More than just smelling good, essential oils (EOs) are a healthy, safe and effective way to help with many ailments that affect us on a daily basis. Anything from boosting immunity, soothing aching muscles, weight management, to calming your mind, EOs support EVERY system of the body.
What are Essential Oils? Essential Oils are nature’s volatile (evaporate quickly) aromatic compounds generated within shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, and seeds. They are usually extracted through steam distillation, hydrodistillation, or cold-pressed extraction with minimal pressure and heat in order maintain their most beneficial properties.
How do they work? The power of an EO lies within its complex array of chemical constituents. These constituents have the unique ability to penetrate cell membranes and travel throughout the blood and tissues quickly. Not only are the molecules of EOs small but their lipid-soluble structure is very similar to the makeup of our cell membranes which allows them to penetrate more effectively. For example, when topically applied to the feet or other soft tissue, EOs can be absorbed and travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes!
How do you use EOs? We commonly think of EOs in terms of aromatherapy (inhalation), but therapeutic grade 100% pure EOs can also be used topically or diffused into the air with a diffuser. In fact, depending on your ailment, one form of use may be more beneficial than another!
Topically- As mentioned above because of their molecular structure, EOs are rapidly absorbed by the skin. Some EOs can be applied directly to the skin, but for most it’s best to dilute in a carrier oil (grape seed oil, coconut oil, almond oil, coconut oil, etc). If you have a localized issue such as sore muscles or chest congestion, EOs work best when blended with a carrier oil and then applied directly to the area. However, for general health applying the oils to your feet is a great way to absorb the oils into your body. With over 2,000 pores in each foot, they have some of the largest pores on your body and this helps oils absorb faster.
Direct Inhalation- Research shows that when inhaling the pure constituents in these oils, it can stimulate the olfactory receptors and activate regions in the brain’s limbic system associated with memory, emotion, and state of mind. Hence, in less than a second, a scent has the power to activate a number of physical and emotional responses. This causes the pituitary gland to be stimulated and release chemical messages that travel via the blood to your glands and organs that create physical body responses. That is why inhaling the oils can have a great effect on emotions.
Diffuse- Using a diffuser to disperse EOs into the environment will work to purify and cleanse the air of impurities including odours AND germs! It’s nature’s air freshener! But freshening the air isn’t the only useful thing about diffusing EOs, it’s also a great way to absorb an EOs beneficial properties without applying directly to your body! It also covers a wider area so more than one person can benefit from the effects. For example, if you are feeling stuffed up, diffusing Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint by your bedside can help relieve congestion while you sleep and can reduce snoring!
Common Uses for Essential Oils:
Here are the most common and versatile EOs and few surprising uses for them that you probably didn’t know about.
Lavender: The “Swiss Army Knife of essential oils”. Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. Which is why it’s commonly used as an aid for relaxation. But did you know that it is also a natural germ-fighter and is great for healing wounds and cuts?! Lavender also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help quiet down allergy symptoms.
Peppermint: Most people think of peppermint as purely an uplifting aroma, one doctor Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati even studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. But other uses for peppermint include soothing digestion problems or calming heartburn or an upset tummy. Its cooling nature can also bring down fevers. But my favourite use of peppermint is when applied topically to the temples or forehead to relieve headaches!
Lemon: Due to its sunny and citrus smell, Lemon is often considered as a mood booster! But its beneficial affects go beyond smelling cheery! Lemon is a powerful purifier and astringent, great for DIY cleaning products. In terms of health, Lemon contains dlimonene, which is a powerful antioxidant linked to healthy immune system function. Even more, in his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, Dr. Jean Valnet, M.D. wrote that “lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system.” He also stated that the essential oil of lemon acts as a liver decongestant and diuretic and is a powerful body cleanser.
To learn more about Essential Oils and get started with a starter kit that contains these three EOs PLUS 8 other useful oils AND a household diffuser contact Sylvia at 204-720-5348 or sprovenski@gmail.com
Does Your Pet Have Allergies?
