ESSENTIAL OILS - MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY SMELL
Not too long ago, I was talking with a good friend of mine about her recent foot surgery. She mentioned that after the surgery she was unable to bend her toe.
As my friend was lamenting the loss of toe motion, I started rattling off a list of essential oils she must use to regain full use. By the time I finished giving her my ‘prescription’ she says, “Hold on, you have to text that info to me because I won’t remember all that.”
This scenario happens to me pretty much every week and it causes me to spend a lot of time texting what I call my “oil prescriptions.”
In case you hadn't noticed yet, I am a self-proclaimed essential oils fanatic and I’m going take this moment to share with you a few of my favorite essential oils along with their typical uses:
Peppermint – My peppermint oil travels everywhere I go. Why, you ask? It can be used for so many different reasons. For tummy issues (nausea, gas, bloating, cramps), you can just roll some peppermint oil on your belly and massage lightly. However, you may want to wash your hands after because the mint stings if it gets in your eyes. Peppermint oil can also be used for headaches, fever, hot flashes, and nasal congestion.
Lemon – I use lemon essential oil as a laundry freshener, aromatherapy (mixed with peppermint, it will wake up your senses and uplift your mood) It’s also great as for household cleaning. Mixed with plant-based cleaners for countertops and appliances, lemon essential oil is a great antibacterial agent, and it makes everything smell so fresh.
Frankincense – Let me count the ways! The fact that Frankincense was one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus means there is biblical value associated with this magical oil. Some of my favorite uses are as follows:
Healing - Helps with tension and nervousness. This immunity boosting essential oil can also be used for meditation, mental clarity, stress, and anxiety.
Skin conditions- This essential oil can be used for bruises and sores, acne, scars, etc. I put several drops of frankincense in my coconut oil face wash as well as well as my face creams. Its healing qualities keep your skin looking radiant.
Lavender – I keep a bottle of lavender essential oil on my nightstand next to my roller of Frankincense. When I get in bed, I roll both oils on the soles of my feet to promote deep and restorative sleep. Lavender also works great for:
Anxiety – Place a few drops of lavender in your palms and breathe in deeply to calm your nerves and relax your mind.
Skin – Due to its antibacterial properties, lavender is great for skin conditions such as eczema, rashes. ringworm and mosquito bites. Place a few drops in a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil), before applying to the skin. It’s also a good bug repellant.
Pain – This oil is essential (pardon the pun) to relieve headaches and other pains. It soothes sunburn, reduces fever and helps heal chapped skin. Be sure to dilute. Pro tip: Mix Lavender and Peppermint oils for quicker pain relief.
These oils plus hundreds of others are amazing when used in oil diffusers as well. I love to experiment with blends to see what effects they have on my environment. I use several oil diffusers in my home to enhance my environment. We keep the large one going on the counter between the kitchen and family room. We use the smaller ones in the bedroom and guest rooms.
I could go on forever, but just wanted to share a few ideas on how valuable this ancient resource is.
Essential oils are still just as effective and healing as they were thousands of years ago. When used properly, they are also less expensive and less toxic than modern drugs.
If you have questions regarding a specific oil or condition that you’re curious about, comment below.
Although I’m not a licensed practitioner, I’ve had lots of success using essential oil remedies for many years, and they've kept me healthy without the need for pharmaceuticals.
As for my friend…I recommended she blend Frankincense, Copaiba, Lavender and Peppermint to a carrier oil and massage vigorously until her toe becomes limber again. I’ll be waiting for her testimonial!
Tip: I purchase roller bottles online by the dozen to create my own blends or simply for convenience…roller bottles travel well in your purse, backpack or pocket.
You can purchase single bottles at your local health food stores such as Whole Foods and Sprouts.
