Essential Oil Safety!

Ok so I am a proud to say that I love many products that come from MLM/Direct Sale companies. Yes I am that person! I am not afraid to share products that I believe have the capability to help others improve or even extend their lives.

So with all the misguided information out there floating around the web, it's up to you and I to make educated, well informed decisions based on that information. With that being said, I highly encourage anyone who considers Aromatherapy and the use of Essential Oils, to become educated before using them.

I am still not sure about taking the Essential Oils Internally. I have tried it and have not had any problems. However, I am aware that with prolonged usage this can play a role on the liver. When taken orally, essential oils are broken down by the liver into what are generally referred to phytochemicals, compounds that could affect health. If too many of these phytochemicals accumulate in the liver before the liver can properly process them, they could reach toxic levels.


"The International Federation of Aromatherapists Code of Ethics states -
No aromatherapist shall use essential oils for internal ingestion or internal application nor shall any aromatherapist advocate or promote such use of essential oils unless the practicing aromatherapist has medical, naturopathic, herbalist, or similar qualifications and holds an insurance policy which specifically covers the internal application of essential oils. (IFA code of ethics. Simply Essential, No. 11 December 1993).

Now I am not a practicing aromatherapist, nor am I a medical, naturopathic, or herbalist. I am a Massage Therapist who enjoys learning and taking continuing education courses on the proper use of Essential Oils.

*If your innate body wisdom is leading you to the internal use of essential oils then I recommend consulting with a medical or naturopathic professional before doing so.

As an educator to your health and mine, please know that I am not allowed to advocate or promote the internal ingestion or internal application of essential oils.  However, as an Independent Product Consultant, I can guide you on how to purchase and use the oils safely with proper dilution applications. 

So here is what I have learned thus far:

See if your body can tolerate the oil.  I advise you to do a patch test.
If you suspect sensitization on yourself or a client, please do a patch test!  Add a tiny bit of the substance to the inner elbow and cover it.  Wait an hour or two.  If there is itchiness, even slight, avoid the product!

Use your oils safely! Essential oils can be used safely by your family for a variety of wellness applications. However, there are several safety guidelines that you should follow when using essential oils and essential oil products.

1. Be sure to use only pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and follow all label warnings and instructions.
2. If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, apply a vegetable oil such as fractionated coconut oil or olive oil to the affected area.
3. Essential oils should not be used in the eyes, inside the ear canal, or in open wounds. In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with vegetable oil NOT water.
4. *Do NOT consume an essential oil internally unless labeled with a Supplement Facts box with specific dietary supplement use instructions and warnings.
5. Discontinue the use of an essential oil if you experience severe skin, stomach, or respiratory irritation or discomfort.
6. When using on children, apply a very small amount of oil to test skin or other sensitivity. Do not use oil on a child's hand as they may transfer to their eyes or mouth. (Always dilute with a carrier oil. Example one drop of essential Melaleuca oil to four drops of coconut or vegetable oil)
7. Consult your physician before using essential oils if you are pregnant or under a doctor's care or have other safety questions regarding essential oils.

It is important to remember that therapeutic-grade essential oils are highly-concentrated plant extracts and should be used with reasonable care. Consulting with someone who has experience with essential oils will make your first experience with essential oils more enjoyable and rewarding. As you learn how to use essential oils through personal experience, share your knowledge with others in a safe and responsible way and encourage others to do the same.

See more: General Safety Precautions!

 General Contraindications:

 The following Essential Oils should be avoided during Pregnancy:
Basil, Cinnamon, Aniseed, Fennel, Juniper, Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme, Clary Sage, Oregano, Clove, Nutmeg, Bay, Pimento Berry, Cistus, Hops, Sage, Valerian, Spikenard, Tarragon, Hyssop, Myrrh, Mace, Cumin, Parsley Seed, Wintergreen, Birch.

The following Essential Oils should be avoided by people with Sensitive Skin:
Basil, Bay, Birch, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Fir, Ginger, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Parsley Seed, Peppermint, Pimento Berry, Pine, Tagetes, Red Thyme, Wintergreen.

The following Essential Oils may be skin Irritants for some people:
Basil, Birch, Black Pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Peppermint, Pimento Berry, Pine, Tagetes, Red Thyme, Wintergreen

Regarding Photosensitivity! The following Essential Oils should not be used on the skin before exposure to Sunlight:
Angelica, Bergamot, Cumin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Orange, Yuzu, Tangerine, Manderin

The following essential oils should be avoided by those people prone to Epilepsy:
Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, and Wormwood.

Regarding High Blood Pressure:
Avoid using Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme essential oils.

Regarding Kidney and Liver Disease:
Avoid using Fennel and Juniper.
*People with Liver Disease should avoid using essential oils altogether.

Source: essential aromatherapy, a pocket guide to essential oils and aromatherapy. Copyright 1995, 2003 Susan Worwood & Valerie Ann Worwood

  Now that we have talked about some of the safety precautions, I want to invite you to learn more about these amazing oils. Do not be afraid to use them, just learn how to use them appropriately.

Everything that I do, I believe in challenging people to become healthier, I believe in thinking differently!

The way that I do this is to find healthy alternative cost effective solutions for individuals, offering products that are simple to use.

I chose essential oils for the therapeutic values. I have found the health benefits to be helpful for myself , my family, and others that I know. My approach to health and wellness is holistic in nature and essential oils are a perfect compliment to alternative health.

I invite you to contact me if you or someone you know may benefit from this information.
Take all this information here with care and educate yourself. You know deep inside what is right for your body. We all have an innate bodily wisdom!

“We each have the innate ability to heal ourselves. To empower ourselves with natural solutions, instead of succumbing to life-altering chemicals. There's a time and place for pharmaceuticals, but it shouldn't be the first answer, nor the only form treatment.”
― Dana Arcuri

Thanks for stopping by!

  If you have a question or need my support with anything, I am ready to help! 

  ~Deana

The Founding Of Aromatherapy!

The Father Of Aromatherapy, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse

In July, 1910 Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French cosmetic chemist, had an accident in his family's perfumery business laboratory, severely burning himself in explosion. He submerged his burns in a large container of lavender oil. He was astonished that it immediately eased the pain and helped heal the hand without any sign of infection or scar. Gattefosse continued to investigate the medical use of Essential Oils and treated soldiers in military hospitals during World War I with oils. In 1927 he coined the term aromatherapie - the treatment of disease and injury using aromatic essential oils, and went on to published works on the therapeutic value of Aromatherapy. In 1992 Gattefosse's Aromatherapie, 1937 was translated to English and cites more than 200 relevant scientific works completed between 1680 and 1933.

 


During the second world war, Gattefosse's colleague Dr. Jean Valnet, a Parisian medical doctor and army surgeon, began to use essential oils —with great success—as antiseptics treating war wounds during the Indochina war from 1948-1959. He could treat injured soldiers with great success in combating and counteracting infection. He was able to save the lives of many soldiers who might otherwise have died. After the war, he continued using Essential Oils in his practice, publishing in 1964 the comprehensive text Aromatherapie, earning him global recognition.

 His work was expanded by two of his students: Dr. Paul Belaiche and Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz. Together, they discovered that Essential Oils contain antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties, and found that they served to carry oxygen into the body's cells.

In the 1970‘s many significant figures accomplishments and contributions expanded the use of Essential Oils and aromatherapy to become a major part of alternative and holistic health. Wagner and Sprinkmeyer, who demonstrated an understanding of how Essential Oils can benefit our lives today. 

The Founding Of Aromatherapy-Part I

The Founding Of Aromatherapy-Part II

 

The Founding Of Aromatherapy-Part III

 

I hope you enjoyed this amazing 40 minute documentary on the Founding Of Aromatherapy!

Now ask yourself;

Who is in control of your family's healthcare?

I hope it is you! You are the only one who can impact your health by making decisions to change; keeping an open mind to alternatives!

  Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils are the perfect natural healthcare alternative.

 

If this information was helpful to you, please do not hesitate to contact me!

I would love to help you get started with essential oils today!

Contact Me 

~Many Blessings,

Deana Hodell, LMT

Are You Breathing?

The earth's magnetic field affects us in many ways. Today I had the pleasure to learn about The Diaphragm and Breath and how our breath is connected to our heart. Andraly Horn, LMT, BCST took our class on a guided meditation connecting each person in the room with a simple breathing exercise, increasing the perceptual awareness while achieving peace in our minds!

I learned that we all need to be aware of our inner body, outer body, immediate environment, and nature on a daily basis. Without this connection we cannot have wholeness. As we breathe and pay attention to our breath we connect our hearts, connecting to stillness and nature!

Try this exercise: Breathe in on the count of 4, hold that breath for 7 seconds, breathe out on the count of 8! Once you develop this breathing technique by practicing it every day, twice a day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. Use it to deal with food cravings. Great for mild to moderate anxiety, this exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it. Dr. Andrew Weil demonstrates this here: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/VDR00112/The-4-7-8-Breath-Benefits-and-Demonstration.html

Breathing effects our Autonomic Nervous System, Heart Rate, and Coherence!

Enjoy this beautiful video from the Institute of Heart Math!

If breathing is difficult for you due to colds, bronchitis, sore throats, sinusitis, coughs and respiratory congestion try a blend of essential oil to enhance this exercise! 


In closing I would like to leave you with a quote or two.   "Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?" ~Mary Oliver

"I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am."

Sylvia Plath
Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/Quotes-About-Breath-and-Breathing.aspx?p=4#e1qgqZMeu5midWb3.99

"I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am." ~Sylvia Plath

Enjoy the long term effects with your new breathing exercise! Be still, Just be!

~Deana Hodell, LMT

Breathe helps to soothe inflamed tissues, support the elimination of bacteria and viruses, and opens airways using an essential oil blend of laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, melaleuca, lemon, and ravensara. - See more at: http://doterrablog.com/breathe-in-breathe-out#sthash.KH8LC6iD.dpuf