Essential Oils - A Brief Introduction

Essential oils are often a misunderstood and neglected medium to good health and well-being.  They provide a natural alternative to synthesized fragrances and medicine.  But since so little is know by the general public about essential oils they remain regulated to fringe groups and alternative medicine.

The main misconception about essential oils is that they are just aromatic.  However essential oils are more than a fragrance, they are a distilled essence of the plant from which they come.  The vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids all transfer into a concentrated liquid.

Despite its name most essential oils are not oil.  Most essential oils are too intense to use without a carrier oil.  Carrier oils dilute the intensity of an essential oil to allow contact on skin or to cover a greater area.  Some carrier oils are olive oil, jojoba, coconut, palm, and other various vegetable and nut oils. 

Essential oils can administered three ways; orally, topically, and aromatically.  Orally, an oil is diluted in teas, tonics, etc.  Topically, they are absorbed into the skin from lotions, cremes, oils, and serums.  As an aromatic, it enters the body through the lungs where the aroma is inhaled and then absorbed into the bloodstream.

How an essential oil is distilled is just as important as what the essential oil is.  Carrier oils should be cold pressed versus heat pressed.   The use of heat breaks down the oil.  Oils that are chemically broken down should also be avoided.  The optimal distillation method is by steam or water.

Cautioned is advised when using any essential oils.  Some oils should not be used around children, pregnant women, or the elderly.  There are many books available on the subject as well as many websites dedicated to the education about essential oils.

Essential oils are a fascinating and effective tool for good health.  When used wisely they are immeasurable to one's well-being. 

Product of the Month

Our product spotlight this month is on our Refresh Natural Creme.  This is a particularly potent creme for the winter season.  Our skin needs a little more t.l.c. than usual in the colder months due excessively dry indoor heaters and the relentless cold winds that cause our face to burn.  This Refresh Natural Creme helps combats both problems.

It is a Vitamin C creme, meaning it will protest the skin from drying out and aging too quickly.  This is a good moisturizer for your face, neck and hands.  Any rough spot will benefit from a little of this creme.  It revitalizes, moisturizes and protects the skin from further damage, which is a great help at this time for all us.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

There may be something more than a chuckle we get from watching a silly movie.  A recent study at UCLA found that students who had a good sense of humor had fewer colds and respiratory infections than those students who did not.  Laughter has also been shown to alleviate pain and stress.  Laugh and be healthy!