Beneficial Uses of Common Essential Oils
Eucalyptus –
Eucalyptus is one of the most commonly used essential oils. It is currently used in many allopathic medical preparations. It is one of the best oils to use with any respiratory tract problem because of its mucolytic properties. It is wonderful for acne because it reduces oil production and dries the tissue. It is thought to increase insulin production and help balance the blood sugar.
Actions: Diaphoretic (increases sweating), decongestant, stimulant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, antipyretic (reduces fever), increases concentration, deodorant, germicidal.
Indications: Asthma, bronchitis, throat, sinus, kidney and bladder infections, fever, angina, rheumatism, neuritis, sore muscles, sluggishness, emotional overload, skin blemishes, acne, dandruff, insect bites.
Warning: Do not take more than one or two drops per day internally.
Usage: Inhalation, aroma lamp, gargle, massage oil, compress.
Lavender –
Lavender is one of the most important oils to keep in your medicine cabinet. It will help you relax, it will uplift you, and it will calm you. It is an oil that is excellent for use with children.
Actions: Carminative (relieves gas in stomach and intestines), diuretic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic, stimulant.
Indications: Burns, wounds, insect bites, eczemas, dermatitis, boils, fever blisters, herpes, rheumatism, neuritis, ear infections, headache, yeast infections, colds, flu, bronchitis, motion sickness, gall bladder disorders, high blood pressure, stress, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, dry skin, acne, fluid retention, hair loss, dandruff.
Usage: Aroma lamp, inhalation, bath, lotion, massage oil, sprayer, food, laundry scent, pillow; can be used directly on skin.
Oregano –
Oregano oil is a highly potent purifier that provides many benefits to health. It is useful for digestive problems and for skin infections. It strengthens the immune system, aids the healing of wounds, increases joint and muscle flexibility and improves respiratory health.
Actions: Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, analgesic and antirheumatic.
Indications: Wounds, headaches, insect bites, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cold symptoms including cough. Toothache, athlete’s foot, fungal skin infections, lice infestation and intestinal worms.
Usage: Should never be used undiluted. Always dilute in suitable carrier oil, such as olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil. Dilute one part oregano oil with 2 – 3 parts carrier oil. To topically treat fungal infections, dilute 1 teaspoon oregano oil to 2 teaspoons olive oil and apply with a cotton swab to the affected area up to 3 times a day. To treat systemic bacterial or fungal infections, 1 drop of oil in an 8-ounce glass of water or juice once or twice a day. Can also mix 1 drop of oil with 1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup or olive oil and place under tongue twice a day. Can be used in baths by mixing 1-3 drops of oil with body gel or shampoo.
Warnings: Internal usage should be limited to only a few drops per day for only a few days or weeks at most. Do not take internally if breast feeding. Before applying to skin, it is recommended that a skin patch test be conducted. To do this, place a small amount of diluted oil on the inside of the elbow and apply a band-aid. Wait 24 hours to see if there is a negative reaction like redness or irritation.
Patchouli –
This oil is extremely useful for skin infections and seems particularly effective with fungal, yeast and bacterial infections. It is also useful as a mouthwash and gargle. Patchouli has an extremely rich, sweet herbaceous, aromatic-spicy, woody-balsamic aroma.
Actions: Regenerative, fungicidal, decongestant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, tonic.
Indications: Acne, dermatitis, eczema, aged skin, cracked and chapped skin, impetigo, seborrhea, dandruff, neurasthenia, anxiety, yeast infections of mouth and vagina, viral infections and wounds.
Usage: Mix with tea tree oil as a mouthwash for infection; as a douche solution for vaginal infections. Use with carrier oil as massage oil, salve and in baths.
Peppermint –
Excellent for headaches and cough, peppermint is a stimulant and revitalizer. It has cooling properties and is especially useful for digestive upsets. It is useful for respiratory tract conditions as an inhalant, useful as a mouthwash and can be added to toothpaste to heal gum infections and canker sores. Add 10 drops to bath water for a cooling effect on the body.
Actions: Diaphoretic, carminative, nervine, stimulant, analgesic, decongestant, antiseptic.
Indications: Colds, fever, sore throat, laryngitis, earache, digestive upsets, nervous agitation, headache, dysmenorrheal, liver and gall bladder disorders, asthma.
Warning: Can aggravate severe chills.
Usage: Compress, lotion, bath, massage oil, toothpaste, gargle, mouthwash, aroma lamp, spritzer, inhalations, salve.
Rosemary –
Rosemary is another oil that should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. Roman students studies with garlands of rosemary around their heads, then wore the garlands when they took their exams to help them remember. Rosemary stimulates circulation for the hair and scalp. It is useful for headaches, tension and greater clarity. It is often used with eucalyptus as an inhalant for respiratory and sinus problems. Good for liver and gall bladder problems.
Actions: Diaphoretic (increases sweating), carminative (relieves gas), stimulant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, increased the flow of bile, nerve tonic, antidepressant.
Indications: Liver ailments, gall bladder inflammation, gallstones, flu, colds, asthma, rheumatism, poor memory, weak ego, blemished skin, dandruff, hair loss, burns, wounds.
Warning: Do not use during pregnancy or with epilepsy.
Usage: Inhalation, compress, massage oil, shampoo, cooking, aroma lamp, all uses.
Tea Tree –
Another commonly used oil in the
U.S.
It is especially known for its anti-fungal properties. Good for skin conditions including insect bite and eczema. Can be used for colds and sore throats as an inhalant or gargle. Can be used as a douche for treatment of candida albicans. (5 drops in 1 cup water)
Actions: Fungicidal, antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant, antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic.
Indications: Abscess, acne, herpes, dermatitis, dandruff, urinary infections, asthma, bronchitis, athlete’s foot, candida, fungal infections, ringworm, wounds, insect bites.
Usage: Salve, inhalation, food and drink, diffusers, bath, vaginal douche.
Carrier Oils
Almond Oil –
An all-purpose base oil commonly used in aromatherapy and massage. Easily absorbable and excellent emollient. Suitable for all skin types and makes an excellent moisturizer and lubricant.
Aura Glow Oil –
A combination of certified pure peanut, olive, lanolin and vitamin E oils. Edgar Cayce recommended Aura Glow to beautify the body, promote superficial circulation, and as a massage oil to enhance flexibility. It rapidly absorbs into the body to be used where it is needed. Full body moisturizer that can be used as a skin softener, bath oil, hair treatment, baby oil, after shave and sun, and for massage therapy.
