essential oils Archives - Stress Free Mama

What are your Tips to Kick Start a Business?

Hi Julia,
You had mentioned in your post that you’d have some tips about how to kick start a business. I’m currently looking into possibly selling essential oils. I have been part of an mlm in the past, but wasn’t successful for one because I wasn’t passionate about the product (makeup), and two because I’m also not the type to solicit people until they run in the other direction. I’d love to hear some tips!
Thanks!
-Andrea

Hi Andrea,

You’re right, it’s important to find the products that make you feel passionate. What is equally important is being passionate about running a business.

Before I begin, let’s talk about business in general.
[Read more…]

By Julia Rymut;

7 Easy Steps to Stress Relief with Essential Oils

Essential oils are great tools for stress relief. They are safe, easy to use and smell good.

But when you start with essential oils, it’s hard to know where to begin.

When I started using the oils, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know their effects and it seemed so complicated. Now I love them and use them regularly for stress relief–sometimes changing my essential oil routine every day.

But when I started, I needed something simple and easy to remember.

When I learned this daily routine I had my answer.

Now I’m sharing my super-dooper, not-so-secret Daily Essential Oil Routine for Stress Relief.

Follow this easy routine every morning and notice if your mood improves and your energy increases. These 7 steps are a great beginner routine.
[Read more…]

By Julia Rymut;

Ways to use Essential Oils to Relieve Stress — Part 3: Ingestion

Of the ways to use essential oils to relieve stress, internal use offers some of the most profound effects, and yet it is the least recognized. Find out how to ingest essential oils in a safe, effective way.

There are three main methods of using essential oils to relieve stress: topically, by inhalation and by ingestion. In this final part of our series, we will learn about how to safely use essential oils internally.

Tips about using Essential Oils to Relieve Stress

Among the ways to use essential oils, the least understood is internal use. Yet, when used properly internal use offers potent therapeutic benefits. The essential oils of the plants can support our organ systems, and balance our metabolism. Using the oils internally offers a way to increase the potency of the oils. And all of this is great if you are working to prevent or reverse the harms of chronic stress.

1. What essential oils are safe to use internally?

2. How do you find quality essential oils?

3. How do you use essential oils internally?

4. Which oils should I use internally?

5. When do I use essential oils internally?

6. What are the advantages of taking essential oils internally?

7. What precautions should I take with internal essential oil use?

1. What essential oils are safe to use internally?

There are two main considerations when choosing an oil to use internally.

First, you must check if a particular essential oil is certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the FDA. If the oil is on this list, it will be safe to be used internally.

The second, and equally important consideration is the quality of the oil. Most essential oils, even the ones at health food stores and especially the ones at a bath and body shop, are made for the perfume industry. They can be adulterated with many chemicals to extend the oil or alter the scent. Even the term “natural” has no official meaning and may not guarantee the oil’s purity.

To judge an essential oil, you must ask:

–Is the oil genuine? Is it 100% natural (no synthetic additives)? Is it 100% pure (no similar essential oils added)? Is it 100% complete (not decolorized, recolored or deterpenated)?

–Is the oil authentic? Is the oil from the specific species listed on the label?

The best essential oils for internal use are from small production facilities who carefully produce their oils with a vision of aromatic healing. Each batch should be processed slowly, carefully and at low temperatures. And each batch, like a fine wine, will reflect the particulars of that harvest. The best oils will very in small ways from year to year.

The quality and purity of essential oils are important because they assure that you get the true benefits of essential oils, that you are not ingesting chemicals and that you are assured a predictable action from the oil.

Only use essential oils you trust.

2. How do you find quality essential oils?

The quality on any particular oil is difficult to assess, even to aromatherapists. Using spectrometers, companies can make sure their oil supply is pure on a gross level, but many chemicals can be added to an essential oil so that the spectrometer results mimic a pure oil.

The best way to find quality essential oils is to find a supplier you trust, and let them make the assessment. Ask questions about the oils–what do their labels “pure” or “natural” really mean? Do they know the farmers who raise their crops? Do they use low temperature distillation? Find a company which takes pride in the therapeutic value of their essential oils.

3. How do you use essential oils internally?

There are many ways to use essential oils internally.

–You can add a drop of oil to a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey. For example, a drop of lemon will make your water taste great. A drop of peppermint will taste good and ease stomach upset. Be prepared for a flavor blast!

–If the flavor is too strong, you can put a couple drops in a gelatin capsule and take that. Start with only a 2-4 drops until you know how your body will react.

–For those who enjoy the strong flavors, you can put a drop directly under your tongue. I use this with Thieves blend as a cold preventative. Peppermint will freshen your breath.

–And finally, one of the fun ways to use essential oils to really take advantage of the essential oil flavors is to cook with them. Some of the healing properties may be lost with the heat of cooking, but the flavor will be fantastic. Add oregano or basil to your tomato sauce. Add black pepper to your salsa (this is really good). Add lemon to your home-made lemonade and decrease the sugar. The lemon will make a tasty drink the kids will love.

For certain conditions, the French have other ways to use essential oils. They will sometimes use essential oils rectally or vaginally. Suppositories are especially effective for lung conditions because the oils are absorbed by the rectal veins and by-pass the liver on the way to the heart-lung circulatory tract.

4. Which oils should I use internally?

A starter list for you:

Longevity blend. Longevity is absolutely one of my favorite oil blends and I use it regularly to counteract the effects of stress. It is a very strong anti-oxidant, which helps your body repair the wear and tear of stress. It also contains oils which contain anti-tumural properties, support immune function, decrease the stickiness of blood cells and prevent degradation of fats in brain, heart, liver and kidneys.

This blend comes in a capsule form, so it is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils internally. The capsule is designed to dissolve in the intestines to maximize the absorption of the oils. Take Longevity daily to tonify your body, and balance your metabolism, counteracting the damage from stress.

Thieves blend. This is a great blend when your immune system is run-down because it is extremely anti-microbial.Take a drop or two under your tongue or in a capsule when you feel a cold coming on. It may prevent a cold or lessen its effects.

The Power of Essential Oils to Prevent a Cold
One winter my family joined my friend’s family in a cabin in northern Wisconsin. Nine of us were in close quarters for 4 days as my friend’s son came down with a cold which eventually became pneumonia. Only my friend and I took Thieves during those days, and only we stayed well. The other seven people all got sick. Thieves worked great for us.

Lemon. I use lemon to flavor my water so that I can drink my daily requirement. I avoid sugary drinks and keep my water intake high.

Grapefruit. I put grapefruit in my water when I want to curb my chocolate cravings (which, of course, escalate under stress). When my chocolate cravings becoming too consuming, I reach for the grapefruit instead.

Peppermint. If anxiety has your stomach churning, try a drop of peppermint in your water to sooth and calm your digestion.

5. When do I use essential oils internally?

Using essential oils therapeutically delivers potent healing directly into your body. Anytime you need major physical support , you can take essential oils internally.

There are two philosophical ways I use essential oils internally. Some oils I use regularly for health maintenance. For example, I regularly take Longevity or drink grapefruit.

Other oils I only use as relief for a specific health crisis. I don’t hesitate to take Thieves if I’m getting sick. And if I had a major disease, I would absolutely use essential oils as a part of my health plan.

6. What are the advantages of taking essential oils internally?

Whether essential oils are used internally, topically or by inhalation, the healing properties of the oils will enter your body. There is some debate about which of the ways to use essential oils is most effective, however. When using essential oils internally, digestive juices of the stomach may alter the effectiveness of the oil. However, the same could be said about the oils penetrating the skin when used topically.

In general, for emotional issues, I would inhale the oils as my first action, and then use them topically. For physical complaints, I would use them primarily either topically or internally. For a major disease or health crisis, I would use them all three ways.

It is important to remember, however, that no matter how you use the oils, you will be getting the health benefits from them. Do what is best for you, your body and your comfort level. Experiment. See what works and what doesn’t.

7. What precautions should I take with internal essential oil use?

Make sure your oils are GRAS.
At first, use only a drop or two. Later when you know how your body reacts, you may wish to increase it.
Use common sense–essential oils are very potent. Do not drink a bottle! This would seem obvious, but remember, anything in large doses is bad for you. If you have very young children, keep the bottle in a safe location, just like you do for any remedy.
Use pure oils only.
Epileptics and people with high blood pressure should consult with their doctor. They should use caution with high ketone oils like basil, rosemary, sage and tansy (tansy is not on the GRAS list anyway).
Pregnant women should consult with their doctor. They should avoid sage, fennel, and hyssop.
Do not give essential oils internally to children under 6.

This completes our series of using essential oils to relieve stress. Essential oils are one of the best tools for a stressed mother. She can regain her sanity while enjoying the prescription for her health.

By Julia Rymut;

The Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils for Reducing Stress

There are many therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Aromatherapy is so naturally suited to stress relief that it almost like it was designed for it.

The small molecules captured in essential oils have benefits for all our organ systems–the same systems which are taxed while under stress. And the oils have a natural “intelligence” to do what your body needs. They tonify and balance, so while you may think that you are putting wintergreen on your neck to relieve your sore muscles, you may also receive some relief to your hypertension.

Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils: Natural Physical Support for your Body

In their most pure form, essential oils are the distilled essence of a plant, and if they are pure and well-made, they can be used herbally. Because the life-blood of healing plants are captured, and because the oils are very potent, they make ideal remedies for stress.

However, finding pure essential oils can be difficult.

Most essential oils are produced for the perfume industry and because of this, are made with chemical fillers, additives and extenders. You must be sure to use only the most pure, reliable oils if you want the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Even the oils at health food stores should be carefully investigated before using them for your health.

Just because something is marked “100% pure” or “all natural” does not guarantee that these oils are safe for therapeutic use.

Ways that Aromatherapy Reduces our Physical Symptoms of Stress:

Essential Oils balance and tonify our organ systems.
They can increase blood flow to muscles and help them relax.
They can help regulate blood pressure and restore normalcy.
They can increase the oxygen flow in our blood.
They can remove and reduce toxins in our system.
They can reduce cortisol and other hormones released in acute stress situations.
They can counteract and reverse the wear and tear of chronic stress on our bodies.
They can reduce insomnia and help get a more restful sleep.

Recommended oils for Physical Stress Support:

My favorite essential oils for physical stress relief include Lavender and Valerian, both especially good for restoring the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting a good night’s sleep. I also find the blends “Valor” and “Peace & Calming” bring quietness. Sandalwood is high in sesquiterpenes which stimulate the pineal gland to release melatonin, which is a hormone which regulates sleep, and stimulates the immune system.

For sore, achy muscles, I like to use Basil or Marjoram. Both of these oils are muscle relaxants and can release the tension in your muscles. Wintergreen also brings pain relief to muscles with the hot-cold “Bengay” sensation, but wintergreen is natural and will bring the other healing benefits of the plant, which include anti-inflammation, vasodilation, and hypertension regulation.

Peppermint brings oxygen immediately to the brain and blood. This excellent essential oils brings alertness but not hyperactivity.

Cortisol is a hormone that is released during stress. If you have high cortisol levels over a long period of time, there are many detrimental effects including a weakened immune system, brittle bones, high blood pressure, weight gain and mood disorders. Essential oils balance hormones and so may help regulate cortisol. Some good oils to try include Lavender, Valerian, Frankincense and Blue Tansy.

The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are many. They are safe, natural, and balance the body, and correct the cause of imbalances and not just the symptoms. The next time you are stressed, try aromatherapy.

By Julia Rymut;

Good Sleep and Stress Relief with Aromatherapy

Having a good sleep and stress relief are both possible with aromatherapy. Essential oils are excellent and soothing the nervous system. Find out which oils are best to start with and have a great sleep.

Insomnia is the poster child of aromatherapy.

If any condition has been studied and restudied to see the affects of essential oils, it is insomnia, and the oil of the day is lavender.

However, as effective as lavender is to promote a good night’s sleep, there are many other oils which can be equally beneficial to relieving sleep disorders.

Why Can’t you Sleep?

The first factor to look at with sleep disorders is the root cause of the insomnia.

Can the cause be corrected by a behavioral change (eating earlier in the day, reducing alcohol or caffeine consumption, etc.)?

Are your sleep problems resulting from a physiological imbalance? Physiological imbalances may include decreased melatonin production, a natural result of aging, excessive stress, depression, long term use of some medications, chronic pain, etc.

If there is a cause below the insomnia, then it is always best to address that cause in addition to the insomnia.

To begin, assess your daily routines and make any behavioral changes which make sleep as easy as possible. Exercise, eat early in the evening, avoid stimulants, etc. Make everything in your bedroom ready to suggest sleep, so put away any work, business materials or anything that stimulates your mind.

Want Excellent Sleep and Stress Relief?

Choose one of the following oils and give it a try. If it doesn’t give you relief, then try the next one. Aromatherapy gives quick results, so suffering night after night, hoping that an oil will work will not usually change the results. Each body is different so you may need to find the oil especially suited to you.

Lavender. Lavender is the first oil to try for both sleep and stress relief. It has been used for centuries for insomnia. Try putting a few drops on a tissue next to your pillow and see if your sleep improves.
Chamomile. Chamomile has been used for a long time to soothe children. It is calming and relaxing and combats depression and stress.
Jasmine. Jasmine is technically an “absolute” and not an essential oil. Interestingly, the flowers must be picked at night for maximum fragrance. Jasmine is used for anxiety, depression and insomnia, as well as just because it smells nice.
Melissa. Melissa has been used to heal the heart or the emotions. It is calming and uplifting and balances the emotions. If you can’t sleep because your heart is aching, give Melissa a try.
Valerian. Valerian is widely recognized as a mild sedative and sleep-aid, including by the German Commission E, a German government regulatory agency that has studied herbs for efficacy and safety. For many nervous conditions, you can try valerian.
Peace & Calming blend. This is a marvelous blend which smells delicious (it contains tangerine) and both uplifts and calms. I diffuse this blend in my massage room before giving a massage to create a restful environment. This blend is often used with overactive pets and children because it is so lovely and effective. Rub a drop or two on your arms and chest and smell it as you sleep.
Dream Catcher blend. This blend helps open you for creative dreams while inhibiting negative ones. I would try this blend if my sleep was not satisfying. Use Dream Catcher to stimulate creativity while sleeping.

How to Use Essential Oils to Improve Sleep and Stress Relief

There are several ways to use these oils to improve your sleep and stress relief. You can inhale the aroma by putting a drop on a tissue near your bed, or using a diffuser. Any way you can enjoy the scent will bring the relaxing effects to your body. Inhalation is most recommended for emotional support.

You can also use the oils topically. Rub a drop or two on your palms and then rub it on your arms. You can put a drop on your chest so that you smell it during the night. If you want the benefits of the oil, but you don’t want to smell it, rub some on the soles of your feet. The oils can penetrate your skin and soothe your nerves.

Aromatherapy can be used for emotional, spiritual and physical relief of all your stress symptoms. You can use them everyday for many common tasks. Anytime you inhale the oils, you receive the benefits of them.