WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
The sky is the limit when it comes to the many uses of essential oils. The oils in those little amber bottles are powerful, more powerful than dried herbs, diverse allies in your quest for the perfect wellness routine. First, they are ESSENTIAL to a plant’s survival in the environment. The essential oils contained in a plant protects by scarring away predators and supports the plant by attracting pollinators. Second, they are the ESSENCE or aroma of a plant, flower, root, or fruit. A volatile substance – meaning it evaporates rapidly - that contains the natural smell and characteristics of the plant. Third, they are also ESSENTIAL for animals and humans. We can use them for their natural fragrances, to protect our health, and to support our emotions. Essential oils contain many properties that give them their ability to support our and wellness.
They are called oils because they float on water and because they are mostly composed of Carbon and Hydrogen atoms. Molecules containing mainly Carbon and Hydrogen atoms are lighter than water. Scientists refer to molecules that are composed of ONLY Hydrogen and Carbon atom as hydrocarbons. Essential oils, however, are NOT greasy like cooking or motor oils with which we may be familiar.
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• Apply Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.
• This popular essential oil soothes and nourishes all skin types and is easy to incorporate into your skin care regimen every day. Add a few drops to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products for a classic aroma and more youthful complexion.
• Unwind in the evening with a calming, Lavender-infused neck or back massage.
• Use Lavender as part of a bedtime routine by rubbing it on the bottoms of your feet.
• Add it to a carrier oil and apply topically to soothe the skin after a day in the sun.
I have my favorite oils and I also have my favorite uses for each oil and Lavender is no exception. When I first started using essential oils, Lavender was not my favorite oil. I wasn't fond of the aroma, but everyone was telling me how great it was for relaxation that I continued to use it. Besides not liking the smell, when I put it on my feet at night I would get a nauseous feeling shortly after retiring. Again, I kept using it knowing that it must be pointing my body in the right direction to heal itself. Sure enough, I eventually found it a relaxing oil and have found a favorite uses for this wonderful gift from nature and I still have a bottle of lavender on my night stand and use it in a rotation of a few oils as part of my night time routine.I also use it in a Cooling Spray that gets used quite frequently in the hot humid Minnesota days, spraying it on the back of my neck or on my feet. For those of use of the mature generation, it is also great to have on hand for those nights that you wake up wanting to open up every window of the bedroom. :) My plants benefit from this spray as well when I spray them down before bringing them in from outside for the winter as it helps to keep unwanted visitors from coming in with the plants.Because Lavender is beneficial to the skin, it is handy to have on hand when my hand gets to close to the grill. It is also a healthy ingredient to add to your favorite skin care or facial cream recipes.
I recently discovered an awesome method of using essential oils called steamers. Doing a Lavender steamer before retiring for the night, I was asleep shortly after my head hit the pillow and had a very restful night sleep.
I hope you enjoy discovering the benefits of Young Living Lavender essential oil as well. Please share your favorite ways to use it in the comments below.Kim for Cherished Vitality
Young Living Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering top of the plant and has a scent that’s a blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It’s popularity has made it a favorite choice for soaps, fresheners, and beauty products. Lavender essential oil isn’t just a favorite because of its classic scent—it’s also highly versatile. From skin care products to relaxing routines, this oil can infuse and enhance many areas of your life. It is the perfect first oil to have in your collection and is a must have for every home.
Topical Uses
• Apply Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.
• This popular essential oil soothes and nourishes all skin types and is easy to incorporate into your skin care regimen every day. Add a few drops to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products for a classic aroma and more youthful complexion.
• Unwind in the evening with a calming, Lavender-infused neck or back massage.
• Use Lavender as part of a bedtime routine by rubbing it on the bottoms of your feet.
• Add it to a carrier oil and apply topically to soothe the skin after a day in the sun.
Aromatic Uses
• Diffuse(1) up to 1 hour 3 times daily. Getting a good night’s sleep is a great start to the next day. Diffuse in the bedroom for a soothing space that may promote sleep. Or Infuse the nursery with the gentle floral scent during nap time for a welcoming and restful environment that sets your little one up for sweet dreams.
• Add 4 drops of Lavender and 1 cup of Epsom salt to a bath to create a relaxing environment or combine with other pleasurable scents such as Eucalyptus, Bergamot, or Cedarwood.
Benefits
• Promotes feelings of calm and fights occasional nervous tension
• Has balancing properties that calm the mind and body
• Cleanses and soothes minor skin irritations
• Can be soothing to the skin after a day in the sun
• Reduces the appearance of blemishes
• Supports aging skin
Naturally Occurring Properties of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil
• linalyl acetate
• linalool
• ocimene
CAUTIONS: Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.
Kim
Kim
Diffusing is one great way to use essential oils for your health and wellness. Shopping for a diffuser can be confusing as there are many choices and prices. Make sure the one you buy uses medical grade plastic where the essential oils are placed. Look for one that uses ultrasonic technology which breaks any mixture of essential oils and water into millions of micro-particles, dispersing them into the air, and releasing the health supporting properties of the essential oils. Thirdly, look for a duffuser that does not use heat to diffuse the essential oil. Cool air diffusers further protect the essential oil properties as heat may destroy some of the healthy properties that we are seeking to benefit from in the essential oils.
Next in the Series: Topical Application
