Magic of Smell-Essential Oils for Wellness!

Aromatic plants and oils have been used since thousands of years, as perfumes and cosmetics or for their medical and culinary uses. The Vedas of India since 2000 BC, lists over 700 different aromatic substances which include sandalwood, ginger, coriander and cinnamon.

In Indo-Aryan tongue,"atar" means smoke,wind, odour and essence and has both ceremonial and therapeutic uses.

The Egyptians were the experts of cosmetology and were known for their herbal preparations and ointments.

"KYPHI" is one such Egyptian preparation which was made by mixing 16 ingredients could be used as incense, perfume as well as medicine.

Over the next few centuries, the medicinal properties and applications of increasing numbers of essential oils were analysed and recorded by pharmacists. The perfumery and distillation industries sprang up as flourishing commercial setups.

In 1928,"Aromatherapy" was coined by a French Chemist when he started working with lavender which was rapidly able to heal a severe burn on his hand and prevented scarring.

The Essential oils have three different modes of action-

Pharmacological- chemical changes taking place when it enters bloodstream and reacts with hormones and enzymes.

Physiological- effects on the systems of the body.

Psychological- inhalation and response to the odour.

Essential oils at home can be used for massages, as skin oils, in lotions, as hot or cold compress, with shampoo or hair oil,in bathtub, in a diffuser or vaporiser and steam inhalation.

Lets talk about a few commonly available oils and their uses in the best possible manner:

Sandalwood:

Main producer is Mysore in India and is exported hugely.

It is non-toxic and non-irritant.

It can act as an antidepressant, astringent, antispasmodic, bactericidal, fungicidal agent.

It can be used for skin care in cases of dry,chapped skin, as aftershave and moisturizer.

Also, can be used in dry coughs, insomnia, depression and stress.

It blends well with rosewood, jasmine, clove and lavender.

LemonGrass:

Main Producers are Gautemala and India(Travancore).

It is non-toxic but may cause dermal irritation in some, use with care.

It can act as an antidepressant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent .

It can be used for skin care in acne, tissue toner, open pores and as insect repellent.

Also, can be used in muscular pain, indigestion, fever, headaches and in poor circulation.

Lavender:

Main producer is France.

It is non-toxic, non- irritant and non-sensitizing.

It can act as an antidepressant, antimicrobial, analgesic, antirheumatic.

It can be used in acne, allergies, dandruff, bruises, sores, sunburn, insect bites etc.

Also, can be used in nausea, muscle pain, asthma, depression, migraine, sciatica, vertigo etc.

It can be used with oakmoss, clove, pine.

Arnica:

Major producers are France, Germany, Belgium and Northern India.

It should not be taken internally or on broken skin but can be used as ointments.

It is an anti-inflammatory agent and improves blood circulation. It is one of the best remedies for bruises and sprains, relieves rheumatic pains and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Tea Tree:

Major Producer is Australia.

It is non-toxic and non-Irritant.

It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-infectious, antiviral, immuno-stimulant.

It can be used in acne, blisters, burns, herpes, rashes, warts, asthma, cold, fever, vaginitis.

It can heal against bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

It blends well with pine, rosemary, lavender, clove etc.

A lot of other essential oils are right around you which can be used for healing and these include clove, lemon, cardamom, camphor, ginger etc.

As mentioned earlier, magic lies in Nature and we can all practise little healing for our wellbeing with the right knowledge!

Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit!

Take care!!!