Aromatherapy

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being.  Some of these claims are still being evealuated.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants.  These oils capture the plant's scent and give each oil its characteristic "essence."  

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Essential oils are obtained through three methods:

1. distillation (via steam and/or water)

2. mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.

3. chemical processes

The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.

How do Essential Oils Work?

Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods such as on hands or through a diffuser.  They can also be applied topically and absorbed through the skin.

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Generally essential oils are not meant to be ingested unless specified.

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Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is the part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory.  This can partially explain why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions.

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The limbic system also plays a role in controlling several autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. As such, some people claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body.

Popular Essential Oil and What They Do

There are countless essential oils and oil blends each with its own unique smell and potential health benefits.

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Here's a list of 10 of the most popular single essential oils and the health claims associated with them:

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• Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion

• Lavender: used to relieve stress

• Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus

• Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema

• Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety

• Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation

• Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions

• Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity

• Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido

• Lemon: used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more

How to Choose the Right Essential Oils

When choosing only high-quality, therapeutic grade oils keep the following tips in mind:

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• Purity: Find an oil that contains only aromatic plant compounds, without additives or synthetic oils. Pure oils usually list the plant's botanical name (such as Lavandula officinalis) rather than terms like "essential oil of lavender."

• Quality: True essential oils are the ones that have been changed the least by the extraction process. Choose a chemical-free essential oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.

• Reputation: Purchase a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.

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Note:  The products we use and recommend are doTERRA essential oils both for their quality and value.

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Book your FREE 15 min consultation and find out how essential oils can benefit you today.