Essential Oils

Hi Everyone!
I am posting my article (Essential Oils for Nurses) online so you can view and print it if you desire. Just click on the individual pages to see them full size and print them.
I am attending a Nursing conference in June, where I will be presenting some of my research on how essential oils can be used by nurses in and out of a hospital setting. Although this article was originally for Nurses, I think the content is applicable to anyone who wants to begin using essential oils to improve their physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual well being. Please e-mail me with any specific questions you have about using essential oils and I will go into more detail as I get questions.
Please remember, essential oils are very powerful. Use them with caution, and make sure you know what you are doing. I don't say this to discourage anyone from using essential oils, I only want to encourage you to use them carefully. Using essential oils is an amazing way to improve your health on many levels.

Here are a few of the ways I use essential oils on a daily basis.

• A few drops of essential oils in the bath to relax my mind and body. Using essential oils during relaxation rituals can create a conditioned response of relaxation during and after the ritual. For instance, I always put jasmine in my bath. The bath is a pleasant and relaxing experience. When I get stressed out and I need to relax but don't have time for a bath, just smelling jasmine helps me de-stress automatically.
• A few drops of essential oils in carrier oil to give my daughter a bed-time massage. Whenever I massage my daughter for a few minutes before bed, she sleeps so much better. She falls to sleep more quickly, and has fewer nightmares and awakenings. This ritual also creates a conditioned response.
  
• A drop or two of essential oil rubbed in my hands and in my nostrils to protect me from cold and flu germs when I am in public places. Essential oils are powerful antibacterial and antiviral agents. They can be effective for hours. This is very effective to use on kids before they go to school. I mix up a concoction in a spray bottle (see article for instructions) and spray my daughter's hands and face before she leaves for school and when she gets home. This cuts down on how often she gets sick.
  
• Applied to cuts, sores, burns, irritated skin, rashes, etc. Essential oils are wonderful for relieving minor skin problems. I have used them for everything from acne, sunburn, athletes foot, and lice to dry skin and boils. There are certain oils that work best on specific conditions. Consult an essential oil guide book or a professional for advice.
  
• Diffused in the air of my apartment to freshen the air and uplift the mood. Also great to use if someone in the house is sick and I don't want everyone sharing the airborne pathogens.
  
• A few drops in food to enhance the flavor and add nutritional value. Essential oils are some of the most powerful antioxidants known. Ingesting them is very beneficial. I love using peppermint, orange, oregano, and cinnamon to flavor different dishes. Essential oils are very heat sensitive, so add them AFTER the food is cooked.
  
• A drop in the mouth to freshen breath, open up sinuses, relieve congestion, or relieve upset stomach. Peppermint is great for freshening the breath, and it really clears up the nose if I have a problem breathing. Eucalyptus works great if I am nauseated or have an upper respiratory problem.
  

• Several drops as a disinfectant, odor eliminator, or stain treatment. When I clean my bathroom or kitchen, I use baking soda mixed with a few drops of lemon oil. This kills bacteria AND makes everything smell fruity. If your drawers or closets smell stale, use essential oils to freshen them up (see article for ideas). Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil work really well for getting stains out of things. Test a small area first to see if it will work. I've used the stain treatment on furniture, clothes, carpets, etc.

I highly recommend three companies for supplying the highest quality THERAPEUTIC GRADE essential oils.
Young Living, www.youngliving.com
Primivera, www.primiveralife.com
Shirley Price, www.shirleypricearomatherapy.co.uk/company/company-p5.html
I am sure there are others, these are the ones I am most familiar with.

That's all for now. Good luck as you experiment with essential oils. May you have a happy and healthy life!