The Healing Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils come from the aromatic liquids that are found within flowers, roots, leaves, shrubs, bushes, resins and seeds.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for healing purposes. In Egypt, bowls of alabaster were found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb filled with more bottles of essential oils then gold. These oils still maintained their quality and medicinal properties.

Not all oils are created equal. When purchasing an essential oil, it is important to be aware of the quality and potency of the oils and its frequency. Some oils have been diluted, mixed with a carrier oil that can become rancid, processed in a way that is detrimental to the plant material, questionable purity, less than optimal cultivating practices, grown in less than desirable soil, air and water conditions, is not certified as therapeutic and cannot be ingested.

Oils that are certified are considered therapeutic and can be used in several ways for optimal benefit.

INHALATION
When an essential oil is inhaled it heightens the senses. The oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle or used in a diffuser or used in a bowl of hot water with a few drops of essential oils (cover your head with a towel over the bowl in a tent fashion and breathe deeply and slowly)

TOPICAL APPLICATION
Many essential oils can safely be put directly on the skin. Put 2-3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand or directly on the area. Massage in a circular motion onto the skin. Some oils can be used with a roll on for easier application. If sensitivity develops, use a carrier oil to dilute the oil. DO NOT use water as this increase the oils properties on the skin, especially if it gets into the eyes (flush with OIL, not water.)

TAKING THE OILS INTERNALLY
Some oils can be ingested as a dietary supplement or as a food flavoring enhancement. (lemon, lime, orange, basil, black pepper, ginger, fennel, oregano, dill, clove, lemongrass, grapefruit, rosemary, peppermint, wintergreen, thyme and tarragon to name a few ) Several drops of oil can also be put into a gelatin capsule, added to water, juice or yogurt and used in cooking.

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING
Because many essential oils have antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial properties, they can be used in general household cleaning. Lemon Myrtle can be used as a cleansing agent to purify household surfaces.

LAVENDER
This is probably one of the most versatile essential oil on the market today. It is often used to cleanse and soothe minor burns, cuts and other skin irritations. It helps to balance and calm the mind and body.
Lavender oil is considered an adaptogen, meaning that it can have a normalizing effect to adapt or adjust. Long known for its relaxing and calming effects, lavender also can help fatigue. Researchers at Sanyo Hospital in Japan gave fatigued subjects a foot soak in warm water containing lavender for 10 minutes and reflexology with jojoba oil containing lavender for 10 minutes. Fatigue scores improved significantly. Lavender seems to be able to adapt to the needs of the person using it.

PEPPERMINT
Peppermint has traditionally been used to ease tension and promote healthy respiratory function and as an aid for digestion. One drop of pure peppermint oil is equivalent to 26 cups of peppermint tea.

ROMAN CHAMOMILE
This oil has calming, relaxing properties which help to soothe muscle spasms.

EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus is used to promote normal respiratory function, also known for its cleansing abilities.

CYPRESS
Cypress promotes a sense of grounding and security and is traditionally used to support the circulatory system.

CORIANDER
This sweet, warm fragrance can be used to support pancreatic function and proper digestion.

CLOVE
Because of clove’s antiseptic properties, it helps to boost the body’s natural defenses and regulate the body’s natural response to stress and is anti-inflammatory and also a blood thinner.

FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense supports healthy skin, has calming properties that can increase spirituality and inner strength.

CLARY SAGE
This oil has traditionally been used to ease menstrual discomfort. It also relieves stress, relaxes the mind and balances mood, aiding in a restful night’s sleep and enhancing the ability to dream.

MYRRH
This ancient biblical oil has been known for it’s use in skin care for its restorative benefits to aging and for healing dry, chapped skin, also supportive to the body’s natural cellular repair process.

GRAPEFRUIT AND OCOTEA
These oils may help to increase feelings of fullness.

ORANGE
This sweet fragrance not only adds flavor to food, but supports the body’s natural cellular repair process. In addition, it induces relaxation and encourages positive emotions.

MYRTLE
This has traditionally been use to support thyroid and respiratory health. It also promotes uplifting and euphoric emotions.

ROSE
This oil is steam distilled from rose petals and has the highest frequency of all of the oils. It removes emotional blocks and limitations to success. It is also good for deeply nourishing the skin. For a 5 ml bottle of oil produced, 22 pounds of rose petals are distilled.

Information for educational purposes. Always check with your health care professional for medical conditions.