My Essential Oils

Back in college I started experimenting with essential oils. Never one to take over-the-counter medications for my ailments, instead I rely on a combination of homeopathic treatments. Nature provides us with one of the safest and most effective natural medicines around. Essential oils are extracted from certain flowers, fruits, leaves, roots and trees. There are currently around 300 different essential oils and each oil can be used for many different and diverse purposes.

My top essential oils are:

• Lavender
• Melaleuca (or tea tree)
• Peppermint
• Chamomile
• Eucalyptus
• Geranium
• Rosemary
• Lemon

Lavender is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier. It is very effective in treating burns, helps prevent scarring, stimulates the immune system and promotes healing.

Melaleuca  or tea tree oil is indigenous to Australia and has been used by the Aborigines for centuries. It has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which make it a powerhouse oil in the treatment of  infections, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, toothaches and countless other maladies.

Peppermint has been used in many ancient cultures including the Native Americans, Egyptians, and Chinese for it’s health-promoting properties. Is is an excellent digestive aide, helps the respiratory and circulatory systems, is an anti-inflammatory and and antiseptic. It is especially helpful in the treatment of indigestion, bad breath, flu, headaches, migraines, skin irritations, arthritis, toothache and fatigue. It has also proven effective at keeping lice, mice, fleas and ants away.

Chamomile is most used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used for teething, in bathes for soothing, used in the treatment of burns, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, diarrhea, sprains, strains, fever and other nervous disorders. It is analgesia, diuretic, sedative and calming. It is a powerhouse oil and is extremely helpful.

Eucalyptus is very versatile. It can cool the body when warm and protect it in the cold. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing. It is effective against coughs, colds, candida, diabetes and sunburn. Is a natural insect repellent and is beneficial in veterinary care as well.

Geranium has proven helpful with menopausal symptoms, diabetes, blood disorders, throat infections, and is very effective in the treatment of endometriosis. Geranium oil is antiseptic, and generally very useful.

Rosemary is a physical and mental stimulant. Is is an excellent antiseptic for the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraines, headaches, coughs, flu and diabetes.

Lemon is antiseptic and antibacterial and has many uses including the treatment of insect bites, tension headaches, stimulates the digestive system, helps disperse cellulite and and is a water purifier.

When purchasing oils look for those that are:

• 100% pure oil extracted directly from the botanical plant source
• Certified to contain NO synthetics or impurities
• Tested to meet stringent quality specifications every time
• Each oil is traceable to its source
• Harvested using sustainable and ethical practices

Essential oils can be used in compresses, steam inhalations, massage oils, diffusers, baths, soaks, sprays and even ingested.

Typically I use the following chart when using oils.

Bath Oils – 15 drops of oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil

Bath Salts – 20 drops of oil to 3 cups of salts

Diffuser – 20 drops of oil

Massage oil – 10 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil

Below are some of my favorite oil combinations.

Happiness Blend

3 drops Bergamot

1 drop Ylang Ylang

1 drop Grapefruit

Can be diffused, used in a bath or in a carrier oil.

Headache Blend

3 drops Eucalyptus

3 drops Peppermint

3 drops Rosemary

1 drop Lavender

Can be diffused, used in a bath,  in a carrier oil and applied to the temple or the bottom of the feet and in an inhaler.

Sore Muscle Blend

7 drops Cederwood

3 drops Peppermint

Used in a bath or in a carrier oil and massage into sore muscles.

*Dilution Recommendation

5-18 drops of oil per 1 ounce carrier oil (Adult)

5-6 drops of oil per 1 ounce carrier oil (child)