Benefits of essential oils (Part 2)

 

Benefits of essential oils

(Part 2)

Now that you have been introduced to the wonderful world of essential oils, we are going to zoom in on the health and emotional benefits of essential oils.

 

The first thing that you need to ask yourself is why do you want to use the oils? Is it on an emotional level where you need to uplift, energise, ground or relax yourself? Do you need to concentrate when using the oils or are you on your way to dreamland?

 

Do you need to target a specific symptom in your body, or are you looking for a general tonic? I think you are getting the point.

 

If you’ve never worked with essential oils before, I would recommend investing in a bottle of Lavender oil as well as Tea tree oil. These two oils can be used straight on the skin without a carrier oil. If you have more sensitive skin, mix into a little coconut oil or almond oil.

 

Lavender oil is excellent for scars, scratches, bruises, aches and pains. It works brilliantly for acne or pimples by helping to kill the bacteria, then soothing and calming any redness, inflammation and swelling.

Lavender is a natural sleeping aid, so when used on its own, it might relax you so much that you will be looking for the closest bed!

 

Remember that a few drops can provide maximum impact. How about using it in a diffuser early evening to help relax the family? Just make sure that you have a well-ventilated area.

 

How about relaxing baby before bedtime by adding a drop into the baby cream or massage oil?  A restless baby recovers so well when using Lavender oil. Rub a drop in coconut oil over tummy for any cramps or winds. Mommy can also benefit by keeping her calm and relaxed.

 

Dad can have a neck, scalp and shoulder massage after work. Get the kids to take turns massaging every few nights. It is a wonderful bonding session for them and dad and kids will relax, which automatically creates a more peaceful atmosphere.

Lavender oil is the perfect “go to” for sunburn and any burn wounds.

Don’t forget you dogs! When dogs are stressed, overly excited or restless, rub one drop of Lavender essential oil underneath the flaps of their ears. It will help to calm them down and they might even fall asleep.

 

Lavender oil rubbed over a tight chest when coughing helps to relax the muscles and open the irritated airways. Rub a drop in front of and behind the ear if you have ear aches or infection. It provides pain relief and helps your body heal the infection.

 

Tea tree oil is more of a medicinal oil by being antiseptic. It is drying, healing and antibacterial. It can also assist the body when fighting viruses and disease. Tea tree oil helps to clear and dry up phlegm and chest infections and blocked sinuses. It kills bacteria in cuts, scrapes and wounds.

 

Tea tree oil makes a wonderful spot treatment for teenagers due to the fact that it contains such strong anti-bacterial properties. By applying a drop to blocked sinus passages you will also experience relief in a few minutes.

This oil’s antifungal properties make it a hit amongst athletes and active sporting people. it works wonders for athlete’s foot, toenail fungus as well as any mouldy conditions.

 You will be left with cleaner, fresher bathrooms if you include it in your household cleaning products. With its antibacterial properties, it works great as a natural laundry refresher for towels, dog blankets and bathrooms mats. It deodorizes and kills germs, mounds and viruses.

 

Our house feels cleaner when I diffuse tea tree oil during the day, especially with dogs running around and those misty days.

3 Drops tea tree oil in your bath helps your body to deal with any bladder or vaginal infections. Steam mixed with the oil is also wonderful for chest infections and sinus congestion.

 

Don’t forget to use it as a bug and mosquito repellent! Mosquitos can’t stand tea tree oil. Apply to ankles, behind the knees, wrists and neck before going to bed or going walking or camping in the bushes.

 

That is all for today, but it might be enough to start off with! Don’t be afraid to buy your first bottle of Lavender and Tea tree oil, trust me on this, you won’t regret it.

 

Lots of blessings

 

Lizelle

http://ancientbiblicaloils.co.za?ref=lizellecillie

(Look under “I love Chai” oils in my ancient biblical oils store)

 

Scent and Sensibility

 

Scent and Sensibility

Welcome to the wonderful world of essential oils! Each unique in its properties and function, helping to restore life to your cells. Let me explain a bit so that it makes more sense...

 

Did you know that perfume is loaded with chemical fragrances that are not compatible to your cells? Our skin is the biggest organ and absorbs these chemicals and wreaks havoc on your hormones. These can lead to headaches, hormonal imbalances, nausea, rashes, and asthma.

 

The first documented perfumes were essential oils dissolved in lard or another oil of some sort and resulted in ointments.

 

The definition of an essential oil is a natural oil that is typically obtained by steam distillation or extraction and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.

Essential oils are very powerful in the sense that it is a pure, concentrated oil. A few kg of flowers, citrus peels, bark or leaves are needed to be able to fill a small bottle of essential oil. You only need a few drops to make an impact and to achieve optimal results.

 Remember that you need to be cautious when using oils. Because they are so concentrated, it can burn your skin if not used correctly. Most of your oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil. These are also known as base or vegetable oils, and are used to dilute essential oils. They are named carrier oils because they literally carry the concentrated oil onto the skin. This also makes application easier, especially if you are planning to massage with your blend. Examples are sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or cold pressed coconut oil. A carrier oil does not usually have a very strong smell which helps to not overpower the essential oils.

 

If you had to have a trip back in history, you will find many cultures that used essential oils for beauty care, wellness, enhancing the mood, for ceremonies, culinary uses and including it in religious or spiritual practices.

 

Essential oils work in a few different ways. It gets absorbed into the skin and then eventually ends up in the blood stream. It also works through the olfactory system or your sense of smell. When inhaled, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the omygdala, which is the emotional centre of the brain. That is why when you smell something delicious, it can trigger an emotion and it makes you feel good! It also plays a big role in your emotional behaviour as well as motivational levels.

 

You can either use one oil at a time, and then you can start experimenting by mixing 2 or 3 oils in a carrier oil. You can even mix these oils into a little shea butter or coconut oil and use this as your perfume, rather than loading your system with all these fake chemicals. Apply on pulse points or where the skin is a little thinner for better absorption, like the inside wrists and neck. How about adding a few drops to your body cream or face cream? Think of it as perfume with health benefits!

 

One of my favourite movies is “Scent and Sensibility.”  Yes, it is a play on words! It has a lovely story line and explains a lot about essential oils. It will inspire you to create!!In my next blog I will go into the health and emotional benefits of different oils.

Blessings.

Lizelle