Essential Oils, Part Deux

With permission, I completely stole this post from Kristi at Raw Food Cold Climate- she is wild about essential oils. In truth, it is her passionate belief in their benefits and her willingness to share knowledge that inspired me to research oils further in the first place.

So, without further adieu, here is her post on lavendar oil:

Let's start with a recap of why essential oils rock for healing.

1. Essential oils are small enough in molecular size that they can quickly penetrate the tissues of the skin.

2. Essential oils are lipid-soluable and are capable of penetrating cell membranes, even if the membranes have hardened because of an oxygen deficiency. According to Jean Valnet, MD, essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes and are then metabolized like other nutrients.

3. Essential oils, according to researchers at the university of Vienna, stimulate blood flow, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery.

4. Essential oils are some of the most powerful known antioxidants as determined by the ORAC test developed by Tufts University.

5. Essential oils are antibacterial, antifungal, antinfectious, antimicrobal, antiparasitic, antiviral, and antiseptic. Some essentials oils have been shown to destroy all tested bacteria and viruses.

6. Essential oils may detoxify the cells and blood in the body.

7. Essential oils containing sesquiterpenes (ex. Frankinscence and Sandalwood) have the ability to pass through the blood brain barrier.

8. Essential Oils smell fantastic.

9. Essential Oils promote emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

Got that?

Lavender is one of the Holy Trinity of Essential Oils for at home healing, in my fair opinion. The other 2 being Peppermint and the Theives Blend.

The Story of Lavender Essential oil goes like this......

French scientist Rene Gattefosse discovered lavenders ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a labratory accident. His arm on fire he meant to stick it in a bucket of water and instead stuck it in one full of lavendar essential oil. He tirelessly promoted it's healing benefits the rest of his days.

It is used on Respiratory infections, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, menstral issues, skin conditions (post birth perenium, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scarring, and stretch marks), burns, hair loss, insomnia, nervous tension.

I have put it on a cotton ball and inserted the cotton ball into the ear.....VERY GENTLY...for ear infections. Also, I like to draw a line with it from the behind the ear and under the jaw line for colds. It is unparalled for burns and cuts, and yes just pour it on.

Calming, relaxing, and balancing, both physically and emotionally, I have been diffusing it during my yoga class lately.

A drop massaged into your palms and inhaled a bed time will encourage easy, peaceful sleep.