Here are a few tidbits from my notes I have taken while reading about essential oils…
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In the Bible there are numerous references to essential oils (or the plant they are derived from)—1,035 to be exact (according to James Steward in "Healing Oils of the Bible"). Some essential oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, rosemary, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard were used for anointing and healing of the sick. The three wise men (magi) brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus and his family in the book of Matthew. Clinical research shows that frankincense and myrrh are two of the most powerful immune-stimulating substances available, containing very high amounts of immune-stimulating properties.
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To get started using essential oils it is helpful to begin by reading all you can, to get an idea on what all the possible uses of essential oils are and what oils may help you achieve the goals you wish to address...be it relaxation, becoming more alert, to help skin problems, or as anti-microbial, anti-viral, etc. You can get to know the oils a few at a time and what they can do. After that, you can try a few more and pretty soon you will have quite a few oils you will know about.
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Make sure you purchase 100% pure essential oils that have not been diluted with other chemicals. I read that some perfume companies do this to sell the oils as perfume and are not concerned with their therapeutic qualities. Another way to check if the oils are 100% pure is if they are in dark, glass containers that protect the oils from light. The site where I made my first order of oils from is where I found the best prices. I am very happy with them and the company says the oils are 100% pure. I got them at: http://www.camdengrey.com/
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Wormwood and mugwort were said to have been planted along roadsides by the Romans, who put sprigs in their sandals to prevent aching feet on long journeys. Both herbs are bitter digestive remedies. Some bitter aperitifs (a small drink of alcoholic liquor taken to stimulate the appetite before a meal, such as vermouth), contain wormwood as a digestive stimulant. As its name implies, wormwood is also used to expel parasitic worms.
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Oils pressed from nuts or seeds, such as almond or coconut, are not particularly aromatic. While healthful as foods and useful as bases for perfumed massage oils or oils for anointing, they do not have the same healing properties as do the oils of spices and other fragrant plants. Plants produce two kinds of oil: non-aromatic fatty oils and fragrant essential oils. All aromatic oils are healing oils.
