There is much research to be done on essential oils and the benefits to our wellbeing. For the most part, essential oils are an intuitive based practice utilizing the pure distilled oil from a plant. The oil can be used in massage on the skin, in an oil diffuser which liberates the scent into the entire room in a bath, in cosmetics and in our cleaners. The oils are quite versitile in their uses!

Scent has a way of reaching our central nervous system fairly directly. Becoming adept at using the oils is a very personal relationship that takes time. The oil may trigger feelings of deep relaxation in one person and be completely ineffective in another. One thing is common among all our experiences around the oils, they act upon the innate wisdom of the body and the healing which takes place is by the body itself.

The quality of an essential oil is important to how effective it is in healing. Some oils on the market are not pure, found in combination with solvent oils as a base and are made from random plant sources. The highest quality oils will utilize one species and/or identify which species of a plant is being used, come in a pure form free from carrier oils and have attention to such details as farming methods and fair trade practices. Inform yourself as to the quality of oils by speaking with the distributor.

Experimentation or seeing an aromatherapist who works with the oils in healing are great ways to introduce this modality into your life. For your personal use, here are some general rules and ideas about using the oils:

• Some people react differently to each oil. It may be wise to test an oil your skin in small quantities to see if there are any negative reactions.
• Most oils should not be used directly on the skin but combined with carrier oils like jojoba and coconut oil at a ratio of 5 drops essential oil per 5ml carrier oil
• Oils are generally for external use only unless indicated otherwise. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive places of the body.
• Some oils are specifically for open wounds like lavender, unless indicated, avoid contact with open wounds.
• Keep oils in a dark place with an airtight lid and they will keep a lifetime.
• More expensive oils are priced higher because they are of a higher value, being rarer or more difficult to produce.
• Combinations of oils can have powerful effects that either single oil would not have on its own. Practice combining oils and experimenting with homemade blends to find out how the oils will work for you.

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