Wellness Wednesday: How Do Essential Oils Contribute to Wellness?

Prior to Western and conventional medicine, various cultures and eras used different means of supporting their health medicinally. Whether it was bloodletting, herbs, acupuncture or prayer - as humans we have evolved overtime from shamans and healers to doctors, nurses and hospitals to take care of our health and ailments. Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with this picture. Fellow Registered Nurse here! I recognize and understand the importance of modern medicine and it is AMAZING. We need modern medicine, medications, treatments, diagnostic testing/procedures and everything else in between. Modern medicine has revolutionized the lives of so many people, it has saved lives, prolonged lives of individuals, cured and so much more.

But here's my pickle with it.. Today's healthcare system in Canada (and the USA) is REACTIVE. We are taught to diagnose and treat. We have a symptom, go to the doctor to get it checked and are usually prescribed a medication to treat whatever is going on. What about prevention? What if we actively took part in our lives in preventing illness? What if we could have a tool in our toolbox that is a natural alternative to try first before medication? Wait, please hold. I must preach on something first before we open this can of worms:

EVEN THOUGH ESSENTIAL OILS ARE GREAT AND HAVE BEEN USED HISTORICALLY FOR CENTURIES, IT DOES NOT REPLACE MODERN MEDICINE, MEDICATION, ETC.

I AM NOT HERE TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT OR CURE.

IF YOU HAVE A PULMONARY EMBOLISM - THERE IS NO OIL FOR THAT

IF YOU HAVE A STROKE - THERE IS NOT OIL FOR THAT

IF YOU HAVE CANCER - AN OIL WILL NOT MAKE IT DISAPPEAR

Have I made myself clear?

Okay, let's carry on.

Prevention not only means helping prevent disease and illness, but means being pro-active with our health and body. It's about taking into consideration yourself. What are you eating? What are you drinking? What products are you using? It is ALL linked together. 

One of the easiest ways to utilize Essential Oils for your wellness and prevention is by replacing your common household chemicals and products with healthier, natural alternatives. Have you turned the bottle around and read the ingredients? Do you know what half of them are or what they do? Scan the barcode into the THINK DIRTY App and be blown away to see what you are inhaling/absorbing through your skin.

Common Chemicals found in Household Cleaners

• Phthalates - typically found in fragranced products such as air freshener, soap and even toilet paper. You won't find this under ingredient's as it is usually masked under the term "Fragrance". Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors meaning it affects your hormones. A study done in 2003 found men with higher phthalates in their blood had lower sperm count.
• Perchloroethylene or "PERC" - typically found in spot removers, carpet and upholstery cleaners. This is a neurotoxin (toxic to your brain and nervous system). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually classifies this as a "possible carcinogen"
• Triclosan - found in most dishwashing soaps and soaps labelled "antibacterial". This chemical is an extremely aggressive antibacterial agent that promotes the growth of drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA
• Quarternary Ammonium Compounds or "QUATS" - found in fabric softener, dryer sheets and many other "antibacterial" products. Creates a similar concern to Triclosan in promoting growth of drug-resistant bacteria. QUATs are also a skin irritant (that can lead to dermatitis) and can trigger respiratory sensitivities
• 2-Butoxyethanol - found in window, kitchen and multipurpose cleaners. Aka a Glycol Ether - is a key ingredient in many window cleaners giving it the characteristic "sweet" smell - but it is not required to list on the ingredients. In small quantities can lead to sore throats, but large quantities and exposure can lead to pulmonary edema and severe liver/kidney damage. 
• Ammonia - found in glass cleaner and polishing agents. Ammonia is a powerful irritant, extended use over time (such as for house cleaners) can lead to chronic bronchitis and asthma. Ammonia can also create a poisonous gas if mixed with bleach. 
• Chlorine - toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant and can severely disrupt your thyroid.
• Sodium Hydroxide - oven cleaners and drain openers. AKA Lye - hugely corrosive. It can cause severe burns if contact is made with skin or eyes.

Are you surprised? I was too when I started on my own wellness journey. We assume that the cleaning products and daily products we use that are sitting on store shelves have been checked for safety of everyday use and the implications on our health.

Natural Alternatives/Options: (not only limited to this list obviously)

• Opt for fragrance-free/scent-free alternatives. Many of these chemicals are hidden under the "Fragrance" ingredient umbrella
• Diffuse Essential Oils instead of plug in air fresheners, spray deodorizers or burn candles
• Get rid of dryer sheets and opt instead for wool dryer balls
• Lemon Essential Oil is fantastic for polishing taps and stainless steel appliances. Also incredible sticky residue remover
• All Purpose Cleaner: Tea Tree Oil, White Vinegar & Water in a spray bottle
• Thieves Household Cleaner - great cleaning concentrate you can dilute to whatever dirty job you're tackling at the time
• Natural window cleaner: diluted vinegar and newspaper!
• Vodka - literally will provide a mirrored shine on any metal or mirrored surface

Tune in tomorrow for some Practical Essential Oil Tips for Tip Talk Thursday as we continue our conversation on how Essential Oils can contribute to Wellness!