Endless Opportunities with Just 6 Essential Oils
Guest Blogging today on Heal Now and Forever is my friend from high school KC Rossi. KC is a beautiful soul, a nationally certified aromatherapist, and the owner of Heart Blossom Essentials. Many readers have asked for information on essential oils, so I asked KC to help me out. I am grateful that she agreed! Enjoy! <3 Jodi
There is something really beautiful and profound in simplicity. In today’s world where more is generally perceived as better, it’s nice to pare down to basics, go deeper and establish a relationship with each essential oil. Taking the time to ‘get to know’ your essential oils will not only give you more aromatically pleasing blends, but an opportunity to create successful healing remedies as well.
Six essential oils that can transform how you deal with ailments both emotionally and physically are Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Sweet Orange, Roman Chamomile, and Eucalyptus.
*For the best therapeutic oils: always look for pure, undiluted essential oils; organic, unsprayed or wild-crafted.*
Lavender; The “King” of Essential Oils!
This purple power house is universally adored by men, women & children alike. The versatility is hard to match, thanks to it’s diverse and rich phyto-chemical make-up. From burns to bee stings, tension headaches to depression, Lavender essential oil is the one amber bottle you want to reach for.
Key Healing Actions of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Cicatrisant
Peppermint; So Darn Cool!
Known for it’s wonderful digestive properties, ability to improve mental alertness and effectiveness on pain…refreshing any way you slice it! A nice addition to blends when detoxification is needed, as it protects the liver.
Key Healing Actions of Peppermint (Mentha x piperita):
Analgesic, Decongestant, Anti-inflammatory, Febrifuge
Tea Tree; The Yuck Zapper!
Prized as a healthy choice when ‘cleansing & clearing’ are desired. Regarded highly for it’s broad band spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Effective on acne, sore throats and an awesome addition in DIY cleaning products.
Key Healing Actions of Tea Tree (Maleluca alternifolia):
Antibiotic, Antiseptic, Anti-fungal, Immune Stimulant
Sweet Orange; Bright & Uplifting!
This cheery citrus is a must for any emotional unease. A first choice contender for stomach disorders (bloat, gas, nausea, etc.). Great when blending for children because of it’s sweet and pleasing aroma.
Key Healing Actions of Sweet Orange(Citrus sinensis):
Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Carminative, Stomachic
Roman Chamomile; Star Soother!
Such a gem when conditions of the nervous system call to be calmed. Perfect to assist with sleep, restless leg syndrome, anxiety and other tight & stressful conditions.
Key Healing Actions of Roman Chamomile(Chamaemelum nobile):
Antispasmodic, Sedative, Tonic, Calming
Eucalyptus; Germ Killer to the Rescue!
What a choice for cold and flu care, both preventative and symptomatic. This essential oil is awesome for respiratory conditions and when strong germ fighting abilities are needed. Also an excellent natural insect repellant and used to treat blisters and wounds.
Key Healing Actions of Eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus):
Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Mucolytic, Expectorant
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Use a Carrier Oil
When using essential oils, remember they are very concentrated little buggers! It is recommended to use a carrier oil (like all natural, unscented cream or organic jojoba for example) to protect the skin and aid in proper application and absorption. Also, always store oils in colored (amber or cobalt) glass in a cool, dark space to protect their effectiveness.
A good rule of thumb is the 1-2-3 method:
1% dilution: 5-6 total drops of essential oils per carrier ounce. Perfect for children, elders, chronically ill persons, sensitive folk and pregnant women.
2% dilution: 10-12 total drops of essential oils per carrier ounce. This dilution is used for the average adult and for daily use.
3% dilution: 15-18 total drops of essential oils per carrier ounce. Best dilution for illness or injury. Recommended for short term use.
Now the fun part…Let’s Create!
Essential oil recipes to get you started
Room Spray-airborne deodorizer, antibacterial, uplifting
Dilution: 2%
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)-10 drops
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)-10 drops
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)-3 drops
In a 2 oz. clean spray bottle add the above essentials to 2 oz. of distilled water. Shake well before using. Spray throughout the room, as desired.
Steam Inhalation-for decongestion, sinus, cold & flu
Add 1 drop of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) to a bowl of steamy water (not boiling). With your eyes closed, lean over the bowl, with a towel draped over your head and breathe in for as long as comfortable. Useful 2-3 times per day, for approximately 3 days when symptoms are present OR once per day, once a week for preventative maintenance. Not for children under 5.
Pain Relief Cream-for sore, painful and/or inflamed conditions
Dilution: 3%
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)-20 drops
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)-10 drops
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)-5 drops
In a 2 oz. clean glass jar mix the above essential oil blend in 2 oz. of all natural, unscented lotion base OR jojoba. Stir well, until combined. Apply over affected area up to 3 times per day or as needed. Not for children under 5.
Household Scrub-for sinks, tiles, stove tops and more
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)-20 drops
Tea Tree (Maleluca alternifolia)-15 drops
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)-5 drops
Mix 1 cup of baking soda, 3 tablespoons of castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with the above essential oil mix. Whip and store in a glass container, with an airtight seal. Apply like a ‘soft scrub’ on the back of a scruffy sponge and clean away.
Until next time…
Breathe Joy,
KC
www.heartblossomessentials.com
Find Kc on Facebook: HeartBlossom
Very Interesting, Thank you.
I already use the Eucalyptus regularly for asthma.
nikky44 recently posted..Reader’s Love and appreciation
Hi Nikky44~
Palo Santo(Bursera graveolens), also known as ‘Holy Wood’ is a good choice for asthma and other respiratory issues. It smells great and is deeply restoring emotionally.
Nikky, I use it too! One more thing we have in common! <3
I’d use any just for the scent alone. I had no idea they had these abilities.
Thanks, Jodi!
Kelly Hashway recently posted..Monday Mishmash and a Giveaway
They can do amazing things, I have been suing them for years rather than any over the counter meds! And in place of some prescriptions, too!
Hi Kelly~
)
Once you start using them, you will be hooked! Essential oils are such a natural and enjoyable way to bring health & harmony into your world…the pleasing aromas are a “perk”.
Interesting indeed!
I’ve read so much about essential oils but never really got down to using any of them. Here you mentioned such wonderful options for all of us.
I think eucalyptus always has those healing agents in it and using a few of them as spray is a nice idea as well. Got to make a note of this and check them out.
Thanks for sharing.
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer recently posted..Why Do Children Get Angry
Harleena,
You are missing out. I cannot live without them!
Hi Harleena~
The room mists are super easy and very effective to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. Keep us posted when you create your first blend!
I’ve never used essential oils, and I don’t know a lot about them, so this post was very helpful–thank you!
Tina Barbour recently posted..The things we do because of OCD: Lying
Tina!
They can change your life and really help you! They have amazing effects on mood and behavior! I swear by them. I didn’t forget about the writing a post about “why?” from the comment discussion on June 25 on your blog (Nadine suggested it), actually Nikky reminded me. I am planning this Wednesday post on Anxiety-Schmanxiety on it.
Love,
Jodi
Hi Tina~
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay-
http://astore.amazon.com/rocket101-20/detail/0892818875 is a beautiful book when you want to dive a little deeper into the magical world of essential oils.
Enjoy!
I have a client who creates custom oil/personal fragrance blends, and I have to say, they definitely make a difference in my day.
Beverly Diehl recently posted..Popping My Cherry at ToastWriters
Hi Beverly~
I agree! I am sensitive to synthetic “fragrances”, so natural personal essential oil blends are delightful. I love Neroli flower infused in vanilla jojoba. So YUM!