Essential Oils ~ Part 1
The world of essential oils is so fascinating! People have been living with essential oils for thousands of years. It really is in the last twenty years that they began gaining popularity in America.
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Do you know of a young person that is interested in essential oil? A guide for essential oil use for teenagers provides information on how to use oils for skin care, balancing hormones and better focus.
Why Essential Oils?
Essential oils are used for aromatherapy, creating household cleaning products, in personal beauty care, and as natural medicine treatments.
The benefits of essential oils depends on the type of oil. Many of the essential oils contain antioxidants, are anti-microbial, and have anti-inflammatory value. It is truly astonishing how many medicinal oils are available and the medicinal value they can bring to our lives.
Personal Experience
It was about ten years ago that I brought home essential oils to “give them a try”. Yes, I was definitely skeptical and curious enough to research a bit on essential oil uses.
My daughters both had frequent asthma flare-ups and conventional medicine was barely relieving them of their symptoms. I guess you might say it was desperation that encouraged me to try out this natural remedy. We are thankful to live close to a naturopathic institute, as this was one of my first exposures to essential oils.
Our first essential oils were Raven, Peppermint and Purification.
Raven Essential Oil Blend
Raven essential oil blend is a Young Living blend that contains 5 essential oils; Ravintsara, Peppermint, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Lemon, and Wintergreen.
How to Use Raven
Topical: Dilate 1 drop of fractionated coconut oil with one drop of Raven. Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes for 3 times a day. We would diffuse this oil in the kids bedroom at night. It smells so wonderful, that ten years later it is still one of their favorite oils. Please note it is not advised to use this oil for children under the age of 6 years.
We used Raven essential oil for respiratory system support. It brought relief for my daughters during an allergy flare-up or asthma flare-up. Our family had no problems with applying it directly to the throat and chest. It was also wonderful to place a few drops in a warm bath. Raven blend is effective for sinusitis, congestion, bronchitis, and sore throats.
Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits
- invigorates the mind and senses.
- same family as both Lavender and Rosemary.
- known for it’s energizing effect and as an anti-inflammatory.
- aids in digestion.
- assists with opening nasal passages
- reduces headache symptoms.
How to Use Peppermint
Topical: Dilute 1 drop of fractionated coconut oil with 4 drops of peppermint. Aromatic: Diffuse up to 10 minutes, 3 times daily. Please note to keep this oil out of reach of young children. This oil is not intended for use on infants.
Practical Application: We like to mix the peppermint oil and fractionated coconut oil in a roll-on for easy application. We always keep peppermint oil on hand to aid in relieving sinus congestion. When my daughters were congested, my husband would massage the oil onto the bottoms of their feet. One of my daughters likes to put a few drops of peppermint on a warm rice bag to sleep on when her sinuses are inflamed.
Peppermint is also wonderful for relieving a headache. Massage a few drops at the base of your head. Peppermint oil is also known for it’s digestive system support. The oil can be applied to the stomach as well.
Additional Peppermint Uses:
- After a workout dilute a few drops and apply on muscles for a refreshing post-workout massage.
- Add Peppermint and Eucalyptus Radiata to a hot bath.
Purification Oil Blend
Purification is blend of six essential oils: Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Myrtle, and Tea Tree. They work together to purify the air, neutralize odors, kills germs & mold, apply to cuts, and relieves insect bites.
How to Use Purification:
Topical: Apply 2-4 drops directly to the area. Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes, 3 times daily. We would diffuse this blend during the day and at bedtime. We also like to put Purification blend in a roller bottle and spray bottle to make it easier for travel. Please note to keep this oil out of reach of young children.
Purification product tips:
- Add a few drops to laundry or on wool dryer balls
- Place a few drops on a wooden balls or wool balls to place in the vehicle, closets, drawers, or shoes.
- Diffuse in the vehicle with a USB Diffuser. (One of our favorites!)
- Refresh linens with a spritz of Purification
If you would like more information on these particular essential oils, please email me michelle@intentionallyhealthyliving.com.
Conclusion
Essential oils have become part of our household and are considered to be part of our “medicine” cabinet. Although I initially began using oils with much skepticism they have proven to be valuable during sickness and to maintain good health. The Complete Book of Essentials Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Anna Worwood has been a helpful tool as I began exploring the world of essential oils.
Over the past ten years I have added many new essential oils to our “medicine” cabinet. As a family we have a few that we use daily and are quite familiar with their application . It seems their is always so much learn in this area. As I apply more oils and oil blends to my life, I would be happy to share them with you! I purchase my essential oils through Young Living. You may use reference #1949978.
Essential Oils Part II shares how to use and apply Lavender and Lemon Essential Oils. Lavender and Lemon oils are fabulous and among our favorites. They are used by everyone in the family.
Do you have a favorite essential oil? What essential oil do you desire to learn more about? I truly enjoy hearing from my readers and their path to living healthier lives.
Pursing Better Health Together,
[…] Lemon and Lavender essential oils are an excellent choice for beginning to add oils into your life. They have multiple uses for you both personally and in your household. Our family still uses Raven essential oil blend and Purification oil blend, to hear more on how we began with these oils, click here. […]