Every now and then, I think it is important to refresh our minds with how and why we use essential oils. This allows us to once again, regain our focus, and move forward in life with less stress and anxiety. It shows us the correct methods of using essential oils.

It also gives us the background of where they come from, and how we obtain them. All of this is important, and goes a long way in the therapeutic healing of aroma.

Many plants contain volatile compounds, i.e. essential oils, that we extract from the flowers, seeds, bark, roots, and even the peels.

It is in these oils, which we extract, where the healing properties are contained. Some of these properties are antiseptic, warming, soothing, calming, stimulating, and antispasmodic.

The quality of the oil depends on a few items. First, plant species ,i.e. the region, soil condition, and the climate in which the plant was grown. Second, the time of the day the plant material was harvested. And, third, the extraction method used and the storage.

It is believed that plants grown organically or collected in the wild yield the highest quality oils. Extracting the oils is done through various methods, but steam distillation and cold pressing are the best. Avoid any synthetic oils or those extracted with chemical solvents.

It takes a large amount of material for extraction, so this is a very labor intensive and expensive process. BUY from reputable places.

Applications

Steam inhalation: Add 5 drops of an essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head and hold your face over the bowl. Breathe in deeply. This is especially good for sinus conditions.

Dry inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of an essential oil on a cloth, and hold up to your nose. Breathe in deeply.

Healing Compress: Add 5 drops of essential oil to 1/2 cup of hot water or cold water. Dip a cloth in the water, wring it out and apply where necessary. The hot press is good for cramps and the cold press is good for fevers and headaches, or even sunburns.

Humidifiers: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a humidifier or vaporizer. This will help fight symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and asthma.

Herbal Sauna: Use essential oils in the sauna to aid the lungs and help strengthen the immune system. Add 5 drops of essential oil, such as tea tree, to 1 cup of water and pour over the heated sauna stones. Just a suggestion - if the sauna uses lava rocks on an electric heater, it may not be a good idea to pour water in this situation.

Some Popular Oils

Peppermint - soothes respiratory infections, aids circulation, fights inflammation, relieves flatulence and indigestion.

Tea Tree - Acts as a, antiseptic, is antiviral, is antibacterial, is antifungal, helps heal acne, sunburns, and even infections.

Lavender - Is an antibiotic, soothes headaches, and helps heal wounds, and repels insects.

Storage Tip

Store essential oils in opaque glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate citrus oils. Label clearly. Properly stored essential oils will keep well over a year. Please, just remember, keep all essential oils away from children. Using some of the above techniques and information, you can really use essential oils to have a more positive effect on your well-being.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy
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