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