It’s winter, the time of year we especially love essential oils in our diffusers, but what is really at work here? Just a nice smell wafting through the rooms? Are there reasons to use certain oils? How do we learn more about ancient plant medicine?
Medicinal grade aromatherapy uses pure essential oils containing the full chemical composition of the plant, allowng for the most potent and reliable therapeutic effects. This is what to look for:
- Quality of ingredients: Medicinal grade essential oils are derived from carefully sourced pure plant materials and extracted with advanced methods, whereas cheap aromatherapy products often use synthetic fragrances and diluted essential oils.
- Purity and safety: High-quality medicinal aromatherapy oils are pure and do not contain harmful chemicals or additives. Cheap alternatives may have contaminants or synthetic substances, which can cause irritation or adverse effects.
- Long-term benefits: Medicinal grade essential oils offer more consistent, lasting results that support overall well-being. Cheap products may provide temporary relief but do not have the same lasting effects.
Aromatherapy can help us to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The oils invite transformation of all three levels synergistically.
Physical Healing
Essential oils directly benefit the body due to their medicinal properties that influence bodily systems. For example, peppermint and wintergreen essential oils promote health by alleviating pain. Many other oils also assist with headaches, sore muscles, and joint pain.
Tea tree, oregano, and eucalyptus have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, while ginger and fennel aid digestion. Essential oils also support skin health and the regeneration of skin cells. Lavender, tea tree, and frankincense are helpful in treating conditions such as acne, eczema, and cuts to the skin.
People often book an aromatherapy consultation due to a physical complaint that soon leads to the healing of emotional and spiritual layers as well.
Spiritual Healing
Aromatherapy supports spiritual growth and inner peace by connecting individuals with their higher self and intuition. Frankincense and balsam have been used for grounding, mugwort and sage help clear blocked energy, and other oils offer clarity and focus in spiritual practices.
Spiritual growth looks different for everyone. I work with a variety of essences to support the chakra healing. Many people feel blockage in their throat chakra and struggle to express themselves in their families or careers. Blue chamomile is one of my favorites for opening the throat chakra.
Emotional Healing
When inhaled or applied to the skin, essential oils send signals via the limbic system to areas that affect mood and emotions. Lavender and chamomile help reduce stress and anxiety, the citrus family is used to enhance moods, and ylang-ylang and geranium restore emotional harmony.
In my practice, I often see individuals who need support with grief and deep sadness. After a loved one passed, one of my clients inhaled jasmine daily for a month and could not believe how comforted she was by using the essence.
What Can Aromatherapy Do for You?
In my aromatherapy consultations, clients explore specific health concerns, and together, we ensure they are using the appropriate oils and application methods for safety and efficacy.
There are many safety precautions for working with essential oils that can be beneficial to individuals as well as practitioners. Please contact me if you are interested in taking my Level 1 Aromatherapy Certification Course, which offers 24 CUEs.
Susan Cote, owner of Everyday Harvest LLC, is an aromatherapist and certified life coach and was voted one of the Natural Nutmeg 10Best Coaches of 2024. Susan offers group and private coaching, as well as aromatherapy consultations and certification workshops using Wisdom of the Earth medicinal grade essential oils.
Contact Susan at: [email protected].
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