Six great Essential Oils for Detoxing!

Ever thought of using essential oils in a detox program? Interested in finding out what may be best for you?

Our bodies get rid of toxins naturally in a number of ways. From our skin, or passed through urine, as well as through our lymph glands and respiratory systems. All these systems have evolved well to deal with internal toxins, however it is also true that the body may on occasion need some assistance, particularly after a period of excessive consumption.

Here's where a helping hand from essential oils may help.

As part of our last article on detoxing (15 ways to detox without going hungry), we touched briefly on some of the essential oils that can be used to help rid the toxins collected in the body. This week we'll go further into a number of these essential oils and introduce you to their benefits, particularly as a detox aid.

One of the most pleasant and relaxing ways to detox is to combine a set detox program (see our previous article) with essential oils. Done regularly throughout the year, this method may help the body in its cleansing quest. Are some essential oils more suited to detox work than others? Anecdotal evidence, some dating back generations, has given some of these oils a reputation for helping the body get rid of accumulated toxins.

1. Lavender oil. Relaxing as well as being used for its disinfectant and calming qualities, this traditional oil has been one of the favourites of all the essential oils for generations. Whether used in a bath, or in aromatherapy, lavender oil has the reputation as a wonderful detox agent.

2. Peppermint oil. One of the most recognisable scents of all essential oils, peppermint oil can be used in the bath or taken to help relax. Used as a detox agent, peppermint oil is usually mixed with a range of other oils for best effect.

3. Rosemary oil. Lovers of rosemary oil claim this superb extract helps in detox by improving digestion, circulation and promoting anti-inflammatory effects. Just what you need to help rid your body of nasty toxins!

4. Lemon oil. Ever used lemon oil as a body cleanser? It makes sense with its citric, sharp taste and wonderfully uplifting, sharp scent. There are those who recommend lemon oil as an essential oil well suited to any detox program.

5. Grapefruit oil. Like lemon oil, grapefruit oil is an essential oil that may help the body get rid of accumulated toxins. The astringent taste and scent and the claimed antiseptic properties are just part of the properties that makes this oil a favourite. However care should be taken when using grapefruit oil as it can be phototoxic. Best advice is not to go out in the sun for 24 hours after use. Grapefruit Oil essential oil can be found by Eco Modern Essentials.

6. Juniper oil. Users claim that juniper oil helps calm the nerves and relieves tension.

If you count detox as helping relax the mind as well as helping to facilitate some meditation then please try detoxing with the essential oils as suggested above. As another suggestion, why not try a revitalising massage using a mix of some of these essential oils? Be aware that if you are using essential oils in a massage, don’t apply them straight onto the skin. Use a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil.

Always seek advice from a professional aromatherapist before using essential oils, particularly if pregnant, and use safe vaporisers that are designed to be used at a low temperature. Aussie Health Products recommends the following listed here.

Do you have any favourite oils not listed? Or perhaps you have a recipe for a mix of these oils that work for you? If so, please let us know, we'd be happy to add them.