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.