Clary Sage Oil – The No 1 Female Balancing Essential Oil
The Therapeutic benefits of clary sage essential oil, why it is known as a gift for female health and well-being by holistic and modern medicine.
What is Clary Sage? And why is clary sage widely regarded as a hormone-balancing essential oil for many female hormone-related issues? To help reduce anxiety and stress, a supportive muscle relaxantand antidepressant.
What is Clary Sage? (Salvia sclarea)
Clary sage also known as salvia scalrea is a purplish blue flower/plant that is cultivated worldwide although it is native to Southern Europe. Its extensive therapeutic properties make it regarded as a high-value essential oil which is used in cosmetics, perfume and for medicinal use.
Each species of clary sage grown in different countries demonstrates different biological activity and chemical composition as documented by Researchgate.net
History Of Clary Sage
Clary sage also known as ‘clear eye’ and ‘Oculus Christi’ (Eye of Christ) has been used since the middles ages for its medicinal properties. The flowers of clary sage were added to salads and are still used as a herbal tea. It is widely used in herbalism, ayurveda, allopathic medicine, cosmetics and perfumes.
Therapeutic Properties Of Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage is a well-known antispasmodic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory that has antifungal and antiseptic, and anti-infectious properties.
Clary sage oil helps alleviate insomnia, lowers cortisol levels, encourages deeper quality sleep, and acts as a natural sedative and nerve tonic.
A great antispasmodic and muscle relaxation it is widely used to treat muscular cramps, muscle tension, and muscle painand increase circulation.
As an essential oil Clary Sage helps regulate the endocrine system as it is potent in natural “phytoestrogens” that mimic the effects of oestrogen in the human body and are reputed to slow down osteoporosis.
It helps alleviate menstrual cramps, it is widely used to reduce PMT premenstrual tension and PMS premenstrual symptoms.
Insomnia
It is widely used by clinical aromatherapists to help boost mood, reduce anxiety and stress levels. It is reputed to be a natural antidepressant.
Use Of Clary Sage Oil In Modern Medicine
Clary sage has been used extensively in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industry for many years.
Research Into The Use Of Clary Sage Oil
“Effect of clary sage oil as an aromatherapy on cardiac autonomic function among patients with premenstrual syndrome – A randomized controlled study” S. Geethanjali, V. Venugopal, S. Poonguzhali, K. Maheshkumar.
“Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil” † Kyung-Bok Lee, Eun Cho, Young-Sook Kang
Some of the main health benefits of Eucalyptus Oil in modern medicine and holistic medicine. The history of eucalyptus oil, its use in modern medicine and holistic medicine. How to use eucalyptus at home as a natural home remedy.
Eucalyptus is widely used in medicine and pharmacology, especially in the treatment of respiratory conditions, coughs, colds, and influenza. The wide therapeutic benefits of eucalyptus oil as anti-inflammatory and analgesic for pain relief, as well as being anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral and antiseptic.
That is why I recommend you have eucalyptus at home in your natural medicine cabinet. Although the benefits of eucalyptus are great, eucalyptus oil has to certain cautions, it should not used on infants and should always be used diluted and sparingly.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus Oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree which is native to Australia and surrounding areas. There are actually over 400 species of eucalyptus but most eucalyptus oil is extracted from the Eucalyptus Globulus tree.
The eucalyptus oil is obtained by extracting oil from the leaves through steam distillation.
Eucalyptus oil has been used in medicine for thousands of years, by the aborigines, in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, as well as different types of European and Greek Medicine.
Eucalyptus trees first arrived in the UK as seeds in 1774. In 1778 two Doctors in Australia Dennis Codden and John White started to treat colic and different chest issues with distilled Eucalyptus Piperita.
But it wasn’t until botanist Baron Ferdinand von Muller’s writings about different Eucalyptus species in approx 1860 did Eucalyptus start to come to the forefront first as antiseptic and did many of the benefits of eucalyptus start to be recognised in more modern medicine.
During the first World War 1, Eucalyptus was used to help put an end to a serious occurrence of meningitis in the midst of the influenza epidemic. It would be later used in the treatment of different respiratory conditions and other ailments. And used in very tiny drops it would be used in dental products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum as well as cough drops and sweets.
Medical Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus
Some of the medical health benefits of eucalyptus used in pharmacology, holistic and modern medicine.
Benefits Of Eucalyptus In Dental Care
Eucalyptus is widely used in mouthwash and toothpaste due to its reputation for fighting off infections, bacteria, and tooth decay. It also helps eliminate bad breath and alleviates symptoms of herpes simplex 1 (cold sores). In some countries there are dentists also suggest eucalyptus in mouthwash can help reduce the risk of receding gums.
Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus For Respiratory Infections
The therapeutic benefits of eucalyptus to help treat asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, throat infections, and flu is widely recognised in naturopathic medicine, aromatherapy and holistic medicine. I take these Eucalyptus Pastilles during the winter months.
In just one medical research paper we see how a herbal emulsion of eucalyptus oil can help treat influenza. “Oil-in-water emulsion formulated with eucalyptus leaves extract inhibit influenza virus binding and replication in vitro”
In aromatherapy, we recommend steam inhalation of eucalyptus oil for many respiratory infections, colds, flu, asthma, and bronchitis. As well as or a hot compress, see bottom of the page for instructions.
CAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Do not use eucalyptus on infants, always use sparingly as it is highly potent, caution on sensitive skin.
Eucalyptus For Pain Relief And In Treatment Of Inflammation
Eucalyptus can be used in compresses for deep muscular pain and tension. See below for hot compress instructions. This is a great Eucalyptus Balm For the muscles from NYR Organics.
Benefits Of Eucalyptus As An Insect Repellent
Eucalyptus has been officially registered as an insecticide and miticide, especially for the elimination of mites and ticks for over 70 years.
One way to use eucalyptus oil at home as an insect repellent is to diffuse essential oil through a diffuser. Another way is to add a few drops of eucalyptus to a spray bottle and use it to disinfect work surfaces, floors, and cupboards. Or add it with a few other oils such as tea-tree, thyme to spray bottle.
The Safe And Effective Use Of Essential Oils
Most people underestimate the power, properties, and potency of essential oils. Even though essential oils are extracts of nature every essential oil is uniquely made up of different volatile compounds. Each essential oil tends to have a long list of therapeutic properties but some also have potentially toxic and harmful properties when not used in a safe and effective way.
So it is important that you choose the right essential oil for your and your family’s need and use that oil in the most appropriate safe and effective way for each person. That includes checking for contraindications, safety use guidelines, and buying good high-quality essential oils. That is why I choose NYR Organics and have my own online shop.
WARNING: EUCALYPTUS is highly potent it should not be used on infants. Use essential oils with care, especially when applying essential oil blends on children, the elderly, those with certain health challenges or medical conditions. Always check with your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist to see if essential oils are suitable for any chronic or rare medical condition.
Steam Inhalation Instructions:
Recommended oils for inhalation include eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, tea-tree.
How To Inhale Steam
You’ll need the following materials:
a large basin or bowl
water
a pot or kettle
towel
Steps To Inhale Safely And Effectively
Boil the water.
Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl.
Then drape the towel over the back of your head.
Turn on a timer.
Close your eyes and then slowly lower your head toward the bowl until you’re about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful to avoid making direct contact with the water.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for at least two to five minutes.
Aromatherapy Diffusing
Aromatherapy diffusers are a great way to diffuse essential oils out in the home. Many essential oils diffused can help eliminate or reduce viruses, boost the immune system. They can also help produce happy hormones, help you unwind and relax. Most diffusers will come with instructions on how many drops of essential oil to use to add to water tank.
Hot Compress Instructions
You’ll need the following materials:
a small bowl
water
a pot or kettle
small flannel or towel
For a hot eucalyptus compress, add one drop of eucalyptus oil to a small bowl of hot water. Then dip the cotton flannel into the water and apply directly to the skin.
Aromatherapy Bath Instructions
The best way to add essential oils to the bath is to add the oils to a base oil that will easily disperse in the bath such as avocado, coconut oil, olive oil.
Adult Recommendations:
Run bathwater.
Then add 5 ml of your eucalyptus essential oil blend (a mixture of carrier oil such as coconut oil with essential oils)
Or add 5 drops of Pure Essential Oils to bathwater.
Then thoroughly disperse in water before entering the bathwater.
Relax in the bath for a minimum of 10-15 minutes to get the full benefit.
My Top Recommended Pure Essential Oils For Meditation. The best essential oils to help you get into deep stages of meditation, calm, and peace. grounding and Sacred Essential Oils To Help You Achieve Deep Meditative States.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Meditation
As both a Meditator for 30 years and a qualified aromatherapist I understand how highly effective high-quality pure essential oils can be in helping meditators achieve deep meditative states. For anyone who struggles to relax, switch off, is new to meditation, or for those who think they cannot meditate, these right incense or essential oils during meditation can help set the scene, create the right atmosphere, and help you get more centered and grounded.
Most people underestimate the power of certain essential oils on the mind, body, emotions, and spirit and how much scents can change our mood and mental state.
These 3 Pure Essentials Oils are grounding and Sacred Oils used by Meditators worldwide.
3 Of The Best High-Quality Pure Essential Oils For Meditation
These 3 Pure Essentials Oils For Meditation are grounding and Sacred Oils used by Meditators worldwide.
Frankincense For Meditation
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) is a resin oil that has been extracted from the gum of the Frankincense Tree typically grown in Africa.
Frankincense has been used for centuries for religious, spiritual, and therapeutic practice. It is known by some as the “King Of Oils” for its wide versatility, its physical and spiritual value, we know Frankincense was given to the baby Jesus. Frankincense is used as an incense, perfume, skincare, and embalming due to its preservative properties as far back as the Ancient Egyptians and today.
Frankincense inhaled and or applied as a massage blend with a carrier oil to the body is deeply calming, deeply grounding, and very relaxing. I find Frankincense one of the best essential oils for meditation it is so deeply grounding, so deeply calming, and centering.
Frankincense Scent: Frankincense has a warm woody resin scent.
Buying Frankincense: When buying Frankincense Essential Oil make sure you choose from a high-quality product such as NYR Organics or doTerra. For those in the UK, I would highly recommend NYR Organics for quality and price.
Myrrh Oil For Meditation
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is a resin oil that has been extracted from the gum of the flowering trees of the genus Commiphora in Somalia, Arabia, and Ethiopia.
Myrrh has also been used for centuries, widely used by the Ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, and was another gift to the baby Jesus. Myrrh used to be regarded as a very valuable commodity but no longer has the high financial value it used to have.
Like Frankincense, Myrrh has also been widely used for embalming, perfume, incense, and as an antiseptic throughout the ages.
Myrrh was widely used in many purification and religious rituals. And another one of those commonly used essential oils for meditation and sacred rituals.
Myrrh is mixed with Frankincense for many of the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Oriental, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Mentioned as a rare perfume in the bible by the Hebrews.
In Chinese Medicine, Myrrh is regarded as “blood moving” and in Ayurvedic has rejuvenating and restoring properties.
Myrrh is said to help support spiritual opening, when used in inhalation or an aromatherapy blend it is said to work directly with the hypothalamus, pituitary, and amygdalin glands to reduce stress and anxiety.
Myrrh Scent: Very Earthy, Liquorice Type Notes. It blends well with frankincense, marjoram, and rose.
Buying Myrrh: When purchasing Myrrh Essential Oil make sure you choose from a company that only purchases high-quality grade Myrrh Resin such as NYR Organics or doTerra.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) is extracted from the Sandalwood Trees and Roots, in the genus Santalum through distillation. The Sandalwood tree is regarded as one of the most worthy trees in the world.
Sandalwood is another one of my favourite essential oils for meditation, to help me get more grounded, and add it to my bath, and skincare products. I love the strong woody masculine aroma of Sandalwood. Sandalwood is the base note for many aftershaves and perfumes. It acts as a common fixative in perfumes for more volatile scents such as citrus, exotic, and floral scents to help increase the longevity of the scent.
The Australian Aborigines have used their local sandalwood trees for food; nuts, fruit, and seed kernels. Indian Sandalwood is regarded as extremely sacred and is known in Sanskrit as chandana in Hindu Ayurveda. East Indian Sandalwood is greatly used in Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sandalwood is a popular meditative scent in certain Buddhist practices, and why Sandalwood Incense is a popular gift to Budda.
Sandalwood Scent: A deeply grounding, rich woody aroma that blends well with Frankincense and Rose.
Buying Sandalwood: When buying Sandalwood for therapeutic properties ensure you are buying your Sandalwood Pure Essential Oil from a high-quality distributor such as NYR Organics.
Want to learn more about Aromatherapy and Essential Oils?
Want more natural solutions for your family’s health and well-being?
The benefits of Tea-Tree for medicinal, pharmaceutical, home, and travel use. Learn why Tea-Tree is an extremely versatile essential oil used by not just aromatherapists but the by the army, navy, nurses, doctors, families, and backpackers. Learn some of the cosmetic and medicinal use of Tea Tree.
What is Tea-Tree?
Tea Tree Oil comes from the leaves of the small Tea-Tree Plant ( Melaleuca alternifolia) this tree is said to originate from the warmer areas of Australia. So the Tea Tree plant needs a more warm climate to grow.
Although Melaleuca alternifolia is known as the tea tree, do not confuse Tea Tree with Cajeput, Niauouli, Kanuka or Manuka oil extracted obtained from other Melaleuca species. Or the plant that grows leaves used to make black, green and oolong tea.
What Is Tea-Tree Essential Oil?
Tea-Tree Essential Oil is the essential oil extracted or distilled from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It is highly concentrated and highly potent so should be used sparingly and safely. Tea tree oil has been used in natural medicine for centuries by the Aborigines. One way they would prepare and use it was crush the Melaleuca alternifolia leaves and then apply the oil to the skin. Or through inhalation to treat colds and coughs.
When buying TeaTree Essential Oil for therapeutic use always use a high-grade essential oil like NYR’s Organic Tea-Tree Pure Essential Oil.
Safe Use Of Tea-Tree Essential Oil
NEVER USE TEA TREE INTERNALLY
DO NOT USE ON BABIES
Never apply tea tree oil directly to skin. You should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, apricot kernel coconut oil, or olive oil.
For every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil.
Blend 1 drop of TTO to at least 20 drops of carrier oil for children over 7 years.
Or 1 drop of TTO to the bath for children over 5 years.
Be careful to avoid the eye area
Before use do a patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t react to the tea tree oil.
Natural Components of Tea-Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Here are just some of the natural components of Tea-Tree
Tea-Tree is not just widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Tea Tree began being used by the Australian army during World War II, the navy soon added Tea Tree Oil to their first aid kits as an official germicide.
Tea-Tree is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry particularly for its anesthetic, ant-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. There also has been a huge surge in the use of Tea-Tree Oil in cosmetics over the last decade especially because of its wide skincare benefits to reduce acne and fungal issues. That is why the tea-tree market is graded into both Pharma-Cosmetic Grade and Therapeutic Grade. The fact that Tea Tree has so many therapeutic benefits especially being antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic it is assumed its market use will continue to increase especially in more developed countries.
That is why Tea-Tree Essential Oil is something I believe everyone should have in both their travel and home first aid kit. A small 10 ml bottle of Tea Tree Oil is extremely inexpensive, versatile, easy to pack and store, especially for backpackers who require a lightweight and small travel first-aid kit.
The History of Aromatherapy and the therapeutic use of essential oils.
Exploring the history of aromatherapy and why essential oils are still such a popular form of natural medicine today. The use of aromatherapy, essential oils in ancient medicine, and modern pharmaceuticals.
If we look back at the earliest origins and the history of aromatherapy, we can see evidence of the use of essential oils and aromatherapy around different parts of the world as far back as over 6000 years.
The History of Aromatherapy By The Egyptians
The Egyptians are known for their wide use of various essential oils especially resins such as Frankincense and Myrrh which were found in tombs. Frankincense has been widely used in embalming throughout centuries and is still today used today as an anti-aging ingredient in many skin-care products. It is believed that most essential oils were produced in Egypt by a type of effleurage (solvent extraction method) using animal fat. History Of Essential Oils FGB Natural Products
The History of Aromatherapy By The Greeks
According to Greek Mythology, even the Greek Gods valued the therapeutic properties of natural perfume and fragrances. The Greek physician Hippocrates and Galen used different aromatic herbs and plants. Hippocrates actually suggested daily massage and scented baths using aromatic plants to improve health. He widely used Chamomile to treat fevers. While Galen was known to promote Cypress to reduce stomach problems. Myrrh ointment was used by soldiers in battle to prevent and heal infection. He also used Cumin, Peppermint, Marjoram, Saffron, and Thyme.
History of Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
History Of Aromatherapy In China
Chinese Medicine has also used aromatic plants and essential oil resins since between 2697-2597 B.C.E during the reign of Huang Ti. The Yellow Emperor used Sandalwood to treat Cholera. The ‘Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine’ is said to date back at least 2000 years B.C.
During the Middle Ages, Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) was an ingredient used in Italian Folk Medicine. Essential Oil of Neroli was named for Anne-Marie de la Tremoille, Princess of Nerola, Italy. The princess used Neroli in her gloves, bathwater, and hair.
The History Of Essentials Oils In The Middle Ages
Avicenna both physician and philosopher introduced distillation, the extraction process where we get essential oils from herbs, plants, and fruits. He also created in-depth instructions on how to use plants essential oils, and massage to support health. In the 14th Century, Pine and Frankincense were burned during the Bubonic Plague.
The History Of Aromatherapy In England
Nicholas Culpeper an English physician published his own herbal which became a common reference for different plant remedies. In England, during Victorian times a bride’s headdress would be made of Neroli blossom. This was said to represent chastity and to help soothe the bride’s nerves.
The History Of Aromatherapy In France
Experimental studies on the use of essential oils as anti-viral were undertaken in France by Chamberland as early as 1887.5 Cadeac and Meunier would publish the results of their research (Annales de l’Institut Pasteur 1888). In 1938, René-Maurice Gattefosse described the already considerable advancement of this research in his book, Antiseptiques Essentiels.
The Term Aromatherapy
The term “Aromatherapy” was introduced when French perfumier, and chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of Lavender Oil. He burned his hand in his lab and stuck his hand in the nearest liquid, Lavender Oil. F
rom here he started to explore the properties of a wide range of essential oils and began to treat soldiers using essential oils during World War 1. By 1928 he documented his evidence on Aromatherapy in a medical research paper.
A French scientist Dr. Jean Valnet would continue the medical research into the therapeutic and antiseptic properties of essential oils. His teachings were then divided into several schools and teachings, which allowed thousands of doctors to get familiar with new anti-infectious approaches previously not acknowledged by medicine.
The History Of Aromatherapy In Austria
Marguerite Maury an Austrian Biochemist found that essential oils were absorbed by the skin. She would bring massage using pure essential oils to the UK. The Secret of Life and Youth was published in 1961, this helped pioneer the modern use of aromatherapy and essential oils in massage.
Modern Use of Aromatherapy
Since the late 70’s aromatherapy and essential oils have been increasingly popular not just in the use of aromatherapy massage, and the purchase of pure essential oils.
However the huge use of essential oils in the cosmetic, skincare, and pharmaceutical industry. Some of the most common essential oils used in the cosmetic and skincare industry include Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Tea-Tree. Essential oils widely used in the pharmacy industry include Aniseed Oil, Benzoin, Bitter Orange Oil, Cajeput Oil, and Peppermint.
When purchasing aromatherapy products and essential oils for therapeutic use you want to ensure you purchase high-quality products. As a qualified and experienced aromatherapist and aromatherapist teacher, I can highly recommend pure essential oils from NYROrganics. Please note the links above are to my Online Store.
Best Essential Oils For Flu Symptoms And Prevention
How to choose the best essential oils for flu, the prevention, and treatment of flu, influenza. Why flu can be hard to treat. Why essential oils can reduce the risk of flu and cold and be useful in reducing the most common symptoms of flu.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza is a viral infection an infectious disease that attacks your respiratory system, your throat, nose, and lungs. Influenza is viewed as an unpredictable virus. The flu has common symptoms to the cold and although it usually clears up on its own with proper rest and self-care.
But in those with a vulnerable immune system, it can develop into further complications including death. Especially those living with a compromised immune system; young babies, children, sick and elderly. Those already living with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, auto-immune disease, cancer… We know some strains of flu can be more serious than others.
As someone who has lived with a compromised immune system for over 30 years. I was so glad to be introduced to essential oils many years ago and then become a qualified aromatherapist. Most of my family and my extended family all use essential oils for basic first aid in the home. We use essential oils for burns, bites, colds, flu, inflammation, headaches, fibromyalgia, PMS, Sleep Issues. The kids love lavender to help them sleep, as a compress when they have a bump or bruise.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Influenza
The benefits of using essential oils, is that pure essentials can help prevent and reduce the risk of flu. As well as reduce many of the common symptoms of flu. Such as sore and achy muscles, sore throat, fatigue and weakness, headache…
Quality pure essential oils are completely natural and have fewer side-effects of many pharmaceutical drugs if used correctly. Essential oils are extremely versatile and can be often used alongside other medications with correct usage. But make sure you always check with a qualified aromatherapist and or dr if you are on other medications.
Pure Essential Oils are extracted essential oils from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, fruits even resins. They are highly concentrated extracts so one tiny little drop is highly potent so it should be used sparingly and not directly on the skin.
Today we have access to so many different companies selling essential oils but not all are of the best quality and concentration. As a qualified aromatherapist for over 20 years, the two companies I would only recommend and promote are NYR Organics and doTerra. Both companies source ethically and organically in many cases.
But no matter where and who you buy from. Please remember that essential oils are extremely therapeutic and healing if used safely and effectively. And no matter how good quality these essential oils are from these companies do not add pure essential oils directly to the skin, do not drink internally.
Use Essential Oils Safely For Symptoms Of Flu
Each essential oil has its own unique components and therapeutic qualities. Some essentials oils have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, some are more sedating, more calming and relaxing. Some oils are immune-boosting and mood-lifting. Others are extremely potent and should be used so sparingly that only 1-Drop of essential oils should be added to 100ml of carrier oil.
Some essential oils such as eucalyptus should never be used on children if you have epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure or are pregnant. That is why you should make sure you are buying essential oils or getting advice about essential oils only from a fully qualified aromatherapist.
I have lost count the number of stories of sales consultants of essential oil companies recommending oils that are extremely dangerous for the consumer. Parents being told that it was safe to put essential oils directly on to an infant’s skin, oils highly toxic and irritant for a baby. People adding a combination of essential oils to their drinking water that can burn and inflame the esophagus.
Bergamot is an uplifting essential oil that is used in many types of aftershave. Known for its anti-depressing and anti-viral activity as a vapor, bergamot is helpful for the treatment and recovery of flu.
Eucalyptus is also known for its ant-viral activity a well known essential oil for flu and cold remedies and chest rubs. But it is extremely potent so it must be used with caution. Use highly diluted, smaller doses of essential oil to the ratio of carrier oil or water is recommended. Avoid in the use of children and for those with sensitive skin. Adding one or two drops of eucalyptus to a basin of water is an effective steam inhalation to clear up chest and sinus congestion. 1-2 drops of eucalyptus with lavender, frankincense or sandalwood to the bath, (disperse) can help reduce flu symptoms.
Frankincense is a great winter essential oil. Other than being deeply grounding and calming frankincense has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and expectorant properties. It is a useful essential oil to help soothe the chest and bronchia tubes, frankincense is also helpful for asthma sufferers. It is widely used as an aid to meditation and as a rejuvenator, preservative of the skin. Very useful to prevent dry cracked skin in winter.
Sandalwood is another winter essential oils useful to reduce respiratory and viral issues. A natural anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory sandalwood is used as a throat and chest rub. Like Frankincense, sandalwood is deeply grounding and calming. Useful for those who struggle to stop and rest or feel overwhelmed by the exhaustive fatigue and stress of flu.
Important Cautions and Contraindications Using Essential Oils
As a qualified aromatherapist, I would suggest you always check for contra-indications of essential oils you are using in relation to other medical conditions you have. Or medication you are presently on. For adults, you can normally add up to 5 drops in 2 tbsp bath oil or massage/ carrier oil. For children over 2 years old or adults with sensitive skin, reduce the amount to up to 2 drops per 2 tbsp. The essential oils above are not recommended for children only use Chamomile or Lavender for young children.
For more information on clinical research using essential oils for flu check out this
Eileen Burns is a highly qualified stress management therapist, coach, and healer. A qualified aromatherapist and holistic therapist who has been studying holistic wellbeing for over 30 years. Eileen runs Stress Coach Training, online training for coaches, healers and therapists. And self-care programs for empaths and highly sensitive people.
3 Essential Oils For Every Home Or Travel First Aid Kit.
Why these 3 essential oils are so common and extremely versatile in helping treat many minor ailments, symptoms, and injury. In this article, I share why as a qualified aromatherapist for over 20 years I choose these natural remedies to replace many over the counter medication.
So What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the concentrated oils of the plants they are extracted from. Essential oils come from a variety of plants, leaves, bark, shrubs, fruits, and flowers. Pure essential oils are unadulterated oils that are regarded as having various therapeutic health and wellness benefits. They are used widely by the pharmacological and cosmetic industries.
Cosmetic And Pharmacological Use Of Essential Oils
Various research has demonstrated the benefits of certain essential oils to treat bacterial infections. In the study – Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of some essential oils “Origanum onites recorded antimicrobial activity against all test bacteria, and was strongest against Staphylococcus aureus.’
According to Science Direct –A status review on the medicinal properties of essential oils “Essential oils are prescribed for a variety of health problems by traditional systems of medicine, all over the world. Various pharmaceutical and biological activities like antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiprotozoal properties are assigned to them.”
Now as someone who had chronic health challenges from a young age I began to use essential oils to support my health in my early twenties. I used essential oils to boost my immune system, as an aid to treat bacterial and viral infections to treat a bad burn, reduce a high temperature, relieve toothache and cramping and so much more.
Safe Use Of Essential Oils
Now when using essential oils therapeutically for your health and wellbeing. It is important to use only pure essential oils of the highest grade. Sadly not all of these natural oils are unadulterated and of the highest quality. That is why I choose doTERRA oils or Neals Yard Organics.
Important: Do NOT consume or apply essential oils undiluted directly on the skin the only exception is lavender in the case of a burn. Essential oils are always diluted in a carrier or massage oil, added to bathwater, used in inhalation or applied to a compress. No matter the quality of the extraction of these oils they can burn the skin and can cause serious harm in certain situations. Always check instructions for correct use and dilution of essential oils and seek professional advice from a fully qualified aromatherapist.
Natures First Aid Kit
Pure essential oils are not only a natural alternative to many common ailment medication. Used to treat a variety of different ailments and injury. For the backpacker or executive flyer who needs minimal luggage, these 3 tiny bottles are worth their weight in gold
Lavender Oil is extracted or distilled from the lavender herb plant Lavandula latifolia . Both the flower and the oil of lavender are actually used to make medicine. Lavender’s extremely versatility is probably why it is the most common therapeutic essential oil used today.
Lavender oil in the right dosage and dilution can be applied or inhaled by most children and adults. But should not be used on a newborn. In another blog, I explain in more detail why lavender should be part of every home first aid kit.
Lavender is commonly used as an aid for bites, bruises, headaches, muscle inflammation, sprains, and stings. Lavender can be applied directly to the skin in case of a burn and can help reduce scarring.
Lavender’s analgesic properties help reduce inflammation and pain. Lavender has a deeply soothing, relaxing and gently uplifting scent which makes it helpful for insomnia, anxiety, depression, and stress. My mother and siblings use lavender to help relieve high temperatures in their children.
Like other essential oils, Lavendula has a wide range of psychological benefits. Lavender can have a tremendous effect when inhaled on the olfactory and limbic systems.
Lavender has been shown various research as a possible treatment in some psychological and neurological conditions. It is well-reputed for its benefits on the mood and emotions. Lavender is one of the safest oils you can use on children and those who are highly sensitive. As long as you follow the recommended guidelines by a qualified aromatherapist.
Tea tree oil has been demonstrated to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial and ant-viral benefits against Herpes Simples Virus and treating wound infections. Tea-tree is a powerful antiseptic, antifungal and anti-microbial agent that can be used to clean wounds, used in skincare and as a cleaning aid. Add a few drops to a spritzer bottle of warm water to clean surfaces.
Tea-Tree is widely used as an antifungal against candida by many naturopaths. It is also used as a treatment aid for nail infections, dandruff, and acne by cosmetic and pharmacological companies. Tea-Tree was used by the Australian army and navy in world war 11 as a germicide. It has also been medically researched on its uses in alleviating eczema
Peppermint oil is widely used by the pharmacological industry as an antispasmodic for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is also widely used in a variety of products used to help reduce headaches, migraines and even neuralgia type issues.
Peppermint like tea-tree has good anti-bacterial against various strains of bacteria. It also has demonstrated to have ant-viral properties and ant-fungal activity against Candida.
Peppermint is extremely cooling on the skin, it is widely used by the cosmetic, confectionery and food industry. A few drops of peppermint added to a water spritzer bottle makes a perfect cooling spray. Add a few drops of peppermint to a foot bath or added to a base cream to cool down warm achy feet.
Benefits Of Essential Oils
The great thing about essential oils is they are all from mother nature’s cupboard, so less risk of allergies and side-effects. You can make up your own required dosage or dilution of application which is ideal for kids. The ability to mix and blend different essential oils and use them in a variety of ways; add to a bath, footbath, compress, add to a carrier oil, base cream or balm or even inhale.
They are in small discrete easy to pack bottles so take-up minimal luggage space.
Opportunity to save money by replacing a long list of over the counter medicines that you rarely use, but need just in case. With natural remedies that are much more versatile and can often have a much longer shelf-life.
