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Aromatic Spices & Volatile Oils Written by John Joseph Immel, Asheville, NC

Aromatic spices such as peppermint and thyme are known by their strong smell, indicating a high concentration of volatile oils. The strong smell comes from evaporation of these oils.

Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing tissues. They are penetrating, subtle, clear, etheric, light, and dry. Many are slightly cool. Whereas pungent spices like cinnamon and cayenne can increase swelling, heat, and inflammation, aromatic spices like mint generally disperse fluids and heat. Their aroma when inhaled easily reaches the brain. Psychologically, aromatic oils inspire, refresh and arouse with a sense of awe and letting go.

Aromatic oils have a significant clearing effect on mucus in the respiratory tract (cardamom). They are used for sore throats (as in halls cough drops). They increase gastric juices clearing heavy, sluggish digestion and improving appetite and hunger (bitter orange peel). Many aromatic oils are used as tension and depression relieving nervines (valerian, chamomile).

Aromatic oils thus relax muscle tissue, especially smooth muscle tissue. They are used to calm all cases of colic, including colicky peristalsis of the intestines, vasospasm type headaches, bronchospasms, and uterine spasms. They flush fluids from sweat and salivary glands, tear ducts, urinary tract, breasts and vaginal fluids. Aromatic oils are often anti-septic. Examples include eucalyptus oil, garlic oil and thyme oil. They encourage the creation of white blood cells and increase immunity.

Aromatic oils are drying in the end and may contribute to drying up breast milk. Their penetrating quality can cross the placenta into the fetus. They could aggravate acid reflux in cases of hyperacidity. In cases of hypoacidity, aromatic oils may help reduce acid reflux. Aromatic oils may be consumed internally (mint tea) or applied externally (as in tiger balm). Since volatile oils evaporate quickly they should be stored in a sealed container.