Plants not only play a vital role in the ecological balance of our planet, but they have also been intimately linked to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well--being of people since the beginning of time.

Lavender Flowers

The plant kingdom continues to be the subject of an enormous amount of research and discovery. At least 30 percent of prescription drugs un the United States are based on naturally occurring compounds from plants. Each year, millions of dollars are allocated to universities searching for new therapeutic agents that lie undiscovered in the bark, roots, flowers, seeds, and foliate of jungles, canopies, river bottoms, forests, hillsides, and vast wilderness regions throughout the world.

Essential oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. Unlike vegetable oils, most essential oils cannot go rancid and are powerful antimicrobials. As the most powerful part of the plant, essential oils and plant extracts have been woven into history since time immemorial. Essential oils have been used medicinally to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They provide exquisite fragrances to balance mood, lift spirits, dispel negative emotions, and create a romantic atmosphere. They can stimulate the regeneration of tissue or stimulate nerves. They can even carry nutrients to, and oxygenate the cells.

The chemistry of essential oils is very complex: each may consist of hundreds of different and unique chemical compounds. Moreover, essential oils are highly concentrated. It often requires an entire plant or more to produce one drop of distilled essential oil.

Fresh Oregano, Sage and Peppermint

Essential oils are not simple substances. They are mosaics of hundreds -- or even thousands -- of different chemicals. Any given essential oil may contain anywhere from 80 to 300 or more different chemical constituents. An essential oil like lavender is very complex with many of it's constituents occurring in minute quantities -- but all contributing to the oil's therapeutic effects to some degree.

Of great concern is the fact that some oils are adulterated, engineered, or "extended" with the use of synthetic chemicals. Unfortunately, a large percentage of essential oils marketed in the United States fall in this adulterated category. Great care should be taken when ingesting or applying essential oils topically to ensure the oils are therapeutic grade.*

A few uses for essential oils:

For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 1 part Idaho balsam, sage, and basil oil to 4 parts Jojoba, rejenalone cream or other vegetable oil and use as a massage oil.

Apply true lavender oil and tea tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes, or scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing. You can also put 20 drops of lavender in a 4 oz spray bottle and spray a wound directly.

1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is an effective means of elimination. Apply the essential oil daily until the wart is gone.

Rosemary promotes alertness and stimulates memory. Inhale from a dab on your wrist, or cotton ball occasionally during long car trips and while reading or studying.

For burns or scalds, drop melaleuca or lavender oil directly onto the affected area.

Place 1 drop of peppermint oil in 1/2 glass of water, sip slowly to aid digestion and relieve upset stomach. One or two drops of peppermint oil can also be rubbed directly onto abdomen for immediate relief.

Use 1 drop chamomile oil on a washcloth wrapped ice cube to relieve teething pain in children.

The blend of lavender and grapefruit oil is good for the office. Lavender creates a calm tranquil atmosphere while Grapefruit stimulates the senses and clears up stale air.

A blend of geranium, lavender, and bergamot alleviate anxiety and depression. Use in a room diffuser or 6-8 drops of this blend in the bath.

A wonderful massage blend for babies is 1 drop Roman chamomile, 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop geranium diluted in 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil.

1 drop Peppermint oil diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil rubbed on the back of the neck helps to relieve headaches.

6-8 drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bath cools the body in summer and protects it in winter.

Add 1 drop geranium oil to your facial moisturizer to bring out a radiant glow in your skin.

Place 1 or 2 drops of sleep enhancing oils such as chamomile, lavender, neroli, marjoram, cypress on your pillow before retiring for restful sleep.

Add 10-20 drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener. For general use add lavender oil. For a bathroom deodorizer use lemon oil.

The aroma of frankincense is said to represent life and the Judaic, Christian and Islamic faiths have often used frankincense mixed with oils to anoint newborn infants and individuals considered to be moving into a new phase in their spiritual lives.

Add a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove or in potpourri pot.

To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burns. It is best to use soy or beeswax candles which are not petrochemical derivatives.

To dispel household cooking odors, add a few drops of clove oil to a simmering pan or diffuser.

To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or soft rope with melaleuca oil, roll up in a handkerchief and tie loosely around the animal's neck.

Smelly feet or shoes can be remedied by either dropping a few drops of geranium oil directly into the shoes or by placing a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of lemon oil into the shoes. Athlete's foot? Oregano, and melaleuca oil are great!

To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a food scent dabbed on a cotton ball in an inconspicuous corner (basil, oregano, lemon, citrus fresh, cloves).

Problems with mice? Place several drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them at problem locations such as where you see droppings, holes in wall, storage areas.

The bathroom or bedroom are easily scented by placing oil-scented cotton balls in inconspicuous places or sprinkle oils directly onto silk or dried flower arrangements or wreaths.

Homemade soaps are pleasant and offer therapeutic effects when scented with essential oils. Add melaleuca, lavender, geranium, lemon, clove, cinnamon, pine)

Essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Create your own personal essence! 25 drops to 1 oz of perfume alcohol vodka. Let age two weeks before using. Apply as a spray on your neck, wrists, behind knees, or hair. ( lavender, ylang ylang, juniper, rose)

Selling your home? Fill the kitchen area with the aroma of spices such as clove, cinnamon, basil, and vanilla. Simmer a few drops of the essential oils of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, geranium oil sprinkled throughout the home creates a warm, cheerful, and inviting mood. Add cinnamon, lemon or pine oil to furniture polish and wipe down the wood.

Essential oils of vetiver, cypress, pine, cedarwood, frankincense. and myrrh all make wonderful firewood oils. Drop approximately 2-3 drops of oil or blend of your choice on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log on the fire.

Flies and moths dislike Lavandin oil. Sprinkle lavender on the outside of your window frames.

When moving into a new home, first use a water spray containing your favorite essential oils and change the odorous environment to your own. Do this for several days until it begins to feel like your space.

When washing out the fridge, freezer, or oven, add 1 drop of lemon, lime, grapefruit, bergamot, mandarin, or orange essential oil to the final rinse water.

 

* Excerpt from "Essential Oils Pocket Reference" from Essential Science Publishing.

Mary Walilko
(WWTW Dec. 1996, Lake Delavan, WI)
Essential oils user for several years
mary.heartbeat@gmail.com

If you are looking for a source of pure therapeutic grade essential oils, I highly recommend www.youngliving.com. Young Living essential oils are available in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan.