Winner of Wellness Resolution EO Giveaway!

Congratulations to Jeanette Turbeville of Roberts, Wisconsin who won the drawing for an Aromatherapy Sampler featuring 9 essential oils! Thanks to everyone for visiting my blog and entering their wellness resolutions for 2009.

EO Facts # 1: What are Essential Oils?

Q : What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are aromatic volatile (quickly evaporating) liquids that are the end result of plant metabolism, the biological activity of plants. They are synthesized by the plant's chemistry and circulate through the stems, leaves, flowers, and roots. Though called "oils', EOs are not greasy and do not clog pores like many vegetable oils can.

Essential oils give the plant its aroma and flavor. They are "essential" for a plant's survival and a key component of its immune system. Different varieties of plants use EOs to repel unwanted insects, heal the plant when it has been injured, prevent water loss in arid climates, attract bees and other insects that aid in pollination.

Essential oils are stored by plants in oil and resin ducts, hollow spaces and cells. They are found in the leaves and stems of plants, flowers, rinds of fruits, herbs, grasses, and the twigs, bark, needles and resins of trees.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. The distillation process is what makes essential oils so concentrated. It often requires an entire plant or more to produce a single drop of distilled essential oil.

Did You Know?

100+ Pounds of eucalyptus leaves = One Pound of Eucalyptus EO

2,000 Pounds of rose petals= One Liter of Rose EO

One drop of peppermint EO = the equivalent of approximately 30 cups of peppermint tea!

Back to Basics

I have decided to add a new weekly posting called EO Facts which will focus on some of the basic aspects of essential oils and aromatherapy. After reviewing my entries from the onset of my blog, I've realized I sort of jumped into posting a lot about the "how to" but have not included much regarding the "what" and "why" of aromatherapy. Some of my readers may be brand new to the concept of using therapeutic essential oils for wellness, so hopefully the EO Facts will be helpful for everyone at different knowledge levels.

Currently I am updating the post labels which will soon be available in alphabetical order on the sidebar for easy reference when looking for a specific topics.

If you are interested in receiving a periodic ezine about essential oils you may subscribe by dropping me an email at JenniferNordin@marketingscents.com

Please feel free to "bug" me with questions you may have or request further information. I enjoy doing personal online aromatherapy consultations and offer them free of charge with no obligation. Young Living is the company that sources my oils and I do receive commission should you decide to purchase which helps cover the cost of this service.

Quote of the Week

"When we obey Him, every path He guides us on is fragrant with His lovingkindness and His truth. " Psalm 25:10 TLB

Essential Tip of the Week: Yeast Infections

Some essential oils, particularly Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) and Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), have been shown to inhibit the growth of thrush and other fungal infections. When used in a diluted solution, they can bring relief by alleviating the itching and inflammation and soothing the infected areas.

This recipe for the yeast essential oil mix comes from the book Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby by Allison England.

In a small amber or dark blue glass dropper bottle add:

One and a half teaspoons (8 milliliters) of tea tree oil
One third of a teaspoon (2 milliliters) of lavender.
Mix well.

Some methods for using the above EOs to combat yeast:

• Add 2-4 drops of the EO mixture to a warm bath. Soak in the water for ten minutes. Never use commercial bubble baths, soaps, and cleansing gels if you have a yeast infection. They are too alkaline and can irritate the vagina.
• Create a gentle yeast infection cream by mixing 7 drops of EO mixture to one ounce of pure, unscented lotion ( I like petroleum free Unscented Alba Botanica available at most stores) or pure aloe gel. Use this cream to soothe the delicate vulva. Apply three to four times daily.

Use a slightly damp tampon without applicator (100% Organic Cotton Only-the synthetic fibers in commercial tampons will interact with the EOs!). Mix one drop of just tea tree oil with enough organic, plain, live yogurt to make the tampon wet and well coated. Insert the tampon immediately into the vagina, and leave it in place for 2 or 3 hours. Repeat as necessary. Do not leave tampon in more than 3 hours and not overnight.

Don't use any other oil on a tampon but tea tree oil--it is a powerful antifungal agent and the only oil mild enough for the very delicate vaginal area. It must only be used in low dilutions. Tampon method should never be used during pregnancy, instead try the external methods for easing yeast infections. In the case of a severe yeast infection either during pregnancy or postpartum, seek the advice of your midwife or doctor.

This tip is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Quote of the Week

"In the holistic view of aromatherapy, miraculous, one-day cures are not the
goal, but a support of the body's defense system in achieving a complete healing
through reestablished immunocompetence."- Kurt Schnaubelt

Essential Tip of the Week: Sinus Infection/Post Nasal Drip

I wish I would have known about using essential oils for sinus congestion when I was growing up. I had chronic post nasal drip that was so very irritating! Eventually I learned that stress was a huge contributor to this problem. Now I understand that it was my body's attempt to "swallow the tears" when I was in an emotional or stressful situation. Even excitement or anticipation could trigger a horrible bout of the drip. Here are a few other things that can add to sinus troubles:

• Diet high in refined sugar, wheat, and dairy contributes to an acid environment in the body.
• An imbalance of acid can create inflammation in the tissues.
• Over production of mucus occurs to protect the tissues from the inflammation.
• Lack of proper hydration can thicken mucous and inhibit proper lymph drainage.
• Synthetic fragrances and chemicals can cause respiratory inflammation as well.

Nasopharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the nasal cavity where it connects to the throat and the eustachian tubes.

When my throat starts feeling scratchy (not even really sore yet) and my glands start feeling a bit enlarged, my first EO choice is a drop or two of Purification (contains lemongrass which is anti-inflammatory and promotes lymph flow) or R.C. blend in a few drops of jojoba oils rubbed gently with downward strokes from temples on both sides of my neck below ears. I also suck on an Thieves EO hard lozenge which really helps if my ears feel like they could plug or ache. Getting the lymph system moving can ward off a full blown head cold or sore throat.

Gargling with Melaleuca alternafolia or Thieves blend can help help kill bacteria in the nose, ears, and throat. I just drop one drop of either of these EO Supplements on the very back of my tongue and hold it in my mouth, mixing with saliva for several minutes, then swallowing. This is very effective when started at the very first indication of infection and repeated 3-4 times for the first hour, then once an hour until symptoms subside.

This tip is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Carrier Oils 101

Carrier or base oils are slippery, fatty oils that pure essential oils can be added to for external application and if you are using a EO supplement, some can be used to dilute oils for internal use.

The minute the cap is opened on a bottle of essential oils, the fragrant molecules begin to escape. Some oils evaporate faster than others. Frankincense is ironically one of the most expensive, precious of EOs and also the most quickly evaporating of all! Heavier, resinous EOs like myrrh and vetiver will become sticky and very thick when exposed to air over a period of time.

Carrier oils help "trap" the lighter EO molecules and enable them to dispersed in a massage or other topical application without rapidly disappearing into thin air. They also provide a slippery texture for rubbing on the skin as pure EOs are not greasy by nature.

Carrier oils help dilute stronger essential oils such as clove, thyme, and oregano to avoid skin irritation.
There are many different carriers that can be used with essential oils. Some of the most popular are:

• Grapeseed Oil--very lightweight. Can be found in most grocery stores. Good for topical and internal application. Goes rancid fairly quickly if not refrigerated.
• Olive Oil--light to heavyweight. Usually has a distinctive scent. Excellent for internal applications. Can go rancid eventually.
• Jojoba Oil-medium to heavyweight. Actually a plant wax, not oil. The closest to human sebum. Very safe for babies and children, gentle, hypoallergenic. Does not go rancid. Best for topical application. More expensive, but does not make massage sheets smelly.
• Almond Oil-light to mediumweight. I avoid this oil in my massage practice since more and more individuals have allergies to nuts.
• Pure Aloe Vera Jelly--excellent for applying EOs to burns and damaged tissue.

Basic Dilution Ratios:

This is for application to specific areas such as peppermint on the abdomen for indigestion or eucalyptus on the chest for congestion. A stronger dilution would be needed for infections.

Children and Elderly: 10 drops of EO in 1 Tbsp of Carrier or Base. One or two drops of this mixture can be applied to specific areas.

Adults: 20 drops of EO in 1 Tbsp of Carrier or Base. Two to five drops of this mixture can be applied to specific areas.

Full Body Massage Oil : 2-3 drops of EO in One or Two ounces of Carrier or Base. This also can be mixed with Epsom or Sea Salts for the bath. Be careful as any greasy oils in the tub or shower may make surfaces slippery!

Never drop essential oils or carrier oils directly into the ears or eyes. If undiluted EOs get into eyes use a carrier oil to wipe it toward the outside corners of the eye, do not flush with water.

Quote of the Week

"We can never be smug or overconfident about healing. Anyone can cover up or rearrange symptoms, or dash around with big doses of herbs used according to the latest scientific or popular fad, but cure is a mystery which comes to us from the hidden vortex of God and Mother Nature. We do not own it, it comes to us as a dispensation from beyond." - Matthew Wood

Essential Tip of the Week : Lavender Recipes

My Resolution List

Keeping in mind that body, mind, and spirit need to be addressed for achieving greater health and wellness, here are my personal core focus goals for 2009.

1. Fill my days with more prayer, gratitude, and God's Word.
2. Listen for God speaking and watch Him at work in all things.
3. Demonstrate Christ's love to those around me, become His "living fragrance".
4. Battle grumbling and petty annoyances that create an irritable spirit.
5. Work on organizing my home and office to reduce clutter and wasted space.
6. Be more intentional about showing love and grace to my husband and son.
7. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week.
8. Get started writing my book.
9. Get back on a detox/cleansing routine twice a year.
10. Make time for friendships.

A Good Night's Sleep

The following is an excerpt from a great article found in Young Living's Essential Lifestyle magazine.


We have all felt the effects of sleep deprivation: that zombie-like feeling that consumes us the moment we roll out of bed. Our eyes are heavy, we can't think straight, everything is a blur. Like mechanical robots, we go about our day not fully comprehending what is going on around us.

The negative effects of sleep deprivation are quickly becoming an alarming issue. According to the National Sleep Foundation's 2002 Sleep in America Poll, 58 percent of adults in the US experience symptoms of insomnia several nights a week.

Sleep-deprived individuals find it hard to concentrate or feel productive during the day. Perhaps worst of all, more and more are driving drowsy. In fact, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 of reported crashes occur as a result of drowsiness.

Essential oils can promote good, restful sleep. Single essential oils such as Valerian, Spikenard, and Lavender are known for their ability to relax, calm, and emotionally ground a person. Peace and Calming and Gentle Baby are soothing essential oil blends that have similar effects. These oils can be diffused, inhaled, or massaged into the feet prior to retiring to help ease tension and settle the mind.

If you need a little help now and then getting a good night's rest, let pure essential oils do the work. Using the following tips, your nights will soon be spent the way they should be-- in peaceful slumber.

DURING THE DAY:

Tips provided by the National Sleep Foundation

• Consume less or no caffeine, particularly late in the day.
• Avoid alcohol or nicotine, especially close to bedtime.
• Exercise, but not within 3 hours before going to bed.
• Avoid naps especially late in the afternoon or evening.
• Establish a regular sleep schedule; don't try to make up for lost sleep.

BEFORE BEDTIME:

• Take a warm bath using Evening Peace Bath and Shower Gel to soothe away stress and tension before retiring at night.
• Rub a drop of an essential oil such as lavender on your palm and smooth over pillow to aid sleep.
• Apply Peace and Calming or other soothing oil to feet before bedtime to promote relaxation.

Another note.... I am a firm believer in "winding down" the day starting after supper. This is when soothing essential oils can be diffused throughout the house or car to start the relaxation process. It is my opinion that too many nights packed with sports and physical activities, especially for school age children, can be detrimental to getting the restful sleep needed for normal functioning and mental health. Sleep deprivation can contribute to attention difficulties, behavioral changes, anxiety, and depression. I wonder how many children and adults alike have been prescribed drugs for the above list when what their bodies needed was good, quality sleep!