Essential Oils Basics

Our sense of smell is often overlooked as a method for healing. That is why I’m going to dedicate the month of July to talk about the health benefits of essential oils and provide you with a few recipes that you can use.

​A smell can elicit powerful physiologic, mental, and emotional responses by absorbing essential oils by way of the ​olfactory nerve. This process provides a 

direct link to the limbic system (which is part of the brain that supports a variety of functions, including smell, emotions, behavior, and memory). ​

There are essential oils which can be uplifting and invigorating or calming and relaxing. A standard aromatic method incorporates the use of a diffuser. These popular items use a mix of water and essential oil, which is released into the air, much like a humidifier.

I also want to remind you that there are numerous ways to enjoy the aromatic benefits of oils without a diffuser. Some ideas include:

• Placing a few drops on a cotton ball, either cup in the palm of your hand and breathing deeply, or put in air vents of your car.
• Mixing oils with water in a spray bottle and misting over furniture, carpets, or linens.
• Adding oil to laundry balls in the dryer.

Did you know that essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and offer a localized benefit where applied? Absorption can be increased through light massage, which increases blood flow and helps with distribution throughout the body. 

Add essential oils to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel to dilute potency before rubbing into the skin. (Try diluting one drop of essential oil with three drops of coconut oil to start.)

For topical treatments, it’s best to use small doses throughout the day rather than a single, large dose. Topical applications can be reapplied every 4-6 hours as needed but are dependent on age, size, and overall health status. (Reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns!)

Topical applications are great for the neck, forehead and temples, chest and abdomen, arms, legs, and the bottom of feet, but can generally be used anywhere that is not overly sensitive (like under the eyes, inner ears, and broken or damaged skin).

Additional topical applications can be used by adding a few drops to:

• a warm bath
• a hot or cold compress (by soaking a cloth in a water and oil mixture)
• lotions and moisturizers

​Some essential oils have a rich culinary history and can also be used as dietary supplements to support a variety of health conditions. In fact, you may already be ingesting essential oil compounds without even knowing it! Have you ever drank peppermint tea, added cinnamon to your oatmeal, or fresh basil to pasta? These contain aromatic essential oil compounds!

As you may have guessed, essential oils can offer potent health benefits when ingested, as essential oils are transported throughout the body via the bloodstream. Essential oils are lipid soluble compounds (meaning they dissolve in fat, rather than water-soluble molecules which dissolve in water). As a fat-soluble compound, essential oils are readily transported to all organs of the body, including the brain.

Effective oral application methods include:

• using a drop or two in recipes
• adding a drop to beverages, yogurt, or applesauce
• ingesting via a capsule

As always, read labels for appropriate use before ingestion or message me if you have concerns!

Health Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are associated with so many benefits that many swear using essential oils for preventing and reversing health conditions. Some include:

• Balancing Hormones
• Boosting Immunity and Fight Infections
• Supporting Digestion
• Energy Boost
• Improved Brain Function
• Reduce Stress and Anxiety
• Alleviate Aches and Pains
• Enhance Skin and Hair Growth
• Reduce Toxicity
• Relieve Headaches and Migraines
• Promotes Sleep

I hope you found this information useful. I'm here to help if you have any questions or concerns email me at: Toni@DrToniCamacho.com