This article originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of Optimal Living with The Mindfulness Center.
Essential oils are among nature’s most powerful healing agents. Many have powerful antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Most are cleansing and detoxifying, some are immune-stimulating and anti-tumorous, and others – emotionally uplifting and spiritually elevating.
Pure, therapeutic-grade oils can also be among the most powerful tool in your natural skin-care arsenal. Legendary beauties such as Cleopatra used the oils to enhance and preserve their beauty. And thanks to the growing body of research, we now better understand how they work.
For one thing, essential oils are natural rejuvenating agents. They promote the delivery of oxygen to the cells and assist in eliminating waste matter, thus stimulating cell renewal. They heal, cleanse and revitalize the tissues and prevent or soothe irritations and infections. And the best part is that they work both internally and externally, making sure that your outward beauty is supported by optimal health from within.
Some oils, such as fennel, eucalyptus and sage, contain plant hormones and substances similar to estrogen. When acting upon the skin, they tighten it, renew the cells, and regulate your natural oil secretions by the sebaceous glands. Thyme oil has a balancing effect on the adrenal cortex, which produces estrogen, which, in turn, regulates the elasticity of the skin and the connective tissue, the muscle tone, and the burning of body fat. And because the oils are adaptogens (adapt to the environment in your body), they deliver the benefits without negative side effects.
Women, of course, have used essential oils for thousands of years for their seductive and aphrodisiac effects. Jasmine, nicknamed as the “queen of the night” is one of these oils. In addition to its skin rejuvenating qualities (it helps to treat eczema and wrinkles), it is uplifting, antidepressant and helps counteract nervous exhaustion and listlessness. A bath with jasmine oil releases stress, anger, nervousness and worries. It is also believed to improve a woman’s libido.
Ylang ylang, which means “flower of flowers,” is another oil that has been women’s favorite since ancient times. Its blossoms have been used to cover the beds of newlywed couples on their wedding night. Ylang ylang balances male-female energies, enhances spiritual attunement, combats anger, low self-esteem, and restores confidence and peace.
I’ll be teaching all about it in a brand new workshop that’s coming to The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda on Sunday, October 9, 2011: “Unlocking Cleopatra’s Secrets: Essential Oils Recipes for Beauty, Skin and Hair Care.” Make sure to reserve your spot soon!
Izabella Tabarovsky is a Integrative Wellness Practitioner who combines clinical aromatherapy, energy work (Healing Touch), holistic nutrition, and other modalities to help you achieve your optimal wellness. For more information, please email Izabella@IzabellaTabarovsky.com, or visit:
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