Species? Chemical name? Latin name?

If you have never come across these words being used with regard to EOs you’re probably feeling surprised and clueless. This is partly the result of an information overload about EOs. A lot of general information circulated about EOs is unfortunately inadequate and inaccurate. This is also the result of a shockingly large number of commercially sold EOs not having any Latin name printed on the packaging [which also brings into focus the more serious subject of authenticity that deserves a separate discussion altogether]. If you go around seeking and purchasing EOs based on just their generic names, you might be doing yourself a huge disfavour.

You might think that the technical jargon is best left to clinical or professional aromatherapists. Sure, a layperson need not bother with them. Unless they want to purchase essential oils, and use them safely and for the correct indications. If you do not self blend but utilise the services of a trusted, qualified aromatherapist then it’s fine.

The general name of an essential oil is simply its common name. It is what most people would have heard and how most people would refer to it as. Lavender, Tea tree, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Sweet Basil, Eucalyptus, Thyme are all examples of common names of EOs.

Why you need to know the botanical name of the EOs

• To know if and how it is best suited for the therapeutic uses you are seeking from it
• To know the age group it may and may not be used for
• To confirm the physical/ health conditions its use may be cautioned, or restricted for
• To know the safe dilution ratio it may be used in

This becomes very relevant because certain plants, from some plant families have more than one naturally occurring species, chemical types etc. Not all, but a considerable number of plants have them. These variations of the same plant might then produce EOs that have very different natural chemical composition from each other; sometimes drastically so. Also, sometimes, entirely different and unrelated EOs might be referred to by the same common name. And, you will be surprised just how much the source plant of an EO can change the entire way you may or may not use a certain essential oil.

Lavender essential oil

For instance, in case of Lavender, the plant has many species. The ones most commonly used for EOs are Lavendula Angustifolia, and Lavendula Latifolia. Although both can be used for certain conditions like cold, pain relief etc. it is Lavendula Angustifolia that is generally being spoken about for its gentle and soothing properties for hair, skin, sleep, stress, and emotional support. It is also safe enough to be used by almost everyone. Lavendula Latifolia, on the other hand, is not advised to be used for children up to the age of 10 years, by epileptics, and also usually by pregnant women. So, you see how potentially unsafe it could be if you happen to have the latter species in a bottle that just says ‘Lavender EO’,  and it ends up being used in a manner that research has cautioned against, or deemed as unfit.

Quick Tip

For average, healthy adults, Lavendula Angustifolia is better for tension and stress associated headaches; and Lavendula Latifolia is better for sinus and cold related headaches.

Rosemary essential oil

Similarly Rosmarinus officinalis a popularly used and therapeutically powerful essential oil, has various species. If you are looking to use it for respiratory support such as relief from congestion or headaches etc., use the 1,8 cineole kind. However, it might not be the best type of Rosemary EO to use at bedtime. This is because, it is mentally stimulating and might lead to sleeplessness, especially for people prone to insomnia. It is also best avoided for people with hypertension and is also not safe to be used for anyone with epilepsy or by kids under 10 years age whether topically as a cold chest rub or by inhalation through a diffuser.

For cold/respiratory support at night, you may buy and use the Verbenone type of Rosemarinus Officinalis. This may also be used for kids, due to its milder nature. I also prefer to use this when customizing blends for acne for kids who are 11 or 12 years old.

Quick tip

A few drops of Rosemarinus Officinalis ct.1,8 cineole in a carrier oil may be dabbed onto the wrists and behind the ears when you need to stay mentally alert before an exam or an interview. The saying ‘Rosemary is for remembrance’ would have sprung into use from this type of Rosemary.

Thyme essential oil

Another example of an EO which has many variations is Thyme, Thymus vulgaris. This is a powerful immune support and anti infection EO. Among its various types, the thymol or carvacrol types are great for anti-infection support such as acute respiratory infection. They are harsh for the skin though and other safety considerations beyond a limited ratio. So make sure to use them for a short duration, well diluted, and along with skin friendly EOs such as linalool version of Thyme. The linalool version is gentler, skin soothing, and can be used for a longer period.

Quick Tip

Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool is great to be used as part of a wound healing blend, for acne blends and is gentle enough for all age groups.

These few examples should suffice to tell you how the whole story of an essential oil often lies where you are not looking—in its complete scientific or Latin name. After you know what you now do, can you imagine going into a store picking up a bottle which just states ‘Lavender EO’ or just states ‘Chamomile EO’? I hope not. In case of an EO with many varieties, this becomes absolutely crucial. And remember, even when there is only a single type of EO produced by a plant, global industry authenticity standards and best practices demand that its Latin name be printed clearly on the bottle. So before you purchase any EO, make sure to research from a credible source about the exact scientific name that will best serve your particular purpose, or seek out a qualified aromatherapist.

The post Did you check the botanical name of the essential oil before buying it? appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Essential oils are produced by distillation and steaming. This process separates the water and oil-based content from the plant. These oils can be extracted from the bark, leaf, fruit, seed and even the root of the plant. Just one drop of these essential oils has a plethora of health benefits and can be used to treat many diseases.

Let’s look at which essential oils provide relief in sore throat and how to use them.

Lemon

Lemon essential oils are extracted from the skin of the lemon. Lemon skin is beneficial because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is also rich in vitamin C content. These properties help keep the throat moist and increase salivation.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oils have decongestant, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties that help ease the pain of sore throat. Peppermint has an essential oil called menthol which helps calm and soothe the soreness of the throat; it also helps avoid the build up of thin mucus that leads to coughing. Menthol provides a cooling sensation to the throat.

Oregano

Oregano essential oil has antiviral and anti-fungal properties. This is a good oil to use when you start seeing the first signs of a sore throat.

Clove

The essential oil of clove is beneficial because it is known to boost the immune system. Clove oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that can provide instant relief from sore throat pain. Just by chewing on a clove bud itself can aid sore throat.

Thyme

Thyme oil helps to relieve a scratchy throat due to its strong antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It is the most used and trusted medicinal herb since ancient times. A 2011 research states that thyme oils can inhibit growth of bacteria in patients with oral or respiratory infections. Thyme oil is a good solution for antibiotic resistant infections.

How to use these essential oils for sore throat?

There are four ways you can use these oils:

1. By inhaling

A great way to soothe your sore throat is by inhaling steam with two drops of essential oils added to the water. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam medicated with essential oils. You can also add two drops of essential oil on the palm of your hands; rub them together so they spread all over your hands. Then place your hands over your nose and take four to six deep breaths.

2. By consuming

According to The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, one drop of essential oil in water mixed with a teaspoon of honey is a safe and effective way of consuming essential oils.
Caution: Beware of some essential oils in the market—they maybe blended or diluted with synthetics that are unsafe for consumption. Always check whether the essential oil you have is safe for oral consumption.

3. By applying on skin

Add ten drops of essential oils to two teaspoons of natural unscented lotion. Apply this mixture on your neck, behind the ears and on the chest.

4. By gargling

Add two drops of essential oil to half a glass of warm water and gargle for a minute to get rid of a sore throat. This is especially beneficial in sore throat because the oils directly comes in contact with the throat.

The usage of essential oils are too many to count. In addition to good nutrition, plenty of fluids, hot teas, gargling and proper rest, essential oils can give relief to an aching throat.

If your sore throat is severe and goes on for more than a week, please seek professional help.

The post Essential treatment for sore throat appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Healthy sweet potato chips with thyme and chilli salt

Serves 3 – 4

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 10 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 2 tsp sea salt, [you can use smoked sea salt if you prefer]
• Chilli powder, to taste

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C.
2. Infuse the olive oil with thyme by gently heating it with most of the thyme sprigs. Do not let it come to the boil. Once warm, turn off the heat and allow to cool whilst you prepare the chips.
3. Thinly slice the potatoes. I like to use a mandolin to do this. Try and get them all the same thickness so they cook evenly.
4. Remove the thyme sprigs from the infused oil and pour over the potato slices. Mix to coat well.
5. Mix together the salt and chilli before sprinkling over the potatoes.
6. Lay them in one layer on each baking sheet and put them in
   the oven.
7. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until crisp. Keep an eye on them as some may colour quicker than others and will need to be removed.
8. Allow to cool before serving with your favourite dip and the remaining thyme sprigs.

The post Healthy sweet potato chips with thyme and chilli salt appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.