The Art of Essential Oils

An Introduction

For the past few years, I have been hosting a series of workshops entitled “The Art of Essential Oils”.   This stemmed from my obsession with essential oils and how they have become an integral part of my life - and - like most addictions - I just can’t live without them and want to share.  But this is a good one as there are multiple benefits and ways to bringing these sensual beauties into your life. 

I’ve used essential oils since I was a teen way back in the 80’s mainly as a fragrance.  In my early 20’s, I discovered the therapeutic benefits and naturally began using them for basic ailments.  And as someone who is extremely sensitive to smells (I think I was a dog in a past life), essential oils are the the only scents I can tolerate.

Some of my obsession, I mean collection ; )

History

Essential Oils have been used for thousands of years - from perfumes and aromatherapy to culinary and medicinal purposes. Used in the embalming process in Egypt, well preserved oils were found in King Tut’s tomb,recipes were recorded on the walls in hieroglyphics and there are over 200 verses in the Bible that mention the use of essential oils.

Essential oils (and herbs in general) were our first medicines.  Unfortunately, we have lost our connection with nature and with it the lost art of natural healing.  Fortunately, however, we are becoming more aware of the benefits and in a sense, we are rediscovering our history.  The history & lore  of Essential Oils is a vast subject; I encourage anyone interested in learning more to explore this fascinating topic.    

So what exactly are essential oils and how do they work?

Beautiful plants

Essential oils are tools that can aid in detoxifying, nourishing, enhancing, and creating balance in our environment, bodies, mind,and spirit. Technically, they are complex volatile liquids that are distilled from plants including shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, stems and seeds.  They defend plants from insects, harsh environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. They contain trace elements of nutrients, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and anti-bodies. 

Research has shown that a large percentage of EO are anti everything (in a good way) anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, anti-infectious, antiseptic. They carry oxygen to the cells destroying bacteria & viruses while restoring balance to the body, stimulating and strengthening the immune system.  

EO are the regenerating, oxygenating, & immune defense properties of the plants.  When used on humans or animals, EO may provide similar benefits.  Disease begins when cells lack the oxygen for proper nutrient assimilation.  EO contain oxygen molecules which help to transport nutrients to starving human cells.  By providing the needed oxygen, EO also work to stimulate the immune system; detoxifng cells & blood in the body. 

Some EO have the ability to pass the blood brain barrier and current research is has found that essential oils may be useful in helping with Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s, Parkinson’s & MS. 

Because they are organic substances, they do not have harmful qualities to healthy cells when used correctly.  They do not have residual effects as do most chemicals.  New research and discoveries about the benefits of one of Mother Nature's most powerful resources are growing each day.  *Therapeutic grade Essential Oils are now being used in hospitals and clinics around the globe.  For anyone interested in reading about some of this research, the pub-med website (search for essential oils) has a number of recent studies available to the public.    

How to Use

There are 3 basic methods for using essential oils.  I'm only touching on the very basics here, perhaps in another blog I'll go into more details; or if you are interested in learning first hand, we discuss, demonstrate and experience all three of these methods in our classes & retreats.   

1.  Inhalation - direct, diffusor, vaporizer (cold only for therapeutic benefits!)  

2.   Topical - application to the skin (largest organ of the body) 

      Applied neet - undiluted directly to the skin (use precaution!)  
      or with a carrier oil - my first choice is coconut oil.

3.  Ingestion - controversial, do your research and use precautions.

I add EO to  food to enhance flavors while gaining therapeutic benefits

Why Essential Oils?

So besides the therapeutic and sensory experience, why else would one consider using essential oils?  What about prevention; reducing your amount of exposure to toxins that can cause illness & disease?

The amount of chemicals found in everyday household & beauty products and over the counter medicines is astounding AND not to mention toxic to both humans and animals.  Many of these chemicals are hormone disruptors, carcinogenic, and linked to a myriad of health issues.  In some cases, many are BANNED in various countries.  And we are not just referring to the obvious culprits like Fabreeze and Glad plug ins.  These chemicals are found in everything from laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoos, soaps, deodorants, most cleaning supplies, cosmetics, cold & flu medicines - even those advertised as natural or organic still contain toxic ingredients.  I have a great watch list that we hand out in our workshops - you will be surprised when you really start reading and checking your labels what you are actually exposing yourself & family too.

So what can we do about it?  In the world we live in, it is almost impossible to completely shield yourself 100%.  However there are a number small steps we can all take to begin reducing the amount of toxin exposure and for ourselves and families, as well as taking preventative precautions and building our immune systems. 

Incorporating Essential Oils can be a first and easy step.  We can begin by learning and understanding simple ways to replace harmful household & beauty products and over the counter medicines, with safe (and pleasant to use!) alternatives.    In addition to being highly effective for cleaning, healing, and prevention; essential oils offer an incredible sensory experience AND can also be more economical.  

Detoxing is a topic of great depth, and of course involves more than just using essential oils.  However, it’s a great first step. If you are interested in learning more first hand, I offer a number of workshops and retreats where you can learn and experience some of the magic first hand : )  *Our retreats also incorporate other tools, such as diet and meditative activities to help balance, cleanse, and nourish mind, body & spirit.  

A few non-toxic products I make (all purpose cleaner, hand sanitizer, body scrub) 

How and Where to Purchase QUALITY Essential Oils

Not all essential oils are created equally. To truly benefit from the oils, I recommend using only high quality therapeutic grade oils. As essential oils are become more popular, a number of new manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon and creating less than optimal qualities.

I did quite a bit of research and choose Young Living.  Honestly, at first I was hesitant because of the cost and the mlm; and there are a number of other companies out there to choose from, some even off shoots from Young Living.  I based my decision on the fact that:  they have been growing on their own farms and making high quality oils for over 20 years (before it became trendy); they have extremely high standards -In fact, they sell stock that does not comply with their standards to other companies!  

And most importantly, after trying a variety of oils; for myself, I found YL to be of the highest quality AND most importantly, they work the best for me. 

Additionally, when using essential oils, be sure to listen to your intuition, find a scent that speaks to you, let it tell you where to apply on your body, what to blend with, when to apply.  Most oils have multiple benefits and properties that overlap each other, if you have an aversion to an oil or it just doesn't feel right, don't use it.  For example, there are over many essential oils that have anti-bacterial properties or work as spiritual enhancers, choose the one that feels, smells, **tastes, right to you.  Use ALL of your senses!  

If you are interested in learning more about my upcoming workshops and retreats, please visit my website at Turquoise Barn

If you are interested in ordering essential oils contact me for more information or you can order here:  bit.ly/oillove

Next up:  Palo Santo Essential Oil - Exotic, Earthy, Grounding, Intoxicating


Reference Guide for Essential Oils - Connie & Alan Higley

Youngliving.com 

Pub-Med

NOTE:  The information offered on or blog & website; in our workshops, classes, & retreats, represents the views of the author/presenter.  The views & information offered are intended for informational purposes only and not intended as medical or health advice.  We do not accept any responsibilities for any liabilities resulting from the use of this information.   We recommend consulting with a licensed health professional before using essential oils, herbs or making any changes to your diet, exercise program, or lifestyle.

The Art of Emerging from Darkness - Natural Therapies for Surviving Winter

OR......some ways I am learning to L♥ve Winter  in Upstate NY ......besides flying away to a warm, sunny, tropical paradise....











Depression, winter blues, feeling down, dark clouds, etc., etc......For many (including myself) this is winter or SAD - seasonal affective disorder.  For others (also including myself) it is a year round condition that may be magnified during the spring, fall, and especially winter.  

I've suffered from depression since I was a child.  Over the years, I've shared my story about my cancer diagnosis, however, it's taken me a while to acknowledge, admit, and now openly share my experience with depression. It's just not a topic that most people are comfortable talking about. 

Depression can be debilitating and extremely difficult to overcome.  However, it is possible, (without drugs) although I had years ago gone down that road.  What I'm sharing here are some simple & natural ways that have helped me to maintain and keep the looming clouds of darkness at bay.  What has worked for me is not just one "therapy" but a combination.; and of course I am only listing a select few. And...as with most solutions - this is not a one size fits all.  I encourage you to experiment, 


USE ALL OF YOUR SENSES ~ see what works best for you ~ mix it up.  Here goes......



For myself - First and foremost is DIET - avoiding processed foods - adding  GREEN - juices, smoothies, etc.  LIVING FRESH whole food - it is loaded with sunshine - wakes up your cells - get's your blood flowing. The more living food I eat the better I feel - without a doubt.   And if you are ready - periodic cleansing.  Oh...and spirulina & bee pollen - great energizers & immune boosters.  If you are having cravings for not so optimal foods - try adding healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado, olives, or nuts - this helps me especially in the winter. 

DRINK-  stay hydrated - warm spring water infused with lemon essential oil or HOT TEA are top on my list.  I make a blend of nettles, oat straw, holy basil, pau d'arco, and whatever else I have on hand.  

SLEEP, sleep, sleep.....  (thank you Gerry)


HEAT is comforting......speaking of heat - HOT showers and baths! 

 Awake your senses ....
AROMATHERAPY.  Using *therapeutic grade oils such as peppermint or lemon can be extremely uplifting. Explore special blends known to help with depression - Valor is my favorite......our sense of smell can have a surprisingly great impact on the mind - chemicals and artificial scents send me over the top - however, natural scents of high quality herbs & oils can create feelings of comfort & bliss.  Therapeutic grade oils can be inhaled, massaged, or ingested. Use in the bath with epsom or sea salt, put in a diffuser, use with carrier oils as moisturizer or just inhale and enjoy intoxicating scents.
 

 LIGHT - I started using a light box every morning (thank you Billie)...of course fresh sunshine is the best but up here our chances are slim to none of a daily dose.  I also supplement with Vitamin D3.

Hang out with KIDS - they are full of fresh ideas, keep you young & laughing - just be sure to have time to yourself (ok...that's a whole other blog)

READ a BOOK (not on an electrical device) a REAL book - keep your mind stimulated - or relax and get lost in an amazing story - fact or fiction...Oh seed catalogs - they start arriving in December!


Movement & Sound - Rebounding - singing & dancing - does wonders for the mind (and helps you stay in shape as well)  I have been using a rebounder (mini-trampoline) for over 30 years - it is the BEST - sing - dance - JUMP - enjoy....get's the blood flowing and stimulates the lymphatic system.

I  also LOVE snowshoeing, hiking, walking. stretching (yoga), getting outside - breathing fresh air and observing our surroundings.  Which leads us to the one "Therapy" that I feel encompasses all the elements connecting our mind, body, & spirit toward any type of healing.......

 








 NATURE THERAPY  =  creating, writing, photographing, making, meditating, moving, touching, smelling, tasting, feeling, hearing.......connecting...


 

Seeing, hearing, listening and feeling all the beauty of winter ~ yes ~ it is cold but it really is beautiful.......

pictures don't really capture the true essence of the beauty in following deer tracks, 











 



spotting a dash of color amidst the brown & white landscape, 

waiting & watching for the oh so elusive sun to peak out from behind the clouds; 
















the sound of stillness & movement in the wind and trees.......












 







The first steps out into the cold..... quiescence.....sadness  -  reminders of a great loss recently experienced.........the absence of light & life are overwhelming . . .

and illusory -  as I keep moving and begin really observing - looking, listening, smelling, feeling, touching - I see signs of life hope - the future - life - regeneration













A tiny caterpillar crawling towards a flower I placed into the frozen ground .......

a once flying insect struggling towards ~ beautiful seeds from the milkweed - now burrowed into the ground - perhaps the home of a tiny mouse or fairy ~










 

a "couple" of plants ~ leaning, supporting and loving (yes plants are living and do communicate!)








 



  



Birds singing and playing in the trees... 

Water dancing in the stream....

I listen to the wind ~ smell the grasses, feel the trees, see the birds and bugs, touch the snow, dirt, and plants   ~  taste the air ~

  

observe with all your senses - the art in nature

The spirit energy in everything ~ always ~ all around us ~ changing ~ growing ~ evolving ....... we are all connected to everything.


So get outside and go inside - connect - observe all the beauty nature has to offer - any way, any where, or any time of year......

m xoxo (yeah that too)



Well I hope you enjoyed a peak into some of my daily thoughts and activities.  As I mentioned above, this is only a partial list of "therapies".  I would also like to add that sometimes life can get in the way and we find ourselves caught up in situations beyond our control.  When this happens (and it does happen) I try and remember that it is all temporary, part of a cycle, it will pass...and just like the quiescence of winter, the life & light of spring will reemerge..... finding and utilizing the right tools can expedite the process.  I encourage you to research, experiment and explore , reach out, connect with other like minded individuals - it's not always easy but it is POSSIBLE.

For those interested, I offer workshops utilizing most of the therapies mentioned above.  Join me for a workshop or retreat - learn more about aromatherapy, plant based living & wild foods, herbs, elixirs & tonics, nature therapy, and our ability to heal naturally.  Our next retreat is coming up May 15th-18th 2015 - please  visit my website or contact me for more details.

I would love to hear what works for YOU  - please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, ideas, experiences AND please share with anyone whom you think may benefit or need a bit of a reminder (I think we all do at some time) : )