Clean air scents: purify yourself and your home with Tacy Apostolik.

Have you ever noticed the aroma that comes from peeling an orange, or the sweet smell of a jasmine flower? Can you remember the woody scent of pine when walking through a forest? What you smell is the essential oil of those plants, the very thing that gives them their fragrance. Essential oils have been called the "life blood" of the plant, as they contain a kaleidoscope of active ingredients to protect against infection and disease. Research tells us that plant aromatics were used thousands of years ago as incense and perfumes. Greeks and Romans practiced fumigation to protect themselves from the plague and other epidemics. Egyptians were geniuses at understanding the antiseptic uses and preservative qualities of essential oils for embalming.

According to Robert Tisserand, during the second half of the nineteenth century, when tuberculosis was common, there was a low incidence of this disease in the flower-growing districts of France. The workers who processed those fragrant plants for the essential oil industry were virtually free from respiratory problems. Wouldn't you like to protect yourself from the spread of bacteria, viruses, and molds in your indoor environment? Wouldn't it be great to disinfect your respiratory tract and deepen your breath by simply inhaling the scent of lavender or eucalyptus in your home or workplace? How would you like to feel uplifted by the aroma of lemon or grapefruit, or to be able to improve your concentration by inhaling the fragrance of peppermint? One simple way to do this is to diffuse therapeutic-grade essential oils.

What is therapeutic-grade oil? In order for the oil to be considered therapeutic, the primary constituents within an essential oil have to occur in certain percentages. The diffusion of these essential oils can purify the air by removing unwanted odors, metallic particles, and other toxins. They are known to reduce mold and destroy bacteria and viruses in the air. Diffusing essential oils can increase oxygen levels to the brain, thereby improving mental clarity, relieving headaches, and even helping to balance hormone levels. The oils produce negative ions in the air and through tests have been found to contain the highest levels of antioxidants known. Essential oils have a bioelectrical frequency many times greater than the human body. Inhaling these energetic oils can significantly boost your immune system by increasing your body's own bioelectrical frequencies.

An efficient way to diffuse essential oils is to use a small, portable cold-air diffuser that sends a micro-fine mist into the air where these therapeutic oils can remain suspended for up to several hours. You can begin diffusing fifteen to twenty minutes a day. As you become accustomed to the oils, you can increase diffusing them as often as you like for up to a few hours a day. The aroma from diffusing essential oils is very subtle, much like the first smell of spring.

The naturally occurring compounds in pure essential oils are very fragile, therefore it is important not to heat them or they will lose many of their therapeutic benefits. It is also important to use only pure, high quality therapeutic-grade essential oils. because impure, adulterated oils can actually create toxic compounds in the air.

Citrus oils such as mandarin, lemon and grapefruit can be diffused singly or in blends. They have strong antiseptic properties and are known to kill many types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pheumococcus, and meningococcus. The refreshing scent of citrus oils is emotionally uplifting and is known to help reduce anxiety. They also contain high levels of the naturally occurring chemical component known as limonene, which has been researched for its anti-carcinogenic properties.

Rosemary is said to be a strong antioxidant, inhibiting the action of many microorganisms that can cause infection. Historically, it was one of the herbs diffused in homes and hospitals during the plague to protect people from infection. Of its many therapeutic benefits, the inhalation of this fresh, aromatic herb is commonly used to help relieve sinus and respiratory congestion.

Lemongrass and melaleuca alternifolia can be useful in helping to eliminate environmental mold. Essential oils with high concentrations of the phenols of carvacrol and thymol, such as oregano and thyme, are very effective against viruses. Other essential oils such as peppermint and basil are said to reduce mental fatigue and enhance mental clarity.

Whether it is the floral aroma of geranium or the piney scent of cypress, essential oils are about more than just smell. Diffusing these antibacterial, antiviral, healing oils is a great way to clean the air in your environment and protect yourself from the spread of disease. Breathing in the bioelectrical frequencies of these therapeutic oils can, indeed, have a profound effect on your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to prescribe or diagnose. Before you attempt this or any other health application, consult a licensed medical professional. The author accepts no responsibility for improper and inappropriate use of this material.

CREATE YOUR OWN BLEND!

A "peace and calming" blend consisting of 30 parts lavender, 20 parts Roman chamomile, 10 parts tangerine and 5 parts cistus, is said to be especially effective for reducing stress and is a favorite for diffusing overnight.

A favorite among yoga practitioners is an "inspiration" blend. This is a combination of 40 parts cedar wood, 30 parts balsam fir, 15 parts sandalwood IS parts frankincense and 5 parts myrrh. Many of these essential oils contain sesquiterpenes, a naturally occurring chemical compound found in certain essential oils. Research has shown that sesquiterpenes can actually pass the blood brain barrier, carrying high levels of oxygen directly to the brain, stimulating the pineal and pituitary glands and the hypothalamus. This can aid in the release of melatonin, a hormone associated with deep sleep, assist in hormone balancing, deprogram misinformation in the brain and enhance deep meditation. The inhalation of balsam fir is said to lower cortisol (stressor hormone) levels by forty percent.

Tacy Apostolik is a Board certified reflexologist based in Asheville, NC who uses therapeutic-grade essential oils in her practice. Trained in the science and application of essential oils, she teaches ongoing classes on their safe and effective use. You can contact her at 828-253-4624, or [e-mail]. Website: http://youkiku.younglivingworld.com