Essential oils for the Home Part 2
Eucalyptus (e. globulus, e. radiata, e. citriodora) is mostly grown in Australia but other species can be grown elsewhere but will come originally from seeds in Australia. The tree makes up for over 75% of Australia's tree flora and has over 600 species and only 20 are cultivated commercially. There are 9 species that are used by the Aromatherapy market and the most common one used is the globulus type which has that Vick's Rub smell to it and is used for the common cold, chest congestion issues. The other types like Radiata is highly noted for its anti-viral properties while the Citriodora or Lemon scented is used to help reduce the lactic acid in the muscle tissues. This oil is produced by steam distilling the fresh or partly dried leaves. These types of Eucalyptus are high in 1,8 cineole and can be contra-indicated for children under 10 as their lungs are not fully developed. Then I recommend Eucalyptus Young Leaves which derives from the Globulus species but is harvested before 2 years and the 1,8 cineole has not been developed.
Sore Throats/Cold Symptoms: use in your humidifier or diffuser and combine your choice of this oil or Tea Tree and or Lavender up to 10 drops total. If you have been sick replace your toothbrush as the germs may still be in the brush. You can also try this option rinse your toothbrush with a diluted oil/water mix of 3 drops to 1/3 cup water let your brush sit in the mix for a few minutes. If you like peppermint taste better add 1 drop to 2 drops of either Eucalyptus or tea tree. When traveling with a cold or sinus issue, carry a cotton pad with you and add 5-8 drops of oil and sniff several times during your travel or flight. Keep in a zip-lock baggies.
Steam inhalation: Use this method when a humidifier is not available. Boil water and pour 2 cups into a deep bowl (stainless steel if at hand) add 2-4 drops of Eucalyptus or 2 drops Eucalyptus and 2 drops Lavender (to relax). Cover your head with a towel over the bowl and breathe in deeply for about 5 minutes. *Please note this method is not for asthmatics as the hot steam can trigger an attack.
Spray on Deodorant: 120 mls spray bottle combine 90 mls of distilled water, 15mls of apple cider vinegar and 5 mls witch hazel to that add up to 25 drops of these oils. 5 drops Eucalyptus Citriodora, 5 drops Tea Tree, 10 drops Lavender and if you have it 5-10 drops of Rosewood or Cedarwood.
Congested Chest: take a 60 mls squeeze bottle and add 25 drops of Eucalyptus globulus, 10 drops Tea Tree, and 10 drops Lavender top off with carrier and rub onto chest and back after bath for a night time rub. For children under 10 use 5 drops Eucalyptus Young Leaves 5 drops Tea Tree and 5 drops Lavender in a 60mls bottle with carrier. Please note: most aromatherapists do not suggest using aromatherapy on children under 2 years old unless you dilute the children's mixture by half. The Young Leaves Eucalyptus can be added to the chest rub mixture by slow heating the jar in a pot with 1 inch of water on low. Once the rub is mixable you can add the YL Eucalyptus to a ratio of 1% for the children. 60 g jar of chest rub add 15 drops to the jar and stir. Not too high of heat or microwaving will reduce the benefits.
Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia is a tree native to parts of Australia and leaves and twigs are steam distilled to produce this popular oil. This oil like Lavender can be applied neat (no carrier) but you must purchase properly. If you see a Tea Tree bottle in a store that is in a transparent glass bottle than do not purchase it as the oil should be sold in a dark glass bottle to reduce possibility of skin irritation.
Cuts/Burns/Insect Bites:I always use Tea Tree first if the concern has happened outdoors as this oil is well noted to help ward off infections. Apply 1-2 drops right on the area and if the person is sensitive or is a young child under 5 then dilute with 1 tbsp. of carrier.
Athletes Foot: use 10-15 drops of Tea Tree to a 60 mls spray bottle and top off with distilled water. Apply directly to feet, especially after a shower in a public facility. You should wash then spray your shower or swimming shoes as well. When the fungus is on the mend add Lavender to the mixture to speed the healing.
Head Lice: This is usually found in small children in the primary school system and can be hard to get rid of. Begin with a hair rinse of 2 cups water and 20 drops of Tea Tree, then pour over their head after shampooing, avoid eyes. Cut back to half when using this on small children under 5. You may need to repeat this over the next few days. During this time also wash all linens, hat gear, mittens and clothing. Don't forget the pets get one recommended from a vet. Cats are fastidious so you must rinse them thoroughly. Everyone in the family must do this since the pests will hop from one to the other.
Immuno-stimulant: Tea Tree when used in a diffuser or humidifier can disperse the oil within one room with 10 drops in the water reservoir. diffuse the oils in every sleeping room and use Tea Tree in your cleaning products to kill off germs when the family is going through a viral bug.
Lemon: Citrus limon this oil is extracted from the expressed peel of the fruit. Most people are familiar with lemon oil for their furniture, but the essential oil is vastly different. Lemon oil can be used for many household cleaners from the dish soap, laundry additive to a bathroom and kitchen cleaner. The therapeutic application of lemon is in diffusing the oils around your home to kill many germs and viruses. This oil has many properties that help in boosting your immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Immuno-stimulator: Just add 10 drops to your humidifier or diffuser daily and especially when someone is sick in the house. You can add a few drops to your shower gel to stimulate your morning shower. Lemon oil is good in a cellulite blend but is photo toxic, meaning you would need to avoid the sun or tanning booth for 12 hours after application. Safe for children of all ages when diluted properly.
Circulatory system tonic: Helps tome blood vessels and is beneficial for varicose veins and capillaries. Just add 10 drops to a 30 mls bottle with carrier and rub onto area. For this to be fully effective you will need to do this for several months. You can change up the oils used by switching out the lemon to cypress, lavender, geranium or rosemary. Applying the lemon to the top of your nose (with carrier) will help stop a bleeding nose.
Household Cleanser/Spray: take a 1 liter size spray bottle (like for plants) and add distilled water to that with 30 drops lemon and 10 drops of Tea Tree or Orange oil and spray on counters and bathroom areas. Note: citrus oils are not recommended to use for floor cleaning for cats.
Dishes and Laundry: Add 10-15 drops to your dish soap in the kitchen and 5-10 drops in each load of laundry. To make the clothes smell fresh drop a few drops of oil on the anti-static sheet or small face towel and toss into the dryer.
