Essential Oils with Tara Grodjesk

Tara Grodjesk, an Aromatherapist, Holistic health educator, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Massage Therapist, visited The Ranch recently and spoke to guests about the many uses of essential oils. Taking advantage of  The Ranch’s fragrant gardens, Tara ventured out to pick flowers and herbs for her presentation so that the guests could sample the freshest aromas possible.  Her fascinating lecture left everyone wanting to go out and purchase little bottles of organic magic. Here are some key takeaways from her talk.

The Benefits of Essential Oil

Natural essential oils can help restore your body’s balance and well-being. They can help boost energy, promote deep relaxation, ease muscle tension, and alleviate several other unhealthy conditions.

Before Using Essential Oils

Place a few drops of diluted oil on the skin of your inner arm. If your arm becomes irritated wash it with cold water and discontinue use of the oil.  Store essential oils in a cool, dark place and keep them out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.

How To Use Essential Oils

Inhale the delicate aroma…

Breathing in essential oils stimulates smell receptors in the nose, which send signals to the limbic system. These signals can affect emotions, and can have a healing physiological effect on the body.

To use, place a few drops of oil on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale.  For a good introduction, when feeling anxious, try this method with ylang-ylang. Or, if you have trouble sleeping, add a few drops of vetiver oil to a tissue and place it next to your bed. When you’re working at your desk, use peppermint to give yourself a boost of aromatherapy – it’s amazing how refreshing it can be.

Try adding five drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, position your head above the bowl, drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and inhale. This is particularly beneficial for those with congestion or bronchitis – see the list below for specific oil suggestions.

Apply on the skin or use in the bath…

Best practice protocols suggest mixing an unscented “carrier oil” with essential oils before putting them directly on the skin. Carrier oils can be any plant-based oil with high oleic acid, such as sesame, jojoba, and sunflower oils. Try making a custom blend by adding 50-60 drops of a favorite essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil.

Used in tiny doses, some pure essential oils can be applied directly to the skin to help heal specific conditions. For example, a dot of tree tea oil can reduce inflammation from acne, and a bit of peppermint oil can be rubbed on the temples to help release tension.

Another great way to use a favorite essential oil is in the bath. Use 10-20 drops of essential oil in a tub of water. Or try The Ranch’s La Puerta Core Essentials ™ bath oil, which contains organic and wild-crafted essential oils. Visit Rancho La Puerta’s Mercado Online to see the entire line of bath products available.

How to Choose the Best Essential Oils

Picking an essential oil is not always about which scent smells the best. If you are perfectly balanced and feel incredible, then it’s safe to assume that that the aroma that you are drawn to is exactly what you need for your mind, body, and spirit. However, Tara emphasizes that, for the most part, it’s best to research the benefits of each oil to determine the best one for you.

Essential oils can be helpful in preventative care but are not a substitute for professional medical treatment.*

These essential oils that may help to remedy  certain common ailments:

Sleeplessness | Marjoram, Nutmeg, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli

Stress and Anxiety | Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose Absolute, Geranium, Sandalwood, Neroli, Jasmine Absolute

Low Energy | Rosemary, Peppermint

Headaches | Lemongrass, Peppermint, Lavender

Congestion | Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cypress, Eucalyptus

Eczema | Patchouli, Bergamot

Digestive Issues | Peppermint, Sweet Orange

Tight Muscles | Vetiver, Eucalyptus,

Focus | Eucalyptus, Peppermint

The Ranch carries La Puerta Core Essentials and Primavera essential oils. You can find essential oils on Tara’s website as well.

*Rancho La Puerta makes no health claims for these essential oils.