If you're like me, you probably assumed that essential oils are used to make things smell nice. I just had this notion that essential oils are only found in spas and used for something called aromatherapy massage for their pleasing aroma - but not for much else. I had no idea that the oils could actually help support my body's health & wellness! I am continually amazed at the ways that the oils can help uplift my mood, release tension, maintain healthy hair & skin, energize my vitality and help protect my body from environmental & seasonal threats.
Essential oils come from the stem, roots, bark, leaves, flowers & fruit (citrus peels) of plants. They are the aromatic compounds that are responsible for the protection and healing of the plant, and when applied to the human body can have impressive results! These amazing gifts of the earth remind me of just how miraculous and complex our little planet is. The environment in which we live is actually designed with everything that our bodies need - nutrients, vitamins&minerals from food, sun & water, healing benefits from plants and everything we need to thrive. Each essential oil, like it's unique aroma, is made up of a wide variety of chemical constituents that give it it's unique properties & health benefits. The information available on essential oils is vast and often difficult to navigate and discern what the best and safest methods of use are. This should not alarm you or hinder you from dipping your toes in the preverbal pool of essential oils (because you'd never do that with an actual pool of oils - 1 drop is all you need!) Instead, do some reading and come to your own conclusions about how to use these impressive molecular wonders to your benefit and your amazement! Here's a little bit of information to whet your appetite and get you to daydream about the possibilities of aromatherapy!
Aromatically
The aromatic benefits of essentials oils are many and can be accessed by enjoying the aroma from the bottle or using a diffuser to release the aroma into the air. Diffusing essential oils is the best place to start with your essential oil journey. It's the easiest, simplest & safest way to use oils effectively in your home. Find yourself a great diffuser (I prefer small reservoir diffuser where you add water and a few drops of essential oil), and start experimenting with different single oils and blending them together to create the desired affect. The most common benefits of diffusing oils include mood support, air freshening, tension relief, respiratory support, protection from environmental threats, increased energy, sleep support & calming the body for a restful nights sleep.
These benefits and many more come from selecting the oil that's right for the job. Mints, for example tend to be uplifting, energizing & great for your respiratory & digestive systems. Citrus oils are a naturally elevating for your mood & emotions while also known to be cleansing for your body and your environment.
Topically
As your essential oil knowledge grows and you get familiar with different properties and benefits of the oils by diffusing, you often will expand your essential oil usage to topical application. This method can be extremely beneficial for using the oils in your beauty, self-care and daily routines as well as for daily and emergency first aid for your skin. Many essential oils have healing, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory & naturally beautifying properties. These benefits can be increased in effectiveness when they are applied topically to the skin. Keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic, volatile compounds. 1 drop of peppermint essential oil is the equivalent of 28 cups of peppermint tea. These small drop pack a powerful punch! Many of the oils should always be diluted for topical use. To dilute an essential oil, mix with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil or even your kitchen extra virgin olive oil. Oil & water don't mix - so you'll want to dilute your essential oils with oil! For sensitive skin, for children, for anyone with compromised health, please dilute before application. Any of the "hot oils" should always be diluted before applying topically (and limit topical use to as needed/when necessary). These oils include many of the essential oil in the spice family. The oils can be used topically to help relieve tension through a relaxing massage, to relieve itching & discomfort from skin irritation, to improve the look/feel of your skin and so much more. Please make sure to choose only the best quality essential oils if you plan to use them for therapeutic properties and if you will be applying them to your body.
Internally
There is some controversy surrounding the internal usage of essential oils. I always suggest that you do some research and do what you are comfortable with. The french model of essential oil usage recommends internal usage of essential oils as a beneficial method of application for healing properties & body system delivery. This method of use should be used least often and with the most caution. If my body can benefit from the oils through aromatic use, I prefer to diffuse instead of consume. This is partly personal preference and partly to avoid any adverse effects. Diffusion is definitely the safest for all populations & demographics of people which is why I choose that method first. When the rare occasion arises that internal use proves beneficial, I don't hesitate to use small doses (1 drop at a time) over short periods of time. Internal use should only be considered for adults who are in good health. Please use aromatic & topical use only for children. Many individuals enjoy adding essential oils to their drinking water to reap the healing, detoxing, cleansing & uplifting benefits. Feel empowered to do so if you choose, but also remember that a serving size is 1 drop at at time!
I'm excited to spotlight different essential oils for you and what they can do for you and your family! I will share stories of how the oils have improved my quality of life, helped my kids in so many ways and helped my family to decrease their toxic load by switching to a natural product for my cleaning, self-care, beauty, fragrance & health care routines!
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