By: Lisa Herd—
Healthy house, healthy life!
When thinking of good health, and well-being, most wouldn’t consider their house being a key element. In fact, it’s central to keeping your whole family well. Aromatherapy has been documented as a use for healing since the first century. The French incorporate the use of essential oils in their modern medicinal practices, which originally dated back to WWI.
Aromatherapy is used in settings from health spas to hospitals to alleviate a variety of conditions. It is known to relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation. Several essential oils, including lavender, rose, orange, bergamot, lemon, sandalwood, and others have been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression.
Essential oils are plant extracts
So many different items marketed as “herbal oils” or “essential oils” are not actually suitable for healing practices, but are developed for commercialization, vs. medicinal application. Only oils labeled “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” are considered safe for consumption. Always read labels on the oils you purchase to note the recommended use. Not all essential oils are safe to ingest. Some are to be used only topically.
Diffusing quality essential oils into your home is simple. Diffusers of varying shapes and capacities are available in retail outlets, and online. Choosing one that is right for your home is as easy as knowing the approximate square footage of the room you wish to diffuse. By placing a couple drops of a specific essential oil into a properly suited diffuser — within minutes the room air is filled with purifying, and medicinal benefits. Diffusing essential oils for chest congestion, coughing, or to promote peaceful sleep are some of the most common uses of diffusing in children’s rooms. Purifying the air in your living room to help promote overall wellness, or diffusing citrus essentials oils to rejuvenate and uplift mental and emotional well-being are also very common.
Certified therapeutic grade essential oils are known for their pure qualities. There are many brands of Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils and products for wellness. Get educated…do research how they are sourced and tested. Most oils on the market are “fragrance” oils and hold no real health benefits. Many can be just the opposite!
Household cleansing—Naturally!
Aromatherapy is only one element for using essential oils. Essential oils such as Lemon, or Wild Orange may be used safely for common household cleansing. Lemon oil is also a natural antibacterial and may be used as a drop into your hand, providing the same sanitizing quality as any over-the-counter high alcohol content hand sanitizers, without stripping the skin of its naturally produced protective oils.
Lavender and citrus oils like orange and lemon do very well with laundry because of their ability to help fight grease, stains and odor. Tea Tree oil—Melaleuca, is most effective against mold and mildew, and also works well to get rid of musty smells in closets, or basement areas.
When using essential oils as household cleaners, do not store them in plastics. Use glass spray bottles, or containers. Plastic are made of petroleum based materials, the essential oils react negatively and deteriorate plastics, causing toxins from the plastic to contaminate your sprays. Not to mention, they can eat a hole right through the plastic if stored for any period of time!
Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oils are safe, but …
As with anything, essential oils are plant derived, highly concentrated. Skin sensitivity must be kept in mind when using essential oils. Particularly on children and the elderly as their skin is much thinner, and more sensitive. To avoid sensitivities, use a carrier oil such as organic coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil with your essential oil drops. Children and pets should be kept from areas where essential oils are stored.
Lisa Herd is a dōTERRA™ Essential Oil Educator and lives in Muncie.
