Essential oils come from plants: seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and bark. Their role is to protect the plant from bacteria and fungus, as well as to deter insects and slow decay. They are the essential life of the plant and contain powerful properties. They have a clean feel and are quickly absorbed into the skin.

Essential oils are an emerging category of natural wellness products that provide a natural alternative for health care. They are 100% natural, so if you are concerned about using synthetic drugs and their cascading side effects, or simply would like to try a natural solution before going to your health care practitioner, then essential oils are a great option for you.

The oils work at the cellular level and protect the cells. They are nutrients that are able to penetrate the cell membranes. Essential oils offer fast and effective relief from skin conditions, body systems irregularities, mental health issues, muscle and joint conditions, and the list goes on.

There are three ways to use essential oils:

Aromatically – Inhale from an open bottle, rub a drop of oil between the palms and inhale, use a diffuser or cold humidifier. This is an ideal way to deal with emotional and respiratory issues.

Topically – Apply 1 to 4 drops to the affected area or to the bottoms of your feet. This is ideal for spot-treating pain or irritated skin, and for boosting the immune system. Some oils are HOT. You should dilute those oils prior to applying directly to the skin. Be sure to ask before this application. Also, some oils, the citrus oils, are sun sensitive. This means if you apply the oils directly to the skin, do not subject the area to the sun for up to 12 hours.

Internally – Drop oil in a capsule, under the tongue, in drinking water, or add to recipes. This is a good way to use oils for issues with digestion, the mouth and throat., and the urogenital tract. CAUTION, not all oils can be taken internally. Be sure to ask before ingesting any essential oil.

Safety: do not put essential oils in eyes, nose, ears or other mucous membranes. If that should happen, flush immediately with milk or any type of kitchen oil. DO NOT USE WATER!! Water will drive the oil further in and cause worse pain.

Be sure to check back next Monday when I will be talking about Lavender essential oil. Each Monday I will bring you information on a different essential oil.

In the meantime, Happy Oiling!