what are essential oils?

Here’s a little compilation I put together from things I’ve read and sites I’ve visited…

essential oils are distilled

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word “oil”, are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber in color.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

Essential oils have the ability to penetrate into the cell membranes faster than any known substance. One essential oil can contain over a 100 components which can be absorbed through the skin by or through the respiratory system.

healing substances

According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick. The therapeutic bio-chemicals within essential oils are among the most potent healing substances known to man. Their anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, immune- stimulating qualities are without equal in the world of medicine and healing. unlike pharmaceutical drugs, do not leave behind dangerous toxins.

antiseptic

Pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria and viruses do not become resistant to essential oils, as they do modern-day synthetic antibiotic drugs. And, unlike many of today’s most popular antiseptic chemicals, essential oils do not harm human tissue. Wounds of all types appear to heal quicker when treated with essential oils. Skin diseases like psoriasis disappear quickly using essential oils.

many benefits

Essential oils are known to help a wide assortment of ailments; easing aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems. These oils act on the central nervous system, relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating or stimulating, restoring both physical and emotional well being. Modern scientific research has proven the potency and healing qualities of pure ils.

applying essential oils

Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil like almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil, and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption. Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit, as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Direct application onto the skin is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils. Essential oils can easily pass through the lipid membranes of cell walls. They are able to penetrate cells and disperse throughout the body within minutes. The bottom of the feet is a good place to apply oils directly because many nerve endings are found there and the pores of the skin are large in that area. Before you start, remember to test a small area of the skin first.

Essential Oils are usually sold in very small bottles. Keep essential oils in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Linda's Health Journey