Essential Oils? Only for stress? Think again -- Laurean Brooks

My interest in Essential Oils piqued a few months ago when I watched a holistic doctor and his wife on television, who swore by them. Previously, I had used the occasional drops of lavender or chamomile in my bath water for relaxation. Now, I dab scented oils, depending on my mood, in a diffuser for aromatherapy, on my wrists as a perfume, and sprinkle drops on my pillowcase at night to help me sleep.

The use of Essential Oils goes back thousands of years. 

In China, the first use was recorded during the reign of Huang Ti, the Yellow Emperor around 2697 to 2597 BC.

The wise men brought Frankincense and Myrrh to the Christ Child. Even in Biblical days, perfumes were made from blends of aromatic oils.

You may recall the Bible story of a woman who poured an alabaster jar of precious oil over Jesus' head. Could it have been Rose oil? Did you know it takes 22 pounds of crushed rose petals to make a 5 ml bottle of oil? No wonder Rose oil one of the most expensive Essential Oils!

While browsing the web, I discovered essential oils which not only help with sleep, stress, physical and mental fatigue, but those which aid emotional healing by helping us through grief, experience peace, joy, and release unpleasant memories.

A few of these are:

Geranium, Bergamot, Lavender, Cedarwood, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, and Clary Sage.

Until I began my research, I did not realize the wide selection of oils available. Each has a distinctive scent. While some are either woodsy or flowery scented, others are fruity or citrusy.

Add a couple drops each of Vetiver, Myrrh, Sandalwood, and Bergamot to a diffuser for a peaceful night's sleep. The tantalizing fragrance lingers in the bedroom for days.

 The sense of smell breaks down the blood/brain barrier and is closely linked with memory, more so than the other senses. If you prefer not to use a diffuser, put a few drops on your pillowcase before you retire.

Those with full olfactory function may be able to recall certain smells that evoke particular memories; the scent of an orchard in bloom or the spicy scent of Mom in the kitchen baking cookies.

Below is a rundown of a few of my current favorite aromatic oils.

Bergamot oil is known for its healing effects on physiological distress. Use it when you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed and need to find balance.

• Cortisol levels
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression

Patchouli oil is often used to relieve the feeling of emptiness or emotional disconnection. Use it when You are feeling disconnected from yourself or community.

Sandalwood oil is known to move stagnant energy, helping with centering or grounding. Use it when you're feeling stuck where you are and need a boost to feel at peace.

Frankincense can help improve your body's ability to protect and heal. It is also useful for relieving feelings of grief or emotional trauma. Use it regularly as a preventative measure or during painful times, like losing a loved one. 

Lemon essential oil can help reduce excess congestion mentally, physically, and emotionally, and provides lightness. It can also:

• Relieve anxiety
• Reduce anger and agitation
• Uplift emotions
• Relieve depression

Rose oil is excellent for improving mental well-being and boosting loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. This oil is known for its sedative healing properties, providing emotional relief due to:

• Excessive worry
• Anxiety
• Grief or loss
• Jealousy
• Post-traumatic stress

For joy and happiness, blend together a couple drops each of Ylang Ylang, Cypress, and Marjoram. It will quickly pull you out of an emotional slump. Some writers swear that massaging a few drops of Citrus oils into the area below the belly button, inspires creativity.

The many uses of essential oils boggle the mind. I urge you to try them for yourself. Start with a few bottles--maybe one for energy, another for joy, and the third for relaxation. You can add to your collection as the need arises. I keep Peppermint Oil, on my desk for mental clarity, and Rosemary to boost the memory, On my headboard and nightstand, I keep oils for relaxation.

I have gradually added to my bottles of Essential Oils and will add more as I research and learn of their properties. I urge you to try them, starting with four or five. 
Here's a link to get you started. I hope your experience with Essential Oils is as productive and exciting as mine. 

                  

OVER THE COALS

Jill knows Rob has a dark secret. Why won't he confide in her? And why does he become evasive when she asks perfectly innocent questions about his past? Can their relationship survive the test of trust?
Over The Coals - an intriguing, heartwarming summer romance