By: Sapna Fliedner MSN, HHC
When you think of essential oils, you likely conjure smells of lavender and peppermint, but did you know that their benefits go way beyond a pleasant scent? Essential oils have been used for centuries for their healing properties.
Essential Oil Through the Ages
Records indicate that Ancient Egyptians were the first to use essential oils for healing, as well as for ceremonial practices and in embalming procedures.
In the late 19th century, French chemist and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse revived the tradition of using essential oils. After burning his hand, he treated his wound with the first compound he could find, which was undiluted lavender oil. The lavender provided immediate relief from the pain and also helped minimize the infection and scarring. Essential oils are naturally anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic.
Our Story
I went on a six month journey around Asia with my family a few years ago and before I left, a friend of mine gave me a sample kit of Doterra Essential Oils. Honestly, I didn’t really know what to do with them, and my husband wasn’t even sure if he wanted me to bring them as we needed to pack light. Prior to our travels, I thought I knew so many healing modalities (food as medicine, Ayurveda, spices, herbs, healing teas, energy medicine) but I had never tried essential oils. Quite frankly, I thought essential oils were basically perfume or something to make a room smell nice (Isn’t that why it is called “Aromatherapy”?)
Nevertheless, I brought them along and I am so grateful I did. While we were pretty healthy for the most part in our travels, a severe bout of traveller’s diarrhea in my youngest child, food poisoning in my husband, coughs/colds and the flu gave me the opportunity to try out these oils firsthand. I had heard good things about these oils for a long time but never had the opportunity to use them. Not only did these oils work, but they worked surprisingly fast! I was actually pretty shocked because my go to natural remedies weren’t working as fast these were. On my return home to the States, I started researching this amazing company and started using the oils for every ailment that would come up: coughs, colds, headaches, sore muscles, insomnia, scrapes/cuts, immune boosters, etc. Yes, there is an oil for everything!**
I felt like I knew a secret… I just had to share:
I was so impressed at the efficacy of these oils that I decided that I needed to become more involved with this healing modality and help other families with their illnesses. I started using them on my friends and family and heard more amazing stories of healing…People I knew had treated their cancer with them, seizures disappeared, lyme disease, autoimmune protocols, diabetes and the list goes on and on.
How to Buy
To receive the most potent healing benefits they provide, try to source the highest-, purest-quality plant oils you can find. Look for essential oils that are stored and sold in amber-colored bottles. The color of the bottle helps protect the oil and helps it retain its integrity. Whatever you do, steer clear of oils sold in clear or plastic bottles. Also avoid oils labeled “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil” — 98 percent of oils should not be ingested! Most store bought essential oils are synthetic and are made in a factory.
Using Essential Oils to Cure What Ails You
One of the most effective means of topical application is through the foot. The oil permeates the skin and enters the bloodstream and the effects of the oil can be seen within twenty minutes. It is important to dilute the oil before using it, especially topically, and never use it on broken skin. Another way to use oils is with a diffuser.
(Note that if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding consult your physician before using any essential oil.)
Here are a few common ailments that can be relieved using oils:
- Migraine – Chamomile Roman, Lavender, Peppermint (apply topically)
- Anxiety – Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Rosewood (with a diffuser)
- Depression –Neroli, Rose, Grapefruit, Jasmine (with a diffuser)
- Burns – Geranium Rose, Lavender, Sage, Tea Tree (apply topically)
- Anti-fungal –Tea Tree (apply topically)
Essential Oils in Your Home
Essential oils can also be used to create Do-It-Yourself (DIY) household cleaners. When choosing DIY cleaners over commercial cleaners and detergents, you not only receive the benefits of the oil but you eliminate your exposure to the chemicals found in these products!
The following oils are common additives to DIY household cleaners: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, thyme, spruce, lemon, lemongrass, tea tree, and grapefruit. Make a simple room freshener by adding your favorite scent to a spray bottle with water. The scent of the oil permeates the air as it’s sprayed.
As you can see, there are many ways to add essential oils to your life. Incorporate them into your wellness regimen and cleaning routine and you’ll soon find that health never smelled so sweet. You will be unknowingly helping your health as well as using non-toxic ways to help your family.
If you are interested in learning more about essential oils, please contact me for a complimentary class on how to makeover your medicine cabinet in your home. You will be empowered with information on how to become your own healer in your home!