Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracted from the flower, root. leaves or peel of the plant or fruit. 

I use essential oils on a regular basis both for different ailments and just because I like the smell. My kids often ask for specific oils and we frequently put the essential oil diffuser in their room when they are going to sleep. I use them in most of the workshops I run and with clients undergoing healing or learning stress and anxiety relief techniques. I’ve used them in schools, hospitals, offices, and community spaces. They are versatile, easy to use, and can be transported.

Inhaled Oils

Essential oils have an immediate effect, which makes them so versatile in helping with stress and anxiety. When inhaled, they instantly stimulate olfactory nerves, which in turn stimulate centers of the brain. Particular oils can have a calming affect. For example, lavender can be wonderful for this.

They can also stimulate an immune response after entering the bronchial area and lungs, helping your body fight an infection, or reduce allergies. Eucalyptus is an excellent example. When breathing it through a steam pot, it can help to dry up mucus, lower inflammation, and enhance airflow.

Topical Oils

Essential oils can be diluted with a base oil such as sweet almond oil, Jojoba Oil, or even avocado oil, and rub it directly onto your skin. The components of the essential oil penetrate the skin and, in the case of an an inflammatory oil such as lavender, can help relive pain and swelling. Oils can also be used in this way for massage, for relaxing the body and rejuvenating tired muscles. It can be also very calming. Applying oils to the soles of the feet can be very effective. 

Take Care

When starting off with essential oils, always use in moderation for maximum safety. Do your research or work with someone with experience.

Always buy the best quality oils you can afford. The quality can really vary. Make sure you buy oils free of synthetics and pesticides.

Try out the oil on a small patch of skin first and always have a base oil (as mentioned above) near when you are using oils. This will allow you to remove oil quickly if it is irritating. 

Some easy ways to use oils: 

· Dab a drop onto your pulse points, mix with a base oil and massage into skin. The bottoms of the feet are a very good place to put oils.

· Simply open the essential oil bottle and inhale gently – as you would when smelling a flower, or smelling from the lid can be a more subtle approach rather than from the actual bottle. 

· Add a few drops into a bowl with Epsom salts, mix & add to bath.

· Add to cotton balls & keep near you, under your pillow or in pocket

· Add to washcloth in the shower

· Add to diffuser

Oils to start with: 

Lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, can help with insomnia, anxiety, and stress, and has antiseptic properties.

Eucalyptus helps to relieve symptoms of colds, coughs, and flu. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is a good insect repellent, good for the immune system, and alleviates allergies.

Lemon is joyful, refreshing, and up-lifting. It can eliminate other odors, act as an antiseptic, and assist in digestive issues and nausea.

Peppermint is very cooling and calming, often used to relieve headaches and digestive issues. It helps with focus, boosting energy, maintaining calm, and relieving muscle pain. It is also used as an insect repellant.

When used carefully essential oils are a wonderful safe way to bring calm and remedy the every day tangles we get ourselves into!