A SEED – The Starting Point - WHAT are Essential Oils?
Essential Oils start with a seed. Those who are learning about oils are referred to as 'seeds' as well. I remember when I first heard about essential oils (when I was in the seed stage) and I had no idea what oils are, where to buy them, why we needed them, or how to use them. But oh how things have changed!!!
When a friend offered an outdoor spray made from Young Living Essential Oils my eyes were opened to a chemical free lifestyle that I did not know existed. I thought we were taking care of our wellness and honoring God by caring for our bodies, but now I know about chemicals and I know better. I've spent hours reading and researching and experimenting - here's what I've learned, essentially growing from Seed - to Sprout - to Bloom - to Sharing oils.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential Oils are the natural organic oils of the plant (pulled from roots, petals, rind, leaf, or bark). – some call oils the ‘lifeblood’ of the plant or the 'essence' of the plant- thus the name essential oils.
Since Biblical times, oils have been used to support every system in the body including muscular system, skeletal system, circulatory system, endocrine and hormones, respiratory system and immune system. An oil in a diffuser can promote restful sleep and support respiratory function. An oil massaged on the abdomen can support digestion. Oils on the chest and feet can improve respiratory function. Oils can be added to beauty products, household cleaners, and air fresheners to replace synthetic chemicals and fragrances. Oils can add natural flavoring in food and drinks.
I primarily use oil to swap out chemical toxins in your home. This is why I'm hooked on oils! (Check out my post on MY ‘WHY' and do your own research about the chemical effects on your family). I use Thieves cleaner throughout our home (a mixture of oils used in ancient times, but now modern hospitals are swapping their synthetic cleaners for this pure one). I diffuse RC oil blend when our noses get stuffy from Kentucky weather changes. I rub lavender oil on our feet at night to support sleep. I roll peppermint and lemon oil on my wrists and behind my ears when I need a boost of energy to make it through the day. (Read more about how I use oils in other posts and YouTube video)
Essential oils work by penetrating cell membranes to travel quickly in the body (something man-made medicine can't achieve). Oils are introduced into our bodies the same way as other products:
*Topically- the English primarily add to a bath, rub or massage on the skin which is our largest organ and readily absorbs what we put on it (which is why the Nicoderm and other medication patches work). Oils applied topically reach the bloodstream in 26 seconds.
*Ingest – the French cook with oils and apply to foods/drinks (some oils are ingestible- check the label first!)
*Inhale – the Germans diffuse oils into the air. This is a very easy way to enjoy the smell and benefits of oils (diffused in the air, sprayed like perfume or sniffed straight from the bottle). I have a locket necklace containing a felt pad that diffuses applied oils throughout the day. And I have a bracelet of lava beads that also diffuse the oils. Inhaled oils reach the heart, liver, and thyroid in three seconds.
There are over 300 oils, and Young Living is one of the oldest oil producers and offers the widest variety, but an average family only needs 10-20 oils to build a great kit.
So WHERE do you purchase oils?
As oils are becoming increasingly popular, they are becoming available at local drug stores, big box stores, and online retailers. As you compare products, you’ll begin to find the ones at the stores aren’t just a ‘generic’ version – but in some cases a watered down version. There’s no rating system for Essential Oils in the United States . The closest we get is an FDA requirement that in order to label a bottle of essential “pure” or “therapeutic grade”, the contents of the bottle must contain at least five percent essential oils.
ONLY 5%! Which means 95% can be filler.
You can think of oils ranked as follows:
-Grade A = Therapeutic oil, made from organically grown plants and distilled at low temperatures.
-Grade B = Oils are food grade but may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical extenders or carrier oils (like almond, olive or other vegetable oil).
-Grade C = Oils are perfume grade, often containing other chemicals or solvents left over from the harvesting/distilling process and may be diluted 80-95% with alcohol.
-Grade D = This is called ‘floral water’ and is aromatic like an oil but usually a byproduct of a higher grade distillation (the water that is leftover after the oil is pulled out) and is sold to companies that fill bottles with 5% of this water and fill the rest with carrier, and label it as ‘pure’. A fraction of the oil = fraction of the price!
Another way some companies cut corners is using pesticides (to have more crop to distill), using a chemical solvent to extract oil (so there’s more oil pulled out of the plant) and then diluting with a carrier oil (to stretch the oil they distilled). If you are using oils to support healthy functions, then using a low-grade oil would be as helpful as eating a salad that is 5% greens and 95% croutons. The value is in the oil, not the filler.
WHY Young Living?
Young Living has a “Seed to Seal” guarantee which means they control the process from farmland to the sealed bottle. Founder, Gary Young, said he never makes an oil for profit- but for a purpose. Young Living’s oils are Grade A. They control the seeds used, soil/farms chosen, plants are hand-weeded, oils are used to repel bugs (not chemical/pesticides), harvested at their peak and put through vigorous testing. Learn more about the process at seedtoseal.com.
HOW to purchase Young Living Essential Oils and Oil products:
Watch this video to show you step by step how to sign up and use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!
Visit GraceFull Day on Twitter our Facebook Page to see how I use the oils.
#Swapped4YL
Wishing you a Grace Full Day Oiling!!
Visit GraceFull Day on Twitter our Facebook Page to see how I use the oils.
#Swapped4YL
Wishing you a Grace Full Day Oiling!!
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