Why You Should Start Herbal Body Oiling Too…
Herbal body oiling is one of the easiest, enjoyable and effective additions to your regular self care routine. If you do not already have a self care routine, this is a wonderful place to begin
Benefits of Herbal Body Oiling:
Supports the nervous system.
The skin is covered in nerve endings. Keeping the skin lubricated protects nerve endings while gentle whole body massage relaxes and eases tension in the muscles and lowers stress response.
The myelin sheath is a lipid based layer that provides electrical insulating to the axons of our nervous system.
Moisturizing the skin with fats (oils) and consuming adequate high quality oils in the diet support and nourish the myelin sheath that protects our nervous system.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body.
Keeping the skin hydrated and nourished maintains the proper function of this elimination organ.
Many lotions, soaps and detergents contain toxic chemicals that deteriorate the myelin sheath and impact the nervous system. Special attention should be used when it comes to what we put on our skin.
Brings your body back into a parasympathetic state.
Taking 10 minutes after a shower to coat the skin in oil returns your body to a state of rest and digestion as opposed to fight or flight.
Herbal body oiling “takes the day off”.
Lymphatic drainage.
Gentle massaging around the breast and lymph promotes lymphatic drainage, supports the immune system, improves breast health and opens the heart and solar plexus chakras.
Promotes softer more subtle skin
Body oiling hydrates and nourishes the skin, reducing damage from the sun, stress, and aging.
This ancient practice is effortlessly easy to perform, feels wonderful, and has lasting effects on our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
My favorite herbal oils are olive or jojoba based and infused with St. Johns Wort, Lavender, Mugwort or Rose, but any oil of choice will do.
I prefer to use whole plant infused oils as opposed to essential oils due to the broader range of healing benefits that come from using whole plants.
After a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, pour a little oil into your hand and gently massage oil into your skin. Cover your entire body in oil. Don’t forget the soles of your feet and behind your ears. Stay mindful and breathe deep knowing you are nurturing yourself on a deep level. Allow the oil to soak into the skin for about 10 mins before getting dressed.
Benefits of Mugwort Herbal Oil
Artemisa vulgaris has a long history of use as a protection herb, warding off evil spirits and negative energies
Mugwort is used to enhance dream states. Rub some Mugwort oil into the third eye before bed to increase lucid dreaming or anoint yourself with oil before meditating to increase visualizations.
Mugwort is naturally warming and stimulating to the circulation. Massage Mugwort oil into sore or injured muscles for increased relaxation and to speed up recovery after injury.
Mugwort reduces cramping in the uterus, eases menstrual flow, provides warm to the uterus and brings on a stagnant or late period. Rub oil into lower abdomen.
Mugwort reduces gas pains and indigestion in the stomach and stimulates the gallbladder for improved digestion. Massage oil over stomach in a clockwise motion.
Benefits of Rose Herbal Oil
Rose is naturally toning to the uterus and reduces cramping
Rose oil is a cooling remedy for the heart during heavy emotions
Rose oil makes a wonderful breast massage oil to open the heart and increase your capacity for love
Rose oil helps to calm the spirit and reduce anxiety and stress
Rose is a natural aphrodisiac and may increase sex drive and help you feel more connected to yourself or your partner
Benefits for Lavender Herbal Oil
Lavender oil calms anxiety and stress and invokes a feeling of peace
Lavender is naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and makes an effective topical oil for minor cuts, bruises, and insect bites
Lavender reduces cramping in the uterus and digestive system
Lavender is relaxing to the mind, body and spirit and can help ease you into a peaceful sleep
Benefits of St. John’s Wort Herbal Oil
Blooms with the Summer Solstice, embodying the bright yellow flowers with the healing powers of the sun.
Commonly used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder and feelings of melancholy.
Historically used to cleanse negative energies.
Body oiling with St. John’s Wort oil during the cold and dark winter months is a wonderful practice to uplift and brighten the spirit.
Resources:
van Gemert, M., & Killeen, J. (1997). Chemically Induced Myleinopathies. International Journal of Toxicology, 17, 231–275. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/109158198226567
photo by Chelsea Shapouri via unsplash
