Essential Oils: Properties & Common Uses

Cassia

Lavender

Lemon

Lemongrass

Rosemary

Acne

Acne is not caused by bad diet but rather from excess sebum, a natural skin lubricant helpful in appropriate levels. The excess sebum becomes an irritant that clogs the pores allowing a local infection to occur.

A number of conditions can cause excess sebum, including hormone imbalance, stress, or even allergies. MELALEUCA applied topically is excellent for clearing the infectious part of the problem. Then once the root cause is determined, one can take long-term action for an acne problem.

Allergies

When antigens or allergens begin to invade the body's immune system, symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing or sinus pressure begin to appear.

A virus does not cause these cold-like symptoms. They are caused by allergic responses to substances like tree pollen, grasses, weeds, pet dander or saliva, mold, fungus, and/or dust mites. Symptoms usually start upon exposure.

Pure therapeutic grade essential oils help the body to fight off air borne allergens, thus preventing the body from having allergic responses. Oils that help include LAVENDER, LEMON, PEPPERMINT, MELALEUCA, LEMONGRASS, and a BREATHE blend.

Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis originate from an inflammatory condition in the joints. Essential oils can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief but cannot reverse damage if the condition has progressed to the point of destruction of joint structures.

In his book, Nature's Living Energy, Dr. David Hill comments, "In treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis, I have found that a combination of LEMON and MYRRH, or OREGANO applied topically can be quite soothing to inflamed joints." A PAIN blend is also very effective. Many essential oils like PEPPERMINT, WINTERGREEN, CITRUS OILS, and LAVENDER are both analgesic and anti-inflammatory, making them beneficial for inflammation and pain.

Asthma

Asthma is a complex bronchial disorder with a wide variety of root causes (allergy, respiratory, infection, psychological, etc.) with multiple physiological results including excess mucus, muscle constriction, and/or swollen tissue in the bronchial area causing breathing to be labored and difficult. These symptoms can also be complicated by previous medications used to treat the problem. Most experts in the essential oils field advise a slow and metered approach to using oils. LAVENDER, EUCALYPTUS, ROSEMARY, and a BREATH blend can be helpful.

In treating asthma, do not use inhalation or diffusion. Rather, topically massage the oils into the body, starting with general aromatic oils like LAVENDER, then progressing to oils with more expectorant properties like EUCALYPTUS. Then, use ROSEMARY or the relaxing oils for calming.

Back Pain

Like many pain conditions, the root cause of a back pain stems from a multitude of conditions. Assuming that the cause is from physical stress or strain and is related to muscles or connective tissue, relief from therapeutic grade essential oils can easily be found.

If the condition is chronic, it is very important to identify the root cause of the pain, even if the pain is addressed through both analgesic and anti-inflammatory oils. Increased blood circulation will help and if muscle spasms are involved, use antispasmodic and relaxing oils.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the temporary inflammation of the air tubes associated with the lungs that is caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, or a chronic condition related to smoking or other irritants. Pure therapeutic grade essential oils can open these airways and allow oxygen to enter the body. Oils such as EUCALYPTUS, FRANKINCENSE or ROSEMARY, or a BREATHE blend work wonderfully through inhalation and diffusion. Also, preparing an ointment for topical application on the chest also helps.

Bruises

When an area of the body is hit hard, the blood vessels and capillaries near the surface are broken and blood is lost into the surrounding tissues forming a discolored area called a bruise. The more quickly that a cold compress is applied to the area, the less bruising there will be. The use of pure essential oils with the cold compress will constrict the blood vessels and relieve pain. If this cold compress is coupled with essential ols that constricts blood vessels and relieves pain, a much more successful outcome will be achieved. GERANIUM is a great constricter while LAVENDER is an excellent analgesic.

Once the swelling has stopped, generally within the first 24-48 hours, the constricting of blood vessels should be replaced with a method of increasing blood circulation to heal and reduce the bruise more rapidly. Alternating hot and cold compresses with LAVENDER will provide both of these functions. A PAIN RELIEF blend will also provide relief.

Burns

Second and third degree burns require immediate professional medical attention!

However, first-degree burns, sunburn, and some follow-up for severe burns can benefit from both pain relief and tissue healing through essential oils. Bacterial infections are often a problem with burns, but almost all essential oils offer protection against this.

Quickly cover the heated area with LAVENDER or WHITE FIR. Then, if possible, cool the area with cool water, ice, or a cool compress. If the burn area is too sensitive to apply the oil directly, then use a water spritz with LAVENDER. Do not use "hot" oils on a fresh burn.

Colds & Flu

Since a cold is not as simple as the name implies, remedies may vary considerably. Some essential oils will help with symptoms while other essential oils affect the offending virus.

Colic

Our small infants are a precious gift. When they cry uncontrollably for an extended time, we feel their uncomfortableness. Some define colic this way: If a baby between 3 weeks and 3 months old cries for more than 3 hours at a time, for 3 or more days a weeks, for 3 or more weeks in a row, they have colic. It subsides with age.

Congestion & Coughs

Bronchial and sinus congestion with the accompanying coughing are symptoms that may come from a variety of root causes. The most common of these is a cold, some type of flu virus, and/or bacterial infection in the throat or bronchial area.