Essential Oil Uses http://www.essentialoilsessentialoils.com/

“Essential oils (EO) aren't essential to either plant life or humans. ‘Essential’ refers to the fact that the oils are the concentrated essence of a plant”, says John Labows, a fragrance technology consultant in the Philadelphia area.

For over 5,000 years, various cultures have used these healing plant oils for a variety of health remedies and conditions. The history of essential oil uses include Biblical references, Chinese, Egyptian with the earliest detailed accounts of methods and uses from Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), (in Muslim-controlled Spain) physician, pharmacist and chemist. Alternative medicine has revived the use of essential oils in aromatherapy, a method that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds. Oils are burned as incense, heated over a candle flame, volatilized, diffused in the air by a nebulizer, diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage and in spiritual rituals. These oils are organic compounds extracted from plants with intense healing properties. Just one drop can have powerful health benefits. Using EOs for healing purposes includes aromatherapy, which is a holistic treatment seeking to improve emotional, mental and physical, health. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the plant's fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived.[1] The term essential used here does not mean indispensable. The oils are "essential" in the sense that they contains the "essence

of" the plant's fragrance or the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which they are derived. Essential oils are also known as ethereal oils, volatile oils, aetherolea, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of oregano. The essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants that have a strong aroma. The concentrating of the oils by distillation creates a concentrate of oil that in the case of rose oil requires 65 pounds of rose pedals to produce 15ml (1/4 oz.) of rose oil. This process is expensive and time consuming. These “therapeutic oil compounds” naturally found in living plants shield the plant from a harsh environment, protect the plant from insects, and help them adapt to their surroundings. Human use of EOs, allows you to harness the healing and protective powers of the plant. EOs and some compounds in essential oils are composed of very small molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier and can penetrate your cell walls to blood and organ origins. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, expression, solvent extraction and pressing from leaves, flowers, stems, seeds, wood, roots, bark, peelings (citrus) and resin tapping. Before the refinement of distillation, all essential oils were extracted by pressing. These oils are often used for bruises; relaxation, home cleaning, beauty care, and mostly as natural medicine. Use essential oils as a hot compress to treat bruises or other wounds. Add five drops of frankincense, five drops of lavender to four ounces of hot water and soak. Apply to affected area. Apply a drop to the forehead, 1 drop behind each ear for relaxation, and improved concentration: Inhale bergamot, peppermint or grapefruit oil to increase concentration during the day. Dr. Axe a leading holistic doctor promotes EOs as medicinal remedies. Read his complete EO Guide first published 7-20-2014, https://draxe.com/essential-oils-guide, in which he claims,: “Just adding some of the most common essential oils like lavender, frankincense, lemon, peppermint and tea tree oil to your natural medicine cabinet can: •

Fight cold and flu symptoms

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Relax your body and soothe sore muscles

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Heal skin conditions

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Alleviate pain

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Balance hormones

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Improve digestion

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Reduce cellulite and wrinkles

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Clean your home

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Used in homemade personal care products…

… Many traditional hospitals like Vanderbilt University Hospital are catching on to the benefits of essential oils and are using them in the treatment of anxiety, depression and infections in

hospitalized patients. … A 2009 study found that pre-operative patients who received aromatherapy with lavandin oil were significantly less anxious about their surgery than controls. Other oils such as sandalwood, neroli oil, and lavender oil have also been used in traditional medicine to help patients better manage anxiety. Certain essential oils have also been used by midwives to help reduce fear and anxiety during childbirth. A 2007 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that women who used aromatherapy during labor reported less pain overall and were able to use fewer pain medications. Essential oils can also have antibacterial or anti-fungal benefits used in medical settings. Many oils when massaged on the skin can heal or help treat skin conditions, such as burns, or cuts and scrapes. Others may help boost the immune system, help with insomnia, and aid with digestion. 1.

… Clove: Anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic and antioxidant protection.

2. Cypress: Improves circulation, reduces varicose veins, lifts confidence and can help heal broken bones. 3. Eucalyptus: Improves respiratory issues like bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies. Also invigorating and purifies the body. 4. Frankincense: Builds immunity, reduces inflammation, heals age spots, supports brain and fights cancer. 5.

Ginger: Reduces inflammation, supports joints, improves digestion and relieves nausea.

6. Grapefruit: Supports metabolism and cellulite reduction. Mix with coconut oil and rub on areas of cellulite or take a few drops internally with water. 7.

Lavender: Helps with relaxation, improves mood and heals burns and cuts.

8. Lemon: Great to use in homemade cleaning products, improves lymph drainage and cleanses the body. 9. Myrrh: Natural anti-septic and can prevent or reduce infections. Also, supports beautiful skin, reducing stretch marks and hormone balance.

10. fast.

Oregano: Powerful anti-microbial properties, can kill fungus and help you kick a cold

11. Peppermint: Supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, fever reducer, headache and muscle pain relief. 12. Rose: Incredible for reducing skin inflammation and great for creating glowing skin. Add a few drops to your facial moisturizer. Also, one of the most valued essential oils in the world at $1000+ for 15ml. 13. Rosemary: Can naturally thicken hair so it is great to add to homemade shampoos. Also, it improves brain function and memory so it’s great to be used when working, reading or studying. 14. Tea tree oil (melaleuca): natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, reduces bad odors and can help stimulate the immune system. 15.

Sandalwood: Natural aphrodisiac that improves libido and can also improve energy.

Four most common ways these healing oils are used: Topically Essential oils have a very small size and of the chemical weight of less than 1000m (m = weight of molecule). According to scientific testing, any substance with a molecular weight below 1000m should be absorbed by the skin. This means that essential oils are able to penetrate the skin and pass into the blood stream and into different areas of the body for internal therapeutic benefits. Aromatically There is great evidence that essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream when inhaled. The large amount of blood vessels in the lungs absorb the oils and then circulate them throughout the body. Using a diffuser can help you experience the benefits of essential oils. You can diffuse lavender to reduce stress, melaleuca to cleanse the air, wild orange to improve mood, frankincense for spiritual enlightenment and peppermint to improve focus and energy. Ingestion Essential oils can be used as a powerful form of medicine but it should be remembered that again, essential oils are powerful. Most essential oils are safe for internal use but a little bit goes a long way. Usually 1-3 drops is plenty mixed with water. Oils like peppermint, lemon and frankincense have great internal benefits and can be taken with water. Other essential oils like clove and oregano need to be diluted and shouldn’t be taken internally for more than 1 week. Personal Care Today, the fastest way essential oils are being used is by making homemade DIY personal care products. This is an excellent away to take advantage of essential oils to improve your beauty, home and long term health. EOs For Beauty and Skin

…The skin and beauty industry is a billion dollar industry unfortunately it is filled with chemicals and hydrogenated oils that cause internal toxicity in the body. The good news is you can create your own skin and beauty products that are more effective than any conventional product on the market. Here are some benefits of specific oils: Calm irritated skin lavender and roman chamomile

Reduce age spots frankincense Thicken hair rosemary and sage Natural SPF skin protection helichrysum and myrrh Improve acne melaleuca (tea tree) and geranium … Essential Oils For Hair Growth Essential oils for hair loss can make a significant difference at reversing hair loss. Oils of sage, rosemary, and lavender can help naturally thicken hair by stimulating the hair follicles. Rosemary essential oil works by inhibiting DHT (dihydroxy-testosterone) and clary sage & lavender support hair growth by balancing estrogen levels and which stops hair loss. Here is a remedy to naturally thicken hair with essential oils: 1.

Put 5 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of rosemary oil on different areas of your scalp

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Gently massage into scalp for 2 minutes

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Put a hot towel around your head and sit for 20 minutes

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Finally, wash hair with natural homemade shampoo

Essential Oil Bug Spray Mosquitos and bugs can create big problems in certain areas of the world. These pests can ruin outings, BBQ’s, vacations, and special occasions. To keep bugs at bay you can make homemade natural bug spray that works! Instead of using chemicals sprays like DEET that are highly toxic to the body try using an allnatural mosquito repellent and bug spray made from EO. Here are the top essential oils to repel insects: •

Clove

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Lemongrass

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Citronella

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Eucalyptus

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Peppermint

Rub or spray all over body to repel bugs. Natural First Aid Kit Having a homemade first aid kit on hand for the everyday sunburn, sting, wound, muscle pain or injury is always a great idea. EOs are used widely as natural medicine but without the side effects of conventional drugs like aspirin and antibiotics. Here are some of the most common EOs everyone should have stored in their personal medicine cabinet: Oil of Oregano, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, Melaleuca anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, can be used to prevent and reduce infection and clean air of pathogens and allergens.Lavender to heal burns, cuts, rashes, stings, reduce anxiety and help sleep after trauma. Frankincense anti-inflammatory, heal bruising, reduce scars, boost immunity and emotional well-being. Peppermint to improve pain in joints, muscles, relieve digestive issues, reduce fevers, clear sinuses, improve asthma, bronchitis and relieve headaches.

Other oils you may want to have on hand to makeover your medicine cabinet include: eucalyptus, and clove. †These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Uses Around the House/ Boost Cleaning Power of natural household cleansers with Grapefruit oil, Lemon, or Orange. Deodorize Your Fridge with Lime, Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Bergamont or after cleaning or added to baking soda box Freshen Trash Bins with Lemon oil, Grapefruit, or Geranium sprinkled into baking soda. Shake mixture into the bottom of cans and refresh as needed. Deter Flying Insects with Lemongrass, Lavender, Citronella, Peppermint or Rosemary oil around windows and doors Disinfect Your Dish Sponge with Lemon oil between uses. Freshen Bathrooms with Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Grapefruit, or Geranium oil in a diffuser. Eliminate Lingering Food Odor with any citrus oil Clove, or Cinnamon added to pots of simmering water. Infuse Your Shoes with Basil, Lavender, Geranium or oil to keep foot odor at bay. Neutralize Pet Odor with Lemon oil, Geranium, or Lavender, Mix ten to twenty drops of essential oil in a small spray bottle filled with apple cider vinegar. Shake well before each use. Refresh Carpets with Lemon, Peppermint, Geranium, or Lavender, oil added to baking soda. Sprinkle mixture into carpet, let sit for at least 15 minutes, then vacuum up. Dissolve Stubborn Substances like glue, oil, chewing gum, or wax with Lemon oil. Scrub Sinks with a mixture of Lime oils and Bergamot diluted in water.

Scent Your Vacuum Bag by dousing a cotton ball with your favorite essential oil and dropping it into the vacuum bag or filter.

Wash Fruit and preserve its freshness with Grapefruit oil. Repel Spiders and Rodents by spraying Peppermint oil mixed in water around windows and doors. Douse a cotton ball with Peppermint oil and stuff into corners of windows where spiders may be able to enter. Use the same method anywhere you think rodents might be able to access your home. Neutralize Paint Odor with 10 ml of Peppermint oil added to a can of fresh paint.

Bird seed, prevent weevils from ruining seed by placing a few cotton balls with 3 drops of oregano oil in each ball on top of the seed in the bag. Scent Your Bath Towels by sprinkling a dozen or so drops of a favorite oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss it in the dryer with clean towels. Remove Mites from Bedding with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil mixed with water and added to the washing machine. Aromatherapy Add Aroma to Your Fireplace by applying ten or so drops of essential oil to a dry log. Allow the oil to permeate the wood for at least a couple of days before burning. Transform a Candle by adding a few drops of essential oil to the hot melted wax near the wick after the candle has been burning for a few minutes. Freshen the Air by adding twenty drops of your favorite oil to a small spray bottle filled with water. Spray as desired and always remember to shake well before each use. Lighten the Mood in a room with Orange, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, or rose, oil added to a diffuser. Relax Your Mind and Body by adding Bergamot, Lavender, Chamomile, or Cedarwood oil to your bath water. Scent Your Whole Home with your favorite essential oil or blend of oils sprinkled onto the new furnace filter each month. Remove Lingering Smoke Odor with Tea Tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and diluted in water in a small spray bottle. Shake before each use Stay Alert while driving or studying by inhaling the scent of any combination of Lemongrass, Lavender, Lemon, Sage, Frankincense, Basil, and/or Peppermint oils. Unwind After a Hard Day by dropping Peppermint, Grapefruit, or Basil oil into a candlepowered oil burner. Invigorate Your Office with Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Orange, or Basil oil added to a diffuser. Create a Relaxing Environment in your break room or lobby using Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, or Lavender in a diffuser. Scent Letters and Cards with fragrant essential oils that complement a holiday or special occasion (cinnamon, clove). Liven Up Silk Flowers with a matching floral essential oil. Mix oil with water in a small spray bottle, shake well, and apply to flowers. Refresh as needed. Health and Healing

Cure Nausea with Nutmeg or Ginger oil. Rub a few drops on soles of feet and relax until nausea passes. Soak Sore Feet in Peppermint oil added to an Epsom salt foot bath. Bolster Your Immune System with Oregano oil rubbed on the bottoms of feet. Relieve Menstrual Cramps with one part rosemary, basil, or clary sage oil mixed with four parts carrier oil. Massage into abdomen and cover with a warm compress for fifteen minutes. Repeat as needed. Soothe a Headache by mixing two drops each of Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint oil per six drops of carrier oil. Massage into temples, behind ears, on back of neck, across forehead, and under nose for quick relief. Open Your Airways by inhaling the vapor of Lavender and Eucalyptus oils mixed equal parts with a carrier oil. Rub onto chest before bed for a better night’s sleep. Avoid Germs While Traveling by packing a small spray bottle containing equal parts Lemon, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Clove and Eucalyptus oils diluted in water. Shake well before each use. Stop Hair Loss with Hops flower, Burdock Root, Lavender, Ginger, Thyme, Rosemary, or Yarrow oils mixed with a carrier. Detoxify Your Body by soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath infused with Juniper and Rosemary oils. Disinfect Cuts and Scrapes with Tea Tree or Lavender oil. Dilute one-to-one in a carrier oil for those with sensitive skin. Reduce Fever by adding equal parts Peppermint, Sage, Frankincense, and either Eucalyptus, Rosemary, or Pine oil to a bath. Add the same oils to lukewarm water and sponge onto feverish skin. Relieve Tension by massaging a few drops of Lavender oil under the ear just behind the jaw, into temples, and over stiff neck muscles. Relax Tired Muscles with Basil, Sage, and Eucalyptus oils added to a warm Epsom salt bath. Say “Goodnight” to Insomnia by sprinkling Lavender and Chamomile oils onto your pillow. Add several drops of both oils to a cotton ball and keep near your head while resting. Loosen Stiff Joints with a couple of drops Juniper, Wintergreen, or Vetiver oil mixed with about a teaspoon of carrier oil. Gently massage into achy joints. Protect Skin from Sunburn by mixing one part Carrot oil, one part Myrrh oil, and two parts Jojoba oil. Apply liberally for sun protection equivalent to SPF 30. Aromatherapy for Your Auto

Deodorize Upholstery with Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Peppermint, or Lavender oil in baking soda. Dust on, let set for a few minutes, then vacuum off. Air Condition-Air Freshen by clipping a cotton ball in front of an air vent and adding a few drops of your favorite oil. Have a Little Fun. Cut two identical pine trees out of green felt and another out of paperboard. Glue felt to both sides of paperboard and hang from your rear-view mirror. Scent with pine oil and refresh as needed. Refreshing kitchen surface cleaner Add 2-5 drops Lemon directly to a damp sponge. Use it to wipe countertops and cutting boards to help combat bacteria and germs. Simple kitchen sink scrub Combine 5 drops Lime oil, 5 drops Bergamot oil, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl and stir. Apply the mixture to the inside of the sink and scrub. Rinse with warm water. Laundry freshener Add 5-10 drops Grapefruit, Lavender or Orange to a small, slightly damp washcloth; place it in the dryer while drying towels, sheets and clothes for a clean, fresh aroma. Grout scrub Combine 10 drops each of Tea Tree, Pine, Lemongrass, 1 cup baking soda, 3 tbsp. liquid dish soap and 1 tbsp. white vinegar. Mix well, then place a small handful of the scrub on an abrasive sponge and clean grout. Simple carpet deodorizer Combine 12 drops Lavender with 1 oz baking soda. Mix well and sprinkle the mixture over carpets. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum. Cozy aromatic fireplace Add 5 drops Pine, Sage, or Frankincense to a medium-sized, dry log. Leave for at least 15 minutes and make sure the essential oil has soaked in before adding the log to a lit fire. Remove cigarette smell Combine 4 drops Eucalyptus, 4 drops Tea Tree, 4 drops Rosemary and 8 drops Lemon with 1 oz water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally around the affected area. Shake well before each use. Outdoor furniture scrub spray

Combine 20 drops each of Pine, Lemon, Juniper Berry, and 2 tbsp. white vinegar in an 8 oz. spray bottle. Top off with water. Shake well and spray patio furniture liberally, clean and scrub with a heavy rag. Fridge refresher Combine 5-10 drops Lemongrass, Lime, Bergamot, Grapefruit, or to a small bowl of water. Wipe down the fridge or freezer with the water. Ant & pest away Add 2-4 drops Peppermint on a cotton ball and place in locations where you have had problems with ants or mice. The strong aroma will disrupt scent trails and discourage them from coming back. Shoo fly don’t bother me Place 2 cups dried flowers or potpourri in a decorative bowl. Sprinkle 10-15 drops Citronella over the dried flowers. Place in an area where you want to ward off flying insects. Sponge refresher Sprinkle a few drops Blood Orange, Lemon, Lavender or on your sponge. Place in the top rack of your dishwasher to disinfect and leave a fresh aroma. General purpose & disinfecting cleaner Add 20 drops each Pine, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and along with 1 oz white vinegar to a 2 oz spray bottle. Fill to the shoulder of the bottle with water. Shake well before each use. Can be used on glass surfaces, windows, kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces and inside your refrigerator. Bathroom refresher Add 1-5 drops Grapefruit, Lavender to a cotton ball and place behind toilet.

After years of conversations with EO users around the world I decided to start writing the uses down to share. Here is the beginning of the compilation of different ways we use essential oils in our day-to-day lives there are countless more! There are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands, of ways to use essential oils, and those of us who love them and use them find new applications everyday! Here are some of the ways we have used EOs that might surprise you! I hope you will add some of your uses too!

• Each time you change the air filters in your home, place a few drops of essential oil on the filter. It will kill microbes in your duct system, and make your home smell wonderful. • Put a couple of drops of essential oil on a couple of cotton balls and put one in each of a pair of stinky shoes. • A drop of Peppermint essential oil on the back of your tongue is an instant breath freshener.

• For pierced ears that get sore and inflamed from wearing cheapo earrings, rub a drop or two of Melaleuca essential oil on them and it takes care of the discomfort right away! • Fill a spray bottle with water, add 10-15 drops of Peppermint essential oil, and spray the peppermint water in the cracks and gaps where spiders & rodents can enter your home. Alternatively, add one or two drops of Peppermint oil to a cotton ball and place in these same areas. Spiders, mice & rats hate peppermint. • Use Peppermint, Eucalyptus, or Birch essential oil as a local anesthetic or cleanser before finger-prick blood tests.

• Take a small roller bottle of Melaleuca essential oil to your next pedicure appointment and quickly dab and rub into each toenail before polish for an anti-fungal layer of protection. • Stubborn headache? Add a few drops of Birch essential oil to a small amount of shampoo in your hand and wash your hair. Or place a few drops of Peppermint essential oil on your sinuses temples, and neck.

• Rub a drop of Lemon essential oil on the side of your nose to get relief from a runny nose due to colds or allergies. (This oil is photo sensitive. Do not expose the skin to direct sunlight for 24-78 hours after application.)

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Diffuse Lemon essential oil after cooking fish to eliminate that lingering fishy smell.

• To halt hiccups, add 4-5 drops of Peppermint essential oil to 1 – 2 Tbsp. of room temperature water to a shot glass full of water. Drink in one big gulp. • bedtime…place a few drops of Lavender essential oil on your baby’s blanket or stuffed animal, and let the aroma do its work at bed or nap time.

• Permanent marker is no match against a couple drops of Lemon essential oil and some elbow grease. • During the summer, place a diffuser near the entrance to your home and diffuse Lemongrass or Peppermint essential oil to help keep flies at bay. • Place a diffuser with Peppermint in it next to house plants infested with pesky mites or aphids. Or a combination of water and Lemon EO in a spray bottle will also do the trick.

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Add some Lemon EO to the soap dispenser of your dishwasher for dishes that sparkle!

• Let Wild Orange or Lemon EO “SOLVE” all your solvent needs. Use a few drops to remove gum from hair & carpet to help remove sticky labels, clean sticky tree sap off of gardening tools. • Make flavored Ice cubes for lemonade, water, or punch by adding a drop of essential oil to your ice tray.

• Outdoor recreation spray. Add Lemongrass or Lavender EOs to water in a spray bottle and keep nearby when fishing, boating and camping. • Use a Lemon EO soaked cloth to preserve leather jackets, microfiber sofas, and prevent leather from splitting. • Give your smoothies a small flavor explosion with a drop of Wild Orange, Lemon, or Lime!

• Add Lime, Cilantro, Lemon, and/or essential oil to your favorite salsa or guacamole recipes. Gives an extra pop of intense flavor!

• Likewise, add a drop of Lime or Lemon essential oil to a tall glass of lemonade for extra flavor! •

Make your own mints with your favorite flavored essential oil, or a combination!

• Add a drop of Peppermint essential oil to your next cup of coffee for a delicious peppermint cup of joe.

• To fight germs on your gym stuff, fill a small spray bottle with water, add a drop each of Lavender essential oil and Melaleuca and spray down your gym bag, shoes, and yoga mat when you’re done. • Add a drop of Lavender or Sandalwood EO to your shaving cream before your morning shave for a soothing and pleasant-smelling experience. • Apply Melaleuca essential oil after getting a tattoo to avoid infection. Dilute with coconut oil or use as a spray with purified water. • Got dandruff? Add a drop of Melaleuca oil to small amount of shampoo in your hand. Works for beard dandruff too! • To ease Swimmer’s Ear, add a drop of Lavender EO and a drop of Melaleuca to a cotton ball. Wipe the inside of ear, back of ear and down both jawlines. • Add a drop of Melaleuca to a cup of white vinegar (or 1/2 cup epsom salt) and add it to your next load of laundry for an inexpensive, all-natural, antimicrobial fabric softener. • Put a drop of your favorite essential oil (I use Peppermint or Lemon) on a cotton ball and add it to your vacuum cleaner bag or collector cup for a fresh smell each time you vacuum.

The uses for essential oils for health and emotions are many and diverse. As human residents on this planet, we are reminded of our dependence on plants and their uses. We use a plants for oxygen, food, clothing, building, and to bring balance and harmony into our homes and outdoor surroundings. The EOs that are extracted from plant leaves, flowers, stems, roots, or bark are incredible stimulants for us to use in our everyday lives, when we are looking for natural and healthy solutions in a more potent form. Essential oils carry the essence of the plants in such a concentrated form that a single drop of essential oil can equal multiple teaspoons of the dried herb (for instance, 1 drop of peppermint oil equals more than 25 cups of peppermint tea and oils can be up to 70x more potent than their dried herbal form). All EOs are made up of various chemical constituents whose research is continually growing, especially in recent years. In addition to these impressive qualities, EOs often also transfer very pleasurable sensory experiences within minutes because of their fragrances and restorative

natures, making them impactful on our brain chemistry, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness, magnifying the vast and diverse list of uses for essential oils. The remarkable uses of essential oils can only be maximized when 100% purity is involved. Since government regulations are virtually non-existent, knowing where your oils come from and how they are processed is crucial to ensuring safety and effectiveness. You must learn how to use each oil properly. Posted: 07/02/2014 1. Tea Tree: from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifloria, tea tree is one of the oils that can be used topically -- good news, because it's great for treating skin problems like fungus and blemishes. You can dab it on acne blemishes with a cotton swab to help clear your skin, or apply it to skin fungal infections like athlete's foot. It's also found in many skin care products. 2. Lavender: "Lavender is one of the most versatile oils,” Scarpelli said. "It is more commonly known for its relaxing effects but works on bruises, cuts, and skin irritation too.” Dr. Oz says that the scent of lavender can reduce the levels of stress hormones in your blood. That’s a good reason to put a few drops in your bath in order to help you relax at night. Scarpelli recommends putting a couple of drops of the oil on your hands, rubbing them together and inhaling, then sprinkle a few more on your pillow before you hop in bed. 3. Calendula: Bright-orange calendula flowers are also known as marigold. Calendula can be used in a variety of forms, include as an essential oil. It's particularly good for sensitive skin and can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. You can also put a drop in your bath water to soothe psoriasis. 4. Chamomile: You're probably familiar with chamomile used as a tea, but the essential oil has similar properties. It's particularly well known for its relaxing effects, which is why the tea is popular to drink before bed. Add to the effect with a few drops of the oil on your pillowcase. 5. Peppermint: "Peppermint purifies and stimulates the mind. It also can increase mental alertness,” Scarpelli advised. "Dr. William N. Denver of the University of Cincinnati found that inhaling peppermint oil increased mental accuracy by 28 percent.” Peppermint oil is also one of just a handful of oils that can be taken internally, which is fortunate because it’s a great recipe to help indigestion — just mix a few drops in water and drink. 6. Frankincense: Nina Nelson of the blog Shalom Mama says that frankincense is a must-have essential oil in her home. She uses it both for relaxation, such as in baths, and to help minor cuts and bug bites heal more quickly. "Frankincense has been used for thousands of years,” Scarpelli said. "It can be used for depression, inflammation, immunity, and to increase spiritual awareness." 7. Oregano: You may have heard of oil of oregano as a flu fighter. This strong-tasting oil has naturally antibacterial qualities, which is why many think it can help to fight colds and other sicknesses. It is taken topically, often by putting a few drops on the tongue — the taste isn't pleasant but many people swear by it during flu season.

8. Lemon: "Lemon oil can be used not only to detox the body but it can also help with acne,” Scarpelli said. If you want a healthy boost in alertness, a bit of lemon oil mixed 50:50 with a carrier is a great way to give your head a lift. Because of its uplifting properties, lemon essential oil is also good for increasing focus and concentration. As a bonus, it can help keep fleas away when used on your pets. Lemon is a refreshing and cheering oil that should be heavily diluted if you plan on applying to the skin. 9. Grapefruit: Another citrus oil, grapefruit essential oil has properties similar to lemon oil. It's a great choice for people experiencing fatigue and it can help you deal with the effects of jet lag. It's also a natural antiseptic so you can add it to your homemade household cleansers to keep your home safe and clean. 10. Eucalyptus: This is a great oil to have on hand if you get frequent colds or suffer from allergies that affect your breathing and make you congested. "Eucalyptus can be used to relieve sore muscles and help clear sinuses,” Scarpelli said. "It also has many antibacterial properties and has been known to stimulate the immune system." Use it in a vaporizer to loosen up a congested chest or apply it diluted to the inside of your nose to relieve nasal congestion. But never ingest it or use it on your skin undiluted, as it can be irritating. Read the rest of the post: Benefits Of Essential Oils: Posted: 07/02/2014 http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/07/02/benefits-of-essential-oils_n_5536808.html • Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is purifying and invigorating and is often used in topical preparations. •

Ginger: Ginger can be used to stimulate the appetite.

• tree.

Juniper Berry: The restoring and supporting benefits come from the berry of the juniper

• Lavender: Used in baths, sprays, lotions, oils and more, lavender promotes a calm and relaxed feeling. •

Rosemary: This clarifying scent is often used in household sprays, soaps and shampoos.

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Sage: Just one drop is all you need to enjoy the warming effects of the camphor scent.

• Spearmint: This refreshing and cooling essential oil can help refresh your skin if you add a few drops to your bathwater. •

Tea Tree: Tea tree oil can support immune system health.

• Ylang Ylang: The ylang ylang plant was originally cultivated in the Philippines, but it soon made its way around the world because of its distinctive scent and beautiful appearance. This essential oil is used to relax both the mind and body. Aromatherapy can be a great, natural, complementary health treatment to a variety of conditions. To find out which scents may help you, find an aromatherapy book at your local library or do

some online searching to find out about popular essential oils and get recipes for mixing your EO remedies. Different oils can be blended together to achieve a synergy. This means that the respective powers of the oils change to enhance their energy. When a level of power has been reached, you achieve a synergy. Recipes for blending need to be followed exactly and the oils should be left to age for at least a week before adding them to carrier oils. I purchase my essential oils here. Related links: Website, G Folder