Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new essential oil.

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

We have had wonderful weather up here in the Sierra Foothills the last few day so we have spent many hours outside. I spent a little too much time sitting in the sun the other day. Fortunately, my daughter made an essential oil spray of lavender and calendula for the wound that she got from her bicycle crash the other day.  I felt a lot better after using my daughter's lavender spray. Below are some tips on what to do if you're sore after spending too much time in the sun.

A cooling bath for a sore skin

Super Duper After Sun Healing Spray

Distilled water 1/2 cup

Witch hazel 1/4 cup

Aloe vera 1/4 cup

Lavender  8 drops

R. Chamomile 2 drops

Geranium  1 drop

Honey 1 tsp.

Mix water, witch hazel and aloe vera. Combine honey and essential oils and mix well. Add the essential oil mixture to the water. Make sure you use at least an 8 oz. spray bottle. Use several times during the day.

Other useful things to have at home in case the skin gets sunburned:

Extra virgin olive oil 
Extra virgin oil has traditionally been used to treat and heal burns for centuries. The cold pressed oil is high in vitamins and minerals.

Calendula 
Calendula is a staple in our house. I make infused oils and I always keep an bottle in the fridge. It can be used as a stand alone, or added to other blends, or mixed with essential oils can for extra healing. It is powerful on its own. I also use it as an ingredient when I make ointments, facial creams, or facial toners.

Wheat germ oil 
Is high in antioxidants and is useful for burns and damaged skin.

Honey 
Is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and can be used as a healing agent for dressings. Essential oils increase its effect, lavender and chamomile are especially useful.

Peppermint tea
 Is cooling and a good choice when it is hot and someone needs to cooled down.

Spray bottles 
Make a simple spray of Lavender  and use as a cooling and soothing spray.

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

There are many essential oils to choose between and it can be somewhat confusing to know what oils to start with. You don't need many bottles since you can easily enjoy the benefits of essential oils with only a couple of bottles. I always have lavender and tea tree on hand, and it is actually a very economical way to deal with minor cuts, wounds, scratches and insect bites. They are very versatile, fairly inexpensive, and together they make a great first aid kit.

Base care kit

I have narrowed it down to 10 single oils that I picked for their versatility and ability to deal with a variety of health complaints. Several essential oil companies  have starting kits that contain most of these oils. I highly recommend to purchase a starting kit since it is normally cheaper than buying the individual oils.

10 versatile essential oils

Lavender

Lavender is an oil that I think should be in every home because it is an effective oil to a reasonable price.  It has historically been useful in treating various nervous and psychological disorders due to its sedative and nervine effects. It has historically been used for things like migraine, depression, stress,  insomnia, and nervous tension. If you were to pick only one oil for your first aid pick it should be lavender since it is the most versatile of all essential oils. Its antiseptic properties has historically been used for coughs, colds, catarrh, sinus, flu as well as wounds, burns and all types of pain.

Tea tree

Tea tree is an immune stimulant and has antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic properties. According to Battaglia, it has been proven to be active against all three categories of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree has historically been used for wound healing, fungal infections, congestion, aches and pains, acne and dandruff.

Lemon

Lemon is highly antibacterial. According to Battaglia, it is able to stimulate the action of the white blood cells. Lemon has a purifying, uplifting and revitalizing aroma, and it clears the mind and sharpens the senses.   It is a very pleasant and soothing oil. Research in Japan has proven its effect to improve the ability to concentrate.

The main constituent is limonene, which has been studied for it's anti-cancer effects. 

In the book, The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system. Battaglia says, lemon also counteracts the acidity and makes the stomach more alkaline. It also has a tonic effect on the circulatory system. Historically lemon has been used in skin care due to its astringent effect.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is expectorant, antibacterial and antiviral. It is best known as a decongestant. Eucalyptus has historically been used to treat respiratory problems like sinus problems, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. Eucalyptus increase oxygen to the cells in the body. It has also historically been used to relieve insect bites and muscular aches and pains. Eucalyptus has been recommended for treatments of headaches, neuralgia and debility. It has been used historically to reduce fever. Eucalyptus is effective as an insect repellent, and it has traditionally also been used to treat burns, wounds, blisters and cuts. It also makes a great antiseptic for when you clean, so you can add it to your cleaning water. More information about eucalyptus.

Rosemary

Rosemary is antifungal and antibacterial. It is a general stimulant and it also supports nerves and endocrine gland balance. It has also historicaly been used in treatments for muscular conditions, and makes a useful oil to add to the bath after a tiring day. According to Worwood, rosemary is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, diabetes, coughs and flu. It is also being used in natural hair care as well as in acne and cellulite treatments.

Clove

Clove is a powerful antimicrobial and it has a stimulating effect on the mind. It is not only a strong antiseptic, but it also has carminative and antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps stimulate digestion.  It has historically been used to treat viral diseases, to stimulate digestion, relieve flatulence, and restore the appetite. Clove's anesthetic property has historically been used to ease toothache. The anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.

According to Jean Valnet, MD, clove oil can prevent contagious disease, and may treat arthritis, bronchitis, colera, cystitis, cholera, dental infection, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, tuberculosis, acne, fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, insect bites, hypertenstion, dermatitis, skin cancer, bacterial colitism sinusitis, sores, viral hepatitis, warts, and lymphoma. More information about clove essential oils.

Peppermint

The antispasmodic properties of peppermint have been confirmed in clinical trials. Peppermint is one of the most effective oils of the digestive system. The German Commission E Monographs recommends peppermint oil for obstructions of the bile ducts, gall bladder inflammations and severe liver damage. 

Jean Valnet, MD studied peppermint's supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint helps the circulation as well. According to Worwood, this is a good oil for the treatment of indigestion, flu, catarrh, headaches, toothache, rheumatism, and migraines. It is also keeping the ants, mice, and fleas away. More information about peppermint essential oil.

Geranium

Geranium works on the emotions and is very useful for many medical conditions. Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. According to Battaglia,  geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. He also says it is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex has a regulatory effect on the hormonal system. It may therefore useful in treating PMS and menopausal problems. Geranium balances the sebum and is therefore useful for all skin conditions, but it is especially useful for sluggish, congested, and oily skin. According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.

Chamomile

Chamomile is antiseptic and antibacterial, but it is often valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the skin in Europe. It has historically been used to treat rheumatism. It has also traditionally been used by mothers to ease ear aches, soothe stomach aches and indigestion, and relieve tooth aches and teething pains. Roman chamomile may help calm restlessness and tension. It's anti-infectious properties benefit cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

According to Gary Young, chamomile neutralizes allergies and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. Young also says chamomile can effectively minimize irritability and nervousness in children. 

Chamomile is calming and relaxing and therefore is often used to combat depression, insomnia and stress. It is known to minimize anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Chamomile has historically  been used in treatment of burns, eczema,  psoriasis, asthma, hay fever, migraines, sprains and strains. More about chamomile.

Thyme

Thyme is highly antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and  antiviral. Thyme has historically been used for respiratory problems and digestive complains. It is often used in the prevention and treatment of infection, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Thyme is a general tonic for the nerves and the stomach. It is a wonderful oil to use in the room diffuser when the flu goes around due to it's antiviral properties. Thyme also aids in the detoxification of the body. 

I suggest that you invest in vegetable oils and/or aloe vera gel to dilute the essential oils with. A good diffuser is also recommended. There are many ways these essential oils can be used which make them perfect for a natural first aid kit. 




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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.   
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday
Healthy 2day Wednesday
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Wildcrafting Wednesday
Eco-Kids Tuesday

When you hear of sun protection, you think of a topical application, right? Did you know that our skin can have natural protection from the inside out too? I have some exciting information to pass along to you! Think about this. Sunscreen has not always been around and people in exotic lands are always exposed to the sun. What helps them be protected from the sun? Could it be the vegetation they eat that naturally protects their skin? The raw material they eat in combination to their genetics and type of skin they have could possibly give them a better chance of sun protection.

It's very interesting to find that consuming raw foods high in antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins C & E, lycopene and beta-carotene, are just a few nutrients that offer the skin a natural protection as well. I am not saying that they offer full protection and that the skin will not get burnt just by consuming high amounts of these. But, it certainly does help alongside the use of a safe topical sunscreen. Since my two daughters and I have been consuming a product that has extracts of botanicals that are known to offer these nutrients, our skin has not burnt as easily or as badly as it has been known to before. We've been able to go out, enjoy the sunshine on our skin and get the vitamin D benefits that the sun offers without constantly covering our skin up. Our summer regimen has been spent enjoying an hour of sunscreen-free time in the sun. Then, I'll apply some organic sunscreen for continual outer protection.

As far as skin protection from the inside out, botanicals from around the world offer a great amount of these nutrients that help. For instance, Gac fruit from Southeast Asia offers 70 times more lycopene than tomatoes and 10 times more beta-carotene than carrots. Goji berries from the Himilayas offer vitamins C & E and beta-carotene. Acai berries from the Amazon Rain Forest also has vitamin C and are known to be rich in essential fatty acids. Seabuckthorn is another one that offers vitamins C & E, carotenoids and omega fatty acids. And, of course, all of these offer a rich amount of antioxidants that are crucial for protecting our bodies from free-radical damage. Extracts of these botanicals can be found in the products we have been using called Seven+ from a company called eXfuze®. These are only a few examples of what you can find in these powerful liquid nutritional supplements that are enzymatically active. You won't find any harmful preservatives or artificial sweeteners in these that you have to worry about. Start protecting your skin from the inside out by consuming these nutrients and give your cells what they need to function and be healthy!

 

Stephanie Wilding is an independent distributor of eXfuse - The Power of Seven+ 

She has a passion for helping and encouraging others on their homeschool journey, as she is still learning and growing as well! She has a passion for natural health and to help others live healthier, functional lives. Stop by  her blog Healthy Homeschool 101.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered nurse, or licensed dietician, just a home-schooling mom. Any information I provide is for general education purposes only. I recommend that everyone work alongside their personal physician while pursuing treatment for any condition.