Essential oils have amazing healing properties and are very versatile in their use. These four common oils can address many health concerns in any household.
Long known for their healing properties, essential oils can be an effective and natural addition to any household medicine cabinet or first aid kit. When selecting oils always be certain to purchase pure, therapeutic grade oils from a reputable supplier. While the cost of oils varies, inexpensive oils may be watered down, lowering the concentration of their properties and their benefits will be lessened. Fragrant oils are not the same as essential oils. They are synthetically produced and have no healing properties. Listed below are four of the most common and affordable essential oils and their healing properties.
Four Common Healing Oils
Eucalyptus essential oil is great for upper respiratory infections such as colds, sinus congestion, nasal congestion, and coughs. It is very effective in soothing and relaxing sore muscles. Eucalyptus can also be used as an insect repellent. This oil is known to be effective as an analgesic and antiseptic. It also contains antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, decongestant and expectorant healing properties. Eucalyptus must always be mixed with a carrier oil, gel or lotion when being applied to the skin. This oil should be avoided for use with young children, those with high blood pressure and during pregnancy.
Another very common essential oil is lavender. This oil is good for colds, flu, coughs, muscle pain and sunburns. Lavender also has analgesic and antiseptic actions. It’s very effective as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil. Lavender also produces calming and balancing effects on the mind. Although lavender can be applied directly onto the skin without dilution, some may find it to cause irritation. It is best to mix with a carrier such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil, massage gel or lotion. Lavender should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
What is the best essential oil for healing?
Rosemary is a gentle and useful essential oil. It is effective for upper respiratory infections, asthma, sore muscles and can also be used as a bug repellent. This oil has analgesic and antiseptic qualities. Rosemary also contains properties that stimulate the brain and can be inhaled directly to clear the mind. When applying this oil on the skin, it must be diluted with a carrier oil, lotion or gel to avoid irritation. Rosemary should be avoided by those with high blood pressure and those who are pregnant.
The essential oil, tea tree, is another very versatile oil. This oil is great for colds, flu, infectious illnesses, burns, and insect bites. It is an effective antiseptic and can be applied directly onto small cuts and scrapes without being diluted. Tea tree’s other actions include being an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to treat ringworm and athlete’s foot as well. Although tea tree can be applied directly on the skin, it is also effective when combined with lotions, gels or a carrier oil. Tea tree should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Why should you use a carrier oil with essential oils?
Carrier oils are used to help deliver essential oils to your skin. Since essential oils are pretty potent as a stand-alone option, many essential oil blends used for healing need to be mixed with a carrier oil prior to applying to your skin. Most carrier oils are unscented and completely safe to use. The most popular carrier oil options are sweet almond oil, olive oil, and Jojoba oil. The rule of thumb with mixing essential oils for healing with a carrier oil is to use the 2% dilution rule. You’ll mix 12 drops of your selected essential oil per every 1 ounce of carrier oil to ensure your essential oil blend is safe to apply directly on your skin.
Ways to Use Essential Oils at Home
Although each of these oils (eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree) are effective when used alone, combining them can increase their healing actions. Here are a few ideas on how to mix oils and what they can be used for:
Sunburn can be relieved by diluting four drops each of eucalyptus and lavender with four ounces of distilled water and sprayed onto the affected areas. This is especially comforting when the mix has been stored in the refrigerator.
Small cuts and scrapes can be disinfected when washed with a dilution of warm water and several drops of lavender.
An effective insect repellent can be made by mixing five drops each of lavender and rosemary with a carrier oil and sprayed onto the exposed skin and clothing.
When it is necessary to build up immunity, try a steam inhalation of four drops each or eucalyptus and lavender mixed with a pan of steaming water. Drape a towel around to cover the head and pan and breathe in for up to five minutes.
Respiratory and nasal congestion can be effectively treated in the same manner. Add three drops of each eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and tea tree into a pan of steaming water.
An excellent rub for muscle pain can be made by combining two drops each of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary with four teaspoons of a carrier oil such as sweet almond or extra virgin olive oil.
Ear ache pain can be relieved by mixing three drops of and lavender and tea tree oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil and rubbed around the affected ear.
As suggested above, these four oils are very versatile and useful for common injuries and illnesses. So, if looking for natural products to fill a first aid kit or medicine chest at home, be sure to include these four versatile essential oils to address many healing needs.