Power of Essential Oils


"Touch Mother Earth and feel her touch you."
~ Anonymous ~

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are organic, volatile compounds extracted from the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of plants with extraordinary healing properties and benefits. For over 5,000 years, cultures around the world have used healing plant for a wide variety of health conditions. As nature’s powerful gifts to us, they offer a holistic approach improving physical, mental and emotional health.

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How to use Essential Oils?

AROMATICALLY | The sense of smell is a tool that can elicit powerful physiologic, mental, and emotional responses. Essential oils are quickly absorbed by the smell receptors, which have a direct link to the limbic system by way of the olfactory nerve. The limbic system is part of the brain that supports a variety of functions including smell, emotions, behavior, and memory. For this reason, essential oils have an especially powerful effect via aromatic application.

Some essential oils induce uplifting or invigorating effects, while others are more calming. Diffusion is one of the simplest methods for using essential oils aromatically. Diffusers that use cold air or water are ideal. However, using essential oils aromatically does not require any special diffusing devices.

You can achieve the same health benefits by simply placing a few drops of essential oil in your palm that is then cupped around the nose as you breathe deeply.

Additional aromatic uses for essential oils

    • Apply oil to a cotton ball and place in the air vents of your vehicle
    • Mix oils in a spray bottle with water and mist over furniture, carpet, or linens
    • Add oil to a batch of laundry or to dryer sheets
    • Use in household surface cleaners

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TOPICALLY | Topical application is a very effective method for applying essential oils because they have low molecular weights and are lipid soluble, they easily penetrate the skin. Once absorbed, they stay in the applied area for a localized benefit.

Although essential oils are readily absorbed, there are many ways to increase absorption. Using a light massage will increase the blood flow to the area of application, in turn improving distribution throughout the body. Use of a carrier oil can also increase absorption, especially in skin that is dry or flaky as it helps moisturize the skin and slow evaporation of the oil.

To decrease the likelihood of developing a skin sensitivity, especially on young or sensitive skin, it is advisable to use a carrier oil (such as Fractionated Coconut Oil) to dilute more potent oils and when trying an oil for the first time. The recommend dilution ratio is typically one drop of essential oil to three drops of carrier oil.

It’s always advisable to use several small doses throughout the day rather than a single large dose. Start with the lowest possible dose (1–2 drops). A topical dose can be repeated every 4–6 hours as needed. Because every individual is unique, the dose will vary for each individual based on size, age, and overall health status.

Beneficial areas you can apply essential oils

    • Neck
    • Forehead and temples
    • Chest and abdomen
    • Arms, legs, bottom of feet

Other effective methods of topical application 

    • Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath
    • Make a hot or cold compress by soaking a towel or cloth in water, adding essential oils, and then applying to the desired area
    • Add oil to a lotion or moisturizer and then apply to skin

Sensitive areas to be avoided

    • Some facial areas, such as the skin around the eyes
    • Eyes and inner ears
    • Broken, damaged, or otherwise injured skin

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INTERNALLY | Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements supporting a variety of healthy conditions. When you sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal, sip a mug of peppermint tea, or add fresh basil to your spaghetti, you are actually consuming volatile aromatic essential oil compounds.

Essential oil contributes many health benefits as well as flavoring and aroma properties to foods. When in their concentrated form, essential oils can be used as dietary supplements for more targeted and potent health benefits. Internal use is a very safe and effective method of application because of the sophisticated physiologic processes of our bodies.

When ingested, essential oils directly enter the blood stream via the gastrointestinal tract, where they are transported throughout the rest of the body. Essential oils are lipid soluble so they are readily transported to all organs of the body, including the brain. Then, like all things we consume, essential oils are metabolized by the liver and other organs and are then excreted.

The composition of essential oils is highly complex. Each constituent possesses a unique set of biochemical properties that react with cells and organs in different ways. Although these mechanisms of action are not completely understood, the positive end results have been demonstrated. However, the body is only equipped to handle appropriate doses of essential oils.

Proper dosing according to labeling recommendations and other professional guidelines should be strictly followed to avoid toxicity.

Effective methods of internal application 

    • Use oils for cooking or baking to replace fresh or dried herbs and spices
    • Remember that essential oils are much more potent than dried or fresh herbs and spices, so start with a very small amount
    • For more potent oils, it may be better to administer them by toothpicks (dip a clean toothpick into the oil and then add to the food) rather than drops
    • Add essential oils to water, smoothies, milk, tea, or other drinks
    • Take essential oils in a veggie capsule or add to a small amount to applesauce or yogurt

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Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oil Benefits (Alphabetical)

Basil Essential Oil

Blue Tansy Essential Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Clove Essential Oil
Cypress Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Fennel Essential Oil
Geranium Essential Oil
Ginger Essential Oil
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Jasmine Essential Oil
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lime Essential Oil
Melaleuca Essential Oil
Neroli Essential Oil
Patchouli Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil
Rose Essential Oil
Rosemary Essential Oil
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Spearmint Essential Oil
Wild Orange Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil