Individual Scents
How To Use Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is a great oil to have on hand next to your diffuser year round. A cheerful scent with a delicious sweetness, its ability to uplift the mood is almost unparalleled. Not only will Lemon uplift the mood, but it will also purify the air in the home and in the workplace.
- Freshen Up Blend: In your diffuser, mix Lemon oil, Lavender oil, Neroli oil and Tea Tree oil to freshen and purify the air.
- Direct Palm Inhalation: To receive the cheerful, invigorating effects of our pure Lemon oil, inhale Lemon mixed with Lavender.
- This is a great pick-me-up: Try it instead of reaching for a cup of tea or coffee.
Lemon Oil Precautions
Like many citrus essential oils, Lemon oil is phototoxic. This means that when an essential oil is applied topically, exposure to sunlight (UV rays to be exact) causes the skin to become hyper-sensitive and burn much more easily. It is recommended to stay out of direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after using Lemon oil on the skin.
Other Ways To Use Lemon Essential Oil
- Massage Blend:
Use a drop or two in your massage essential oil blend and carrier oil if your intention for the healing session is invigorating and uplifting. Lemon helps to clear the way for new emotional patterns to develop. Please note safety considerations (above) before applying Lemon essential oil to skin.
- Household Cleaner:
Add Lemon essential oil to water in a spray bottle and use as a cleanser to purify surfaces in the home and workplace. Add a drop or two to the laundry cycle for a fresh effect.
- For Pain Relief
A natural way to reduce pain signals in the brain was found with Lemon oil aromatherapy. The study, published in 2002, was conducted on lab rats during a persistent experience of pain; the rats that inhaled the aroma of Lemon oil showed a decrease in behaviors indicative of pain.
- Enhance Mood & Concentration
If you have ever deeply inhaled the scent of Lemon oil, you’ve probably noticed that it has a stimulating, and yet calming, influence in the mind. In an effort to better understand the relationship between smell and mood, researchers examined the psychological and physiological impact of smelling either Lemon oil, lavender oil, or plain water before and after experiencing a stressor.
Of the 56 healthy volunteers, those that smelled Lemon oil reported increased positive mood – despite having their hands plunged in ice water! The researchers also measured stress hormones and found that norepinephrine, which plays a role in cognition and learning, was maintained at elevated levels after inhaling Lemon oil.
- Lessen Stress & Anxiety
One of the great paradoxes of Lemon oil is its ability to invigorate and relax. In addition to its anti-depressant and cognition-boosting qualities, Lemon oil aromatherapy was shown to calm the nerves and relieve stress in two separate studies.
- Lose Weight
It may seem like a bold statement, but Lemon oil can actually help you lose weight by suppressing weight gain, dissolving body fat, and reducing appetite. This was demonstrated in a study where exposure to a blend of Lemon oil and Grapefruit oil aromatherapy increased reduced body weight in lab rats.
- Alleviate Morning Sickness
A clinical trial from 2014 examined the effects of Lemon oil aromatherapy on pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness. Involving more than 100 participants, the study determined that inhaling Lemon oil as soon as feelings of nausea were present had the effect of drastically reducing queasiness and retching as well as an overall decrease in the intensity of those symptoms.
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Make Your Own Lemon Oil
It’s not difficult to make your own Lemon Oil. These simple recipes use the cold process method. Because this method does not use heat the enzymes and micronutrients are better preserved, but the Lemon oil you make will not be as strong as the distilled Lemon essential oil that you might purchase.
Recipe #1
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- Cold-pressed olive oil
Directions
Grate the outside of the lemon over a bowl. Fill a small glass bottle halfway with the grated lemon zest. Fill the rest of the bottle with olive oil. Set the bottle on a windowsill or somewhere else that gets a lot of sun.
Leave it there for a few days, but shake the bottle a few times per day. Store lemon oil in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe #2
Ingredients
- Lemons
- Coconut Oil
Directions
Wash and dry lemons. Using a vegetable peeler, cut thin slivers of the yellow skin in long ribbons. (Or if you have a zester, use that!) Make sure not to peel off the bitter white pith, just the outside will do. Pack peels tightly in a jar, then pour in just enough coconut oil to cover.
Place in a sunny window for 1-2 weeks, shaking every day. Strain peels and pour oil into a jar. Store in a dark cabinet or the fridge.
Recipe #3
I prefer an olive oil infusion for salads, but because it’s so vulnerable to oxidation via sunlight I let mine “steep” longer in a dark cabinet to attains its distinct flavor. Like the cold process coconut oil version, this method preserves enzymes and micronutrients.
Ingredients
- Lemons
- Olive Oil
Directions
Wash and dry lemons. Using a vegetable peeler, cut thin slivers of the yellow skin in long ribbons. (Or if you have a zester, use that!) Make sure not to peel off the bitter white pith, just the outside will do. Pack peels snugly in a jar, then pour in just enough olive oil to cover. Seal tightly and place in a dark cabinet for 1-2 months, shaking every few days.
Strain peels and pour oil into a jar. Store in a dark cabinet or the fridge.
Sources:
Thyme Essential Oil
There are many types of thyme, some of which can be used safely in all situations and some which cannot. Thyme oil ranks high on the versatility index of essential oils. Diffused, it boosts wellness, fortifying the lungs and clearing the breath.
Thyme has notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic properties and should be used with great care.
- Application:
Thyme oil should never be used undiluted on the skin. It can be applied topically at very low dilutions of 1% or less or used in a blend as a compress. It may also be used in direct inhalation or diffused. Add to food or soy / rice milk as a dietary supplement or flavoring.
- Fragrant Influence:
It may be beneficial in helping to overcome fatigue and exhaustion after illness.
- Safety Data:
Overuse of Thyme essential oil can stimulate the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Like many good things, it must be used in moderation. It should never be applied to the skin undiluted and should not be used on children unless it is within the chemotype Thyme linalol. It can be irritating for the mucus membranes and it should not be used by those who are pregnant.
Thyme is a vital component of the Basic Care Kit because of its powerful antiviral properties. When flu is around it is a wonderful oil to have on the diffuser. It assists in the elimination of toxic wastes from the body. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including whooping cough, warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, fatigue, and acne.
Inhaled, Thyme oil is uplifting and relieves depression, stimulates the respiratory system and relieves the spasm of asthma, is an antiseptic for all sorts of muccoid conditions, kills bacteria in the air, and is used for bronchitis or pneumonia. Thyme oil is also mildly sedating and can be used for insomnia.
Internal dose is three to five drops in honey water three times a day.
It is also extremely useful in antiseptic powders, hair and skin care regimes, and cooking. Just to make it a perfect all-rounder, thyme will discourage all manner of parasites and insects from invading your home.
In Greek, “thymos” means “to perfume”; one of thyme’s many traditional uses was in fumigation. Ancient Egyptians used thyme oil for embalming. In many ancient cultures, it was believed that thyme instilled the virtues of strength, energy, and bravery.
Variations
There are six different chemotypes of T. vulgaris:
- Thymol – low altitude close to the sea
- Carvacrol – low altitude close to the sea
- Linalool – in the sun on exposed slopes
- Geraniol – rare and mixed with linalool at high altitudes
- Thuyan-4-ol – very rare and located between thymol/carvacrol and linalool
- α-terpinyl – in the Eastern Mediterranean
Thyme Linalol is especially recommended to kill bacteria and relieve discomfort. It is non-irritating and gentle, and especially recommended for treating children and the elderly or infirm.
Thyme Thuyanol is quite new. It captures much of the overall strength and stimulating properties of the “regular” essence of Thyme as well as its anti-infectious properties. The difference lies in the much higher content of highly desirable terpene alcohols (non-toxic) and the much lower content of irritant and slightly toxic phenols. This oil is stronglhy germicidal (yet non-irritant) and a very good liver stimulant.
Information collected from various sources
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary is both a physical and mental stimulant, which makes it a good oil to have in the morning bath, while also being excellent in the treatment of all muscular conditions, making it the perfect oil for a bath after a long tiring day.
- Application:
Diffuse, inhale, or apply topically on location. Add to food or soy / rice milk as a dietary supplement or flavoring.
- Fragrant Influence:
Helps overcome mental fatigue and improves mental clarity and focus.
- Safety Data:
Rosemary essential oil should not be used by those who suffer from hypertension, those who are pregnant and those who have epilepsy.
Tisserand and Young warn that Rosemary Oil is potentially neurotoxic, depending on the level of camphor present in the oil. They also warn not to use on or near the face of infants and children. They recommend dermal maximum s of 16.5% for Rosemary Camphor and 6.5% for Rosemary Verbenone.
Rosemary has become very popular as a medicinal plant, because it can be used for so many different conditions and symptoms. The oil is known to have rejuvenating properties so is often used in skin and hair care and the claimed memory boost means that it is a popular oil with students.
This antiseptic oil is used in the treatment of muscular spasms, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, coughs, flu, and diabetes, among other conditions.
It is also very useful in beauty treatments, being used in hair care and acne and cellulite remedies. For the sportsman, cook, and gardener, rosemary is invaluable.
Rosemary was part of the “Marselles Vinegar” or “Four Thieves Vinegar” used by grave-robbing bandits to protect themselves during the 15th century plague.
The name of the oil is derived from the Latin words for dew of the sea (ros + marinus). According to folklore history, rosemary originally had white flowers; however, they turned red after the Virgin Mary laid her cloak on the bush.
Since the time of ancient Greece (about 1000 BC), rosemary was burnt as incense. Later cultures believed that it warded off devils, a practice that eventually became adopted by the sick who then burned rosemary to protect against infection. Until recently, French hospitals used rosemary to disinfect the air.
Variations
Several chemotypes of R. officinalis have been defined, depending on where the plant is grown and what the local conditions are. The main three are as follows:
- Camphor-Borneol
- Cineole
- Verbenone
The camphor-borneol variety is considered the best stimulant whereas the verbenone is considered the most gentle and often used in topical preparations. One of the “Oils of Protection”, pleasant, warming and mildly sweet rosemary verbenone is a softer version of the more common and pungent cineole variety. Rosemary Cineole is sometimes preferred for use in respiratory and circulatory issues.
Information collected from various sources
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium works profoundly on the emotions and is useful in many medical conditions – and smells wonderful while it works so hard. The oil is extracted not from the familiar brightly colored geranium but from the species Pelargonium – Geranium Robert or “lemon plant” – which is very often displayed in abundance in Greek restaurants.
- Application:
Diffuse and apply topically. May be added to food or soy / rice milk as a dietary supplement. Apply where you would use a deodorant.
- Fragrant Influence:
It may help to release negative memories. It may also help ease nervous tension and stress, balance the emotions, lift the spirit, and foster peace, well-being, and hope.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
Geranium will make chilblains disappear overnight and brings a radiant glow when used in skin care. This oil is useful in applications for aged, wrinkling or older skin, as well as for healing balms and salves after facial or plastic surgery.
More importantly, it is a vital component in the treatment of endometriosis, is very effective for menopausal problems, diabetes, blood disorders, throat infections, and as a nerve tonic, and works well as a sedative.
When inhaled the scent is antidepressant, uplifting, averts tension, and is stimulating to the psyche.
It is reputed to help in cases of uterine and breast cancer and if nothing else, would certainly help the patient to relax and cope with the pain. Geranium has many applications, from frostbite to infertility, and its antiseptic and astringent properties contribute to its general usefulness. Its delightful floral fragrance makes it a pleasure to use, either on its own or as a contributory oil in blends.
Information collected from various sources
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus has been distilled from at least 1788 when two doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden, distilled Eucalyptus piperata for its use in treating chest problems and colic. This was in Australia where the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are so called because of the extraordinary blue haze that exudes from the resin of the eucalyptus gum and envelops the entire landscape. In such a powerfully aromatic environment, the medicinal qualities of this ancient tree would be hard to miss.
There is a wide range of eucalyptus varieties, any one of which would be a useful addition to a Basic Care Kit. Eucalyptus oil is steam-distilled from a number of different variations of the tree Eucalyptus spp. Each of these oils are from one specified chemical race, rather like Zinfadel wine is of one variety but each vineyard produces a Zinfadel of a particular quality and taste.
Generalities:
Eucalyptus is a marvelously versatile and useful oil. It cools the body in summer and protects it in winter. It is antinflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing. Research has proved its antiviral properties as well.
It is best known for its effectiveness against coughs and colds but is equally effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida, diabetes, and sunburn, while also being useful in veterinary care and as an insect repellent.
In general, Eucalyptus oil is used as a specific for the respiratory system. It is an antiseptic stimulant with a very specific balsamic odor that can only be described as smelling like Eucalyptus. This oil has great value in a vaporizer to stimulate and loosen bronchial secretions so that they can be coughed up, and is used primarily for coughs, colds, bronchial infections and asthma. Eucalyptus oil is very effective in killing bacteria and for clearing the system when used in a vaporizer. It is antiviral and cooling.
Eucalyptus citriodora
Also known as Lemon Eucalyptus or Lemon-Scented Gum. Eucalyptus citriodora has been used to perfume linen closets, and as an insect repellent, especially for cockroaches and silverfish.
- Application:
Diffuse or rub on bottom of feet or on location
- Fragrant Influence:
Has a sweet, strong, camphorous, fresh lemony scent. Citronella like. It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician, Do not take internally.
Also used for asthma, athlete’s foot and other fungal infections, respiratory infections, cuts, dandruff, fevers, herpes, infectious skin conditions, laryngitis, scabs, shingles, sore throat, sores and wounds.
Eucalyptus dives
This species has a different, more specific antibacterial action than other eucalyptus oils.
- Application:
Apply topically or diffuse. Avoid direct inhalation.
- Fragrant Influence:
It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
Containing low amounts of eucalyptol, Eucalyptus dives is mild and gentle. This variety is ideal for topical application.
Eucalyptus globulus
Also known as Blue-Gum or Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus. This essential oil usually has the highest 1,8-cineole levels and is heavily cultivated in Portugal, Spain and China.
For centuries Australian Aborigines used the leaves as a disinfectant to cover wounds. Shown by laboratory tests to be a powerful antimicrobial agent, E globulus contains a high percentage of eucalyptol (a key ingredient in many antiseptic mouth rinses). Often used for the respiratory system, eucalyptus has been investigated for its powerful insect repellent effects.
- Application:
Apply topically, diffuse, or use in a humidifier.
- Fragrant Influence:
It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing. A fresh, strong, uplifting scent that is medicinal, herbal and clean. A typical Eucalyptus odor.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not take internally.
Eucalyptus trees have been planted throughout parts of North Africa to successfully block the spread of malaria. According to Jean Valnet, MD, a solution of 2% eucalyptus oil sprayed in the air will kill 70% of airborne staph bacteria. Some doctors still use solutions of eucalyptus oil in surgical dressings.
This oil may be used for aches and pains, acne, allergies, arthritis, bronchitis, burns, decongestant, respiratory infections, cystitis, endometriosis, increasing energy, gonorrhea, inflammation of the ear, eye, and sinus, malaria, rheumatism, respiratory infections, skin and throat infection or sores, ulcers, vaginitis, and wounds.
Eucalyptus polybractea
Used for acne and cystitis.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically, or use in a humidifier
- Fragrant Influence:
It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not take internally.
Containing 95% Eucalyptol, Eucalyptus polybractea is one of the most potent of the Eucalyptus oils. Eucalyptol is a well known constituent in dental products and insect repellents. Anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and insect repellent. Has traditionally been used topically to support healthy respiratory function.
Eucalyptus radiata
Also known as Narrow-Leaved Peppermint. This is thought to be the most therapeutic Eucalyptus essential oil. An antimicrobial oil studied for its action against viruses. This oil is used extensively for respiratory infections.
- Application:
Diffuse or rub on bottom of feet or on location, or use in a humidifier.
- Fragrant Influence:
The scent is similar to globulus in that it is medicinal and clean, but also with peppery and camphorous aromas. It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not take internally.
This oil contains citrol, a constituent known for its cleansing abilities. When combined with bergamot, Eucalyptus radiata has been used effectively on herpes simplex. It may also help with acne, bronchitis, ear inflammation, endometriosis, nasal and sinus congestion, sinusitis, and vaginitis.
Information collected from various sources.
Chamomile Essential Oil
There are several types of chamomile essential oil. German Chamomile is an excellent variety and its beautiful deep dark blue color, due to its high azulene content, comes as a bonus. Another excellent variety, Roman chamomile, is particularly good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Beware though of chamomile Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis) which is not a true chamomile and cannot be used as such.
Generalities
Chamomile is that wonderful yellow daily-like flower that is used for everything: cosmetics, fragrance, oil, herbal baths, soothing tea. The root is used for toothache and the entire plant in herbal therapeutics. The whole plant is used from root to flower. The essence is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers. Chamomile smells sweet, resembling fresh golden apples, and this fruity scent has given it the name of Manzanilla in Spanish-speaking countries.
The Egyptians had a great reverence for Chamomile and used it in massage oils to remove aches and pains. Sports-minded people will like using the flowers in a bath for relaxation and to ease aching muscles. This plant was one of the favored strewing herbs of the Middle Ages, to sweeten the air of a room and create a relaxing atmosphere.
The scent is rejuvenative and especially helpful to those of a sensitive nature. Inhaling the herby, aromatic, slightly bitter but always refreshing scent of Chamomile will ease your depression, soothe your irritable nature, lull you into a restful sleep and calm you. Use the oil straight or use it in combinations to relax and soothe a busy household after a trying day.
A busy person might like dabbing a drop or two of Chamomile oil on the forearm, to inhale occasionally during the day , for relaxation and to allay temper. Remember that oil of Chamomile is recommended for use in the diffusor, in a child’s room, for the anesthetic, for the calm that will come, for sweet sleep.
German Chamomile
German chamomile has been highly esteemed for over 3,000 years and has been used for many types of skin conditions and stress related complaints.
- Application:
Diffuse, add to food or water as a dietary supplement, or apply topically on location. Among the gentlest oils used in aromatherapy, the chamomiles are suitable for use on children.
- Fragrant Influence:
Dispels anger, stabilizes emotions, and helps release emotions linked to the past. It may also be used to soothe and clear the mind.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
German chamomile is a cleanser of the blood, helps increase liver function and secretion, and supports the pancreas. German chamomile promotes the regeneration of skin and can be used for abscesses, burns, rashes, cuts, dermatitis, teething pains, acne, eczema, chronic gastritis, infected nails, cystitis, inflamed joints, menopausal problems, sores, skin disorders, stress related complaints, toothaches, ulcers and wounds.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile is used extensively in Europe for the skin. For centuries, mothers have used Roman chamomile to calm crying children, ease earaches, reduce fevers, soothe stomachaches and indigestion, and relieve toothaches and teething pain.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically on bottom of feet, ankles, wrists or on location. Add to food or soy / rice milk as a dietary supplement. Among the gentlest oils used in aromatherapy. All of the chamomiles are suitable for use on children.
- Fragrant Influence:
Because it is calming and relaxing, it can combat depression, insomnia, and stress. It minimizes anxiety, irritability, and nervousness. It may also dispel anger, stabilize the emotions, and help to release emotions that are linked to the past.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Test for skin sensitivity.
Roman chamomile neutralizes allergies and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. It may help calm and relieve restlessness and tension. Its anti-infectious properties benefit cuts, scrapes, and bruises It is a cleanser of the blood and also helps the liver discharge poisons.
This oil may help with allergies, bruises, cuts, depression, insomnia, muscle tension, nerves (calming and promoting nerve health), restless legs, and skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and sensitive skin. It can effectively minimize irritability and nervousness in hyperactive children.
Collected from various sources
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint has been used by many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and American Indians, no doubt because of its extremely useful health-promoting properties.
- Application:
Diffuse. Massage on the stomach or add to water or tea for supporting normal digestion. Apply to bottom of feet or rub on the temples to treat headaches. To improve concentration, alertness, and memory, place 2 drops on the tongue. Add to food as a flavoring and preservative. Add a drop or two to a bottle of water curb appetite, and for a cooling refreshment on a hot day.
- Fragrant Influence:
It is purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, mucus membranes, or sensitive skin areas. Do not apply “neat” to a fresh wound or burn.
Peppermint is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, and has been extensively studied for it’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Peppermint has also been researched for it’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled, and it’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy.
One study examined peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals.
It is an excellent digestive, it helps the respiratory system and circulation, it is an anti-inflammatory, and an antiseptic. These qualities make it a good oil in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flu, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and fatigue. It even keeps mice, fleas, and ants away.
If you chew on a Peppermint leaf and then suck in air, a distinct cooling effect will be felt in your mouth. This cooling effect is from the presence of menthol, which is useful in making cosmetics and body-care products.
Peppermint oil is extremely useful when you are hot either from a hot fever, hot flashes, or hot weather. Inhaled it cools a fever, decongests the sinuses, calms the mind, soothes a headache, acts as an antidepressant, stimulates the nervous system and mind, also calms the tendency for your mind to race.
- External Uses
Peppermint oil is used as an antiseptic to wounds and sores (use only in a very diluted form), as a chest rub for respiratory diseases (use in a blend of oils or fats), as a skin cleanser (hydrosol or water spray), and in rubs for aching muscles and limbs.
- Internal Uses
Peppermint oil has a proven reputation to cure nausea and vomiting. One drop on a sugar cube sucked slowly, or two drops in 8 ounces of water and slowly sipped.
Always use Peppermint oil diluted, as it can burn and irritate when used neat. Peppermint oil in a lotion has an interesting feature in that it cools while it warms. The menthol increases blood flow wherever it is applied, soothes while it gives a cooling feeling. Try it as a muscle rub for tired feet.
Peppermint oil can also be added to water and given to both pets and people to cure flatulence. One or two drops of peppermint oil per 6 oz of water should be sufficiently strong enough to cure the problem.
Collected from various sources
Tea Tree Essential Oil
The Aborigines have been using this indigenous Australian tree in their medications for centuries and today tea tree is the subject of a great deal of international research. Highly regarded as an antimicrobial and antiseptic essential oil. It has high levels of terpinenol, which is the key active constituent.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically. Safe for use on children and pets.
- Fragrant Influence:
Promotes cleansing and purity.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Repeated use can possibly result in contact sensitization. Tea tree oil should not be ingested in large amounts due to its toxicity and may cause skin irritation if used topically in high concentrations.
Its impressive antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it useful in a wide range of conditions. It is used in the treatment of candida and all sorts of infections, for ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, toothache, and pyorrhea, among other things.
Tea Tree oil is steam-distilled from a particular type of Australian tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea Tree oil was introduced it to the Western world via Captain Cook in 1770. This is one oil that most definitely will get lots of use in your medicine chest and should positively be part of the home first-aid kit.
It is used externally on deep wounds, road burns to dislodge dirt and bacteria, cuts, scratches, abrasions, sunburn, insect bites, any sort of pruritis (generalized itching of the sensory nerve endings), burns and scalds, herpes lesions, ringworm, lice and tick bites, eczema and psoriasis, thrush, candidiasis, head and pubic lice, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, treatment of staph sores, boils, pimples, acne, halitosis, stinky feet, sinus congestion, etc…
Very sensitive skin, or skin in sensitive areas may need the oil diluted, but generally this is used “neat.”
The scent is strong, clean, and powerful – maybe too powerful. Even though it cures “hot spots” on pets due to skin disease and fungus, some pets hate the scent and will run the moment the bottle is opened.
Tea Tree oil is 4 to 5 times stronger than household antiseptic. Its bacterial action is increased where blood or pus is present. Externally used on deep wounds and cuts it will remove necrotic tissue and leave a healthy surface.
Tea Tree is a powerful killer of all sorts of bacteria. It is non-caustic to the skin, non-toxic to the body, ti produces no negative side effects, it is a natural solvent (may dissolve some plastics(, it has strong cleaning capabilities, it has a well-balanced pH level, it is mildly anesthetic and very aromatic.
The oil is best applied externally but can be taken internally (with care and in very small amounts). Inhaled, it cleanses the air and purifies the respiratory system and so is useful for disease of the respiratory system.
Collected from various sources
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically. Has a wide range of uses. Apply where you would use a deodorant. Safe for use on small children. May also be added to food or soy/rice mil as a dietary supplement.
- Fragrant Influence:
Calming, relaxing, and balancing, both physically and emotionally.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult physician.
Lavender is capable of many important jobs and is a delight to use. Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oil, because it is so very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds. Lavender is beneficial for cleansing cuts and wounds and is ideal for skin care, since it prevents the build up of excess sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on. Lavender has also been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects.
Although not known specifically as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems to allay the effects of clinical shock and as a mood tonic and antidepressant it helps to deal with the psychological shock of injury.
The French scientist Rene Gatefosse was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, lavender is one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopoeia.
It also has a multitude of other qualities which make it a truly indispensable oil. This is one of the oils that should be on your number one list – and particularly of use in a first aid kit and for children and pets. It is good for camping because it repels fleas and flying creatures like mosquitoes.
Collected from various sources
