Posts Tagged Essential Oil

6 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Non-toxic House Cleaning

Many of us know the value of essential oils used in skin care and, of course, in an aromatherapy treatment (eg. an essential oil massage) itself, but did you know that simple baking soda, plain white vinegar and a few favorite essential oils are about all you need in your cleaning pantry for daily cleaning and sanitizing of your home? 

Often there is an entire supermarket aisle dedicated to the many, and often confusing, sink and tub powders, cleaning creams, antibacterial wipes, toilet cleaners, floor cleaners, window cleaners, etc. - there’s a product for every different part of the home.  Really though, there is very little need for such a ridiculously huge number of chemicals.

Baking soda is about as efficient as any cleansing cream or powder, and plain white vinegar and/or certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, manuka, thyme or australian tea tree, are highly effective antimicrobial alternatives to the never ending number of cleaning solutions we seem to think we need.  And, even though there are many new ‘green’ alternatives also beginning to line the supermarket shelves, they’re not all necessary.

The benefits to using ‘green’ alternatives – baking soda, vinegar and essential oils for keeping your home clean and sanitized include:

* BATHROOM sprinkle some baking soda onto a moist rag and use this to clean bathroom surfaces.  Rinse thoroughly.  To sanitize, wipe surfaces with a clean cloth soaked in vinegar then wipe dry after allowing it to sit a few minutes.  For a fresh aroma, place 5-7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil onto a rinsing cloth and wipe this over hard surfaces.

* LINENS:  Place 8-10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil onto a piece of rag or paper towel then place between linens and sheets in the cupboard.  Enjoy a delicate lavender scent each time you walk past the cupboard!

* SHOE DEODORIZER?  Place a cup of baking soda into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.  Add 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil.  Shake well to disperse the essential oils then use this as your deodorizer!  2 tablespoons of this powder in each shoe, shaken around to coat all of the inner shoe surfaces, left overnight or, even better, for a week, then tapped out, will do wonders to eliminate the smell from those old sneakers! And the deodorizing effect last for a very long time.

* TOOTHPASTE ALLERGY?  I have an allergy to 99% of commercial toothpastes.  Instead of using these I make a tooth powder with baking soda pre-mixed with a few  drops of Spearmint Essential Oil.  A small amount of this sprinkled onto a wet toothbrush is all that is needed for the cleanest teeth, ever.

* WINDOWS: a 50:50 water/vinegar solution in a sprayer can replace those highly fragranced synthetic cleanser.  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance if you like (you’ll need to shake before using to disperse the oil).

* REPLACE DRYER SHEETS: that are highly doused in toxic synthetic fragrances with a 6? square out of a clean rag that has been covered with about 10 drops of your favorite Essential Oil.

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Essential Oils – What are They and How Do You Use Them?

For those of us who enjoy the many varied aromas that nature offers us, essential oils can be a wonderful addition in our life to help improve our well being. You can use them in aromatherapy, for medicinal purposes and as flavouring in foods. But where do they come from and what exactly are they?Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain natural aroma composites from plants. They are called essential because they carry the distinctive aromas of the plants the come from. Basically, they hold the “essence” of that plant. One thing to keep in mind is that they should not be confused with fragrant oils, which are synthetic oils that contain both natural and artificial fragrances. History of Essential OilsHolistic treatments using essential oils have been around for thousands of years. Some of the first documented uses of essential oils for therapeutic purposes were found in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used aromatic herbs and plants and their essences for rituals, cosmetics and medicines, as well as in the process of embalming and mummification. These uses and many others have been assimilated by many cultures and have been perpetuated throughout history into modern times, especially in the area of aromatherapy.The Birth of AromatherapyIn 1937, the French chemist Rene Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy during his experiments with the healing properties of essential oils. In fact, at one point when Gattefosse burnt his hand, he used the first liquid he could find to treat it, which was undiluted lavender oil. He found that not only did it immediately ease the pain, but also as the hand healed there was no infection or scarring.How Essential Oils WorkFor medicinal purposes, essential oils are used in three different ways: application to the skin, inhalation and ingesting. When applied to the skin, the oils soak in much like any other ointment. Upon inhalation, the molecules from the oils are absorbed through the mucous membranes in our noses and throughout our respiratory system. Ingestion, which should only be at the advice of someone who is specifically trained in this area, can be used to transport essential oils throughout the body. However, some essential oils can be toxic to different organs.Uses of Essential OilsEssential oils are well known for their aromatic, air freshening characteristics, but they can also be used in other manners. These oils can be used for many things including; steam inhalation, massage, hair and body care, floral waters, compresses and baths. A little bit of research can help you find the right oil for the right purpose. Popular Essential OilsWhile there are many different essential oils, some have become more popular than others and are commonly used in many people’s homes. Bergamot, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Ylang-Ylang all have restorative and relaxing properties as well as medicinal uses. Be sure to spend time researching them to find the best ones for your needs.Essential oils are wonderfully aromatic and healing additions to any home and with proper use; they can help restore harmony and balance to your life.

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Benefits of Using Essential Oils

The use of essential oils in aromatherapy has become a popular choice for many people seeking to relax and improve their health. Essential oils are used to aid in the healing of physical and psychological conditions. The essential oil is extracted from various parts of a plant and the aroma is used as treatment for a particular ailment. It is the only therapy that utilizes the sense of smell. Pure essential oils are all-natural and do not contain any manmade chemicals.
When used in aromatherapy, essentials are inhaled and enter the body through the nasal passages. Signals are directed to the brain and affect the emotions by affecting the limbic system, which also controls the major functions of the body. In massage, essential oils are mixed with an emulsifier and then massaged in the skin. Each essential oil has an individual chemical structure which determines its healing properties, fragrance, and color.
Essential oils can influence the body’s physiological systems. The following lists a number of benefits of using essential oils:
1) Certain oils can help alleviate pain. Peppermint has been proven to be a powerful pain killer.
2) Essential oils can have effects on emotions and mental states by promoting relaxation, relieving tension, and clearing the mind. Many scents promote calmness and tranquility while others lift the spirit. For instance, rosemary and peppermint are uplifting. Jasmine and ylang-ylang stimulate excitement, and lavender is sedating
3) Some oils such as citronella are used as a natural insect repellent.
4) Certain essential oils are known for their anti-fungal properties. Tea Tree Oil is shown to be excellent at killing bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
5) Some oils are a power anti-inflammatory. Eucalyptus and Chamomile are two examples of oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
6) Essential oils can stimulate digestion. For instance, a few drops of peppermint consumed orally help the digestion process.
7) Because certain oils promote relaxation, they can help promote the lowering of blood pressure. Essential oils work much like tranquilizers but in a natural way. 8) Certain oils can alleviate respiratory systems. For example, inhaling mucolytic oils can relieve respiratory symptoms. As well, there are specific essential that can stimulate vaso-dilation. Some essential oils such as peppermint and lemon are added to humidifiers or vaporizers.
9) Some oils can help alleviate certain skin conditions. Calendula has helped many people with eczema and psoriasis.
10) Essential oils can treat minor skin and muscle conditions. Lavender is known to speed skin cell regeneration. Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Marjoram are often used to relax muscle tissue before engaging in exercise or a sporting event.
11) Diffusing essential oils into the air releases oxygenating molecules as well as negative ions which reduces bacteria and toxins in the air.
12) Certain oils can promote healthy skin. For instance, Juniper berry used in hand cream smoothes and softens dry and cracked skin.
13) Essential oils can improve brain function. Awareness of odors can have a significant affect on learning, thinking, and memory.
Different cultures have been using aromatherapy oils for hundreds of years. Using essential oils for a wide variety of conditions will result in a much stronger and healthier individual. Learning what oil and fragrance best suits your needs will help achieve optimum health results. Quality essential oils can be of great benefit to you, your family, and even your pets.

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Essential Oils – 10 Powerful Uses For You and Your Home

Essential oils are the amazing natural extracts of plants, trees and grasses from all over the world. When the leaves and plant materials are steam distilled then the resulting liquids have many powerful uses. These highly aromatic oils can be used in aromatherapy, for alternative medicinal purposes and for use in many areas of your home for some very positive results. Here are my top ten tips for using these luxurious oils:1. Chamomile is a wonderful aroma therapeutic oil. The soothing effects of lavender become apparent when used to quiet a nervous personality, including those of pets and horses. A larger dose also induces a deeper, more restful sleep for everyone.2. Tea Tree Oil is from Australia and it has many uses. It can be used to rid the body of a fungus or rash. It soothes burns including sunburn and also relieves bee stings.3. Lavender is rivalled only by Tea Tree Oil for its usefulness. Due to its aromatic and therapeutic nature, a good use for lavender essential oil is in the bath. Lavender is inherently antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, which is why it is an excellent treatment for minor burns, cuts and scrapes. The oil also helps prevent scarring caused by minor burns, but do not pour the oil into open wounds.4. Peppermint Oil is one aromatic herb that can be identified by most people. It has been a favoured morning sickness remedy for centuries because not many products relieve nausea as well. Try it also when someone is experiencing motion sickness.5. Eucalyptus is a popular remedy for tension headaches. Everyone gets a bit tense occasionally, and a dab of oil rubbed on the temples will quickly relieve the stress causing the pain, or the vial of oil may be held under the nose so it can be inhaled. It is also antibiotic and an antiseptic oil, and perfect for use in the vaporizer during cold and flu season.6. Citronella is the best known insect repellent. Make a hair rinse of the oil and water to repel head lice, and a diluted spray of water and oil will repel fleas from pets and carpet. : A tiny dab of lavender essential oil, used undiluted on an insect bite relieves the itch quickly, and a dab behind each ear not only smells nice but acts as another natural insect repellent.7. Rose oil is delightful, all-around fragrance oil for the home. Put a single drop of oil in the washer while it is filling with water and add a couple drops to a dishcloth and toss it in the dryer. Doing this will lend a pleasant, light aroma to the clothing.8. Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory essential oil and also stimulates physical and mental clarity. Rosemary is good to use in muscle rubs and it also soothes arthritis.9. Cinnamon is a formidable fungicide. Fungal infections like athletes foot and ringworm are no match for lavender’s powerful action. It is also a powerful antiviral. Be sure to buy cinnamon oil and not cassia.10. Neroli oil has a reputation for inducing relaxation and deep, recuperative sleep.The pure oil should never be ingested, and should not be used neat (pure and undiluted) on your skin. However, use them safely and essential oils have many exciting uses around your home for very little cost.

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Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Seven Things You Should Know

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat medical conditions, to alleviate psychological ailments, for cosmetic purposes, and to reduce stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to enhance both your physical and mental state.
Essential oils are extracted from living plants and trees. When essential oils are used appropriately, most can be used at home safely, enjoyably, and with beneficial effects. Keep the following seven things in mind if you want to try aromatherapy at home.
(1) Most essential oils should never be applied directly without diluting them. Only lavender and tea tree oil are exceptions to this rule.
(2) Essential oils are flammable, so use extreme caution around flames and heat sources. If you use a burner to diffuse the oil, put water in the burner first. The essential oil will enter the air as the water evaporates.
(3) Essential oils are for external use only. On very rare occasions, a qualified aromatherapist may prescribe essential oils by mouth. Some essential oils can be very toxic if swallowed. Even essential oils that have a therapeutic effect when diluted in certain oral treatments (like mouthwash) should not be swallowed.
(4) Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.
(5) If you want to use essential oils during pregnancy, on babies, or with young children, please seek the advice of a trained, qualified aromatherapist first.
(6) If you are using essential oils as part of homeopathic or herbal medicine treatment, get advice from homeopathic or herbal medicine practitioners as well as from an aromatherapist.
(7) Some medical conditions require a doctor’s care, and not all medical conditions benefit from aromatherapy. Always check with your doctor first before undertaking aromatherapy for the treatment of any medical condition.
Following these seven principles for safe aromatherapy will help your experience with aromatherapy to be both enjoyable and beneficial.

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