Essential Oils As Natural Remedies

By Wendy Selvig, Certified Aromatherapist

As someone who has always been interested in natural remedies, I’ve always been drawn to the world of essential oils. There’s something about the way these concentrated plant extracts can help alleviate a wide range of ailments that fascinates me. However, because of FDA rules and regulations on commercial speech, I won’t be allowed to say words like “cures”, “treatments” or even “medicines.” I am only allowed to say that they support natural body systems. So you will hear me say things like, “they support the immune system” or “they support the healthy replication of DNA.” (Try to figure that one out!)

That being said, we can’t actually encourage you to use the oils as “medicines.” But we can tell you to use them to support your health, because it is your body that does the healing, not the oils apparently. I tell my kids that when they put on an essential oil, they are sending ammo down to all the little soldiers who are fighting the battle to keep them healthy. (My kids are boys, can you tell?)

Purity is Very Important

If you are going to put oils around your body, make sure they are pure and not influenced with chemicals. I’ve heard horror stories of people using oils tainted with thinners or chemicals. I always make sure to purchase my oils from reputable brands such as Young Living. I love the fact that their oils are pure and high-quality, and I feel confident using them in my wellness routine.

Favorite Oils for Supporting My Health

One of my favorite essential oils is Oregano Oil. Whenever I feel a cold or respiratory infection coming on, I dilute a few drops of Oregano Oil with coconut oil and apply it to my chest and throat. I’ve found that it helps alleviate my symptoms and can help me recover more quickly. I also like to put it in a capsule and take it internally. There are many studies online about the topical properties of Oregano. Here is an example. Oregano is spicy, so if you apply it to your skin, make sure to add a carrier oil like coconut oil to reduce any discomfort you might feel. And, never put Oregano oil in your ears! The oil molecules are so small that they travel through the skin very quickly creating heat in the skin. It is very uncomfortable to experience this sensation in the ears!

Tea Tree oil is another oil that I use frequently. I dilute it with coconut oil and apply it to my face when I have a breakout. It’s amazing how quickly it can help clear up my skin! It supports the skin (integumentary) system and helps it fight off invaders. Pubmed.gov has a  study published about Tea Tree.

Finally, I love using Thieves oil during the colder months to help boost my immune system. I’ll diffuse it throughout my home or add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply it to the bottoms of my feet. You can take Thieves oil (Young Living brand) internally as well and I like to put them in capsules.

Overall, I’m grateful for the many therapeutic benefits of essential oils and the role they’ve played in my wellness routine. It’s essential to use them safely and carefully. When used correctly, they can be a powerful tool in promoting overall health and well-being. Some Young Living oils are available at retail price at FlaxLignanHealth.com. If you’d like access to all of their oils and products at wholesale price, you can get your own membership HERE.