Essential oils were the best kept secret for all of my formative years and well into adulthood. Until 2011, I had always used conventional prescription and over the counter medicines for myself and my family. I really didn’t know any better. You see, like many or most of us, I was raised in the “pharmaceutical” world, because my parents didn’t know any better either. All they had to go on was what doctors told them, or what they saw on television commercials for such things as pink liquids to soothe an upset stomach.
Well let me tell you about what I know now! Medicinal quality essential oils are the best things since sliced bread! I’ve used them extensively not only as my medicines, but in my personal care products, as my cleaning products, and even in my lawn, garden, and laundry. They come straight from plants, and are considered volatile, organic compounds which means they can easily evaporate. The essential oil of a plant is what serves as its security system. It protects it from disease, drought, and predators.
The essential oil of each plant is unique to that plant with regard to where it resides. For instance, the essential oil of a peppermint plant resides on its leaves. It’s found embedded microscopically on the tops of the leaves, and when the leaves are crushed, the aroma of peppermint is very evident. Other essential oils come from various parts of their corresponding plant; the stems, bark, rind, seed, flower, or sap.
Most essential oils are steam distilled from the part of the plant where they reside, with the exception of citrus oils which are cold pressed from the rind of the fruit. Essential oils don’t contain any protein molecules, so they are normally non-allergenic, and don’t produce side effects or contraindications when used in conjunction with other conventional medications.
Essential oils serve as serious medicines for many people. This is because their chemical structure is carbon based; a very similar cellular structure to that of humans and animals. Because of this, the body recognizes the plant-based molecules and immediately knows what to do with them.
Essential oils are available as single oils such as lavender, which is very calming, and as blends of essential oils which serve specific purposes such as supporting the immune system or digestion. I DO NOT recommend using essential oils that have been purchased from an organic grocery store, bed and bath store, or on the internet. These can contain alcohols, fillers, and synthetics that can do the body more harm than good. Medicinal quality essential oils can be used in three different ways; topically, aromatically, and internally.
When used topically, essential oils are normally applied directly to the area affected, such as peppermint essential oil to aid in reducing an inflamed joint, to support the respiratory system, or to ease sinus congestion.
When essential oils are use aromatically, this is called aromatherapy. The oils are breathed in or smelled in some way, affecting the limbic system or the emotional center of the brain. A very common aromatic use of essential oils is to diffuse them using a small machine called a diffuser. When diffused, essential oils have the ability to uplift the mood, and support emotions. Lavender oil is a great example of how to diffuse essential oils to lessen tension and stress, while supporting sleep. Essential oils can also be diffused for other reasons, such as to support the respiratory system, kill airborne pathogens in the home, or to support the immune system.
Essential oils are used internally for a variety of reasons. They can be used sublingually (straight under the tongue), in your drinking water, in a vegetarian capsule, or in any other beverage or food that one might choose. In this manner, essential oils are supportive to many body systems and for many reasons.
Several of the services that I provide include the use of essential oils to support my clients in naturally addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual maladies, thereby allowing them to live healthier lives. I invite you to look for ways to implement the use of essential oils in your life today. Your body and your loved ones will thank you. For more information about the services that I provide, go to http://www.soulworks.biz or feel free to use my contact information to discuss your needs with me directly.
For more information on the use of essential oils or aromatherapy, you may contact me here or go here.
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Pauline Heals 