Essential Oils~The Gifts of the Gods

DECEMBER 20, 2017 Many people have heard of essential oils, some have seen them, some have tried them, many have used them, but didn't really understand their structure, their complexity, their beauty, their diversity, their efficacy, their similarities, their many applications...

Sometimes people turn to essential oils for their cleaning needs, sometimes for personal care, but they actually are so much more than that, they are actual plant medicine. They have been used for over 5000 years, they are mentioned in the Bible over 300 times. They are mentioned in other ancient texts all over the world, from Egypt to Greece to China, etc.

They were the medicine that people used and went to, their extraction process' might have differed and they might have been using a slightly different product, but either way, they were using the life essence of the plants, extracted, concentrated and applying it. Hippocrates alone documented over 200+ herbs. That's not just their past record, there are over 17,000 studies, today, proving their efficacy. More than 1000 physicians use essential oils in their practices today, in France, alone.

Their popularity is returning after a kind of a fog has been lifted, prescription medicine users are learning the adverse side effects of their medications and are turning to more natural remedies for alternatives. There are some side effects that might be experienced by essential oils, but they are not adverse, is the difference. Like any other substance, essential oil users bodies differ and what is fine for one, might not be for another and if not administered properly, can cause adverse side effects.

But if used properly, such as diluting oils that should not be applied without carrier oils and remembering less is more, performing patch tests, the effects and results are amazing in how they support, strengthen and tone the body with a synergy that cannot be found by conventional, prescribed or OTC (over the counter) drugs.

Some essential oils have compounds in them that allow them to pass through the blood/brain barrier supporting the brain, which in turn supports the rest of the body, directly, as most signals originate in the brain. Beginning with your brain is a great place to start. Some also have the ability to reduce the perception of pain, they trigger neurotransmitters in your brain to secrete certain hormones specific to the essential oils properties. And there are certain essential oils for every body system, specifically.

Each essential oils chemistry makeup relates with the body in a different way. It is a specific molecule or chain of molecules that create different reactions to support harmony in the body. Some essential oils have smaller molecules allowing them to absorb quickly into the bloodstream.

Transdermal application (applying eo's on thin skin) ensures a speedy absorption rate. Some can be applied directly to the area you are trying to effect. For example, if you are trying to relieve a headache, the temples are the best place to apply as well as the back of the neck. If you are someone experiencing thyroid issues, a blend can be formulated and then administered directly on the thyroid. The soles of the feet are another effective area for application, as well as the spine, abdomen, behind ears, etc.

Some are best not used neat (without a carrier oil), and must be mixed with another oil which allows the essential oils to sit on top of the skin instead of being directly absorbed so quickly, such as treating eczema or psoriasis or another condition that was best treated topically. Others, because of certain chemical constituents, actually are irritating to the skin if not mixed with a carrier oil, because of the potent properties contained.

Diffusing is another way to use essential oils, inhalation of essential oils can be just as beneficial as applying topically. There are many kinds of diffusers, in varying price ranges, the beauty of it is if it seems confusing, it's really not, pick a condition or symptom, you can find a book, google or call me and find out what essential oil best fits the relief you are seeking and it only takes a couple of drops on a diffuser pad or dropped in water (depending on your diffuser) to find the desired relief. So, even if the essential oil was expensive, they last a long time because you typically are only using a couple drops at a time.

Some essential oils can be taken internally, again a couple drops in water morning and or night. Some should never be taken internally. Which is why it is important to educate yourself when using them, and work with a qualified professional, as with anything. If you are using prescription meds, you should definitely educate yourself about contraindications, possible side effects, etc. Essential oils are no different, in order to be used safely. Some can interact with medications, so it is always best to ask your physician when using prescription medications. And if you are told that they contraindicate, sometimes, there are other essential oils that can be used instead of others.

They are so safe that they can be used during pregnancy (certain ones), on babies and children and on our pets, too. If we choose to use essential oils and to protect ourselves and our families from prescription medications, our pets are part of our family, too. Some essential oils are not safe for cats as they metabolize essential oils differently than dogs because of their liver. The following oils should be avoided around cats~

Peppermint
Lemon Oil
Lavender Oil
Melaleuca Oil
Tea Tree Oil
Cinnamon Bark Oil
Wintergreen Oil
Birch Oil

The benefits of essential oils is so numerous that one blog is not efficient in expressing them. But a few of the properties include: balancing blood sugar levels, balancing hormone levels, increasing circulation, increase lymphatic drainage, protecting the internal organs, supporting a healthy metabolism, supporting healthy cellular regeneration, balance sebum production in the skin, minimize allergy symptoms, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, anti-cancer, anti-depressant, mood balancing, anti-tumor, fever reducing, stress relieving, tension relieving, dry up mucous, immune support, etc.

Do not ever let anyone tell you that you have some condition that nothing can be done for or that you need to take medication the rest of your life and the symptoms you are experiencing cannot be alleviated. The body is infinite, complex and very basic at the same time; given what it needs, it will function properly, that's it. If it is deficient, than it just needs to be brought back into balance and then symptoms fall away and start disappearing until overall health is achieved.

Not saying it is an overnight occurrence, especially if you are on numerous medications or have numerous conditions, but I can tell you that over time, which will pass anyway whether you make changes or not, you will get better, slowly but surely, it will happen, and vital health will be achieved. Even if it takes years to reach the goals you desire, either the years will pass and you will strengthen or you will deteriorate, mostly up to you...