Essential Oils
A Self-care Wellness Alternative
By Debra Kerr
There are many gifts of the Earth we receive daily: air, water, food, life and health. There is a gift of the Earth for our health and that is found in essential oils. Essential oils are natural extracts from seeds, roots, bark, stems, flowers and other parts of the plant. Essential oils are the plants natural medicine against bacteria, viruses and diseases that affect the cells. One drop contains hundreds of unique compounds that offer powerful chemistry.
Essential Oils have been used throughout history in many cultures for their health-promoting properties. Modern trends toward more holistic approaches to self-care and growing scientific validation of alternative health practices, are driving a rediscovery of the profound health benefits of essential oils.
Our bodies and plants have similar building blocks. When we take these oils into our bodies, they are in a familiar environment and they go to work on our behalf just as they would for the plant. Essential oils kill bacteria, inhibit virus reproduction, cleanse toxins, destroy parasites, oxygenates our cells and boosts our immune systems. These essential oils don't just treat symptoms, they work at the root of the problem, at the cellular level.
Major civilizations throughout the centuries recognize the capabilities of essential oils. Egyptian grave robbers would often steal the essential oils instead of the gold. Some of the first medical records from China show the use of essential oils. Hypocrites, the father of modern medicine used oregano in his practice. Frankincense and Myrrh were brought to the Christ child. Essential oils were used throughout the Dark Ages for their anti-bacterial benefits. In World War 11 they were used successfully to treat injured soldiers.
Today we see essential oils studied extensively and are being used in some medical settings. Many studies have documented that 100% pure essential oils have the capacity to stop super bugs, MRSA, relieve chronic pain, elevate moods, restore cells and aid in impacting life threatening diseases.
Most of the items found in your medicine cabinets and major pharmaceutical drugs originated from the study of the active medicinal properties of plants. Drug companies study these complex plant compounds and synthetically recreate some of their attributes. Then proprietary fillers, additives and modifications are made. Unfortunately, these modifications are foreign to our bodies and as we know, can result in negative side effects and dependency.
Therapeutic-grade essential oils are steamed distilled or cold pressed to carefully extract pure, natural aromatic compounds. Many oils claim to be therapeutic grade, and some may be pure, but few are subjected to rigorous testing standards for chemical composition.
When an essential oil is deemed Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, this represents a standard by which the oils are sourced, harvested, tested and manufactured from around the world. These particular oils have the highest quantity of active, beneficial constituents and they are free of contaminants and adulterations.
Aromatic usage means inhaling the oil. One way to use the essential oil is to put 2 drops in your palm, rub your palms together, and cup over your nose. Inhaling the oil is the fastest most direct way to enter the powerful molecules into the circulatory system.
The aromatic benefits can affect mood and open airways. Also, a cold air diffuser is an effective way to purify the air and to kill airborne pathogens for the whole family. This will support the immune system during seasonal and environmental threats.
Topical application is an effective method to go directly to the area of concern. There are essential oils that support cartilage and joint function for immediate comfort. The essential oils can be applied to the bottom of the feet as a reflexology technique benefiting the entire body systems.
Internal consumption of the essential oils has a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements for targeted wellness. Not all oils or blends can be ingested and should be noted on the bottle. Most of the essential oils can be added to water, under the tongue or to a veggie capsule and swallow just like any other pill. Essential oils are 50-70 times more powerful than herbs.
Essential oils are naturally safe and have few, if any, undesirable side effects when used as directed. Essential oils should never be used in the eyes or ear canal. If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, apply fractionated coconut or vegetable oil to the affected area. Water will not dilute. When putting a citrus oil in water to ingest only use glass-- not plastic or styrofoam to drink from. Oils should mainly be used on the feet for children and diluted with fractionated coconut oil for possible sensitivity. The elderly also may have to have the oil diluted.
With the rising cost of illness, harmful side effects and addiction to pharmaceutical drugs it is no wonder people are looking for a safe, effective alternative and less expensive way to care for their families at home. At the very least, essential oils can complement your healthcare program already in place.
Working with a Wellness Advocate, someone who has studied essential oils and teaches health and wellness, you can be guided and informed on self-care. The ultimate goal is for you to be proactive and become the MVP of your healthcare team. There are reference books, websites and YouTube training classes that will make it easy for you to become comfortable and enthusiastic as you enjoy compelling experiences with the life-enhancing essential oils.
A simple first step on your journey with essential oils may include a trio of the most popular oils with their numberless combinations and wellness applications. Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint are just a few of the essential oils that helps support structures and functions of the body such as the heart, liver, muscles and joints, the respiratory system, cognitive function and more.
Lavender essential oil is one of the most soothing aromas. You can apply this oil to the bottom of the feet or on the pillow or 2 drops in water to relieve occasional sleeplessness. To smooth away tension and to help you calm emotions, put 2 drops of oil in your palm, rub palms together, cup your nose and inhale. Also, applying 2 drops to your chest can relax irritability. Lavender is effective for soothing skin irritations.
Lemon essential oil is refreshing aromatically and internally. Diffused into the air this essential oil will cleanse and neutralize odors and is effective at lifting mood. Adding 2 drops of lemon oil in an 8oz. glass of water will support wellness through the entire body. Your stainless steel appliances and countertops can be cleaned with 10 drops of lemon oil in an 8oz. glass bottle of water.
Peppermint essential oil has many health giving uses. For occasional indigestion,2 drops in water will calm an upset stomach. Diffused aromatically or apply topically to promote feelings of easy breathing and open airways. Inhaling peppermint oil as a non-stimulant, invigorating pick-me-up is a safe way to address the feeling of fatigue or low on energy.
Bio for Debra Kerr
Debra Kerr, a native of Columbus, Ohio is a Wellness Advocate with the doTerra Essential Oils Company. Her background includes 30 years of being an owner of a nationally recognized Day Spa. She has appeared on television, written articles and was an accomplished speaker in the Spa industry. Now Debra's passion is teaching Health and Wellness classes and sharing natural solutions for health concerns. She can be reached at https://kerroils.kannaway.com/