E is for Essential Oils

I am a person who is influenced by my sense of smell. Many of my memories of people, places and things are tied up with scents; in that I only have to smell something familiar in order to trigger memories.
One particular memory I have is triggered by the smell of fresh baked bread. Upon smelling that, it immediately brings forth a vision of a man’s hands digging into a leather pouch hanging on his hip fishing out out coins as change from the payment I had given him for a loaf of bread. He used to come by the house each week selling bread and my grandmother would send me out to make her weekly purchase.
Although I cannot see the man, I can hear the sound of him looking for the correct change and smell the aroma of fresh baked bread that permeated his leather change pouch.
So it really doesn’t come as any surprise that I have developed a love for essential oils.
In the past I have dabbled with oil burners and melts. Although I enjoyed using them, I wasn’t particularly happy about having a lighted candle under the burner and leaving it for a while to fragrance the room. Then there was the evaporation of the water that required topping up all the time. Last year I purchased an electric soy melt burner that is lovely however the aroma doesn’t appear to last too long and then clearing out the waxy residue afterward became a chore. Still, there are others who love this method of infusing their home with fragrance even though it wore off quickly for me.

A couple of years ago I began purchasing Lavender oil from a stall holder at the local markets. They grow lavender and make their own products. I use about 20 drops of Lavender oil in the water bottle that I spray on clothes when I do the ironing. I also purchase lavender scented cleaning products and room fresheners when I can. I had read about the calming effects of this oil and so began using them profusely in my home on a regular basis.

Eucalyptus oil is another one I use often. I purchased this from the local supermarket and used it in cleaning. I found eucalyptus especially wonderful for removing sticky residue from items. Unfortunately, the oil from the supermarket is heavily diluted. *edited to add* – it has been pointed out to me that I made an error in the paragraph when I mentioned that eucalyptus is known as melaleuca. I got it completely wrong because my silly mind swaps things around all the time. Melaleuca (or Tea Tree) is another wonderful oil that I use but eucalyptus is the one I use for cleaning.

So earlier in the year when a work colleague invited me to visit her naturopath friend to learn a little more about essential oils, I eagerly went along. And now I am totally hooked on the wellness applications of essential oils.
Having recently completed my Wellness Coaching certification, I can also see how knowledge of the benefits of oil can fit into my chosen field of coaching. In order to increase my expertise in this area, I have undertaken an Introduction to Aromatherapy course, read a plethora of books and information and plan on furthering my studies over the coming months. But right now, I experiment and use the oils and see how they work for me.

I have my favourites (apart from Lavender) that I go to again and again – either in the diffuser or topical application. Lemongrass, Lavender Peace (blend), Vetiver, Cedarwood, Grapefruit and Salubelle (also a blend) are my regular go-tos.
My research into headache blends has been fun and trying them out is as well.
As part of my recent decision to use products that are as natural as possible on my body, I have been using oils in ways that I hadn’t ever thought of. I’ve begun making my own hand creams using an organic base purchased from a health food store and several drops of oil for fragrance and healing properties. I’ve researched ways of making my own deodorant although haven’t tried it yet because I’m using an organic natural roll on that I’m happy with right now. I’ve also looked into natural tooth cleaning pastes, perfumes and cleaning products.

These days when I talk about oils, the Garden Gnome just rolls his eyes and comments on my ‘strangeness’ but that’s why we get on so well. He’s the practical one and I’m the alternative one. 🙂 Just as well he loves me!
I really must admit that I am fascinated by natural remedies and healing processes and oils are just a small part of such a larger field. I’m excited about the benefits and how much I am learning and experiencing.

Half of my collection

My diffuser has replaced my burners and I am absolutely delighted with it. I don’t have to watch it to make sure the water doesn’t run out (it has an auto cut off) and I love experimenting with the mix of oils that I can put in and the mood that they engender.
I’ve used oils to treat my headaches, anxiety, stress and to help me sleep. I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface with what I can do with them and I’m itching to learn more.

I often wonder if I was a herbalist or medicine woman in a past life you know. Whenever I  read books that have characters who practice the art of healing with natural elements, they resonate with me. Who knows??? 🙂 🙂