There’s a growing acknowledgment of the benefits of essential oils as natural, safe, and effective remedies for a myriad of common health problems. Extracted from plants, these oils are sourced from different parts of the plant such as the flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, and resins through a method called distillation.
These volatile aromatic compounds are also known as ethereal oils and act like plant hormones. They are absorbed by specialized cells in the plant and have multiple benefits.
Aromatherapy
When used properly, aromatherapy is a natural way to improve one’s physical and emotional health. The oils may be inhaled (using a diffuser or oil burner), diluted and applied to the skin, or mixed with a carrier oil to be massaged into the skin. Aromatherapy also involves using a combination of different types of oils to create a specific effect, such as stimulating the olfactory system for an invigorating scent or calming the mind and body for sleep.
When choosing essential oils, look for a label that lists the Latin name of the plant and information on purity or other ingredients added to the oil, along with the country of origin. The oils should also be stored in dark-colored glass, as light and heat can destroy the oil over time.
Although scientific research on the health benefits of aromatherapy is limited, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that a few studies indicate certain scents can help relieve depression by affecting hormone levels, while stimulating oils such as citrus can boost mood. Other studies suggest aromatherapy is an effective pain relief technique, especially when combined with a massage.
The process for extracting essential oils varies from plant to plant, and how the oil is extracted can also have an effect on its healing properties. Many oils can be distilled, which is a good option for some people who want to use the oil directly on their skin. Others can be pressed, which produces a thicker oil that is more concentrated. The most commonly used oil is helichrysum, which is used for its antiseptic and antiviral properties.
It is important to dilute the oils when applying them to the skin, as undiluted oils can cause rashes or burns. Certain oils can also trigger allergies, such as dermatitis or asthma, and some can have estrogenic effects. It’s important to consult a doctor before starting aromatherapy, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from a plant’s anther (male part) to its stigma (female part), which results in fertilization and the production of seeds and fruit. In nature and in plant breeding, this usually happens by pollinating insects. Alternatively, it can happen through self-pollination within a flower or by wind and water. Pollination is necessary for the survival of all plants, and it is vital to our own food supply.
One in three bites of the food we eat depend on pollination. In the United States, that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils, beverages, and many medicines. The global food supply depends even more on natural pollination, which is why we should protect the pollinators that help sustain our planet.
While humans can sometimes move pollen, most plants rely on animals to transfer it for them. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, flies, ants, and other insects are effective pollinators. Some of them are attracted to a flower’s scent, or to the sugary nectar it produces. They may also be attracted by the colors or patterns of a flower’s petals. These creatures transfer pollen from flower to flower on their travels as they seek out food or drinks.
When they visit a flower of the same species, they may accidentally rub against its stamens and get pollen stuck all over themselves. When they then visit another flower of the same species, this pollen can be transferred to its stigma. The fertilization of the second flower yields fruit and seeds. In addition to enhancing crop yields and helping us to enjoy more of the fruits, vegetables, and medicines we depend on, pollination is crucial to a healthy ecosystem.
Scientists who study how to protect pollinators, called ecologists, have determined that the loss of animal-dependent pollination could cause major changes in nutrient content in our foods. We can help by planting trees that provide food for pollinators and habitat for wildlife in our yards and local forests. Our Trees for Bees pack helps you to do just that. It includes a mix of nectar-giving native tree species, including hazel, crab apple and rowan.
Cleaning
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts of plants that produce the scents we associate with them. They come from a variety of sources, including trees, flowers, herbs and tall grasses. The oil is distilled from each plant’s leaves, bark, roots and stems using steam, heat or mechanical pressure. Every part of the plant produces oil, from the flowering tops of lavender to the distilled flowers of chamomile. Each plant has a different chemical makeup, so each essential oil can provide a unique set of benefits.
Essential oil aromatherapy is a natural and effective way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. The oils can also stimulate your immune system, aid in digestion and encourage sleep. They can also help treat a number of health issues, such as infections, nausea, headaches and fatigue. The aromas of the oils are thought to connect with your olfactory bulb, which runs from your nose along the bottom of your brain and connects it to the hippocampus and amygdala. This is why some people feel a connection to certain scents and memories.
If you’re a gardener, you can use essential oils to protect your plants from insect pests and promote their growth. Yarrow, thyme and marjoram are good for repelling insects, and helichrysum attracts pollinators. Basil and peppermint work well for promoting growth and improving the appearance of the plants.
When used on the skin, essential oils are absorbed through the pores and enter the bloodstream, where they can improve various systems of your body. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal that can be used to treat infections, while lavender oil calms inflammation and helps treat insomnia. Frankincense oil is an anti-aging oil, and chamomile can relieve pain and reduce stress.
It’s important to remember that essential oils are extremely concentrated and should be used sparingly, as directed by the label or by a licensed massage therapist. They should be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut, which will increase their shelf life and allow them to penetrate the skin better. The dilution allows the oils to be used longer and reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions. It’s a good idea to carry out a skin patch test before you use any new oil.
Bug Repellent
For those who prefer a more natural approach to bug repellent, a few essential oils offer a safe alternative. Lavender oil is often used in combination with neem, citrus, lemon eucalyptus, clove and cedarwood oils to make a homemade bug spray. Compared to products with DEET, which can protect for up to 6 hours, this natural blend might need to be reapplied more frequently but offers an effective deterrent.
Depending on the type of bug you’re trying to repel, different oils will have an effect. For example, citronella and eucalyptus oils are effective against mosquitoes, while clove oil is excellent for getting rid of garden mites and breaking down any fungal growth on plants. Cedar oil also has insect-repelling properties; it blocks the octopamine neurotransmitters of insects, disrupting their behavior and movement and even stopping them from breathing.
To make a homemade bug spray, pour the desired amount of essential oils into a spray bottle, add water and shake to mix. Then, spritz on any exposed skin or clothing. Don’t use more than a light coating of the product, as overdoing it can be uncomfortable or even toxic to the skin. Aside from bug spray, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and tuck your pants into your socks to help prevent bugs from biting you in the first place.
If you’re going to be outdoors for a long time, consider choosing a bug repellent with DEET, which is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can protect for up to 6 hours. Other options include picaridin, which is a synthetic chemical that works by mimicking the oil in plant leaves. Also, look for products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2-undecanone, which is an EPA-approved minimum risk pesticide. These substances form a barrier on the skin or clothing that helps keep bugs away. They’re also odorless and don’t need to be reapplied as frequently as other chemicals.