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The
History of Essential Oils & Massage
Aromatic herbs have been the domain of perfumers, alchemists, physicians,
chemists, priests, royalty and gods since ancient times. Detailed
Babylonian import orders (c.1800B.C.) for a variety of aromatics
including cypress, cedarwood and myrrh were inscribed on clay tablets.
One of Egypt’s more lavish Pharaohs, Ramses III, once offered
246 measures and 86 bundles of cinnamon, and 3,036 logs on another
occasion, for a petition to one of his Deities. The act of distillation
was being practised in ancient Turkey, Persia and India and stills
were being used in the foothills of the Himalayas as far back as
3,000 BC. In more recent times, Elizabeth I would surely have used
aromatics in her annual bath which she proudly had, ‘whether
she needed to or no’. (sic)
The Romans gained their knowledge from the Greeks and the Greeks
learned from the Egyptians who had been preparing aromatic infusions
for more than 5,000 years. The Egyptians held scents in high regard
and utilised them in medicine, food preservation, cosmetics, cooking
and religion. The earliest recorded recipe for deodorant can be
found in the Papyrus Ebers of 1,500 BC and there are recorded incidents
of essences being used in the treatment of manias, depression and
nervous disorders. The principles of aromatherapy even played a
part in the building of towns when a town commissioned by Akhenaton,
who is probably more famous for his marriage to Nefertiti, was built
with large spaces for the burning of herbs to keep the air germ
free.
As Egypt grew strong, it’s rulers imported exotic scents as
a sign of economic and political might. They imported frankincense,
sandalwood, myrrh and cinnamon as tribute from conquered peoples
and with trading partners, these treasures were sometimes exchanged
for gold. Perfumery was closely linked with religion and each God
and Goddess was allotted a fragrance. Statues were anointed with
secret formulations made by Priests and used for such a variety
of times as prayer, healing, war and love.
In Babylon, perfumed mortar was used to build temples and in India,
temples were built of sandalwood to maintain an aromatic atmosphere.
This link with aromatics and the spirit was also fostered by the
Greeks who prized scents so highly because they were a direct gift
from the Gods. Their afterworld was Elysium and the air was eternally
sweet with the smell of perfumed rivers.
The Greeks visited the Nile Valley, which came to be known as the
Cradle of Medicine, in 500B.C. and upon returning to their homeland,
established a medical school on the Island of Cos. Here, the combined
knowledge of Greek and Egyptian experience was indexed and classified
and a variety of influential works served to promote and further
the uses for aromatic substances. The school’s most famous
graduate, Hippocrates, recommended a daily bath and massage with
essential oils as the basis for a sound health regime. Another Greek
physician, Megallus, formulated an aromatic remedy to which he gave
the subtle name Megaleon. To make it, cinnamon, myrrh and charred
frankincense were soaked in ‘Oil of Balanos’ and it
quickly gained fame for healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
Wine-based oils were popularly used for anointing the forehead with
perfumed unguents. Perfumes were also inhaled to heal specific complaints.
Quince or white violet eased stomach discomfort, grape-leaf cleared
the head and rose helped headaches.
Dioscordes wrote a treatus with references to over 500 medicinal
plants called De Materia Medica which was later translated into
a variety of languages and went on to influence the Roman herbalist
Galen (c.30A.D.) who wrote the Western world’s standard medical
reference for more than 1,500 years. Concerning Odours was a treatus
on scent written by Theophrastus in which he discussed how aromatics
were processed and linked to thought and emotions.
There is no doubt, however, that the hedonistic and inspired Romans
took the use of scents to new heights. In Nero’s palace, silver
spice-filled pipes perfumed the guests as they were entertained.
Perfumed earthenware cups were especially popular and over 1,000
fragrant watering spots were scattered around the city. Aromatics
were to become so popular, that a special edict was declared in
30A.D. that forbade the personal use of exotic scents as the supplies
for use on ritual altars were growing scarce. Later, when the seat
of learning moved east from Rome to Constantinople, perfumed arts
maintained their popularity.
It is thought that the Arabs were the first to distil ethyl alcohol
from fermented sugar. This provided a solvent other than oils and
waxes for infusions, and such popular luxuries as floral waters
followed. Much of the demand for these products was from export
markets. Ibn Sina, a Persian physician more commonly referred to
as Avicenna, was the author of over 100 books, some of which were
influential in Europe until the sixteenth century. In the 10th century
AD, he improved the process of distillation when he introduced an
extended cooling pipe to the still. This addition allowed the plant
and steam molecules to cool faster so more solvent could be made.
Many new medicines and ointments were brought from the east during
the Crusades and many of today’s surviving herbals, whose
contents included recipes for the use and manufacture of essential
oils, were written during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.
Essential oils are usually extracted by steam distillation. The
oil giving part of the plant is placed inside a stainless steel
vat and extreme pressure from the steam around the vat breaks down
the plant material and releases the essential oil from the plant
cells. When cooled, the oils separate naturally from the water.
The residual water is used for cosmetics or skin care and is known
as ‘floral water’. Aromatic waters were popular for
centuries and even used by the Bible’s chaste Susannah of
Babylon, who bathed in orange floral water. The height of their
popularity in sixteenth century France saw many varieties, including
Carmelite Water made by Carmelite nuns and containing Melissa, promoted
for their health benefits. Aromatic plants were becoming an popular
part of European life and monasteries were increasingly known to
cultivate medicinal herbs.
During the The Plague of the 14th century, over eighty million people
across Europe died within the space of a few years. Again aromatics
were turned to for help. Frankincense and pine scented candles and
garlands of aromatic herbs were burned in European streets to cover
the stench of death and help disinfect the air..Later during the
sixteenth century Bubonic Plague, doctors walked the streets wearing
huge hats with large ‘beaks’ attached. Aromatic herbs
were placed in the ‘beaks’ to purify the air for breathing
and long open-ended canes also filled with herbs were carried. They
waved the canes in front of them as they walked for extra security.
Aroma and health were firmly linked as perfumed air was deemed not
only pleasurable, but antiseptic.
Fifteenth century physician and alchemist Paracelsus said alchemy’s
role was developing medicines and extracts from healing plants.
He believed distillation released the most desirable part of the
plant and by 1700, essential oils were utilised in mainstream medicine.
The advent of chemistry and chemical synthesis, however, saw their
steady decline. It wasn’t until the beginning of the twentieth
century that aromatics regained their lost favour. The history of
modern aromatherapy is a short one, but this history is inextricably
woven into the more general history of plants and their extracts,
compounds and essential oils.
The quality of essential oils relies on the growing conditions of
the plant, soil, weather conditions and the timing of harvest. All
influence the fragrance, colour and potency. This century’s
noted aromatherapist and physician, Dr. Jean Valnet, observed they
must be dried and preserved skilfully to keep their power intact
and used with discrimination. Through scientific research and analysis
he helped to substantiate the reputed benefits of essential oils
.
Essential oils can be distinguished from fatty oils because they
can be volatised by heat and will evaporate. Fatty oils will stain
paper permanently, but the stain is temporary with essential oils.
Essences are soluble in alcohol, ether and fixed oils. They are
not soluble in water, even though they donate some of their scent
to their aqueous surrounds. Their boiling points are varied and
reach between 160° C and 240° C. Many of their secrets have
been discovered in the last century, there is still much to learn
and Dr. Taylor of the University of Austin, Texas mused that more
new compounds of essences are presented to the world’s chemists
than they could possibly analyse in a thousand years.
The rigidity of nineteenth century science turned its back on naturally
derived substances in favour of those born in the laboratory. It
was thought better to synthesise the active therapeutic properties
of a plant to provide not only a uniform standard, but a cheaper
cost as well. When synthesised, however, these products can be toxic
to some and not as powerful as the originals they emulate. M. Huerre
in 1919 was to clearly state:
"It is not enough to place side by side the principal chemical
elements which analysis shows to be present in a particular vegetable
essence, in order to obtain a product which, therapeutically speaking,
is as active as that of the natural essence."
The term ‘aromatherapie’ was first coined by the French
biochemist Reneé-Maurice Gattefossé in 1937. He is
thought to have become an advocate after burning his arm during
a laboratory experiment. Upon burning his arm, he plunged it into
the nearest tub of cold liquid. The tub was full of lavender oil,
and not only did he find relief from the pain, but the wound healed
at an astonishing rate and Gattefossé went on to study the
properties of essences for the rest of his life. He theorised that
essential oils can be passed from the skin to the body’s internal
organs because the skin is connected to the brain and nervous system.
He also classified the various effects of essential oils on the
digestive system, the metabolism, the nervous system and the endocrine
glands.
In the late 1950s, Marguerite Maury began studying essential oils
and how they could be used to penetrate the skin for the maintenance
of health and beauty. She also developed the methods of massage
aromatherapists still use today. For much of this century, aromatherapy
has been the domain of the beauty industry while remaining an outcast
in the medical community. It is only recently that oils have once
again been selected to meet the needs of the individual for healing.
Until recently, beauticians were given a pre-packaged mixture by
the oil manufacturers, and had no part in the mixing of the oils
or their potency.
Each essential oil has a localised action. For example, the supnarenal
glands are stimulated by savory, the central nervous system by lavender,
thyme and aspic, the intestines are treated by cinnamon, cloves
and rosemary, the lungs by niaouli, eucalyptus and pine and the
urinary stem by juniper and sandalwood. Oils act as natural balancers,
or adaptogens, which will instigate reactions in the body so a state
of homeostasis is achieved. Adaptogens are interesting because they
are swingers. Hyssop acts to normalise either high or low blood
pressure, peppermint is both relaxant and stimulant depending on
the dosage and what it’s mixed with, and lemon will act on
the autonomic nervous system as either a tonic or sedative, depending
on what is required.
Essential oils usually enter the body through the nose and the skin
and leave the body in the same way as other things we excrete -
through the skin, breath, faeces and urine. Upon inhalation, tiny
particles are taken to the roof of the nose and up behind the eyes.
This is where the olfactory system is, and where we register emotions,
sexual feelings, memory and learning. The olfactory system is attached
to the limbic system which links the left and right brain and the
voluntary and involuntary nervous centres. Cilia around the olfactory
bulbs transmit ‘messages’ which are encoded and sent
around the body. Through massage, oils are absorbed through the
skin. Although it is recognised that essential oils can affect the
lipids of a cell membrane, hormone levels and inhibit bacterial
growth, no-one seems to know just exactly how they work.
When the combination is more than the sum of the parts, this is
a synergistic effect. Synergistic blends contain two or more oils
mixed in such a way as to produce a chemical compound different
to the component parts. They are powerful acting and direct and
contain a vibrancy not otherwise attainable with just one oil. Proportions
should be correct, however, and it is sometimes important to mix
more than needed because a component part diluted in carrier oil
may be only 0.001 of the whole, but that thousandth is vital to
the whole.
Aromatherapy is a complementary natural therapy. It embraces the
notion of life force, whole organic food, good air and healthy lifestyle.
Massage oils, poultices, steam inhalations, sitz, hand, body and
foot baths, gargles and room sprays are the most common methods
of administration. Aromatherapy incorporates yin and yang, reflexology,
shiatsu, pressure points, vibrational healing, colour therapy, crystals
and meditation. It is a universal and abundant therapy that revitalises
the mind, body and spirit.
Essential oils are categorised by species, chemical constituents
and effect. They are divided into three ‘notes’ - top,
middle and base - in a similar way to the ingredients of perfume.
Top notes are uplifting and refreshing, middle notes affect body
systems and the general metabolism and base notes are sedating.
They are mixed with a variety of carrier oils for massage, each
with its own additional therapeutic value. The general rules are
as follows:
Minimum-maximum drops of essential oil Into millilitres of base
oil
0-1 drop 1
2-5 drops 5
4-10 drops 10
6-15 drops 15
8-20 drops 20 5 ml = 1 teaspoon
10-25 drops 25 10 ml = 1 dessertspoon
12-30 drops 30 15 ml = 1 tablespoon
Like any therapeutic tool, essential oils must be used with caution
and respect. Basil, clary sage, juniper, rosemary, marjoram, fennel,
clove bud, cypress, peppermint, cedarwood and lemongrass should
be avoided during pregnancy because they may induce menstruation
or have diuretic properties which would deplete fluid in the foetal
sac. The citrus oils can cause skin photosenstisation to the sun’s
ultraviolet rays and exposure to the sun should be restricted for
no less than four hours after using such oils. People with high
blood pressure, epilepsy, neural disorders or kidney disease need
to be especially careful as oils like cypress, rosemary, jumiper
and black pepper as they may aggravate their conditions. Oils should
never be used undiluted on the skin and never contact the eyes or
sensitive parts of the body as they can cause redness and burning.
An unfortunate friend of mine once went crazy with a bottle of orange
oil in the bath and suffered mild burns on her legs. If a stinging
sensation, inflammation or burning does occur, apply a lot of carrier
oil immediately. This will help to disperse the essential oils.
Aromatherapy has been involved in a marketing frenzy in the last
couple of years. The therapeutic value of essential oils have extended
from beauty lotions, bath oils and soaps to aromatic colour therapy,
insect repellents, house cleaners and ready made bath and vaporiser
treatments. Essential oils are available just about everywhere.
It wasn’t until the middle of last year that I really began
to understand just how powerful essential oils could be. A particularly
nasty bout of cystitis last year left me huddled up, crying my eyes
out and in so much pain I was unable to leave the house. I felt
I had no choice but to test out my essential oils once and for all
because I wanted relief A.S.A.P. I had lavender sitz baths every
time I went to the bathroom, drank an awful lot of water and rubbed
1 drop of sandalwood mixed in a teaspoon of sweet almond oil four
times daily on my kidneys for ten days. The effects were profound.
Not only did the incredible pain cease within a few hours, but it
was almost as though the oils were comforting my body. With antibiotics
I had felt almost a ‘push-me-pull-you’ bodily reaction
that can best be described as feeling like my body was at war. I
was comforted on both the physiological and emotional levels and
have used essential oils to treat myself ever since.
I think essential oils are one of nature’s most generous gifts.
They soothe and heal and can take away a furrowed brow consumed
with worry. Essential oils make us healthy, beautiful, strong and
calm.
The Top Ten Essentials
Lavender
Middle note
Distilled from flowers
Harmonising and balancing in the body. Relaxes, soothes, calms,
relieves irritability, nervous tension, mild anxiety and stress.
Soothes muscular aches, pains, bites and stings, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial,
insect repellent and aids in the pain of burns by direct application.
Tea Tree
Top/middle note
Distilled from leaves and twigs
Nervous debility, shock, colds, influenza, bronchitis, airborne
infections, immuno-stimulant, dandruff, cuts and abrasions.
Warning: may occasionally irritate the skin, use with lavender to
soften its effect.
Spearmint
Top/middle note
Distilled from leaves
Heat-stroke, shock, general fatigue, nervousness, colds, chills,
airborne infections, vomiting, nausea, colic, hangover, travel sickness,
oral hygiene, pre and aprés sport.
Warning: avoid during pregnancy or in conjunction with homeopathic
remedies, don’t use on small children,babies, sensitive skin
or late at night.
Chamomile (Roman)
Middle note
Distilled from flowers
Restlessness, irritability, anger, resentment, insomnia, headaches,
migraine, spasmodic coughs and wheezes, rheumatism, allergic reactions,
colic, urinary system tonic, stomach cramps, toning and cleansing.
Warning: do not use in early pregnancy.
Eucalyptus (Radiata)
Top note
Distilled from leaves
Aerial antiseptic, colds, fevers, diarrhoea, joint stiffness, rheumatism,
anti-fungal, , kidney complaints.
Warning: do not use on small children, or in conjunction with a
homeopathic remedy.
Geranium
Distilled from leaves
Middle note
Anxiety, tension, restlessness, liver tonic, PMT, heavy periods,
menopause, urinary and vaginal infections, burns, nosebleed, insect
repellent, deodorant, mouthwash, eczema, oedema, haemorrhoids and
acne.
Warning: there is a very slight risk of allergic reaction in some
sensitive people.
Rosemary Moroccan or Tunisian
Distilled from leaves
Middle note
Depression, confusion, fatigue, general debility, bronchitis, sinusitis,
liver tonic, hangover, rheumatic aches and pains, gout, fluid retention,
hair and scalp tonic and cleansing.
Warning:do not use in pregnancy or if epileptic or suffering high
blood pressure.
Sandalwood West Australian
Distilled from bark
Middle note
Relieves sleeplessness, nervous tension, stress, sore throat, laryngitis,
hair and skin tonic, antiseptic,anti-spasmodic and bronchitis, lumbago,
sciatica, nausea and egocentric behaviour.
Lemon Cold Pressed
Distilled from rind of fruit
Top note
Stimulating, aerial disinfectant, hangover, gout, rheumatism, cramp,
acne, chilblains, fatigue, general debility and listlessness.
Warning: do not sunbathe or use an ultra-violet lamp for at least
24 hours after applying to the skin. Avoid sunlight for four hours
after using as lemon is photosensitive.
Clove Bud
Distilled from dried, unopened buds
Middle note
Soothing and warming, relieves mouth and gum infections, toothache,
nervous tension, warts and calluses, strong antiseptic, analgesic
and anti-bacterial.
Warning:avoid during pregnancy.
The above oils have been chosen as they are readily available, affordable
and versatile in the treatment of common ailments. Essential oil
blends can be used for everything from relaxation and health, to
beauty and emotional pick-me-ups. It is important to have the correct
balance of oils because if too much is used can actually have the
opposite effect to what is desired. For example, even lavender which
is one of the safest and most relaxing oils, can leave you feeling
strung out and anything but calm, if too much is used. Always seek
a professional for medical advice.
Article provided by www.massagelotion.net
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