One little announcement: This will be the last post on this publication for awhile. I have two writing projects in the works. One is an in-depth series on my other publication, Haven’s Hearth. And the other is starting my debut novel under this pseudonym, Haven Shroud; a massive undertaking, to be sure. I may publish on this subscription sporadically, but don’t want to commit to a specific timeline at this juncture.
So…to wish you all a healthy Christmas and New Year, I’m going to share a little bit about essential oils. Anyone who knows me, knows I prefer natural remedies before seeing a doctor in non-emergent situations. Personally, I use doTERRA brand essential oils because of their unique sourcing. They don't grow the various plants in greenhouses in Utah, where the company is based. Other essential oils companies grow their plants for their oils in greenhouses, and manipulate conditions to produce the desired results. doTERRA goes to the places globally where each plant already grows indigenously, employing local farmers to source the crops, for purest results. Below, I’m going to share some information about a few oils that are especially important this time of year; ie., cold and flu season.
AROMATICALLY: 3-4 drops can be diffused for an uplifting and energizing mood. It has a sweet, fresh, and citrus scent. TOPICALLY: To carry the uplifting and energizing mood to the body, rub a few drops into the palm of hands and cover mouth and nose, then inhale. It can also be applied to the back of the neck. Orange oil can be applied neat, meaning without a carrier oil. While citrus oils can be applied topically, sun exposure MUST be avoided! I accidentally did this once…and once is all it took. The area I had applied the oil to got extremely burned. I forgot to heed the warning ⚠️ So, if applied topically, make sure the area is covered before being exposed to the sun. INTERNALLY: Orange oil can be ingested. This helps support a healthy immune system. It can be taken through a veggie cap or adding 1 drop to 4 oz. of liquid. I find adding citrus oils to my water is quite refreshing! 😌 It can also be used in cooking for flavoring.
Orange also has purifying properties. Adding a few drops to water can be used as a general, daily cleaner. The oil from oranges is cold pressed from the peel. Its main constituent is limonene. Wild orange is sourced from the Dominican Republic.
AROMATICALLY: Clove can be diffused, but does have an intense smell. Its scent is warm, woody, spicy, and sweet. TOPICALLY: Clove can be used topically, BUT MUST be diluted with a carrier oil. Clove is a warming oil, meaning it gets warmer with contact to skin. 10 drops of any other oil (even vegetable oil, if that’s all that’s handy) is needed for 1 drop of clove. Science 101: Oil and water DON’T mix, so if clove or any other warming oil accidentally comes in contact with skin, DON’T try cooling it off with water. IT WON'T WORK!!!! Grab another oil to put on top of it to stop the burning sensation. Clove helps the nervous and cardiovascular systems so applying directly to affected areas would be the most beneficial. Using clove topically can also help to energize and invigorate. INTERNALLY: While clove can be taken internally, as with topical application, caution is needed. The safest way is to put it in a veggie capsule. However, clove helps with mouth, dental, teeth, and gum issues, which need to be applied to the specific problematic areas. Being that its taste, like its smell, is intense, and it is a warming oil, a carrier oil is needed for oral application. Clove helps promote healthy digestion. It can also help with inflammatory and oxidative stress when taken internally. Another way to help the nervous and cardiovascular systems is to ingest clove oil. When taken internally, clove also has powerful antioxidant benefits. Clove can also be used as is for flavoring in foods, much like any flavor extracts. CAUTION: A DROP goes A LONG way!!!!
The clove bud is steam distilled to extract the oil. The constituents of clove are eugenol, eugenyl acetate, and B-caryophyllene. Clove is sourced from Madagascar.
AROMATICALLY: Cinnamon can be diffused by adding 3-4 drops to any oil diffuser. It’s a spicy, woody, sweet, warm, and comforting scent. TOPICALLY: As with clove, cinnamon promotes fresh breath and can be taken orally, with caution. Cinnamon is also a warming oil so must be taken with a carrier oil. Also with a carrier oil, it works great for a warming massage for cold, achy joints during these winter months. INTERNALLY: Using cinnamon internally supports healthy metabolic function and immune system. Only 1-2 drops is needed! Adding 1 drop to 4 oz. of hot water or tea can soothe an irritated throat. As with clove, cinnamon can be used in cooking for flavoring.
Along with wild orange, 2-3 drops can be added to water for a quick and effective cleaning spray. Better yet, add both oils for a soothing and clean scent! Cinnamon bark is steam distilled for extraction. Transcinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and eugenol are the constituents. Tanzania is where cinnamon is sourced.
AROMATICALLY: By diffusing eucalyptus, it creates a calm atmosphere. Speaking of diffusing, another method is adding 1-2 drops to the floor of the shower while showering. Eucalyptus is a great air freshener and room deodorizer when adding 3-4 drops to a diffuser. Eucalyptus has a camphorous, medicinal, and herbaceous scent. TOPICALLY: By applying topically, eucalyptus can be quite revitalizing. It creates a cooling sensation, opening airways and promoting clear breathing, when applied to the chest. Adding a few drops to the palms, rubbing, and then covering mouth and nose and inhaling can also help. Another great way to apply topically is to add to lotion and apply. Eucalyptus can be applied neat.
Steam distillation is used for the extraction method. Its constituents are eucalyptol and 1,8 cineole. Eucalyptus is sourced from Australia.
AROMATICALLY: Merely diffusing or breathing in rosemary can be very energizing, combatting occasional fatigue. Diffusing also creates an atmosphere conducive for focused studying. Its scent is camphoraceous and herbaceous. TOPICALLY: Rosemary can alleviate nervous tension by applying topically to affected areas. Rosemary can be applied neat. INTERNALLY: By ingesting rosemary, it can help support healthy digestion as well as internal organ and respiratoryfunctions. And it can be used for flavor in cooking.
Rosemary is steam distilled for extraction, with its constituents being 1,8 cineole, a-pinene, and camphor. Rosemary comes from the Mediterranean.
Hopefully this information was helpful and can aid in a healthy winter season. ❤️
Have a blessed day!
If anyone is interested in doTERRA products, check out their website! www.doterra.com and use my ID # 998637