ESSENTIAL OILS Dr. Zachary Stelmack

What Will You Learn Today? - An understanding of what essential oils are - What you can do with the oils - Information about some of the most commonly used essential oils - Different ways to prepare the oils - What to look for when getting your essential oils

WHAT are essential oils? A liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Even though they are called “OILS” they are typically not oily feeling. They contain the true essence (properties) of the plant, are very highly aromatic, and very concentrated. (A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!) The chemical composition and aroma provides valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits.

WHAT are essential oils? Because they are highly concentrated, they have to be diluted usually. Every plant has different properties which makes them important in certain, various ways. Typically, they are to be avoided for internal use as trace material may be left behind from the preparation process. The different essential oils of plants are used by the plant to: help with competition, as antibacterials/antifungals, to attract pollinators, and defense from predators.

WHAT can I do with essential oils? inhalation steam inhalation diffuser aromatherapy air freshener add refreshing scents to house, laundry aromatherapy massage homemade lotions, shampoos, perfumes, soaps

WHAT can I do with essential oils? sore muscle rubs cleaning products helpers for colds/flu/congestion insect/rodent repellent bath/shower aromatherapy help with sleep, concentration, stress disinfect the air during sicknesses headache relief

The MOST common oils!

ANISE black licorice smell helpful for coughing, colic, digestion, cramping, muscle soreness

BALSAM woody aroma, cinnamon aroma helpful for skin conditions: dry, cuts/wounds calming

BASIL stimulates thinking, focus anti-bacterial, anti-viral contains Linalool (acts as insect repellent) colds, flu, sinusitis, exhaustion

BERGAMOT uplifting oily skin/acne citrus smell colds, flu, sinusitis, exhaustion

BLACK PEPPER improve circulation muscle aches, arthritis, cramps enhance alertness colds, flu, sinusitis, exhaustion

CASSIA resembles cinnamon oils, smells fragrance indigestion, gas, colic, diarrhea, arthritis

CEDARWOOD rich, woody aroma great for fall/winter calming, uplifting great for meditation acne, arthritis, bronchitis, dermatitis, stress, dandruff

CHAMOMILE great for relaxation/sleep allergies, boils, cuts, dermatitis, gas headache, PMS, sprains, insect bites nausea, insomnia, wounds

CINNAMON great fragrance great for gas, arthritis, stress, exhaustion

CITRONELLA insect repellent fatigue, oily skin

CLOVE arthritis, asthma, bronchitis great for toothaches!

EUCALYPTUS great for colds/flu, CONGESTION, sinusitis coughing, fever, headaches aromatic

FRANKINCENSE / BOSWELLIA spiritual, perfume-like calming anxiety, joint pain, stress, scars, stretch marks

GERAMIUM fresh, floral, sweet acne, lice, menopause, oily skin used as a facial toner

GINGER great for nausea, motion sickness warming soreness in muscles, joints uplifting

GRAPEFRUIT energizing citrus, sweet smelling for dull skin, cellulitis, toxin build up

HYSSOP bruising, coughing, sore throat sweet, woody, earthy

JASMINE very fragrant, perfume-like uplifting depression, dry skin, exhaustion labor pains, sensitive skin

QUESTIONS?