Essential oils primer
To begin with I must start by saying I am a big fan of
essential oils. I use them in one way or another, almost everyday for a whole
host of purposes. I keep several small bottles in the car of lemon, grapefruit
and orange oils. When I drive they seem to energize me and clear the air of
other scents. I especially like the rich scent of frankincense; it seems to
help me focus when I am writing articles such as this. I use my own blend of
lemon eucalyptus when I fly. The calming
affects of lavender help slow things down at night before bedtime but most of
all I very much respect the healing effects of tea tree oil and eucalyptus. I
consider them the king and queen of my first aid kit.
A quick review tells us that essential oils are a pure
derivative extracted from plants. They are considered by many to be plant
hormones. So as to be considered pure, nothing is added or mixed with them.
There are no added scents, or preservatives. The molecular structure is such so
as when they enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption or otherwise
they have a specific effect on the human body. Their vibratory frequencies
match up to certain identifiable frequencies in the body thus causing the
desired resonating effect. Essential oils enter the body as a subtle energy
form.
The study of essential oils is a living science unto itself
and since there are so many oils the combinations and effects is almost
endless. Although it is different than traditional medicines essential oils if
used properly may ease symptoms and aid the body in healing itself. The oils
may used by themselves, in combination with others, or even mixed in with a
carrier oil such as jojoba, which helps deliver the essential oils deeper into
the skin and the body.
My Three Favorites
1. Tea Tree Oil
The scientific name is melaleuca alternifolia and is found
as a native species in Australia.
Since it has been used as a medicinal oil for centuries the effects of tea tree
oil and how to use it have been passed down from generation to generation. I
like something that has a proven empirical track record over generations of
time. Tea tree oil is thought to increase the production of white blood cells
that makes it as perfect aid in fighting infection and killing bacteria on
contact. It is considered an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, ant-fungal as well as
an immune system stimulant. This makes it an aid in fighting infection.
2. Eucalyptus oil
Having been in the health club industry for so long
eucalyptus and I were very close friends. It is commonly used in saunas, steam
rooms and inhalation rooms in health clubs. It is considered an extremely
effective germicide, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, anti-viral,
deodorizer, and anti-inflammatory. It is legendary for its effectiveness in
reliving pain as well as bronchial congestion.
3. Lavender oil
Is known worldwide for its calming effects. It is used as a
relaxant, antispasmodic, antidepressant, sedative and a nervous system tonic.
Since it is well known foe its calming affect on the body it may very well help
in preventing stress related diseases.
The element in lavender that helps reduce stress is called tarpenes. It
has been used over the years for migraines, tension, and even burns and scalds
and as an antiseptic. The best lavender oil comes from France
.
The first aid kit
These three oils are easy to use and can be kept in small
dispenser bottles which may help make up a great first aid kit. Consider using
for the following.
Tea tree oil
Abrasions, acne, arthritis, athlete’s foot, bad breath,
bites, blisters, boils, burns, chicken pox, chiggers, cold sores, cuts, cysts,
dandruff, dermatitis, dry scalp. Ear infection, eczema, flea bites, fly bites
on pets, foot odor, fungus, gingivitis, hemorrhoids hives, ingrown hair,
itchiness, lice, mosquito bites, nail conditioner, pimples, psoriasis,
ringworm, scabies, seborrhea, sore throat, stings, sunburn, thrush, ticks,
toenail fungus, toothache oil, mouth ulcers, warts, yeast infections.
Eucalyptus
Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, burns, cuts, emphysema,
fibromyalgia, gout, hay fever, head congestion, insect bites, laryngitis,
muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, osteoporosis, phlebitis, rashes, scoliosis,
shingles, sinus, sunburn, insect repellant, repels fleas & ticks on pets.
Lavender oil
Antiseptic wash, anti-inflammatory, anxiety, burns,
depression, flatulence, foot rub, fungus, herpes, hypertension, insect bites,
insomnia, nausea, post partum, sinus headache, stretch marks, sunburn,
wounds.
Reference
Geronimo, M. Healing
pain relief relaxation moisturizing- pamphlet on essential oils, Phoenix, AZ:
Self Published. Used by permission of author Mark Geronim
