The information
contained in this article is not intended to prescribe or recommend products
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your health care practitioner if you have
a disease or lingering condition. The information and support materials
applies only to essential oils purchased through us and may not be
applicable to essential oils available through other companies.
Definitions:
Aromatherapy -
The controlled use of essential oils to promote health and vitality of the
body, mind and spirit by inhalation, baths, compresses, topical applications
and full body massage. (Shirley and Len Price-Aromatherapy for Health
Professionals-Second Edition, p.268 Churchill and Livingston 2000).
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are essences that are extracted from
the bark, leaves, petals, resins, rinds, roots, seeds, stalks and stems
of certain aromatic plants.
Essential oils are not oils in the same sense as
vegetable oils like corn, almond or sunflower oils.
Essential oils are usually very liquid and do not
feel greasy or stain on clothing or paper.
Essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate
readily when exposed to air.
They are soluble in vegetable oils and partially
soluble in alcohol. Essential oils do not dissolve in water.
Sometimes essential oils are referred to as plant
essences. The word essence meaning “heart”, “soul” or “spirit”.
Guidelines for Using Essential
Oils
Essential oils should
not be applied to the skin directly.
NEVER put essential
oils into the eyes. If you do, please use a carrier oil to dilute. DO
NOT rinse with water. Water will encourage deeper penetration into the
delicate tissue (oil and water do not mix).
Some oils will cause
skin photosensitivity. If you are using citrus oils, avoid sun exposure.
Keep essential oils
closed tightly and out of reach of children. Oils should be stored in
cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.
If you experience
redness, burning, itching or any irritation while using essential oils,
discontinue use.
Essential oils are
FLAMMABLE under certain conditions. Please do not drop into burning
candle or place near open flames.
For the sake of these
condensed articles. I strongly suggest pregnant women, the elderly,
children and anyone with serious health issues consult a health care
provider before use. There are many benefits for everyone but caution
should always be exercised.
The essential oils
available through us are guaranteed to be Grade A and recommended for
therapeutic use.
The name comes from the
Greek myth of the nymphe – Minthe – discovered by Persephone in the arms of
her husband Pluto. Minthe was metamorphosed into a “sweet smelling herb to
be trampled under foot”
This essential oil is
distilled from the leaves, flowers and stems of the Mentha piperita plant of
the Lamiaceae family. Peppermint has many therapeutic actions and medicinal
uses. It is considered what is known as an adaptogenic oil; meaning it can
sedate or stimulate depending on the action needed.
Peppermint soothes the
digestive system while stimulating the immune system, respiratory and
nervous system.
Peppermint Oil
Applications:
Aid Digestion - Add 1
drop to an 8 oz. Glass of water to help aid an upset stomach, digestive
problems, motion sickness or bad breath – can be used up to 3 times a
day.
Sore Muscles –
Headaches - Congestion
Blend 1-2 drops to
a tablespoon of Tendercare lotion , Barrier cream, Mixing oil or
Tangible massage lotion – This mix can be used daily.
Apply to sore
muscles (avoiding eyes, genitals and sensitive skin).
Use it as a chest
rub it has been known to help relieve symptoms of congestion.
Rub on back of
neck, shoulders and temples to help ease symptoms associated with
headaches.
Inhalation - Add 2-3
drops to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as necessary to help clear
sinuses.
Air Freshener - Add 3-4
drops to vaporizer or water fountain to freshen room.
Vacuum Cleaner Bag -
Add 3-5 drops to vacuum bag to freshen the exhaust.
There are many other uses
for Peppermint essential oil. Regardless of you applicaation
always use caution and common sense when handling and administering these
mixes.
Essentially yours,
Jill
Jill
Turpin is a Certified Aromatherapist and is the co-owner of EJ Wellness. She has been using essential
oils and studying aromatherapy since 2001. She is also the
designer of her own line of aromatherapy products called Private Label
Aromatherapy. Jill can be reached at
JillMTurpin@aol.com and
www.ineways.com/ejwellness.
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