Essential Oils

What are essential oils?
They are extracts from various parts of plants, trees, herbs, and shrubs that capture a plants therapeutic and aromatic properties. Unlike dried or fresh herbs, essential oils are up to 100 times more concentrated and powerful than the original plant.

How do essential oils work?
Essential oils work in two ways.
When inhaled they act on the olfactory nerves which connect directly to the emotional part of our brain. This causes us to respond strongly to aromas often before we can even identify exactly what they are.
When applied topically, they can pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. This can have a profound affect that is familiar to many pharmaceuticals.

How long do oils last?
5 - 10 years if properly stored. Many oils actually improve with age. Keep bottles tightly closed and store in cool, dark areas. Also try using dark amber bottles or cobalt blue bottles, the dark bottles help keep light and sun from getting to the oils. Citrus oils will last 2 - 3 years if refrigerated otherwise unrefrigerated only 4- 6 months.

Are essential oils safe to use?
Very safe if used with common sense. They should always be diluted before applying to skin.
Care should be taken with the very young and very old. In Europe many medicinal herbs are taken internally, this is not recommended without proper doctor advice.

Stressed OUT

Whether it is a rocky relationship, pressure at work or any other stressor that’s got you on edge. Here are some natural helpful tips.

 

Lavender

Tossing and Turning at night? Sleep deprived? Try Lavender aromatherapy to help your mind turn off. Lavender is recognized for helping stress-related sleep disorders, and relieves headache suffers. The flowering plant is native to the Mediterranean and has been shown to treat mild insomnia. Lavender oil can be used to treat skin inflammations, insect bites, and reduce pain and swelling.

 

Chamomile

When we can not shut down the body for sleep, this plant can help. The Chamomile plant is native to Asia and Europe. It is most easily used as tea, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Consumed as tea it can suppress muscle spasms, arthritic joints, and inflamed tendons. As aromatherapy it has a calming fragrance, that can be useful to soothe PMS symptoms, depression and irritable anxiety.

Note: If pregnant or allergic to hay or ragweed, proceed with extreme caution.

 

St. John’s Wort

This herb is known around the world as the breakup remedy. St. John’s Wort has been studied to treat mild depression temporarily (it is not advised to take this herb for a long period of time). The herb grows wild, and is harvested and consumed as tea or an herbal supplement in pill or liquid form. It can help reduce dandruff and an oily scalp. Since medieval times it has been used to treat wounds, and burns, as it is an astringent and analgesic.

Note: This herb may and can interact negatively with other medications, food and supplements, check with your doctor before adding this to your routine.  

 

Passionflower

Can help treat your edgy nature, anxiety issue and nervous stressful situations. It can help lower blood pressure, alleviate nausea, improve blood circulation, toothaches, and some pain relief.

This flowering, creeping vine is native to southeastern United States. The Passionflower was an approved over-the-counter sedative and sleep aid until 1978, but has been in medicinal use for over 200 years.

 

Valerian Root

This herb has been used as far back as ancient Greece. It can be found in approximately 60 different forms (tablets, juice, tea, tinctures, liquid drops, infusions, diffuser)Valerian is cultivated in Europe, Japan, and the United States, as an effective sedative. Used to settle nervous tension, restlessness, insomnia and migraines.

Note: Check with your doctor before use, be cautious to sensitivity, and interaction with other medications and foods. Although not a pleasant smelling oil, it is quite effective when used in a diffuser.

 

Chocolate

I so wanted to add this section to my list:Dark Chocolate can lower the stress hormone in the body, it is rich in antioxidant flavonoids. It can help reduce anxiety, may lower blood pressure, decrease LDL(bad cholesterol) oxidation, help with chronic fatigue, and improve arterial blood flow. Dark Chocolate triggers the release of endorphins in your brain, which offers immediate relief. Not only does the tangible food itself help, but the pure smell of chocolate can have some of the same effects. Many natural health companies are making chocolate oils for aromatherapy purposes.

 

As with all medicinal herbs, pregnant and nursing women should not take any herbal supplements without talking with your doctor first.

Seven Things That Can Steal Your Joy

1. Unforgiveness
2. Not Knowing Who You Are In Christ
3. Your Emotions - Anger
4. When Evil Lies To You - Condemnation
5. Allowing Others To Define You
6. Believing That You Should Know or Understand Everything
7. Having Stinking Thinking