Lately, I've been rediscovering my love for essential oils. I remember when I started becoming interested in home remedies, I steered clear of them. They seemed like some far-flung idea, hard to obtain (they aren't, with the internet these days), and almost a little scary. I know that many of you also probably feel the same way-but don't be intimidated. Here are 3 basic, must-have essential oils to get you started. They will add a whole new wonderful dimension to working with home remedies.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Good for: Relaxation, muscle soreness, insomnia, dry/itchy/irritated skin, anxiety
Lavender is one the essential oils I find myself reaching towards the most. It has such a broad range of uses! It's anti-inflammatory, helps relieve muscle soreness and headaches, calms anxiety and panic attacks, nourishes skin, and can help heal just about any scratch, scrape, bug bite, etc. It is also generally kid's favorite essential oil because it has such a wonderful aroma. Blend it into creams, add it to a diffuser, put some in your bath water to unwind-just about anything you can think of, lavender can help. Its shelf life is roughly 4 years from the date of distillation, when stored under proper conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight.)
To get you started:
Here's an extremely easy recipe to get you started using lavender essential oil that won't be intimidating (and will hopefully encourage you to keep playing with it.) This little cream is perfect for any rashes, dry or itchy patches or skin, and bug bites.
You will need…
-Lavender essential oil (5-10 drops total.)
-A small glass jar or similar container with a tightly sealing lid
-1 tablespoon of coconut oil
-A heat proof bowl
Directions
1. Scoop a tablespoon of coconut oil into a heat proof bowl and pop it in the microwave to just melt it down. It will melt quickly-start with 10 to 15 seconds or so. You can also melt it down over a double boiler.
2. Remove the coconut oil and add in the essential oil, stirring to blend it thoroughly.
3. Pour into your container, pop the lid on it, and let it solidify in a cool.
4. Apply a small amount-you won't need much trust me- to the needed area, and rub in thoroughly. Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Good for: Cleaning/disinfecting, fighting illness causing bacteria, anti-fungal
Tea tree oil is a must have for cleaning and disinfecting. Any homemade cleaning products you want to make will benefit from tea tree oil. It's had quite a bit of research backing up the claims made about it, and it really does a solid job at wiping out germs. It's also fantastic for battling sinus infections, as it's beneficial components are indeed airborne, making it easy to inhale and highly effective when added to a steam bath.
To get you started…
Here's a recipe that I use in the Everyday Roots Book, and you really can't go wrong with it. Tea tree oil and white distilled vinegar make a powerful homemade cleaner that can tackle just about any job you throw at it, from wiping down countertops to cleaning soap scum to mopping the floors.
You will need…
-3/4 teaspoon of tea tree oil
-1 gallon of white distilled vinegar
Directions
1. Add the tea tree oil to a gallon of white distilled vinegar.
2. Shake well. Feel free to add to smaller spray bottle to make it more user friendly. I'll do this and then keep the big gallon jug under the sink.
3. Apply to surface that needs cleaning-always test a small inconspicuous area first. If you're trying to clean something really caked on and grimy, let it sit for 10 minutes up to 30 before wiping clean.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Good For: Colds, stuffy noses, headache relief, sore muscle relief, addition to homemade cleaners, addition to homemade beauty products
Oh sweet peppermint. If you suffer from headaches, or find yourself with sore or aching muscles, peppermint is your soul mate essential oil. It's perfect for clearing your senses, wiping away pain, and giving you an invigorating burst of energy. Not mention, it is the quintessential flavor/scent for homemade lip balms!
To get you started…
This is the most basic of balms, and you can use it on sore muscles, or rub a little on your temples and the back of your neck to relieve headaches. All it takes is some coconut oil, beeswax, and peppermint essential oil. Use more beeswax if you want a firmer balm, and less if you want it softer. And yes, you can use this on dry chapped lips as well!
You will need…
-1-3 teaspoons beeswax
-1 tablespoon coconut oil
-5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
-A little tin to store it in
-A double boiler (ie, a heat proof bowl or measuring glass over a pot with some water in it)
Directions
1. Melt the beeswax and coconut oil down and remove from the heat.
2. Stir in the essential oil, and pour into your heatproof container. Put the lid on quickly. Let it cool COMPLETLEY before using!
So go ahead and order your oils, if you don't have them yet, and don't be discouraged by the price. It might seem like an awful lot for such a small bottle, but they are powerful and one bottle lasts quite some time. Enjoy!
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