Aromatherapy nothing to be sniffed at, say proponents
Natural essences have been used therapeutically for centuries, and some people believe they still have a role in healing
Most of us reach for over-the-counterl medicine when we feel under the weather. When we feel a headache coming on, the habit is to reach for painkillers and if we get a seasonal cold or flu we tend to pop pills.
Some, however, prefer to turn to essential natural oils for relief. Essential oils work on the body, mind and emotions to level out extremes. Your body won't develop a resistance to them and what's more they heal holistically, proponents of the therapy claim.
So if you've inhaled rosemary oil to help recover from a cold, for example, the same dose could help calm a headache, lift your mood, and if you apply it topically, care for your hair and minimise acne and cellulite, they claim.
"There is an increase of awareness in the therapeutic use of essential oils, which is one of the oldest forms of medicine," says Cheung. "I think people are fed up with the high cost, side effects or ineffectiveness of pharmaceuticals.
"With more education and first hand experience, the general public are understanding that bacteria and viruses do not develop resistance to natural substances like they do to synthetics, for example.
"They also understand that chronic diseases need to be treated at the root, by supporting the body's innate healing ability, not by covering symptoms," Cheung says.
Aromatherapy is defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils, whether applied under the tongue, topically on the skin, or diffused and inhaled through the respiratory system.
Its history suggests it is one of the oldest forms of treatment, dating back some 4,000 to 6,000 years, even though the term was only coined at the beginning of the 20th century.
Cheung claims aromatherapy is an art and a science. For home use she recommends frankincense, which she says helps clear the skin, and revitalise the eyes. It is also supposed to reduce asthma and snoring, and lift the mood.
Lemon is used for cleansing, anti-heartburn, memory improving and mind clarifying properties. Peppermint is said to have a calming influence on nausea, headache and fever, while uplifting the mind. Lavender is said to be good for reducing anxiety and insomnia, healing wounds, burns and sunburn, and calming allergies.
"There is more awareness of the close relationship between physical and emotional health nowadays," says Cheung.
"Aromatic compounds of essential oils can have direct and almost immediate effect on our limbic system (structures in the brain linked to emotion and behaviour), which in turn influences our endocrine and autonomic nervous system."
At DK Aromatherapy, Kat Lai has been working with essential oils for more than a decade.
Her team offers personal essential oil consultations leading to tailor-made hair and skincare products by adding oils to unscented base shampoos, conditioners, body wash, face gels and creams.
She helps her clients understand how oils from various parts of a plant can assist via simple analogies.
A plant exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide through its leaves, and in humans plant leaf oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can aid respiratory issues like sinus problems.
The use of therapeutic quality essential oil for self care is a way of life
Flowers such as rose and geranium are great for lifting the spirit, Lai says. The root or bark of sandalwood protects the skin, while lemons and their oils help the digestive system.
One of the most popular DK Aromatherapy oils is rose, despite its high price tag. "A tonne of rose petals only yields a kilo of essential oil," says Lai, "but it's great for anti-ageing, stretch marks and scars.
"Tea tree oil is good for acne, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections. When people can't sleep lavender is a good choice," she says.
While essential oils have great potential, it is important to understand that not all seeds, soils, farmers, harvests and cold press distillations are equal, and when choosing an essential oil it is important to check its recommended uses as well as its pedigree.
At DK Aromatherapy the in-house brand of oils are made from ingredients from around the world, which are tested, certified and manufactured in Australia before being exported.
Take five drops each of sacred frankincense to reduce inflammation, copaiba to dull pain and balsam fir, which enhances the properties of the other oils, in a capsule as often as needed (up to every 15 minutes). Cheung says the results are extraordinary.
"I think the use of genuinely therapeutic quality essential oil for self care is a way of life, not a trend or a fad. It's here to stay."
Essential tips for use of oils
Check the botanical name of the oil, ask about its quality and do your homework on its properties before using.
If in doubt, dilute your oil in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. You can also apply it to the bottom of your feet where the skin is thicker (especially oils that are high in phenols such as oregano and thyme).
A little goes a long way with essential oils, so follow dosage recommendations carefully, increasing gradually if necessary. Be sure to stay hydrated.
Don't ingest an oil unless you are sure of its quality.
Avoid applying to delicate skin like the eye area, nose, and so on. If an oil irritates the skin, dilute it with carrier oil not water.
Citrus oils contain photosensitising molecules so allow 12 hours after applying before going into direct sunlight.
All oils should be stored in a cool dark place, away from heat as they are flammable. They should also be kept out of reach of children and pets.
