KEEP CALM - Use Essential Oils

HELLO EVERYONE! 📢Today is one of those days I feel like a rockstar. I can’t tell if it’s the honey, the olive oil or just the lovely smell of Lavender, Rosemary, Juniper and Black-pepper. I am sure glad it’s not one of those days that I can’t find something that is right there in my hand. 💃

I hope everyone has imbibed at least one new habit towards living well. I will like you all to remember that Healthy Living is about being responsible for EVERYTHING that goes in and out of you.  

Many things are good, many are important but only a few are essential, Essential Oils is one of them. I discovered essential oils many years ago in my bid to preserve my sanity from the constant noise that came from living with someone whose nasal passage was never clear. Little did I know I was on a self discovery journey. It turned out to be not only a relief for the He allergy sufferer but also an answer to all my moods. It’s amazing how I am in  different moods each day of the week. Essential oils, I discovered is one of my Love Languages. 😍

Essential Oils are very concentrated extracts from the leaves, flowers and stems of plants. In other words, the essence of a plant turned into liquid for recreational or medicinal uses. Aromatherapists believe breathing in essential oils allow them to enter the lungs and bloodstream, where the body can benefit from them.

Just because the oils are from plants does not mean it’s safe to rub on your skin or eat. Natural substances can be toxic, irritating or cause allergic reactions. As the oils are extremely concentrated, you should avoid applying directly to your skin without diluting with vegetable / carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil etc.  A test on a small area of the skin is a good idea. Be more cautious when using around children below 12 and the elderly as they may be more sensitive to them.

More of a good thing is not necessarily always good so don’t use too much and discard after 3 years as they may become ineffective.

The most common way to use them is inhalation, for the smell and therapeutic properties. The easiest way to inhale is to open a bottle of pure essential oil and inhale deeply a few times without allowing the oil to touch the skin. More efficient ways is in diffusers and humidifiers, that will cover more room and linger longer. They can also be put on cotton balls and placed in strategic places.

Essential oils are versatile and offer a convenient way to improve health and quality of life. They promote healthy sleep, relieve headaches, alleviate pain, prevent & treat common cold and encourage healthy digestion. They smell great, reduce stress, improve skin conditions and boost moods. (Tip of the day: Use essential oils in your office when expecting difficult clients or want to drive a hard bargain)

There are so many essential oils for as many purposes as you can think of but I will list the ones I love the most and almost always have.

Lavender: It’s one of the most popular ones. It reduces stress, eases pain and aids sound sleep. It’s one of my Friday night essentials. Try some in your massage oil and you will be glad you did.

Cypress: It calms the respiratory system by clearing congestion and phlegm build up in the respiratory tract and lungs. It also relieves anxiety.

Frankincense: They are acclaimed to reduce stress, improve memory, balance hormones and purify the environment. Combined with Myrrh, they disrupt the spread of contagious diseases. I always use it, no matter what I want to achieve. This  has been recorded as fit for the King………

Myrrh: Kills harmful bacteria, slows decay (used for Egyptian mummies) etc

Tea Tree: Its benefits go beyond its strong medicinal smell. It helps to treat fungal infections, warts and acne. It’s also a good insect repellant and disinfectant.

Peppermint: It improves respiratory function and relieves sinus congestion. It also improves digestion and brain function.

Citronella: To ward off mosquitoes and bugs.

When kids are studying or preparing for examinations, you can use Rosemary, Peppermint, Juniper Berry, Lemon and Bergamot in a diffuser to fill the room for improved mental focus. 

If you feel down, use Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Rose, Jasmine, Frankincense, Clary Sage and Bergamot.

The good thing is that some brands sell already combined oils to meet particular needs. E.g. King of thieves for flu, Joy, Brain Focus, Energy, Breathe etc. Not all essential oils are created equal, some are 100% pure but most have been watered down with carrier / vegetable oils. They are all fine as long as they are not ingested. The only issue is you may need to use more to get the desired scent and some may wear out faster than others.

Try bath oils and body washes that have essential oils in them for morning invigoration or good night sleep. The options are many.

’Never underestimate the power of a good oil blend on a seemingly bad day.’

Till next week, Enjoy and Live Well!