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These are the pure essences of a plant, extracted by distillation (steam), expression (cold-pressing), or maceration. Sometimes called aromatherapy, each essential oil is defined by a chemical compound that has a smell or odor that stimulates the brain, creating a defined reaction; some essential oils, such as eucalyptus or wintergreen, can provide therapeutic benefit when inhaled into the lungs. In the English tradition, the pure oils are blended with “carrier” oils, usually vegetable based, in order to be diluted to a usable strength. In the French tradition pure oils are applied directly to the skin. Although perfumes and incense have been used for thousands of years, the use of oils in modern healing dates to the early 1900’s when first used by French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefossé, who accidentally discovered that lavender oil provided relief and healing from burns. Gattefossé coined the term “aromatherapy”. Essential Oils can actually re-oxygenate the air, removing particles and toxins from the air. They can destroy (not cover up) odors from mold, cigarettes, and animals. Essential Oils can also be absorbed through the skin, penetrating cell walls they can be absorbed by every cell in our body within twenty minutes of application. They can even penetrate nails to help with fungal problems and have been known to be used for arthritis, high blood pressure, allergies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, gingivitis, headaches, hormonal imbalances, lupus, ADD, infections, and viruses to name a few. Essential Oils have also been used for helping with headaches, disinfecting cuts (and speeding healing), soothing burns (and preventing blisters), helping skin problems (rashes, dry skin, itchy skin, etc.), stomach problems (indigestion, heart burn, nausea, etc.), eliminating fungus, protecting against bug bites, destroying mold, and, mildew, strengthening the immune system, and more.
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