5 Healing Essential Oils to Consider

 Essential Oils work to support the body’s own healing system with potent medicinal properties.  They are easily absorbed by the skin due to their small molecular size, so only a few drops are needed at a time.  A small bottle can last several years when used in moderation.  Essential oils are not the same as fragrance oils which are synthetic and can contain chemicals harmful for use on the skin.  Essential oils are always safe and 100% naturally derived.

 

Essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil for use.  Carrier oils can be Grapeseed, Sweet Almond, Sunflower, Sesame or Coconut, to name just a few.  The standard dilution rates are as follows:

RECOMMENDED DILUTIONS for Massage Oils

For infants and young children:
.5-1% dilution = 3-6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier

For adults:
2.5% dilution = 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
3% dilution = 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
5% dilution = 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
10% dilution = 60 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier

Here are the top 5 essential oils for healing. These are wonderful oils for those just starting out since they have few contradictions and can be used for a number of varying conditions.

Lavender is the most well known of the essential oils.  Due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is perfect for bites, scrapes and even stings.  No carrier oil is required, and can be applied directly to skin.  As a scent, lavender is perfect for inducing sleep and relaxation.  Add a few drops to a bath or put a few drops on a cotton ball inside your pillow case to help relax and promote sleep.

Eucalyptus is ideal for colds and coughs, and is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial oil. Using steaming water to inhale or a vaporizer, Eucalyptus oil can help disinfect while clearing lungs and nasal passages.  Adding a few drops to a hankie and sniffing throughout the day during cold season may help prevent a full-blown cold.

Peppermint with its wonderful cooling properties can help beat a fever.  Add a few drops to a carrier oil of your choice and apply to your neck, chest or back for instant cooling.  The scent of peppermint is also beneficial in fighting nausea or morning sickness.  Combined with Lavender essential oil and applied to the temples, it is reputed to reduce the pain of headaches and migraines.  

Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic oil.  Mixing just a few drops with your choice of a carrier oil helps heal scrapes, bites, cuts, fungal infections, warts and even dry scalp/dandruff.  Tea Tree can also be a powerful treatment for acne when mixed with aloe or a carrier oil (Balancing Act Facial Oil Cleanser).  Adding Tea Tree to a vaporizer can aid in loosening chest congestion.

Roman Chamomile, with its beautifully mild scent, is a potent anti-inflammatory.  Use it to soothe red, inflamed or sensitive acne prone skin.  Much more gentle than Tea Tree oil, it is also a bactericide and can be used on sensitive skin with coconut oil, which is also an antibacterial oil, to help calm eczema or treat diaper rash.

Once you become acquainted with these essential oils, you’ll soon want to create your own combinations. This is simple and fun to do and the results can be integrated into your home healing treatments, or just used as an aromatic scent to improve your frame of mind.

Always check with your doctor when using essential oils on babies/children, during pregnancy or with any conditions that may require medical help. 

Kathleen Cumberland is a natural skincare business owner, massage therapist and coach.  Her focus is on helping people stay happy and healthy. Check out www.DancingDingo.com