Essential Oils 101
What are Essential Oils?
If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose,
you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities
of essential oils. These naturally
occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in
the seeds, bark, stems,
roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Essential oils provide
plants with
protection against environmental threats and play a role in plant pollination.
In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully
fragrant to people,
essential oils have long been used for food preparation,
beauty treatment, and health-care
practices.
How Do I Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are used for a wide range of emotional and physical reasons.
They can be used a single oil at
a time or in complex blends in one of three methods:
1. Aromatic
Certain essential oils, when diffused, can be very
stimulating, while others can be calming
and soothing. Diffusing essential oils
can also cleanse and purify the air of unwanted odors.
2. Topical
Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can
be safely applied
topically. Apply one to three drops to your palms, soles of your feet,
or temples.
topically. Apply one to three drops to your palms, soles of your feet,
or temples.
3. Internal
Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history
and can be used as
dietary supplements for targeted wellness. Essential oils are exciting
and very potent when it
comes to taking care of your own and your family’s health. Whether you’re applying essential oils topically, enjoying the aromatic benefits
through diffusing, or taking essential oils internally, the positive effects of essential oils are boundless.
That’s why you’ll want to be certain that the essential oils you are using will deliver everything they
they promise. Be sure to choose essential oils that are organic, potent, and pure.
Staying Young and Healthy with Essential Oils
Essential oils are extracted from plants and have been used for centuries for therapeutic purposes.
Because your sense of smell is closely connected to stress-response
and emotional centers of the
brain, they can have a powerful effect on your
mood and your general health.
My personal favorites: Lavender, Peppermint, Orange, Frankincense, and Lemon.
Lavender oil is very relaxing and is
often used to help with insomnia. It is also good for burns
and cuts.
Peppermint oil added to a glass of water creates a refreshing drink that is uplifting and good
for the digestion, but make sure it’s organic, pure, and therapeutic grade. It’s delicious!
Lemon oil in a small spray bottle is great to clean with - especially countertops and floors.
Your home will smell wonderful. Use 5-7 drops and some castile soap.
Orange oil showed anxiety-reducing effects In a study done where it was compared
with a control, .
Frankincense was called “liquid gold” in ancient times and is very effective for pain, skin
conditions, and inflammation.
Interesting Facts:
Clove oil was used for hundreds of years in dentistry as an antiseptic and local anesthetic.
In 1937, a French
chemist burned his hand, and plunged it into a vat of pure lavender oil by
mistake. It healed almost immediately!
In WW2 lavender was used to treat injured soldiers.
*****As
always, with anything that can be therapeutic, check with your doctor–
especially if you are
pregnant or have a specific medical condition.
