Essential Oils: Learn How They Work and How to Use Them Every Day

Monday, October 25, 2010 by: Heidi Fagley
Tags: essential oils, therapy, health news

(NewsTarget) Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic liquids found in flowers, trees, shrubs, roots, bushes, seeds, and even in the rinds of certain fruits. These potent oils have the unique characteristic of being able to penetrate the skin on contact, thus enhancing their ability to be effective. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin's pores and hair follicles and enter into the bloodstream via the capillaries to be circulated throughout the body.

One of the oldest known medicines, essential oils have been revered throughout history as powerful immune enhancers and used in multiple cultures as healing tonics. They are extracted from plant sources through a variety of ways, with steam distillation being the most common.

Scent has the power to influence our moods in very powerful ways, thus supporting shifts in the health of our body. When an aroma enters the nose, it comes in contact with the cilia, those tiny hairs located inside the nostrils. There are receptors in the cilia that are linked to the olfactory bulb, a structure found in the brains of vertebrates that processes information about odors. A key part of the neural system responsible for the sense of smell, this structure is located at the end of the smelling tract and is connected to the brain. All these impulses reach the limbic system, that part of the brain with which our moods, emotions, memory, and learning are associated. All the smells that reach the limbic system have a direct chemical effect on our state of mind.

From grief to stress there are scents that can help lift our moods and scents that may assist in calming our spirits. There are specific oils capable of enhancing energy or promoting sleep. We can apply them to our skin via liquids or the aroma can be inhaled through diffusers and sprays.

Pure oils are highly concentrated so it is always best to consult with an aromatherapy expert if you have any questions regarding health interactions. Never use undiluted oils directly on the skin and never take them internally unless working directly with a certified practitioner.

Essential oils can vary in quality and price. Pure oils can be quite costly but are also highly effective; only a few drops will provide the desired effect. Synthetic oils are available at a lesser price, yet they do not achieve the same level of healing effects provided by truly natural oils.

Suggested Uses

Massage/Body Lotion:
1 ounce carrier oil or lotion (such as almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed)
3 -4 drops essential oil(s) of choice
Mix well

Relaxing Bath:
Fill tub with warm water
- 2 drops each of Lavender, Bergamot & Cedarwood, OR
- 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Marjoram, 2 drops Clary Sage, 1 drop Bergamot, OR
- Oil scent/s of your choice
Swish water around - Enjoy

Bed Linen Spray/ Air Freshener:
New 4 - 6 oz. spray bottle with fine mist setting
Calming Mix:
- 10 drops lime, 14 drops Bergamot, 4 drops Ylang Ylang, OR
- 5 drops Clary Sage, 10 drops Lavender, 10 drops Mandarin
Warm and Cozy Mix:
8 drops Sandalwood, 15 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Jasmine, 2 drops Rose
5 drops Sandalwood, 2 drops Jasmine, 2 drops Ginger, 10 drops Bergamot, 3 drops Lime, OR
- Use your favorite scents
3 ounces water
Shake prior to each use. Mist lightly - do not saturate. Do not let fall onto furniture or skin - a few sprays will get the job done.

Tired-aching-feet:
Gather a large enough container to hold both your feet and add enough water to cover them.
3 drops of Peppermint Oil
Soak and Enjoy

http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/aromathe...
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-...
http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/wellness/ab...
http://www.americanaromatherapy.com/The_Hist...
http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/massageoil.a...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-olfactor...
http://www.buy-pure-oil-essential.com/Oils-a...

About the author

Heidi Fagley is a Holistic Nutritionist and has two culinary arts degrees - one in Raw, Living Foods and another in Natural Foods. Educating others about nutrition and the benefits of using whole foods to heal and prevent disease is her passion.