 A
Natural First Aid Kit - 5 Essential Oils for Home First Aid - Part
2
By Jeannine Millian of Enlightened Hands
As stated in the first part
of this series, the oils I am referring to are derived from the pure
distillation methods used for thousands of years to extract the therapeutic
constituents of various plants, herbs, bushes, grasses, trees and fruits.
They offer “no side effects” from your home remedies - a perfect edition to
your “Natural First Aid Kit.” This article will explain how to use the
essential oils of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and the Chamomiles (Roman and German)
in and around your home and family.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - is a tree native to parts
of Australia. The leaves and twigs are steam distilled to produce this
popular essential oil. Be careful as all Tea Tree oil is not alike; some can
cause skin irritations if the oil has been adulterated or diluted with
another chemicals. When this oil is pure and unadulterated, it is considered
the second of three oils safe to use undiluted on the skin.
Athlete’s Foot: Add ratio of 10-15 drops into a 60 ml spray bottle
and top off with distilled water. Use as a spray directly on your feet
especially right after a shower. Be sure to use shower shoes at your gym or
pool. To ensure your shower shoes are not the problem, periodically spray
them as well.
Head Lice: This tends to occur more often with children. Once
detected use Tea Tree in a hair rinse of 2 cups water and 20 drops of oil.
Pour over their head after shampooing then rinse off. Be sure to avoid the
eyes. Cut back to half the drops for smaller children. Repeat this as
process as needed.
In the laundry, add the 10 drops of oil to rid the critters in your child’s
clothing. Wash all headgear and mittens along with all linens and blankets.
Lice can live up to 30 days on a human but die after two days once removed.
Cuts, Burns and Insect Bites: Use the Tea Tree oil directly on the wound
right away after the bite occurs to ward off infections. You can apply the
Tea Tree oil undiluted. One drop is all that is required when applying neat,
but for children or those highly skin sensitive dilute in massage oil - 1
drop to a teaspoon of oil.
Immune Stimulant: Tea Tree oil can assist in stimulating the immune
system. Just add 10 drops to a diffuser or humidifier and disperse in the
room of choice.
Eucalyptus - this tree is grown mostly in Australia as well
and is generally known as a tonic for the lungs. There are many chemo-types
or varieties of Eucalyptus. Three varieties include: E. Globulus is the most
popular anti-fungal antiseptic and is considered stimulating for the
respiratory system. E. Radiata is an anti-inflammatory good for RA,
anti-viral and excellent expectorant. E. Citriodora is good for asthma, sore
throats, and when used diluted is a better choice for babies and small
children than the other two types. For sore throats and general cold
symptoms simply place 10 drops in a humidifier and leave it running
overnight.
When travelling with a cold or sinus infection, place 5 drops on a cloth and
hold up to your nose and inhale several times throughout the day.
Steam Inhalation: Eucalyptus is a wonderful home remedy when used
over the humidifier or facial steamer. Boil water and pour about 2 cups into
a deep bowl and add 2-4 drops of Eucalyptus, or a combination of 2 drops of
Eucalyptus and 2 drops of Lavender for a more pleasant aroma. This
combination is great for relaxation. Cover your head and breathe in for 5
minutes. Please note: Steam inhalation is not for asthmatics as the steam
can trigger an attack.
Spray on Deodorant: In a 120 ml spray bottle combine 90 ml of
distilled water, 15 ml or 1 tbsp of Apple cider vinegar and 5 ml or 1 tsp of
Witch Hazel. To this combination, add up to 30 drops of the following oils:
5 drops Eucalyptus Citidora, 5 drops Tea Tree, 3 drops Peppermint, 10 drops
Lavender and 5 drops Chamomile (roman). Extra drops can include more
Lavender or Chamomile.
Chamomile - The Roman or Anthemis nobilis is noted for its
gentleness so it can be used for babies and small children’s remedies.
German or Matricaria chamomilla is noted for its anti-inflammatory
properties and has a higher azulene content giving it a blue color.
Teething: Mix 1 tbsp. of olive oil with 1 drop of Roman Chamomile to
be rubbed on the gums of your teething infant.
Cold Chest Rub: This rub can be used for children. Use a 50 ml flip
top bottle fill with a carrier oil of almond, grapeseed or olive oil or a
mixture of all three. Add 5 drops of chamomile, 10 drops of lavender and 5
drops Marjoram for a bedtime rub. For a daytime rub, interchange the
Marjoram for Eucalyptus to increase its stimulating properties. For small
children ensure the Chamomile is Roman and the Eucalyptus is the citriodora
type as these are best for the children under the age of five. Decrease the
Marjoram content to only 1-2 drops.
Chicken Pox Lotion: This lotion is beneficial for itchiness use in a
sponge bath for the skin. To a 100 ml bottle of distilled water add 50 ml of
Witch Hazel and 4 drops of Roman Chamomile (or 2 drops of the German), 4
drops Lavender and 4 drops Eucalyptus. Keep in a dark glass bottle and use
50/50 with warm water when sponging.
The Chamomiles blend well with other citrus oils and Lavender, neroli,
sandalwood and geranium.
When allergies are a concern do the skin patch test: add 1 drop of oil to a
carrier place on your wrist and cover with a band-aid for 24 hours. Check
for a skin reaction.
For more information please contact Jeannine Millan Certified Aromatologist,
RMT & Usui & Karuna Reiki Master in Calgary at 403.217.0378 or visit her
website at www.enlightenedhands.com for upcoming classes on basic uses for
essential oils.
For more information, please contact Jeannine Millan Certified
Aromatologist, RMT & Usui & Karuna Reiki Master in Calgary at 217.0378 or
see her website at
www.enlightenedhands.com for upcoming classes: “Basic Uses for
Essential Oils.” |
