One of my greatest passions in life is essential oils. It is hard to imagine life without them. I am so grateful that my two boys are growing up learning how to use them, instead of turning to medicines for relief. Even now, they ask for lavender instead of sleep medicine when they can’t sleep well. They also request lavender when they have experienced too much sun on their skin. They frequently ask for peppermint when they need greater focus in school. My son Kyle has a few kids on his soccer team convinced that all his energy comes from the peppermint he put on before the game : ) He also says that he is sure that when he becomes a Chiropractor he will use these in his practice. Today I was pondering the question, “If I could only choose four essential oils, what would they be?” This is really challenging because I love so many, but I decided to write on these four because I literally use them everyday.
4 Favorite Essential Oils
Essential Oil # 1 Lavender
Lavender essential oil can be applied topically with a carrier oil to heal irritated skin and lips (burns, cuts, eczema). I really enjoy Dr. Axe’s lip balm recipe: http://draxe.com/homemade-lavender-mint-lip-balm/
It improves mood and alleviates depression. I wear an aromatherapy heart necklace with lavender when I am feeling sad.
It helps to calm reactions to bee stings and bug bites, so I always carry it in my purse just in case.
It helps with insomnia (use one drop in carrier oil and put on bottom of feet with socks on top). It also works well to put a few drops on your pillow at night to improve sleep.
Lavender essential oil is so great for burns (I use George’s aloe vera with a few drops of lavender to heal a sunburn). It works well to mix the aloe and lavender in a spray bottle and spritz the skin.
Essential Oil # 2 Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is a great breath freshener. Add a drop under your tongue to freshen breath
It is great to use while studying. It gives greater focus and energy (instead of resorting to chocolate or coffee).
It can be applied to the neck and forehead with lavender to calm headaches.
It can be rubbed on the bottom of feet to naturally reduce fevers.
I love to make super yummy peppermint patties. These are also found on Dr. Axe’s website: http://draxe.com/recipe/peppermint-patties/
I often take a drop under my tongue if I have an upset stomach.
Lastly, spiders hate peppermint essential oil : ) I spray it in areas where I want to keep spiders away.
Essential Oil # 3 Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Melaleuca essential oil in great for acne. A good way to get rid of acne is mix together raw honey and melaleuca and apply it to the acne. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off.
It is great for using on pierced ear holes if they start to feel sore from the irritation of the earring posts.
It is awesome to use in cleaning because it kills off bad bacteria and helps to disinfect things. This is what I use to clean bathrooms. My favorite recipe is taken from the book Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by Sophie Uliano below:
32 oz spray bottle
2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap ( I love all of Dr. Bronner’s soaps)
3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
20 drops lavender
20 drops melaleuca
Melaleuca essential oil can be applied to feet and toenails to kill fungus or used on a cut to kill off bad bacteria.
It is super to use in cleaning to get rid of mold.
It can also be added into your favorite shampoo to create healthy hair and scalp and to get rid of dandruff.
Essential Oil # 4 Lemon
I use Dishmate dishwashing liquid (natural dishsoap made with coconut oil). I dilute it with water in a ratio of 3/4 water to 1/4 dishsoap and add 15 drops of lemon essential oil. It makes the food fall right off and cleans the dishes so well.
I like to add lemon essential oil to manuka honey to soothe a dry or sore throat.
It is great to diffuse in a room to neutralize odors and elevate mood.
It is super for cleaning counters and stainless steel appliances. Lemon with vinegar works great (10 drops of lemon to about 2 cups of vinegar).
It is awesome for getting out gum that is stuck in hair.
Lemon essential oil can be added to the dishwasher for sparkly dishes.
One of the biggest ways I use lemon is for an energy boost in the afternoon. I like to add a few drops to warm water (instead of eating a whole chocolate bar) to energize myself when I am feeling tired in the afternoon.
If you would like to learn more about essential oils or purchase them from me, you can read more about them on my blog here:
https://www.thenaturalhealthmom.com/what-are-essential-oils/
