Essential Oils (oils extracted aromatic plants) have long played an important role in history, medicine and religion. Oils have been used in religious ceremonies, cosmetics, funeral rites and perfume. The Ancient Egyptians are often credited with being the first to use essential oils. One of the oldest documents – dating back to 1553 BC – called the Ebers Papyrus details how to use frankincense for a variety of ailments. When Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered in 1922, archeologist Howard Carter found 35 alabaster jars that were used to hold oils. Chinese aromatherapists believed that extracting a plant’s fragrance was a way to free its soul. The Ancient Greek Hippocrates used the aromatherapy of several essential oils to fumigate Athens and fight off the plague epidemic. Today, scientists, physicians and researchers are beginning to return to the use of essential oils as a way to naturally and holistically heal our bodies.
There are no medicines out there capable of breaking the blood/brain barrier, but essential oils can. There are no medicines out there that can infiltrate a cell to cure a virus, but essential oils can. Always check with a physician before using essential oils, which are generally not recommended to be taken internally. Pregnant and nursing women and children under six should also avoid essential oils.
Oils are natural anti-depressants, antibacterial fighters, and immune strengtheners. Read on to discover how you can use essential oils to enhance your life now.
Lavender
Lavender is an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant oil that has a multitude of functions. Add a few drops to a carrier oil such as sunflower oil and spritz it on you your body to repel mosquitoes. Place dried lavender sachets in your closets and drawers to ward off moths. Add 5 drops to a humidifier to relieve a stuffy nose. Place a few drops on your pillow to combat insomnia. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your favorite facial moisturizer and see your skin naturally restored. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a bottle of witch hazel and use to combat acne. Make some lavender tea and use the water as a dandruff rinse. Lavender and peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil such as Jojoba will cure headaches when rubbed on the temples. Simmer dried lavender with citrus peels in a pot of water to serve as a natural air freshener. Add baking soda, lavender, water, and rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle to make your own natural antiseptic cleaner. Inhale lavender periodically to fight feelings of sadness.
Frankincense
Frankincense is a holy oil; it’s one of the gifts presented to Christ by the three wise men. It’s used during many religious ceremonies for spiritual protection. Frankincense has been grown and hulled in Omar since 7,000 B.C. When the farmers collect Frankincense, they make a cut in the bark and let the sap ooze out releasing any impurities and negative energy. They wait a few weeks and then return to collect the now cleansed sap. The immunologist Mahmoud Suhail is studying frankincense as a possible cure for cancer after scientists observed that some agent within frankincense stops cancer from spreading.
On a practical note, frankincense can be added to your lotion or soap to prevent acne. It will help heal and calm burns, rashes, cuts and scrapes. Frankincense makes a great massage oil because not only will it purify your skin but it will put up a protective barrier in your aura to prevent other people’s negativity from effecting you.
You can also mix it with coconut oil and rub into your children’s feet to increase their immune system and help them sleep through the night. Know to reduce anxiety, rub a few drops behind your ears and on wrists to ease stress. You can also diffuse in your room to uplift your mood. Add a few drops to a handkerchief and inhale to relieve nasal congestion. Frankincense is also known to help with asthma and allergies.
Add 8 – 10 drops of Frankincense to your bath and soak for at least 20 minutes to relieve menstrual pain. Because of its ant-inflammatory properties, Frankincense can also help with Crohn’s disease and arthritis. As always, check with your doctor first. People using blood thinners such as Plavix should not use Frankincense. Do not use while pregnant or nursing.
Lemon
If life gives you lemons, inhale the scent and you’ll feel more joyful instantly. This happy essential oil has a myriad of uses to enhance your home, body and mood. It’s great at removing sticky, gooey messes. If you hate eliminating price tags, add a drop of lemon oil and see it easily slide off. Add a few drops off essential lemon oil to your water to purify it. Add a few drops of lemon oil to your cutting board to erase harsh odors and cleanse bacteria residue. Lemon essential oil is a natural mood enhancer. Place a few drops in a diffuser and inhale to feel happier and more joyful. Inhaling the scent of lemon also curves the desire for sweets.
Add a few drops to your skin moisturize to brighten your skin tone. Add a few drops to your shampoo to clarify hair and make it appear shinier. Add a few drops to a teaspoon of honey to cure bad breath. To help alleviate flu symptoms, add a few drops of lemon essential oil and honey to a mug of warm water. Place a few drops into unrefined coconut oil to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Peppermint
Throughout history, peppermint has been used to cure bad breath, soothe tummy troubles, relieve colic, gas, headaches, heartburn and indigestion. Emotionally, Peppermint can help soften anger, ease depression and eliminate fatigue. Add a few drops to your coffee or tea to alleviate indigestion. Apply a few drops to the back of neck and shoulders throughout the day to keep your energy up. Rub a drop or two on your temples, forehead and over sinuses (carefully avoiding contact with eyes) to alleviate sinus pressure and headaches. Diffuse to reduce appetite. Add to a carrier oil such a Jojoba and rub into an upset stomach. Rub a few drops to the bottoms of your feet to reduce a fever. Apply topically to eliminate itching from bug bites. Inhale before and after workouts to boost your mood and reduce fatigue. Diffuse in a room to enhance focus and concentration while studying. To deter rodents, ants and cockroaches, place a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place on their path or entry area. Add 4 – 5 drops to a bottle of water and spray on plants to kill aphids. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bottle of water and mist to reduce hot flashes.
Oregano
Oregano is the essential oil to turn to for immune support. Obviously well known for its culinary abilities, oregano also works wonders to help us stay and feel healthy. Oregano oil must always be diluted in a carrier oil such as olive or almond oil. Oregano oil is highly concentrated so one drop goes a long way. For foot fungus, dilute one teaspoon of oregano essential oil in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and apply to the infected area three times a day. It’s a great disinfectant. Add a few drops to a bottle of water and spray countertops to eliminate bacteria and odors.
Oregano essential oil is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparistic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation while warding off infections. Add a drop or two to a glass of milk to reduce digestive issues. Add 3 drops to a glass of juice and drink three to five a day to reduce sinus congestion. Add 3 drops of oregano to a glass of orange juice to ward off sore throat pain. Repeat until symptoms are gone.
Again, pregnant and nursing women and children under six should not ingest these oils. Emotionally, oregano makes one feel less fearful. It induces feelings of calm and promotes inner serenity.
Samantha Fey is an Intuitive Medium. Check her out on-line at www.thecrystalchick.com and listen to her weekly podcast by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/psychicteachers.
