Essential Oils For Healing And Therapy

Essential Oil:

Essential oils are aromatic oils extracted from plants and have many therapeutic benefits. Essential oils are used to soothe the skin, heal cuts, eliminate pimples, help you relax, relieve digestive problems and even cure colds and flus.

For therapeutic purposes, only the most pure oils will do. Unfortunately there are many companies out there selling low quality oils and you should only buy from a source that you trust. Like with anything else, you get what you get what you pay for so if an oil seems to be priced quite cheaply, it's probably not a good quality oil for medicinal purposes.

When using essential oils, it's important to remember that these oils are strong and should not be applied directly to the skin. Mix them with base oils like almond or wheatgerm oil to reduce their potency.

Essential Oils And Their Uses

Lavender

Perhaps the most popular of the essential oils, lavender has many uses. It is a great topical treatment which can help heal cuts, bruises and burns and is also a wonder aid to help you relax and can be a natural sleep inducer.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is great for treating digestive complaints and may be used in preparations for freshening breath.

Tea Tree and Eucalyptus

These oils have long been used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments. These oils can be massaged into the chest or used in an oil burner and help relive congestion making them excellent oils to use for colds. Tea tree oil is also a natural antiseptic and can be dabbed on cuts, bites and stings. It can be used to treat spots and pimples and can be used to gargle but should never be swallowed.

Geranium

Geranium oil has been used for years as a pain reliever.

Rosemary and Thyme

Not only do these herbs taste good but they have wonderful antiseptic properties and can be good for healing problems with the skin.

Citronella

Citronella oil is a natural insect repellent so it's no wonder they use it in the manufacture of oils and sprays as well as candles to repel insects. To protect your pet against fleas, try soaking his collar in citronella oil. To help keep down insects in summer, buy some citronella Geraniums and put the around your porch or deck.

Garlic

Garlic is another natural insect repellent and is vital in helping to keep your immune system healthy. It can be a great way to help prevent colds and viruses naturally. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. And it tastes good too!

Patchouli

This fragrant oil smells great when used in an oil burner but it is also a great topical treatment for eczema and dandruff.

Ylang-ylang

This is another fragrant oil that can be burned for it's aroma, and is also reputed to relieve stress, palpitations and high blood pressure.

Orange Oil

Use this oil as an aroma therapy, it is reputed to help with depression and nervous tension.

Cinnamon

This tasty herb is becoming popular for many treatments but it's great when used as an aroma therapy. Mix it with orange oil and you'll have a wonderful homey smell in your house. As a topical oil, it is excellent for warts and viral infections.

If you are really ambitious, you can grow these herbs yourself and collect the oil by stewing large amounts in pure water. Collect the steam and let it cool. The essential oils will rise to the top of the drained water and can be collected with an eyedropper. Or if you want a less labor intensive method, you can buy a product called a "flower still" which will help make the job easier.

Lee Dobbins write for Herbs and Home Remedies where you can find out more about using herbs and other home remedies.