Here’s the Skinny on Essential Oils
Essential oils have become popular due to their therapeutic and aesthetic properties. The most expensive oils use many pounds of plant material. In general, those pounds make only one vial of oil. The result is an extremely potent plant essence. When applied, physical and mental healing by that essence happens. Additionally, these oils are able to brighten and purify a room. Especially when placed in a diffuser.
Plant oils contain healing compounds. Some oils, such as tea tree oil, have antibacterial, antiviral, and/or antifungal properties. Colds and foot fungus are treated with certain oils. Essential oils provide great treatments for bad breath and dry skin. As a result of its antifungal properties, tea tree oil is widely used. When diffused or humidified, eucalyptus eases breathing difficulties. Acne is cleared by clary sage.
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Emotional Benefits of Essential Oils
However, oils can also produce potent emotional effects. Lavender essential oil, for example, is a wonderful disinfectant. It also calms the mind. Lavander produces a feeling of ease and well-being. For this reason, we use it at SpiritQuest Sedona Retreats in many of our massages and treatments. Frankincense has potent anti-depressant effects. It is a strong oil. It is fortifying, and also useful for wrinkles. Finally, rose oil is great for depression, skin, and hormone imbalance. In addition, rose oil is one of the most fragrant oils.
Remember to never use essential oils directly on the skin. Some oils are safer than others. Please check with the manufacturer to ensure you are using the oil properly. It is best to get “carrier oils,” such as almond oil, jojoba, grapeseed, or avocado oils. You mix one of them with the essential oil. Then put it on your skin.
Unique Essential Oils for Culinary Exploration
Most people are familiar with essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and frankincense. The lemon essential oil has a delightful flavor, unlike lemon juice. It is incredible when used in cooking. You can place a drop in your water each morning for liver detox, or to simply keep your water bottle fresh and clean. Sweet orange or tangerine oils also make incredible flavorings for baked goods or water. Be careful putting citrus oils on the skin as they are often extremely phototoxic; meaning the sun activates them and they can create burns.
It is important to always use a high-quality, pure-grade essential oil. We recommend Doterra or Young Living, although there are many reputable sources out there. Read about Detox for Health and Wellness.
