By Guru Bhai Kaur
The focus of this blog will be the yoga of healing with botanical oils. There are many ways that we can incorporate these gentle, yet powerful essences into our lives and practices.
Let’s start with the most basic questions: What are essential oils and how do they work?
Essential oils are aromatic volatile compounds/molecules derived primarily from plants. (Some come from the heartwood, needles or resin of trees) The majority of essential oils are extracted using steam distillation. The resulting oils evaporate and therefore have an affinity to the Air and Ether elements. That is why we keep them in tightly closed amber or blue glass bottles. They are complex liquids containing a vast range of chemical compounds. You might be surprised to learn that only ten percent of the world’s plant, flower and tree species are the source of all essential oils.
These precious aromatic botanical medicines are the immune system of those plants, and they serve us humans with their healing properties. All essential oils have significant antimicrobial properties. All attractant oils have antimicrobial powers, but not all antimicrobial oils have attracting powers! The oils work because we share immunological enemies. The aromatic plants produce compounds that are antimicrobial, making them less susceptible to pests (the mint family, for example). They have naturally strong immune systems.
Essential oils are basically the distilled immune system of plants. When essential oils are inhaled, the ‘information’ is carried into the brain and works on the systems of the body. The vast majority of oils are sattvic—think of Lavender, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Palo Santo; Floral and Wood oils. Most essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin.
Unadulterated essential oils that are not diluted in a carrier oil will not go rancid or ferment. Most have a shelf life of 5 to ten years if properly stored away from heat and light. Lavender, Tea Tree and Citrus oils will oxidize and should be used within a year.
Winter Time Assist
Now that winter is officially here, I’ve noticed a lot of people here in NYC who are coughing, sneezing and blowing their noses in buses, subways and elevators—spreading the wealth of their germs in enclosed spaces with wild abandon! How’s a yogi/yogini to stay healthy and maintain a healthy respiratory system? Integrating essential oils into your daily routine can help to boost your immunity and help to protect you. And should the germs get to you, essential oils can help to ease the miseries of winter colds and flu.
We have a biological relationship with plants. Essential oils possess antibiotic, probiotic and eubiotic healing properties. Diffusing oils can actually be preventive and protective measures we can take to keep our respiratory system strong and healthy. It’s always best to keep the nasal passages and lungs clear, rather than have to clear them once they are congested.
Essential Oils for the Respiratory System
Which oils are best for strengthening the respiratory system? The respiratory oils are conifers and eucalyptus. These oils come from the needles and leaves. They can be preventive as well as healing. Used in a diffuser, these oils reduce airborne microbial pathogens. They can also be used topically, for example, rubbed on the chest, as they have a very low level of dermotoxicity (skin sensitivity).
Perhaps the most effective immune protectant oil is Tulsi (Holy Basil) which also has incredible clarifying effects for the mind and natural anti-inflammatory properties. Tulsi can be combined with a conifer and eucalyptus oil to make a wonderful synergistic blend.
Conifer oils: Spruce, Silver Fir, Juniper, Pinion Pine
Eucalyptus oils: Varieties include Eucalyptus Radiata, Dives, Lemon or Rose-scented, and Globulus. People with high blood pressure and epilepsy should avoid eucalyptus oil. Excessive use of this oil may cause headaches.
A blend for a diffuser can include:
10 drops of Eucalyptus or Conifer Oil (respiratory)
5 drops of Tea Tree oil (antimicrobial)
1 drop oregano (spice oil)
Or
10 drops Pinion Pine (conifer)
10 drops Sweet Orange (citrus)
10 drops Lavender (floral)
About 20 drops of a single conifer or eucalyptus oil (or blend) can be combined with 30 ml of a carrier oil in a dark glass bottle and rubbed directly onto the chest. A few drops can be placed in the palm of your hand, then rub the palms briskly together. Surround the nose with your hands and inhale. This is called direct palm inhalation. A few drops can be added to a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head and the bowl, forming a tent and inhale.
Experiment and have fun, but remember that essential oils are subtle but powerful…more is not better!
Some Important Safety Guidelines:
- DO NOT take oils internally.
- Pregnant women, babies and the elderly should avoid oils unless under the supervision of a trained practitioner.
- Don’t put undiluted oils directly on your skin.
Keep your immune and respiratory systems healthy all year round so you can practice pranayam without pain!
I make custom blends for clients in the US only. You can contact me at [email protected] for details. I look forward to your feedback and questions!