Top 10 Essential Oils: #5 Eucalyptus

Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree

The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinctive taste and odor.
The numerous health benefits of eucalyptus oil (or Eucalyptus radiata) have attracted the attention of the entire world, and it has stimulated a great deal of exploration into its usage in aromatherapy as well as in conventional medicine. Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves of the tall, evergreen eucalyptus tree. The tree, scientifically classified as Eucalyptus Globulus, is also known as fever tree, blue gum tree or stringy bark tree, depending on where it is located in the world.
Eucalyptus is native to Australia and has spread in the past few centuries to other parts of the world including India, Europe and South Africa. Though many countries produce eucalyptus oil in small quantities, the prime source of eucalyptus oil for the world is still Australia.
Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol which is present in its makeup, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes.

Generally speaking, I have used it on myself (and my son) as a non-petroleum-based chest vapor when we have been congested from a cold or allergies. Particularly with my son, I mix a very small amount of eucalyptus with a carrier oil (Jojoba, Coconut or even Olive oil – whatever I had in the house) and apply it to our necks and chest. Before the days when I had a cold diffuser, I also put a few drops in our humidifiers in our bedrooms to help assist with breathing overnight. In addition to this, on a recent trip to Perth in West Australia, I went into an Aboriginal museum in a beautiful city park where I discovered lemon gum tree (or eucalyptus citriodora) oil infused blocks of beeswax to help neutralize odors wherever one would like…it was a lovely thing opening up my suitcase upon arriving back home!

In addition to eucalyptus oil on its own, I have also discovered a couple of essential oil blends that incorporate eucalyptus that I have found very beneficial in helping to keep me from getting sick when I feel something coming on or getting over something faster than I otherwise would. One is a respiratory blend that combines laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and ravensara. It cleanses and soothes the airways, and can easily be applied topically to the chest,

back, or bottom of feet. Its pleasant aroma is calming to the senses and perfect for night time diffusion allowing for restful sleep.

Dried Eucalyptus Leaves

The protective blend which combines wild orange essential oil, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary, has really been an audition-saver for me! With its unique aroma, it offers a natural and effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support. It is also safe to use on counter tops, as a non-toxic way to cleanse surfaces, or to purify the atmosphere by diffusing.
The health benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:
Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil has antiseptic qualities because of its germicidal quality. Upon exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-researched antiseptic. Therefore, eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also an effective salve for insect bites and stings. Furthermore, besides soothing the affected area, it also protects the open wound or irritated area from developing infections from microbial activity and exposure to the air.
Respiratory problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, runny nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant in nature, which makes it a good ingredient in many medicines that treat respiratory problems. A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicine containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are consistently effective in treating sore throats.
Asthma is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, and there are many known treatments for the condition. One of these is the use of eucalyptus essential oil. Simply massage 1-3 drops onto the chest and the soothing effect of the aroma and vapors will calm the throat and dilate the blood vessels, which will allow more oxygen into the lungs and normal breathing can be achieved. The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus essential oil also come into play in using it to get relief from asthmatic symptoms.
Mental exhaustion: One very important reason that many people use eucalyptus oil is that it creates a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally, people suffering from certain conditions and disorders are slightly sluggish. Eucalyptus oil, a stimulant, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It can also be effective in the treatment of stress and mental disorders.
Aside from mental exhaustion, eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used to stimulate mental activity and increase blood flow to the brain. Since the essential oil is considered a vasodilator by many, it means that it increases the blood flow around the body by relaxing the blood vessels and allowing more blood to circulate. Basically, more blood to the brain means more brain power, and eucalyptus essential oil is commonly employed in classrooms as a form of causal aromatherapy to increase student performance. Further, formal research must be done in this area, but all signs point to the positive correlation between brain function and eucalyptus essential oil.
Muscle pain: If you are experiencing joint and muscle pain, massaging eucalyptus oil on the surface of the skin helps to relieve stress and pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil should be massaged in a circular motion on the affected areas of the body.
Dental care: Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis and other dental infections owing to its germicidal properties. This is why eucalyptus essential oil is so commonly found as an active ingredient in mouthwash, toothpaste, and other dental hygiene products.
Lice: Due to its well-known qualities as a bug repellent and natural pesticide, it is frequently used as a natural treatment of lice. Some of the mainstream treatments of lice can be very severe and damaging to the hair, as well as packed with dangerous chemicals that you don’t want being absorbed into your skin, so combing a few drops of eucalyptus oil through a lice-infested head is a much better and healthier solution.
Intestinal germs: Eucalyptus oil is a vermifuge and is frequently employed to remove germs in the intestine. Studies have shown that ingesting eucalyptus oil can deter many of the bacterial, microbial, and parasitic conditions that arise in the various parts of the body, particularly susceptible areas like the colon and intestine.
Skin care: Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.
Diabetes: When ingested, eucalyptus oil can help control blood sugar. Its properties as a vasodilator, mentioned above, mean that the entire body benefits from the increase in blood circulation. Diabetic patients commonly suffer from lack of good circulation, and it can be very dangerous, even resulting in amputation or death. Therefore, it is a good idea to frequently massage eucalyptus oil onto the skin topically, and also inhale it as a vapor to ease the constriction of the blood vessels. For best results, massage it onto the skin after a show, which also has vasodilating and relaxing qualities that will benefit diabetics.
Fever: Eucalyptus oil is also used for treating fever and reducing body temperature. This is why one of the common names of eucalyptus oil is “fever oil”. It works well when combined with peppermint oil and sprayed on the body as a mixture of a deodorant and a temperature reducer.
Other benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:
Room freshener: The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air, keeping the environment of the rooms clean and sterilized.
Soaps: Eucalyptus oil is frequently used in soaps, detergents and household cleaners. This is primarily due to its pleasant aroma and effect as a deodorant, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial agent.
Tuberculosis and Pneumonia: Eucalyptus essential oil has plenty of antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, and when massaged onto the chest and used as a vapor rub or inhalant, it can relieve the signs and symptoms of harmful conditions like tuberculosis by clearing the lungs and reducing inflammation. It is best if applied to both the chest and the back, over the area of the lungs.
Mouth wash: As mentioned above, the oil is a fundamental ingredient in many mouthwashes and toothpastes. There have been a significant number of studies done on the antimicrobial qualities of essential oils. Eucalyptus essential oil has been shown to protect against microbial growth that can promote a host of different symptoms and diseases in the body.
Sauna: Many people add eucalyptus oil to baths, spas and saunas because of its refreshing and antiseptic attributes. Most of the benefits of eucalyptus essential oil can be accessed through the vapor, as well as topical application or ingestion. Therefore, it is commonly used in aromatherapy, which is frequently included in spa treatment packages.
There are many less-researched areas of application for eucalyptus oil, and they should be studied more in the future before trusting them as completely effective treatments, but early testimonials seem to speak highly of its ability. It can be applied as a treatment for hayfever (seasonal allergy), acne, endometriosis, and herpes simplex virus.
Usage of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy is gradually growing in popularity because it blends well with many other essential oils including the essential oils of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, cedarwood, and frankincense.
There are some dangers of taking too much eucalyptus oil, because when taken in large quantities, eucalyptus oil can be toxic. It may also interfere with other homeopathic treatments. Also, for certain people with allergic sensitivities, eucalyptus essential oil might be cause airborne contact dermatitis, which can be very uncomfortable, or even dangerous. Before beginning any new intensive alternative medical treatment, consult your doctor for advice, or an allergy test.

Top 10 Essential Oils: #4 Peppermint

Peppermint leaves

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) is also one of my top five favorite oils, without question! For centuries, peppermint has been used to soothe digestive difficulties, freshen breath and relieve colic, gas, headaches, heartburn and indigestion. It is from the Labiate (mint) family and is steam distilled from leaves.

Peppermint properties include:
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Anti-carcinogenic
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Invigorating

I have used it to diffuse during the day as well as by my bed to help ease fatigue and congestion. One of my favorite methods to get rid of congestion is by putting 1-2 drops in the palms of my hands, rubbing them together and then making a funnel with one hand and inhaling deeply and slowly until the smell is gone (ie the oil has evaporated). See the picture for details on this method. I have also used it recently quite often when having allergy troubles – I put a drop on my tongue and hold it to the roof of my mouth for about 20-30 seconds. That, in combination with layering lavender on the bridge of my nose and sinuses, seems to really help me.

Other common ailments include: Alertness, Antioxidant, Asthma, Autism, Bacterial Infections, Bell’s Palsy, Brain Injury, Chronic Fatigue, Cold Sores, Colon Polyps, Congestion, Constipation, Cooling (Body), Cramps/Charley Horses, Crohn’s Disease, Diarrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Endurance, Fainting, Fever, Flu (Influenza), Gamma Radiation Exposure, Gastritis, Halitosis, Headaches, Heartburn, Heatstroke, Hernia (Hiatal), Herpes Simplex, Hives, Hot Flashes, Huntington’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, Indigestion, Irritable Bowl Syndrome, Itching, Jet Lag, Lactation (DECREASE milk production), Memory, Migraines, Motion Sickness, MRSA, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Aches, Muscle Fatigue, Myelin Sheath, Nausea, Olfactory Loss (Sense of Smell), Osteoporosis, Paralysis, Rhinitis, Scabies, Sciatica, Shock, Sinusitis, Surgical Wounds, Swollen Eyes, Tennis Elbow, Throat Infection, Typhoid, Ulcer (Gastric), Varicose Veins, Vomiting…wow: that’s a LOT!

Common ways to use Peppermint EO:
•Topically: Apply 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil to the base of your neck 2 times daily. Also, dilute it in olive oil (or another carrier oil) and apply it around your nostrils. *NOTE: Do not apply this oil in full strength around nostrils as it will sting the sensitive tissues of the nostrils.
•Diffuse: Diffuse Peppermint Essential Oil by your bed and throughout the day. Follow directions of diffuser being used.
•Inhalation: Apply 1-2 drops in palm of your hand, rub your hands together and cup them over your nose. Inhale deeply 4-6 breaths. Also, you can place 2-3 drops on cotton ball, secure it in a zip lock bag and take it with you. Inhale 4-6 breaths as needed.
•Internally: Place 1-2 drops under the tongue or in a beverage. Take in capsules.

Fact vs. Fiction: what the FDA and pharmaceutical companies & lobbyists want you to believe is not the truth!

I am taking a little break in my top ten essential oil countdown so that I can present this article that I read today. The summary being that the FDA wants to call anything that claims to help cure/prevent illness (which is undisputed and scientifically proven, like green tea and cancer or walnuts and prostate tumor growth or cherries and arthritis/gout or now EOs and Ebola) a "drug," requiring that these foods and supplements go through crazy amounts of expensive testing, for which the manufacturers fees would never be recouped. Meanwhile, they have no problem giving drug companies carte blanche on raising dosage on drugs with erroneous claims that said new dosage will help their clients in any way, when in reality, the prior doses were about to go generic, hence the actual reason for change. I, for one, find this behavior by an organization that should be about protecting the American public an outrageous betrayal, and it again shows that the 1% truly rule our "free" nation... http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/fda-targets-essentials-oils-see-eos-as-threat-to-new-ebola-drugs/

Also, this article: http://www.naturalnews.com/047016_ebola_treatments_warning_letters_unproven_cures.html# I guess I should be reassured that the "natural"/holistic/alternative medicine community is speaking out. I just doubt it will lead to any real victory for some time...

Top 10 Essential Oils: #3 Lemon

As I sit here, drinking my very refreshing daily lemon-water, I am delighted that lemon is the essential oil of the day! Did you know it requires about 3,000 lemons to make one kilo of lemon essential oil? Or that lemon has been used throughout history to fight serious diseases, such as malaria, typhoid epidemics and scurvy? Many centuries ago, the ancient Egyptians would drink lemon juice to clear their bodies of toxins and poisons.

And it seems those Egyptians were onto something - lemons have strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Science has further discovered that lemons are also good immune system boosters, help aid in digestion, and can help detoxify and purify the liver. Lemons are powerhouses of germ-fighting and toxin-fighting substances that promote immunity and fight infection. They contain citric acid, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, just to name a few. The easiest way to reap all the wonderful benefits of lemon is to use lemon essential oil liberally in your life.

Lemon essential oil is readily available, easier to carry than a lemon tree, and best of all, the oil doesn’t go bad when you can’t use it all right away. Even better, lemon oil is inexpensive. I keep a bottle of it in my home and one in my purse for on-the-go use. A small $10 bottle will last me several months and I use it quite regularly.

So, how do I get started using lemon essential oil? There are many easy and practical uses for lemon oil. These are just a few ways you can incorporate lemon oil into your daily routines. There are, quite literally, hundreds of uses of lemon oil. Before purchasing, make sure the lemon oil you buy is safe for ingestion. Most brands of lemon essential oil are safe, but you will want to double check before you purchase. If you’re interested, private message me: doTERRA uses the term Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade for all of it’s oils and ensures that quality of each batch is supreme.

Health & Body Uses
Lemon oil helps fight off bacteria and viruses, so it’s a great addition to your medicine cabinet. Instead of reaching for a commercial over-the-counter remedy, try these various uses for lemon oil first:
1 Use it for coughs, colds and general congestion. Rub a few drops of lemon oil on your chest and/or throat when you feel congested. Repeat several times daily. (You can’t really overdose on lemon oil – another great reason to use it!) You can also diffuse lemon oil into the air for help with respiratory problems.
2 Add 2-3 drops of lemon oil to your hot tea, or drink it with warm water and honey to help soothe a sore throat.
3 Got nail fungus? Apply a few drops of lemon oil to the affected nail several times a day.
4 Feeling anxious? Instead of asking your doctor for a prescription, try inhaling the scent of lemon oil regularly. Apply a drop of lemon oil behind your ears and on your wrists. Inhale the scent deeply. This is a great way to lift your mood and calm your anxiety … naturally. You can even add a few drops of lemon oil to a nice hot bath for a calming effect.
5 Cold sores or blisters? Corns or calluses? Add a drop of lemon oil to the affected area 2-3 times a day and watch it disappear quickly. (Be sure and wash your hands after applying, or use a Q-tip to apply.)
6 Drink 2-3 drops of lemon oil in your water for aid with digestion, to boost weight-loss efforts, and to boost your mood and metabolism. Water flavored with lemon essential oil has a refreshing, pleasing taste that is easy to swallow.
7 Feeling like you might be coming down with something? Place a drop of lemon oil directly on your tongue, or on the roof of your mouth. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of the lemon oil may ward off symptoms just in time.
8 Add a drop of lemon oil to your toothbrush about once a week. Your mouth will feel fresher and your toothbrush will remain germ-free.
9 Allergies or hay fever? Apply a drop of lemon oil behind the ear or even under the nose 2-3 times a day for help fighting seasonal allergies. If the lemon smell bothers your already-sensitive nose, apply the oil to the bottoms of your feet instead.
10 Place 4 drops of lemon oil with approximately 4 ounces of warm water and gargle for bad breath, mouth ulcers and other mouth ailments.
***Word of caution: Lemon oil can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight. So, if you apply lemon oil directly to your skin, take caution out in the sun for approximately 12-72 hours, depending on the amount used.***

Other Practical Uses for Lemon Oil Around the House
In addition to the many health benefits, lemon-essential oil has plenty of practical uses, too. From freshening your laundry to natural cleaning abilities, the possibilities are nearly endless:
1 Lemon oil will freshen your laundry. Add a few drops to homemade laundry soap to give it a pleasant scent, or add a drop directly to the wash/rinse cycle to freshen up any load. Lemon oil will also take away the musty smell of a load of laundry that’s been left too long in the washer.
2 Use lemon oil as a degreaser. It will cut through the muck and grime with ease. It will also help do away with residue from glues and adhesives.
3 Make a powerful natural cleaner. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar with water. Add in 5 drops of lemon oil and shake well. Use this mixture to clean all your countertops, sinks, and so on. It will kill germs and leave a pleasant fresh smell behind. You may want to store this mixture in a glass spray bottle as the lemon oil can eat away at the plastic over time.
4 Use a little bit of lemon oil to clean your leather and polish your silver. Spot-test a small area first before applying all over.
5 Add a few drops of lemon oil to a half-cup of olive oil to make a nice natural furniture polish for wood furniture. Again, apply a small spot-test first.
6 Use lemon oil cut with water to clean your stainless appliances. No need to buy specialty cleaners for this single purpose.
7 Stinky smells? Use lemon oil to get the stink out. A few drops in the baby’s diaper pail, the husband’s old shoes, or wherever you need it will help freshen the air. You can even mix lemon oil in a glass spray bottle with witch hazel or water and spray around the house as an all-natural air freshener.
8 Add a drop to your dishwasher for spot-free dishes. You can add lemon oil to hand-washed dishes for the same effect, too.
9 Make refreshing homemade lemonade. Mix 2 drops of lemon oil with 2 tablespoons honey and 2 cups of pure water. You can adjust the taste as you wish.
10 You can use lemon essential oil as a substitute in the kitchen when recipes call for fresh lemons. Just use it in smaller doses. A drop or two is usually plenty.
Once you start using lemon oil around the house for health and everyday use, you’ll become hooked, just like ME!

Top 10 Essential Oils: #2 Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Melaleuca (tea tree) baum

Melaleuca oil (generally known as tea tree) has been used for centuries by cultures around the world to heal wounds. The oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of certain myrtle shrubs and trees, and said to be 12x the antiseptic strength of phenol. Whether you are in pain or your skin is acting up, this oil can help. Learning about the uses is sure to persuade you to grab a bottle for your medicine cabinet today.

Here is a list of 15 things that will rock your world:
1. Acne
You can stop acne in its tracks with the use of tea tree oil. This helps to treat blemishes, but it does not strip the natural oils from the skin so it does not cause dryness. This is an ideal alternative to peroxide for those with dry skin. Simply put a little of the oil on a cotton ball and treat the blemishes.
2. Kill Mold and Mildew
When mold and mildew start to build up, they can be hard to tackle. As soon as you notice these in your home, take some tea tree oil to treat the problem. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a cup of apple cider vinegar to create your own mold and mildew killer.
3. Boils and Blisters
These are uncomfortable, but you can shorten how long you deal with boils and blisters with some tea tree oil. Cleanse the area where you will put the oil with soap and water, gently dry the area and then drop a few drops of the oil directly onto the boil or blister. Cover with a bandage to keep the oil in place.
4. Clean Your House
Not only will this oil keep your skin clean and fresh, but it works for your house too. You can use this oil to make a natural all-purpose cleaner. Take two cups of water and two teaspoons of tea tree oil and mix these together in a spray bottle. It will clean all surfaces without causing damage.
5. Banish Earaches
Earaches can be quite painful and they make it hard to concentrate during the day and sleep at night. Warm two tablespoons of this oil, but be extremely careful not to make it hot because you do not want to burn your inner ear. Simply drop two drops in your ear to immediately soothe and earache and repeat as necessary throughout the day.
6. Prevent/Heal Nail Fungus
If you have athlete’s foot, fungus on a nail or eczema, this oil works well to treat it by killing the associated fungus. Thoroughly clean the affected area, apply the oil directly to the affected area and prevent further fungus growth by putting a cornstarch on the area after the tea tree oil dries.
7. Repel Insects
Few things are more annoying than being bitten up by bugs when you are trying to enjoy some time outdoors. Create a repellent by combining one quart of water and 15 drops of tea tree oil. Put this in a spray bottle and spray yourself periodically to keep the bugs at bay. This includes head lice, for those with school-aged children! Apply tea tree along with a carrier oil to the scalp and let it sit for a while. Make sure to apply shampoo directly to the oil before using water to wash it out or it’ll never come completely clean. I’ve heard tell that spiders, in particular, don’t care for tea tree oil.
8. Clean Laundry
You can use this oil to cleanse your laundry so you can ditch the expensive, chemical detergent. It will keep your laundry soft and give it a very fresh scent. If you accidentally leave clothes in the washer too long, do a quick rinse in the washer with a half teaspoon of this oil to eliminate the musty smell.
9. Fresh Scent
Unpleasant odors happen and you can use this oil to eliminate them. Create a water and tea tree oil mix and put it in a spray bottle. When you notice areas with unpleasant odors, grab your bottle and spray the area a bit. Things like litter boxes and diaper pails can be sprayed with this to eliminate odor.
10. Soothe Psoriasis
This is a very uncomfortable skin condition and for some people, prescription treatments are just not enough to keep symptoms under control. Take one tablespoon of clove oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil and mix these together. You can gently massage this mixture into your skin up to three times a day to alleviate your symptoms.
11. Improve Ringworm
This condition can cause intense itching, but this oil can help to soothe this. Take a couple drops and apply it directly to the affected area up to three times daily. Mix this with clove oil if your skin is sensitive.
12. Soothe a Sunburn
Minor sunburns can be painful and cause stinging so you want to soothe them so that you can get some relief. This oil helps to take the sting out and you can make a mixture to apply to the affected area. Mix one drop of tea tree oil, one tablespoon of coconut oil and one drop of lavender oil to make a soothing paste.
13. Eliminate Warts
Warts are unsightly and you do not have to live with them. Both in the morning and at night before bed, put two drops of this oil right onto the wart. You can cover it with a bandage to keep the oil in place during the day and while you sleep.
14. Clean Toothbrush
You would be amazed if you knew the germs that stick to your toothbrush. Keep it sterilized by putting two drops of this oil on the brush, rub it around with a clean finger and then rinse thoroughly.
When you use tea tree oil, make sure to use it properly for the condition you are treating. Proper use ensures that you get relief from your discomforts.
15. Battle Allergies, Colds and Even the Flu
This fabulous oil isn’t just for killing germs around the house – it can help you kick the ones inside YOU to the curb, too! Apply with a carrier oil to your back, neck, chest, forehead, sinuses and/or the bottom of your feet. Diffuse and inhale from water vapor. Gargle with it in water if you have a sore throat. Even if you have a hive outbreak, apply it with a carrier oil directly to the spots.

Top 10 Essential Oils: #1 Lavender

Lavender field in Provence

Just to be clear, I understand that there is kind of an essential oils bandwagon at the moment…and while I normally stray from the trendy and overly-hyped, here I am holding the reigns. The only thing I can take from the fact that so many people are buying/using essential oils (EOs) these days is that maybe there’s a good reason for it. And if you have any trepidations about the world of EOs – as one is want to have – let me tell you: lavender is a total gateway oil. Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most versatile and gentle oils which can be used to help with anything from burns to diaper rash to stress management and allergies. And the fact that it’s as gentle as can be, it can be used neat (i.e. undiluted), even on sensitive skin of a newborn baby.

Sharing time! When I was laboring, in the hospital, as “go time!” was approaching, my midwife gave me an extremely calming lavender oil leg massage. I still remember the pleasant fragrance consuming me when I was in a considerable amount of, shall we say, discomfort. Of all the things that have since faded from my memory after three years, that experience remains clear and strong.

Cut to our first attempts at making a solution for cloth baby wipes. Our typical mix either included a squirt of Bronner’s Lavender Castille Soap (see my first post) with several drops of tea tree oil in some warm water or Bronner’s Peppermint Castille Soap with lavender oil. Not only was this solution a great anti-bacterial wash but it also helped with any redness that might remain on our sensitive-skinned baby’s behind because of lavender oil’s amazing healing properties.

Other things that I use it for regularly are around the house is diffusing it daily with lemon oil for a lovely, uplifting scent around the house as well as on its own overnight to help with sleep in a couple of manners: 1. It helps keep my allergies at bay (with it’s antihistamine abilities) and 2. It helps to calm, soothe and relax for a peaceful night’s sleep. I have used it in my son’s lotion post-bath time when sleep has seemed like it would otherwise be hours away. Just yesterday I had a headache above my eyes, and simply rubbing a couple of drops into my temples relaxed the pain away. I have used it on my son’s mosquito bites, which has immediately eased the itching as well as on small scrapes, which has healed them considerably faster than they would have on their own. I haven’t tried using it for this particular problem (yet), but it’s reportedly a great insect repellent for people, horses and dogs. Here is the story of the supposed origination of lavender oils amazing healing power regarding burns as well: http://roberttisserand.com/2011/04/gattefosses-burn/

Ponaris Nasal Emollient: you won't miss those allergic nasal symptoms, but they'll be GONE!

At basically the same time that I was introduced to dōTERRA essential oils, I was having a lot of trouble with dryness I’d never before experienced in my nasal passages and throat…not good when trying to sing Salome! Fortunately, I had a couple of friends who were praising (and more importantly going out to pick up) some amazing stuff: Ponaris Nasal Emollient. They had previously used this wonderful stuff when they were singing in very arid, high places in parts of Colorado and said that it pretty much saved them. So, always willing to try most things once, I had them get me a bottle as well, and I’ve never looked back! I have since used it to help me end sneezing fits, congestion and general nasal irritation. I’ve used it on planes as well as on 3 continents! I loved the box that it came in – an image of an astronaut floating…indicating its helpfulness in space as well as on earth...(?) The greatest part of my continued use of Ponaris has been two-fold. First of all, I am much less likely to pop a Zyrtec or the like, because my allergy symptoms are most likely managed by some of the oil. This is wonderful from an economic standpoint (1oz bottles of Ponaris cost even less than a bottle of generic Zyrtec) but also from the perspective that when I started using it, I was still breastfeeding, and never felt great taking medication that I wasn’t keen on sharing with my little one. The ingredients on the bottle are listed like this: “Oils of Pine, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Cajeput in a Cottonseed oil base.” There is a small component of iodine, for those concerned with their iodine intake, however. At any rate, Ponaris has been really helpful for me over the past year, and if this information is helpful to any other singer/parent/allergy sufferer, I’ve done my duty for the day! I now buy my supply on amazon.com, but I'm sure there are many other possibilities.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap!

This is my first post on my new page! I will be using this page as a place to share my and my loved one's experiences using essential oils in our daily lives - something that we have been doing more and more over the past few years. One of the first things that we started incorporating into daily life was Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap. If you've never tried them, you're certainly missing out! We have tried many different oils in the Castille Liquid Soaps including Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree...but there are several more! My husband even started using it as shampoo and because of their essential oil component, they have antibacterial properties that make them bathroom/kitchen cleaning tools! I love that their ingredients are fair trade and and organic. Years ago, it was difficult to find anywhere outside of a health food store, but now, we find it at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Fred Meyer and even Target as well - for a very reasonable price. Bathing is now a truly therapeutic experience! Here is a link to their website: https://www.drbronner.com

There was a movie made in 2006 about the creator behind this product: Dr. Emanuel Bronner called "Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox". It used to be on Netflix streaming, which is how we saw it, but now it appears you can only rent the DVD, (but it can also be found on iTunes). Sad...anyway, here is the synopsis as it appears on Netflix: "Brilliant chemist, Holocaust survivor and mental hospital escapee, Dr. Emanuel Bronner invented his famous Magic Soap and founded the environmentally concerned company that's just as popular today as it was among the counterculture in the 1970s. This documentary captures the complexity of Bronner's relationship with his son Ralph, who spent years in orphanages and foster homes as his eccentric father sought to unite all mankind." Check out the trailer here: http://magicsoapbox.vhx.tv/