To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Life is not merely being alive, but being well.
Essential oils have numerous uses and are gaining in popularity. This is good because more are wanting natural, toxin free alternatives better for themselves and their families.
Unfortunately, not all oils or oil companies are created equal. I am not a licensed aromatherapist, but I do find people asking me about them and wondering what resources I use when researching them. One problem that naturally minded people face are words. The term ‘natural’ is actually a trick word that anyone can use.
Go to the FDA’s site, you’ll see they state that it “has not established a regulatory definition for this term in cosmetic labeling”. They even recommend you use websites like Pub Med or TOXNET to search your ingredients (I love Pub Med).
Why am I mentioning this? Because it shows that you need to know your company. Research them and see how transparent they are. To me, the more transparent a company is, the higher their integrity is. Ensure that whatever company you buy from can provide a GC/MS report. These reports tell you the quality and purity of the essential oil. Then you will know if the oil has been diluted or mixed with anything. For essential oils, there are no standards for a company to say their oils are therapeutic grade or pure pharma grade. No independent organization or quality standard can give this certification to an oil.
Another word to look out while ordering essential oils is adulterant. This means that an artificial or natural substance was added after distillation. It is common practice for cheap essential oils to have this done to them. I’d suggest only buying oils that are unadulterant and that the company can provide a GC/MS report and be willing to explain to you the results.
My Favorite Ways to Use Oils in Winter
To help with respiratory problems (cough & congestions due to allergies, sinus problems, or cold/flu), rub breath easy type blends, peppermint, eucalyptus, or pine on your chest and neck or diffuse in the air. They help to clear and soothe your respiratory tract when it’s dry and irritated. For kids under six, fir needle, spruce, cypress, and spearmint can be used as a safe alternative. (PLEASE NOTE: Peppermint are not considered safe for children under 6 and Eucalyptus should be avoided until a child is 10. This is due to the possibility of slowed respirations caused by menthol and 1,9-cineole when they make up more than 40% of the blend.)
For neck tension or headaches, rub diluted head ease, peppermint, eucalyptus, or rosemary on your neck and temples. For kids, a blend of lavender, chamomile roman, and lemon can be used too. You can also mix with a lotion or make a DIY vapor rub blend to apply to your chest. I will also just breath in the aroma straight from the bottle sometimes!
Boosting your immune system is something a blend of oils can do. Usually you’ll see oils like tea tree, lavender, and lemon in these immune support blends. These oils encourage a healthy immune system when illnesses are flying around you. You can diffuse them or apply them to the tops of the feet and along the base of the neck to your spine to help get them.
If you get sick, you may want to help your immune system fight off whatever you caught & may help it heal faster or you may just use them as a DIY hand sanitizer. Lemon, clove, tea tree, and cinnamon are commonly used essential oils for medieval and germ fighter blends. Massaging this into your feet a few times a day or rubbing together in your hands (if using as a sanitizer) are great ways to help your body!
My Favorite Winter Oils
Peppermint: This is the first oil I ever used and it has remained one of my favorites. You have to dilute it whenever it can touch your skin, such as a bath or on your skin. It is cool, refreshing, and can help with a range of problems. I use to rub it on my neck and under my nose before an exam to help with concentration, it helps with pain (especially headaches! You can also try peppermint tea), it soothes queasy stomaches, and can soothe a sore throat or nose when inhaled.
Lavender: This little oil has many therapeutic properties. From helping you sleep to calming anxiety, this little oil can pack a punch. If your headache is caused or worsened by stress or anxiety, this can be used by itself or with peppermint oil and rubbed on your temples and neck to ease your pain. It is also an excellent alternative to peppermint for kiddos.
Eucalyptus: If you can’t breath, this oil can help to break up mucus and soothe your airway! If your headache is from mucus, this can be a great way to break it up so you can breath better. You can also make a DIY, toxin free vapor rub to help you breath with this oil. You inhale directly from the bottle or put on your chest.
Chamomile: Another option that is safe for your kids. It has a relaxing aroma so it helps to decrease headaches caused by exhaustion and stress. This is also good to use before bedtime.
Rosemary: This is also an oil that has a few uses, but like eucalyptus, should be avoided until 10 when diffusing or putting on the body. It helps to reduce pain, relax the body, and can improve blood circulation. It has a stimulating smell which can also improve concentration!
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