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I wasn't aware that Martha Stewart had an "Ask Martha"
column, nor was I aware that Martha used essential oils. In
her column Martha was asked to describe essential oils.
Here's her response: (Note my comments as to where I think
Martha learned about essential oils).
Dear Martha Stewart: What exactly are essential oils?
"Dear Reader: These oils are called "essential" because
they are the very essence of plants, the volatile oils that
give plants their fragrance and flavor. Most often, they are
extracted from a plant's leaves or petals, but in some
plants they are found in the seeds, roots or stems. Highly
aromatic, they are used commercially in perfumes and
lotions. They also are sold on their own for such uses as
aromatherapy.
Different oils are said to have different therapeutic or
soothing qualities. For example, rosemary may stimulate
circulation. Eucalyptus may help clear the chest when you
have a cold. Essential oils are administered in various
ways, such as through massage therapy or application to an
affected area; by inhalation (dab a few drops onto a
handkerchief or add to hot water, and breathe it in); in the
bath; and in diffusers, which disperse the scent into the
air."
(from Marilee: the following comment from
Martha gives me a strong hint that Martha learned under
the British Model of Aromatherapy - see my notes below)
"These potent oils are very concentrated and should
never be applied at full strength directly to skin. Dilute
two to three drops in a tablespoon of almond oil first. They
should never be taken internally, or used in greater
quantities than recommended."
Martha goes on to answer: "Some oils should not be used
by children or pregnant women. If you are pregnant, always
consult a doctor before using essential oils or any
medications.
You'll find essential oils at shops that specialize in
herbs and at some health-food stores. Don't confuse
essential oils with products labeled "fragrance oil" or
"craft oil," which are usually synthetic. A good shop also
can be an excellent source of information on essential
oils."
Notes from Marilee:
There are three models of Aromatherapy: French, German, and
British.
- The French model suggests and prescribes using the
essential oils neat (undiluted) on the body as well as
ingestion. These oils of course are therapeutic grade
essential oils.
- The German model focuses on the inhalation of the
essential oils. One of the highlighted uses of
aromatherapy in Germany is for psychological/emotional
balancing.
- The British model stresses diluting small drops of
essential oils in larger amounts of a carrier oil such
as vegetable oil for mostly full body massage. I have
used essential oils sourced out of the British model and
found them to be mostly perfume grade as opposed to
therapeutic. Therefore the emphasis on dilution.
Never put a perfume grade essential oil on the body
neat.
It looks like Martha Stewart learned about essential oils
under the English model of aromatherapy. Her cautions are
important when using a perfume grade essential oil. Many
Home Spa Lady readers are users of
Young Living Essential Oils. These are ranked some of
the highest - if not the highest - quality essential oils in
the world.
Young Living fulfills the international standards for
therapeutic grade essential oils. The two most popular
standards are European, ISO (International Standards
Organization) and AFNOR (Association French Normalization
Organization Regulation).
There are no American standards for therapeutic grade
essential oils. The FDA also oversees essential oils and
approves some oils for ingestion via the GRAS (Generally
Regarded As Safe) List. You will see "Supplemental Facts" on
the labels of most
Young Living Essential Oil bottles which tells you they
are safe for ingestion.
And by the way, if you have any questions for Martha here's
how to contact her...address your questions to:
Ask Martha
c/o Letters Department
Martha Stewart Living
11 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
Questions may also be sent by email to:
mslletters@marthastewart.com
Please include your name, address and daytime telephone
number. Questions of general interest will be answered in
this column; Martha Stewart regrets that unpublished letters
cannot be answered individually.
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Direct comments or questions about this article, including
requests for reprint rights, to:
Marilee Tolen RN, HNC - Board
Certified Holistic Nurse
HomeSpaLady™
“. . .natural remedies for health and beauty that you
can do at home!”
Get your FREE “Tips of the Week” at
http://www.HomeSpaLady.com
www.HealingEnergies.com
Learn more about
essential
oils here
856.857.1799
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