An Introduction to Essential Oils
We are preparing to introduce new personal care products, and an introduction to essential oils will increase your understanding of the benefits of using honey and essential oil personal care products.
What Are Essential Oils?
I found this very complete definition of what an essential oil is on the All Natural Prevention website:
Plants contain complex and powerful substances known as essential oils. These are aromatic liquids derived from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, herbs, and seeds. These distinctive components defend plants from insects, harsh environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Referred to as the essence of the plant, pure essential oils not only protect the plant, but also determine its aroma.
The Ancient Egyptians and Chinese used essential oils in personal and health care products thousands of years ago, so there is a strong tradition of anecdotal evidence of benefits that medical science is finally catching up with. Through observation and experience, the various properties of essential oils have been documented throughout history. So, there are many books and charts available to guide you when you explore aromatherapy.
Essential oils come in various grades. The crudest grades are used in air fresheners, atomizers, eco-friendly cleaning products, and room deodorants. Improved grades are used for bath oils and perfumes. Food grade or therapeutic grade essential oils can be eaten.
I’ve been using essential oils as meditation tools for many, many years. I light a candle under a fire-proof oil burner and add the essential oil to the container above the candle. Since smell is such a powerful sense because the nerves in your nose have a direct connection to your brain, states of relaxation, peace, and calm are easily induced by burning essential oils during meditation. My favorite meditation blend is a mixture of frankincense, rose, and lavender oil that I mix myself.
Since I’ve made a decision to improve my wellness, I have experimented with essential oils as immune system boosters. So far, my experience with Rocky Mountain Blends has been quite successful. I use organic almond oil as a base and add a few drops of Immune Strength, Rejuvenate, and Revitalize oils. I cover my feet with the oil before I go to sleep and put on a pair of white cotton socks. I also slather the oil under my arms, over my thymus, and my throat. I tap my thymus (center of my chest under my collar bones) about 10 times after I put the oil on. I’ve also increased the amount of water and juice I’m drinking to support any detox response.
What I’ve found is an old infection I had in one side of my jaw is loosening. I’ve been coughing up mucous from the gland on that side of my neck, so the oils seem to be supporting my immune system so that my body can rid itself of the infection. My skin is also more clear and less dry.
As a long time user of essential oils and other natural wellness products, I recommend you researching essential oils. That way, when we launch our new personal care products, you can decide which one you would like to try first.
We would like to thank http://www.azuregreen.net for use of the beautiful photo of their soap stone oil diffuser.
Queen Bee
