Essential Oil Education» essential Oil education

Using Stress-Away Essential Oil to RollAway Your Stress

lindasmith — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:28:46 +0000

Young Living has come out with a brand new roll-on essential oil that has become my newest favorite oil–Stress Away. I carry it in my pocket wherever I go, and I make sure that it is with me on airplaines, in traffic and just plain working at my desk writing. It has an amazing fragrance that is at once soothing and relaxing.

What’s in it that gives it such calming power? It is a unique blend of the essentila oils of vanilla, lime, ocotea, and copaiba (essential oils from the Amazon), cedarwood and lavender.

The lime essential oil in Stress-Away is coumarin-free which means it is not a phototoxic sensitizing oil. It lends a subtle citrus fragrance to the calming vanilla fragrance. The ocotea and copaiba which are the two highest anti-inflammatory oils ever tested aid the body’s response to stress. And the cedarwood works with the brain to improve relaxation while the floral scent of lavender calms any tense mood.

Young Living has come up with a winner!

PS: Want to get some Stress Away to try? Go to http://www.youngliving.com/HTSMsmith to order yours today.

The Sweet Tast of Ocotea Essential Oil

lindasmith — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:27:10 +0000

The ocotea tree lies deep in the amazon basin of Ecuador and is related to the cinnamon species. It’s not like any common cinnamon tree though and as for it’s chemistry, has only about 5% cinnamaldehyde as compared to 50% or higher in cinnamon bark oil. That means ocotea will produce far less skin sensitivity than cinnamon bark or cassia essential oils. Ocotea has the highest level of alpha-humulene of any essential oil tested to this date. Why is this such great news? Alpha-humulene is known to help balance the body’s internal response to inflammation.

The trees are male and female with only the female trees producing foliage suitable for distillation into essential oils. Historical use of ocotea actually dates back at last 500 years when it was used to aromatize sweets and cakes.

The oil comes from steam distilling the tree leaves which are at the top of the tree canopy. A second oil is produced called Ishpingo which comes from steam distilling the flowers of the ocotea tree. This rare and expensive oil is even sweeter than the ocotea oil. Should diabetics be cautious in using either of these oils? Actually testimonials have shown that ocotea and ishpingo can help regulate blood sugar within days simply by putting 1-2 drops under the tongue. Remember–these are only testimonials and may not work for everyone. Because of the cinnamaldehyde content, some may have skin sensitivity.

PS: Let me know how you are using ocotea essential oil. It’s important that we share our testimonials with one another to build up a bank of knowledge. So write a comment and let me know how you are using it.

PSS: Want to try ocotea essential oils? You can order yours by going to http://www.youngliving.com/HTSMsmith

St. Johns Wort–Another Great Infused Oil for Skin Problems

lindasmith — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:14:49 +0000

St. John’s Wort or Hypericum perforatum, is an infused oil meaning the flowers are gathered at a certain time of the year and placed in a carrier oil until the essential essence of the plant oozes out into that carrier oil. This is a plant of many faces. Some regard it as a wildflower, others a weed or at best an herb. It has actually been described as a healthful plant by herbalists since the earliest Greek herbals. It has a long history of use including being used as a diuretic, a wound healing herb, a great treatment for menstrual disorders and for allaying the pain of contusions.

In the Middle Ages, harvesting herbs meant collecting the herb on a specific day, often a day with religious significance. This simply may have been a way of marking the best time of year to harvest a particular herb. In this case, St John’s wort, as you may guess, was harvested on St. John’s day which is June 24th. When the fresh flowers of this plant are crushed, they exude a blood-red juice, which stains the figers blue-violet.

Today St. John’s wort oil is used for bruises, is anti-inflammatory, and is often used to help speed healing of wounds and sores. It helps to reduce inflammation and can be applied to sprains, burns, skin irritations, or any laceration accomplanied by severed nerve tissue. It was once known to pharmacists as “red oil’ or “Hypericum liniment.” The practice of soaking the flowers in olive oil, infusing the oil in the sun, then using the oil internally as a diuretic and external application for wounds dates at least to the 1500’s.

PS: Want to learn more about healing oils and how they can help you maintain your health? Find out how you can attend aromatherapy classes near you by going to http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com

Calendula–An “Infused Oil” for Sensitive Skin

lindasmith — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:58:09 +0000

Calendula officinalis is more commonly known as “marigold flowers.” It has been made into an infused oil for centuries and used to soothe red, irritated and sensitive skin or for maintaining joint mobility in later life. For many, calendula works miracles on dry and chapped hands, and is an effective treatment for facial thread veins. it is also a helpful oil to balance excessively oily skin.

How Is an “Infused” Oil Created?

The method of making an infused oil has not changed very much in the last few thousand years. The chosen plant or flower is cut into small pieces, put into a wide-necked glass jar and then a vegetable oil such as sunflower or olive oil is added. The mixture is stirred and then placed into direct sunlight for up to 2-3 weeks. Periodically, the jars are turned to ensure the heat and the light from the sun are distribured evenly across the soaking mixture. Eventually the precious essential oil begins to seep out into the carrier oil and all the wonderful healing properties of the plant are infused into the oil. Finally the mixture is filtered and the result is a natural remedy containing all the active principles of the plant, pre-diluted and ready to use.

PS: Want to learn more about oils and how they can help you have beautiful skin? What about essential oils helpful for fibromyalgia or gastric upset or high blood pressure? The Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy offers an Aromatherapy “Club” that covers topics of interest on how to maintain a healthy life style through using essential oils. Members receive 3 teleseminars and outlines and the mp3 recordings every month plus they receive periodic ebooks on aromatherapy. To find out how you can join, go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com and click on the healing store.

How Do You Choose a Carrier Oil for Your Essential Oil?

lindasmith — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:40:57 +0000

We have lots of carrier oils to choose from when selecting one for a massage or for diluting an oil to take internally. There is a wide variety plus some other infused or macerated oils such as Calendula and St. Johns Wort. The variety of vegetable oils available to a newcomer can seem a little bewidering at first but choosing which one is for you is not really complicated.

You choose one with the properties that you need for your particular needs. You want to use vegetable oils that are the very best for intensive facial treatments and body massage and that can be combined to suit your particular requirements. Experimenting with small quantities will help you find what works best for you.

Here Are Some Suggestions

Sweet almond, peach and apricot oils are very versatile and can be used for both body massage and facial treatments since they are light and easily absorbed. If you have a nut allergy, then sunflower or grapeseed oil might be better.

Jojoba is by far my favorite but it is not a real oil–rather it is a thick pale yellow liquid extracted from the beanlike seeds of a desert shrub. Jojoba is a wax that is the closest preparation to our own naturally secreted skin oil and is the most moisturizing of the carrier oils and good for most skin types.

My second most favorite carrier oil is fractionated coconut oil which is a clear liquid squeezed from coconuts by high pressure. It is a favorite of a lot of massage therapists. I like it because of the nice feeling on my skin.

Unrefined avocado and wheatgerm oil are perfect for nourishing the skin in an overnight treatment, but are a little too heavy for use in a body massage. They have a strong odor that some people do not like, but please don’t let that put you off! They are excellent, deep nourishing oils that will provide essential fatty acids and nutrients to soften your skin.

What About Prepared Massage Oils–What’s Really Good to Use?

My most favorite is Cel-Lite Magic Massage oil prepared by Young Living Essential Oils. It comes in a great pump bottle making it very easy to use. This oil combines fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, wheatgerm oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil and the the following essential oils: grapefruit, cypress, cedarwood, juniper and clary sage. The grapefruit essential oil benefits skin textures and juniper essential oil helps detoxify and cheanse the skin. I absolutely love the fragrance and how this oil feels on my skin.

PS: Want to find out more about carrier oils and essential oils? go to http://www.ISHAharomatherapy.com and see our educational offerings.

PSS: Want to order a high quality carrier oil? Go to http://www.Youngliving.com/HTSMSmith to explore their many products.

Carrier Oils–Why Use Them with Essential Oils?

lindasmith — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:08:27 +0000

The whole purpose of carrier oils is of course “to carry” or act as a vehicle for administering essential oils to the skin or to take them internally. Some essential oils are simply too “hot” for the skin and should be safely diluted to prevent redness and burning. Or if an essential oil is used in a massage, it is very helpful to first dilute it so that the whole body can receive the benefits of the essential oil. Otherwise, you will use too much essential oil which is simply not necessary and may not be safe.

If taking an essential oil internally is desired, it is also helpful to put a drop of a carrier oil in the vegetable capsule first or the essential oil may dissolve it before you can swollow it!

Some Dilution Tips

If you are desiring to make a massage oil to deliver an essential oil, you can make a 1%, 2% or at most a 5% dilution. The dilution will of course depend on what essential oil you are choosing to use in a massage. The hotter oils such as basil (a good anti-spasmodic oil) can be used in a 1 or 2% dilution whereas frankincense which is not a hot oil could be used in a 5% dilution. To make a 1% dilution, use 1 drop of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil. But for a massage, a teaspoon won’t go very far. You could then make up a larger quantity by adding 20 drops of your chosen oil to 100 ml of a carrier oil.

To make a 5% dilution you could add 5 drops of your essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil and for a larger quantity like 30 ml, you could add 30 drops of your essential oil.

PS: Want to learn more about safe use of essential oils? Go to http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com to find an aromatherapy educational course near you.

Tamanu Oil–A Great Healing Oil for the Skin

lindasmith — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:24:46 +0000

Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a traditional remedy with a history of native use in Polynesia and Southeast Asia. Only in the past few years has tamanu oil begun to penetrate the European and US Markets, primarily in the cosmetic sectors. This oil has actually been studied in hospitals and by researchers in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It shows that tamanu is a significant topical healing agent with skin healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Tamanu is not an essential oil but can be used as a carrier oil or as a healing oil for the skin by itself. It comes from a nut which has to ripen on a rack for a month or so until it turns a deep, chocolate brown and becomes sticky with a rich oil. At this point, the oil can simply be pressed out into a rich, greenish-amber, and luxurious oil.

Tamanu has lots of healing abilities. It is good for accelerating wound healing and promoting the growth of healthy skin. ity is considered a traditional topical first aid for cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores and to reduce foot and body odor. The oil also possesses significant pain-relieving properties, and has been used traditionally to relieve neuralgia, rheumatism and sciatica.

PS: Want to know more about healing oils and how to take care of your body holistically? Go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com to find out how you can take courses throughout the United States on essential oils and various carrier oilsike tamanu.

Myrrh Oil–An Ancient Egyptian Secret for SunScreen

lindasmith — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:24:36 +0000

If you looked at the chemistry of myrrh essential oil you would guess that it is phototoxic because it has furanoid compounds which are known to cause phototoxicity. But on the contrary, the Ancient Egyptians used myrrh oil liberally on their skin to protect against the harsh desert sun.

Myrrh Oil Was One of the First Essential Oil Medicines

What is the secret ingredient in the chemistry that makes it possible for myrrh oil to be considered a sunscreen? It’s the sesquiterpenes which quench the furanoids. In fact myrrh was their secret to soft, supple skin even in this hot climate. The fact that the sesquiterpenes quenched the phototoxic effects is an example of synergy where the effects of one compound can change the behavior of another, making it behave.

Myrrh oil can help you have a safe time in the sun this summer. So don’t forget your sunscreen! it’s best if you dilute it 20-80 with a good vegetable oil and then gently rub it on your face, hands, arms–anywhere you want sun protection.

PS: Want to know how you can get therapeutic grade myrrh oil that is not only safe to use but meets all of the standards set by the French Masters? Go to http://www.YoungLiving.com/HTSMsmith to order yours today.

PSS: How would you like to learn more about essential oils and how they can help you stay healthy? Go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com to find out how you can take courses on aromatherapy throughout the United States.

Essential Oils for a Holistic Nursing Practice

lindasmith — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:06:22 +0000

I am attending the American Holistic Nurses Association’s annual conference, an organization that I have been a member of for the past 21 years. Through the years I have seen a gradual opening to researching and embracing new forms of holistic health care in the nursing field. Nurses are advocates for patient care and in a holistic nursing approach–for health care that addresses the whole person–body/mind/spirit. Essential oils in the form of aromatherapy education is a perfect match for holistic nurses interested in non-pharmcological approaches. Why? Nurses more than any other professional on the health care team see the results of drugs and surgery and how often they cause multiple side effects and complications. Can nature in the form of essential oils hold out a better approach? Many believe this to be true.

How Can Essential Oils Broaden a Holistic Nursing Practice?

Infections–many essential oils are known to be most effective (95% in the research) for infections of all kinds including MRSA. The pharmaceutical companies probably do not want the public to known this statistic.

Rest and relaxation–many essential oils have chemical properties that aid in sleep and decrease in stress related symptoms. Just look at the chemistry of lavender, Roman Chamomile, Valerian, and blends like Peace and Calming, Harmony, and RutaVaLa.

Pain Relief–a major problem in hospitals is pain associated either with disease processes or with the interventions of medical care. Drugs are often prescribed which can cause more harm than good. Essential oils may not work as “fast” as pharmacologic drugs but they will work. For muscle and bone pain, look at the action of marjoram, lavender, wintergreen, peppermint, cypress, Idaho tansy, Mt. savory, or blends like Aroma Siez, Deep Relief, and Valor.

Wound Healing–many essential oils have been found to be healing to skin, even for deep wounds. Look at Spikenard, helichrysum, rose, frankincense, myrrh, styrax benzoin, galbanum, Roman and German Chamomiles, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Rosaline (Melaleuca ericifolia), and blends like Melrose, Thieves, and Purification.

Sinus Congestion and pain–many times people cannot sleep well because their sinuses are plugged or the drugs they have taken have caused inflammation and congestion. Essential oils like peppermint, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus radiata can help. Also look at basil known to clean off the receptor sites on the nasal mucosal cells, and blends like Purification, Raven and R.C.

These are but a few ways that nurses in clinical settings can aid the well being of others.

PS: Want to know more about the healing properties of essential oils? Go to our website to find out if aromatherapy education is right for you. http://www.ISHAhealing.com

PSS: You will only want to use the highest quality essential oils to affect the healing of body/mind/spirit. You can get them by going to http://www.YoungLiving.com/HTSMSmith

ISHA Aromatherapy Certification Program to Graduate 40+ in New Jersey

lindasmith — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:55:34 +0000

I’m on my way to New Jersey where I will meet more than forty students who are eagerly awaiting the third and final course in our certification in clinical aromatherapy program. This is a 240 hour course in all which means the students will have done a research project, read five books, completed homework booklets and taken two exams. It’s an extensive program that covers anatomy and physiology, science including organic chemistry and vibrational frequencies of the oils, safety and toxicity of oils, assessment, business principles, ethics and standards of practice, botany and of course the ancient and modern uses of over 55 essential oils.

Why Study Essential Oils?

The number one reason is your health! Essential oils are nature’s medicines and are far safer than pharmaceutical drugs which all carry some form of side effects. Nature’s medicines are living substances and carry a complex chemistry found only in nature. Drugs are inert, created in a chemistry lab with very simple chemistries. There may be times when drugs are useful on a short-term basis but used over time will produce harmful effects on the body.

PS: Want to learn how you too can become a certified clinical aromatherapist? Go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com and read about our program, then find a course near you.

PSS: What do these New Jersey students know about aromatherapy that you don’t? Find out when you go to our website at http://www.ISHAhealing.com