
Top Essential Oils to Have on Hand
Ages before the pharmaceutical company every existed, essential oils were used as the go-to remedy for most afflictions and diseases. Essential oils have been used for dealing with stress, boosting the immune system, improving breathing, disinfectants, cold deterrents, staving off the flu as well as bacteria and viruses and pretty much anything you can think of. These uber-versatile oils are a gift from Mother Nature and should be cherished and utilized as were intended.
Additionally, and probably the most important is the fact that these oils if used correctly, do not have any harmful side effects. They are entirely safe and effective. Like anything in life, moderation and knowledge are critical. Please make sure to educate yourself about essential oils before using them. It is very important to keep in mind that there may be side effects when essential oils are misused, which are not known to be detrimental and long-lasting. By simply discontinuing used, most side-effects will disappear in a couple of days.
Top essential oils to have on hand and their benefits:
Lavender Essential Oil
Probably one of the most talked about oils, lavender has a plethora of uses and applications – too many to list.
It emits a calming and relaxing scent and is the most efficient oil for stress reduction. There are undoubtedly others, like Ylang Ylang, but lavender seems to do the trick. In addition to stress reduction, it is also very beneficial for inducing sleep (TIP: Add a few drops to your pillow just before bed).
Another use for lavender is as an insect repellant. You can just rub a drop or two on your clothing.
Lavender is also helpful with:
Anxiety and/or depression
High blood pressure
Inflammation
Peppermint Essential Oil
Most people have probably enjoyed a cup of peppermint tea to alleviate an upset stomach or nausea. Adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a carrier oil to massage your abdomen may relieve stomach cramps and queasiness.
Benefits of Peppermint oil:
Proper breathing patterns as it helps to open your airways. Especially for those with cold and asthma conditions.
Helps to alleviate nausea
Mitigates headaches
Calms the heart rate
Aids in normalising blood pressure
Enhances memory performance
Lemon Essential Oil
Who doesn’t love the fresh scent of citrus, be it orange, grapefruit or lemon? Maybe not everyone loves it, but we have to admit, lemon essential oil is a refreshing scent. Lemon essential oil, like all essential oil, has a variety of uses, from health to home cleaning. Here are a few:
Alternative to cleaning products which are chock-full of harsh
Chemicals (makes a great disinfectant, and is anti-microbial)
Help boost your mood and decreases mental fatigue. This is a great way to refresh your mind during a.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
If you are looking to stay healthy and avoid as many viruses and bacteria as possible, tea tree essential oil is definitely something you need to have at your disposal.
Anti-bacterial
Anti-viral
Anti-fungal
Now don’t go overboard as most of us do today and become germophobes. Yes, harmful bacteria and viruses can make us sick, but being completely sterile is no better. We do need exposure to other bacteria and viruses to allow our immune system to function at optimal levels.
You can use it alone or in combination with lemon oil and add it to a spray bottle with some hot water and vinegar to be used to clean handles, countertops and so forth. Additionally, this can be diffused into the air for a cleansing and purifying experience.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Of all the strains of chamomile out there, the Roman and German ones are said to be the most potent.
Great for relaxation
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic properties (natural pain killer)
If you are experiencing arthritic pain, or joint injuries and inflammation, you might want to start incorporating a few cups of chamomile tea or essential oils into your daily routine. It is recommended not to put essential oils directly on your skin as allergic reactions can take place. If you are to use them directly on your skin, you should always dilute them in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or sesame seed oil.
When shopping for oils, there are some things you should look for to assure you are getting the best quality.
Certified organic oils – This ensures that you are not infusing pesticide & herbicide laden oils into the air as this is hazardous to your health. Also, purchasing Non-GMO oils is a great option as well. These are all herbs and weeds, so if you want to make sure they are as organic as possible. Basically, you don’t want to eat fruits and vegetables that are tainted, why would you want this for your essential oils?
Only 100% pure oil – This ensures you are not buying oils with fillers. You want the least ingredients as possible (1 is an excellent ingredient).
All essential oils can be diffused, used in a spray bottle or applied to your skin (keep in mind to dilute with a carrier oil of your choice mentioned above). If you are to use on your skin, always do a skin patch test to ensure you don’t break out (usually takes about 15 minutes).
I hope you enjoyed this crash course on essential oils.
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