essential oils
Essential Oils: Natural Health’s Proven Anti-Virals
The body of scientific evidence regarding the potency of plant medicines against a great variety of viruses is growing. And with the concern of viral illness in the headlines, now is the time to investigate all the ways you can protect your health and the health of your family. Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties in laboratory research across the globe. More and more people are turning to the vast healing potential of these plant medicines, realizing the great potency they have, along with the balance of our natural environment that is supported through their use. These essential oils are readily available at health food stores — though the most consistent high grade therapeutic quality may be from internet sources. Using essential oils for immune system support is a tried-and-true application of these powerful natural medicines. In fact, most medical aromatherapists consider the most important use of essential oils in medical applications will be for the prevention and treatment of infectious illness (see Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt’s ‘Medical Aromatherapy’).
What Are Essential Oils?
Lavender essential oil is produced by steam distilment using only the flowers of the lavender plant. Lavandula officinalis creates a more complex and hoped essential oil, but is more expensive due to the difficulty in creating it. Lavandula angustifolia is more comfortable to grow, but the necessary oil got from that form is slightly more restricted in its uses. Lavender oil is often sold as “lavandin” which is a low quality, inexpensive oil that should not be utilised for health care in the slightest.
Aromatherapy Spotlight: Uplifting with Bergamot
Looking for a way to bring smiles to your family’s faces? Aromatherapy offers many wonderful means of naturally uplifting the emotions, and one of the favorites is Bergamot essential oil. Its bright, sweet and tart aroma is loved by all ages. The oil is gently pressed from the rinds of Bergamot fruit, and is widely available in an organic variety. The oil is exceptionally safe, and can be used in diffusers, or worn as a natural perfume (as has been done for many centuries). Here we’ll have a brief look at the history of Bergamot’s use, and some practical applications for its use for you and your family.
A Guide to Essential Oil Making for Beginning Aromatherapists
Browsing the Aromatherapy market, especially medicinal grade essential oils, you’ll find a great many methods of essential oil production. Labels like ‘SCO2′, ‘Hydro-distilled’, and ‘Absolute’ are common, amongst the most popular ’steam distilled’ varieties. Some of these methods employ very high-technology equipment, technology that was not available to the average distiller only 25 years ago. Which method produces the best oil? It seems that each distillation process has plants with which it works best, and there’s not a ‘best way’ for making the most healing essential oils. And like many artesian processes, there are many other factors determining an oil’s quality: the health and vigor of the plant itself, it’s cultivation method (farmed, organic, wildcrafted, etc.), the weather during that growing season, and the skill and intention of the grower and distller. Here’s a great review of essential oil distillation techniques used today, so you can understand what you’re buying and using when shopping for essential oils…
Make a Happy Home for the Holidays with Aromatherapy
The Season is once again upon us. So much to do, and so many people to take care of. Through all the chaos, we’d like to always to a little something special to bring extra cheer to our gatherings of friends and family…but how? Ever tried ‘real’ aromatherapy? Not just a potpourri in the bathroom, or lemon-scented detergent. Real aromatherapy with pure essential oils. It can make a difference, creating a warm, friendly, familial atmosphere inspiring a smile on everyone’s faces. There may even be some health supporting side effects as well, just from smelling something good…
