True beauty lies within our hearts, our health and our passions. My passions include knitting, promoting wellness and being amidst the company of beautifully authentic people.







Friday, January 28, 2011

The Power of Essential Oils

"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use; when diet is correct, medicine is of no need." ~Ayurvedic Proverb
 

What exactly are Essential Oils?

Often referred to as mankind's first medicine, Essential Oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds.  The method of distillation is extremely important, as it is what makes essential oils extremely concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs.  Often times, an entire plant or more is required to produce a single drop of distilled essential oil.  These oils can be used singularly, such as in the case of Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, etc.  A number of oils may also be blended together resulting in a stronger total effect than when used separately.   A pocket reference guide to Essential Oils is highly recommended, the bible of essential oils.



What are Essential Oils Used for?
 
Essential oils have been used to provide immediate relief and/or cure a host of health conditions.  They have been effective in killing bacteria, fungi and viruses.  Their fragrances have been known to balance moods, lift spirits, create a romantic atmosphere or dispel negative feelings.  They can stimulate nerves, help regenerate tissue and carry nutrients to the cells.  This ability to work on both the mind and body is what sets essential oils apart from many other natural therapeutic agents.  Essential oils can work through topical application, ingestion or inhalation.



Therapeutic grade essential oils should not be confused with perfume grade oils that are used for household aromatherapy such as those found at popular store chains.  Perfume grade oils are usually mixed with synthetic oils and are under no circumstances to be ingested or rubbed onto the skin.  The process of making Therapeutic Grade Oils (Grade A)adhere to higher standards to ensure that the oils are extracted from quality organic plants, thereby producing a high quality oil.  There are no toxic additives found in this grade of oil.

As a daily user of therapeutic grade essential oils, there are a few that I cannot imagine living without, one in particular being:

Peppermint Oil (single oil) -  I carry this in my purse daily for the occasional headache, indigestion, to lift my mood, sinus decongestant or for use as a pain reliever.  It has far many more uses, but these uses alone make Peppermint Oil invaluable.


4 comments:

  1. I found your remarks on essential oils very motivating. I knew of the oils because both my husband and daughter use them. But because I did not take the time to listen or inquire of their interest in these oils I did not know of their value. Your post has made me take a serious look at their value, and I certainly will investigate further. Thank you.

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  2. Thank you for your comment cornucopia440, and now with therapeutic grade essential oils in your life, good health to you!

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  3. I only use essential oils. I think they are the best♥ Thanks for a great and informative post!

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  4. Staples for your home medecine cabinet...eucalyptus, clove, rosemary and peppermint essential oils! Cleanse the air in your home thereby clearing your breathing passages (and your home will smell good too). :D

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