Essential oils support our body’s systems naturally by providing concentrated doses of various plants and organic compounds. Many toxic fragrances and synthetic scents bombard us on a daily basis that is toxic to our bodies; essential oils help combat them.
For example, the air fresheners everyone sprays at home and places of business, are loaded full of chemicals that are destroying our bodies.
How long can we expect our bodies to function before we begin to break-down while we continue to poison ourselves?
Where do essential oils come in?
Essential oils are plant extracts. The plants are still distilled at low temperature to get the true essence of the plant in the form of oil. Citrus peels are cold pressed to get their amazing oils.
From studies, we know how herbs can benefit our health. For example, ginger has been described as both anti-inflammatory agent and great for digestion. There is a huge difference between herbs and essential oils. One drop of pure therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea. So these extracts are potent, and one drop goes a long way. Essential oil like clean, unprocessed food will not heal our body but, it supports our systems so our bodies can heal themselves. Essential oils and fermented foods/beverages have been around for thousands of years.
How do you use essential oils?
There are three ways you can use essential oils. They can be inhaled or diffused in the air, applied topically, and taken internally for dietary consumption. Always follow labeling instructions. If a bottle is labeled not for consumption then suggests topical application don’t use it. Our skin is our largest organ, and if you apply to your skin, your body is absorbing it. When applied topically within 26 seconds it is found in our bloodstream. Within 20 minutes will affect every cell in our body.
Things to consider when purchasing essential oils first and foremost are they pure.
There are four grades of essential oils.
- Grade A is a pure essential oil without any additives. The plants are grown organically, no herbicides or pesticides used. Distilled at low temperatures.
- Grade B essential oils are food grade. They may contain chemical extenders, carrier oils, fertilizers, synthetic or pesticides.
- Grade C oils are considered perfume oils. They often contain chemicals. During extraction solvents like hexane are used to gain higher yields. Solvents are usually considered cancerous. Often these oils will be diluted 80 to 95% with alcohol and are found in store bought brands.
- Grade D is called floral water. It is considered aromatic only and is a by-product of Grade A distillation.
- Essential oils should be in dark colored bottle. There should not be an expiration date.
Some addition need to know items
- The first time using essential oils use a carrier oil first. ( A carrier oil is used to dilute the essential oil with either sweet almond oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut oil, olive oil or other)
- Always dilute oils on children.
- Some oils you many not want to use on the skin because they are considered hot. Oregano and Cinnamon should be used with care and always diluted.
- Some oils are photosensitive, meaning don’t use them then go out in the sun. Mostly citrus oil like grapefruit and lemon.
- Do not apply oils to your eyes or in your ears. If you accidentally get some in your eye use some coconut oil or other carrier oil to wipe around your eye.
After doing my research, I have chosen to use Young Living brand. They are grade A oils. Plants are not treated with any chemicals. Their farms are open to the public. They do third party testing.