Laundry & EO's

Is there an oil that works as a stain remover? What about a laundry soap? Can I use it alone, or do I need to add it to detergent?
Kara, AZ.


Essential Oil Use in the Laundry

Stain Remover
~Use a 1-2 drops of Lemon oil on a stain. Let it sit a few minutes and rub off with a clean cloth or throw into laundry cycle.

~Place 1 drop Rosemary oil right on the stain onto the carpet and scrub with a stiff bristle brush or directly on clothing stain and toss in the wash.

Grease Stains: Eucalyptus Oil is the best for cutting grease. Place 1-2 drops onto clean cloth, then work grease out of clothing. The next best for grease would be Tea Tree oil , then Lavender, then Lemon then Orange. (Works great on those rings around the tub, greasy countertops, or grease on mirrors.)

In the Washer

Add 3-5 drops any of the following Essential Oils, mixed with warm water, to the Water Softener compartment:

• Nice Fragrance – Ylang-ylang or Lavender or Lemongrass
• Colds and Flu – Eucalyptus or Rosemary or Pine (Use on bed linens and night clothes)
• Insomnia – Marjoram or Chamomile or Lavender (Use on bed linens and night clothes)
  

Laundry Softener

• 8oz White vinegar (32oz to make up ahead of time)
• 8oz Baking soda (32oz to make up ahead of time)
• 16oz Distilled or purified water (64oz to make up ahead of time)
• 30-40 drops Eucalyptus or Lavender (100 drops or 10ml to make up ahead of time)
• Mix the baking soda into the vinegar over a sink or other contained area, in a large glass or plastic jar. The two materials, when mixed together, will cause a "fizzing" reaction. Add water and essential oil and stir again.
• Use 1/4 cup per load. Add in Rinse Cycle or soak and wring out cloth and add as a dryer sheet to clothes dryer.
  

Natural Laundry Soap

This recipe is not only easy to make, it’s also inexpensive as compared to name brand laundry soap and it’s good for the environment.

• 10 drops Grapefruit oil
• 10 drops Lavender oil
• 1 cup Baking soda
• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup powdered castile soap
• Add the essential oils to the baking soda drop by drop, mixing thoroughly with a hand sifter. Combine this with the borax and soap, and mix again. Store in a tightly covered container. To use the soap, add one-half cup to each load of laundry. (Can Store for 1 year)
  

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Towels
Your dish towels don’t smell, the microbes on them smell. Add 1 drop of any of the following essential oils to a bowl of boiling water and leave them to soak before washing in the machine as normal: Eucalyptus, Thyme, Rosemary, Tea Tree, or Lavender

In the Dryer

Instead of using toxic and irritating softening sheets in the dryer, toss in a dampened washcloth with 3-4 drops of any of the following oils:
· Fresh – Lavender or Rosemary or Lemon or Lime
· Floral - Bergamot or Geranium
· Energy – Peppermint
· Disinfect – Eucalyptus or Rosemary or Tea Tree
*While the oils will not reduce static cling, they will impart a lovely fragrance to the clothes, while disinfecting.

*To really preserve the scent of EO's used in the dryer, add them and run on a 'no heat' cycle for a few minutes at the end of the drying cycle.

Ironing
Ironing is another way to infuse clothes with essential oils. Add 1 drop to a plant mister and spray as you iron or add 1 drop to a damp towel and place between iron and material being ironed.

• Romantic – Rose or Ylang-ylang or Jasmine – (Used for Undergarments)
• Relaxing - Chamomile or Lavender – (Used for Bed Clothes)
• Stimulating - Grapefruit or Basil – (Used for work/school/exercise clothes)
• Uplifting - Bergamot – (All clothes to help enjoy the chore)

*To disinfect/kill dust mites, Put 3 drops Eucalyptus and 6 drops Rosemary into 4 cups warm water....Shake and spray onto mattress / bed linen!! (great for hotels)

To continue keeping Clothes fresh
Add 1 drop Essential Oil to a cotton ball and place in your dresser drawers:

• Romantic - Rose – Undergarments
• Relaxing - Chamomile or Lavender – Bed Clothes
• Stimulating - Grapefruit or Basil – Work/School Clothes or Exercise clothes
• Antibacterial/Antifungal/Antiviral/Antiseptic - Lemon, Lavender, and Rosemary – Use for Socks/shoes
  

Protection Against Moths
~Add a few drops of Cedar or Eucalyptus essential oil to the final rinse water when washing sweaters or other clothing and allow them to soak for about 30 minutes.
~Can also add 1-2 drops on a cotton ball and place with clothing.

Essential Oils & Skin Care

Skin Care help using Essential Oils

Skin Care begins with the inside of the body. What we put in ourselves is a direct reflection of what we see on the outside.

Start by changing your diet:· Eat Raw foods, fruits, and vegetables
· No Processed Foods
· Fresh Organic juices and smoothies
· Drinking half your body weight in ounces, of water each day.
· Reducing stressors
· Filling your mind and heart up with healing energy, prayer, meditation, etc.

Essential Oil Help:The following list of Essential oils are great to use for skin care on a daily basis. Read the benefits for each oil, and decide what will work best for you. Then mix a 1-2 drops of the Essential oil with 2-3 drops carrier oil (Olive or Coconut oil) for a powerful healing and anti-aging of the skin.Basil• Effective skin tonic; aids sluggish complexion, dry skin, eczema, herpes, shingles, acne; aids hair growth; insect repellant.Birch• It has powerful astringent qualities and is excellent in skin tonics and body liniments.
• Birch is used as an astringent, and a counterirritant.
• Helps treat scalp conditions like dandruff and flaky skin. Purifying and cleansing to the scalp.
• Excellent to use as a compress with sage for acne or congested skin.Coriander• stretch marks, scars

Cypress
• Cypress is a vaso-constrictor, used to treat acne, increases circulation in mature skin, a good over-all skin tonic. It is astringent and helps to reduce overactive sweat glands and excessive perspiration. Helpful in mixtures for simple water retention, varicose veins, cellulite, wound healing. This is a good oil to be added to mixtures for oily hair, oily skin, or sweaty palms and feet. Stimulates skin circulationEucalyptus• Used in massage oils and ointments for chapped hands, lips and other skin irritations.
• Activates the oxygen exchange in the skin cells and promotes radiant skin.
• Mix equally with peppermint oil and white vinegar as a cooling spritz for a fever or for acne or boils.
• Mix with tea tree for external fungus infections like athletes foot.
• Used in the bath for antiseptic action
• Useful as an insect repellent along with basil and citronella.
• Use with tea tree and thyme for head lice or skin infections.
• Excellent aid for poor circulation during winter months. Add to carrier oil for massage.
• Add to bath water to soothe muscular aches and pains
• Add to carrier oil to use for skin careFennel• Good for dull and oily skin, bruises, cellulite, wrinkles, dry, watery, oily and mature skin types. Used in Europe and in body oils to tone and tighten sagging tissues, particularly sagging breast tissue. Will also help firm and tighten facial skin. Stimulates circulation. Excellent moisturizer. Aids corns.
• Use daily with Carrier Oil for moisturizer on the face or bodyFrankincense• Useful for acne, dry/mature aged skin, pimples, scars, smoothes out wrinkles, tonic to all skin, balances oily skin. Used in beauty treatments from before the time of Cleopatra. Used to treat and heal wounds, inflammations, scarring, and skin disorders of all types.
• Apply oil to back of neck at the hairline, or on pulse points. Applying 1 – 2 drops to the feet will get the oil circulating throughout the body quickly.
• Apply 1-2 undiluted drops to targeted areas of the body for relief.Geranium• As an external application, its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic, benefits can be experienced by applying directly or when mixed with carrier oil, lotion, hand cream etc. In this particular context it is healing and antiseptic as well as a cellular regenerative.
• This oil is used frequently in applications for aged, wrinkling or older skin, as well as for healing balms and salves after plastic or facial surgery. Particularly healing after facial plastic surgery.
• Useful for acne, burns, bruises, dermatitis, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, and broken capillaries. It has value in body and facial preparations where it balances oil gland secretion so it can be used for both dry and oily skin, as well as balancing out congested and mature skin.
• Excellent in use for treating skin conditions associated with bruising, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, shingles and cellulite.
• Useful in adding to a blend for a mosquito repellant.Helichrysum• Traditional uses of helichrysum include nervine, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antitussive, cicatrizant, febrifuge, antiseptic, anti-hematoma, anticoagulant, cholagogue, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, emollient, mucolytic, splenic, cytophylactic, expectorant.
• One of the best essential oils to use for traumas, bruises internal, external, burns; acne, allergies, dermatitis, eczema, regenerating, aids broken veins, stretch marks, inflammations, spots, warts, wounds, old scars, carpal tunnel.Lavender• Antiseptic, controls the production of sebum, stimulates circulation in the skin. Assists in the healing of wounds and helps to rejuvenate the skin. Used to treat acne, cuts, burns, sunburn, inflammation, psoriasis, wrinkles. Beneficial for oily skin, acne, and dermatitis; excellent antiseptic properties ward off skin parasites, such as scabies.
• Useful for areas of inflammation such as athlete’s foot, burns, insect bites, itching, rheumatism, scabies, chicken pox, cystitis.
• Lavender is a good general purpose oil, useful in balancing blends or rounding off. Used to treat insect bites and nettle stings. An effective insect repellent. Repels moths.
• Apply 1-2 undiluted drops on temples, back of neck, rim of ears, on the web of hands (between index and thumb) and on the feet;
• For fragrant and soothing massage oil; add 3- 5 drops to carrier oil.
• For relaxation, calming
• To ease dry skin; add 4-5 drops and agitate in your bath or shower.
• Place 1- 2 drops in the palm of your hands and inhale; place a drop or two on a piece of cloth and inhale any time of the day.
• Personalize your personal care items; for fast action, apply 3-5 drops on the affected area and apply a warm water compress covered by a dry towel for 10-60 minutes.Lemon• Lemon oil addresses: Congestion due to colds, infections, respiratory disorders, infected skin. Slackened muscle tissue, poor circulation, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, a sluggish lymphatic system, coughs, obesity, stomach acidity, confusion, a lack of purpose and direction.
• With topical and aromatic purposes. Do NOT apply undiluted or use on skin that will be exposed directly to sunlight within 72 hours.Lemongrass• Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, sedative, tonic.
• It acts as a deodorant and a purifier for oily skin.
• Lemongrass has antiviral, antifungal and sedative properties.
• Supports the body in breaking down cellulite, effective with hydro lipid retention.
• It has tonifying astringent properties - cleansing to oily skin, blackheads, tightens pores and muscles.Marjoram• Clears bruises. Pain-relieving, antiseptic, helps wounds to heal, used for chilblains, cuts, bruisesMyrrh• In days of old, pregnant mothers anointed themselves with Myrrh for protection against infectious diseases and to elevate feelings of well-being. Of course, the most famous reference to Myrrh is the biblical story of the three wise men. Myrrh was one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus as told in the Gospel of Matthew. It was used in ancient times for skin conditions, oral hygiene, insect repellent, and for embalming. Galen, the physician to
the gladiators, sent Greek soldiers into battle with a First Aid kit containing Myrrh essential oil.
• In modern times, Myrrh is used to balance the thyroid and endocrine system, support the immune system, heal fungal and viral infections, and to enhance emotional well-being
• Antiseptic, astringent, reduces inflammation, improves circulation, stimulates the regeneration of skin cells, assists in the healing of wounds. Used to treat eczema, wrinkles. Very good for mature complexions or chapped and cracked skin, boils, athlete's foot, and ringworm. Promotes healing of gums.Myrtle• Its cleansing and antibacterial properties have made it an important ingredient in solutions that battle skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Myrtle is often used to balance hormones.
• Since antiquity the leaves have been used for perfumes and food. Myrtle was a symbol of love because it was used in bridal bouquets or headdresses. The modern Jews still adorn the booths and sheds at the feast of tabernacles with myrtle. The flowers emit a perfume more exquisite than that of the rose.
• This oil has long been used in beauty preparations, as a facial tonic, or to strengthen skin, specifically oily, infected skin and acne. Myrtle oil has antiseptic and deodorizing properties, and serves as a natural deodorant,Orange• Use for overall skin health, for dull, oily, puffy skin, wrinkles, orange oil strengthens the epidermis, increases circulation, cell hydration, supports cell regeneration. Use to reduce obesity and water retention.
• Softens thick, fissured and cracked skin; promotes regeneration.
• Useful in combating cellulite when you massage it into the skin daily along with Cypress and Rosemary.
• Orange is said to help with the formation of collagen and is vital for the repair of body tissue. It softens and strengthens the outer layers of the skin and stimulates the nerve endings which activate circulation. It is excellent for stretch marks and helps repair broken bones. Helpful for gums, teeth and gingivitis.Peppermint• Versatile oil that relaxes and soothes; anti-inflammatory properties provide warming and cooling action; ease menstrual cramps, muscular aches and pains, sciatica, rheumatism, arthritis, toothache, laryngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, mastitis, and cystitis; cools skin and relieves dermatitis, and itching associated with eczema, pruritis and urticaria.
• Cleansing and purifying; aids with halitosis, gingivitis, herpes, shingles; softens and degreases skin; acne, helps remove blackheads, and retains moisture in skin; antiseptic properties ward off skin parasites such as ringworm and scabies. Vasoconstrictive action tightens capillaries; aids hypotension; relieves liver fatigue from palpitations; effective heart tonic.Rosemary• Rosemary is said to restore vitality and youth. Excellent tonic for the skin, easing congestion and reducing puffiness and swelling, softens and degreases skin; acne, helps remove blackheads, and retains moisture in skin; antiseptic properties ward off skin parasites such as ringworm and scabies. It can be used as a hair stimulant, and it can help control dandruff.Sandalwood• Aids scars and is an anti-wrinkle
• Increases capillary circulation and connective tissue and dermis are strengthened and moisturized.
• Tissue regenerator
• Soothes skin
• Relieves the itching
• Moisturizes dry, dehydrated, and mature skin (Increases water retention of collagen)
• Smoothes and softens lines and wrinkles
• Relieves itching and irritation after shaving
• Sandalwood assists and balances any skin type or condition. Mix with Message, apply to face and neck area.Tea Tree• Tea Tree oil seems to reduce the proliferation of viruses and bacteria.
• Use undiluted on cold sores, on ring worm infections, on chicken pox to ease itch and stop infection, on insect bites to ease itch and pain. Use undiluted for itching of any kind.
· Use undiluted on corns to soften and control growth, on cuts and scrapes for an antiseptic. A few drops undiluted may be used for athletes foot and fungal infections. Use undiluted on warts.
• Diffusion of Tea Tree oil is very useful for infections such as colds and influenza, especially if it is used at the first signs of infection. Use 5 drops in a cup of water, with a sponge to reduce fevers. Lick trick for infections, aids with recuperation from long illness. Do the lick trick for whooping cough.
• 3-4 drops of Tea Tree in a capsule daily may help Candida. 5 drops in a douche for urinary antiseptic, cystitis, vaginitis, increases urine flow.
• Good for controlling acne. Add a few Tea Tree drops to warm water as final natural, antiseptic facial rinse.
• Reduce the effects of infectious micro-organisms. Add 5 to 10 drops to water for cleaning counter tops.

Swimmers Ear

Last Summer, my son got swimmers ear. I would like to prevent that this year. Is there an essential oil that will help?
Joanne, IL.



Swimmers Ear; Essential Oils


What is Swimmers Ear?
Swimmers ear (or Otits Externia) is like an ear infection, but the infection and inflammation is affecting the ear canal. It occurs when the protective film, that covers the ear canal (lipid layer), is removed. The ear canal becomes inflamed and narrower than normal. This can happen if water remains trapped in the ear canal, the lipid layer will get soggy. Then the bacteria and fungi grow, flourish and infect the ear.

If you had swimmers ear in the past, you are most likely to get it again. It is also more likely if you have a very narrow or hairy ear canal, live in a very humid climate, have impacted earwax, or have had a head injury that also injured your ear.


How can you prevent Swimmers Ear?

-Keep ear canal clean of water, sand, dirt, and debris.
-It often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal, hence the name “swimmers ear”.
-Keeping the ear canal dry is very important.
-After swimming or bathing, tilt head to one side and “knock” the water out. Do the same to other ear.
-If water is still in the ear, rubbing alcohol can help dry it out:

• Put your head over with that ear up, pull the ear upwards and backwards and install a dropperful of alcohol into it. Wiggle your ear to get the alcohol to go all the way in, then turn your head and let it drain out. The alcohol absorbs the water, helps dry out the ear, and may even kill bacteria and fungi.
• If the alcohol feels too harsh to your ear, mix it half and half with white vinegar. (Vinegar contains acetic acid, which kills the bacteria and fungus.)
• Caution: If you already have an ear infection, or if you have a perforated, ruptured, or punctured eardrum, or if you have had ear surgery, you should consult a doctor before going swimming and before you use these alcohol or vinegar type ear drops.
• Avoid swimming/submersion for 5-7 days, after treatment of swimmers ear, to allow ear to completely dry out and heal.

-Avoid submerging your ear in a bubble bathe or a bathe with soaps and shampoos. Use a cup, with clean water, to rinse hair or head.
-Do not “scratch” ear canal with cotton swab, bobby pin, finger nail, or other sharp object.
-Avoid using earphones that need to be inserted in the ear.
-After excessive sweating, wash head / ear area with clean water.

What are the Symptoms?

• Moderate to severe pain when ear is touched. The pain worsens when you chew, wiggle your earlobe, or press on the “tag” in front of the ear.
• Itching or feeling of fullness within the ear.
• Ear looks red and swollen, and drainage may be present from ear.
• Possible low grade fever is present.

Essential Oils that help Ear Infections.
The same oils are used for swimmers ears, as they are for middle ear infections.

• Apply 2-3 drops Eucalyptus from behind the ear, down the throat area, and on the chest. >>SEE IMAGE>> *Eucalyptus will 'open' the Eustachian tube, and 'prepare' the ear.
• Wait one minute, then follow with 2-3 drops Rosemary oil, the same as suggested above.
  *Rosemary will fight the bacterial/viral infection.
• Be sure to treat both ears. Even if only one ear is infected. This will allow balance to the body, and prevent the other ear from becoming infected, also.
• Apply 2 drops Lavender oil, the same as suggested above, to help with pain. Can also rub 1-2 drops on the feet to help calm a child.
• Apply warm compress, to help drive oils into the body, if desired.
• Can also use 1-2 drops per la Immunity Blend, diluted with carrier oil, on the bottom of feet to help fight infection. Use also internally, Dip a toothpick in Spice Traders, then poke toothpick into an apple wedges or stir a drop into applesauce.
• Can also use Oregano oil to fight infection and for pain. Mix 1 drop Oregano to 2 tablespoons Carrier oil. Apply a drop of the mixture onto a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball at the entrance of the ear canal. Keep it there, as long as possible. Do not drop into ear.
• For acute situations, adults take 2 drops Oregano in a capsule, filled with carrier oil, internally twice a day, while treating the ear externally.
• Can also take Immunity blend, internally. Mix 4-5 drops in a capsule, filled with carrier oil. Take 3 capsules with each meal for the first day. Then take 1 capsule at every meal the second day, and so on, until infection clears up.

Important Note: For Infants, Dilute any essential oil 50% with carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)

Ear Infections & Essential Oils

 

Ear Infections and Essential Oils

What is an Ear Infection?

The common Ear Infection happens in the middle of the ear. (It is called Acute Otitis Media) The middle ear is the small part of the ear, just inside the eardrum. It can get infected when bacteria from the nose and throat get trapped there.

A small tube connects your ear to your throat. A cold can cause this tube to swell. When the tube swells enough to become blocked, it can trap fluid inside your ear. This makes it a perfect place for bacteria to grow and cause an infection.

Ear infections happen mostly to young children because their tubes are smaller and get blocked more easily. It also happens as a secondary infection to colds or flu.

Adult ear infections are caused by infection from fluid build up in the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects the inner ear to the nasal passages in order to drain fluid from the ears and equalize pressure between outside and inside of the body, but when fluid or mucous builds up in the Eustachian tube, it is an easy target for infection.

A cold can cause fluid build up and infection in the Eustachian tube. Post nasal drip may also contribute. An adult does not necessarily need to be sick to get adult ear infection. Often, the infection is caused by mucous being blown into the Eustachian tubes by blowing the nose or failing to clean the liquid out of the ear with a cotton swab after showering.

In one of every four cases in children, ear infection is not caused by a bacterial infection but by a viral infection. Viruses often cause adult ear infection as well.

What are the symptoms?

• The most common is, mild to severe, pain in the ear. This can cause trouble sleeping.
• Pulling or tugging at the ear, especially in infant.
• A mild fever is produced by the body, to help fight the infection. (Sometimes the fever causes the infected ear to turn red.)
• Pressure from swelling build up, due to fluid behind ear drum
• Sometimes, thick and yellow fluid drains from the ear.
• This happens from the eardrum has burst and the fluid behind it is able to escape. This is not serious, and usually makes the pain go away. The eardrum will heal itself over time.
• When fluid build up, but there is no pain, that is a sign that the middle ear has not been infected yet. You may have trouble hearing, and children often say their ear just feels plugged up.

You can help prevent ear infections in your child.

• Do not smoke. Ear infections happen more often to children who are around cigarette smoke. Even fumes from tobacco smoke on your hair and clothes can affect your child.
• Make sure your child does not go to sleep while sucking on a bottle.
• Begin taking Immunity essential oil blend, at first sign of cold/flu, to avoid a secondary infection like an ear infection. 

Essential Oils that help Ear Infections. 

• Apply 1-2 drops Eucalyptus radiata from behind the ear, down the throat area, and on the chest.>>SEE IMAGE>>
• Eucalyptus will 'open' the Eustachian tube, and 'prepare' the ear.

• Wait one minute, then follow with 1-2 drops Rosemaryoil, the same as suggested above.
• Rosemary will fight the bacterial/viral infection.

• Mix essential oils with carrier oil for children and sensitive skin.

• Do this morning and night for the first 3 days and then once at night until ear infection is cleared up. 

• If ear infection is still present after 7 days, reevaluate the essential oil dilution and consult a healthcare physician.

• Treat both ears, even if only one ear is infected. This will keep the body in balance, and keep the other ear from getting infected.

DO NOT AT ANYTIME DROP OILS INSIDE THE EAR CANAL!

• Apply 2 drops Lavender oil, the same as suggested above, to help with pain. Can also rub 1-2 drops on the feet to help calm a child.

• Apply warm compress, to help drive oils into the body, if desired.Can also use 1-2 drops (Heat can cause sensitivity, so dilute oils with carrier oil before doing this)

To help fight viral/bacterial infection and prevent further secondary infections:

• Immunity Blend, diluted with carrier oil, on the bottom of feet to help fight infection. Use also internally, 
• For children: Dip a toothpick in Immunity blend, then poke toothpick into an apple wedges or stir a drop into applesauce. 
• Can also mix 1 drop Immunity blend with 6 drops Pink Grapefruit oil to help "sweeten" the Immunity blend and take some "heat" away. Then take 1 drop of the "sweetened mixture. Be aware that by "diluting" the Immunity, you may need to take it more often. 

• Can also use Oregano oil to fight infection and for pain. Mix 1 drop Oregano to 1oz. Carrier oil. Apply a drop of the mixture onto a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball at the Entrance of the ear canal, where the outer ear cradles. Keep it there, as long as possible. Do not drop into ear.

• For acute situations, adults take 2 drops Oregano in a capsule, filled with carrier oil, internally twice a day, while treating the ear externally.

• Can also take Immunity blend, internally. Mix 4-5 drops in a capsule, filled with carrier oil. Take 3 capsules with each meal for the first day. Then take 1 capsule at every meal the second day, and so on, until infection clears up.

• Important Note: For Infants, Dilute any essential oil 50% with carrier oil (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)

Insect Bites/Stings

During the summer, the insects and mosquitoes are the worst. Do you have an essential oil recipe to keep them away?
Karen, AZ

Insect Bites & Stings
Most Insects, including Ants, Wasps, Bees, Mosquitoes, when they bite/sting, inject a Protein or Formic acid into your skin. The proteins/acid evoke an immune response from your body. The area swells, and then you begin to itch. Eventually, the swelling goes away, but the itch remains until your immune cells break down the proteins/acid.


Avoid getting bites/stings all together:
For Ants:

• Keep an eye out for anthills and consider wearing closed-toe shoes and socks, if you think you might be getting down and dirty in red ant territory.
• Covering your skin by wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts, and gloves could provide some extra protection.
• Be sure that any Drink/Food source is not left outside or where ants will track it down.
  

For Bees/Wasps:

• Avoid attracting the bees and wasps, and if they just can't resist you, do not aggravate them by swatting, running, and/or screaming. They'll probably leave you alone.
• Avoid brightly colored or patterned clothing when in an area where you expect there to be bees and wasps.
• Avoid using perfume or cologne in said areas.
• Don't walk barefoot across plants, especially clover and blooming ground clover (a favorite of bees).
• If a bee or wasp does land on you, it's probably just interested in a smell or wants a little sip of water (your sweat), so don't swat at it. Stand still and it should fly away on its own accord. If you cannot wait for the bee or wasp to leave on its own, then gently brush it away with a piece of paper — swatting will antagonize the insect and you might end up with a sting.
• Before jumping into the pool, check to make sure there aren't any bees or wasps trapped on the water (they make for particularly unhappy and easily antagonized stingers).
  

For Mosquitoes:

• Often the best "repellent" is a fan or gentle breeze as mosquitoes do not like moving air.
• Increase your intake of vitamin B-1 (thiamine) and garlic. Both of these items make you 'stink' to a mosquito.
• Put some water in a white dinner plate and add a couple drops of Lemon Fresh Joy dish detergent. Set the dish on your porch, patio, or other outdoor area. Not sure what attracts them, the lemon smell, the white plate color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead shortly after drinking the Lemon Fresh Joy/water mixture, and usually within about 10 feet of the plate.
• Remove standing water sources
• Put some rosemary plants or sage plants on hot coals.
• Plant marigolds - their scent repels flying insects and other bugs.

Essential oils can help neutralize bites/stings:

• Put 1-2 drops Lavender or Tea Tree oil on mosquito or any type of bug bites to help neutralize the bite.
• Can also put a trace of Peppermint oil on minor insect bites or stings.
• For Bee stings, apply 1-2 drops Helichrysum oil on location.
  

Create an Insect repellant, using Essential oils:

• Peppermint is a safe insect repellant. Create a spray using 4-5 drops Peppermint, shaken into ½ cup water. Spray on skin and clothing. (Be careful around eyes)

• Insect Repellant:
  10 drops Lavender
  10 drops Geranium
  10 drops Eucalyptus
  10 drops Citronella 8-10 oz water, mix in Spay bottle. Shake and spray on body/clothes as needed.
• Mosquito Repellant:
  4 drops peppermint 3 drops Eucalyptus
  4 oz. water, spray on clothing and skin.
• Eucalyptus oil (at 30 percent concentration) helped prevent mosquitoes from biting for two hours, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine

Can also create a safe bug barrier around your home:

• Fill a spray bottle with 10 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Basil and the rest with water. Spray under you eaves, around your windows, and doors and along baseboards.

Asthma & Essential Oils

My son has Asthma, are there oils that will help his breathing and asthma attacks?
Brandi, PA.

Asthma Help, using Essential oils.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease involving the respiratory system in which the airways constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus. When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.

Symptoms of Asthma:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea or shortness of Breath
• Tightness of Lungs
• Rapid heart rate
• Itchiness of chest with tightness
• Stridor or high pitch noise from breathing

Causes of Asthma attack:

• Upper respiratory infection
• Stress
• Airborne allergens
• Air pollutants (Smoke, traffic fumes, etc.)
• Exercise

Essential Oil help for Asthma:

• Asthma can be an indication of Liver toxicity. Do a Liver Cleanse, daily. http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Liver%20Cleanse
• Eucalyptus can stop an attack. Put a few drops on the chest, back of neck, and nostrils.
• 2-3 drops Marjoram on chest, followed by 2-3 drops Cypress, will stop the lungs from spasm-ing.
• Frankincense may avert an asthma attack, if you feel it coming on. Inhale and rub 2-3 drops on upper chest.
• To help relax and calm before an onset of an attack, apply 1-2 drops of Lavender on pulse points and under nose. Can also place Lemon on toes and balls of feet, the upper back, the nape of neck, and upper chest.
• 1 drop of Rosemary can help, and be placed directly on the tongue.
• per la Respiratory, is a special oil blend formulated specifically for lung challenges. Apply on the chest, throat, and back.
• 
  Asthma Remedy Tea:
  1 drop Peppermint oil
  1 drop Lemon oil
  1 drop Eucalyptus oil
  1 tsp. Honey
  Add warm water, stir and sip.

Important note: Never diffuse essential oils during an asthma attack. Lungs need to be left alone. Only put the oils on the chest and throat area, as well as the back (across, where the lungs are)

Spider Bites & Essential oils

My son got bit by a spider, is there an essential oil that will help for future bites?

Amber, MA.

About the Spider and its bite:

Spider bites are characterized as either attacking or defensive, depending on whether the spider is attempting to subdue prey, or to repel a perceived threat. Spiders can control how much venom is released. A bite in which little or no venom is injected is frequently referred to as a dry bite. As spiders do not prey on humans (or other large mammals), spiders do not "attack" people. Almost all bites that humans receive are defensive bites, and frequently the spider drives the human off just by the mechanical pain of its bite, thus it is not unusual for humans to receive dry bites or partial envenomations.



Spider venoms work on one of two fundamental principles; they are either neurotoxic (attacking the nervous system), or necrotic (attacking tissues surrounding the bite.) When using essential oils, Helichrysum is used for nerve and neuralogical conditions, (helping the neurotoxic principle), and Cypress is used for circulation (helping the necrotic principle.)



Some spider bites do leave a large enough wound that infection may be a concern, and some spider species are known to consume prey which is already dead, which also may pose a risk for transmission of infectious bacteria from a bite. So, essential oils with anti-bacterial properties is a must to prevent infection and scarring.

Essential oils that help with Spiders bites:

• 1 drop of Helichrysum and Cypress on location will help clear out the venom of bites.


• Lavender will help heal the bite and prevent scarring.


• Apply Tea tree after "sting" is gone to prevent infection.


• Take 3 drops Oregano oil in a capsule, filled with Carrier oil, immediately, if you suspect being bitten by a brown recluse or black widow. Seek medical attention. Continue Oregano capsules 2x a day until bite heals, or at least 10 days.

How to Prevent Future Spider Bites:

• Keep away from areas where black widow or brown recluse spiders area known to concentrate. The widow often makes tangled webs around outbuildings, storage units, old tree trunks or cabins not in regular use.


• Keep cellars, rooms, closets as clean and clutter-free as possible. Spiders usually will not remain in a constantly disturbed area. This rule can provide a powerful incentive for children to clean their rooms.


• Shake clothing, blankets, towels, and such if they have remained in an area where spiders may be found.


• Take care to look before placing your hands in a lumber pile, window-well, under rocks or in little-used cabinets or drawers.


• Professional pest-control agents and sprays can be used, but these are often expensive and generally unsuccessful. The spiders are tenacious and not highly susceptible to insecticides.


• Do seek medical attention if you suspect that you have been bitten by either a brown recluse or black widow. Although, start Helichrysum/Cypress right away. However, with most spider bites, victims do not even know they have been bitten. If they do notice, they often attribute the spot to a scratch or splinter.