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If I Could Only Pick Two Essential Oils for My First Aid Kit

If I Could Only Pick Two Essential Oils for My First Aid Kit



I would pick lavender, tea tree (melaleuca)  if I could only choose two bottles for my first aid kit. The picture below will explain why.
Click to enlarge the picture.
Before you leave:

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


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 


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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.




9:48 AM | Read more...
Melaleuca Alternifolia ~ Tea Tree

Melaleuca Alternifolia ~ Tea Tree


Tea tree has been used by the Australian aborigines for a long time. 

Origin 
Tea tree is originally from Australia

Aroma
Tea tree has a very antiseptic aroma. The top note is camphor-like, litte woody, sharp, clean and fresh. The middle note is sweeter, less camphoraceous, spicy, pleasant and woody. The base note is medicinal, woody, little spicy and sharp. It is a neutral oil emotionally that promotes cleansing and purity.


Indications, therapeutic actions and traditional uses
According to Battaglia, tea tree is active against all three categories of infectious organism such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. He says it is also a very effective immune-stimulant and as such it will increase the body's ability to respond to invading organisms. These properties gives tea tree a wide range of applications. 

According to Battaglia, tea tree  makes a great addition to a first aid kit. For example:
  • Dirty wounds may be washed out with a tea tree solution.
  • Athlete's foot, vaginitis, cradle cap, and nail infection may be washed  frequently with a 2.5% tea tree solution.
  • For sore throat, add 10 drops of tea tree to a glass of water and gargle to help clear throat.
  • Add to vaporizer and inhale for congested nasal passage and respiratory infections.
  • Add tea tree to massage oil or to a bath for muscular aches and pain.

According to Battaglia, tea tree is very effective for the treatment of acne and pimples when combined with lavender. It can be mixed in a 1% dilution with a light oil such a jojoba or apricot. Massage into face and then wipe off. He says it can also be added to shampoo and used in the treatment of dandruff. For head lice Battaglia suggests to apply directly to the affected parts and leave for half an hour before washing it out. The head lice treatment needs to done for 10 days at a two day intervals. Dab on pure tea tree oil for insect bites and stings.
According to Gary Young, tea trea is indicated athlete's foot, fungal infections, respiratory infections, bronchitis, rash, gum disease, sore throat, tonsillitis, and vaginal thrush. He says it may also help acne, candida, cold sores, inflammation, warts, viral infections, ingrown nails and wounds. 

Safety
Keep out of reach of children. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.


Before you leave:

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


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 
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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.





 Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

11:58 AM | Read more...
Essential Oils & Head Lice

Essential Oils & Head Lice



I got a message from our homeschool charter that it was discovered that some children had head lice. Fortunately my children have not participated in any classes for the last couple of weeks so we are safe. Having lice is not fun, they are insects that live on people's heads and suck their blood. Unfortunately they are extremely contagious. 

Drug resistance
When we lived in Wales and my children attended public school they often had problems with head lice at their school. It seemed like I received several letters each month telling me they found head lice on yet another child. Luckily, my children got head lice once when we lived there and they were nice enough to pass it on to me too. I learned that the head lice are becoming drug resistance, so no wonder the head lice keeping coming back to schools and other places. Hopefully people will realize the wonderful power of natural remedies since they don't cause drug resistance.

What I did
Back in Wales I used tea tree and rosemary for head lice. I added it to shampoo as well as to the final rinse after shampooing. I also mixed the essential oils with vegetable oils and applied to the scalp and covered with a disposable shower cap and left overnight. 

Studies
According to the Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, cinnamon leaf, anise seed, tea tree (Melaleuca), peppermint, nutmeg, and red thyme used in shampoo and rinse solutions have showed effectiveness against head lice according to studies in Iceland. 

The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide also lists the following oils for head lice:
Eucalyptus radiata, lavender, peppermint, thyme (thymus vulgaris,) and geranium.


Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.


Thanks for reading!



Before you leave:

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


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.






Sources:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing
Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA


4:10 PM | Read more...
Essential Oils & Allergies

Essential Oils & Allergies


The weather here in California has been lovely the last few days and I have enjoyed sitting outside soaking up some sun. Spring is the time when we feel awake and start living again after a long winter. If you suffer from allergies you probably don't enjoy the spring as much as you would like to. You probably suffer from congestion, have watery eyes, runny nose, earaches, and headaches. I know many people that have reduced their suffering by using natural remedies for their allergies. If you haven't tried natural remedies for your allergies yet, then it might be time to give it a try.


Triggers
As most of us know allergies can be triggered by many different things such as environmental chemicals, pollen, food, insect bites dander and dust. People with allergies may suffer from the following:
  • Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
  • Dermatitis, rashes
  • Itching lips, swelling of the tongue or lips
  • Wheezing and labored breathing
Essential oils may be helpful
Essential oils may be of  help when suffering from allergies but it is also important to look into what is causing the allergy. Looking into the underlying causes of your allergy is important, my post Do You Have Allergies? will give you other natural tips to consider when suffering from allergies.

What we used on our dog
We managed to get our dog's congestionunder control with the help of frankincense, but we also changed her diet. We put a couple of drops of frankincense  on our hands and rubbed them together, then cupped them over her nose so that she could inhale the oil. It was an instant relief from her congestion. Our dog preferred frankincense since it also calmed her from the panic attacks she had when she couldn't breath. 


"An allergy is a damaging immune system response to a substance that does not bother most people." Reference Guide for Essential Oils


 Antihistamines
According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils,  Roman Chamomile, lavender and Melaleuca (tea tree) have antihistamine properties. It is important to avoid chamomile if you're allergic to the ragweed.  Studies how that luteolin- 7-orutinoside in peppermint  has antihistamine properties.

The Reference Guide for Essential Oils writes that patchouli, elemi (rashes), eucalyptus, melissa - Lemon Balm (skin and respiratory), and spkikenard are other single oils used for allergies.

 What we do for allergies:
  • We apply lavender to the sinuses to work as an antihistamine.
  • We apply to bottom of feet.
  • We put 2 or more drops into the palm of our left hand, rub clockwise with the flat palm or the right hand. Cup our hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Don't touch your eyes!
  • We apply oils to a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief and place in the air vent of the car. Make sure you don't use any synthetic materials. 
  • Rub 2 or more drops on our wrists, chest, neck, or under the nose and ears. (Indirect inhalation)

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 


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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.




7:29 PM | Read more...
Antiviral Essential Oils

Antiviral Essential Oils


It is very useful to know what kind of oils are antiviral, especially this time of the year when the flu is still going around. If you haven't already stocked up on a couple of antiviral essential oils it may be a good time to do so. Antiviral essential oils "inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection- causing virus." (Reference Guide for Essential Oils)

Essential oils can be used in so many ways. The awesome thing is that you can use them as prevention so you don't have to wait until you get sick. You will have the greatest protection if you use them before you're exposed to the virus.
There are many essential oils with antiviral properties and I'm only going to share the ones I like to use.
According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, has shown some of the strongest antiviral activity. The book also states that oils high in limonene such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, palo santo may also be very effective antiviral agents.


According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, these oils also have antiviral properties:
Eucalyptus blue (Eucalyptol natriol azul), Eucalyptus globulus,  helichrysum, clove, cinnamon bark, manuka, ravensara, oregano, myrrh, cypress, Melaleuca/tea tree, lavender, pine, clary sage, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), sandalwood, bergamot, and clary sage. 
Keep in mind that some oils such as clove, cinnamon, thyme and oregano are very strong and can cause skin irritation. These hot oils should not be applied directly on the skin but can be applied on the bottom of the feet.
Wildcrafting Wednesday Featured Blogger Award

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 Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils.

 Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 



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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.
11:08 AM | Read more...
Essential Oils and Earaches

Essential Oils and Earaches



My daughter woke with an earache yesterday morning so I thought it was a good idea to write a post about what essential oils can be used for earaches. I already wrote a post on how to treat earaches naturally so hop over and check it out to learn other ways to treat an earache. 

 I personally find it easier to use essential oils, but there are times when I'm out of a certain oil and need to use home remedies and herbs instead. There are many ways to treat health conditions and as I see it, it comes down to individual preferences. I like the essential oils the best because they are very potent, take up less space, and they last a very long time since their potency last longer than herbs.



An earache is caused by an infection or inflammation in the ear. The infection can be located behind the ear drum, in the middle ear, or in the outer ear canal. An infection that takes place in the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it causes sudden onset of vertigo, loss of balance, and vomiting.

A children's ear passages are small, so fluid/mucus that normally wouldn't cause any problem in an adult, can cause problems in a child. This is one reason that a child is more prone to earaches than adults.

According to the The online Version of the Essential Oils Desk Reference, the following oils have traditionally been used:
  • Lavender
  • Tea tree
  • Helichrysum
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus (E.radiata)
Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.

Before you leave:


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


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.




12:00 PM | Read more...