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Treating With Essential Oils Effectively
Trends in health and beauty
are placing more trust in the efficacy of natural and organic
ingredients. Skin care is no exception, with more women coming to
realize the purity of what they put on their skin is as important as
that of what they eat. The skin is the largest organ, and is generally
permeable to substances placed on it. This is particularly important in
healing wounds, for the skin may be broken and more sensitive. Enter
essential oils; these powerful plant
derived medicines have been used
for many years for treating skin conditions, enhancing beauty and
promoting wellness. Oils have been found particularly useful for
regenerating skin that has suffered from accidents or surgery, or has
their remaining signs in the form of keloid, acne, or other scars.
Certain essential oil blends can speed healing time, reduce or
eliminate scars from recent wounds and even greatly diminish the
appearance of old ones.
Certain essential oils are often used for healing and regeneration of
skin tissues. We'll review these and their companion carrier oils, then
present some formulas for particular situations. The first of these
essential oils is Helichrysum Italicum, an oil with an earthy aroma,
distilled from the small flowers of an herb native to the Mediterranean
region. This is the premier oil called for where the skin is in need of
regeneration, and where inflammation may be present. Helichrysum is
unique in that it contains 'di-ketones'; a class of molecules that
signal the skin to regenerate. It is also often used for bruising and
impact related injuries.
Helichrysum can be used in a simple carrier oil by itself, though it is
considered synergistic with Rosehip seed oil and sometimes with
Lavender essential oil. This easy-to-make combination has been noted by
professional aromatherapists to "heal wounds with minimal or no
scarring" though the nutritive triple unsaturated fatty acids and
vitamin A compounds of Rosehip seed, combined with the anti-inflammate
and regenerative properties of the Helichrysum. Helichrysum can be a
little bit pricey, but it's wonderful effects have been noted at very
low concentrations of the total blend - a little will go a long way.
contains
As noted above, Lavender oil is often used for skin healing. In a 50/50
blend with Tea Tree oil, it is commonly used on small cuts and scrapes
to sooth and prevent infection. Lavender has anti-inflammatory
properties along with tissue regenerating effects, albeit a bit more
mild than Helichrysum. It does, however, have the important added
benefit of a well-liked aroma that can ease anxiety for many people.
The essential oil distilled from common Sage leaves is also used in the
healing of scars, particularly old or unsightly scars. It's natural
regenerative properties and ability to promote circulation aid in
gently breaking down the tough skin resulting from wound healing. Sage
oil should only be used in these instances and in small quantities, as
it's Thujone content can be toxic in high quantities. If used in a
recipe for stretch marks (see below), it should only be used
post-partum. Despite it's powerful components, however, when diluted
and used with respect, one can use this oil safely.
Rosemary is an essential oil with a wonderful aroma that is used in
many skin care blends. The Verbenone chemotype is called for here as,
like Helichrysum and Lavender, contains regenerating ketones (the
Cineol type does not). Rosemary will also stimulate cellular
metabolism, improving the nutrition and waste cycling of skin cells.
All these oils but Lavender should be diluted in a carrier before use
(Lavender CAN be used directly on the skin, but will be used in diluted
form in the following blends). Many studies have shown the great
efficacy of essential oils at low concentrations - so in Aromatherapy,
'less is more' is a general rule. Two highly regarded carrier or 'base'
oils used for skin treatment are Rosehip seed, cold-pressed from a
plant native to the mountain regions of South America, and Hazelnut
oil, which is suitable for all skin types. These oils will help the
essential oils absorb into the skin, and can provide their own
nutritive properties. Rosehip seed contains a wealth of fatty acids,
plus a compound similar in action to the pharmaceutical preparation
'Retin A'. without the drying side effects. Hazelnut oil has mild
astringent properties, and will not leave the skin feeling greasy. It
is appropriate even for acne prone skin.
Now for the recipes. For effective wound healing of recent cuts and
scrapes (and has been used successfully on surgical incisions), to 1
ounce Hazelnut oil and 1 ounce Rosehip seed oil add 1 milliliter of
Helichrysum essential oil and 1 milliliter of Lavender essential oil -
apply twice a day for 7 to 10 days. For older scars from wounds or
acne, including keloid scars, replace the Lavender in the previous
recipe with Sage essential oil. Apply regularly for 3 to 6 months. For
the healing of stretch marks, post partum, use 1 ounce Rosehip seed and
1 ounce Hazelnut oil with 1 milliliter Sage essential oil and 2
milliliters with Rosemary Verbenone essential oil; again use for 3 to 6
months.
So these are just a few skin care formulas commonly used in
aromatherapy. Many more exist for a great variety of skin conditions -
there is much information available on the internet or in bookstores.
Remember, when creating your own blends, be conservative with the
amounts of essential oils - they do work in small amounts. Also, it's
always fun to add to these recipes one or more of your favorite
aromatic oils - Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose or other oils can add a
lovely complex aroma to the blend; one that you'll enjoy wearing. Be
creative, be safe and have fun!
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