An Adventure in Essential Oils

Episode 107

Our guest for this episode was Olesia Farberov, a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist who practices in Los Angeles, CA. She’s the founder & owner of a company called Oessencials which offers products for healthy living. Her product line includes Essential Oils, herbal formulas, herbal skin care, and some of the finest green & herbal teas available on the market today. She can be reached at Olesia@myway.com or at 310-923-0914.

Background:

An essential oil is a hydrophobic aromatic substance from a specific plant or a specific part of that plant. It's termed "essential" because the oil carries the essence of the plant. Essential oils have been in use, for their therapeutic effects, since as early as 1500 B.C. in India and Egypt.

Pure vs. Adulterated:

The essential oils used for the purpose of healing and eliminating ailments must be 100% pure and natural to have any therapeutic effect. This means not adulterated with chemicals that modify the aroma, or bulk up the volume of the oils (making them less expensive).

In addition, many synthetic oils are used by the cosmetic industry in products like perfume and soap. These may have harmful effects on the body and can cause headaches, rashes, liver toxicity and allergic reactions.

Insider Advice:

Make sure to buy through companies that sell products for aromatherapy use. These companies are usually small and better able to supply higher quality oils than the large companies who are more concerned with marketing on a large scale. Better yet, find an alternative medicine practitioner in your area who has expertise and training in aromatherapy and have them guide you through the healing process.

If you are buying yourself:

* Look for the country of origin and scientific name stating both the genus and species. For example, Eucalyptus radiata is produced in many different countries, but is most desirable from Australia, which has the best environment for the plant.
* Watch our for cheap oils, they are likely to be adulterated. Spend a little extra money for the good stuff, a small bottle of pure oil will last longer and have a greater therapeutic effect.
* Make sure you're buying organic or wild oils because non-organic oils can be loaded with pesticides and you'll end up causing more harm than good.

Organic and wild oils tend to be hardier and have evolved with strong defenses against pathogens. The wild plants in particular have grown away from human intervention fighting the harshest conditions, pests and whatever else nature has to offer. These are the oils that have the greatest, strongest and most up to date resistance to bacteria, viruses and fungi. These plants truly represent the "survival of the fittest" and we can harness that resilience in these oils and use them for the desired clinical effect.

Cautions and Contraindications:

Because of their concentrated nature, essential oils generally should not be applied directly to the skin in their undiluted or "neat" form without the supervision of a health professional who has been trained in their use. Some can cause severe irritation or provoke an allergic reaction. Instead essential oils should be blended with what is called a "carrier oil" before being applied. Common carrier oils include olive, almond, hazelnut, sesame and grapeseed. Add 5 drops of essential oil to 1/4 of a cup of carrier oil for general usage.

Some essential oils, including many of the citrus peel oils are light-sensitizing, meaning that they increase the skin's reaction to sunlight and make it more likely to burn and cause discoloration.

Never ingest essential oils unless you are being supervised by a professional.

Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Some oils can be toxic to pets, cats in particular. (We have a friend who learned this first hand with her terrier. She had read that tea tree oil was good for treating flea infestation. It is, but it can also cause paralysis. The poor dog was completely paralyzed for 24 hours until all of the oil was processed by his body.)

Never dilute essential oils with water, they are hydrophobic and will not mix in water, always use a carrier oil.

Let's have a look at some specific oils:



This is a great "workhorse" oil. It can be used for a wide range of uses and you literally should never leave home without it. It is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and calming due to its ester molecule and its high linalool/linalyl acetate molecules.

* For neck and shoulder tension, rub on the nape of the neck using a downward motion. (5 drops lavender in 20 ml. carrier oil of your choice)
* For burns (1st and 2nd degree only) apply in its pure form.



Another must have oil! This is your first defense against bacteria and viral infections! Tea tree oil is rich in 1.8 cineole molecules which assist in clearing respiratory passages for healthier breathing. It can be used for sinus infections, cold/flu, lung infections and is also great for fungal infections such as candidiasis. In addition, it is amazingly effective for treating sore throats.

For sore throats apply a fraction of a drop directly (watch the show to see this technique demonstrated).



Also rich in 1.8 cineole and is known globally as an effective aid in respiration and bronchodilation (opening of the brochial tubes).



An unusual oil that is also rich in 1.8-cineole and is wonderful for clearing respiratory conditions. One of the most potent anti-virals of all the oils. Can be used "neat", ingested as well as inhaled without problems. Put some on a handkerchief when you fly and inhale periodocally. Use to treat colds and flus and herpes simplex.



Considered a precious flower essential oil. Only its blossoms are used. It is the #1 oil for bruises, varicose veins, and wound healing. It is very expensive and rarely found commercially. Olesia puts both ravensara and heliochrysum in her best selling product The Healer.



For those of you who are into meditation and spiritual work, Blue Lotus is something you must experience to believe. It's aroma is like that of divinely purified water and it is one of the most precious flower essences there is. It is considered sacred in India. It helps to overcome spiritual obstacles and to bring serenity to meditation.



Last but not least, essential oils have been used since their inception over two thousand years ago for their ability to arouse. Two of the most potent aphrodisiac oils are White Rose Absolute and Ylang Ylang. Ladies, White Rose Absolute will drive men wild, wear it like perfume or get creative and you will be guaranteed a memorable evening.





My work is done here, people. I'm off to do some more experimenting myself, ;).

Your humble servant,

The Green Mobster