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Some helpful information on essential oils use
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Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils are used by people in 3 main ways:
1. Inhalation;
2. Topically;
3. Internally**
Diffusing/Inhalation
Most times, diffusing is the safest and most effective way to get the maximum benefit from your essential oils!
Breathing diffused essential oils is known to attack viruses or bacteria lining the respiratory tract which may have been inhaled outside of the home. They are also said to keep the illnesses from spreading. For relaxation, essential oils are stimulate the part of the brain that affects emotion. The impression of the oil molecule is sent immediately to the limbic system where memories are stored and pleasure and emotions are perceived.
When we inhale an essential oil molecule, it travels to a receptor neuron which immediately transports it up to the limbic center in your brain. This area is responsible for controlling physical, psychological, and emotional responses. Thus, inhalation can be the most direct delivery method of these incredibly powerful constituents in essential oils, since the chemical messengers ave direct access to the brain.
Oil suggested are not exhaustive, but rather some general suggestions:
· Stress/anxiety reduction (Peace & Balance/Sleepy
Time/Lavender/Frankincense/Clary Sage/Cedarwood/Valerian)
· Insomnia or sleep disorders (Peace & Balance/Sleepy Time/Lavender/ZZZ's Blend/Valerian)
Depression (Happiness Blend/Sweet
Orange/Tangerine/Bergamot/Frankincense/Lavender)
· Increase alertness (Rosemary/Germ Fighting Blend/Vetiver)
· Purify and improve air quality!! (Germ Fighting Blend or Cleanse)
· Reduce airborne pathogens (Germ Fighting Blend; Germ Stopper; Cleanse Purification Blend)
· Relieve congestion (Sniffles/Congestion/Eucalyptus/Tea Tree/Lemon/Ginger/Fir/Pine/Juniper Berry)
DIRECT INHALATION
Direct inhalation refers to the technique of sniffing or inhaling an essential oil directly from a bottle, inhaler, a handkerchief or a cotton-ball.
Handkerchief/Cotton-ball: Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on the tissue or cloth. Hold in the palms of your hand and take 2-3 deep inhalations through the nose. If using a cotton ball, hold the cotton ball under the nose.
I personally use Ylang Ylang in my inhaler for stress and blood pressure.
TOPICAL APPLICATIONS (see photo chart above)
Always dilute essential oils for topical applications. To apply to the skin, place a nickel size drop of carrier oil (such as grape seed or Jojoba) in your palm and add 1-5 drops of essential oil – rub then apply. (see your bottles for specific dilution ratios for specific oils)
The soles of the feet are a good place to start because it is an area that tends to be less sensitive and which is easy to cover. Socks can be applied after application. This however isn't the most effective place to apply oils. To learn more about application attend a free class in our shop or purchase our Use & Safety Book for Families, which lists common concerns and how to use specific oils on the body!
** Always patch test on a small area for allergies!
Specific oils for common complaints:
Headache: Peppermint, Lavender, Helichrysum; Josiah's Headache Roll-On; Migraine Relief
Muscle Pain: Black Pepper, Turmeric & Black Pepper, Frankincense, Copaiba, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Sweet Birch, Wintergreen; Josiah's Cool & Hot; Josiah's Pain Blend
Joint Pain: Frankincense; Copaiba, Lavender; Josiah's Pain Blend
Please see the chart below showing the lymphatic system, which helps locate areas with concentrations of lymph nodes which are an good place to use diluted oils for immune support.
*remember PROPER dilution is key!
SOOTHING BATHS
(oils recommended are not exhaustive but some general suggestions)
Add a few drops (depending on essential oil) into a teaspoon of honey, milk, or a carrier oil like grape seed/jojoba oil then add to bath. Use caution as the bath will be slippery.
In general, baths are useful to:
· Reduce stress/anxiety (some ideas: Peace & Balance/Sleepy Time/Lavender/Frankincense/Patchouli/Cedarwood/Valerian)
· Reduce muscular aches, pains… (Sweet Birch, Wintergreen, Peppermint, Lavender) (use oils like sweet birch and wintergreen with caution as they can NOT be ingested)
· Fatigue (Peppermint/Spearmint/Eucalyptus/Fir Needle/Tea Tree)
· Stimulate circulation (Tea Tree)
· Enhance lymph circulation (Lavender/Ginger/Tea tree/Fir/Frankincense)
· Reduce pain (Lavender/Ginger/Tea tree/Fir/Frankincense/Eucalyptus)
· Improve skin tone (Lavender/Ginger/Tea tree/Fir/Frankincense)
· Aid body detoxification (Lavender/Ginger/Tea tree/Fir/Frankincense)
Steam inhalation
Place 3-7 drops of essential oil into several cups of boiling water. Place oils in after you have removed water from the heat! Some essential oils to consider include: Sniffles Blend, Congestion Blend, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Tea tree. REMEMBER TO REMOVE FROM HEAT. Set on a safe surface (in a glass bowl on a cutting board for example) Cover head with towel and breathe through the nose. Keep eyes closed (remove contacts prior) and avoid burns.
Steam inhalations are indicated for:
· Congestion in upper respiratory tract (cold or flu)
· Sinus infection or sinusitis
Spritzers
A spritzer is a combination of essential oils and water (or better appropriate liquid such as witch hazel).
To make: Add drops of essential oil or blend per ounce of liquid (PLEASE CONTACT US FOR SPECIFIC DILUTION RATIOS). Shake before using.
aromatic spritzers can be useful for:
· Room and air freshener (Germ Fighting Blend)
· Body sprays (Ylang Ylang/Patchouli/Lavender/Vanilla)
· odors in the air (Germ Fighting Blend)
· CONGESTION/breathing (Sniffles/Congestion Blend)
· emotional stress (Lavender/Sleepy Time/Peace & Balance)
Insects (Insect Away)
CHILDREN/PREGNANCY:
We recommend that you consult your pediatrician and/or obstetrician before using oils. For oils considered to be safe please consult with one of our Certified Aromatherapists. We are happy to help!
The following oils are commonly used safely during pregnancy after the first trimester (1% dilution ratio is generally recommended):
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lemon (Citrus limon) Marjoram Sweet (Origanum majorana) Rose Otto (Rosa centifolia) Sandalwood (Santalum album) Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
** Lavender, frankincense and rose are used for stretch marks.
Certain oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus oils, are generally avoided in children under 3. Although eucalyptus can be diffused in home with very young in proper dilutions.
YOUNG Kid friendly oils for congestion include: Sniffles, Rosalina, Tea Tree, Happiness, Immune Boost, FOCUS, Kids' Calmer, White Fir, Orange, Pine, Tangerine, Lavender, ZZZ's Blend, Lemon, Tangerine, Frankincense, R. Chamomile, Helichrysum, Copaiba, Skin Rescue Blend; Germ Fighting Gentle Blend, Immune Boost, Germ Stopper, Kids' Calm to name a few. Look for the Kid Safe LOGO on the bottles in our shop or look to the Use & Safety Guide or ask one of our Certified Aromatherapists in our shop.
**Unless you are working with a qualified professional, we do not recommend internal use. This recommendations does not speak to the quality of our oils, but rather to the concentrated constituents that work much like pharmaceuticals in the body. It is safe, however, to use our GRAS essential oils (except Hyssop) as flavorings for meals in proper quantity and dilution. See the Use & Safety Book for details. (Also in PDF)
ALWAYS KEEPS OILS OUT O REACH OF CHILDREN!
Storage:
Store oils in cool, dark place. Use within one year, unless stored in the refrigerator which thereby extends the shelf life by up to 5 years. Only buy FRESH oils, not brands that sit in delivery trucks and shelves in unregulated temperatures for extended periods of time.
Cleaning your Diffuser:
Atomizing: Deep-Clean: If you feel there could be an oil clog, then a "deep-clean" can fix the problem. Pour a little alcohol (ie. Rubbing, Vodka, Ever-Clear) in an empty essential oil bottle and diffuse for a couple of minutes in a well ventilated area.
Warnings: If oil is leaking from ANY part of the unit, turn it off and start the RMA process so we can repair the diffuser. Do not set on any surface that can be damaged by essential oils. Only use in an upright position. Do not tilt unit with the essential oil bottle or atomizer attached. Remove bottle and atomizer attachment before transporting.
Water Mist Diffusers: Wipe regularly with white vinegar and diffuse vinegar in a well ventilated area, or use rubbing alcohol to clean and diffuse out in well ventilated areas. Other options include Citric Acid or Josiah's Oils Diffuser Cleaner, simply spray several times, add vinegar and diffuse, then wipe. NEVER get water into the motor or air outlet and this breaks the diffuser and renders any warranties void.
Please contact us for dilution ratios for specific Josiah's essential oils and blends; a Certified Aromatherapist will be happy to help! customerservice@josiahsoils.com
The information contained on this page and on this website is the property of Josiah's Oils and may not be reproduced without credit.
**The Alliance of International Aromatherapists does not endorse internal use of essential oils unless recommended and overseen by a doctor.
****We do not offer medical advice; always consult with your doctor; Essential oils are not evaluated by the FDA and aren't meant to cure illnesses or conditions.
Your essential oils are sourced and blended by Certified Clinical Aromatherapist: Ninette Jackson. Ninette has been working with essential oils for over 12 years and has undergone approximately 860 hours of study & testing to obtain her certifications. Her Aromatherapy shop, which she runs with her husband and great supporting staff, Josiah's Oils, has been in business since 2011 serving her customers with the highest quality essential oils and therapeutic blends, as well as diffusers, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, salves and more - ALL hand-made with Ninette's own recipes.
Ninette has experience teaching about essential oils uses and purity at local libraries, chiropractors' offices, parenting groups, nursing homes, Lancaster General Hospital, PA Herb & Garden Expo, Lancaster General Rehabilitation Hospital and alternative health groups. She has contributed her expert advice regarding essential oils in the media to publications including Wellness Magazine, & LancasterOnLine, LNP (newspaper). Ninette's essential oils blends have been featured in Kiwi Magazine, Wellness Magazine, The HealthBarn USA among many others! Ninette has authored the books Essential Oils Use & Safety Guide and Essential Oil Use Guide Second Edition, which are available on Amazon and in store and on this site. Ninette also has a Doctorate degree from Widener University and Bachelors Degree from Rowan University. All of our products are also reviewed and approved by our Registered Nurse Consultant who specializes in holistic health.
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