Use essential oils for your health and happiness

The Essence of a Plant. The many natural aromas of the plant and animal world attract us, or sometimes repel us. The chemical substances of plants, generally called essential oils, spread into the air and reach the sensory cells of our nasal passages. From there, these chemical substances can trigger parts of our primitive brain, thus evoking certain emotions and even memories. 
By Health First
3 min read
Utilisez les huiles essentielles pour votre santé et votre bonheur

The essence of a plant. The many natural aromas from the plant and animal world attract us, or sometimes repel us. Plant chemicals, commonly referred to as essential oils, waft through the air and reach the sensory cells in our nasal passages. From there, these chemicals can trigger parts of our primitive brain, sparking certain emotions and even memories. They also readily enter our lungs and, from there, into our bloodstream. We have developed methods to extract and concentrate these oils so that we can harness their alluring properties. We now have at our disposal essential oil extracts from the leaves, flowers, barks and roots of plants. For centuries, we have been using these oils for pleasure and therapeutic purposes. We can apply them to the skin and even add them to food.

All good things in moderation. Before going into mad scientist mode, take a minute to learn some basic safety tips. Essential oils are highly concentrated, in a way that would never happen in nature. It takes 75 lemon rinds to make a small bottle of essential oil! This is why essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. Jojoba oil is a popular choice as a carrier oil. Jojoba is prized for its excellent shelf life, compatibility with most skin types, and the fact that it is a wax, often described as similar to sebum, our skin's natural moisturizer. If you are diffusing essential oils, be sure to do so away from young children and pets. While some (but not all) essential oils can be safely consumed when VERY heavily diluted (you'll find them in toothpaste, mouthwash, or mints), this doesn't mean you can swallow these same essential oils from a bottle. Unless you are working with a certified professional, only consume essential oils in products already approved for consumption.

Enjoying essential oils. The plethora of uses for essential oils is astounding. Learning about the personalities of each oil will help you maximize their use. For example, peppermint is often thought of for headaches or migraines. But there's more! Preliminary studies suggest that peppermint is a valuable stimulant that can help with concentration or to get out of an afternoon energy slump. Try diffusing it when your energy is at its lowest during the day. Peppermint also has cooling properties that can help relieve the symptoms of inflamed and irritated arthritis. Here is a recipe to help relieve an arthritic joint:

ARTHRITIS MASSAGE BLEND (5% Dilution)

In a 30 ml bottle, add:

    • 30 ml of carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or other oil)
    • 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
    • 15 drops of frankincense essential oil
  1. Directions: Apply small amounts of this mixture to inflamed joints, as needed. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. The 5% concentration is not intended for large areas of skin.
  2. Disclaimer: This article and all information or links contained therein are for informational purposes only. Nothing herein is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or for any changes to your current prescriptions.