Lifestyle Choices

Our sense of smell is still something of a mystery to science in spite of all that is understood about the olfactory organ itself. Current theories postulate that smells enter the nose in the form of tiny droplets of odorous substances that are soluble in both oil and water. Then, either by a chemical reaction on the olfactory area or through some kind of vibratory effect as yet undiscovered, the messages coming from the substance are transferred to the brain. Some scientists even believe that smells, rather like light rays, enter the senses through waves sent out from the odorous substances. And it is also not clearly understood why we have such immediate mental and emotional responses to smells, although there is no doubt that we do. Everyone has at one time or another smelled an odor that instantly brought back a feeling, emotion, or memory from long ago. (more…)

There are a number of ways of using plant essences for beauty. You can dilute them in oil and apply them to the face and body for skin treatments. You can use them in the same mixture on the face, at the back of the neck, and on the base of the spine for their effect on the psyche and nervous system. You can inhale them directly from the bottle or breathe them in the form of steam from a humidifier or pot of very hot water to which a few drops of essence have been added. They can also be used in your bath but always in the minutest quantities—ten to fifteen drops. Some essences will be absorbed into the skin more rapidly than others, depending on their volatility and the carrier oil in which you have put them.

(more…)

It is a good idea to start with three or four essences and then experiment, each time adding more oils to your collection as you get to know them. Some of the best to start with are jasmine, sandalwood, geranium, neroli, lavender, and cinnamon.

Always keep your essences in a cool place (the refrigerator is ideal) in dark glass bottles. Essential oils are highly volatile and easily destroyed by heat and sunlight. They have to be treated like something very precious.

Here are some of the common uses of essential oils:

Skin

To improve circulation For broken veins

For oily skin (more…)