By Lachmi Deb Roy
Essential oils have potent medicinal properties, but using them the wrong way could be disastrous. Here’s how to use these to treat everything from cramps to confusion.
The word “essential” denotes that the oil has the essence of the source plant. These oils are commonly sourced from leaves, twigs, wood pulp or bark tissue. Dr Pradeep MK Nair, nature cure physician, National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, says, “In the current era of advanced medical technology, where every intervention comes with a known side-effect, the use of essential oils in various forms is widely exercised. Oils are used for everything from cancer care to dyspepsia.”
Guidelines are necessary
Medical researcher and health advisor Mahesh Jayaraman says, “Essential oils must be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, especially when an oil is consumed, because these are in highly concentrated forms and therefore very potent. The higher the quality of essential oil, the greater the need to use it with carefully and in accordance to the directions of an expert.” Dr Nirmala Shetty, a health coach and the founderdirector of a health clinic and spa says, “Essential oils should be used in drops and in correct measurements. And they should be avoided by children, those with sensitive skin, by pregnant women and those with asthma or breathing issues (although there are specific oils which can be good for them too).”
She adds, “One should always use a dropper and not spoons to sprinkle/apply these. They must be kept in small, dark bottles and should be used in small glass containers. Because of their potency, typically, these oils must be blended with carrier oils like coconut oil, olive or sesame oil in order to render them usable. Grape seed, sweet almond, sunflower, safflower, peanut and soya oils can also be used as carrier oils.”
Ginger (zingiber officinale)
The essential oil from ginger is distilled from its roots. It is a strong-smelling oil, which is spicy, sharp and warm. Dr Nair points out, “Ginger oil is commonly used in the treatment of indigestion, musculoskeletal disorders like fractures, rheumatism, arthritis, nausea, travel and sea sickness, colds and flu, catarrh, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, sores on the skin, sore throat, diarrhea, colic, cramps, chills and fever.” To treat indigestion, two drops of peppermint oil may be added to three drops of ginger oil and five drops of lemon oil (plus 20 ml of carrier oil) and massage the belly. Aches or pains may be treated with a blend of four drops of ginger oil and six drops of black pepper oil (with 20 ml of carrier oil). Use this to massage the affected area.
Vetiver (vetiveria zizanioides)
These are tropical grass whose roots are distilled for extracting essential oil. Dr Nair says, “This is commonly employed to relieve aches and menstrual cramps, and can ease emotional trauma or extreme stress. It is also used for cosmetic purposes.”
Vetiver oil has a strong aroma, hence only two drops of it are needed in any blends. In the case of menstrual cramps, two drops of vetiver and eight drops of marjoram oil may be mixed with the carrier oil. This should be massaged over the lower abdomen twice daily. A few drops of lavender oil added to bath water also eases stress.
Sandalwood oil (santalum album)
Sandalwood oil is traditionally known for its ability to calm and deliver spiritual elation. This oil is used in candles, incenses, perfumes thanks to these attributes as well as its fruity and woody smell. It can be used in massages or baths, or mixed with base oils to form a lovely, sedative massage oil.
Dr Shilpa Shah, a naturopath and lifestyle health consultant, says, “Sandalwood essential oil is good for overall well-being and mental health. It is also a memory booster and a natural aphrodisiac. It can be used topically or inhaled.”
“It is also used to treat bronchitis, sore throats, dry skin and to ease depression, anxiety and panic. It is safe to use this oil provided it is diluted in some base oils or water. It should be avoided by those who have epilepsy and by pregnant women.”Dr Shah adds, “A warm bath by adding three drops of sandalwood and two drops of orange oil is indicated to treat depression or anxiety.”
Turmeric (curcuma longa)
This oil has anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antimicrobial, wound healing, anticancer, antitumour and antiviral properties. Dr Nair adds, “Besides this, it has potential therapeutic effects against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic and autoimmune diseases. This oil is commonly used to relieve aches, improve digestion and to relieve stress.”
For aches and pains, prepare a massage oil for the area, thus: four drops of turmeric oil may be mixed with four drops of ginger oil and two drops of vetiver, and this may then be mixed with 20 ml of carrier oil. For cramps and indigestion, blend four drops of turmeric, two drops of lemon grass and four drops of ginger oil with 20 ml of carrier oil, and apply on the affected area.
Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
This calms and relaxes the nerves, so is a great way to combat stress, but its antiseptic properties also help in alleviating the common cold, the flu virus and other such maladies. Dr Shetty says, “Lavender is the most commonly used and the safest of all essential oils. It is mostly used in potpourri, soaps, perfumes and talcum powders. Lavender oil also provides relief from burns and insect bites.”
Dr Nair adds, “It is excellent in treating asthma and migraines. Besides this, it is a good treatment for insomnia, relieves nervous tension and anxiety. For asthma two drops of lavender oil may be mixed with 20 ml of carrier oil and massaged on one’s chest and back. For relief from migraine, the oil must be mixed with a carrier oil and applied on the forehead.”
Rosemary (rosamarinus officinalis)
Dr Shah says, “This oil can help to improve one’s memory, soothe digestive issues and relieve muscle aches and pains. The chemical present in rosemary that is responsible for this is carnosol. In addition to being a rich antioxidant, carnosol is also known for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps explain why rosemary essential oil is so potent.”
To treat a cold, mix three drops of rosemary oil, three drops of tea tree oil and add this to boiling water. Inhale this to get relief.
Peppermint (mentha piperita)
This oil possesses a cooling property and is used in treating abdominal cramps, constipation, nausea, muscular aches, migraine and also for improving concentration. Jayaraman says, “One drop of this oil in tea or warm water gives relief from indigestion. Rubbing a bit of it on the belly also helps in treating acid reflux. But it should not be applied on children as their skin is sensitive.”
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus)
Dr Shah says, “It is used to treat fever, migraine and malaria. Further, it helps with coughs, asthma, throat infections, congestion and sinusitis. It soothes inflammation too. The oil may be used as a thermogenic agent, which means it produces heat, and therefore it helps relieve muscular aches. It also nourishes the hair — add a few drops to coconut/ olive/almond oil and massage into your hair.”
Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia)
Dr Nair says, “This is a great immune system booster — it therefore mitigates most viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Tea tree oil is considered a safe oil, as it is non-toxic and non-irritant and possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties. To treat skin infections, blend four drops of tea tree oil, three drops of sandalwood oil and three drops of lavender oil with 20 ml of a carrier oil. Apply as necessary.” Dr Shetty adds, “It can be used on cuts, burns, stings and blisters directly.”
Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus)
“This is an aromatic tropical grass traditionally used to reduce fevers, mitigate infections and also as an insect repellent. Further, this is used to relieve jet lag, treat constipation and it helps in easing depression. Two drops of lemongrass oil may be mixed with two drops of rosemary and six drops of frankincense (plus 20 ml of carrier oil) to get relief from stress,” says Dr Nair.
Cardamom (elettaria cardamomum)
“Cardamom oil has numerous therapeutic qualities. It is an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic,” says Dr Nair. Inhaling the vapour of three drops of cardamom oil mixed with two drops of cedarwood oil improves breathing during an influenza episode. Massaging the abdomen with 20 ml carrier oil, three drops of cardamom oil, three drops of coriander oil and four drops of orange oil improves digestion.
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Why so expensive?
Traditionally, these oils are extracted using different methods (hydro distillation, steam distillation and solvent extraction). Dr Shetty says, “Whatever the process used, tons of flowers are used to extract enough oil to fill just one small bottle of essential oil. After a laborious process, the yield is really very little, especially when compared to the amount of raw material that goes into extracting that small amount of oil. Moreover, all flowering plants require to be grown in massive fields and, for many, correct climatic conditions are a must. In fact, the quality of essential oil varies from year to year — just like the variations in wine vintages.”
Disclaimer: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
