Introduction To Essential Oils
In recent times essential oils have become more and more popular. Stresses of daily life and the search for different ways to not only heal ourselves, but also prevent illness has led people into finding alternate methods of healing and stress relief. Aromatherapy is not a new concept at all. In fact, essential oils formed the very basis of ancient medicine.
Ancient Uses Of Essential Oils
The Egyptians used essential oils not only in embalming, but also in helping to cure ailments and infections. Egyptians placed a high importance on the afterlife and this dedication and commitment to another life can also be seen in the oils they used on the newly deceased.
The Bible speaks of frankincense and myrrh as being a highly revered oil. Many religious traditions include oils as part of their rituals. When modern medicine became popular it seemed that these ancient methods fell away for a time. Making way for what seemed to be cleverer more scientific ways of curing people.
Part of the problem with curing people is the lack of insight into how one got to be ill in the first place. With natural healing this forms the basis of recovery. Knowing how we become sick or stressed in the first place is paramount to our prognosis and outlook. There is a little bit of effort required in the use of essential oils and healing. Many prefer to leave their health issues to the professionals. The professionals know better, as they see it. Either way there is definitely a place for both methods of healing and prevention.
There Are So Many Ways To Use Oils
The really special thing about essential oils is that they smell good. Not only that, they can actually accelerate healing by inhalation. There are many methods and ways of using oils for their best benefit. Burners can slowly release the healing aroma into the air, you can rub the oil into your hands and sniff.
One can also massage oils into the skin and it is said that oils rubbed into the feet will permeate every cell within 21 minutes.
Lavender is a good example of how an oil can actually work through sense of smell. A few drops on your pillow will almost automatically guarantee a good nights rest. Lavender oil can also be added to your bath and will be absorbed through the skin as well as please the brain through the sense of smell.
Essential oils should form a holistic part of the healing process. This includes the mind and body connection.
Generally oils used for massage must be diluted with carrier oils. These can be anything from almond oil, to grape seed and simple household sunflower oil. They are far too potent to be used straight onto the skin and can even cause burning. Very refined and well produced oils can even be swallowed internally. Peppermint is said to aid indigestion, lavender to sooth a stressed body and lemon to increase zest and energy. Not all oils are edible though so it is best to check this beforehand. Pregnant women should also check that the oils they are using are safe to use during pregnancy.
Each oil has a medical and mental healing property.
Bergamot
Bergamot has a deep rose type of smell and is said to be uplifting and calming all at once. It is a great essential oil to use in a burner during premenstrual tension and stress for example. It is also useful used in a bath simply by adding a few drops to the warm running water. It can also calm anxiety, help with asthma and bronchitis. If you decide to use on your skin one has to be careful if considering sun bathing as the skin can have a reaction. It is advisable to wait three hours at least after a massage before allowing exposure to sunlight.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage has a dull woody aroma and can also be used in ones bath or a burner as well as during massage. This is an essential oil that pregnant women should avoid. The main property of Clary sage is oestrogen stimulation, but it also aids people suffering with fears and anxiety. If you are suffering with muscle cramping it makes a great additive to a carrier oil when rubbing a sore muscle.
Geranium Rose
As the name suggest Geranium Rose has a rose based smell that is slightly sweet. It is particularly useful with hormone issues. If used orally it can assist with water retention and adrenal problems. It also has lovely calming and balancing abilities. In today’s world balance becomes a problem since our lives are so chaotic and time is so sparse.
Simply meditating or relaxing while smelling this oil can really help achieve a better state of mind.
Skin Care Benefits
Some essential oils make great skin care products. Rose cannot only clear the skin, but also reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Cucumber essential oil can reduce puffiness around the eyes or facial tissue.
The Most Important Thing To Consider When Using Oils
When you purchase oils you have to ensure that they are high grade and pure. Many oils are put together by untrained people who have a love of essential oils, but not a chemistry background.
This can lead to oils becoming toxic if not mixed correctly. This can hinder the effectiveness of the oil and even cause less than favorable results. Skin reactions can occur and the whole process and philosophy of the oil will be lost in the experience. When looking for good oils check that the highest grade roots and plants have been used. A good indicator of a high grade essential oil is when it can be ingested. Such as peppermint used for nausea.
The company uses only the finest ingredients and have great testimonials to back up the effectiveness of the whole essential oil experience.
Since oils are being used more and more today as part of the modern way of recovery and prevention, companies like the company have a scientific advisory board as they take their products seriously. Many people are under the misconception that essential oils are not a scientific method of healing. Essential oils in fact they were the earliest scientific method of healing.
Finding good pure oils correctly mixed is probably the safest and best route for beginning your healing journey holistically with essential oils.