If you have stopped by to visit here very often you have likely seen a number of posts I have done on Essential Oils. Did you know that essential oils were used as far back as in ancient Egypt and Bibilical times? Just think...what were the 3 gifts that the wise men brought baby Jesus? Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. The amazing part of that is that the likely reason for Frankincense and Myrrh being brought to Christ was that these were some of the most valued medicinal substances in ancient times. We still see the amazing medicinal properties of these plants and trees today.
Essential Oils are a bit different today then they were in ancient times...they are now produced by low heat steam distillation, a little different process then was used in ancient times, but the medicinal properties are still there in abundance.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the plant's true essence. They are the oils that protect the plant from predators, diseases, pests, bacteria and also aid in some plant reproduction. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant, eliciting profound emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal. Used throughout history for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils can be used as natural alternatives in holistic self-care practices. Their unique chemistry allows them to be used aromatically and applied topically to the skin, while other essential oils can be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and well being. They are extracted from the plants via low heat distilation from the plant material and the resulting oil has a very concentrated powerful set of properties that absorbs into the skin almost instantaneously leaving behind no residue.
Essential Oils are 100% natural.
The other fascinating thing is that plants have similar building blocks to people in that our bodies recognize and can metabolize essential oils easily. Plant based medicine is as old as humankind. Even the father of modern medicine...Hippocrates...used plant based medicine.
However, somewhere along the way we got off track. We decided that medicines full of synthetic compounds and harmfull additives were the best way to go. We then began using those as our first line of defense when we had symptoms or became ill. But, are we really doing what is best for our bodies? Before you answer that one...just look at the side effects from any given medication. Don't get me wrong...there is a time and a place for medicine and I sure am glad that in an emergency I can seek medical treatment. But, for the everyday illnesses I prefer natural remedies which is where essential oils come into play.
Essential Oils are POTENT.
Essential oils are very potent compounds. These oils have many facets with some being antifungal, some antiviral, some antiviral. A commonly cited example is that 1 drop of pure peppermint oil contains as much potency as 25-35 cups of peppermint tea! In some instances it can take up to 4 tons of plant material to produce 1 lb of essential oil.
What does this mean for the user? You can gain an amazing amount of benefit from a very small amount of pure essential oil.
How do you use Essential Oils?
There are 3 ways to use essential oils.
1. You can use them AROMATICALLY by diffusing them into the air or inhaling a drop placed into your palms
2. You can use then TOPICALLY by putting them directly on the area needed or on the soles of your feet.
3. You can use some essential oils INTERNALLY ...but only from a trusted company that markets their oils as safe for internal use and only oils that have dietary supplement information printed directly on the bottle.
Still Curious about this "Hippie Hype?"
Essential Oils are a bit different today then they were in ancient times...they are now produced by low heat steam distillation, a little different process then was used in ancient times, but the medicinal properties are still there in abundance.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the plant's true essence. They are the oils that protect the plant from predators, diseases, pests, bacteria and also aid in some plant reproduction. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant, eliciting profound emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal. Used throughout history for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils can be used as natural alternatives in holistic self-care practices. Their unique chemistry allows them to be used aromatically and applied topically to the skin, while other essential oils can be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and well being. They are extracted from the plants via low heat distilation from the plant material and the resulting oil has a very concentrated powerful set of properties that absorbs into the skin almost instantaneously leaving behind no residue.
Essential Oils are 100% natural.
The other fascinating thing is that plants have similar building blocks to people in that our bodies recognize and can metabolize essential oils easily. Plant based medicine is as old as humankind. Even the father of modern medicine...Hippocrates...used plant based medicine.
However, somewhere along the way we got off track. We decided that medicines full of synthetic compounds and harmfull additives were the best way to go. We then began using those as our first line of defense when we had symptoms or became ill. But, are we really doing what is best for our bodies? Before you answer that one...just look at the side effects from any given medication. Don't get me wrong...there is a time and a place for medicine and I sure am glad that in an emergency I can seek medical treatment. But, for the everyday illnesses I prefer natural remedies which is where essential oils come into play.
Essential Oils are POTENT.
Essential oils are very potent compounds. These oils have many facets with some being antifungal, some antiviral, some antiviral. A commonly cited example is that 1 drop of pure peppermint oil contains as much potency as 25-35 cups of peppermint tea! In some instances it can take up to 4 tons of plant material to produce 1 lb of essential oil.
What does this mean for the user? You can gain an amazing amount of benefit from a very small amount of pure essential oil.
How do you use Essential Oils?
There are 3 ways to use essential oils.
1. You can use them AROMATICALLY by diffusing them into the air or inhaling a drop placed into your palms
2. You can use then TOPICALLY by putting them directly on the area needed or on the soles of your feet.
3. You can use some essential oils INTERNALLY ...but only from a trusted company that markets their oils as safe for internal use and only oils that have dietary supplement information printed directly on the bottle.
Still Curious about this "Hippie Hype?"
