Healing with Essential Oil Remedies

Healing with essential oil remedies is a most pleasant way to take advantage of the medicinal gifts the plant kingdom provides.

Aromatherapy healing has the power to affect your mind, body and spirit depending on the oils and combinations you choose. For example, on a physical level, lavender is useful for acne, pain, and sunburn. On an emotional or mental level, it helps lift depression, relieve stress and calm anxiety.

For healing with plant oils, keep these important points in mind.

Be careful to purchase only natural, pure oils. Fragrance oils are not essential oils. They may cost less, but they are totally synthetic and have no health benefits. On the contrary, just the opposite may be true because synthetic fragrances are often made of several chemicals.

Essential oil remedies are very easy to use. Creating blends is a little more tricky. You do need to follow basic guidelines to achieve desired actions and to use them safely. Consult an aromatherapy book or resource for instructions and recipes.

If you prefer, professionally prepared blends are readily available for a variety of needs. Follow directions for use carefully. Oils are very potent. Remember, in aromatherapy, less is more.

Consider purchasing therapeutic grade essential oils. They are more expensive than lower quality oils, but are pure and more effective. They last a long time because you use so little. Popular good quality single oils and blends are usually available through local health food stores and on-line. Look for high quality oils from companies you trust such as Mountain Rose Herbs.

Do not be tempted to take essential oils internally. Unless you are quite sure of the quality of your oils and appropriate amounts to use, internal use of most oils is unsafe. Even one drop of some oils can be too much. For medicinal use of therapeutic grade essential oils, consult a skilled aromatherapist.

Always test your remedy on a small patch of skin first to make sure it doesn't cause a reaction.

Some oils do not smell nice. This may be something you have to accept if you want to experience a plant's medicinal qualities. However, if you find the scent repulsive, or it gives you a headache or bad reaction, do not use it. It probably is not right for you anyway.

Aromatherapy Healing Favorites

The following essential oil remedies are commonly used favorites for a variety of wellness needs. They are readily available, very safe when used appropriately and and moderately priced.

Lavender oil is probably the most known and loved of the essential oils, especially by women. You can use lavender without diluting it.

Here is one of my favorite ways to enjoy lavender oil. Put a drop in your hands and rub them together. Cover your nose and mouth with your hands. Close your eyes and inhale deeply for instant relaxation and stress-relief. Put a drop or two on a cotton ball and carry it with you. Sniff anytime for an instant stress-buster. Heaven!

Dab a drop of lavender oil on a sunburn, an insect bite or a pimple. Use 5-10 drops mixed in a carrier oil or magnesium salts and add to bath water for relaxation and calming.

Add a few drops to unscented skin lotion for a lovely scent and to soothe and heal your skin.

My friend Sandi puts a drop of lavender oil in her palms before doing reiki energy healing for her clients. They love it.

Lavender is a regular in many essential oil combinations.

Peppermint oil can be used alone or combined with lavender to counteract nervous stress and mental fatigue. A whiff of peppermint or rosemary oil makes for an instant pick-me-up if you are feeling fatigued or need to focus.

Peppermint is one of the few healing essential oils commonly used in food and beverages.

Eat a strong peppermint candy to help with flatulence or intestinal upset. Peppermint oil is added to commercially made mint candies and chocolates. These candies are after meal favorites because they freshen your breath and help with digestion.

Use one drop added to water as a gargle for bad breath or sore throat.

Peppermint oil may irritate your skin so be sure to test first.

Tea tree oil is a very popular essential oil remedy. It has a reputation as one of the best therapeutic essential oils for bacterial or fungal skin infections. Apply a drop to toe nail fungus, ringworm, acne, warts, insect bites and infected wounds.

Tea tree oil can be used straight or 'neat'. If it irritates your skin, dilute with a carrier oil or a little lotion.

Inhale tea tree alone or combined with lavender to counteract negative thinking, nervous exhaustion or shock.

Use as a steam inhalation for respiratory infections or add a few drops to the humidifier. Add a few drops to a steaming pot of water. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the pot (not too close!) and breathe in the steam for a few minutes.

Tea tree oil is useful for disinfecting around the house. Add several drops to your natural cleaning spray or laundry.

Eucalyptus and thyme are two more powerful disinfectants and respiratory aids.

Healing with essential oils is an enjoyable and effective way to incorporate complementary natural remedies into your holistic wellness plan. Whether you incorporate them into your life for physical healing, stress relief, energy therapeutics, or for non-toxic cleaning, aromatherapy has a place in natural health and home care.