Beauty Essentials Tips

An essential oil is a volatile, aromatic liquid that is generally distilled from the stems, leaves, flowers, roots, bark, or seeds of a plant. Containing the true essence of the plant, the essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs.

The science of using essential oils is known as aromatherapy. This science is used for psychological and physical well being and for best results, only pure and natural oils should be used.

The origins of aromatherapy date back thousands of years. From documented uses by Napoleon, to references in the Bible, fragrant oils and spices have played a prominent role throughout world history.

Essential oils can be used in many different ways. The English model advocates massage by diluting small amounts of essential oil in a vegetable oil and massaging the body for the purpose of relaxation and relieving stress. The French model includes both ingestion and undiluted topical application. The French believe that taking the oils internally produces the best results. A common method to ingest the oil is to add a few drops of honey, a piece of bread, or in a small drop of vegetable oil. The German model focuses on inhalation. The effect of fragrance on the sense of smell can exert a strong effect on the brain and limbic system. Research has shown that some essential oils can increase oxygenation and activity in the brain.

By using a combination of these three methods, the use of essential oils can be versatile and powerful. In his book, Gary Young suggests that inhalation of essential oils will increase growth hormone secretion, induce weight loss, or balance mood and emotions. Topical applications can produce results with spinal or muscle injuries or defects. He says, The ability of an essential oil to act both on the mind and the body is what makes them truly unique among natural therapeutic agents. The fragrance of an essential oil can be very stimulating--both psychologically and physically. The fragrance of other essential oils may be calming and relaxing, helping to overcome anxiety or hyperactivity. On a physiological level, essential oils may stimulate immune function and regenerate damaged tissue. Essential oils may also combat infectious disease by killing viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Dr. David Hill, a chiropractor who sees patients from all around the world seeking to receive the healing power of essential oils, says, I personally have seen the healing properties of essential oils used to treat cancer and many forms of autoimmune disease with spectacular results. For example, it has been discovered that the essential oils of sandalwood has tremendous effect on combating specific types of cancer. Others like frankincense, myrtle, and white fir have been shown to have an effect against specific forms of cancer. Essential oils can build the immune system, offer support to body organs, aid in digestion, and reduce inflammation, just to name a few.

Although essential oils are generally considered without risk, it is wise to respect their powers and become well versed in their use and safety. As beneficial as essential oils are, it is prudent to note the purity is as important as safety. According to Dr. Hill, Efficacy can only be fully realized when there is proper care given to protect the delicate chemical balance associated with essential oils during the distillation process.

Generally speaking, the essential oils that you find in department stores, and even health food stores, are of uncertain quality. When choosing an essential oil, be sure to select a guaranteed, therapeutic grade essential oil. In addition, select and use those oils whose scent you find particularly appealing. The whole principal of aromatherapy is that it should be a pleasurable experience. There will generally be more than one oil you can use for a particular purpose, so you should be able to find one you like.

Sources: Essential Oil Desk Reference, Third Edition by Gary Young, ND, compiled by Essential Science Publishing, http://www.essentialscience.net/ or 1-800-336-6308. Young Living's therapeutic grade essential oils and diffusers available at http://www.youngliving.org/ or 1-800-371-2928, code #703949.

Faye Durham is a former chemist and clinical research associate in the pharmaceutical industry. She has monitored clinical research trials involving the major diseases of our day, including heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. In her work with patients, she asked what can be done to prevent or delay the onset of the chronic diseases, associated with aging. Since most diseases have a life style component, she became interested in the effect of diet and emotions on health. About four years ago, she was introduced to aromatherapy and has become a true believer in its therapeutic benefits, as a holistic method of treatment. In her current career, she works as a researcher, writer, and independent distributor, focusing on nutrition and aromatherapy. You can reach Faye through the website at http://www.ryze.com/go/fdurham

While the lemon verbena is native to South America, the Spaniards introduced this shrub to Europe in the eighteenth century. The Spaniards were growing it for the perfume oil scent. Today, this aromatic plant is cultivated for its leaves and ornamental appeal. Due to the inefficient process of extracting the oil from its leaves, the cost of verbena oil is relatively expen ve. Because of this expense, verbena pure essential oil is rarely used in bath products, such as bath salts and bath soaps. It is mainly used in top of the line, high quality, and expensive perfumes.

The therapeutic properties of verbena pure essential oil help to ease exhaustion, relieve anxiety, and boost concentration. The main constituents in verbena essential oil are limonene, geraniole, cineole, and citral, which is up to 26% of the oil itself. These constituents give lemon verbena a very strong antibacterial, antiseptic, and antispasmodic effects.

Here is an extra tip. If you are looking to purchase pure verbena essential oil, be careful to ensure it is pure. Due to the expensive nature of this oil, it is often found stretched, or diluted, with the less expensive lemongrass oil, which of course will greatly diminish the therapeutic properties of the oil. You can buy the stretched verbena oil, just do not pay for the price of pure verbena oil.

One of the major conditions verbena pure essential oil can help with is insomnia. Verbena helps to promote relaxation. It is this effect, which is useful for easing stress related sleep disorders. All you need to do is add 3 drops each of verbena and lavender oil to your bedside diffuser. Then it's lights out!

Like many of the citrus oils out there, verbena is a great room freshener. Mix 10 drops of verbena oil with 2 ounces of water, preferably distilled if you have some, and store in a spray bottle. Then just spray around the house, and even on sheets and pillows to help remove the stale odors.

If you are pregnant, this oil should be used with caution. Midwives to start, or trigger, contractions, once relied upon verbena essential oil. This oil is still associated with uterine muscle stimulation. Some also believe this oil will increase a woman's stamina, which is well needed, during delivery. Just be sure to take precautions and do your research before using this oil if you are pregnant.

Also, verbena essential oil may irritate the skin. Even when the oil is diluted with a carrier oil, such as safflower oil, there may still be some irritations due to the sensitivity of your skin. Before applying a mixture of verbena and a carrier oil, apply it to small spot on your skin to see of irritations will occur. If not, massage away,but, as always, use this oil with caution.

Due to the expensive nature of verbena pure essential oil, you may never have the chance to experience the true therapeutic properties but, you can still enjoy the aroma of this oil with some of the expensive perfumes. Just ask if verbena oil is one of the oils in the perfume. You can also enjoy the aroma by using one of the stretched blends, which is still somewhat beneficial.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy
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First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

AROMATHERAPY SKIN CARE METHODS FOR FACIAL CLEANSING AND CELLULAR RENEWAL:

FACIAL STEAM ~ As part of a deep cleansing routine disperse 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of milk or honey and mix into a pint of steaming hot water.

Pour this HOT mixture into a stainless steel mixing bowl and lean with your face forward, over the bowl being sure to cover your head with a towel to catch the steam on your face.

Breath in the steam and relax, enjoying your facial steam until the waters cool.

Or you may use your oils in a facial steamer.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential oils are not water soluble you must use a dispersant when adding them to a facial steam or bath. Water may cause the oils to penetrate your system more quickly or cause irritation to sensitive or damaged skin, i.e. blemishes, sores or rash.

FACIAL MASQUE ~ Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, or egg white.

Dampen your face lightly and apply your facial masque. Leave on for 10-15 minutes until your masque begins to dry and harden slightly.

Wash your facial masque thoroughly off your face. Your face will look and feel more toned, fresh and hydrated. Repeat once a week for healthy and toned skin!

FACIAL OIL BLEND ~ Add up to 10 drops of essential oil blend, depending upon your skin type, to one ounce of your favorite carrier oil. I prefer Certified Organic Filtered and Unscented Jojoba oil which is most like your skin's own natural sebum.

Frankincense is good for all skin types. German Chamomile is excellent for sensitive skin. Rose is wonderful for mature skin, as is Frankincense.

Apply your facial oil blend lightly to target areas for intensive therapy to nourish and heal facial skin.

SKIN BRUSHING ~ Invigorates your skin, and stimulates your lymphatic system.

Apply 1 drop of (lavender, frankincense, rose or geranium - all are excellent for skin care) in 1 Tablespoon of honey and apply mixture to your natural bristle skin brush and brush your skin.

Make sure your gentle, yet brisk brush strokes are upward, toward your heart. Brush your entire body from the tips of your toes and fingers to the top of your shoulders. Include the front and back sides of your body as you breathe deeply.

Enjoy the wonderful tingling sensations dancing across your skin. Always be sure to work from your extremities upwards, toward your heart. Gently, yet briskly, cover your entire body, omitting your face and neck in the process of this cleansing and uplifting ritual. Skin brushing is especially effective just before you shower.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified Aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's book, Aromatic Medicine - Pathway to Health, and her DVD about her AromaTest System of Healing, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click to learn about Wild Crafted Frankincense Essential Oil from Oman India (the best!) Click to learn about KG's other PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products Menu Click to find out about Aromatherapy Complete Kit (9 oils) Contact KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315