A WORLD OF USES

 

The use of essential oils for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes goes back to a number of ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who used them in cosmetics, perfumes and drugs.

 

There are hundreds of different essential oils, each with a unique set of benefits, essential oils can be used in unique ways to support health and wellness more than virtually any other kind of natural health product. Most essential oils share similar chemical compositions and many of the same constituents. However, there are many subtle and often quite significant differences in how these constituents combine together from oil to oil. The unique benefits and characteristics of each essential oil results from how the constituents are naturally combined together by nature inside the plant.

 

COMMON BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils may help with altering one's mood, cognitive, psychological or physical well-being.  They have been commonly used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, enhancement of energy and short-term memory, sleep & relaxation, as well as the in the reduction of eczema-induced itching.

 

Some of the most common benefits of essential oils include:

• Regenerating

• Oxygenating

• Frequency enhancement. The bioelectric frequency of essential oils can be several times greater than the frequency of herbs, food and even the body. Essential oils can be used to raise the frequency of the body.

• Well known antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, mold and many parasites.

• Anticancerous

• Antitumoral

• Detoxifying

• Purifying. Air diffusion of essential oils can help remove metallic particles and toxins from the air, increase atmospheric oxygen, increase negative ions, inhibit airborne bacterial and other pathogens and control odors from mold, cigarettes and animals.

 

MODES OF ACTION

Here are the primary healing pathways in which essential oils are most commonly used:

• Addressing physical symptoms in the body

• Supporting emotional health

• Frequency enhancement

• Aiding in spiritual development

 

COMMON ESSENTIAL OIL USES & METHODS OF APPLICATION

Essential oils are highly versatile in how they can be used and applied. Different modes of application can bring out different benefits in the same essential oil. Below are the main methods of application and use for essential oils:

• Topical application to the skin at the point of need

• Bathing

• Application to the soles of the feet

• Inhaling (directly from bottle)

• Air diffusing (using a cold air diffuser)

• Back treatment

• Natural bug repellents

• Massage and body rubs

• Compresses

• Spritzer

• Additive to personal care products

• Household cleaning agents

• In food preparation

 

ESSENTIAL OIL USES AND SAFETY

While many essential oils have been used for thousands of years, there are a few tips to remember. Essential oils can be flammable (some more than others). Some oils should not be used if you are pregnant. Be sure to always read the precaution labels on the bottles.

 

INTERNAL USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils have been safely used as remedies for thousands of years. Many modern doctors in France prescribe essential oils for internal use to treat infections and other illnesses. Despite the long history of essential oil safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognize pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices as the only legitimate treatment for diseases in the United States.

 

Inside the United States, any substance claiming to treat or cure a disease must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a drug. Natural remedies, including all essential oils, no matter how effective they may be, are not considered by the FDA to be approved drug products in the United States. The FDA therefore sees the internal use of essential oils as tantamount to using an unapproved drug product.

 

The FDA does consider certain essential oils to be “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS) for food and cooking uses. GRAS means the FDA considers these oils safe for ingesting for non-drug purposes. However, GRAS oils have not been approved by the FDA as a drug or to treat, cure or mitigate any disease. The “not for internal use” labeling is therefore commonly seen on essential oil products. Additionally, most oils, even many therapeutic oils, are adulterated with synthetic chemicals, solvents and/or pesticides and most definitely should not be used for internal use.

 

The internal use of essential oils is a controversial topic, as is general health care freedom in the United States. While my husband Les and I have our own opinions and personal experience on this topic, we have chosen not to share those opinions on this website.