Essential Oils

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the “essence” or therapeutic value distilled from plants (seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruit).

As we’ve seen with homeopathy, herbs, and other natural care products and supplements, essential oils have gained popularity within the last few years for relieving symptoms of acute and chronic symptoms and illnesses.

What You May Have Heard About Essential Oils

A common myth is that essential oils are a “fad” and don’t do anything to help the body heal.

On the contrary, the Egyptians get credit for being the first to use essential oils.

Most ancient cultures have had some form of oils for perfume, healing, and even as currency.

There are numerous studies that can be found online demonstrating the effectiveness of essential oils for various health issues.

How Can They Help My Child?

Essential oils have numerous healing properties such as:

Being antioxidant
Being antimicrobial
Being antiseptic
Being anti-inflammatory
Reducing anxiety and depression
Improving focus and attention
Supporting the nervous system and immune system
Reducing bronchitis and asthma symptoms
Supporting learning disorders
Assisting with detox

For more information and research, go to www.aromatools.com

How Do I Use Them?

There are several application methods for essential oils:

Direct application

Direct application is applying the oils directly on the area of concern.

Common areas to apply essential oils are the feet, the palms, and the inside of the wrists.

Only a drop or two of the oils are typically needed, and sometimes require a “carrier” oil, such as coconut oil to dilute and optimize the therapeutic benefits.

Ingestion

Ingestion of essential oils should only be considered under the guidance of a health care provider, especially for children and babies.

Direct inhalation

Direct inhalation is where you simply hold an opened vial close to the face and inhale.

Diffusion

Diffusion is a way of putting a fine mist of the oil into the air for inhalation.

This requires a nebulizing diffuser, a fan, vent, vaporizer, or humidifier.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some essential oils cannot be used “straight”, i.e., without a carrier oil, as there may be a burning sensation.

For optimal results, work with an experienced health care provider.

As with any medicine or supplement, educate yourself on the oils and purpose for your consideration.

There are numerous blogs and social media groups that make recommendations for people and even babies for chronic illness that have no medical training on the chronic symptoms you are addressing.

Exercise caution and do due diligence.

You do not want unwanted side effects such as allergic reactions or contraindications with other medicines and supplements.

These are powerful oils.

The national companies DoTerra and Young Living offer training and consultants for those wanting to learn more.

Whole Foods and other grocery outlets carry their own brand of oils.

Other retailers such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond even carry oils!

Reflexology and reflex therapy are often used in conjunction with essential oils.

Naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other alternative medicine practitioners can sometimes use them in their practice.