I've had so many comments recently asking me about Essential Oils, so I thought I'd give you a quick "101" on why I'm obsessed with them, and how they work. I a big "smell" person - just as some people are "visual learners" and others are "auditory learners," I am a "smell-learner"! I think my daughter is too, because I've noticed that from a really early age one of the first things she does when encountering a new product, is to sniff it. It can be anything from a new book/pencil to a new dress - it's scent has got to be checked out! Our olafactory response is way more powerful than most of us realize. The smells we take in from our environment can cave a profound effect on many of our bodily systems, most notably our nervous system.
My home is always filled with beautiful, natural fragrances from Essential Oils. I can't live without them. I take them on airplanes, and have to bring natural oils with me when I'm going to be staying in a hotel room because certain Essential Oils remove the mustiness of a sealed-up room, and help me to relax. Pure essential oils are so potent in their therapeutic powers, that in Europe they are used to treat clinical depression and severe anxiety. I want to address a bunch of questions that I've had from my community, in the hope that they might help you, too. So, here goes:
Tea Tree: This is one of my big go-to oils because of it's incredible antiseptic action - it is 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid! It is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. The Aborigines have been using it in medications for centuries, and it is used in many Australian hospitals in place of regular anti-bacterial agents, because it guards against the spread of super-bugs.
Lavender: This oil is very good for treating burns and scalds. It is also a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and an anti-depressant. It stimulates the immune system, and is great for alleviating stress.
Peppermint: Aside from helping to keep ants and fleas at bay, Peppermint is a great digestive aid, so is great if you suffer from heart burn, gas, and/or bad breath. It is my go-to oil for headaches, and also really helps with focus.
Chamomile: There are different types of Chamomile, and I usually use Roman Chamomile because it's great for treating anxiety and insomnia. It is highly anti-inflammatory. Chamomile is wonderful for children because it's gentle and safe enough to be used in low concentrations to treat anxiety and for babies/children who have trouble sleeping.
Eucalyptus: This oil is hugely effective in treating coughs, colds, and all respiratory conditions. It's very versatile - cooling the body in Summer, and protecting it in the Winter.
Geranium: Geranium is my all-time favorite oil because it lifts my heart! It works profoundly on emotion, and is wonderful for helping anyone to deal with depression and/or pain. I use it for it's anti-aging properties in skin care formulations, too.
Rosemary: Rosemary is physically and mentally stimulating, so perfect to use in the mornings to get you going. It's antiseptic and often used for scalp conditions. It's also great for migraines, coughs and flu.
Thyme: Thyme has very powerful anti-viral properties. When colds/flu are around, you always want to have Thyme oil to diffuse in every room. Thyme must be used very carefully, and NEVER be applied directly to the skin.
Lemon: I use Lemon Essential Oil a great deal in blends. It's antiseptic and anti-bacterial. It can treat insect bites and tension headaches, and can be used for flavoring. Clove: Clove is a very powerful oil. Traditionally used for toothache, it can also be very effective in the treatment of asthma, nausea.
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