Essential Oils Healing or Hype?

 

 

Essential Oils 

Healing or Hype? 

 

My first encounter with essential oils was about 10 years ago when I got a professional massage. I remember how relaxed I felt as I inhaled the soothing aromas while the masseuse worked the tension out of my body. I came from that experience feeling relaxed but rejuvenated at the same time. I wondered if what I was feeling was more from the effects of the essential oils or the combination of both the aromatherapy and the massage. Needless to say, I was intrigued.

If you’re anything like me, I’m a huge proponent of self-care. As part of my routine, I loved to burn scented candles or use my favorite oils in an oil burner. At the time I didn’t get into the many benefits and ways essential oils could enhance my life.

My quest began with buying diffusers for home and office. I started researching the benefits these healing oils have in our bodies, minds, and emotions. I also learned more about the uses of essential oils in natural cleaning products and air fresheners. As I gathered more information, I started experimenting with different oils to see if my findings were true. I’m not a holistic health expert, but from my experiences with applications of these healing oils, it's encouraging me to work toward becoming a certified essential oils specialist.

Does this spark your interest? If so, I welcome you to come along with me as we explore what essential oils are, the uses, history and the many benefits of essential oils.

 

Aromatic Oils the Treasure from the Pressure

 

Essential oils are fat soluble concentrated compounds extracted from plants, roots, seeds, flowers, and bark. In their pre-extraction state, these oils serve to protect the plant from insects as a built-in pesticide and from the ravages of the environment. Documented evidence has shown that from ancient civilizations, essential oils were an integral part of everyday life. They were used in religious ceremonies, embalming, perfumes, medicines, food preparation and for bathing. 

Today these oils are used in body oils, soaps, candles and for various health and beauty aids. Holistic health care practitioners also use essential oils in an application called aromatherapy. This is a combination of ancient art and science to benefit the spirit, soul, and body. These extractions can be used both through inhalation and topically to bring harmony and healing.

 

Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

 Breathing In Relief

 

Inhaling the essence of these natural oils can penetrate the blood brain barrier and enter the limbic system where they can interact with your brain chemicals to balance emotions, memories, and hormones. 

Methods of inhalation include: the diffuser method, applying the oils on a cotton ball and breathing in the vapors, using them in a vaporizer or humidifier. Although essential oils are not fully accepted in the medical community, there are some psychotherapists that use these oils as a part of their relaxation techniques and for its mood boosting properties.

There have been human experiments and studies that have shown that lavender has been beneficial in increasing relaxation in patients who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

 

 

 

 

 

Fortifies the Immune System

If you are feeling under the weather, try using essential oils as a complement to over the counter or prescription medications. You may also use these oils alone as preventative care to maintain your wellness goals. They have potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These aromatic oils are excellent for boosting your immunity by combatting pathogens and defending against free radical damage.

 Digestive Support

 

Essential oils are a good aid if you are having digestive issues. They relieve stomach upset, indigestion, and in some cases, IBS. They also stimulate the digestive tract to promote better breakdown of foods and enhance elimination. Peppermint and Ginger are excellent for this purpose.

 

 Brain Function and Health

If you need more mental clarity, plant-based oils can increase your focus, memory, and learning ability. Studies have shown that in individuals with dementia, essential oils have been used to promote a sedative effect.

 Stress and Anxiety 

 Life has it’s share of stress and triggers. In order to alleviate some of the tension from life’s circumstances, start a simple self-care routine and add some soothing essential oils to your regimen. Try diffusing oils like lavender, bergamot, or eucalyptus to relax and bring a calming effect.

 

 

Rubbing It In
Using Essential Oils for Pain Relief 

 If you are dealing with joint or muscle pain, you will be surprised at the results essential oils will bring. I’ve tried frankincense on my knees and I was shocked at how much better they felt. Ginger essential oil extracted from the spicy ginger root is also excellent in relieving muscle soreness and menstrual cramps.

Rosemary is one of my favorites because it’s an anti-inflammatory and eases pain.

Eucalyptus is another champ when it comes to pain relief and relieving muscle spasms

Other oils you may want to try are, Turmeric, Tea Tree and Myrrh. Side note: If you are going to use these oils as a rub, be sure to use them with a carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil to avoid skin irritation and burning.

 

Skin and Hair Benefits

If you have itchy skin or scalp, Tea Tree and Peppermint oils are excellent remedies. Just combine a few drops of this potent oils with a carrier oil and apply daily. Another suggestion may be to combine tea tree and eucalyptus with coconut oil or vitamin e oil to improve skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Because of the anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties these oils possess, they can also aid in wound healing and will improve the appearance of your skin.

To alleviate pain and inflammation from skin wounds, try these healing oils:

Lavender – soothes itching from bites and pain from cuts and scrapes

Rosemary – is also good for skin care. It kills germs and promotes healthy cells

 

Enhances Relaxation and Sleep

Unfortunately, in our modern-day grind, sleep has become less of a priority. Whether we realize it or not, poor quality sleep and rest will affect our immunity cause brain fog, and declining health.

If you are having issues with good sleep hygiene, try the sedative effects of lavender, chamomile, or bergamot oils. I love to combine lavender and eucalyptus in my diffuser at night. They bring a soothing, relaxing feeling that eases you into a restful sleep.

 

 

          

 

Aromatherapy: A Journey Through an Oily History

  

A Biblical Account

 

During Biblical times, essential oils were a vital part of daily living. In Exodus 30:34-38 Moses was instructed by God to use hyssop, cinnamon, clove, myrrh, cassia, spikenard, frankincense, galbanum, olive oil and other spices for anointing oil and incense in the Tabernacle. These oils were used by the priests and the congregation in their participation of worship and sacrifice. These oils were also used as medicinal purposes, cooking and as a form of currency.  And we also know the Biblical account of the Three Wise Men (Magi) that worship the Lord Jesus by bringing him gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

From Biblical times and throughout the ages the practice of using essential oils to provide a good quality of life has been proven and documented. Let’s do some more exploring of historical accounts.

 

Egypt

Known for its art, worship, and proficiency in mathematics and science, the ancient Egyptians used essential oils in religious and war ceremonies. Going back from 2000 BC, they also used the purest oils for bathing, beauty treatments and embalming. Some of the priests during that time were also physicians who used tinctures, balms, and powders as medicinal treatments.

 

 

 

 

  

Greece

 

In historical accounts, the ancient Grecians were known for studying, extracting, and using plants and their oils for medicine. The Greek physician, Hippocrates studied and documented the affects of the essence of plants as promoting healing. He was also known for using fumigation in the city of Athens to ward off the deadly effects of the plague. Another known Greek physician is Galen. He was reported for using essential oils to treat injured soldiers. He has an impeccable record for not losing anyone under his care.

 

India

India is known for Ayurvedic Health. This practice entails using natural herbal and oil treatments to promote holistic health. Ancient physicians known as Vedas were some of the first to use aromatherapy. They were known to have prescribed oils such as coriander, cinnamon, sandalwood, spikenard, and myrrh. Massage therapy using essential oils was a common practice to promote healing as well.  This method has been used for around 5000 years and is still widely used today.

 

Rome

The Romans valued Essential Oils for their healing benefits and enhancing their natural beauty. The ancient Romans used plant oils in their baths and as therapeutic massage therapy. Dioscorides, a famous Greek physician for the Roman army, wrote a 5-volume thesis promoting herbal medicine. They valued natural oils as a part of their daily lifestyle in worship, food preparation, and medical treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

China

 

The earliest record of China’s use of essential oils dates back to early 2697 BCE. Holistic medicine from herbs and plants was and is still a mainstay of Eastern culture. Shennong, the Chinese ruler, also known as the father of Chinese medicine, used his genius to document the oldest medical text, called Shennong’s Herbal, which dates around 2200 BC. He took it upon himself to consume herbs to test the potency and the safety of the compounds to use as medicine. Another contributor to aromatherapy and herbal medicine is the Yellow Emperor, Huong Ti. He is recorded to have written a book on internal medicine that is still used as a reference for Eastern medicine today.

 

Europe

 

During the Middle Ages, the use of aromatic oils and herbs was considered taboo. The Catholic Church condemned the use of herbal treatments and oils deeming them as inappropriate. There were some who were either excommunicated or executed for their aromatherapy practices. Monks of that era risked their lives in order to continue their study and practice of herbal medicine.

In 1910, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, known as the father of aromatherapy and a cosmetic chemist, severely burned his hands and arms in an accidental explosion. Using quick thinking, he submerged his arms into a vat of lavender oil which resulted in stopping the progression of chemical burns on his skin. The oil sped up the healing process with little to no scarring or infection.

 

 

  

Going through these different accounts of how essential oils have benefitted our world, it’s amazing how the discoveries and practices of past ages are still making an impact in holistic medicine and aromatherapy today. So if you are ready to start your aromatic journey see my next post on the 9 essential oils to start your wellness journey. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Steward Your Relationships

 

How to Steward Your Relationships
Without Losing Yourself
 

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:23 KJV

 

Whether it’s marriage, friendships, being a co-worker or acquaintance, it will be to your advantage if you put your relationships in God’s Hands. He will teach you how to be a better person with a strong character. Our feelings can sometimes hinder us, because we all have differing points of view and levels of maturity. When we butt heads with our loved ones or associates, we allow our egos to get the best of us and steer our relationships off course. Arguments are all about who will prevail in getting their point across. Even if we are right, we still deal with the sting of how we feel after a disagreement.

 

In order to manage and maintain good relationships, we have to crucify our egos, that’s our flesh nature, in order to do it. We must be willing to forgive, walk away, and agree to disagree. That’s okay, because even in that, it’s a resolution.

 

 

Let Love Prevail

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself; is not puffed up. I Corinthians 13:4   

Love is the foundation of good relationships. Loving is sharing and caring. When we walk in love, we are imitating Christ’s love for us. He loved us so deeply that He laid His life down for us. We are to pattern our lives after Christ’s example and lifestyle of loving. In order to manage our relationships in love, we must choose to lay down our opinions and pride and allow understanding and compassion to be the cornerstone of relating to others. I’m not saying you must be a doormat and let people walk all over you, that’s where setting healthy boundaries comes in.  Love prevails when you allow others to feel like they matter. Being a forgiving person and using diplomacy in relationships will save you from distressing situations and will keep harmony and peace.

How to Manage Relationships by Setting Boundaries
Set boundaries, Save Yourself

Boundaries are a very valuable and necessary tool in relationships. Without them, you’ll open yourself up to possibly being manipulated and taken advantage of. Unfortunately, everyone may not be mature enough to handle love on love’s terms. And some people may not be aware that they are stretching the limits. Use godly discernment to gauge who to deal with and how much to open yourself up.

 

There’s Balance in Boundaries

If you are a person who loves hard, wanting to be your best to be a good friend, save yourself by setting healthy boundaries. This will protect you from being victimized by predators. Know when to be open and generous, and when to say no. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. There is nothing wrong with perfecting the art of saying no. It will teach others to take responsibility for themselves and release you from feeling obligated to be their savior.

Ask God to give you discernment so that you won’t be victimized by people with unrealistic expectations. Love yourself enough to establish boundaries. You owe no one anything but to love them, even if you have to leave them alone.

 

A Real Life Lesson

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

I have a friend who had to learn a hard lesson about neglecting to set boundaries in her life. She’s a very loving and caring person who would sometimes go out of her way to do anything for anyone.  Family and friends’ expectations of her caused her undue burdens, and as a result, she stretched herself to the point where it affected her health. She started losing herself trying to save others.

 We began to have conversations about how to get her relief. It took some time, but she learned how to set limits on her time, attention, and money. My friend had to process through feeling guilty for saying no. She realized that instead of helping others she was crippling them and burdening herself. Today she has gotten so much better with establishing healthy boundaries. This had resulted in her being less burdened and has turned her health around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Stewardship?

 

What is Stewardship

And How Does It Apply to You?

 

For we are laborers together with God: Yea are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. I Corinthians 3:2 KJV

 

What does it mean to be a steward? That’s a word that is not commonly used these days. The original meaning of steward or the act of stewardship was typically used for a person employed on a plane, ship, bus, or train. They were duties only held by those who assisted passengers. Another meaning for steward is related to one who managed a household, like a butler.

In our modern day, stewardship is synonymous with being a manager-one who has authority given to them by the owner to govern finances, property, or a company.

 

Stewardship is Partnership

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30 KJV

We live in a world where ownership is king and being on your grind is a lifestyle. Unfortunately, our boss up/level up culture has resulted in poor sleep hygiene, high blood pressure, mental illness, and a myriad of other issues that plague us in our society.

The bottom line is our comparison/competitive way of life will run you in the ground.  There is nothing wrong with working hard and achieving goals in a healthy balanced way, but it’s wise to count the cost before moving forward in your endeavors. If you’re working hard just to keep up with your neighbor next door who just got a new luxury vehicle or just got a promotion, that’s not a healthy goal. 

Achieving healthy goals requires a realistic mindset towards what you want to go after. Be patient with yourself and go through the process knowing that you may not be on point all the time, but if you remain consistent, you will achieve your goals.

The good news is that we have the power to change that toxic existence for a better life. We have a loving Heavenly Father that wants you to relax, humble yourself and to partner with Him in this thing called life. That’s the real goal.

 

 Stewardship Defined

 The Biblical definition of stewardship is being a collaborator with God, recognizing Him as the Creator, Owner, and CEO of the universe and our lives. Psalm 24:1 KJV states: The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein.

God needs you on His management team. He wants to meet with you and share all His plans for you and help you to find purpose in your life. When you surrender every area of your life to God and become His steward or manager, you are allowing God to open a whole realm of peace and blessings. He is willing as the owner of all creation to share what’s His with you with no sorrow. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He added no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22 KJV

That means you won’t have to stress yourself out, striving for what is already yours in Christ. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-29 KJV

 

How Can You Be a Good Steward?

Surrender is the key

Deuteronomy 30:19

 

Anything you surrender to; you are giving up control and trusting that you will receive a favorable outcome. When we surrender our lives to God, we are trusting God to bless and keep us. At times we can be willful and find it difficult to give our lives over to the Lord. Our egos have a tendency to play tug of war with our decision making. We must take a stand in our choices and do it God’s way. He knows what’s best for us.

I remember my mom told me whenever she would pray, she would give me to God, only to take me back. I admired her honesty, because that’s how we humans are sometimes. In our minds we may feel like if we are in control of it all, nothing unfortunate will happen. In reality we don’t have that kind of power. It’s better to turn everything over to God, instead of trying to control with uncertainty people, places or circumstances. That’s a lot of weight to carry and it will burden you down.

 

 

How to Surrender to God?

 

Here’s a short list that may help you in your quest in surrendering to God:

·        Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers

·        Pray and ask God to help you to relinquish control

·        Write down everything and everyone you worry about

·         Each day make it a practice to give each person and issue to God

·        Thank God for giving you his peace

 

 

 

 

God is Our Present Help

Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7

 

Let’s keep it real. It’s hard to surrender to God. Lord knows I struggle with it all of the time. Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to do it on our own? We’re not alone in this folks. God is patiently waiting to take all of your burdens and cares. He doesn’t expect you to give it all to Him overnight, it’s a process of trusting God, giving Him one thing at a time, one day at a time, until it gets easier.

 

 

 

God the Master Collaborator

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 KJV

Noone knows you better than the one who created you. We came into this life not by chance, but by the will of God. He wants you here, He needs you here to fulfill what He has called you to be on earth. Noone can help you steward through life like God can. God is a Master Collaborator, and we are called to enter into covenant with Him and to manage our time, talents, and resources that He has entrusted to us. Yes, they are at our disposal, but we can’t adequately manage what the Lord has given us without His help.

To collaborate with God requires humility and a dying to oneself because we tend to take pride in ownership and being the master of our lives. Because He’s given us a free will to do as we please with what He’s given us, some of us abuse that right and as a result, we create situations that can bring dire consequences. But God is so merciful, He will love and nurture us despite our mistakes.

 

 

 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for being so loving and patient toward us. Enable us to be productive colaborers in managing every area of our lives.  Help us to be mindful that being stewards of your grace produces blessings in our lives.

In Jesus Name, Amen.