As we try to live a more natural life essential oils begin to play a big role in many peoples lives. Essential oils can improve both health and quality of life and may even provide protection from disease and help us fight the aging process. With so many different oils it can be intimidating knowing where to start so here are some of their great benefits and which oils to use for different applications.
Mood Changers
Aromas trigger profound physiological and psychological responses by lifting our mood, fighting depression, lowering anxiety and even calming aggressive behavior. Some good choices include lavender, rose and jasmine. Try rubbing a bit on your hands and breathing in the aroma during times of stress or wearing a bit on your body- I find wrists, temples and collar bones to be good choices.
Natural Pain Relief
Sore and tired muscles as well as headaches can all be soothed with essential oils. Just add a few drops into about a tablespoon of carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and rub on the affected areas. Lavender is one of my favorites for headaches and peppermint, ginger and wintergreen work wonders on an achy body.
Insomnia Reducer
Essential oils are so effective for helping with sleep that studies have been published on lavenders ability to outperform sleep aids when it comes to promoting relaxation and sleep. Sprinkle a few drops of pure lavender on your pillow, make a mist with purified water and lavender and spray all over your bed linens or use it directly on your temples, collar bone and shirt collar (so you can breathe it in). Roman chamomile, frankincense and valerian are also beneficial as sleep aids.
Soothe Burns, Minor Cuts, Scrapes and Sunburns
Mixing a few drops of lavender with some coconut oil is a very effective treatment for a sunburn and can feel very soothing. Tea tree oil is a very powerful antiseptic and is cleansing for minor cuts and scrapes- we use them for everything from bug bites to scraped knees. Since it is such a powerful oil, mix it with a bit of coconut oil before applying.
Beautify your Skin
Essential oils can restore, rejuvenate and improve the appearance of damaged or wrinkled skin. Regular use can help conditions such as acne, dry skin, eczema and stretch marks. Myrrh and frankincense are great choices for wrinkles, just add a few drops in your favorite organic face lotion. Tea tree oil is fabulous for spot treating pimples- it can be very drying so you should ideally mix it with a carrier, such as your favorite lotion or some coconut oil, I tend to use it on its own as a quick spot treatment.
Here in Casa de Campo you can get essentials oils from Linarôm [info@linarom.com, (809)330-9187, (809)813-3280, www.linarom.com), and in Santo Domingo you can buy them at Organica in Agora Mall.
Jacqueline Banks, who grew up in Casa de Campo, is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother. Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and families healthy and happy.
She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living.
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