healing through essential oils

I have been using essential oils for some time now to bolster our health.  They have been the main contributor to my hormones feeling balanced, and have pulled us through illnesses.  I am currently using them in our flu prevention routine as well.

 Essential oils are found naturally in plants and contain over 100 components.  Their use is dated back to ancient cultures, but were first documented as medicinals in the early 20th century.  The three most common uses of essential oils are external application, internal consumption and diffusion.

External application

We use essential oils externally daily in our home.  I use them in our homemade cleaners.  We rub some on Birdy's feet and her spine at night to aid her in peaceful rest.  I put a dab behind each ear to assist my hormones.  We also use essential oils topically when exposure to illness has occurred.  A little on the bottom of each foot does the trick in most cases.

External application of essential oils is highly effective.  The skin is permeable and healing can take place just by dabbing some oil in strategic spots.  I tend to use a reflexology chart as a guide in oil placement.

It is important to note that while EO are oils, they are not as viscose (slippery) as a typical oil.  It is useful to dilute EOs in a carrier oil before application to help its absorption.

Internal application

High quality essential oils can be taken internally.  A couple of drops of lemon essential oil in water aids in detoxifying the liver.  A gargle with an antiviral can help with a sore throat.  You can even put a few drops in an empty capsule and make a suppository out of it!  Oh the fun in store!

Using essential oils internally are a sure way to get the oil into your system quickly.  Often times it is recommended to put a drop on the tip of the tongue and hold it to the roof of your mouth.

(It is important to note here that there is a major difference in the grades of essential oils.  When using essential oils medicinally, always buy medicinal grade oils.  The company I use is based here in Texas and family run- it is Heritage Essential Oils.)

Diffusion

I have recently begun diffusing oils in our home for health.  In the past I've used light bulb rings and plug in diffusers with the little pads to drip the oil on.  But with the current flu being as bad as it is, I went ahead and bought a pricey diffuser that uses cool air to diffuse the oils.  It has a timer on it so I can run it for 5minutes and then have it rest for 20 minutes.  It diffuses up to 1800 square feet (that's bigger than my house!).  Here's what is really cool about diffusing oils.  The actually change the molecular make up the air!  So if there are mold spores or viral matter in the air, purifying herbs can completely change their make up.  It is not only adding a good scent- it is actually cleaning the air!  I get really excited about this, if you can't tell!

In the next few days I will share specific essential oils that can be used for specific purposes.

This post barely scratches the surface of healing through essential oils.  If you want to read more about the science behind essential oils (it is really fascinating) you can read here, here and here.