The Lowdown on Essential Oils:
I made the switch only
months ago- I was actually willing to try just about anything and thankfully a
friend suggested I try essential oils. I have restless leg syndrome- it got
worse through my pregnancy and never ceased after my son was born. I was unable
to take any medication for the condition throughout pregnancy/nursing so I had
to focus on stretching, staying hydrated, etc. That was not enough! If you have
RLS you know the irritability and anxiety that can accompany the actual
condition. I tried oils, more specifically a blend called Peace & Calming
mixed with lavender- let me just say that I have never slept so sound. I wake
up completely refreshed in the morning without the hang over that accompanies
other sleep aids. From day one I was sold.
Since then I have switched
to oils for a number of other things- allergies, air purification at home, nutritional
supplements, and energy boosters.
Essential oils and plant extracts have
been woven into history since the beginning of time and are considered by many
to be the missing link in modern medicine. They have been used medicinally to
kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and to combat insect, bug, and snake bites
in addition to treating all kinds of mysterious maladies. (EO Pocket Reference p. 1)
With their growing popularity and
praise- I thought- why not do some research and share my findings; after all, I
want to know what exactly I am diffusing in my home and applying to my skin.
What exactly are
essential oils? Essential oils are non-water based phytochemicals
made up of volatile aromatic compounds found in seeds, bark, stems, roots,
flowers, and other parts of plants. The simplified answer- plant extracts. Think
of the oil you get from an orange peel when you squeeze it- that’s an extract.
Essential oils are clean, crisp, and are
immediately absorbed by the skin when touched. Essential oils can be fragrant
or odorless.
Essential oils can be diffused,
ingested, or applied topically. Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules
that create odors, rather than just masking them. They also increase oxygen
availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Research has
shown that diffusing certain oils may: reduce bacteria, fungus, mold and odor;
relax the body, relive tension, and clear the mind; help with weight
management; improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity; improve
digestive function, improve hormonal balance, relieve headaches. (EO Pocket Reference P.37)
Topical application refers to massage,
acupuncture, acupressure, warm compress, cold pack, or in the bath and shower.
Why should you
use essential oils? Essential oils, when
used properly, can heal or repair damaged cells. Have you ever broken a piece
of bark off of a tree and noticed the sap that immediately seeps to the
surface? The essential oil in the sap works to repair the damaged area, that’s
what the oil in sap is made for.
Essential oils are composed of tiny
molecules that are created to pass through the tissue of the plant and into
their cells- they bring in nutrition and carry out waste. This is exactly how
it works in our bodies too.
There are a few oils that come to mind
if you are just starting out. I’ve listed them below with a brief description
of what you can use them for- of course- there are many other uses but since we
are all Moms I thought this would be helpful:
Lavender: diaper rash,
bug bites, burns, bruises/bumps, relaxation for a rowdy kid
Apply to affected area or rub on bottom
of feet for relaxation.
Lemon: stains,
immunity booster, upset tummy, flavored water, sticky substances (ex: pine tar)
Ingest with a glass of water for upset
tummy.
Purification: odors,
deodorant, earaches, bug bites/bug repellent
(Ingredients: citronella, lemongrass, rosemary,
melaleuca, lavandin, and myrtle)
Diffuse in a diffuser
or humidifier.
Peppermint: fever,
diarrhea/constipation, upset tummy, cool down
Apply to temples, back of neck or tummy
(this oil can burn so use a carrier oil).
Thieves: immunity
booster, numbing (ex: toothache), disinfectant
Apply to bottom of feet before school
(boost immunities!).
Peace & Calming: allergic
reactions, naps, overstimulation
(Ingredients:
tangerine,
orange, ylang ylang, patchouli, and blue tansy)
Apply to bottom of feet for naps or overstimulation.
Joy: anxiety, depression, uplift
spirits
(Ingredients: bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, lemon,
coriander, tangerine, jasmine, roman chamomile, palmarosa, rose)
Diffuse in a diffuser or humidifier.
You may also replace some over the
counter medications with the same oils:
Peppermint vs. Pepto-Bismol, Imodium-AD, Mylanta,
Prilosec/Zantac, Tylenol/ Motrin, Beano/Gas-X, Midol
Thieves vs.
Dayquil/ Nyquil, Chloraseptic, Robitussin, Abreva, Orajel, Lamisil/ Lotrimin,
Vicks VapoRub, Nicorette
Lemon vs. Children’s
Tylenol, Children’s Motrin, Imodium-AD, Mucinex, Alli, Azo Cranberry
Lavender vs.
Neosporin/ Bacitracin, Aleve/Motrin, Advil Sinus, Tylenol PM, Unisom, Zyrtec/
Claritin D, Benadryl, Calamine Lotion
**As always- you should read the labels
and use the oils accordingly- every brand is different so be sure to check
first before ingesting or applying directly to your skin.
Are you now interested in giving oils a
chance? If so- you’ll need to choose a brand. You will need to do some research
to find the right brand for you. Everyone has their own opinion about the best
product- do your own research. Read about the product, company, business model,
cost, certification, chromatography, customer service, etc. Read testimonies,
ask friends, read Facebook posts (most companies have Facebook support forums).
I chose a specific brand based on
feedback I had received from other users and I really liked the company
mission. You have to find the brand that works for your budget and your family
needs- here are a few sites that published their findings but I would encourage
you to do your own research. The blends I mentioned above are from Young
Living- I am happy to help you with your first order if you decide to pursue
oils!
http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/09/best-essentialoils.html
http://www.nourishingherbalist.com/where-to-buy-the-best-essential-oils-part-two
Lastly, oils can be very
overwhelming at first- so if you are diving in here are a few tips that were
given to me that I would like to pass on to you-
1.
Pick one
symptom/problem to tackle at a time. Find one thing that you want relief
from most and focus on mastering that. Give yourself a reasonable
time frame to see results- anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. Do not be
discouraged, the more you use the more you will notice your body detoxing!
2.
Research and
read up on at least one new oil a week. Even if it’s not an oil you need right
away, you may eventually and you can always share your knowledge with others.
Follow some user blogs or bookmark those that you enjoy for quick reference.
Ask questions and share testimonials.
3.
Keep them where
you spend the most time, out of sight-out of mind.
4.
Consider your
alternatives, follow your intuition, and work with your doctors, not against
them. You might be surprised how many physicians are encouraging oil use.
I
hope you find this information helpful! Cheers to trying new things and living
a healthy lifestyle while doing it!
DISCLAIMER
The information contained
on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. The information represents what I, an Independent Distributor of
Young Living Essential Oils, have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal
health and that of my family. Statements on this website have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant,
nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician
before using these products.
Information found on this
site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate
you to make your own health care and dietary decisions based upon your own
research and in partnership with your health care provider. It should not be
relied upon to determine dietary changes, a medical diagnosis or courses of
treatment. Individual articles and information on other websites are based upon
the opinions of the respective authors, who retain copyright as marked.
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