Essential Oils

I was introduced to the power of herbs and oils through my grandmother. Big Mama, as we lovingly called her, used to have bottles of plants and oils on her dresser. Whenever someone got sick, she would select a bottle from her dresser to treat the illness. Back then, I thought it was strange that Big Mama had a “bunch of plants in water” on her dresser. Now that I look back, it was really kind of cool.

My re-introduction to essential oils occurred when someone close to me was suffering from synthetic chemicals in soaps, lotions, perfumes, and just about everything. She told me about a brand of essential oils and we went shopping. The excursion opened my eyes to a whole new lifestyle. Not only did I begin using essential oils, but I read about ayurvedic practices, wholistic principles and naturopathic concepts among other related subjects. I incorporated essential oils into my manicuring practice during that time, but also used them in my home. They became my go-to solution for first aid.

But what are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated in and extracted from different parts of herbs, roots, grasses, trees, shrubs, fruits and flowers. Once extracted, the essential oil can be applied externally to the body using a lotion or carrier oil; inhaled using diffusers, humidifiers and vaporizers; or ingested through food. They can be used in the home for cleaning, hygiene, beauty, cooking, gardening, pet care, and pest control.

What do essential oils do?

According to The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood:

“We cannot but admire the ability of essential oils to operate effectively not only on the biochemical, cellular, physical level, but also in the emotional, intellectual, spiritual and aesthetic areas of our lives.”

Essential oils are a tool for healing the mind, body, and spirit. Each essential oil has its own medicinal properties. Some are antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic while others are anti-inflammatory or analgesic. Each has its own electromagnetic frequency or vibrational signature. When mixing two or more essential oils together, the mixture is different from each of its component parts, creating endless possibilities for making your own signature blend.

Essential oils are great mood enhancers. Try adding lemon essential oil to your body lotion to boost your confidence, clary sage essential oil (my favorite) to a diffuser to relax, or geranium essential oil to a light bulb to relieve mental stress. With so many essential oils available, you experiment to find the essential oil or blend that works best for you.

How can I use essential oils in my journaling practice?

You can use essential oils to set the tone for your journaling session. For example, you can add a few drops to warm candle wax (not the flame because essential oils are flammable) to permeate the room. You can take a few moments to inhale an essential oil to quiet the mind before praying or meditating. You can add an essential oil to a carrier oil like almond or jojoba and apply to your hands or body. You can even add an essential oil to water and lightly spritz some pages in your journal and enjoy the smell of your favorite essential oil as you write.

Where can I buy essential oils?

Essential oils can be purchased from many places. The most common places are health food stores. Lesser-known places are botanicas, bookstores, some grocery stores and specialty shops. Also, essential oils can be purchased online through companies like Doterra, Young Living, or even Amazon. Wherever you purchase your essential oils, remember that price does not always reflect quality. Essential oils are used in many industries causing companies to compete for the same resources. Thus, some companies may add synthetics or substitutes to achieve consistency in products, or mislabel an essential oil for another. However, there are various organizations worldwide that certify the authenticity of essential oils. Diligently research brand and price before making your purchase.

Essential oils are a fabulous tool to alter your mood before a journaling session They can be applied externally, inhaled, or ingested. Extracted from herbs, flowers, fruits and trees, each essential oil has its own healing properties. They are a wonderful tool for healing the mind, body and spirit. Because there is such a wide variety to choose from, you are sure to find or create a blend that works for you.