What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the oils that are extracted from the seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruit of plants. They are highly concentrated molecules that serve as the defense mechanism of the plant. Although plants do not have an "immune system," to thrive, they must be able to resist the challenges of bacteria, fungi, viruses and be able to defend themselves against herbivores. Because they must attract pollinators, the oils are also the communication system of plants. Many people feel that essential oils have proven to be far more potent than dried herbs!

 

Essential oils can help balance and support the body to heal itself. Research has shown that essential oils help us fight infection, contain balancing compounds and aid regeneration. They possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD wrote, "Essential oils do not act as weapons but as agents of interaction. They are a key ingredient of life itself, strengthening its fabric and preconditions."

 

Essential oils have the ability to easily penetrate the cells and travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes when inhaled, applied topically or a drop taken by mouth. The oils are easily recognized and utilized by the body to support health and  wellness.

 

Essential oils have their own individual character or "blueprint" – an absolutely unique identity. Their potency allows them to be used in a small quantity for beneficial and effective results. Using the sun's energy, soil, air and water, a perfectly balanced blend of complex components is created. The combination of numerous elements gives each oil its individual fragrance along with its particular beneficial and healing properties. It is impossible to synthetically reproduce an essential oil in its exact form.

 

How to Use Essential Oils?

There are four basic ways to take essential oils: through the lungs (inhalation), through the skin (massage), through the digestive tract (by mouth) and through the absorbent tissues of the body orifices (suppositories or orally absorbed – not swallowed). Holding a drop of a suitable essential oil in the mouth allows them to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Swallowing the oils results in a major portion being destroyed by the stomach acids, so a greater amount of oil is required when swallowed than when simply held in the mouth, but since some oils are too strong to be held comfortably in the mouth, and when internal usage is deemed appropriate, swallowing oils in a capsule is an effective alternative. The choice of the usage should best fit the need.

 

I am very enthusiastic about the use of essential oils because I've seen how wonderfully they have worked in my life and for my family and friends. I want to share what I know with you!

 

 

I teach an Essential Oils 101 Class as well as some fun "Make & Take" classes. 

Check out the CLASSES tab for a class schedule.