An essential oil is an aromatic liquid that is distilled from various parts of the plant. Containing the true essence of the plant, they are very concentrated and 75 to 100 times more powerful than herbs.

The purpose of the essential oil is to keep the plant healthy. They do this by protecting the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi, and microorganisms. They also help the plant heal inflicted wounds. These unique characteristics make them highly beneficial to mankind.

Essential oils are able to affect both the mind and body. Their ability to affect people on so many different levels is an element unmatched by other healing arts.

The healing benefits of essential oils can be received in three ways. They may be used topically by applying them directly to the skin. Some oils have a caustic effect and dilution may be necessary. They may be used internally or diffused. Essential oils should never be used in the eyes or ears as these membranes are very delicate. Whether the oil is absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, once it is in the bloodstream, it works therapeutically, regardless of how low the dose.

Here are ways to put essential oils to work for you and your family for everyday health benefits:

Increase memory and stamina: Drink a glass of water with 2-3 drops of lemon, orange, or peppermint essential oil.

Boost immune system: Apply frankincense, oregano, or thyme to the bottom of the feet (3 to 4 drops) after a shower.

Protect against fungus, bacteria, and microbes: Turn on a diffuser in your home or office, using a blend that is protective against microbes.

Eliminate stomach upset: Take a drop or two of cinnamon bark oil in warm water and drink as a tea.

Stop headaches: Rub lavender oil on the temples, top of the head, and forehead; lie down 10 minutes and inhale deeply from the oil left on your hands.

Prevent motion sickness: Sprinkle a few drops of ginger or peppermint oil on a tissue and let your sick prone child inhale it during the car ride.

Study aid: To increase concentration and focus, experiment with diffusing one of these essential oils near the study area: lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, bergamot, or pine.

Insomnia: Place two drops of lavender oil on a tissue and tuck it underneath your pillow.

Cure canker sores: Place myrrh on the canker sore for quick healing.

Colds and cough: Rub an immune system blend on the chest, back and apply to the bottom of the feet.

Essential oils are non-greasy, yet, soft and soothing. They are nature’s perfect solution for the problems that chemicals, poor nutrition, and stress have added to our lives.

The safety and life changing effects of essential oils are dependent entirely on their purity and their quality. Generally speaking, essential oils that you find in department stores, and even health food stores, are of uncertain quality and are not appropriate for ingestion or healing. For best results, only pure and natural essential oils should be used.

Experiment and find your essential oils, the ones that make a real difference in your life. The whole idea behind aromatherapy is that it should be a pleasurable experience. There should be more than one oil that you can use for a particular condition, so you should be able to find one that you like.

Faye Durham is a former chemist and clinical research associate in the pharmaceutical industry. In her current career, she is a consultant and independent distributor, specializing in nutrition and aromatherapy. She can be reached through the website: http://www.youngliving.org/fdurham

Resource: Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide by D. Gary Young, ND, compiled by Essential Science Publishing, http://www.essentialscience.net or 1-800-336-6308.

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Aromatherapy has definitely been a hot topic for quite some time. We hear people talking about it, books writing about it and commercial businesses selling it all the time - Aromatherapy Spa, Essentials Oils, Scent sticks etc. Indeed, the concept existed during the Roman and Greek civilizations too, it was just not as sophisticated and convenient now.

I believe part of popularity of the concept is due to the stressing environments we are living in today. We are facing different pressures at work, home, relationships etc. and we would love to have some nice scents to help us relax. Good scents bring us lovely and good memories and this is why we always feel so nice and calm after a rosy bubble bath or a lavendar massage.

There are so many different essential oils available these days and it’s really hard to pick one with decent quality. It costs a bit more to buy good aromatherapy products because its purity has wonderful effects on us. In view of different scents, some of the followings are most common and popular: Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemongrass, Mint, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang.

Let’s not forget we do need a healthy method to ease our stress and tensions from time to time, different people have different ways to deal with their emotional distress and I believe aromatherapy is a good and convenient choice.

Very much interested in investigating different topics of beauty, including but not limited to skincare, haircare, and makeup…etc. I have always been reading about the abovementioned topics in the hope to find some interesting and valuable information on the concepts and definitely love to share with the interested people about my findings!

BEAUTY TIPS BLOG

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You can find most if not all of these essential oils in your own hometown by looking up natural food stores or doing a Google search from your computer.

Bergamot: soothing, uplifting, and good for tension and depression

Chamomile: Calming, suitable for insomnia

Jasmine: a stimulant or a sedative, according to need

Lavender: very useful and popular oil, used in relaxing and as an antidepressant and painkiller

Lemon Balm: Long used to banish melancholy: it balances the emotions

Rosemary: Refreshing and stimulating

Sandalwood: Used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac

Vetiver: balances the nervous system, good for insomnia

Ylang Ylang: Calming: used as an aphrodisiac and good for panic attacks

Different ways to use Essential oils:

Vaporization: Filling a room with the aroma of your choice is the easiest way to enjoy essential oils. Add a few drops to a saucer of water and place on a radiator or in a burner.

Massage: You can blend essential oils with carrier oil like almond, vegetable or apricot oil and use when you receive or give a massage. Blend 6 drops of essential oils with about 3-4 tsp of the carrier oil; if the scent is too strong use more carrier oil. Massage the oil into the area of the body that is tense, if you are using it to relax rub it into your temples and the neck so that the fragrance reaches your nose and inhaling the essential oils will help you calm down.

Baths: Only add non-irritant oils to bathwater such as Roman Chamomile and Lavender without diluting first, others to be safe dilute in a carrier oil first then add to your bath water, add the oils after the bath is drawn and not while the water is running otherwise most of it will be lost in the steam of the running water.

Rebecca White is a mother to 3 boys ages 12, 10 and 4. She loves to grow herbs for cooking and medicinal uses. Rebecca owns http://www.medicinalherbguide.com where you can find many more tips and great articles on owning your own medicinal herb garden. Be sure to stop in to see books she recommends using and software that saves you time when recording your plants’ progress. Gardening is Rebecca’s hobby and passion.

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