Wednesday, September 01, 2021

My Journey Into Alternative Health Therapies, And Top 4 Antibacterial Essential Oils

My Journey

Ever since I can remember, I've always had an interest in alternative health therapies. It's not that I don't believe in conventional medicine, because I do. However for me, personally, my body seems to respond more favorably to alternative modes of health. Even as a kid I was always interested in how Native American Indians used things from the earth (such as herbs) to promote health, as well as the Asian and Egyptian cultures. What especially interested me about these cultures was how they didn't just treat illness as a "physical thing" because they perceived healing as a combination of body, mind and spirit. They addressed the whole. And that made perfect sense to me because I believe that all three are interconnected and support each other. When one is out of sync, it affects the other two. 

It was back in the 1980's when I started my own personal journey into investigating alternative therapies through books. I would go to the library and bookstores and read everything I could get my hands on. I was like a sponge, thirsty for knowledge. Then in the 1990's and early-2000's, I changed direction in my goal as a theater actor and traveled down another path. I focused my time and energy on putting these alternative therapies into practice by investing in classes and attaining my certifications. I am certified in Reiki (Level 2), Foot Reflexology, Hot Stone Reflexology, and Introduction To Aromatherapy. All of which I continue to use on myself regularly. I consider these things valuable tools in supporting and sustaining positive health. Not only are they beneficial for healing, but prevention as well.

And oddly enough, I never questioned my redirection in paths because even when I was very much focused on my theater career, alternative health practices where always a huge part of my preparation for performing onstage. To be an actor in the theater, your health is extremely important because you have to perform six days a week, eight shows a week; therefore, I used these practices to remain strong, increase my energy, and keep my mind sharp.

For many years, I not only offered my services to others for a fee, but I also offered my services as a volunteer, working with those who were HIV. And at hospice, I offered my assistance to those in the final phase of life. 

And I have to say that volunteering was the most rewarding and fulfilling because I learned the most about healing. Sometimes healing does not mean recovering from an illness, it means embracing and accepting what is, which is a different kind of healing. And a very powerful one. 

I must also add here that working as a volunteer was never depressing or sad for me. On the contrary, it was extremely uplifting and inspiring because being with those who were seriously ill and/or dying, taught me so much about living. 

---------------------------------------- 

Today I would like to share one of the therapies that I use: 

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a gentle ancient art that utilizes the properties and aromas of essential plant oils to influence the body, mind and spirit.

Essential oils occur widely in the plant kingdom and are sometimes referred to as the plants "life force." This life force is very much connected to the human life force. When the two come in contact, a natural restoration is possible.

Essential oils cause effects by two main routes – the skin and the nose. When applied to the skin, a carrier oil (vegetable) is used to dilute and distribute the essential oil over its surface. Simultaneously the aroma is absorbed through the nose, affecting the mind and emotions.

Aromatherapy is a powerful pathway that can open the consciousness, touch the spirit, quiet the mind, and rejuvenate the body.

Listed below are the four essential oils I am never without because I use them on a daily basis. And not only for their antibacterial benefits, but so many other benefits as well. 

Example: Peppermint oil is not only beneficial for things like colds, headaches, relieves itching, and reduces muscle spams, it's also an excellent bug deterrent. I use it a lot during the summer months to keep bugs at bay. I learned this from living in Florida where bugs are plentiful. I simply place a few drops of peppermint oil on small cotton pads and then distribute them around my apartment. VIOLA! I never see a bug. Plus, my apartment smells fresh and clean. 

Uses and benefits of all four essential oils...

-PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Peppermint essential oil has many uses that range from a topical to an oral rinse. It is a complex oil that has been used as herb, flavoring, and more for thousands of years. Its versatility as one of the antibacterial essential oils makes peppermint a top choice for most health concerns. There are strong antibacterial capabilities, but that is just the tip of the iceberg from this amazing plant.

Peppermint essential oil is a complex ingredient that has benefited man for thousands of years. In this study, which appeared in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, peppermint essential oil was shown to be an effective treatment for all 22 types of bacteria used in the study.

-LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender essential oil, like peppermint essential oil, has a long and rich history as a versatile treatment for many different conditions. Lavender is prized for its ability to help reduce emotional stress, improve sleep, and beneficial in skincare.

In a study that appeared in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine site, the benefits of lavender essential oil was shown to be an effective agent against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Lavender Essential Oil is an ancient medicinal agent with a long list of healing benefits.

-TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tea Tree essential oil has a long history as a curative and tool for wound treatment. And now it seems to be the new wonder ingredient in many products. It has a strong, pungent odor and powerful antibacterial action. However, its usage goes far beyond that of antibacterial essential oils and includes skin treatment, cosmetics, and as a blending ingredient in special recipes for health.

In a study that appeared on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s site, they discussed the fact that tea tree is an antibacterial essential oil that may provide a treatment for wound therapy against antibiotic resistant pathogens.

-EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

Eucalyptus essential oil is perhaps best known for its respiratory benefits. The powerful smelling eucalyptus essential oil not only invigorates the body but also works well as both an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Eucalyptus essential oil, like peppermint essential oil, appeared in a study found on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website. The study compared ten essential oils and their antibacterial properties against 22 gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Like peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil was effective against all 22 strains of bacteria in the test.

Last Christmas, I treated myself to a new essential oil diffuser and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I use it several times a week to keep my sinuses and lungs clean and clear, particularly during the summer months because of the humidity. 

I also treated myself to an essential oil set from the same company and found them to be of excellent quality.

I do hope you found this post informative and helpful in some way. 

In the future, I may be sharing other alternative therapies that I use as well. 

Wishing you a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone! 💗

-Helpful Links:

Essential Oils:

Aura Cacia

GuruNada

Diffuser:

GuruNada

Aromatherapy Courses:

Aromahead Institute

Additional Information on Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy Info

I use this and love it: Trader Joe's Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray

*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for the sole purpose of sharing natural health information and is in no way medical advice or medical treatment.

When it comes to using essential oils around pets, always walk on the side of caution. I suggest consulting with your vet when using oils on or around your furry friends to find out which ones are safe and which ones are not.