1. WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are the life force of aromatic plants, acting as the plant’s defense system…much like our blood does for us. They aid in a healthy immune system, contain hormone-like compounds that initiate cell regeneration, and fight fungi that seek to attack the plant.
These very concentrated liquids can be extracted and steam distilled from the flowers, bark, needles, stems, leaves, or resin of the plants. Citrus essential oils are slightly different in that they are not steam distilled but rather cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit.
Just like in the plant they are extracted from, essential oils work at the cellular level to create homeostasis (balance) in our body. They work with the body to provide support and aid the body in proper function.
There are essential oils to act on each and every body system: immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, integumentary, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, renal/urinary, reproductive, and respiratory systems. So, yes, there’s an oil for that!
2. HOW CAN I USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
TOPICALLY: The oils are commonly applied to the bottoms of the feet which have the largest pores in the body. The oil travels from the bottoms of the feet to the tips of the hair in 20 minutes. All of the reflex points for each organ are on the bottoms of the feet as well, making this an excellent place to apply topically. You can also apply the oils on other areas of the body as needed.
DIFFUSED: Use an essential oil diffuser (never a standard humidifier) to disperse the oil into the air so that it can be inhaled. This method is especially great for children.
INHALED: Simply inhale straight from the bottle.
INGESTED: In terms of chemistry, one drop under the tongue (which is the fastest and easiest way to the bloodstream) is equal to 7-9 drops in a capsule…this is due to loss in the digestive tract. Some oils are too hot to be taken under the tongue, in which case gel capsules are useful. NOTE: Not all oils are safe for ingestion. Please check your labels.
To learn more, check out…
The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple
by David Stewart
Gentle Babies
by Debra Raybern