Maybe you have read about essential oils and are curious. Essential oils are made from parts of plants like leaves, herbs, barks, and rinds. They are processed to distill or express parts of them into concentrated oils. some add the oils to unscented oils, creams or gels. You can rub them on your skin, put them in your bath or diffuse them in your house. Research shows they can be helpful if used the right way.
Simple oils smells such as lavender, chamomile, and rosewater might calm, while others like peppermint or thyme may stimulate or wake you up. Scientists think they work by sending chemical messages to parts of the brain that affect mood and emotion. oils won’t take all your stress away, but the aroma may help you relax.
Some oils that are fine on your arms and legs may not be safe to put inside your mouth, nose, eyes, or private parts. Lemongrass, peppermint, and cinnamon bark are some examples.
Look for pure oils from a trusted producer that makes pure oils without anything added. You’re more likely to have an allergic reaction to oils that have other ingredients. Not all extras are bad. Some added ‘carrier’ or dilution oil may be normal for certain more expensive essential oils.
The most common use of essential oils is diffusing or electro sonically pulsing them into the air through cold water. Diffusers are inexpensive and available everywhere. They are safe and easy to use. A few (3-6) drops of oil in a water reservoir can scent your house and make oils available for you in the air of your home or office. This kind of oil delivery can be beneficial to your health and well-being.
Any essential oil you plan to use should be tested in small amounts. Touch a drop on your arm or leg, Smell the lid not the bottle and see how you react. Dilute with unscented lotion or skin oil such as argan or almond oil. If you have or develop a rash or itchy bumps, stop. If your skin is injured don’t use an oil you are unfamiliar with. Some might help, and some might harm. Don’t be fooled by words like natural and pure…natural can still irritate or make your allergic, or you might just not like it. Oils can age and ruin just like your cooking oil, so if it seems funky or off toss it. Babies and old folks may be more sensitive to oils and some could be dangerous. Do your homework and go slowly when using a new oil. Store all oils out of light out of heat and out of reach of little hands and paws and claws. There are oils that can be fatal for pets. If you are pregnant always ask before using essential oils. Some can complicate your pregnancy. Do tell your doctor if you are using or even trying essential oils. Research shows some cancer drugs and others can be absorbed differently if exposed to certain oils. There are lots of reputable websites for information about using essential oils and the library is sure to have information you can use. If someone claims to be an aromatherapist, ask if they have a license and if they are an oil enthusiast, check their information. With essential oils, a little is a lot. they are concentrated and should be used sparingly. More is not always better with essential oils.
Used the right way, they can help you feel better with few side effects. For example, you may feel less nauseateed from chemotherapy cancer treatment if you breathe in ginger vapors. You may be able to fight certain bacterial or fungal infections, including the dangerous MRSA bacteria with tea tree oil. In one study, tea tree oil was as effective as a prescription antifungal cream in easing symptoms of a fungal foot infection. Peppermint, wintergreen, rosemary and others may help with pain or bruising. The uses are endless, and they are fun and exciting to try. Many who thought they were the latest ‘snake oil cure’ find their effectiveness surprising and helpful. if you want to know more email me for a list of websites you might find helpful. gollygeetx@alumni.ou.edu
