When to use essential oils or herbs

[annett]

Could someone explain to me when it would be appropriate to use essential oils instead of herbs?

[Fundog]

I prefer essential oils for the aroma therapy (which I do believe is powerful medicine in its own right). I've also used essential oils for dogs. For example, a few drops of lavender in the water bowl, ( always keep a bowl of plain water available, so the dogs have a choice), a drop of essential oil and olive oil rubbed into the ear leather to help calm an anxious dog. Use essential oils very sparingly on pets, since their sense of smell is extremely sensitive and they could become overwhelmed, rather than helped.

My mother likes to put a drop or two of lime or lemon oil in her water.

The best thing to know about essential oils is that they have highly concentrated levels of terpenes (the plant chemicals responsible for scent and flavor). We are just learning about what these terpenes do, but they are loaded with antioxidants and other health promoting properties.

For example, limonine, the terpene in lemons and limes and other citrus fruits has been isolated and is now sold over the counter as a health supplement. It is a powerful antioxidant, and mood elevator.

[Fundog]

Oh, and recently my mother had a bit of a scare, and there was some discussion about needing a breast biopsy. She asked her doctor, if, in the event that was necessary, if he would pour essential oil into the wound before suturing. Naturally, sprinkling ground herbs or even a tincture would not be very practical in this case, and so, with surgeon's approval, essential oil would be preferable.

Ps: further imaging scans revealed all is well, and so surgery was not necessary afterall.

[Doc Jones]

Oh, and recently my mother had a bit of a scare, and there was some discussion about needing a breast biopsy. She asked her doctor, if, in the event that was necessary, if he would pour essential oil into the wound before suturing. Naturally, sprinkling ground herbs or even a tincture would not be very practical in this case, and so, with surgeon's approval, essential oil would be preferable.

Ps: further imaging scans revealed all is well, and so surgery was not necessary afterall.

As a surgeon with a fairly strong natural-medicine bent (Yes...i'm not merely warped...I'm actually bent!) I would strongly recommend not putting an oil into a wound and then closing it up. The essential oil will penetrate just fine from the outside.

[Fundog]

Thank you. I will be sure to pass that along to my mother, should she ever need some sort of surgery in the future.

[Marthabees]

Boy, I'm glad you said that, Doc. I was not comfortable with that idea at all.
Good to know that the EO will just wander in topically.

Martha

[MarisaG]

Oh, and recently my mother had a bit of a scare, and there was some discussion about needing a breast biopsy. She asked her doctor, if, in the event that was necessary, if he would pour essential oil into the wound before suturing. Naturally, sprinkling ground herbs or even a tincture would not be very practical in this case, and so, with surgeon's approval, essential oil would be preferable.

Ps: further imaging scans revealed all is well, and so surgery was not necessary afterall.

I do a very simple salve to prevent needing a breast biopsy I would mix 15 gr virgin coconut oil and 15 gr shea butter (I usually do very small quantities and no water so I don't need preservatives), then add 2 drops each of myrrh, frankincense and turmeric essential oils.
Gold, incense and myrrh. Recent studies say that probably the "gold" in the presents to the baby Jesus was not gold but the potent turmeric, to help the baby be healthy and protect from all disease.
True or not, it is fascinating and I love the smell of the salve. I apply it on the breasts and on the lymphnodes every time I shower.

You can try that!
Marisa

[meredithhww]

Thank you. I will be sure to pass that along to my mother, should she ever need some sort of surgery in the future.

Best of luck!

[Doc Jones]

Boy, I'm glad you said that, Doc. I was not comfortable with that idea at all.
Good to know that the EO will just wander in topically.

Martha

I think it's a good policy to be uncomfortable with a lot of things essential oil lovers say.

The oils are great. The folks that sell them are sometimes whackadoodles. Present company of oil-loving whackadoodles excepted of course.

[srishti_isaave]

There is typically prep work needed in order to put herbs to use, especially medicinally. You’ll likely require a thorough herb collection with many jars of herbs, they take up a lot of cabinet space. Essential oils are able to work through our sense of smell which has an incredibly unique ability to influence our brains in ways that other senses can’t. One issue is Essential oils typically require more care, especially around children, pregnant women, the elderly, and pets. Because the oils are so potent, they can do damage without sufficient care or with improper use.