Some people think an essential oil is something you put in your car every 3,000 miles to keep the engine essentially running. Others think it is used for frying fish and chips. Some may have heard about essential oils but chalk them off as some New Age fad and poo-poo them. What if a friend gave you a sample kit of essential oils for your birthday, but you haven’t a clue what to do with them? You’re not alone. A growing group of people are beginning to wonder how to use and understand essential oils and want to learn how helpful they can be.
The Good news is that essential oils can be very beneficial to us if we use them correctly and for the intended purpose. They can do wonders for us.
The Bad news is that they can be misunderstood, misused and even dangerous. Essential oils can be harmful if they are used full-strength, not properly diluted, or incorrectly administered. Or, if the expectations are unreasonable.
Essential oils originate from plants, as we know. While they are still fluids in the plant, they are protecting the plant from viruses, bacteria and other invaders. After they are distilled and converted into essential oils, humans can reap a variety of benefits in many of the same ways the plant did. Knowing which properties they contain and the benefits they provide can give us a new approach to living green and naturally.
I recommend that you hop on the wagon carefully. You want to choose your first essential oils with some fore thought. Each essential oil comes with a set of natural properties and innate qualities built in. They have a host of benefits which are the result of how the properties function with the human body.
For example: Lavender essential oil possesses these wonderful properties: antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antitumoral, relaxant, nervine and sedative. The benefits we can derive from Lavender essential oil can be described as calming, relaxing, balancing, sleep-inducing, topically healing and sanitizing. Since Lavender has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties it can also soothe cuts and burns as well as treat fungal infections, clear up bacterial skin issues and sanitize your surroundings due to its powerful antiseptic qualities.
Lavender essential oil works wonders for the hair and scalp and can be used, combined with other essential oils, as an insect repellant. Lavender essential oil has been known to relieve insomnia, motion sickness, stress, fatigue, headache, and nervous anxiety.
Many other essential oils have antiseptic properties and can also aid the body in healing. Tea Tree, Cinnamon, Thyme, Oregano, Grapefruit, Vetiver, and Eucalyptus are on the list.
Essential oils are not new. They have been used throughout history. Three hundred wax-sealed jars of essential oils were found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1925 when it was opened. They had been preserved for over 3,000 years and still retained the aroma that was present when they were preserved. The Chinese used essential oil 5,000 years ago, as did the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Frankincense and Myrrh were used on the battlefields during WWII by French Doctor Jean Valnet. He is reported to have saved many a wounded soldier using his essential oil treatments.
Essential oils like Peppermint, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Rosemary, and Black Pepper have the ability to lift our spirits and our energy levels. On a sleepy afternoon, one nice whiff of one of these essential oils can put a spring back into your step. These essential oils can also keep you alert and awake during a long, monotonous drive. Black Pepper essential oil is renowned for being able to suppress food cravings and thereby assist with weight loss combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
What is of key importance about using essential oils is that you learn about them before you jump in and start using them. Each essential oil has qualities, properties and cautions that accompany it. Some should not be used during pregnancy; others should not be used by children under 6. Some should be used with caution for the elderly and many have the potential for allergic reactions. The bottom line is to educate yourself in some fashion. Buy a book; I’ve written two that are excellent resources for you. Essential Oils for Beginners will be released early in 2020. The Healing Art of Essential Oils is out now and is available online and in bookstores near you. It is a thorough compendium of 50 essential oils and gives you everything from profile information to safety, dilution instructions, cautions and recipes galore for essential oil products that you can make and enjoy. You may also enjoy the Essential Oil Calendar for 2020 which is available now.
The Main Points to Remember About Essential Oils Are:
- They should be organic, wild-crafted or 100% Pure. (Anything less may contain pesticides and toxins that could be harmful to you.)
- They all require dilution in a carrier oil. (Never apply an essential oil to your body without diluting it first. These are strong and potent oils.)
- Never ingest them unless guided by certified Aromatherapist not a salesperson. (No matter what anyone tells you.)
- Note that dosages for the elderly and children differ from those of adults.
- Be extremely cautious with the “hot” oils: oregano, cinnamon, peppermint, close, cumin, thyme, cassia, garlic and black pepper.
- Always err on the side of caution. (Essential oils are not toys and they are not harmless just because they are natural.)
- Some essential oils are contraindicated for certain conditions. If you have cardio, liver, blood pressure, blood thinning, insulin or pancreatic issues always check with your doctor first.
Learn about essential oils and their individual properties and benefits. They can work wonders in your life as the natural, earth-friendly essences they are. Take time to educate yourself in essential oils before hopping onto the bandwagon and rushing into them. The more you know about each individual essential oil, the more you will appreciate it, value it, use it correctly and reap the wonderful benefits it has to offer.
When used correctly and in proper dosage (dilution) essential oils can be the best things that ever came into your life. They can be indispensable friends for life.
