Essential Oils – Nature’s Remedies

Essential oils are natural plant products, long-recognized for their medicinal properties. Although essential oils must not to be used instead of medical treatment, this information outlines a number of simple remedies, according to essential oils, for a few commonplace, minor ailments. All these remedies depend on the recommendation given by qualified aromatherapists, and I can personally vouch for their effectiveness.

Sore throat/mouth ulcer/gum infection

Add five drops of tea tree essential oil to a small glass of water. Gargle with a sip of the water for about 10 seconds. Spit out. Repeat until all the water is gone. Gargling with tea tree essential oil can also help soothe toothache until you will get to see a dentist.

Minor burns/scalds

Minor burns/scalds must be cooled first by placing them under or in running water for 5-10 minutes. Then add a few drops of undiluted lavender oil*. Please be aware, extensive or serious burns must be seen by a doctor.

Mild sunburn

A lint-free cloth soaked in lavender essential oil diluted (5 ml to 1 litre) in water (avoid the use of a carrier oil that could react with the heat) should be applied gently to the affected area to help reduce the heat or burning sensation. Replace the cloth as soon as it dries with a wet one. Please note, serious sunburn should be seen by a doctor.

Stings/bites

Lavender essential oil may also help reduce the itching cause by stings and bites. First, rinse the wound and then apply a few drops of oil diluted in a carrier oil to the spot.

Sleeplessness/insomnia

Sprinkle 2-3 drops of lavender essential oilonto the edge of your pillow just before you go to bed. Breathe deeply. Taking a warm bath containing essential oils effective against stress/tension (see below) just before bed may also help you relax.

General stress/tension

Take a long, warm bath to which you have added 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of ylang ylang essential oil and 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil.

Anxiety/worry/panic attacks

Lavender essential oil is also good for reducing anxiety, worry and panic attacks. Sprinkle 2-3 drops of lavender onto a tissue and breathe in deeply for a few minutes until that panicky, tight feeling starts to ease.

Colds/blocked nose

Sprinkle 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil on a tissue and breathe in regularly throughout the day (refresh the tissue as necessary). When you go to bed, sprinkle 2-3 drops onto the edge of your pillow, together with a few drops of lavender essential oil that will help you sleep.

I’ve discovered these remedies to be very helpful for these commonplace, minor ailments, and hope you do too.

A few words of warning….

Please note, essential oils should never to be used in place of medical treatment. In case you are pregnant, epileptic, suffering from high blood pressure or already taking medication consult your medical practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils. Never take essential oils internally, and keep them away from children, pets and the eyes. Essential oils must also be kept far from naked flames – these are volatile and therefore flammable.

*Generally, essential oils should never be used on the skin, but must be diluted in carrier oil. The treatment of minor burns/scalds is the one exception.