Essential Oils During the Holiday Season

Written by Michelle Goebel-Angel, L.Ac, MSOM

(November 2011)

Changing temperatures and holiday stress can wreak havoc on your immune system and your general well-being. Thankfully, there are many ways that you can safeguard your health and promote peace of mind. Essential oils are nature's own remedy and there are many single oils and blends which can treat any number of woes.

Here are some of my favorite oils to ensure great health this holiday season: 

• Young Living's Thieves Oil Blend:  This is a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark,eucalyptus and rosemary.
• Clove:  One of the most antimicrobial and antiseptic of all essential oils. Naturally boosts the immune system.  Antifungal, antiviral & anti-infectious.
• Lemon:  Natural cleanser and solvent. Full of antioxidants and promotes circulation and lymphatic function.
• Cinnamon bark: Known for relieving winter discomfort such as chills and aches. Powerful antiseptic with strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
• Eucalyptus: Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-infectious. Helps to fight colds & flu.
• Rosemary: Naturally energizes and helps with achiness and fatigue.  Antiseptic and antimicrobial.

Single Oils*:

• Lavender:  Promotes restful sleep.  Use for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, scars, cuts or stretch marks.  Calming, relaxing and balancing both physically and emotionally. 
• Peppermint:  Natural analgesic - great for pain from headaches, toothaches or joint pain. Can be used to help treat digestive imbalances when rubbed topically on stomach or dropped in drinking water.  Use for nausea relief for pregnancy or cancer-care treatment.

*When purchasing oils, it is important to select those that have not been damaged or processed during extraction. Often oils available in stores have been highly compressed or heated with fillers added, which damages the chemical constituents that make them medicinal-grade. Young Living oils are my personal favorites as they offer high quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

As mentioned above, there are many beneficial ways to use the oils.  Here are a few tips on how to safely apply them:

Topically:  Most essential oils are used best when diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil.  The bottom of the feet is one of the safest locations to apply the oils.  On temples, behind the ears or over the chest are other options.  Caution:  skin sensitivities may result from direct contact.

Direct Inhalation/Diffusing:  Place 2 or more drops into the palm of your hand and rub clockwise.  Cup your hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. (Do not tough your eyes!).  Or, add several drops to a diffuser or near vents in your car or home to disperse.  Heating the oils under a flame is not recommended as this could alter the chemical constituents and therapeutic value.  Diffusing oils for kids and pets is the recommended application.

Bathing:  Adding essential oils to bath water is challenging because oil does not mix with water.  For even dispersion, mix 5-10 drops of essential oil in ¼ cup of Epsom salts or bath gel base and then add this mixture under a running faucet. 

Within 20 minutes of inhaling or topically using the oils, every cell in your body receives oxygen and antioxidants thereby removing toxins.  This allows quite a boost for our immune system and the detoxification process.  Take advantage of the healing powers of nature this season through the use of essential oils.

Visit the Raby Institute's wellness apothecary, ALMA, to see the available essential oil offerings including the oils mentioned in this article.  If you are interested in learning more about the health benefits of essential oils, go online to www.rabyinstitute.com /calendar of events and register for one of our upcoming educational sessions "Wellness with Young Living Essential Oils".