Fit to Print Volume 25 Issue 1 March 2016 | Page 9

Mind Body Spirit

By Dina Voigt

The Essentials
Oils, That Is. What They Are, How To Use Them.

to get started incorporating essential oil
usage into their lives right away. Young
Living has so many products from single
oils to blends and roll-ons for easy
application.
So, what are some basic usages for
essential oils?
Hmmmm….everything from treating a
hangover, to hot flashes, to a cough, cuts,
sore muscles, etc. If I were to share every
use for every oil, this would be a neverending article, so I am going to share just
a few. If you are interested in
incorporating oils into your life, here are
some suggestions for getting started. I
think everyone should start with some
“staple” oils that have versatile uses. One
of THE MOST versatile oils is lavender. If
you are only going to use one essential oil,
this should be it.
Here are just SOME ways you can
incorporate lavender into your daily life:

E

ssential oils are the fragrant, highly
concentrated natural constituents
that are found in plants. They are
what gives the plant its characteristic
scents and contain the healing power of
the plant from which it was extracted.
Essential oils exist in plants and help them
adapt to the ever-changing internal and
external environment. Recent scientific
research has shown that plants produce
essential oils for a variety of reasons
including:
-To protect the plant by their antifungal
and antibacterial nature
-To attract pollinators (it is believed that
scent attracts pollinators more than flower
color.)
-To protect the plant from other insects
and animals
-To play a role in Alleopathy (a type of
plant to plant competition) - keeping
certain plants from growing nearby that
can threaten its vitality.
Essential oils are extracted from the
plants and have been used for thousands
of years in various cultures for their
medicinal properties, cosmetic purposes
and for emotional and spiritual support.
They work on the body, mind and soul.
Luckily, they are part of Mother Nature's
bounty and are even more available to us
today. Using Essential oils can help you
live a more “green” and healthy life and
eliminate harmful chemicals from your
household and personal care products.
Essential oils have been a part of my life
for over 20 years. I have used essential oils
for many years for various purposes, from
making my own household cleaners, facial
cleansers and creams, deodorants, bug
repellents, to treating ailments such as
colds, coughs, etc. as well as dietary
supplements for my family and even my
dogs!
It is very important that you use 100% pure
therapeutic grade essential oils. There
are many “oils” on the market that are
simply “fragrances” or “perfume” grade.
With Therapeutic Oils, all of the

compounds are left intact so that you
can fully experience the health benefits
that Mother Nature intended. Primarily
extracted through careful steam
distillation but also through cold
pressing, the purest essential oils are far
more powerful than the botanicals from
which they were extracted.
Pure therapeutic grade oils can be used
in various ways. They can be inhaled
(smelled, diffused), applied topically
and taken internally. A diffuser is a
small machine that you add oils and
filtered or distilled water to, and it
vaporizes the oils into the air for healing
effects.
I have done extensive research and in
my opinion the best essential oils on the
market are Young Living Essential Oils.
Not only are they pure, therapeutic
grade, they also have lines specifically
for children called “Kidscents” and have
recently launched the new “Vitality”
line, specifically for culinary and dietary
use.
People are always asking me about
essential oils, details on what I use them
for and asking me how to use them and
where to get them. The good news is
you can get your Young Living
Essential Oils right here at Incentives
Organic Spa! And as I mentioned, I
have been using them for years and for
just about “everything.”
It is important to note, that I am not a
certified Aromatherapist. I am sharing
my personal experiences based on years
of personal research and usage. It is
also important to do your own research
and to make sure you are responsible
and aware of what you are doing. These
oils are pure and potent and to be used
in small amounts. Do your research and
follow recommended dosages.
I am writing this article to answer some
questions and share some basic uses of
essential oils with everyone who wants

Spring 2016 FIT to Print

Calming
Rub 2-3 drops of lavender oil in your
palms, then cup your hands over your nose
and mouth and inhale deeply. Rub on the
feet, temples, wrists (or anywhere) for an
immediate calming effect on the body.
Great for use in crowded areas like planes
or subways to carve out your own personal
oasis.

Menstrual cramps
Apply 2-3 drops on lower abdominal area
and lower back area

Sleep aid
Again, use the cupping and inhalation
method. Then rub a drop of lavender oil
on your palms and smooth it into your
pillow to help you sleep. Create a spray
with filtere