What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Their name comes as they capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.”.
Essential oils are generally extracted through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Each one has a unique aromatic compound, giving its characteristic essence and its properties.
You might have experienced a familiar smell which triggered memories or emotions. This phenomenon is explained by studying our limbic system, which plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory. According to Dawn Goldworm, co-founder of 12.29, smell and emotion are stored as one memory, forever, in our olfactory memory (the largest and most acute part of our memory). The limbic system is responsible for emotion. While you can’t tell me why you like [a scent], you can tell me how it makes you feel. (See her Ted Talk video below.)
Breathing in Essential Oils stimulates parts of our limbic system, exerting physical effects on our body. “Smell is the most natural and the most powerful way to make us feel good” (Dawn Goldworm).
What is meditation?
Meditation is a personal practice that varies and even evolves from one individual to another. However, we can all agree that Meditation usually involves the calming and quieting the mind. The practitioner typically focuses on a goal, whether it is to heightening awareness, deepening one’s focus, or simply being still and calming the mind and body. Or, it can even be as simple as focusing your attention on an idea or thought.
How to combine them and what are the benefits?
The use of Essential Oils during meditation can heighten our experience based on the properties of the oils we use. Cedarwood and Patchouli essential oils are considered grounding. Lavender is considered a relaxing oil, and Ylang Ylang uplifting. Frankincense is known to enhance enlightenment and a spiritual connection.
Creating your own blend:
Combine the following essential oils in a clean glass bottle to create your desired blend and diffuse per the manufacturer instructions for your diffuser.
| Grounding Blend | Deep Breath Blend | Wake Me Up Blend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patchouli | (1 part) | Eucalyptus | (1 part) | Grapefruit | (5 part) | ||
| Frankincense | (1 part) | Peppermint | (1 part) | Lemongrass | (3 part) | ||
| Cedarwood | (1 part) | Lemon | (1 part) | ||||
| Enlightening Blend | Sleep Blend | Springtime Clean Blend | |||||
| Frankincense | (1 part) | Lavender | (1 part) | Lemon | (3 parts) | ||
| Grapefruit | (1 part) | Cedarwood | (1 part) | Lavender | (1 part) | ||
| Ylang Ylang | (1 part) | Rosemary | (1 part) | ||||
| Relaxing Blend | Mountaintop Blend | Immune Defense Blend | |||||
| Lemon | (4 parts) | Lemongrass | (3 parts) | Lemon | (4 parts) | ||
| Lavender | (3 parts) | Eucalyptus | (2 parts) | Grapefruit | (3 part) | ||
| Cedarwood | (2 parts) | Lavender | (1 part) | Frankincense | (3 parts) | ||
| Rosemary | (2 parts) | ||||||
| Eucalyptus | (2 parts) | ||||||
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Safety:
Please remember that improper use of essential oils may cause harm including allergic reactions, inflammation, and skin irritation. Essential Oils are concentrated plant extracts. Safety should be your utmost priority. When using essential oils, always remember:
Unless you are a trained professional (aromatherapist, medical doctor…), limit the use of Essential Oils to inhalation, using a diffuser, no longer than 30 minutes at the time. Never ever ingest and avoid contact with the skin. |