THE BASICS
The great news is essential oils are all-natural compounds that can support the body healing in a natural way and they’ve been used since nearly the beginning of time. Essential oils were first referenced in ancient history and looking at the history in the area of Mesopotamia there in the Middle East. Then we know that the Egyptians used them. We know the Jews in Israel used them in Biblical history. We know, then, they were used throughout Chinese medicine and in Greek medicine. HA and we also know Cleopatra opened the first beauty spa, where it’s referenced she used neroli oil, myrrh essential oil, rose oil, lavender, frankincense and many other essential oils.
The reason why they’ve been so popular throughout history is because people understood and knew that plants were medicine. In fact, today, it’s kind of shocking when you look at how many of the medications that people are using today, the first idea came from essential oils. When you look at aspirin today, that idea came from white willow bark, birch and wintergreen, all in their herbal extract form or their essential oil form.
Why Oils? You need them in your home as part of a simple, chemical free lifestyle.
- Kick chemicals to the curb!
- They’re good for you!
- A natural alternative!
- They smell great.
- Non-toxic.
- Plant based!
What are essential oils? Shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, fruit, rinds, resins, herbs. The most powerful part of the plant. They are volatile compounds of the plant and are generally distilled by Steam Distillation. Essential oils provide support for every system in our body: And they support brain health and are used extensively for emotions and stress.
An oil in a diffuser can provide a calming effect when you’ve had a stressful day, can’t fall asleep at night or need a nice pick up in the am and through out the day. Or if you would just like some for your home to smell lovely without the harsh chemicals in candles and room deodorizers.
Why are they called “essential?” Essential comes from the root word “quintessential” which actually means from the essence of something and essential oils actually represent the life force or an essence of a plant.
How do essential oils work? Simply, essential oils work because you’re harnessing the healing powers of the plant.
Bees for example, flowers have pollen and they actually attract bees with their scent. So, when you’re using certain essential oils like rose, jasmine, lavender, and ylang-ylang – they have attractive properties both in nature, for themselves, and when we use them as essential oils.
Low lying plants like thyme and oregano are typically susceptible to bugs getting them. They’re very small; they grow low to the ground. They have anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. So they actually have a natural protection. Rosemary, although not low lying – is another.
Are essential oils safe? Absolutely. They are some of the safest things in the world if they are used properly.
Here are some simple guidelines:
- Know the quality of the essential oil: Erik and I are always eating the “cleanest” foods possible. Our gardens do not contain pesticides. We shop for local organic foods, grass fed meats. wild caught seafood.You should shop for your essential oils in the same way. You’ve got to look for quality in the oils. I chose Young Living because of their Seed to Seal program and their farms.
- Chemical composition: Make sure it is 100% therapeutic grade oil – sure you can get cheaper oils but most will have synthetic fillers and why go to the trouble of oiling if you are going to use one with synthetic filler. Plus, they will do much more harm then good.
- Proper dosage, dilution and sensitivities: I have attached a dilution chart for reference. Be aware that citrus oils can cause sun sensitivity. Some oils are considered “hot oils” – oregano for instance (HA I found out the hard way) and can cause slight burning sensation on your skin. And, if on any kind of medication – consult with your physician.
- Methods of use – Once you have your 100% therapeutic grade oils there are three ways to use them ….
- TOPICALLY means to apply directly to the body. Tests have shown that oils reach the bloodstream in 26 seconds when applied topically. We always recommend you dilute your YLEO with a carrier oil – like coconut oil or grapeseed oil – at least until you know how your body is going to react to the oils. Remember, there are certain oils like cinnamon, clove, oregano, that have more harshness on the skin, versus other oils such as frankincense, myrrh, lavender, jasmine or rose. These oils are very gentle on the skin. So again, it really depends on the oil.
- AROMATICALLY means to breathe in the oils. The first 15 minutes are the most therapeutic but linger. Using a diffuser is the easiest way to do this, but you can also put a drop or two in your hands and cup them over your nose and mouth and breathe deeply. You could even put a little essential oil on a cotton ball and stick it into the vents of your car or home.
- INGESTING your oils means to swallow them – either in drink or food, or by filling a vegetable/glycerin capsule. Some folks are comfortable with it and others not – it is a personal choice – I use, lemon, lavender, peppermint & cinnamon bark a lot. Again, know dilutions and interactions. Oils that should not be ingested are Birch, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, White fir, Wintergreen
WHY YOUNG LIVING? It was my personal preference and a fine one at that.
Where to start? Please, give a SHOUT and we can discuss what works best with your needs and budget.
~Share what you love and Have a Beautiful Day!
marchie
Essentially, Digin WIth Marchie 