Essential oils. You’ve heard of them, seen them, probably even know someone who uses them (it could be you, even). Maybe you know nothing about them, maybe you’re an expert. Whatever the case, I think it is a good idea to go back to the basics, to start from scratch.
Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about the oils:
What Are Essential Oils?
So… you have your “fixed oils”, such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc. Then you have your essential oils, which are called “volatile oils” (they evaporate in the air).
Essential oils come from plants. They are distilled or cold pressed from shrubs, leaves, roots, flowers, trees, resin or rinds. They are highly potent and much more concentrated than dried herbs.
Though we are most familiar with their uses for humans, they do so much for their plant hosts as well. They protect them from bugs and animals and other organisms. In humans they provide support for EVERY system in the body! They support a healthy brain, healthy emotions and hormones. They serve as an alternative to toxic cleaning chemicals at home.
What Makes Essential Oils “Essential”?
It may sound funny, but I have gotten this question several times. Apart from helping to support every system in the body and having a ton of benefits (which is in and of itself a great reason), here is something you probably don’t know: it comes from the root word “quintessential”, which means “possessing the essence of something.”
Quick little English lesson there, but “Essential Oils” are not just a cute name someone came up with. It, quite literally, is its name. 🙂
How Do They Work?
There are three ways to get the oils into your body. Topically, through the skin; diffuse and inhale it; and sometimes ingesting and cooking with some of them.
Ok, so how long do they last? And do they even get to all the parts of your body that need them?
There are tests that show oils reach the heart, liver and thyroid in three seconds when inhaled. They were found in the bloodstream in 26 seconds when being applied topically. Fun little fact, did you know that your feet are the most absorbent part of your body?
When it comes to these applications, there are some warnings to keep in mind (really, they are just common sense):
- Always make sure your oils are of the highest grade quality before ingesting or applying topically. DO NOT settle for cheap mediocre knock offs!
- Some oils, especially the “hot oils” (cinnamon, clove, oregano, etc.) could cause skin irritation. It is a good idea to patch test these or use a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) when applying topically.
- DO NOT apply to the eyes, ear canals or any sensitive or private part of the body.
- Ask your doctor before using if you are pregnant or taking medications, as some could interfere with each other.
Preserving Foundations 
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