Essential oils and the four elements

Published on September 17, 2014 - Aromatherapy

Essential oils are closely intertwined with Alchemy: both Avicenna and Paracelsus, pivotal figures in the history of essences and ancient medicine, were alchemists.

Avicenna is credited with the invention of the still, a device without which we would know nothing about the essence of plants.

However, it is undoubtedly with the Alchemists that one acquires the full ability to harness fire to distill plants and collect volatile essences, allowing humanity to open up to the perception of Nature through essential oils.

The plant is the epitome of balance and strength as it masters the 4 elements: it captures the earth with its roots, fills the air with its fragrance and the emission of oxygen, absorbs fire (sunlight), and transforms it into nourishment, thriving by soaking up water.

Essential oils are also divided into elements indicating their characteristics and functions, often linked to the behavior of the original plant.

Air element essential oils are swift, work extensively on the head, lighten thoughts, and have a positive effect on the nervous system. Citrus fruits belong to this element, renowned for their antidepressant effect.

Fire element essential oils are warm, highly active, belonging to spices and aromatics, and are potent bio-activators.

Water element essential oils mainly belong to flowers, they are gentle and alluring, comforting, akin to the spirits characterizing this element, decidedly feminine.

Earth element essential oils are heavy and enduring, belonging to woods, resins, and roots.

Below are some examples of essential oils with their corresponding elements: