How Essential Oils Can Help
What is Aromatherapy?It is the art and science of using plant oils for therapeutic and life enhancement purposes. Aromatherapy is a truly holistic therapy, taking account of the mind, body and spirit of each person, as well as their lifestyle, eating patterns, habits, relationships, etc. The principles on which aromatherapy are based are very old. Aromatic and plant oils were used by Persian, Greek, and Chinese cultures, to name a few. Archeological findings have shown that aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing practices of humankind.
Due to their chemical structure, Essential Oils have the ability to penetrate a cell wall and to transport oxygen and nutrients to that cell. The time it takes for an Essential Oil to travel throughout the body and to affect every cell, including the hair, is less than 20 minutes; the effect will stay in the body between 3 - 6 hours. In some cases the effect will stay as long as 12 - 14 hours.
How do Aromatic Oils work?
Essential Oils enter the body in different ways. Absorbed through the skin, passing into the circulatory system, as well as being inhaled and passing into the blood stream via the lungs. They are also transmitted through the nervous system directly to the brain via the limbic system (the limbic system is where our memories, vital functions and instincts are controlled).
Some conditions Essential Oils are helpful for include:
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Essential Oils enter the body in different ways. Absorbed through the skin, passing into the circulatory system, as well as being inhaled and passing into the blood stream via the lungs. They are also transmitted through the nervous system directly to the brain via the limbic system (the limbic system is where our memories, vital functions and instincts are controlled).
Some conditions Essential Oils are helpful for include:
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Lack of focus
- Fatigue
- Skin conditions
- Hair and scalp conditions
- Lung conditions
- Immune function
- Cold and flu season
- Increased oxygenation
- Aches and pains
- Overworked muscles
- Sprains and bruises
- Motivation
- Inspiration
- Natural beauty
- Many more...
How can Essential Oils be used?An aromatic or essential oil can be applied on a piece of cloth, in a bath, during massage, through diffusers or via direct application on the skin. Before you use an oil, please read the label carefully as each oil or mixture of oils may cause certain reactions. It is also a good idea to test a drop of the oil on your skin (wrist) and waiting a few hours to determine if there may be a possibility of allergic reaction. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Always dilute Essential Oils with a little bit of 'carrier' oil such as almond, olive, grape seed, etc. Essential Oils should never be taken internally, unless prescribed and administered by a medically qualified practitioner. Use only organic or ethically wild crafted therapeutic grade Essential Oils. Lower quality oils are usually 'cut' with synthetic ingredients.
Pregnancy and Essential Oils
Although Essential Oils can be very supportive during both pregnancy and the birth itself, certain oils should be avoided because they might raise your blood pressure, stimulate contractions or affect you in some other less desirable manner. As a general rule, if you are pregnant, avoid direct contact with Essential Oils until at least the last month, and then use them only under supervision of a qualified medical doctor.
Shelf Life for Essential Oils
Most Essential Oils of the highest quality have an average shelf life of approximately 2 years. When they are in sunlight they will start to deteriorate. The same will happen if you keep them in anything other than cobalt blue, amber or brown bottles. If you prefer to store your oils in colored bottles you need to place them in a cool, dark place.