Welcome back everyone.
Ready for another deep dive?
Today we're exploring the world of essential oils.
Ooh, essential oils.
And I've gotta say, I'm really excited for this one.
Me too.
We're going way beyond just the basics.
We're talking ancient history,
the science behind why they work,
and how to actually use them in your everyday life.
It's amazing how much there is
to these potent little bottles.
Right, so much more than just nice smells.
Exactly.
So before we get ahead of ourselves,
for anyone who might be new to the world of essential oils,
let's start with the basics.
Okay, sounds good.
What exactly are we talking about
when we say essential oils?
What are they?
So in the simplest terms,
essential oils are basically
super concentrated plant extracts, right?
It's like they've bottled up the essence of the plant,
all of its aroma and all the good stuff.
Oh, I like that, bottling up the good stuff.
It's true.
And when we say concentrated, we mean concentrated.
Okay, so definitely not the same thing
as just like making a cup of herbal tea.
No, not at all.
You'd need tons and tons of plant material
to get even a tiny bit of essential oil.
Wow, that's pretty incredible.
It is.
And it's not exactly a new practice either.
That's right.
Weren't essential oils found in ancient Egyptian tombs?
You're right on the money.
They were huge fans,
especially oils like frankincense and myrrh.
Frankincense, myrrh.
Those names definitely sound like
they belong in ancient Egypt.
They use them for everything,
religious ceremonies, perfumes, even mummification.
Mummification.
Wow, talk about a long lasting legacy.
Right, but it makes you wonder how they even figured out
how to extract those oils in the first place.
That's a good question.
It's not like they had fancy labs and equipment back then.
I know, right?
It really makes you appreciate the ingenuity
and intuition of these ancient cultures.
They must have had a deep understanding
of plants in their properties.
Absolutely.
And when you think about it,
the scent has always been so intertwined
with our emotions and wellbeing,
even if they didn't fully understand the science behind it.
Like how a certain smell can bring back a flood of memories.
Exactly, or how the aroma of lavender
can make you feel more relaxed.
Okay, so there's definitely a connection there,
but how does it actually work?
Well, nowadays we know that when you inhale an essential oil,
those tiny molecules travel straight to your brain,
specifically to the limbic system,
which is like the control center for your emotions
and memories.
It's like a direct line to our emotional core.
Exactly.
And those molecules don't just trigger memories and emotions,
they also interact with our bodies on a physical level.
Oh, interesting.
So it's not just in our heads, so to speak.
Not at all.
Different essential oils have different chemical makeups,
and those unique combinations of compounds
can actually have specific effects
on our physical wellbeing.
Okay, so let's dive into some of those physical benefits.
Let's.
For example, peppermint oil is fantastic for headaches.
Peppermint oil, yes.
I use it all the time for tension headaches.
It's like magic how quickly it seems to work.
It really is.
And we know it works because of the menthol in peppermint oil.
Menthol, that's what gives it that cooling sensation, right?
Exactly.
But menthol does more than just cool things down.
Really?
Like what?
It actually interacts with these specific receptors
in your body that are involved
in how you feel temperature and pain.
Oh, wow.
So it's like, it's actually blocking the pain signals.
Pretty much.
It's basically hitting the override button
on those throbbing headache signals.
That's amazing.
Okay, I've got to ask about eucalyptus oil now.
Oh, good one.
What about it?
Well, I've always associated with respiratory support,
like when I'm feeling congested.
Does it have those specific compounds too?
It does.
Eucalyptus oil has this compound called eucalyptol,
and it's amazing for opening up your airways.
Eucalyptol, got it.
It's like, it really helps to loosen up
any mucus you might have.
That makes sense.
It's like nature's decongestant.
Exactly.
It's no wonder it's in so many chest rubs
and things like that.
So with all these powerful plant compounds and everything,
how do we make sure we're using essential oils safely?
I mean, they are super potent, right?
You're absolutely right.
Safety is key.
Even though they're natural,
it doesn't mean they can't be powerful.
That's a really good point.
It's all about dilution.
Dilution, okay.
Think of it like cooking with spices,
a little pinch of cayenne pepper can add some nice flavor.
But if you dump in a whole tablespoon.
Ooh, that's not gonna be good.
It's a disaster.
Exactly.
Okay, so with essential oils,
how do we make sure we're using the right amount?
That's where carrier oils come in.
Carrier oils, okay.
They're like the essential oils best friend.
Oh, so.
Well, they help dilute the essential oil
so it's safe for your skin.
And some carrier oils even help your skin absorb
the essential oil better.
So it's like creating a custom blend
depending on what you need.
Exactly.
And you have options when it comes to carrier oils.
Oh, really? Like what?
Well, for example, Jojoba oil is great
because it's very similar to your skin's natural oils.
I've heard of that one.
It's especially good for people with oilier skin
because it won't clog your pores.
Okay, that's good to know.
What about for someone with sensitive skin like me?
For sensitive skin, sweet almond oil is a good choice.
Sweet almond oil, I'll also try that one.
It's very gentle and nourishing.
And then there's coconut oil, which everyone loves.
Oh yeah, coconut oil is great for everything.
It's true, it's super versatile.
Okay, so say I've got my essential oil,
I've diluted it with my carrier oil of choice, what's next?
Do I just put it on lotion?
Almost, but before you do that,
it's super important to do a patch test,
especially if you're trying a new essential oil.
A patch test, that's always a good idea.
Right, just put a tiny bit on your wrist
and wait a bit to make sure
you don't have any kind of reaction.
Safety first.
Exactly, once you're in the clear,
you can put it on your skin,
like if you have sore muscles or something like that.
Makes sense.
And a lot of people like to put essential oils
on their pulse points, like your wrists or temples.
Oh yeah, like perfume.
Exactly.
It's a great way to enjoy the aroma throughout the day.
Speaking of aroma, what about diffusing essential oils?
I've heard that can be really beneficial too.
Oh, diffusing is fantastic.
It's like creating your own personal
aroma therapy spa right at home.
I love that.
Right, and it's not just about the lovely smells,
though those are great too.
When you inhale those essential oil molecules,
remember how we were talking about them
going to your limbic system?
Yes.
Well, that can have a big impact on your mood and emotions.
It's like a reset button for your mind.
Exactly.
Now there's one more way to use essential oils
that I know people are curious about.
What's that?
Ingesting them, taking them internally.
Okay, yeah, I was wondering about that.
I know there are some differing opinions on that.
There are, and it's definitely something
to be cautious about.
Okay, so for people who might be considering
using essential oils internally,
what are the most important things to keep in mind?
So ingesting essential oils, is it safe?
Is it effective?
Help us navigate this potentially tricky territory.
You're right, this is where things get a bit more,
hmm, you really have to be careful.
It's not as simple as just like adding a drop of lemon oil
to your water and calling it a day.
Okay, that's good to know.
Yeah.
So what are the key things to look for
if someone is considering using essential oils internally?
First and foremost, talk to your doctor
or a qualified aromatherapist.
They can give you personalized advice
because everyone's body is different, right?
That makes a lot of sense.
And of course, not all essential oils are created equal.
Some are definitely not meant for internal use.
So doing your research on this specific oil is essential.
Exactly, and look for oils that are specifically labeled
as food grade.
That usually means they've gone through extra rounds
of testing and quality control.
So it's about aligning our values
with our purchasing decisions,
choosing quality over quantity,
and supporting brands that prioritize ethical
and sustainable practices.
Feels good to know we can make a difference
with our choices.
Absolutely, and remember,
a little goes a long way with essential oils.
Start with a few that resonate with you
and explore their versatility.
You might be surprised by how many different ways
you can incorporate them into your life.
This has been such an illuminating deep dive.
We've journeyed from ancient Egypt
to modern aromatherapy,
uncovered the science behind essential oils,
and even learned how to use them safely and sustainably.
We've only just scratched the surface.
The world of essential oils is vast
and constantly evolving.
It's inspiring to think that these potent plant extracts
have been passed down through generations,
offering their healing and enhancing properties.
So for those listening,
eager to embark on their own essential oil journeys,
what's the most important piece of advice
you'd like to leave them with?
Approach essential oils with both curiosity and respect.
Embrace their power,
but always prioritize safety and sustainability.
And most importantly,
enjoy the journey of discovering the incredible world
of plant-based wellness.
Beautifully said.
Remember, knowledge is power,
and now you have the knowledge to navigate the world
of essential oils with confidence and care.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning,
and keep diving deep into the wonders around us.