Essential Oils & Allergies

The weather here in California has been lovely the last few days and I have enjoyed sitting outside soaking up some sun. Spring is the time when we feel awake and start living again after a long winter. If you suffer from allergies you probably don't enjoy the spring as much as you would like to. You probably suffer from congestion, have watery eyes, runny nose, earaches, and headaches. I know many people that have reduced their suffering by using natural remedies for their allergies. If you haven't tried natural remedies for your allergies yet, then it might be time to give it a try.

Triggers

As most of us know allergies can be triggered by many different things such as environmental chemicals, pollen, food, insect bites dander and dust. People with allergies may suffer from the following:

• Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
• Dermatitis, rashes
• Itching lips, swelling of the tongue or lips
• Wheezing and labored breathing

Essential oils may be helpful
Essential oils may be of  help when suffering from allergies but it is also important to look into what is causing the allergy. Looking into the underlying causes of your allergy is important, my post Do You Have Allergies? will give you other natural tips to consider when suffering from allergies.

What we used on our dog
We managed to get our dog's congestionunder control with the help of frankincense, but we also changed her diet. We put a couple of drops of frankincense  on our hands and rubbed them together, then cupped them over her nose so that she could inhale the oil. It was an instant relief from her congestion. Our dog preferred frankincense since it also calmed her from the panic attacks she had when she couldn't breath. 

"An allergy is a damaging immune system response to a substance that does not bother most people." Reference Guide for Essential Oils

Antihistamines
According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils,  Roman Chamomile, lavender and Melaleuca (tea tree) have antihistamine properties. It is important to avoid chamomile if you're allergic to the ragweed.  Studies how that luteolin- 7-orutinoside in peppermint  has antihistamine properties.

The Reference Guide for Essential Oils writes that patchouli, elemi (rashes), eucalyptus, melissa - Lemon Balm (skin and respiratory), and spkikenard are other single oils used for allergies.

What we do for allergies:

• We apply lavender to the sinuses to work as an antihistamine.
• We apply to bottom of feet.
• We put 2 or more drops into the palm of our left hand, rub clockwise with the flat palm or the right hand. Cup our hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Don't touch your eyes!
• We apply oils to a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief and place in the air vent of the car. Make sure you don't use any synthetic materials. 
• Rub 2 or more drops on our wrists, chest, neck, or under the nose and ears. (Indirect inhalation)

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 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.

Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Titus 2sdays, Domestically Divine, Mop it Up Monday, Mostly Homemade, Thank Your Body Thursday
Seasonal Celebration Wednesday, Party Wave Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Sunday School Blog Carnival, Natural Living Monday, The Gathering Spot, Teach Me Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Waste not Want Not Wednesday, Healthy 2day Wednesday, WFMW, Tuesday Greens, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Wildcrafting Wednesday, Whole Foods Wednesday, The Mommy Club, Natural Living Link-Up, The Homeacre Hop, Small Foot Print Fridays, Healthy Tuesday Hop, All Things Thursday Link Up, Mama Moments Monday, Wellness Wednesday

Uplifting Essential Oils

After a long winter and with spring around the corner it seems like a good time to include some uplifting essential oils to feel more energized. The long and dark winters can make us feel tired, moody, and depressed. I can't wait for spring to get here, but it is still a few more weeks before it will nice and warm all the time.

SAD
Even though I've never really suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) I always feel the effects of the darker season. I'm more tired, have more cravings, and just feel sluggish. I used to live in Sweden where the winters are long and very dark, and I know several friends who suffer from SAD. SAD can be very devastating and cause a lot of problems. Fortunately there are things to do that may ease the symptoms, for example, in the Scandinavian countries some hospitals have light therapy rooms. You can also buy your own light therapy lamp. Supplements and herbs may also be of help, and of course, essential oils have traditionally been used as well. According to Valeri Cooksley, the use of essential oils for regulation and balance by stimulating the hypothalamus may help: frankincense, geranium and bergamot and citrus oils have an uplifting and sunny effect.


How I apply uplifting oils
Here are ways that I use my uplifting essential oils:

• I diffuse essential oils in the air
• I wear them as a perfume
• I add them to my bath water
• I inhale straight from the bottle
• I mix them with massage oils 
• I put 2-3 drops on one oil in my hands and rub them together, I cup my hands over my nose and inhale. 
• Some other ways to use essential oils

My favorite uplifting oils
I especially enjoy the flower oils since they are light in nature with an uplifting effect on the mind and the emotions. 

~ Jasmine, geranium, rose, orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, helichrysum and bergamot.

So enjoy spring feelings with some uplifting flower flower aromas even if you still have snow on the ground. 

Thanks for reading!


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 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.

Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

Valeri Gennari Cooksley, R.N. (2002). Aromatherapy, Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal. Prentice Hall Press





This post is linked to:
Titus 2sdays, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, WFMW, Seasonal Celebration Wednesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Homemaking Link Up, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Thank Your Body Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, Wildcrafting Wednesday

What is the Mediterranean Diet and How to Follow It

Research continues to pile up about the health advantages of the Mediterranean Diet.

It all started circa 1960 in several areas of the Mediterranean region, specifically the Greek island of Crete, other areas of Greece and southern Italy.  Researchers were drawn to these areas because the adults living there had very low rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as very long life expectancy.  For examples, the natives of Greece had a rate of heart disease that was 90 percent lower than that of Americans at the time.  (Mind you, heart disease and cancer are still currently two of the top killers of Americans.)

In addition to a physically active lifestyle, these Mediterranean natives consumed a diet that was rich in grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.  In fact, more than 60 percent of the calories in their diets in the 1960s were supplied by these high-fiber, nutritionally-dense plant foods.  The majority of the fat in the diet was provided by olives and olive oil, and fish and seafood was enjoyed at least twice a week.  (Note:  the latest recommendation from the USDA is to consume at least two fish meals, especially fatty fish such as salmon, weekly to increase longevity.)

Foods from animal sources were limited as well as sweets.  Water was abundantly consumed throughout the day and low to moderate amounts of wine were enjoyed, typically only with meals.  Equally important, meals were enjoyed with friends and family.

To learn more about each of the components of the diet and how you can easily incorporate more of a Mediterranean style of eating in your diet, visit this fun, interactive Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.

Follow Joan on Twitter at:  joansalgeblake

Analgesic Essential Oils

Analgesic essential oils are used to relieve pain when applied externally, and they are also called anodynes or local anesthetics.

I previously wrote a post about Essential Oils & Pain. In that post I discussed that chronic pain sufferers should consider using essential oils that stimulate the thalamus and pituitary since it may increase the amount of endorphins and enkelphalins. You see, the body produces its own pain-killers called neurochemicals, and these opiate-like substances are called enkephalins and endorphins.

According to Young, Peppermint has shown to block calcium channels and substance P, which are important in the transmission of pain signals. This is great news since peppermint is a fairly inexpensive and an easy to find essential oil. Douglas fir, balsam fir and helichrysum are other oils with unique pain-relieving properties. 


How I apply oils for pain

• Sometimes I mix the essential oils with massage oils and apply on the location
• I apply the oils to relevant Vita Flex points on the bottom of the feet
• It the pain is chronic or trauma related, then I apply a warm compress on the location

As often when it comes to essential oils, there are loads of them to choose from so I will pick my favorites. 

The following oils with analgesic properties are my first choices:
Eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen,rosemary, black pepper, and marjoram

Other oils with analgesic properties:
Clove, cinnamon, palo santo, lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, bergamot, juniper, oregano,  German chamomile, thyme, geranium, elemi, ginger, nutmeg, pine, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang and dorado azul. 

 Remember, some essential oils such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, oregano, juniper, wintergreen, and black pepper may irritate the skin so make sure you dilute the essential oils and perform a skin patch test. 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 contraindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. 

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 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.

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked to:
WFMW

Antiviral Essential Oils

It is very useful to know what kind of oils are antiviral, especially this time of the year when the flu is still going around. If you haven't already stocked up on a couple of antiviral essential oils it may be a good time to do so. Antiviral essential oils "inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection- causing virus." (Reference Guide for Essential Oils)

Essential oils can be used in so many ways. The awesome thing is that you can use them as prevention so you don't have to wait until you get sick. You will have the greatest protection if you use them before you're exposed to the virus.

• I like to diffuse essential oils  daily since inhaling oils is very powerful
• I clean with essential oils 
• I apply essential oils on my body  
• I use essential oils as perfume
• I add a few drops of essential oils on the bottom of our feet when the flu going around

There are many essential oils with antiviral properties and I'm only going to share the ones I like to use.

According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, has shown some of the strongest antiviral activity. The book also states that oils high in limonene such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, palo santo may also be very effective antiviral agents.

According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, these oils also have antiviral properties:
Eucalyptus blue (Eucalyptol natriol azul), Eucalyptus globulus,  helichrysum, clove, cinnamon bark, manuka, ravensara, oregano, myrrh, cypress, Melaleuca/tea tree, lavender, pine, clary sage, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), sandalwood, bergamot, and clary sage. 


Keep in mind that some oils such as clove, cinnamon, thyme and oregano are very strong and can cause skin irritation. These hot oils should not be applied directly on the skin but can be applied on the bottom of the feet.

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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.

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 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:
Wildcrafting Wednesday, Oil Me Up Wednesdays

Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils

Inflammation can be caused by conditions such as poor diet, bacteria, physical injury, hormonal imbalance or chemicals. Certain oils have shown to be excellent for reducing inflammation. German Chamomile for example, contains the blue compound azulene, a compound with high anti-inflammatory properties. 

Certain oils are better for certain types of inflammation,according to the "Essential Oils Integrative Guide": 

• Roman Chamomile and lavender are best suited for inflammation caused by bacterial infection.
• Myrrh and helichrysum are better suited for inflammation caused by tissue/capillary damage, bruising.
• Ravensara, hyssop, and thyme are best for inflammation caused by viral infection.

Some essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties:
German chamomile, Roman chamomile, clove, palo santo, peppermint, nutmeg, lavender, tea tree, basil, geranium, bay, bergamot, Dorado Azul, ginger and wintergreen.

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 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.

Therapeutic Properties in Aromatherapy

I often refer to therapeutic actions. This is a growing list.

Analgesic: Essential oil used to relieve pain when applied externally, also called anodyne or local anesthetic.
Antacid: Essential oil used to neutralize the acid in the stomach. 
Anthelmintic: Essential oil used to expel or destroy intestinal worms.
Anti-arthritic: Essential oil used to relieve arthritic conditions.

Anti-asthmatic: Essential oil used to relieve asthma.
Antibacterial: Essential oil that destroys or suppresses the growth or reproduction of bacteria.

Anticatarrhal: Essential oil which heals inflammation of the mucus membranes. 
Antidepressant: Essential oil which counteracts an absence of cheerfulness or diminishing functioning activity.

Antiemetics: Essential oil used to lessen nausea and prevent or relieve vomiting.

Antifungal: Essential oil that is effective against the reproduction of growth of Candida albicans and other fungi and yeast.
Anti-hydropic: Essential oil used to eliminate excess body fluids.

Anti-inflammatory: Essential oil which is capable of counteracting or suppressing inflammation.

Antimicrobial: Essential oil capable of destroying micro-organisms or suppressing their multiplication or growth.
Anti-neuralgic: Essential oil capable of relieving neuralgia.
Antioxidant: Essential oil capable of relieving oxidation.

Antiphlogistic: Essential oil used to reduce inflammation or swelling.

Antipruritic: Essential oil which relieves or prevent itching.

Antipyretic: Essential oil used to relieve or reduce temperatures in fever.

Antiseptic: Essential oil which prevents, resists, and counteract putrefaction.

Antispasmodic: Essential oil used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms.
Aphrodisiac: Essential oil which stimulates sexual desire.

Astringent: Essential oil that contracts tissues. It makes them firmer, and decrease discharge.
Bitters: Essential oil with a bitter taste and serves as a stimulant to the gastro-intestinal membranes.

Carminative: Essential oil which stimulates intestinal peristalsis, relieves, and promotes the expulsion of gas from the intestinal tract.
Cell proliferant: Essential oil that promotes rapid healing and restoration.
Cephaliac: Essential oil that is particularly healing to cerebral conditions and diseases.

Cholagogue: Essential oil used to promote increased flow and discharge of bile into the intestines by contracting the bile ducts.
Cicatrizant: Essential oil used to promote scar tissue.
Depurative: Essential oil which cleanses and purifies.

Diaphoretic: Essential oil that produces perspiration and sweat plus increased elimination through the skin.
 Digestant: Essential oil which aids in the digestion of food.
Diuretic: Essential oil which increases the secretion and flow of bile.

Emmenagogue: Essential oil which tones the female reproductive organs and regulates menstruation.

Expectorant: Essential oil that encourages the discharge of mucus from bronchio-pulmonary passages.
Febrifuge: Essential oils which reduces a fever.
Fungicidal: Essential oil which is able to destroy a class of organisms such as mold, fungus or mushrooms.
Galactagogue: Essential oil which increases the secretion of milk.
Germicide: Essential oil that destroys pathogenic micro-organisms. 

Hepatic: Essential oil used to strengthen, tone and stimulate the secretion and functions of the liver causing an increased flow of bile.
Hypotensive: Essential oil that lowers blood pressure.
Insecticide: Essential oil that is used to destroy insects.
Laxative: Essential oil which loosens the bowels and relieve constipation.

Nervine: Essential oil that tones and heals the nerves.
Parasiticide: Essential oil that destroys animal and vegetable parasites within the body.
Parturient: Essential oil that stimulates urine contractions, induces and assists with labor.
Pectorals: Essential oils that heals complaints of the lungs.
Peristaltic: Essential oil that stimulates and increases muscular contraction of the stomach and intestine.
Refrigerant: Essential oil with cooling properties. It lowers body temperatures and relieves thirst.
Rubefacient: Applied locally, this essential oil stimulates the capillary dilation and causes skin redness. It draws blood from deeper tissues and organs and relieves congestions and inflammation.

Sedative: Essential oil which calms and tranquilizers the nerves.
Soporic: Essential oil that induces a relaxing sleep.
Stimulant: Essential oil which increases functional activity and energy in the body. 
Stomachic: Essential oil which stimulates and tones the stomach.
Styptic: Essential oil that stops local bleeding and hemorrhaging, applied externally.
Sudorific: Essential oil that promotes the flow of sweat, not perspiration which goes on all the time through the capillaries.
Tonic: Essential oil which stimulates, energizes and strengthens the body.
Vermifuge: Essential oils which expels intestinal worms.
Vulnerary: Essential oil that promotes healing of fresh wounds or cuts.

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 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.

Essential Oils and Earaches

My daughter woke with an earache yesterday morning so I thought it was a good idea to write a post about what essential oils can be used for earaches. I already wrote a post on how to treat earaches naturally so hop over and check it out to learn other ways to treat an earache. 

I personally find it easier to use essential oils, but there are times when I'm out of a certain oil and need to use home remedies and herbs instead. There are many ways to treat health conditions and as I see it, it comes down to individual preferences. I like the essential oils the best because they are very potent, take up less space, and they last a very long time since their potency last longer than herbs.

An earache is caused by an infection or inflammation in the ear. The infection can be located behind the ear drum, in the middle ear, or in the outer ear canal. An infection that takes place in the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it causes sudden onset of vertigo, loss of balance, and vomiting.

A children's ear passages are small, so fluid/mucus that normally wouldn't cause any problem in an adult, can cause problems in a child. This is one reason that a child is more prone to earaches than adults.

According to the The online Version of the Essential Oils Desk Reference, the following oils have traditionally been used:

• Lavender
• Tea tree
• Helichrysum
• Roman Chamomile
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus (E.radiata)

Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.

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 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.

Photo Credit

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday, The Mommy Club, WFMW, Titus2Tuesday, Homemaking Link-Up, Simple Lives Thursday, Domestically Divine