Living Magazine Spring 2015 Living Magazine | Page 4

Essential Oil Spotlight

Plant Part: Wood
Distillation Method: Steam
Origin: Canada

How to Use:

Essential oils are being continually studied to allow for a more full

Key Benefits:

• Add to wood furniture and floor polish.

understanding of how they interact in the body and the pathways

• Soothes the body and emotions

behind their physiologic benefits. Because we do not yet understand

• Cleanses and purifies the air

everything about essential oils, it is not uncommon for people to

• Soothes the skin

express concern that essential oils may interact with other forms of

• Acts as a natural bug repellant

Is it safe to use essential oils when
taking medications?

Common Photosensitive Oils

medicine. Although there is always more to learn, one thing is very
apparent: essential oils have a long history of safety. In fact, when

Why can oil penetrate the skin but
water
cannot

used congruently with medications, there have been minimal

reports showing that essential oils cause significant interactions.

The skin is a complex system designed to protect the delicate

By far the best way to ensure that your experience with essential

internal environment of the body against external harms (water

oils will be positive is to communicate openly with your physician

and heat loss, microbial invasion, UV radiation, etc.). In order

regarding your intended use with the oils.

for any substance to truly be absorbed through the skin, it must

To understand photosensitivity, it is first important to consider
sensitivity responses as a whole category. A sensitivity response
can be defined as heightened reactivity to essential oils that may
lead to an unwanted response in the body. Although unusual when
the oil is used appropriately, risk for sensitivity increases when too
much essential oil is applied, or when the oil is applied to young and
sensitive skin. Photosensitization is a special category of sensitivity

• Apply 1–2 drops to affected area on the skin.
• Mix with water in a spray bottle to clean surfaces.

Traditionally, Native Americans have used every part
of the arborvitae tree for a variety of purposes. They
built homes and canoes from the wood, made baskets
from the roots, and crafted clothes, rope, and twine from
the bark. They also used leaves in teas and salves for
certain health benefits.
The unique components found in Arborvitae essential
oil give it its profound benefits. High in tropolone
content, Arborvitae essential oil contains strong
cleansing properties. The essential oil also makes an
excellent insect repellant and natural wood preservative.
Arborvitae’s warm, woody, earthy aroma calms nerves
and balances emotions.

fully traverse all skin layers and enter into the bloodstream un-

What does it mean for essential oils to
be
photosensitive? What should you
avoid with photosensitive oils?

• Diffuse a couple drops alone or with other essential
oils of choice to purify air.

derlying the dermal tissues. Combined, the “brick and mortar”
structure of the outer layer of skin and the presences of unique
fats that fuse between the skin cells make the skin a secure, waterproof barrier. Unlike water, the compounds composing essential oils are extremely small and lipid soluble, which allows them
to cross this barrier and gain entry to the circulatory system.
Used this way, essential oils are extremely beneficial b X