
Why Essential Oils are Essential and not Inessentail
HEALTH:
We went to an Essential Oil Introductory course with Chelsea from Essentially Empōwered. We learned a lot of new facts and benefits about essential oils and it is the inspiration to our essential oil exploration. Chelsea is such a positive, upbeat person with an infectious smile and laugh. She has such a passion for essential oils and is an encyclopaedia of information! So with some help from Chelsea's course and some researching online, we have complied some facts and information for you on the health benefits and some general information about oils to ease your mind on the oily subject of essential oils impact on our health!
Approximately 90% of your serotonin ("happy hormone") and 70% of your immune system is made in the digestive tract; so if your gut isn't happy and healthy then you won't be either! An unhappy gut can effect you in many ways like headaches, acne breakouts, rashes and the more obvious signs such as; IBS, diarrhea, nausea, etc.
Did you know that your largest organ is your skin and that it absorbs 60% of what we apply to it? That's why it is crucial to use good quality 100% pure essential oils.
Using low quality essential oils is extremely bad for your health because they can contain harmful synthetics (read the nest block for more info!). Your body absorbs these toxic synthetic substances which can accumulate in your body and they don't leave! They can cause and trigger smaller health problems such as; migraines, nausea, rashes and a list of other issues. Worse long term problems are; asthma attacks, hormone imbalances, damage to organs and even cancer. Click the button to the right for more info on
harmful synthetic substance.
Using good quality, 100% pure essential oils is a healthy, natural, chemical and toxin free way to keep your body in balance and to give it what it may need directly from Earth!
For example; lavender helps to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Tea tree oil has amazing germ killing properties and helps with everything from acne, to cleaning the house, to psoriasis!
Essential oils are fantastic to boost your immune system and body when you're sick, here are some researched reasons why: All of our cells have a phospholipid molecule bilayered (two layered) membrane that encloses each cell, the membrane consists of about 60% protein and 40% lipid/fat. The fat layer doesn't allow water to slip through the membrane but does allow oil, which means that the essential oil can enter the cell's center to help fight or kill bacteria! It takes approximately 20 minutes for an essential oil to be absorbed into every cell in the body, 2 minutes to be in the bloodstream and 6 hours to leave the body.
QUALITY NOT PRICE!
The safer low quality essential oils are usually made with only a few drops of the actual plant's oil added to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil. However, the more dangerous synthetic substances and synthetic fragrances which can contain various toxins such as; butane, pthalates, parabens, benzaldehyde, sulfates and more!
95% of these synthetic, chemical products are derived from petroleum byproducts and you are using them directly on your skin! (read below for the impacts of these toxins on your health)
Read the ingredients list of your cosmetic products. Can you pronounce the words? Do you know what they mean? Do you know what they are? Do you know what they do to your body? Those funny long words that you can't even pronounce are in approximately 95% of all cosmetics and can even be in your essential oils!
Jane Buckle (PhD. and RN) says this about cheap essential oils (from her book on the clinical use of essential oils, p. 71
“Essential oils can be purchased in a great many places, as well as online. Just remember that essential oils are easy to dilute or adulterate, and (if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is). The most common method of dilution is adding by adding vegetable oil or alcohol. The most common adulteration is adding a small amount of a cheaper oil…Sometimes individual components are added, such as citronellal, geraniol, or linalool. Sometimes the individual components are mixed in a test tube and the result is labeled ‘natural essential oil.’
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Perfume -
Is absolutely TERRIBLE for your health because of all the toxic substances in the synthetic fragrances. It is absorbed into the body (especially around the lymph nodes on your throat) and can have long term detrimental effects on your digestive tract, organs and general health. Instead of using unsafe perfumes and deodorants, rather use essential oils; they smell spectacular, have amazing health benefits and can be mixed together to make more intoxicating smells!
Almost all essential oils can be taken orally but if not it will have warning labels. Also keep in mind that some oils are "hot" oils; when applied to sensitive areas of your skin they can leave a tingly/burning sensation.
If you are ever unsure about how to apply an oil, rub it onto the bottom of your feet at night or to the specific area that is ailing you, such as; the abdomen for menstrual cramps or the temples for headache.
Less is more! You only need a few drops, maybe five, not the whole bottle. A 15ml bottle can see you through a year (depending on how much and frequently you use the oil).
There are a few cases of death caused by essential oils such as; eucalyptus and pennyroyal oil have been fatal in 28ml doses (which is almost two 15ml bottles) which is extremely dangerous and irresponsible!
Seizures were caused on three separate occasions by taking 2 doses of 10 drops of hyssop, 1 dose of 12 drops of sage and 5 doses of 20 drops of thuja. There have also been cases of migraines, headaches, dizziness, throat and mouth irritation, gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, itching, hives and cognitive dysfunction (delusions).
However, when reading statistics such as these, you must consider the following:
Was the oil taken responsibly (only a few drops are necessary, not 6 or more drops depending on the intended use) or was half the bottle used?
Were there any allergic reactions? Allergic reactions can happen to anyone, caused by anything, at any given time, it doesn't mean that the oils are dangerous.
What quality was the oil?
The point being; good quality, 100% pure essential oils used responsibly are very safe and offer huge health benefits. Most of the cases of illness, overdose and death caused by oils are because of irresponsible use of the oils and in some cases allergic reaction, but the oils are not to be blamed.
Take a look at the pharmaceutical industry; millions of people are addicted to their prescribed pain medications and their antidepressants, while thousands upon thousands more are addicted to morphine and opioids. How many people have you heard of that has a lavender or tea tree oil addiction? None, right? How many people have you heard of that has an opioid addiction?
Essential oils have side benefits, pharmaceutical medication has side effects, never forget this!
Essential oils evaporate so always close the lids when you're finished using them!
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology or simply massaging your feet is exceptional for your health as it is great for your blood flow, reducing stress levels, calms your emotions, organs and overall health.
The International Academy of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy:
"The feet are a microcosm of the body. All the organs, glands and body parts are represented in similar arrangement on the feet. Reflexology works on the premise that all organs in the body have reflexes in the feet and by stimulating these reflexes we are stimulating the body to heal itself. Reflexology maps the feet, including the toes, as a mirror concept of our body organs.
Pressure is applied to the reflex areas using specific thumb and finger techniques. This causes physiological changes to take place in the body as the body’s own healing potential is stimulated. As a general understanding, the science of Reflexology states that where there is sensitivity in a reflex area that would be an indication of stress or weakness in the corresponding organ or body part."

HISTORY
People have been using essential oils for thousands of years - these oils being the part of the pharmaceutical industry's foundation, don't forget that our medication started with plants - with the earliest evidence of essential oil usage from the period of 3000-2500 BC!
The Bible:
There are at least twelve essential oils mentioned over nine times (essential oils including cinnamon, myrrh, spikenard, frankincense, myrtle and fir) and there are dozens of references to aromatic plants in the Old and New Testament.
Moses received the instructions for a holy anointing oil in the book of Exodus, containing the following essential oils; spikenard, clove, myrrh, cinnamon, galbanum and cassia.
Gold, frankincense and myrrh was brought to the Christ child by the Magi.
Egypt:
Essential oils were used in Egypt by Cleopatra in her skin care routine, by priest for religious purposes, for medications and was in Tutankhamen's tomb. Thieves had stolen valuable essential oils but had left gold behind!
Hippocrates:
(Greek physician 460BC - 375BC) is considered the father of modern medicine and he had both studied and documented over 300 plants for their medical influence, he suggested aromatic baths and scented massages every day for one's health, prescribed soldiers with aromatic treatments and used fumigation with aromatics to fight the plague in Athens.
India:
Indian Ayurvedic ("ayur" meaning life and "veda" meaning knowledge) medicine is a spiritual, philosophical and practical natural healing system that has been practiced for over 5000 years and is still used today. India's most sacred book, the Vedas, has over 700 different aromatics and herbs used for perfumes and more for both religious and therapeutic purposes and needs. There is also Ayurvedic literature from 2000 BC of Indian doctors providing essential oils of ginger, sandalwood, cinnamon and more to their patients.
Rome:
The Romans used aromatics lavishly with frequent massages, bathing a few times a day with oils, by perfuming themselves, using oils in their hair and beds. Five volume reference work written about herbal medicine during the first century of A.D (containing over 600 plant remedies) was penned by Pedanius Dioscorides, a Roman army doctor. His remedies really did work and were very useful, and the proof is a history of 1500 years of medical practice using his remedies.
China:
Shennong’s Herbal is the oldest known surviving Chinese medical text, dating to around 2700 B.C. Shennong was not only a ruler but is also said to have pioneered tea, tested herbs for their medical value by consuming hundreds and was the father of both herbal Chinese medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (including acupuncture).
Benefits of Essential Oils

LAVENDER:
~ Alleviates stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue and aids with easier sleeping.
~ Helps to ease nausea and motion sickness.
~ Improves chapped lips, cold sores, bruises, blood circulation, insect bites, eczema, inflamed and itchy skin.
~ Rub a few drops onto your abdomen to help alleviate menstrual cramps.
~ Has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties
~ Soothing and calming effect on the nervous system.
~ Calms emotions; there is a small percentage of people that will be energized instead of calmed, keep this is mind when using it for the first time.
~ Smells divine!

PEPPERMINT:
~ Acts as a painkiller, a muscle relaxant and has
antispasmodic properties.
~ Reduces headaches, opens up sinuses, relieves scratchy throats, clears up mucus, reduces congestion and is amazing for colds, coughing, sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis.
~ Taking a whiff or two of peppermint oil's aroma helps improve alertness, boosts energy and improves memory.
~ Great for IBS as it soothes the gut, improves circulation, relaxes the intestinal muscles, reduces gas, bloating and colon spasms.
~ Freshens your breath and helps for overall oral health preventing infection and cavities.
~ Stimulates the scalp, nourishes damaged hair, naturally thickens hair, reduces dandruff and helps with hair growth, add 2-3 drops in your shampoo or conditioner.

FRANKINCENSE:
~ Add a few drops to an oil diffuser to use in your home or inhale the scent to benefit from it’s anti-anxiety, anti-nervousness anti-depressant abilities.
~ Aids the body in fighting infection, bacteria and fungus as the oil has antimicrobial properties.
~ Excellent for pain relief and eases arthritis.
~ Helps to fade scars; from surgery's, wound's, acne and stretch marks.
~ If you have an oral infection, mouth sores or bad breath mix a drop in a glass of water with baking soda and rinse your mouth twice a day.
~ The oil has strong astringent qualities which help prevent acne and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. Mix in 2 drop with any carrier oil of your choice and apply to the skin for a few days for a smooth, glowing effect.
~ Great for mood swings, menopause, menstruation and unbalanced hormones.

NUTMEG:
~ Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner as nutmeg oil gives you shiner hair by helping the hair follicles retain moisture.
~ This oil can reduce the onset of leukemia as it contains menthol which induces death cell death in damaged or affected cells.
~ Excellent for insomnia as it helps to reduce body tension, relaxes the mind and the magnesium content can help clear your mind and ease your thoughts which all aids sleep.
~ Nutmeg oil works wonders for stomach issues such as flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea and nausea.
~ Keeps your liver healthy as this oil has properties which force toxins out of the body.
~ The potassium and zinc content helps to improve the clotting mechanism while the antiseptic properties work at keeping wounds infection free.
~ Reduces swelling and promotes healing of wounds.

CINNAMON:
~ Cinnamon essential oil contains calcium which helps to protect you against heart diseases and some other complications as well as .
~ Great for diabetes as cinnamon oil regulates blood sugar levels and can support insulin and reduces the risk of diabetes because cinnamon contains a water-soluble polyphenol.
~ Mix 4-5 drops with 30ml warm carrier oil and massage arthritic joints.
~ The diuretic property of cinnamon essential oil can aid with normal and regular discharge of urine.
~ Adding cinnamon essential oil to foods like cookies and tea helps to slow down the release of glucose in the blood, therefore it's a terrific sugar controlling and fat burning ingredient.
~ Cinnamon oil is an excellent insect repellant, add to a diffuser or add oil to coconut oil and use as a balm.
~ It's also known to be an aphrodisiac, working for women and men.
~ Potent antioxidant properties have been found in cinnamon oil which help rashes, acne and even can help fight off cancer!

GRAPEFRUIT:
~ Breath in the aroma of the oil because grapefruit oil is uplifting, soothing, clarifying, stress relieving, soothing and peaceful.
~ Drinking a glass of water with 1-2 drops helps to ease hangovers; grapefruit oil can stop headaches, cravings and sluggishness as well as increase detoxification and urination the morning after a night out.
~ A great pick-me-up when the scent is inhaled, it's also effective for reducing headaches, sleepiness, brain fog, mental fatigue and even poor moods.
~ Add 2 - 3 drops in your bath water to boost
circulation.
~ Drink a glass of water with 1-2 drops to reduce sugar cravings.
~ The limonene in grapefruit as well as other citrus essential oils is what can help to reduce inflammation and to regulate the body’s cytokine production, or its natural immune response.

TEA TREE:
~ Can kill common bacteria that often causes illnesses such as H.influenza. S.pneumonia, E.coli,
and S.aureus.
~ Reduces inflammation, symptoms of acne,
dermatitis and body odor.
~ Encourages healing by triggering white cell activity.
~ An amazing natural, chemical free insect repellent.
~ Mix 1 drop tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon coconut oil for minor wounds/scratches/cuts.
~ Mix 1 part teat tree oil with 9 parts water and apply to your face twice a day with reusable (washable) cotton pads for acne.
~ Add 1 drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water for mouthwash; DON’T SWALLOW.

EUCALYPTUS:
~ Great for respiratory tract infections such as colds, coughs, runny noses, sore throats, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Add a 2 drops to a basin of hot water and inhale the steam or rub a drop between your fingers and rub along your shirt’s neckline or on your pillow case.
~ Add 2 drops to a tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil to moisturize your hair and scalp and to help prevent psoriasis, dandruff and itchy scalp.
~ Very effective for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions, cold sores insect bites and stings.
~ Inhale the scent to help rejuvenate you when under the weather and feeling sluggish and is effective in alleviating stress and mental disorders.
~ Helps to lower joint and muscle pain.

NEROLI:
~ Neroli oil is excellent for menopaus as it has shown to reduce diastolic blood pressure, improve pulse rate, serum cortisol levels and estrogen concentrates.
~ Is an anti-seizure and an anti-convulsant.
~ Has anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties especially pseudomonas aeruginosa.
~ Excellent for regenerating and improving the elasticity of dry skin.
~ Smear a drop on your pillow case and on your shirt’s neckline to brighten your mood and mind before bed.
~ Use in a diffuser for healthier, fresher air.
~ It is fantastic natural anti-spasmodic, rub 2 drops on your lower abdomen to help ease colon pains, diarrhea and nervous dyspepsia.
~ Add a 3 drops to your bath water to aid with anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic, shock and stress.

CITRONELLA:
~ Can help ease depression as the oil leaves a feeling of hope, freshness and happiness.
~ Helps to remove bad body odor, add a few drops to your bathwater or apply to the neck and/or wrists as you would perfume.
~ It tones up digestion, excretion, the nervous system, and the brain while fortifying the body.
~ Kills bacteria and inhibits any further bacterial growth in the body. Can aid with treating infections in the colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate, and kidneys.
~ Citronella has diaphoretic properties which can increase sweating and promote the rejection of toxins and other unwanted materials like excess water, fat, and salts from the body.
~ The ability to increase perspiration as well as it's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties work together to help fight fever and reduce body temperature.
~ Citronella oil helps to reduce weight, disposes of waste substances and toxins from the body, including uric acid, excess bile, acids, and salts, as well as water and fats.
~ Excellent natural dewormer as it kills both roundworms and tapeworms. Although this is not vegan as it kills the worms, we have not been able to find an effective dewormer that doesn't kill them. It is up to you whether you think deworming yourself is vegan and ethical or not, don't forget about your health when making the decision.

LEMON:
~ Apply lemon essential oil consistently to your calluses, corns, bunions or any hardened skin conditions and the lemon oil will help soften those areas.
~ Applying lemon oil to your nails and cuticles keeps both healthy and cuticles soft.
~ Excellent for removing your kid's crayon art from walls, gum or prestick from hair and stickiness left from labels on jars.
~ Lemon oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it is a good cleaner for the body, metal surfaces, dishes and clothes!
~ Add a drop to warm water or herbal tea to ease a sore throat.
~ It's an astringent, is detoxifying and is an antiseptic.
~ Pour face wash into the palm of your hand and add less than a drop of lemon oil to create a fresh clear complexion, remove dead skin cells, to reduce excess oil on the skin and to help treat pimples.

HELICHRYSUM:
~ Being an antiallergenic compound, it can help your liver, spleen, internal organs and nervous system fight allergies.
~ This oil promotes cell health by encouraging the recycling of dead cells and stimulating the production of new ones because of it's collagen levels.
~ Great to use on wounds, cuts, scratches as it can stop bleeding, aid healing and can reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.
~ It may help treat anemic conditions by promoting red blood cells by supporting and maintaining the health of the spleen, so that red blood cell and hemoglobin production is bolstered.
~ The oil can help the functions of the liver so that the detoxification process is enhanced and harmful metabolic byproducts are rejected from the body quickly.
~ It boosts immune systems, especially less stronger immune systems, helping to avoid easily picked up germs.
