Like certain food staples, I always make sure I'm fully stocked with certain essential oil staples.
The following 6 pure essential oils are always within arms reach because I have found them to be extremely beneficial in countless ways.
My suggestion is to start with 2-3 oils and then gradually build your kit.
When purchasing any essential oil, be sure they come from a reputable source.
Lavender
Calmative, sedative, antiseptic, anti-fungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory
EucalyptusBalancing, antiviral, decongestant, expectorant, analgesic, antiseptic
RosemaryMental stimulant, antidepressant, antibacterial, analgesic, antiseptic
Tea TreeAnti-fungal, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant
PeppermintAntiseptic, anti-infectious, mental stimulant, expectorant, decongestant, insect repellent
BergamotAntidepressant, antiseptic, calmative, sedative, antibacterial, household odors
Care and Storage
Essential oils are living things that should be treated with reverence.
Pure essential oils should always be kept in dark glass bottles (amber/cobalt) and stored away from both artificial and natural light, and heat. Ideally, a small wooden, ceramic or metal box with a secure lid makes a great home for these precious gems!
Shelf Life
Caution Care
*Should not be used close to eye area.
*Only certain gentle essential oils should be used on babies.
*Should not be used internally.
*Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with essential oils.
*Avoid sun exposure when applying any essential citrus oil to the skin. Citrus oils cause the skin to be sun-sensitive. Also, avoid using any citrus oil while taking a bath.
*When using essential oils topically, a carrier oil is highly recommended.
Recommended Carrier Oils
Jojoba Oil - this oil is not actually an oil. It’s a natural, soluble wax which gives it an excellent shelf life. It’s virtually “scent free” and is quickly absorbed into the skin.
Excellent for skin and hair.
*This carrier oil is my own personal favorite.
Grape Seed Oil – this oil is light in scent and texture. It is beneficial to the skin and is quickly absorbed.
Sweet Almond Oil – this oil is light in scent and medium in texture, and has many valuable natural health benefits.
Measuring Guidelines
For large areas – use 10-15 drops of pure essential oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil.
For small areas – use 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
When essential oils are used wisely and respectfully, they have the amazing ability to provide natural and effective health and beauty results.
Enjoy!
Recommended book on essential oils: The Complete Book Of Essential Oil & Aromatherapy
Thank you for this very informative post, Ron. I've never used essential oils, but I do love candles and lotions that carry these scents and find them to be mood lifting. I got turned on to lavender after staying at a B&B in California that carried all EO French Lavender bath products. Smelled SO GOOD! My mom bought me some hand creams for Xmas and I will tell you that one is Bergamot (never had heard of it before) and I don't care for the scent. What do you think of it?
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, my friend! And thank you for stopping by and reading these newly republished posts - you're a sweetheart!
ReplyDelete"I've never used essential oils, but I do love candles and lotions that carry these scents and find them to be mood lifting."
Yup...and that's exactly what essential oils are for - mood altering. Also, they are tremendously helpful for so many other things. I literally rely on them for a plethora of helpful things, such as, using Eucalyptus when I have a cold, or to ward off mosquitos and bugs during the summer months. I LOVE lavender! It's one of my favorites to help me sleep at night.
"My mom bought me some hand creams for Xmas and I will tell you that one is Bergamot (never had heard of it before) and I don't care for the scent. What do you think of it?"
Funny you mentioned Bergamont because I listed it on this staple kit. Excellent one!
If you click on the aromatherapy book link I left at the end of this post, it will take you to a book that I highly recommend for finding out more about essential oils and their benefits.
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