Hearing a lot about essential oils lately? Wondering which oils would work best for you and your family? How do they heal? How do you use them? There are so many questions out there and the benefits of essential oils can be confusing and often overwhelming. Here’s a little insight into the world of essential oils.
Essential oils are 50-70 times more therapeutically potent than the actual herbs or the plants they are derived from. To put that into perspective 1 drop of peppermint oil equals 28 cups of peppermint tea! Each oil has specific healing properties, everything from rosemary for brain function to wild orange to help boost your mood. There are even oil blends with anxiety, ADHD, even sugar cravings and oils to boost your metabolism.
Oils have the ability to penetrate cell walls to help deliver nutrition and oxygen to help eliminate toxins. They help strengthen the immune system while also bringing balance to the body. Oils can be diffused into the air or applied topically to the skin. Some can also be ingested and used while cooking.
The benefits of essential oils are endless. Most are antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. They can be used as disinfectants and detoxifiers. They can relieve pain, sleeplessness, even improve stamina and circulation.
For the more than 2 years I have been incorporating essential oils into my lifestyle, daily. I use oil for everything from belly aches and difficulty sleeping, to cleaning the house and making my own sunscreen without all the chemicals or parabens. This especially comes in handy with 2 small children. I’ve even used them on our Weimaraner (dog) who continually has digestive issues and skin sensitivities.
Just this weekend I scrubbed the house down with a couple drops of lemon oil, made the house smell like we were in Provence with a little lavender, cured a doggie belly ache, cleared up a constant bout of swimmers ear, incorporated natural bug spray with no chemicals, relieved some serious neck muscle tension, and made the whole family sleep like babies in a matter of minutes! Intrigued yet??? Here are 3 essential oils to incorporate for an everyday healthy lifestyle.
Peppermint:
The best oil for belly aches and nausea. You remember when you used to get a tummy ache and your grandmother would try to give you a peppermint and it was always the last thing you wanted to put in your mouth. Well it honestly works! It helps with digestion, freshens your breath, and even eases breathing when you’re congested. Put it in your water for a refreshing taste, relieve muscle tension, and even inhale it as appetite suppressant.
Melaleuca:
This oil is also known as tea tree oil and it can take on just about anything, bacteria, fungus, and viruses, it kills them on contact. It can be used for cuts, dandruff, even acne. It is also an immune booster and perfect for any skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis. Still not a believer?? My 4-yr old daughter is like a fish in the pool during the summer. Diving down to the bottom to grab toys and swimming across the pool. With that has come some serious swimmers ear! I used to be a swimmer growing I remember how bad it hurts, not fun! I tried the alcohol and water, swim drops, nothing was working. So I grabbed some Melaleuca dabbed 2 drops behind her ear, she laid down for an hour nap and guess what no more ear ache!!!
Lavender:
My favorite scent by far! It’s great for calming the mind, diminishes scars, and helps with relaxation and motion sickness. Reduces pain and swelling in bee stings, repairs dry chapped lips, but most of all it aids in a great night’s sleep. Add a couple drops to your pillow, and you’re guaranteed to be in sleeping soundly in no time. My little ones won’t go to bed without it!
So just by adding these three essential oils to your home and medicine cabinet you can increase your health and lifestyle with just a little lavender to help lull you to sleep instead of those heavy sleep aids that leave you drowsy the next day. Kills viruses and bacteria with a little Melaleuca and even stop a belly ache with a little peppermint. Be sure to always read the instructions for essential oils, pregnant women should be extra careful and some oils should be diluted for children and people with sensitive skin.
Another great use for essential oils is DIY bug sprays and suntan lotions! Learn to skip all the chemicals in your bug spray and suntan lotion and make your own. Here’s how!
DIY Bug Spray
What you’ll need:
- Small spray bottle
- Natural witch hazel
- Distilled or boiled water
- Your choice of oils, cinnamon, lavender, mint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and rosemary
How to make it:
In the spray bottle, fill half with water and then add witch hazel close to the top. Add 40-50 drops of essential oils. (Your choice, the more mix of oils you use, the stronger the spray will be.)
DIY Sunscreen:
What you’ll need:
- ½ C olive oil
- ¼ C doTERRA fractionated coconut oil
- ¼ cup bees wax
- 2 Tablespoons Shea butter
- 2 Tablespoons zinc oxide
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E
- 10-15 drops Helichrysum oil
How to make it: (SPF is 35-40)
- Add all ingredients into a glass bowl except zinc oxide and Helichrysum oil.
- In a medium sauce pan add a couple of inches of water and place glass bowl inside the pan.
- Stir as the ingredients start to melt.
- Let cool for a few minutes after all ingredients have melted. Add zinc oxide and Helichrysum and mix well.
- Pour into a small Mason jar or container and store in a cool place like the refrigerator. Sunscreen will last for up to 6 months.
After-sun Spray
Ingredients:
- 16 oz bottle
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice
- ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oils
- 8 drops melaleuca essential oils
- 8 drops Roman Chamomile essential oils
How to Make it:
Combine all ingredients into the bottle. Shake well before applying. Use as needed.
Find all the essential oils you need! www.mydoterra.com/kellyhughesroberts
