How to Oil A Person
by Kayla Howard
The most common comment I hear about essential oils is that, “I don’t know how to use them.”
Before 2011, I had heard of essential oils, but like many, just did not know the value of using them. I did not understand the power that God placed in plants to help heal disease, relieve nagging aliments and lift the spirits. Now that I have witnessed the amazing qualities of essential oils, I won’t be without them anymore!
This article is a basic introduction to essential oils. So let’s start with the basic questions of, what, why and how.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are the volatile liquids distilled from plants. They can be made from leaves, bark, seeds, stems, roots, flowers, etc… Essential oils are made up of chemical constitutes, and the delicate balance of these chemicals can be affected by many things. Things like the soil, the climate, the harvest, the region and the distillation methods. Essential oils are made up of hundreds of constitutes. In fact, no essential oil has ever been completely evaluated to know every single constitute. That is why chemists in a lab cannot make essential oils, only God can.
From what I understand, any oil may be marked “100% pure” if the “oil” contains at least 5% of the pure oil it claims to be. Yes, a measly 5% can be labeled “100% pure.” You can already see that there is much room for adulteration in the essential oil market. You can also see why it is imperative that you know your oils supplier and distiller. Never use essential oils that are not truly 100% pure therapeutic oils. Adulterated oils can produce results ranging from nothing, to something you really don’t want.
Producing pure oils is extremely costly due to the high volume of pure plant matter that is used. It can take several thousand pounds of plant matter to extract 1 pure pound of oil.
Why are essential oils useful?
Essential oils are useful for countless reasons. In order to keep this from becoming a book, I will not cover them all, but just a few. Essential oils have a very small molecular size which allows them to actually pass through the skin. They can deliver their oxygenating and regenerating properties this way very effectively!
Essential oils may also antibacterial, anti cancerous, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, anti tumor, anti parasitic, antiviral and antiseptic. Some studies suggest that they are more capable of destroying nasty things like MRSA than antibiotics!
Many oils contain sesquiterpenes which have the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier. That means they may be effective in treating Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrigs, Parkinsons and other such diseases. It also means they might have a significant and direct effect on moods and emotions.
And we could go on and on…
How do I apply them to people?
- Through the skin. Bottoms of the feet is the second fastest way to absorb oil. Other good places are behind the ears and on the wrists. You can also apply oils by massage with another carrier oil. NOTE: You can apply truly therapeutic grade essential oils “neat” or directly to the skin without dilution. Some oils are considered “hot” and might burn the skin if they are not diluted. If you apply an oil to the skin and it becomes uncomfortable, just apply a fatty oil over it and it will slow the absorption.
- Internally through a body opening. By mouth, douche, suppository, you get the idea. Not all oils are considered safe for internal consumption. NEVER take oils that are not therapeutic quality internally. Look for the GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe for internal consumption) before taking an oil internally.
- Inhalation through the nose. This can be done with the use of a diffuser or vaporizer or simply by putting the oil on your hands and holding them over your nose.
- In a bath. It is recommended that you mix your bath oils with a gel or soap so they don’t float on the surface and stick to sensitive parts of the body.
So there you have it! A simple introduction to using essential oils. Please come post questions you have on my blog–I enjoy answering questions there!!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Why do you want to oil?
Ah! That is something I will write more about soon!!! Simple things that we have found relief from by using essential oils are:
Bedwetting
Headaches
Stomachaches
Mold
And more!
Where do I start? I wouldn’t know what oil to begin with or why. Do I sense you are going to be offering your online class on essential oils soon?!! Hope so!
Good info. This is such basic info and we often forget that we need to start with the basics. I often apply my oils to the area that I’m treating. For instance, on the abdomen for s UTI or forehead for a headache. Thanks,for sharing!