What are essential oils?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for a variety of applications that include medicinal, aromatherapy, and as an ingredient in personal care products. They are highly concentrated natural oils that have been extracted by steam distillation or cold expression from the leaves, stems, flowers, rinds, bark, roots, or from some other element of the plants.
Essential oils have been called the “life force” or the “essence” of plants. These natural oils have the ability to change in chemical composition in order to help the plant adapt to their ever-changing internal and external environments. Research has shown that plants will produce these oils for a variety of purposes, such as for protection from predators, as a way of preventing competition from other plants, to prevent fungal infections, and as a way to attract pollinators. The magic of these oil lies in the fact that they are not a single isolated compound but are a very complex blend of trace elements that have the remarkable ability to support the body and promote healing.
How essential oils can help promote healing
Essential oils have a very small molecular weight which allows them to be absorbed through the skin and circulate throughout the bloodstream. They are lipid soluble, which means they also have the ability to cross the cellular membrane and heal at the cellular level. The Essential Oil Desk Reference, 4th Edition, says that “essential oils are lipid soluble and can penetrate cellular membranes bringing an increase of 21% oxygen to the cells within 20 minutes of application.” Normal cell function can be reestablished when there is sufficient oxygen, and this also allows the cells the ability to once again expel their waste products.
Dr. David Stewart, PhD., D.N.M. Integrated Aromatic Science Practitioner and author of the book Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple: God’s Love Manifest in Molecules, states that essential oils are one of nature’s best cleansers. They have the ability to cleanse the body at the cellular level by removing pharmaceutical drugs, petrochemicals, and other disruptors of inter-cellular communication. They also have the ability to mobilize heavy metals and other toxins out the elimination pathways of the body, these include the liver, colon, skin, lungs, and kidneys. Some oils, including Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sandalwood also have the ability to cross the blood/brain barrier in order to promote healing.
Research shows that the healing properties within these oils are quite remarkable and they can be used to treat a number of health challenges that include arthritis, muscular soreness, nasal and lung congestion, sore throats, digestive issues, lymphatic or glandular congestion, various skin conditions, and can even be an effective component of a cancer healing protocol.
There are hundreds of essential oils available on the market today and each one has its own unique therapeutic value. It’s important to know which ones are the most effective in treating the condition that you are trying to improve, so reading up on a specific issue is always very helpful before getting started. The application method that you chose will depend on the desired effect and the essential oil that is selected.
How to use essential oils:
- Essential oils evaporate quickly if you do not mix them with a carrier oil. A carrier oil does exactly what it says- helps to carry the oil into the body.
- Essential oils are very potent and will need to be diluted with a carrier oil for general use. Some good carrier oils include almond, jojoba, sesame, castor, fractionated coconut oil, and others.
- DMSO can be used with essential oils to help them absorb better into the skin. You can find DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) and thin it down by 50% with distilled water. The thinned down DMSO is applied to the skin first followed by the diluted essential oil blends. You can read more about DMSO with this link.
- You can apply the oil and carrier mixture to the bottoms of the feet, around the neck, over the liver or other organ, down the spine, onto the breasts or glandular areas, lymphatic areas, or onto the wrists.
- Certain oils can be used to prevent infections, such as tea tree oil.
- Mood issues can be addressed by inhalation or with topical application, lavender essential oil is often used for this purpose.
Internal Usage
- Only certain oils can be ingested and they must be the highest quality, therapeutic grade oils.
- Oils do not mix well with liquids, so the best ways to take essential oils orally would be to mix your dosage into to a small amount of Raw Honey, or by placing a few drops into Gelatin Capsules, or by applying a drop to to the soft palate on the roof of the mouth, or by placing a drop under your tongue.
- Internal applications can also be made with the use of vaginal applications. I have a recipe posted below.
- Check with your doctor if you have a condition that may require additional treatment.
- Please research internal use further by consulting with a trained aromatherapist or naturopathic doctor. For a list of oils that have been approved for internal use, but as always, you should research this further.
Some popular oils and their uses:
Lavender: is the most popular of all essential oils. It has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also be used to reduce the healing time of wounds, be helpful with insect bites, and for those suffering from allergies. Lavender oil has also been shown to promote relaxation and sleep, you can do this by adding a few drops into your bath or onto your pillow, or by applying the oil to the temple area to help you relax. This oil can be taken internally (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Lemon: this oil is said to have lymphatic detoxifying abilities and is also helpful for those suffering with allergies. For cancer, lemon oil has the ability to utilize multiple mechanisms to thwart off cancer through apoptosis (cell suicide) and by stopping tumors from growing their own blood vessels. A recent study tested lemon oil on a series of human cervical adenocarcinoma cell lines and found that the oil not only blocked the cancer cell lines from spreading, but also inhibited oxidizing free radicals from harming healthy cells. Lemon oil should be applied in a 50/50 ratio with a carrier oil to the skin, feet, back of the neck or to lymph areas. This oil works well in combination with other oils and can be taken internally (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Rosemary: can help relieve headaches, alleviate stress, and to stimulate blood circulation. It can be added to your shampoo to treat dandruff and to increase circulation to the scalp. This oil can also be used to support and detoxify the liver. For the liver – mix the rosemary oil with equal parts castor oil and then apply to the liver area and relax with a heating pad for about an hour. This oil can be taken internally (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Eucalyptus: has antiviral and antibacterial qualities making it ideal for coughs and colds. This oil can be applied topically or inhaled as this can help disinfect and clear the nasal passages and congestion from the lungs. This oil is also helpful for those suffering from allergies.
Oregano: has antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities. It can be helpful for those suffering from a cold or the flu, or for those with fungal infections such as an internal candida infection, nail fungus, or dandruff (which is a topical fungal infection). You can take this oil orally by placing a few drops on or under the tongue (only if it is therapeutic grade), or it can applied to the skin with a carrier oil when dealing with topical fungal infections. (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Geranium: is said to be a “woman’s oil” because it can help with balancing the hormones, alleviate the symptoms of PMS, and be helpful to those transitioning into menopause. This oil should not be used internally.
Frankincense (sacred) : promotes health by boosting immunity and fighting inflammation. It is anti-bacterial and can be used to treat insect bites and small wounds. It can help to relieve congestion and mucus production, helps to regulate heavy menstrual flow, aids in digestion, and helps to calm the nervous system. This oil should be mixed with a carrier oil and then applied to the skin of the breasts or glandular area, or over the uterus. This oil can be taken orally by adding it to capsules, rubbing onto the roof of your mouth, or placing under the tongue (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Sandalwood: there is currently a low supply of this oil due to high demand. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor qualities. It can help to relieve sore throats, congestion and mucus production, as well as to calm the body and to focus the mind so it is often used by those with a meditative practice. This oil can be used topically and internally (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Myrrh: is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It can be used on wounds, eczema and athletes foot. Myrrh can also be used for female hormonal issues including menstruation problems, menopause, and uterine tumors. It can be helpful in clearing the body of excess estrogen and xenoestrogens and is also good for detoxifying the liver. For the liver – apply myrrh mixed with equal parts castor oil over the liver area, then apply a heating pad and relax for about an hour. This oil can be taken internally (therapeutic grade only for oral use).
Hormonal issues: myrrh, myrtle, sandalwood, geranium, clove, rosemary, and clary sage are helpful for balancing the hormones.
Pain relief with essential oils –“The Morphine Bomb” is made with 5 drops of Frankincense + 5 drops of Copaiba + 5 drops of Balsam. The essential oils are put into Capsules and taken as needed for pain.
For lymph congestion– try Lymph Support Essential oil that is mixed with a Carrier Oil. Use the mixture over the breast and arm pit area and massage it in. Applying heat also works well when there is lymphatic congestion. Bedtime is a good time to do this routine.
Vaginal applications- depending on your specific personal needs, one could use oils with known anticancer properties such as 5 drops Frankincense Oil, 5 drops Turmeric Oil, 5 drops of Oregano Oil. Add the drops of oil into a 1 ounce dropper bottle and fill to the top with an organic carrier oil. This can be applied by adding a few drops into the palm of your hands and then using your fingertips to swab the vagina and cervical area. Just so you are aware, oregano is a warming/hot oil so this will give you the sensation of mild heat but it will not burn as long as it is diluted in proper ratios. Always check for allergic reactions to oils before using.
Natural deodorant recipe
- 4 T baking soda
- 4 T organic cornstarch
- 4 T coconut oil
- 30 drops of organic lemon, lime or grapefruit essential oil
- Mix the baking soda and cornstarch together and then add the coconut oil and the essential oils and whip it in a blender until it is smooth like frosting.
- Apply with fingertips to the armpit area
Contraindications:
- You should always use a carrier oil when applying essential oils to babies and children since their skin is much more sensitive.
- Children under 6 should not take essential oils internally.
- Avoid using essential oils during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Some oils are photosensitive and should not be used in DYI sun and skin creams as they can cause serious burning. Some of these include citrus oils, bergamot, patchouli, and angelica.
Additional Reading
Read how Allison Huish used essential oils as part of her protocol to heal from a brain tumor
Healing basal cell carcinoma with essential oils
Read more about estrogen dominance
Castor oil packs combined with essential oils
How to make your own personal care products
Find these products online:
Frankincense Essential Oil 15ml