Essential oils – the do’s, don’ts and Nopedy nopes.
Story time:
When I was little my gran would cure anything with Lennon’s Peppermint drops.
Sore throat? Open up, and swallow a couple of fiery drops. (You’ll forget about your throat because your tongue has just gone numb.)
Mosquito bites? Rub a few drops on each bite. (The burning will completely overshadow any itch you had.)
Headache? Drops on your temples and pillow.
Common cold? Add so many drops to your warm bath water that your skin tingles and you smell like a toothpaste factory for days.
Nauseous? Inhale some drops. (You’ll instantly be so dizzy the nausea will be the least of your problems!)
I’m sure if my gran was still alive, she would send a consignment of peppermint drops to both Kiev and Moscow. It was a true Cure – All in her mind.
What is the true value of essential oils and home remedy types of aroma therapy essences?
Some of these oils, like rose hip, lavender and tea tree oil, are scientifically tested and proven to reduce skin inflammation, and have some indisputable anti-bacterial properties.
Other oils that have at least been proven to be safe and effective moisturisers and hydrators like Jojoba, Argan, and Sweet Almond oil are also largely benign if applied sparingly, and topically.
What’s the difference between a carrier oil and an essential oil?
Carrier oils are fixed oils and will not evaporate.
These are oils like avocado, sweet almond, rose hip, jojoba, grapeseed, coconut, and olive oil.
Essential oils are volatile oils which will evaporate.
These are oils like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree and clove.
Essential oils have gotten a bad rap over the past couple of years, largely due to various multi-level marketing platforms that have caused many “users” to loose large amount of money…for more on this, and to make up your own mind, click here.
We will say no more about that…
What are these oils good for? (REALLY)
Regardless of the bad press, many essential oil and carrier oil blends are, in fact, wonderful versatile everyday things to have in your home.
- Eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil can be used in a humidifier to help clear your airways at night.
- Lavender and tea tree oil can be blended with one of the hydrating carrier oils like rose hip or jojoba to make a luxurious but affordable skin oil that will soothe dry skin and help clear up breakouts.
- Ginger oil, as well as lemon and grapefruit can be inhaled to alleviate the symptoms of mild nausea.
- Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood all have a mild sedative effect that could help with sleep problems.
Let’s be clear.
Despite my gran’s best intentions, essential oils cannot promote world peace.
They will not miraculously heal a cut that needs stitches, they will not set bones, cure cancer or solve world hunger.
They are light-hearted and soothing tools which are available, affordable, and mostly harmless.
