10 Versatile Essential Oils for Your Basic Aromatherapy Care Kit

There are many essential oils to choose between and it can be somewhat confusing to know what oils to start with. You don't need many bottles since you can easily enjoy the benefits of essential oils with only a couple of bottles. I always have lavender and tea tree on hand, and it is actually a very economical way to deal with minor cuts, wounds, scratches and insect bites. They are very versatile, fairly inexpensive, and together they make a great first aid kit.

Base care kit

I have narrowed it down to 10 single oils that I picked for their versatility and ability to deal with a variety of health complaints. Several essential oil companies  have starting kits that contain most of these oils. I highly recommend to purchase a starting kit since it is normally cheaper than buying the individual oils.

10 versatile essential oils

Lavender

Lavender is an oil that I think should be in every home because it is an effective oil to a reasonable price.  It has historically been useful in treating various nervous and psychological disorders due to its sedative and nervine effects. It has historically been used for things like migraine, depression, stress,  insomnia, and nervous tension. If you were to pick only one oil for your first aid pick it should be lavender since it is the most versatile of all essential oils. Its antiseptic properties has historically been used for coughs, colds, catarrh, sinus, flu as well as wounds, burns and all types of pain.

Tea tree

Tea tree is an immune stimulant and has antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic properties. According to Battaglia, it has been proven to be active against all three categories of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree has historically been used for wound healing, fungal infections, congestion, aches and pains, acne and dandruff.

Lemon

Lemon is highly antibacterial. According to Battaglia, it is able to stimulate the action of the white blood cells. Lemon has a purifying, uplifting and revitalizing aroma, and it clears the mind and sharpens the senses.   It is a very pleasant and soothing oil. Research in Japan has proven its effect to improve the ability to concentrate.

The main constituent is limonene, which has been studied for it's anti-cancer effects. 

In the book, The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system. Battaglia says, lemon also counteracts the acidity and makes the stomach more alkaline. It also has a tonic effect on the circulatory system. Historically lemon has been used in skin care due to its astringent effect.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is expectorant, antibacterial and antiviral. It is best known as a decongestant. Eucalyptus has historically been used to treat respiratory problems like sinus problems, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. Eucalyptus increase oxygen to the cells in the body. It has also historically been used to relieve insect bites and muscular aches and pains. Eucalyptus has been recommended for treatments of headaches, neuralgia and debility. It has been used historically to reduce fever. Eucalyptus is effective as an insect repellent, and it has traditionally also been used to treat burns, wounds, blisters and cuts. It also makes a great antiseptic for when you clean, so you can add it to your cleaning water. More information about eucalyptus.

Rosemary

Rosemary is antifungal and antibacterial. It is a general stimulant and it also supports nerves and endocrine gland balance. It has also historicaly been used in treatments for muscular conditions, and makes a useful oil to add to the bath after a tiring day. According to Worwood, rosemary is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, diabetes, coughs and flu. It is also being used in natural hair care as well as in acne and cellulite treatments.

Clove

Clove is a powerful antimicrobial and it has a stimulating effect on the mind. It is not only a strong antiseptic, but it also has carminative and antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps stimulate digestion.  It has historically been used to treat viral diseases, to stimulate digestion, relieve flatulence, and restore the appetite. Clove's anesthetic property has historically been used to ease toothache. The anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.

According to Jean Valnet, MD, clove oil can prevent contagious disease, and may treat arthritis, bronchitis, colera, cystitis, cholera, dental infection, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, tuberculosis, acne, fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, insect bites, hypertenstion, dermatitis, skin cancer, bacterial colitism sinusitis, sores, viral hepatitis, warts, and lymphoma. More information about clove essential oils.

Peppermint

The antispasmodic properties of peppermint have been confirmed in clinical trials. Peppermint is one of the most effective oils of the digestive system. The German Commission E Monographs recommends peppermint oil for obstructions of the bile ducts, gall bladder inflammations and severe liver damage. 

Jean Valnet, MD studied peppermint's supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint helps the circulation as well. According to Worwood, this is a good oil for the treatment of indigestion, flu, catarrh, headaches, toothache, rheumatism, and migraines. It is also keeping the ants, mice, and fleas away. More information about peppermint essential oil.

Geranium

Geranium works on the emotions and is very useful for many medical conditions. Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. According to Battaglia,  geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. He also says it is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex has a regulatory effect on the hormonal system. It may therefore useful in treating PMS and menopausal problems. Geranium balances the sebum and is therefore useful for all skin conditions, but it is especially useful for sluggish, congested, and oily skin. According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.

Chamomile

Chamomile is antiseptic and antibacterial, but it is often valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the skin in Europe. It has historically been used to treat rheumatism. It has also traditionally been used by mothers to ease ear aches, soothe stomach aches and indigestion, and relieve tooth aches and teething pains. Roman chamomile may help calm restlessness and tension. It's anti-infectious properties benefit cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

According to Gary Young, chamomile neutralizes allergies and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. Young also says chamomile can effectively minimize irritability and nervousness in children. 

Chamomile is calming and relaxing and therefore is often used to combat depression, insomnia and stress. It is known to minimize anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Chamomile has historically  been used in treatment of burns, eczema,  psoriasis, asthma, hay fever, migraines, sprains and strains. More about chamomile.

Thyme

Thyme is highly antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and  antiviral. Thyme has historically been used for respiratory problems and digestive complains. It is often used in the prevention and treatment of infection, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Thyme is a general tonic for the nerves and the stomach. It is a wonderful oil to use in the room diffuser when the flu goes around due to it's antiviral properties. Thyme also aids in the detoxification of the body. 

I suggest that you invest in vegetable oils and/or aloe vera gel to dilute the essential oils with. A good diffuser is also recommended. There are many ways these essential oils can be used which make them perfect for a natural first aid kit. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.   
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday
Healthy 2day Wednesday
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Wildcrafting Wednesday
Eco-Kids Tuesday

Living Well Blog Hop # 9

Welcome to the Living Well blog hop! We’d like to invite you to share a blog post about what you do to Live Well. It could be a healthy recipe, exercise tips, ideas for relaxing, getting organized, lifestyle improvements – anything that you feel makes your life better.

Your Living Well hosts for the week are:

Laurie @ Common Sense Homesteading

Jo @ Jo’s Health Corner

Tina @ Being Made New

Lea @ Nourishing Treasures

Living Well Blog Hop guidelines:

1. Please provide a link back to one of the Living Well host blogs in your post. Grab one of the buttons below if you like.

2. Please link to a specific post in your blog, not your blog’s home page.

3. If you link a recipe, please use real foods and avoid highly processed ingredients.

4. The hosts of the blog hop reserve the right to remove any posts that we deem inappropriate.

5. If you don’t have a blog, please leave a comment to share what you’ve done to live well this week.

Thanks for joining us in Living Well.

<a href="http://joshealthcorner.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae314/naturallysports/livingwellbutton3.jpg"/></a>

The Therapeutic Term Diuretic- Two Oils That Have This Action

The term diuretic means an increased production, secretion and flow of urine caused by an agent such as an essential oil. Essential oils with diuretic actions are considered alteratives. They cleanse and purify the blood by supporting the body's natural elimination response by stimulating the five systems of elimination:

• the kidney
• the skin
• the bowel
• the lungs
• the lymphatic system

The following two oils have diuretic actions:

Black pepper, piper nigrum

Black pepper should be used only two weeks at a time and the three weeks off before using it again. Black pepper should be avoided with homeopathics. It could be contraindicated with other substances. It can also be a dermal irritant if used undiluted on the skin. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also a mucus membrane irritant. Make sure you perform a skin patch test.

Cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica

Cedarwood is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A skin patch test is required.

Clean the Indoor Air with Plants

My mother always had a lot of indoor plants and she especially liked to place them in the windows. She also had plants such as Spider Plants displayed in various places around the  house. Everyone had plants in their homes when I grew up and the windows were the most common place to put them. Most Swedes still have plenty of plants in their houses today. I was told when I was a child that plants added oxygen to the air, but I never thought much about the other benefits of having indoor plants when I grew up. Like everyone else, I decorated with several plants in my own apartment but at that time I focused more on making my  area  look pretty. 

Plants are amazing air filters

Plants are amazing and they can be used  as air filters in addition to providing essential oxygen. They are capable of digesting chemical pollutants that may cause various health problems. Scientists have studied several plant species to investigate the connection between certain species and the toxins they are capable of digesting. It was discovered that English Ivy is effective in consuming benzene while Boston Fern digests formaldehyde.  In the 80's NASA conducted a few experiences that involved putting plants in a highly polluted environment that contained several chemical toxins. The level of toxins were greatly reduced after 24 hours and many of the toxins had been digested by the plants.

Best plants

Some plants are more effective than others in filtering the air pollution. These plants make good house plants:

Arrowhead Vine

Areca Palm

Boston Fern

Dwarf Date Palm

Chrysanthemums

English Ivy

Spider Plant

Striped Dracaena

Golden Pothos

Other plants

Kitchen herbs and lettuce can also grow indoors in addition to air purifying plants.  I received a great tip a few years ago to plant lettuce seeds in pots at different times and place them in the kitchen window. This would make sure that I always would be able to enjoy fresh greens during the winter since they would be ready to eat at different times. 

Improvements

I admit that I haven't been very good at keeping indoor plants since I left Sweden, and this is an area that I need to improve in. I don't have good window sill to place the plants, but it is not an excuse since many plants don't like direct sun light anyway. I just have to be creative and find other locations for them instead. We do plant seeds for the garden inside but as soon as the weather permits they go outside. 

Do you keep any indoor plants?

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Small Footprint Friday

Photo credit: Allt i Hemmet

Living Well Blog Hop # 8

Welcome to the Living Well blog hop! We’d like to invite you to share a blog post about what you do to Live Well. It could be a healthy recipe, exercise tips, ideas for relaxing, getting organized, lifestyle improvements – anything that you feel makes your life better.

Your Living Well hosts for the week are:

Laurie @ Common Sense Homesteading

Jo @ Jo’s Health Corner

Tina @ Being Made New

Lea @ Nourishing Treasures

Living Well Blog Hop guidelines:

1. Please provide a link back to one of the Living Well host blogs in your post. Grab one of the buttons below if you like.

2. Please link to a specific post in your blog, not your blog’s home page.

3. If you link a recipe, please use real foods and avoid highly processed ingredients.

4. The hosts of the blog hop reserve the right to remove any posts that we deem inappropriate.

5. If you don’t have a blog, please leave a comment to share what you’ve done to live well this week.

Thanks for joining us in Living Well.

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Is Your pH Balanced?

Lemons are acidic, but they neutralize acids once they are consumed and  make the body more alkaline.

Have you ever checked to see if your pH is balanced? It took me a while before I realized how important pH balancing is to our health. pH balancing is one thing that is often overlooked in our quest for optimal health. pH balancing is important to achieve optimal health, in fact, it is so important that it can affect all the major body systems if it is out of balance. A pH balanced body allows the body to function properly, and it maintains proper metabolic functions. 

Why high acidity is bad for your health

When the body is acidic, it borrows minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium from bones and vital organs to buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. This will weaken the bones and organs if not corrected. High acidity also prevents the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, which means the body is constant deficient even when taking supplements. This is one reason why supplements don't work as they should sometimes. High acidity level, acidosis, may lead to weight gain, bladder and kidney concerns, immune deficiency, joint discomfort, low energy, cardiovascular weakness, and lower bone density.

What is pH?

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of  a solution.  The body has an acid-alkaline ratio which is an balance between positively charged ions that are acid forming, and negatively charged ions that are alkaline forming. It is more common to be acidic than alkaline.

Some things we do in our family to balance pH

We try to balance the pH ratio, 80% and 20% acidity with the diet, but we also use supplements that enhance the effect. 

• Alkaline minerals are essential when acidic, alfalfa has a high amount of minerals and may alkalize the body. We use green powders that are alkalizing, and we add the powder to protein shakes or freshly squeezed juices. We take alfalfa and Spirulina supplements instead of multivitamins.
• Freshly squeezed juices is a great way to obtain nutrients that are alkalizing. Juicing makes it easy for the body to absorb the nutrients. It is also a great way to hide not so tasty things from the children. I like to add Swiss chard or kale to my juice.  Carrots, beets, celery, and barley grass are other things I like to add. I also add supplements like spirulina and alfalfa. To make it simple, we often make a great alkalizing juice of celery, beets and carrots. Dr.Jensen's Juicing Therapy is a great book that I highly recommend.
• Whey protein isolate is alkalizing. We add berries, flax seed oil and banana to increase the alkalizing effect. We add green super food supplements as well.
• A lot of enzymes are destroyed in fresh foods due to cold storage, so we supplement with digestive enzymes during times when it is hard to get local and fresh food.
• We perform a liver and kidney cleanse twice a year. 
• We often add colloidal minerals to our drinking water.
• Anything green is alkaline, so we aim to include lots of things like dark leafy greens in our salads.
• We use a very absorbable herbal calcium/magnesium supplement to buffer pH.
• We add fresh lemon juice, or lemon essential oils (therapeutic grade only) to warm water, and we drink this first thing in the morning. I often add raw apple cider vinegar. We add maple syrup sometimes.

Acidic foods

Canned, frozen, and processed foods, and dairy are acidic and should be minimized. Sodas, most grains and nuts, and meat are also acidic. It is also important to avoid refined sugar, rice and flour. Artificial sweeteners are the worse when it comes to acidity. Minimizing the acid forming food and increasing the alkalizing food should be the goal. It is really not that hard, a piece of meat, lots of dark leafy greens, and other alkaline vegetables in a salad is a good balance. Most people load up on acid forming carbs like rice instead of greens during meal time.

Alkalinity

It is fairly uncommon to be alkaline. It causes several of the same kind of mineral problems as acidity. It takes longer for someone who is alkaline to normalize the pH balance than an acidic person. Alkalinity may lead to digestive sluggishness, immune system concerns, urinary weakness, nervous system exhaustion, respiratory concerns and intestinal system concerns. 

Here is a Acid and alkaline food list. Most importantly, remember that greens and most fruits are considered alkaline, especially those high in potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium. (Plant based, not salt). Don't forget that processed food is acidic.

Test your own pH

pH test card charts and test strips are available for purchase from many health food stores as well as herbal and supplement companies.

Don't get overwhelmed

I shared a lot of ideas of what we do in our family, so don't get overwhelmed. Start slowly, for example, start the day with a drink made of warm water, fresh lemon juice and perhaps some raw apple cider vinegar. Increase your intakes of greens. Make an effort to decrease at least a couple of acid forming items from your diet while you increase a couple of more alkaline items. Make a green smoothie or a protein shake instead of the regular snack.

Thanks for visiting!

This post is linked to:
Simple Lives Thursday

The Powerful Aroma of an Essential Oil

The aroma of an essential oil is very powerful. The fragrance can  directly affect our emotions as well as other functions in the body.
In order for an aroma to be detected it has to be volatile so it can be carried by the air to the 10 million sensory neurons located in the nostrils. The aroma finally ends up in the limbic system of the brain where it is perceived and analyzed. The limbic system is the main relay station, and it is there all the emotional responses are located.


The frontal lobes of the limbic system control the memory and attention, and it is also here the emotional responses are sensed. The limbic system is directly connected to the part of the brain that controls breathing, memory, hormone balance, stress levels, blood pressure and heart rate. This means that essential oils can have very profound psychological and physiological effects. Depression, anxiety, anger, joy and and fear originate from this part.


After the information about the scent has been perceived and analyzed of the limbic system, it is sent to other parts of the brain and then to storage in the memory. Interestingly enough the sense of smell is the only one of the five senses that is directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain. The sense of smell connects emotions with memories as well as intergrate mind and body. The aroma from a special fragrance can evoke emotions and memories before we are aware of it. 


The limbic lobe can also activate the hypothalamus, which is considered one of the most important parts of the brain. It acts as the hormonal control center and it releases chemical messengers which can affect things like the energy level. Sex hormones, thyroid hormones, growth hormones, and neurotransmitters are governed by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is referred to as the "master gland".


So,through the essential oils' molecular structure and fragrance, they can influence the limbic lobe and hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils can combat stress and emotional trauma, and also stimulate production of hormones from the hypothalamus.


As you can see, essential oils have a very powerful influence on both  body and mind.


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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Simple Lives Thursday

Make It Yourself - A Super Easy Facial Oil

I made this facial oil a while back and I really like how it turned out.  This facial oil provides  a great protection for my skin when I go for my daily walks in the sun. I want to make sure I use a good oil to protect my skin. I don't use any sunscreen since  "we eat our sunscreen",  but I want to make sure that keep my skin well hydrated.  I made enough so I could split half with my teenager. I added frankincense and palo santo which are both anti-tumoral for my son's facial tumor, and they will also be very beneficial for my aging skin as well. 

The oil 

8 tablespoons of unrefined grapeseed oil

1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil (you really need to add a little bit at a time to get it the way you want it)

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

1 capsule vitamin E

15 drops of lavender essential oil

15 drops Palo Santo essential oil

15 drops of Frankincense essential oil

15 drops of Cellfood ( I sometimes make the facial oil without the Cellfood)

I started off by adding aloe vera and the grapeseed and coconut oil to a glass bowl. I used a whisk to mix it well since the coconut oil was not liquid enough. I added the essential oils last and blended well. This oil didn't turn out as thick as I liked due to the kind of aloe vera gel I used. I bought it at the local health food store, and once I opened it I noticed it was a lot  runnier than I expected. When I noticed that it was fairly runny I decided to use less of it, but you can play around with the aloe vera gel to get the right thickness you want. 

When I make things I often make them as I go along.  I like to add some of the mixture on my arms to see if I like the consistency, and if I find it too greasy I add more aloe vera for example. You can experience with oils that fits your skin the best. Here are some guide lines: Oily skin, Aging and Mature Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, and Sensitive Skin.

Here are the oils I used and why:

Frankincense

Frankincense rejuvenates aging skin by improving skin tone and returning dry and oily skin to normal, balanced state. It firms skin, promotes healing and fights inflammation.  Frankincense has cytophylactic properties. Cytophylactic means that the oils stimulate the generation of new cells, which will aid in preserving the health of the skin. These oils are also used for treatments of burns. It has traditionally been used for wrinkles and scars, so I use if for wrinkle prevention and my son for his huge facial scar from his surgery. 

Lavender

Lavender has traditionally been used for eczema, burns, acne, wounds, insect bites, minor cuts, and scrapes. It's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties have a balancing effect on the skin. It's cytophylactic, which means it encourage growth of skin cells, is ideal for mature skin and treatment of burns. 

Palo Santo

It has antitumoral properties and is antiseptic. It strengthens the immune system and is also used for acne and skin care.

Other ingredients I used:

Coconut oil

I used  more coconut than usual this time. According to some, it may prevent the skin from developing age spots. Coconut oil is probably one of the main reasons people in tropical climates can spend so much time in the sun and not suffer from skin cancer. Coconut oil has wonderful antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. Coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory. It may also help in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. It is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. It may help prevent wrinkles.

Cellfood

Cellfood is a proprietary cell oxygenating formula containing 78 trace minerals, 34 enzymes, and 17 amino acids. Provides extra ordinary nutrition. I use Cellfood as supplement and as an ingredient in my high oxygenating facial gel.

Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil is a light oil that is very suitable for the face. It also has mild astringent properties.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is moisturizer and a softener. It is extremely healing for the skin.

Play around with what you have at home and make your own facial product. Try some of the product on your arms before you apply it to your face if you're not used to the essential oils. Make sure you are familiar with the dilution chart and safety page before you start. 

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This is linked up to:
Motivate Me Monday
Make Your Own! Monday Link-Up
Fat Tuesday 
Wildcrafting Wednesday

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #3
Freaky Friday