I have to admit some skepticism when I kept hearing about the uses of "Essential Oils" I mean what exactly are essential oils and if they work so well...why doesn't everyone already use them??? Let me preface by saying that I already prefer to use natural methods, if they work, before using over the counter or prescription medications. Don't get me wrong, if I can not find success using natural remedies, I will head to the drugstore. But, I was kinda curious. I believe it was my doula who first introduced me to essential oils when I had a newborn with a wicked case of croup. She advised using a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bottom of my tub while I took a hot steamy shower holding my croupy baby. It was very relieving to baby and since there are no over the counter products to help soothe a congested infant, I was thrilled to have something effective in my arsenol of mom stuff.
But what about all the other oils out there? Basically Essential oils are just that, the Essential oil that is released when a plant is either distilled or pressed. Think of peeling an orange and the little squirts of mist that come from the peel when you bend it, that is orange essential oil. People have used this stuff for as long as time was recorded, oils are mentioned in the Bible for annointing and washing of feet as well as being used for healing and as a trade commodity.
Okay, so I wanted to try some of this stuff out. I am sold on Lavender and learning uses of all the other oils as well. However, Lavender is at the top of my list. I am not plugging a brand but the two up top are what I have in my possession. I can tell a difference in quality between the two one being more costly then the other and working distinctly better than the less costly.
What do I use it for? The following are all things that either myself or one of the people in my household has found successfull relief with the use of Lavender:
1. Bug biters (stops the itch)
2. Kitchen burns (takes out the sting)
3. Bee Stings (again for stinging and itching)
4. Itchy red allergy eyes (NOT IN THE EYES! but a dot on either temple and between the eyes)
5. Poison Ivy (helps with the itch)
6. Excema (diluted with an oil like olive or coconut to moisterize and calm the skin)
7. Cradle cap (diluted as above)
8. Soothing for help going to sleep
9. Skinned knees (we have plenty of these... and it DOES NOT sting when applied directly on the skinned knee!) super plus.
I now carry a small bottle in my purse, it has already come in handy while being at a picnic and getting stung by a sweat bee...nasty little booger!
I love my lavender...
But what about all the other oils out there? Basically Essential oils are just that, the Essential oil that is released when a plant is either distilled or pressed. Think of peeling an orange and the little squirts of mist that come from the peel when you bend it, that is orange essential oil. People have used this stuff for as long as time was recorded, oils are mentioned in the Bible for annointing and washing of feet as well as being used for healing and as a trade commodity.
Okay, so I wanted to try some of this stuff out. I am sold on Lavender and learning uses of all the other oils as well. However, Lavender is at the top of my list. I am not plugging a brand but the two up top are what I have in my possession. I can tell a difference in quality between the two one being more costly then the other and working distinctly better than the less costly.
What do I use it for? The following are all things that either myself or one of the people in my household has found successfull relief with the use of Lavender:
1. Bug biters (stops the itch)
2. Kitchen burns (takes out the sting)
3. Bee Stings (again for stinging and itching)
4. Itchy red allergy eyes (NOT IN THE EYES! but a dot on either temple and between the eyes)
5. Poison Ivy (helps with the itch)
6. Excema (diluted with an oil like olive or coconut to moisterize and calm the skin)
7. Cradle cap (diluted as above)
8. Soothing for help going to sleep
9. Skinned knees (we have plenty of these... and it DOES NOT sting when applied directly on the skinned knee!) super plus.
I now carry a small bottle in my purse, it has already come in handy while being at a picnic and getting stung by a sweat bee...nasty little booger!
I love my lavender...
