The Miracle of Essential Oils

Often described as nature's gift to us, essential oils provide natural remedies for minor ailments, the beautifying of our bodies, and helps to aid in promoting positive emotions.  These oils are normally derived from plants using their flowers, stems, barks, roots and even sap.  Various parts of the plant are then distilled to extract the precious essence that is seemingly life giving.

What makes essential oils so special?  Maybe it's the fact that they can be found anywhere as they are naturally grown sometimes in farms or even in wild conditions.  Maybe it's the fact that essential oils can provide a multitude of physiological benefits as well as have the power to calm our soul.  Maybe it's the fact that the use of essential oils dates back to almost a thousand years and is already embedded in our history although no one exactly prove that they work much less how they work.  Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that they provide a natural method of healing that can't always be found in synthetic compounds.

Take for example, the unique history of frankincense.  The use of frankincense dates back to more than 5000 years with one use directly being cited in the bible.  (Frankincense was one of the gifts presented to baby Jesus by the three wise men.)  At one time, the value of frankincense equaled that of gold!  It was noted for abundant healing properties including rejuvenating skin, treating acne, bacterial and fungal infections, and wounds and scars.  Frankincense was also used as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain.  In addition to all of that, frankincense was used as a cosmetic as well as for repelling mosquitoes, wheat moths, and sand flies.  Most notably, however, is the use of frankincense in spiritual practices.  Frankincense promotes the body's ability to quiet one's mind; slow breathing rates, and enhances meditation.  To think that all of this was found in a single plant!

The miracle of essential oils is this:  that we have already been provided with all of what we need for our physical and emotional healing.  Many of the ailments we suffer are the results of destructive emotions such as stress, fatigue, anger, loneliness and the like.  These emotions take a toll on our physical being and results in worsened conditions which we seemingly are unsure of how to cure.

The miracle of essential oils is that no matter what your physical condition may be, you can still receive positive benefits even though it may be something as small as reducing the amount of pain you experience.  Aromatherapy can help to eliminate negative emotions and reach a place of emotional balance to help you deal with any situation coming your way.  All it takes is a positive outlook on life - your life.  The effects may seem small to non-existent at first, but with time, may snowball into reversing some of the effects of the ailments you experience.  What if you received a report that your blood pressure lowered on your next trip to the doctor?

Before starting any aromatherapy regimen, consult with your doctor or aromatherapy practitioner.  Aromatherapy should also not be used as a substitute for any medical treatment.

How to Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Those who have used essential oils before becoming pregnant will probably want to use them during their pregnancy.  Some people will want to try them for the first time while expecting.  However, it's important to know how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy.

There are many essential oils and blends of oils that just aren't safe to use during pregnancy.  Some herbs that are used in cooking should be avoided in their essential oils forms during all nine months of pregnancy.  These include basil, bay leaves, sage, thyme, and oregano.  Others are clove, marjoram, and wintergreen.  Some of the essential oils are safe for use after the first trimester.  There are remedies for many of the discomforts of pregnancy.   For example, women often have morning sickness that lasts beyond the first trimester.  If so, they can breathe in oil of peppermint, spearmint, or lemon. 

It is easy to end up feeling tense and full of muscle pain when you are pregnant.  If this happens, a massage could be just the thing you need.  With the essential oils of lavender and chamomile mixed with vegetable oil, your partner can help ease away that tension. 

Commonly, women suffer from swollen ankles and feet during pregnancy.  If lavender, cypress, and juniper oils are mixed with vegetable oil, they can used for massage oil.  This blend of essential oils can cause the swelling to decrease. 

Pregnant women also have muscle cramps in their legs at times.  For this, massage oil can be made from the essential oils of lavender and chamomile, just as for any muscle pain.  However, with this pain and any pain of the feet and legs, it is important to be careful when doing the massage.  Activating pressure points in these areas can induce labor. 

Carrying around all that extra weight can make a woman feel quite fatigued.  She may have given up coffee and caffeinated soft drinks for the health of her baby.  To energize herself, she can mix essential oils of lavender, grapefruit, and orange with vegetable oil. This can be inhaled or rubbed on the solar plexus.  Skin eruptions are common during pregnancies.  They are uncomfortable and distressing to many women.  Several different conditions can be helped by putting a mixture of essential oils and vegetable oil on the affected areas. 

The essential oils you should use for dry skin are geranium, lavender, and rose.  For inflamed skin, use chamomile.  For itchy skin, use a combination of chamomile and lavender.  These remedies should soothe the skin and make it smoother.  There's just no getting around stretch marks.  If you are getting them, though, you might like to have a way to soothe them and keep them from itching.  Just put lavender, geranium, and rosewood essential oils in your vegetable oil for massaging. 

Do your homework if you are pregnant and wanting to use essential oils to relieve some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy.  After the first trimester, there are certain essential oils that are safe to use.  If in doubt, consult an expert.  It's important to take the safety of you and your baby into account.