Posts tagged #practical uses for essential oils

Natural solution is overlooked while MRSA cases double in five years

Sometimes smart and scientifically proved solutions aren't made available to the public just because there isn't a capital gain.  I find that unfair. Recently I learned about  a MRSA infection case in a local hospital, which was poorly handled and decided to do so some research on the subject. And you know how I love sharing. 

According to materials released July 26, 2012 by the University of Chicago Press Journals the number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections doubled in academic medical centers from 2003 to 2008.  According to Scott Johnson with the Holistic Health Examiner,  "even though these infections dramatically rise worldwide, conventional medicine largely ignores an effective natural solution — essential oils.  And one Utah company — Young Living Essential Oils — is leading the way in pioneering research to bring more attention to these potent remedies."

MRSA is a term used to describe staph infections that have adapted and become resistant to the first line antibiotics that typically cure staph infections. Once inside the body, a staph infection can quickly spread to bones, joints and organs, which can be life threatening.

These so-called “superbugs” have been called a significant and multifaceted health threat that places “a significant human and economic burden on society” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.  According to Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, "things as common as strep throat or a child's scratched knee could once again kill," as more bacteria evolve to become resistant.

The growing body of evidence suggests that unmatched tools in the fight against MRSA can be found in essential oils. These potent botanical extracts exhibit significant antiviral and antibacterial effects that have been clinically proven in hundreds of scientific studies. In their pure form, essential oils readily kill bacteria — including MRSA — and viruses. More importantly, research suggests they kill MRSA without promoting bacterial resistance and they are free of the side-effects common to antibiotics.

The following is a list of some of the most well-researched essential oils for their ability to destroy MRSA and other pathogens.

My go-to blend of essential oils, which combines a good amount of the essential oils mentioned above is Thieves, sold exclusively by Young Living.  If you are interested in learning more about this natural way of staying healthy please contact me or visit my aromatherapy page to learn how to order therapeutic grade essential oils.


Aromatherapy for your yoga practice

Chances are that if you have been around me in the last several years, you have come in contact with  my aromatherapy experiments - I do apologize for the Summer of patchouli ; experiments do come with sacrifices.
I am not gonna try  to explain what makes Essential Oils and Aromatherapy such a unique and interesting form of alternative medicine, I'll let you explore the information on you own.  I can only tell you that  it has made my health a lot better since I started using them.
There are different ways to use essential oils, and they have a lot of emotional and esoteric properties attributed to essential oils,  however I will concentrate on the practical ways in which I  use them during my yoga practice.  Needless to say,  if you tend to have allergies or have a specific condition, consult with your doctor before exploring the wonderful benefits of essential oils.
Before and After your Yoga Practice
  • Preparing the space: Diffusing oils like lemon essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, Thieves® essential oil or Purification® essential oil before or in between yoga class will purify the air while bringing a refreshing, uplifting energy to the space.
  • Cleaning:  For cleaning your yoga mat, props and or the area where you practice, you can use my formula.    Thieves household cleaner is a great non-toxic-disinfectant alternative for those of you who don't enjoy the DIY projects.

During your Yoga Practice

  • Meditation (dhyana): Diffuse or directly inhale oils such as lavender essential oil can sooth your mind and senses to become more open.  I find the calming quality of lavender very useful in softening my heart and opening my mind to the experience of meditation.  By the way, lavender is like the baking-soda of essential oils; it can practically be used in all circumstances (and a little trivia, the term Aromatherapy was named after the use of lavender essential oil to treat burn victims- royalty! )
  • Breathing (pranayama): The pure aroma of essential oils such as eucalyptus essential oil can assist in opening the pathways of your respiratory system (pharmaceutical companies reproduce synthetically this chemicals, but can we really surpass nature's wisdom?).  If I wake up with a stuffy nose, I diffuse eucalyptus essential oil in the room.  I sometime do a face steam bath with one drop of  eucalyptus essential oil...this is a stronger application for more severe nasal congestion, but so effective - again consult with your doctor if you have any medical condition.
  • Poses (asana): Topical application of oil-diluted peppermint  essential oil may help alleviate muscle soreness and tension.  Make sure you dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil such as almond oil.  I sometime use  lavender essential oil  to decrease post-practice muscle irritation or yoga mat burns.

If you have any comments or questions, please let me know.   There is a lot of information available through the Young Living website, the company I get my essential oils from.   I also have various aromatherapists available for questions.

How to Order Organic & High Quality Essential Oils? I created an ordering essential oils page with easy steps to make it easy.  There are a lot of products market as essential oils, but therapeutic grade oils are the ones to use for Aromatherapy...after all there is aroma & therapy in Aromatherapy!!

Experience life...better.