Grapefruit Essential Oil

Cold pressed from the rind of the grapefruit, the essential oil is citrus-y, floral and fruity.  It’s clean and fresh.

Grapefruit is said to aid in weight loss and is often used in weight loss products.  Since I have a bit of a weight problem myself, I’ve started using a drop in my seltzer in mid afternoon to give me a boost in my energy level and to calm those food cravings.

Grapefruit is said to help with hangovers, by diffusion or inhaling the oil from a cotton ball or piece of tissue on which a drop of oil is placed, or directly from the bottle.

I like to use it in the shower.  Turn off the shower for a moment after you’ve finished washing, put a couple of drops in your palm, rub your hands together and rub it over your wet skin.  Stay away from sensitive areas.  Turn the water back on and rinse off.  It just makes me feel better. Or you could dilute with a carrier oil for an after shower body oil.  Grapefruit doesn’t have the extreme UV sensitivity of other citrus based essential oils, so you don’t have to worry about sun exposure.  Grapefruit is useful in skin preparations for oily skin.  Combined with witch hazel it can be an astringent tonic for oily skin. 

Properties:

• stimulant
• tonic
• antidepressant
• antiseptic
• disinfectant
• diuretic

Grapefruit is generally considered safe for human consumption, so it can be used as a dietary supplement, or used in cooking.  It shouldn’t be used for children under 6, and adult dilution is 1 drop per 4 oz. of beverage.  For children over 6 dilution should be higher.  Make sure you only use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.  They can be found at doTERRA.  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Obviously the same warnings always apply.  If you’re under a doctor’s care for a condition requiring medication check with your physician for any possible interactions with your other medication.  The FDA has not evaluated the effectiveness of any claims.

 

 

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Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli is an essential oil extracted by steam distillation from the leaf of the plant Pogostemon cablin, a bushy herb related to mint.   The fragrance is slightly minty, musky, and very pleasant.  Its is used in the perfume industry and to scent laundry products and other soaps.

Patchouli is said to be beneficial to skin, and can be used to reduce wrinkles, stretch marks and scars.  When diffused, the fragrance can be grounding and balancing.  Balancing is a term used in essential oils to describe a helpful effect on emotions which can work many ways to improve mood.  For instance if you happen to be depressed it can cheer you, and if you are over excited it can calm you.  It is used in an aromatherapy recipe previously posted for autumn scents.

To diffuse, use 3 or 4 drops in your diffuser.  For topical use dilute with fractionated coconut oil to to avoid skin sensitivity.  Usual dilution rate is 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil.

USES:

• Combine it with Peppermint and apply directly to the forehead, temples or back of neck for headache.
• Add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer to smooth the skin.
• It can calm emotions when combined with Vetiver and rubbed on the bottoms of feet.
• It has anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Always if you are pregnant or nursing or under a doctor’s care check with your physician.  Can be sensitive to skin.  Avoid contact with sensitive areas and eyes.  Not for use in children, and should be stored out of their reach.  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

 

 

Cassia Essential Oil

Cinnamomum cassia is its botanical name.  The oil is extracted using steam distillation from the bark.  It has a warm, spicy scent, very much like cinnamon.  Cassia has been used since ancient times, mentioned for use as far back as the Old Testament. 

Cassia has been used for emotional and physical well-being.  It is said to contribute to a healthy immune system, settle the stomach and aid digestion.  Blended with citrus or clove and ginger essential oils it becomes a wonderful holiday scent when diffused.

Cassia is very strong, however and should be diluted.  It can be very irritating to mucous membranes if inhaled or applied directly to the skin. It can be diluted with coconut oil for a warming massage or to soothe specific sore muscles and joints.

Combining a drop with lemon in a glass of water can ward off hunger and aid digestion.

It can be used sparingly in cooking as a spice.  Remember, essential oils are much stronger than the spices in your cupboard.

Directions:

• Diffuse 3 to 4 drops in your diffuser.
• Dilute 1 drop in 8 oz. of liquid.
• Dilute 1 to 2 drops in 2 tbs of carrier oil.  Test in a small area.  Increase if necessary.

Do not use with children under 6 and in children older than 6 greater dilution should be used.  If pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor.  Always avoid sensitive areas.

Only Certified Therapeutic Grade Essential oils can be taken internally.   http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Health claims for essential oils have not been verified by the FDA.  The FDA does issue a “generally recognized as safe” for human consumption designation (21CFR182.20).  Cassia has that designation.  If you have a health condition and are on medication, check with your doctor before use to avoid interactions with your medication.

 

 

 

Autumn Scents and Comfort With Essential Oils

Fall is here.  Thoughts turn to apple pie, pumpkin spice, and warmth of home and hearth.  A doTERRA recipe I saw on Facebook for a diffuser scent invokes all of those feelings, and may provide additional benefits.

Diffusers used with essential oils should be ultrasonic or cool steam type.  Heat can change the components of essential oils, losing some of the benefits.  I get mine at Amazon.  There are several types of diffusers available.

I mix this recipe in a small amber glass bottle so that I have it ready.  It really is something you’ll want to use again and again.  It’s diffusing in the living room right now, and the scent is heavenly.

Autumn Scents:

•   2 drops Cassia
•   2 drops Patchouli
•   2 drops Wild Orange

Cassia is in the Laurel family and is closely related to Cinnamon.  The scent is similar but stronger.  It can be irritating to mucous membranes so usually needs to be combined with other oils, or diluted with a carrier oil if using topically.   Cassia is warming and can be soothing to aching muscles and joints (dilute with fractionated coconut oil). It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.  It has historically been used for many ailments and is generally considered safe for consumption, but only in a diluted state because of possible sensitivity.  If you add a drop or two with lemon to your water, it can settle your stomach and help to reduce hunger cravings. It should not be used with children under 6 or while pregnant or nursing.

From the Mint family, Patchouli’s scent is sweet and musky.  It is said to have many health properties and may even work as insect repellant.  It can be grounding and balancing to the emotions when used in aromatherapy and is frequently used for wounds, tissue repair, or other skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars and stretch marks when used topically.  It can can be used aromatically, topically and can be taken internally, but not by children under 6 and further dilution is recommended for children older than 6.  Consult your doctor if pregnant or nursing.

Wild Orange is from the Citrus family.  Its scent is similar to an orange held up to the nose.  It can be used to cleanse and purify both surfaces when diluted to make a multipurpose spray, or the air if diffused.  When diffused it is uplifting and energizing.  It contains powerful antioxidants making it valuable for overall health.  It also may have benefits against seasonal threats.  I often add a drop to my water as a flavoring agent.  It can’t hurt right?  It can be diffused, used topically or taken internally, but not for children under 6 and should be diluted for children older than 6. If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor.  If used topically, avoid sunlight or UV rays for 12 hours.

No essential oils should be taken internally unless they are 100% pure therapeutic grade.  It sometimes takes tons of material to yield a pound of essential oil.  Some sellers use additives so be cautious about sources.  I trust doTERRA, and this is a great source:  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Any health benefits mentioned above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and if you have medical conditions you should always consult your doctor before taking anything medicinally to assure there are no harmful interactions with medication you are taking.