4. Focus and Concentration:
Rosemary
Peppermint
Lemon
Eucalyptus
Basil
5. Mood Enhancement:
Bergamot
Frankincense
Ylang-Ylang
Orange
Clary Sage
6. Sleep Aid:
Lavender
Chamomile
Cedarwood
Bergamot
Sandalwood
7. Respiratory Health:
Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Lemon
Rosemary
8. Immune Support:
Tea Tree
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Thyme
Oregano
9. Muscle Relaxation:
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Rosemary
Chamomile
10. Confidence and Uplifting:
Orange
Bergamot
Grapefruit
Lemon
Peppermint
Application Tips:
Diffusion: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse the aroma throughout a room.
Topical Application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) before applying to the skin.
Inhalation: Inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water.
Massage: Combine with a carrier oil for a soothing massage.
Always follow proper dilution guidelines and consider individual sensitivities. If you have specific health concerns or are pregnant, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
Zara x