An Essential (Oil) Conversation

What are Essential Oils?

The scented liquid taken from certain plants using steam or pressure. Essential oils contain the natural chemicals that give the plant its “essence” (specific odor and flavor). Essential oils are used in perfumes, food flavorings, medicine, and aromatherapy. source: Definition of essential oil – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms – National Cancer Institute

In previous posts I have introduced the idea of using essential oils as a complementary method to assist us in coping with mind, body, and spirit care. Essential oils are not intended to replace any medications we require for our health. Rather, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is used as a way to enhance, not replace, our self-care regimen.

Stress is known to cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Stress also causes insomnia and headaches. How do you manage these issues? Do you take a pain pill for your body? Do you take a pain pill for your headache(s)? How many times a day? How Anxiety Can Create Aches and Pains (calmclinic.com)

In some countries, essential oils are regulated and used as a methodology for helping patients enhance their relief with health issues: An example, is Canada where Essential Oils are regulated as Natural Health Products. These products require the approval of Health Canada (FDA in the USA) approval before going to market.

Our sense of smell is especially pertinent to wellbeing because it is the only sense that is directly processed by the limbic brain – the emotion al brain.
Source: Home – NAC Wellbeing

I have come to consider these botanical products as a way to explore enhancing my wellness regimen. I am careful to maintain the safe use of essential oils, and I am a National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA.org), certified aromatherapist. How you choose essential oils is important. When purchasing essential oils, in addition to the ‘common name’ look for the (Latin) ‘Botanical’ name. An example is Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). This will assist you in not selecting ‘Fragrant Oils’, thinking that they are Essential Oils. Fragrant Oils do not have the same ‘therapeutic benefits’ as essential oils. Read my post for guidelines: Is Your Essential Oil Authentic? | HairBlues

We have had a challenging time in 2020. In the New Year 2021 I invite you to consider enjoying this plant medicine. Stop, and take a ‘time-out’ for yourself and experience phytotherapy (plant therapy) with a mindful moment smelling essential oils.