So today I am starting with what oils should be in your average home medicine cupboard. These areLavender, Tee Tree, Peppermint, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, geranium, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon & Clove.
As I so often tell customers at Fairs Lavender oil is probably the ONE oil everyone should have as it can be used for so many things and is one of the oils that can safely be used unddiluted. It is anti-biotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier. It promotes healing and helps prevents scarring by stimulating the cells of the wound to regenerate quicker. It works on insect bites and as a repellent. Use on burns and add a few drops to a bath for sunburn, or in a toddler’s bath to sooth and calm....in fact anyone’s bath to sooth and calm.
The other oil I always promote for the Medicine chest is Tea Tree. Another antiseptic oil that is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is apparently 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid yet is non-poisonous for humans. It is useful in the treatment of all sorts of infection like ringworm, sunburn, acne, toothache, athlete’s food & candida.
Peppermint has been uses historically all over the world because of its health-promoting properties. Due to it being anti-inflammatory and antiseptic it is useful in treating indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flu, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches, migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, fatigue. And bonus ....it’s supposed to keep mice, fleas and ants away.
There are two types of Chamomile. Roman and German which has a distinctive blue colour due to the azulene content. This oil is also anti-bacterial, antiseptic and a disinfectant but it’s anti-inflammatory properties are what makes it special. Used for rheumatism as well as external inflammations. It is also used for burns, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay-fever, diarrhoea, sprains, nausea, fever and all nervous and depression. It is also an analgesic, diuretic and a sedative. It is very helpful for those trying to stop tranquilisers and also those suffering from anorexia nervosa. Another use is in rejuvenation treatments. J
Another oil originating in Australia, Eucalyptus also a versatile oil. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-biotic, anti-viral, diuretic, analgesic and deodorising it cools in summer and warms in winter. It is probably best known for treating coughs & colds but is also useful in treating cystitis, candida, diabetes & sunburn. It is also used as an insect repellent in veterinary care.
Geranium is another versatile oil. Effective in treating throat infections, blood disorders, diabetes, menopausal problems, and endometriosis as well as in skin treatments. It is a nerve tonic and sedative. It’s antiseptic and astringent properties and fragrance make it a popular oil. Use on chilblains in winter – they disappear overnight.
Rosemary is both a physical & mental stimulant, so a few drops in a morning bath are an excellent way to start the day. Being an excellent oil for muscular conditions makes it perfect for that bath after a tiring day. It is antiseptic and useful for muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraines & headaches, coughs, flu and diabetes. It is also very useful in beatify treatments for hair , acne and cellulite. It can be used in cooking although as a pure oil it is very concentrated so ONE drop goes a long way.
Thyme is one oil that although anti-viral, anti-biotic, antiseptic and diuretic, should be used with care. Over use can stimulate the thyroid & lymphatic system. It should never be used undiluted and not on children. It is in this basic medicine list due to its powerful anti-viral properties and is excellent to use in a diffuser when flu is in the home. It is uses for a number of conditions including whooping cough, warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, fatigue and acne. As it is also antiseptic it is useful in hair & skin care as well as in cooking (remember the ONE drop rule here). It discourages parasites and insects from your home.
Lemon is another antiseptic & antibacterial oil. Used in blends it treats verrucas, insect bites, tension headaches and stimulates the lymphatic & digestive systems. It can assist in slimming, dispersing cellulite and keeping wrinkles at bay. It it particularly good in blends as well as a fragrancing and flavouring agent.
Clove oil is another antiseptic, anti-bacterial and analgesic oil that aids prevention of infection. As a spice it too can be used in cooking. It is probably best known for toothache, although it is also used for digestive & muscular disorders as well as asthma, nausea, sinusitis and as a sedative. It should not be used undiluted on the skin.
Well there you have it...some wonderful used for these oils. - Article written by Stella Temple
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