Using essential oils is a natural way to simultaneously support our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. They very elegantly support our total health and well-being.
An essential oil is a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. Essential oils are now on trend and very accessible in the health and beauty aisles of stores everywhere however it is interesting to note that PHYTO5 has been formulating skincare products with high grade essential oils since the late 70s.
OLFACTORY EXPERIENCE
Opening quality essential oils or skincare products containing them will immediately aromatically provide you with well-being benefits. Very often the light inhalation of their fragrance can help to balance emotions which is why PHYTO5 developed a skincare treatment called the Beauty of Emotions (offered by PHYTO5 trained professionals around the world). One of the principle products used in the Beauty of Emotions treatment is the essential oil rich Phyt’Ether serum which can be an excellent product to always have on hand at home. The serum can be lightly inhaled or applied to the face, skin, body and scalp.
INGESTION
Many essential oils can also be ingested such as in beverages or food preparation and cooking. The flavor of the food is elevated and the nutrition value raised.
The practice of oil pulling for oral and systemic health is an effective method of cleansing when an essential oil like myrrh is added to a carrier oil like coconut and swished in the mouth for then to five minutes before spitting out. Teeth become whiter, gums healthier and it is believed the oils work to pull toxins circulating throughout the body through the mucous membrane of the mouth.
TOPICAL USE
The topical use of essential oils helps treat various skin conditions. Each of PHYTO5’s five element lines of skincare, for example, treats a set of skin conditions according to traditional Chinese medicine and utilizing a synergistic formulation of specific blends of oils.
The Wood line treats imbalances in the skin such as oiliness, blackheads, hyperpigmentation.
The Fire line helps to balance redness, irritated, sensitive, blotchy or allergic skin, excessive heat and perspiration, and couperose.
The Earth line treats imbalances in the skin such as blemishes, toxicity, acne, psoriasis, and enlarged pores.
The Metal line assists to balance dry skin, surface flakiness, dull and lifeless skin.
The Water line works to bring balance to dehydration, lack of tone, and wrinkles.
A WORD OF CAUTION: A good rule of thumb when using essential oils is to use no more than one or two drops. Many pounds of the plant itself are used to derive that one drop of oil so you can see just how potent that single drop is. Even when diffusing essential oil, you don’t want to diffuse more than two drops or your breathing air will become uncomfortable. Less is more when it comes to essential oils.
There are chemical substitute fragrances made to smell like their essential oil counterparts but they obviously are not natural essential oils. There is no system in place to categorize or grade essential oils, therefore anyone can arbitrarily label their product as ‘professional’ or ‘therapeutic.
As a consumer, it’s important to do your research and be discerning. Find a company you trust. An honest company will offer essential oils that align with the following high standards:
The plants are grown in their indigenous regions.
They list the botanical name of the plant on the product label.
They use oils harvested from the correct species of the plant.
The oils are derived from either a cold-press process or steam-distillation.
The essential oils are undiluted and tested for purity.
The essential oils are processed in a state-of-the-art facility with good manufacturing practices. (The Swiss government plays a proactive ongoing role of factory supervision for Swiss-based manufacturers like PHYTO5. A double layer of Swiss and European regulation and supervision provides a substantial level of protection for the American consumer who buys authentic Swiss-made skincare products such as PHYTO5 skincare.)
The product is certified organic and non-GMO.
No pesticides or herbicides were used to grow the plants from which the oils are extracted.
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For more information on essential oils and which companies are creating pure oils and which are not, please visit our friends at ConsumersAdvocate.org.
Endnote:
Keller, Erich. Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair, and Skin Care: a Guide to the Use of Essential Oils for Beauty and Healing. Healing Arts Press, 1992.