Bothersome Bugs

Bugs seem to be everywhere this time of year.  We have a pond, and with all the rain, mosquitos are out in force.  I have made a spray called BugsAway to keep them off me.  It contains Eucalyptus Citriodora,( which I use in place of Citronela), Lemongrass and Cedarwood.  Use about 3mm Essential Oils to 4 ounces distilled water. Shake gently before using.  Distilled water is empty water, so I uses it with all sprays to better absorb the particles of volitile oils.
Other Essential Oils that can be used for bites, Lemon, Basil, Cinnamon, Lavender and Peppermint. Try  them on spider and ant bites too; as well as stings. Lavender is good for itching and pain.

Peppermint for Allergies

I have used Peppermint Essential Oil to help with allergies for several years.  I place the tiniest amount on the dip in the throat below the adam's apple, and on the bump at the base of the back of  neck.  Also, I breathe it from a few drops on a tissue or hankie.  A friend of mine uses it for food allergies as well.  She rubs it on her belly, in dilluted form, a few times a day.  Most initial benefits of the oils last about 3 to 4 hours. 
I had a bad bout with nasal allergies a couple of weeks ago and got out my Peppermint oil.  I used it a few times along with prayer and vitamins.  In 2 days I was fine and  remain allergy free. PTL!

TRAIL'S END TRADING POST BULK FOODS AND HEALTH STORE

You can find my oils @ this store; LOCATED on 69 hwy and 1-35,  Cameron MO - the red roof building on the south west.  She has lots of other great stuff too, including gluten free, Arbuckles coffee,  raw honey, and there is a Christian School on site.

Upcoming Essential oil workshop in Liberty

Dee Harp at Heritage Home Place in Liberty is hosting an  Essentail Oil Workshop on Oct 7th. I will be sharing about Essential Oils and we will make a take home blend on site. For details go to heritagehomeplace.com  and click on classes/workshops.

Lavender is my First Aid Kit...

Lavender is the most amazing Essential Oil!  It is my first thought if I  get burned.  The sooner I apply it, the sooner I have relief. It almost always prevents blistering and pain.  Most Essential Oils need to be diluted before using, but I do use Lavender "neat" or straight.  Few people have a negative response to it, but it is best to try it and  see if there is a rash or burning sensation.  More rarely, breathing problems. It takes such a tiny drop to do the job.  No need to overdo!  The smallest amount to cover an area, is  best.

OK- Here are some other uses for Lavender: Pimples, bites, sores, sleep aid, pain, headache, insect repellant.

I have a friend who's son had  terrible acne on his face and back.  It would flare up when he was sweaty wrestling and other in other sports.  She had taken him to his doctor for help, and nothing seemed to work.  I asked her if he would be willing to try Essential Oils.  I made him a blend of Lavender and Tea Tree, with instructions to apply it to the  inflamed area every day twice a day.  Also gave him a diluted spray to use, with distilled water.  The results were truly amazing!  We still talk about it 15 years later.

My 2 year old nephew was  here with his parents for a  hot dog roast last fall and somehow put his hands into the coals.  He and everyone else were screaming,  and I was running to the house for Lavender Oil!  I had a bowl , diluted a bit with water as they came in the door.  I just plunged his little hands in it.  With in a few moments he was quiet and fine.  His parents were grateful.  I cannot count the times I have used Lavender for burns...

Lavender for poison ivy

I received a call form St Joe this week from a client who has poison ivy  - again. He had used Lavender with a little Tea Tree oil previously and it dried it up for him.  Before he had the oils to use he had tried everything he could think of, including his doctor's treatments.  Nothing seemed to work to clear up the rash.  A mutual friend gave him some of her Lavender/Tea Tree mix and the rash was gone in 3 days!  I have heard this before from ohter clients.  I have actually had to use it myself.  Lavender also cleared mine up quickly. Lavender is good for sooo many conditions.  Next I will share some  ways I use it.

Carrier Oils And Blending

Carrier Oils are plant based oils and waxes that have properties of their own and are used in Aromatherapy to dilute and enhance Essential Oils.  My all time favorite is Jojoba Oil, which is actually an ester wax, very similar in it's chemical make-up to our own skin oils. It stays fresh longer than any other carrier oil that I am aware of and is wonderful for the skin. 
Jojoba is a bushy plant grown in the south west that produces a bean from which the oil is extracted.  The oil has been used in shampoos and cosmetics for many years. It is a golden color and can be applied directly to the skin.  A friend of mine uses it daily on her face and loves it!  I often do as well.

One of my favorite blends:
1/3 oz Jojoba
few drops Rose essential oil
few drops Frankincense essential oil
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil

This can be used as a perfume and it very uplifting and good for the skin.

Aromatherapy 101

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant oils;  steam distilled from leaves, bark, resin, flowers and entire plants.  They must be used with knowledge and care because of the potency of the oils.  They differ from synthetic fragrances, being plant based rather than chemically produced by man's efforts, thereby, offering us a more natural,  theraputic end product.

Some of the most popular Essential Oils are Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus.  Of these oils there are many varieties as well.  For example: lavender angustifolia, officinalis, grosso, 40/20  & hybrida, to name a few. These also grow in various countries, soils and climates, affecting the quality of the resulting oil.  Lavender angustifolia from France is a delightful oil with a strong lavender scent and sweet flowery undertones.  It is the one most used for medicinal purposes.  Lavender 40/20 is great for soapmaking as it holds it's fragrance well while the soap is being used.

Thanks for peeking in...Next we will look into diluting with carrier oils.