Essential Oils
I thought that since we are discussing how to Harmonize with Nature this month in VIBE, essential oils would make a perfect Cool Tool as they are made directly from natural plants and herbs.
Personally, I haven’t really used much in the way of essential oils for my own personal protocol of healing in the past. However, I’ve been doing more research into this therapy and am now using more oils on a consistent basis. I even have my dog on one right now!
A couple weeks ago, I found myself craving one specific oil, and was actually drawn to apply it quite consistently until the emotion I was dealing with was released. It was powerful, and I will be considering this particular therapy more because I believe it works.
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a mixture of a plant’s chemical compounds (its fragrance) with a carrier oil. Essential oils are most commonly applied by massaging into the skin or inhaling vapors (aromatherapy).
What oil to choose?
Choosing the right essential oil depends on the purpose intended:
- Do you want to elevate your mood?
- Do you want to treat a condition?
- Do you want to release an emotion?
There are many oils, with many, many properties, so I suggest getting a good book on therapeutic aromatherapy and just have some fun!
How do I use an essential oil?
There are three primary ways to use essential oils…
Applying Oils
Most essential oils can be applied topically to the skin. However, some need a carrier oil, so be sure to check out any oil before using.
Our skin absorbs the active chemicals in the oils, just like it does with any cream or beauty product. You can apply the oil topically using your fingers to dab it on, massage it in, apply as a compress, make it into a spray, dribble drops in your bathtub and so on.
NOTE: If you are ever unsure about which oil to use or how to use it, consult an experienced aromatherapist first.
Different factors affect the absorption of the essential oils into your skin, such as where and how you apply the oil. If you rub or massage the area prior to application, the heat and increased circulation in that spot may cause an increase in absorption of the oil.
Some people feel the oils may be more readily absorbed in certain locations on the body where sweat glands and hair follicles are found, like your head, your palms of feet and hands, armpits, behind ears, and heart/chest.
Inhaling Oils
Another way some folks use essential oils is by inhalation through the nose using a diffuser. When inhaled, odor molecules of the essence travels through the nose and affect the brain through the limbic system, commonly referred to as the “emotional brain.”
The limbic system supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory. The limbic system houses our emotional life and the formation of our memories. So, this helps explain why the smells of the essential oil can trigger emotional release for healing.
Ingesting Oils
Most essential oil sites post a warning that ingesting essential oils is NOT recommended for the general public. This is because most folks need a great deal of essential oil knowledge and expertise before knowing what is safe to ingest and what is not. Some oils can be toxic to the liver or kidneys when ingested. So, again, get professional advice on this method of use.
Where to Get Essential Oils
There are many places to get oils in the store and online. Real therapeutic grade oils meet stringent distillation and testing procedures and are produced with no solvents. There are only a few high quality essential oil suppliers in the world that produce these oils because they are very costly to produce. But there are tons of companies claiming that their product is 100% pure.
So, be an aware consumer because you can find oils in drug stores, grocery stores, co-ops, health food stores, online and more. It depends on what you are looking for in terms of true oils versus not.
Personally, I prefer to use Young Living oils. This is only because I have had a good response to them and feel like they offer a pure product. There are probably many other distributors out there as well—it is all a personal choice. Explore the opportunities!
Here is a very short list of common therapeutic uses for a few essential oils:
- Tea Tree – Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
- Peppermint – Headaches, fever, nausea, and fatigue
- Lavender – Minor burns, insomnia, pain relief, and wound care
- Chamomile (German) – Inflammatory skin problems
- Bergamot/Citrus – Mild antidepressant and tonic
- Rosemary – Stimulant and anti-infective agent
- Eucalyptus- Respiratory infections
- Ginger – Nausea and inflammation
- Lemongrass – Fungal infections
- Basil – Insect repellent and anti-parasitic
- Mandarin/Citrus – Stomach upset and restlessness, particularly in children
Do you use essential oils in your own practice? How have you used them? Please share below!
Tracie Loeffler says
I LOVE essential oils!!! I have over 50 Young Living oils in my bathroom cabinet (and some in the kitchen, too). I use them for just about everything – in the bath, mixed with lotion, for cleaning, when I don’t feel well (Young Living peppermint is the best for upset stomach, headaches, dizziness, and muscle pain – but there are other for other health issues), for meditation, setting intention, diffused to affect the energy of the house, inhaled to shift moods – hmmm, is there anything I left out? I could go on and on!! And yes the quality makes a big difference – I used to buy my oils at the co-op, but what I use now blows that out of the water.
Katie Wilkoske says
I have been using Oils for sometime now. I love them!
Barb Yungers says
I have used some oils on some of my Reiki clients as well as myself. Love them!
Amy Straube says
I am so happy to hear you are starting to use essential oils! They have made a major difference in my health over the last six months. I use them physically, spiritually and emotionally. I use Young Living and there is a major difference as essential oils are not FDA regulated. Your advice is perfect!