Using a diffuser to dispense the healing qualities of essential oils is one of the easiest ways to become accustomed to their use. Say, for example, someone in your home is sick with a cold or flu. Adding 5 or 6 drops of an anti-microbial essential oil to a diffuser will allow the healing qualities of the oil to disperse and circulate around the room, benefiting all if its occupants.
Likewise, if you are having problems breathing, a few drops of an essential oil running in a diffuser can clear the nasal passages and allow you to breathe more easily, especially at night. If this sounds familiar to the old fashioned vaporizer our mother’s put in our rooms as kids, you are correct. The concept is the same but instead of breathing in a chemical cocktail invented by the OTC drug industry, you are breathing something plant based that is actually good for you.
In this article, I share with you some of the benefits of using an essential oil diffuser along with alternatives for those times when a diffuser is not available. I also suggest specific oils and blends to get you started. (Part 1 of a 2 part series).
A sinus infection is miserable. Technically called sinusitis, this is a common ailment that first appears to be symptomatic of a common cold but in reality, is the result of swollen and inflamed nasal cavities. It is often caused by a virus which means treating with antibiotics is useless. That is just one reason why it makes sense to know how to treat the symptoms of a sinus infection without running to the drugstore for an armload of drugs that either will not work or will make you drowsy and incidentally raise your blood pressure.
Over the past couple of months, a number of people around me have suffered from sinus congestion. Like a mad scientist on a mission, I started experimenting with essential oils and with the help of Valerie Worwood’s fantastic book on essential oils, came up with a formula that works. If you have sinus problems, here is a DIY remedy using budget-friendly essential oils along with three different ways to use the blend: topically, in a diffuser, and by simple inhalation.
Hand sanitizers have their place in our lives, especially in the sick room where alcohol-based sanitizers rule. On the other hand, many hand sanitizers currently on the market deliver a chemical brew that results in a sticky, nasty mess along with ingredients such as triclosan and other anti-bacterial ingredients that are now suspected to contribute to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Given that plant-based essential oils are some of the strongest antibacterial and anti-microbial substances around, I have chosen to make my own day-to-day hand sanitizer. I use this hand sanitizer to supplement good old fashioned hand washing with plenty of soap and water. This recipe uses 100% organic, cold-pressed Aloe Vera gel, organic coconut oil, and a mix and match blend of essential oils.
As much as I like to try new things when it comes essential oils, I tend to go back to the same oils, day in and day out. This is surprising since my EO drawer is overflowing with over fifty different oils. I consider this good news since, as a prepper, there is only so much I can afford to put away for long term emergency purposes. It is much easier to stockpile and learn the effective use of a handful of oils than the dozens that are out there, just waiting to be put through our personal trial and error cycle. Today I share eight oils for your first aid kit that are tried and true.
When it comes to using essential oils topically, most recipes will simply say “add to carrier oil and apply”. That sounds simple enough but the reality is that measuring the proper number of drops can be hit or miss. Instead create a salve, body butter, or lotion bar using the healing combination of lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils.
Have you wondered about the hoopla surrounding body butters? A body butter is like a salve except it does not include beeswax and has a creamy, silky feeling when applied to the skin. Here is my version, including instructions for making a body butter version of “miracle healing salve”. You are going to love it!
Is is safe to ingest essential oils? That is a frequent question among new users of essential oils and one that should be taken seriously. In the article, learn why I make a case NOT to take essential oils internally. At the end of the day, you be the judge.
Everyone dreads cleaning toilets and using toxic chemicals does not make the process any more pleasant. In a quest for self-sufficiency, I have learned to make natural, chemical free toilet bombs using simple, inexpensive ingredients. I won’t say that cleaning toilets is now fun, but it sure is a lot easier. Give these DIY Toilet Bombs a try – you will not be disappointed!
Making your own foaming hand soap is so easy and the results are so good that I can’t believe I have not done this before now. In this article, learn how to make your own DIY Foaming Hand Soap for $1.12 for a full, 12 ounce bottle. I love saving money this way, don’t you?
When it comes to skincare products, the sky is the limit cost-wise. Why not make your own using pure, natural ingredients with names you can pronounce. Whether you make them for yourself or for gift giving, here are 4 amazing skincare products to make using essential oils.
What are the best essential oils to store for the long term? Learn about the 9 best essential oils for your survival kit and the top 4 ways to use them.
Mitigating the pain and suffering from a toothache is just one of the many ways to benefit from clove essential oil. Here are 20 ways to use clove oil some of which may surprise you.
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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer that is often goes unrecognized. When my own blood pressure started to climb, I knew I had to take action. With the blessing of my physician, I came up with an essential oil protocol that has worked for me. With this salve, you may be able to manage and treat high blood pressure.