Getting Started With Essential Oils

Getting started in essential oils can be very overwhelming as there are literally hundreds of oils out there with thousands of possible uses. So you might be asking why and/or how would you use them. We’ll try to answer that here. Since every person is different, the best way to know what they can do for you is to try them and have fun - experiment! Here are a few I recommend everyone have on hand.

Lavender
This oil has been called the "universal" essential oil because of its extraordinary ability to help with so many different problems. It is highly touted for its phenomenal ability to help heal severe burns, cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. It is also widely known for helping to alleviate symptoms of headaches, insomnia, PMS, and stress. The fragrance is calming and relaxing, both physically and emotionally. It may kill many dangerous pathogenic microorganisms, and has been reported to support healthy circulation, blood pressure, and heart function.

Lemon
Like most citrus oils, Lemon is immediately refreshing to smell. It is known to enhance leukocyte formation and lymphatic function, thereby dramatically supporting the body's immune system. It works against many pathogenic microorganisms, helps purify the air and water, and promotes a sense of well-being when inhaled or applied. We have heard that a Japanese factory diffuses the essential oil of lemon to enhance alertness and enjoyment for its employees! It is refreshing to use in cooking and making lemonade, too! It is also known to help relax overworked muscles and to be a potent antidote for a variety of toxins. People love the uplifting fragrance...especially children.

Peppermint
This cooling spice oil is known to improve mental acuity and alertness, soothe the respiratory system, relieve nausea, help to reduce fever and vomiting, and quickly help to ease the discomfort of headaches, acid indigestion and heartburn. It also may kill some intestinal parasites, as well as other pathogenic microorganisms. Peppermint is also often used as an inhalant to ease the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, and is cooling on hot summer days.


This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many ways to use oils. I recommend choosing a good quality therapeutic grade oil and keep it cool. Heat destroys any of the therapeutic qualities it has. You can use some oils straight out of the bottle (also known as applying it "neat"), you can place a few drops on a Kleenex or cotton ball and put in your vents or under your pillow, you can mix with a carrier oil such as almond oil or olive oil and use in a massage, etc. Oils are great fun and I am amazed at how much they can do for us! If you want to learn more about them, we do occasionally offer classes and they can be viewed at http://www.infinitelightmn.com/.

I'd love to see some posts for how you use different oils!