by Sue Wilson, MA, ATC/L, PES, CHHC
Aromatherapy has been a form of healing since the early hundreds. Essential oils are powerful for TBI survivors because they have the capability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB helps protect our brains from toxic materials that circulate through the blood stream. Essential oils are light in molecular weight and very small in size which allows the properties of the essential oils to permeate the brain and create lasting results in the body.
Essential oils are heavily marketed around the world and different companies produce different quality of oils. Essential oils derived from different aspects of plants like; branches, petals, bark and the oil of the plant comes from the distillation and extraction of the plant.
Essential oils gain their strength and composure from the elements of nature. The body cannot build a resistance to the elements that make up a certain oil because the properties of the oil comes from nature such as; wind speed, rain, sunshine and overall climate.
There are 4 ways to use essential oils:
1. You can place a few drops in a diffuser,
2. apply the oil topically,
3. inhale the oil from your hands,
4. take them internally (only ingest if you are using Young Living Essential Oils – Vitality Collection).
Essential oils are extremely versatile, individual and effective when used correctly and with a top brand.
For example, if you have a pounding in your head, apply peppermint to your temples, making sure you don’t rub your eye after because peppermint is a hot oil and will create a cooling sensation. If your legs are sore after exercise, apply one drop of peppermint directly to your area of soreness and enjoy the cooling sensation. If you need extra energy, diffuse peppermint throughout your house, and if your stomach is upset, place one drop of peppermint in your water or in a vegetable capsule and take internally.
Brain Health:
Frankincense = apply one drop to your thumbs, big toes and ears couple times a day
Cedarwood = apply one drop to your brainstem to increase oxygen movement as often as you want
Lavender = apply one drop of each forehead temple for calming brain activity as often as necessary
Peppermint = apply one drop behind each ear for uplifting and alertness
Rosemary and Vetiver = one drop to your wrist of each for focus and concentration
Bergamot = apply one drop over your heart to help deal with emotional support as often as needed
Ylang Ylang = apply one drop behind each ear, thumb and brain stem for anxiety as often as needed
Digestive Health:
DiGize = apply a drop to your stomach after meals or to help with regulating bowel movements
Peppermint = place a drop in a warm glass of water with lemon and honey
Digest and Cleanse = a supplement comprised of powerful essential oils, fennel, ginger. Anise, peppermint.
for FREE essential oils training please visit: www.facesoftbi.com/eo
Sue received her master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, a Certified Athletic Trainer, and a loving mother of two. She’s on the board of directors for CTE Hope, and is dedicated to helping improve the lives of those who have been affected by concussion and brain injury
