Essential Essential Oils

Posted on October 15, 2015 by marcia

The 9 Best Essential Oils for Your Survival Kit

There are many reasons why learning about essential oils is useful for preppers. Not the least of those reasons is to lessen the reliance on expensive and often ineffective and toxic pharmaceuticals. How often have you filled an expensive prescription only to have side effects or find that the drug simply did not work? Other than add these meds to your SHTF barter kit, you are out of luck.

On the other hand, most essential oils are quite inexpensive and have the added bonus that a prescription is not required. With essential oils you have the freedom of where to shop, how much to pay, and how to use them. You can dilute essential oils in a carrier oil or salve, use them in a compress, or diffuse them, or use them in a myriad of other ways suitable to your situation.

With that in mind, today I want to answer one of the most frequently asked questions I get regarding essential oils: what are the best essential oils to set aside for my survival kit? In other words, what are the specific “set it and forget it” oils that are on par with emergency food and water storage?

Nine Essential Oils for the Long Term Survival Kit

There are many factors that have gone into my choices, including an oil’s versatility and its ability to resolve multiple woes. I have also taken into consideration price and shelf life. More about that in bit; but first, here is my own list of the nine best essential oils for the long-term survival kit along with my top 4 uses for each of them.

1. Lavender

Treats cuts, scrapes, and burns and works to promote healing

Induces calm, relieves anxiety and stress, promotes sleep

Eliminates the sting of bug bites

Relieves pain and soreness caused by sprains and muscle aches

For more uses: The Miracle of Lavender Oil: 25 Amazing Uses for Survival

Resource: Lavender Essential Oil

2. Peppermint

Relieves headache pain

Topical treatment of allergies

Repels ants, spiders, mice and other pests from home and garden

Treats digestive disorders such as heartburn, bloating, indigestion, and constipation

For more uses: The Miracle of Peppermint Oil: 20 Practical Uses for Survival

Resource: Peppermint Essential Oil

3. Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Use as an antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and fungicide. Kills germs and prevents infection!

Eliminate mold and mildew

Fights colds, sinus infections, respiratory ailments and bronchitis

Treats wounds

For more uses: The Miracle of Tea Tree Oil: 80 Amazing Uses for Survival

Resource: Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil

4. Rosemary

Improve concentration and memory plus provide increased mental and physical stimulation

Relive anxiety and stress by calming and relaxing the nerves

Sooth and heal skin disorders by reduce itching, dryness and irritation

Treat respiratory problems and congestion through inhalation

For more uses: The Powerful Healing Qualities of Rosemary Essential Oil

Resource: Rosemary Essential Oil

5. Frankincense

Reduce inflammation and relieve conditions where pain and inflammation are present

Heal wounds from cuts, scrapes, and burns

Mitigate depression and feelings of helplessness

Boost and supercharge the effectiveness of other essential oils when used in tandem or layered on top of other oils

For more uses: 22 Powerful Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil

Resource: Frankincense Essential Oil

6. Clove

Relieve toothaches and reduce the pain of canker sores and gum irritation

Disinfect hard surfaces and utensils

Freshen foul or stale air

Treat wounds, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, insect bites and stings

For more uses: 20 Ways To Benefit from Clove Essential Oil

Resource: Clove Bud Essential Oil

7. Lemongrass

Provide immediate relief to “clenched” and knotted tendons and muscles

Reduce fevers

Eliminate body odor and other foul smells

Reduce bacterial around the home by using it in DIY cleaning products

For more uses: 23 Awesome Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil

Resource: Lemongrass Essential Oil

8. Roman Chamomile

Promote sound sleep (especially when nothing else works!)

Create a sense of well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and fearfulness

Heal skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema

Treat nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and gas

Resource: Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

9. Shield Protective Blend or other “Robber’s Blend”

Use as an effective hand sanitizer

Blend into DIY cleaning products for extra disinfecting power

Create an anti-viral spray to eliminate both airborne and surface micro-organisms

Prevent or relieve the symptoms of colds and flu

Note: “Robber’s Blend” can go by many names, including Shield, Thieves or simply “Protective Blend.” The components are similar and include various amounts of clove bug, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oil. Although you could make it yourself, having it ready-to-go in your survival kit will save you time and eliminate the need to store the variety of oils needed.

Resource: Shield Protective Blend

What About Shelf Life?

Something that preppers struggle with is shelf life, especially under climate conditions that are widely variable. This not only applies to food storage, but also to essential oils. That being said, essential oils have been known to stay viable for years, even when kept at room temperature.

The issue, so it seems, is that once opened, if not tightly sealed, they may evaporate or oxidize. Certain oils, and especially citrus oils and some coniferous essential oils, are rich in a hydrocarbon class called “terpenes” and tend to deteriorate more quickly.

The thing to remember is that in a survival situation, storage conditions will not be optimal. Besides evaporation, signs that your oils have degraded include a drastic change in aroma, intense thickening, and cloudiness. I personally have not had this occur with any of my oils, many of which are over five years old. In addition, I keep a bottle of lavender oil in my vehicle and even after sitting outside in the sun for the past six months, it smells as fresh as the day it was initially opened.

For more information on the shelf life of essential oils, there is a balanced discussion in this article on the AromaWeb website: Essential Oil Shelf Life.

A Word About Essential Oils

After a significant amount of research, for health, first-aid, and wellness purposes I use essential oils from Spark Naturals. There are a lot reasons, the most important being their commitment to both quality and value. I am satisfied that the raw materials used in Spark Naturals products are tested and authenticated to be of pharmaceutical-grade purity.

In addition, the Spark Naturals commitment to customer service is unsurpassed. They take care of their customers, period. If you decide to make a purchase from Spark Naturals, please know that you will enjoy a 10% discount on your order when you use the code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout. (Note: I do receive a small commission on your purchase and for that I extremely appreciative.)

The Final Word

This article is in response to the many comments and emails I have received asking which oils I personally stockpile for the long term. This is that list; a list I like to call my “ultimate essential oil survival kit.” In my experience, all of these oils have proven themselves over and over again in my own use, and, with the exception of Frankincense, are reasonably priced if not downright cheap.

My recommendation? When one of these oils goes on sale, purchase two or three and set them aside for the long term. If the stuff hits the fan, not only will food become scarce, so will medications and essential oils. In my own household, we are stockpiling both, with a heavy emphasis on essential oils. We do this with the blessing of our personal health care provider who is tracking our progress and weaning us from pharmaceuticals when practical.

As with all things related to survival first aid and healthcare, your mileage may vary. The best you can do is learn is much as you can now to determine what works best for you and your family. Something that works well on one person, may work differently on someone else. Use essential oils neat, in a diffuser, or diluted with a carrier oil or simple salve. Have fun with them and embrace the use of plant-based oils to foster good health!

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye started Backdoor Survival to share her angst and concern about our deteriorating economy and its impact on ordinary, middle-class folks. She also wanted to become a prepper of the highest order and to share her knowledge as she learned it along the way. She considers her sharing of knowledge her way of giving back and as always, we at Natural Blaze are grateful for her contributions.

from: http://www.naturalblaze.com/2015/10/the-9-best-essential-oils-for-your-survival-kit.html

FDA Targeting Essential Oils?

Posted on October 3, 2015 by marcia

FDA sends warning letters to Essential Oil Companies, Young Living and doTERRA!

Oct 2

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and may provide numerous health benefits. These oils are starting to be explored by the scientific community for their effectiveness in treating cancer, HIV, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease and strokes. (1)
It appears that the FDA is not too happy about this healing potential. This past week, Young Living and doTERRA both received letters from the FDA claiming that their products are being marketed as unapproved drugs. The companies are being told that they have to remove all health claims and take corrective actions or they face serious legal consequences. Considering past FDA threats, these consequences would most likely look like armed federal marshals ransacking their warehouses and seizing all of their products. (2)

FDA sends letters to Young Living and doTerra claiming their products are being marketed as unapproved drugs

It is not the first time that the FDA has gone after companies that sell holistic products. The FDA has issued warning letters to producers of walnuts, cranberries, elderberry juice, and coconut oil. Both of these essential oil companies are network-based marketing companies, which provides a unique challenge for the companies as well as the FDA. The FDA reports that the independent distributors are “paid consultants,” therefore, the parent companies have control over how their products are being marketed by the consultants. (2)

Companies view consultants as non-employees, while FDA believes companies have complete control of “paid consultants”

The companies are viewing the situation a bit differently, stating that they have guidelines and restrictions on how their products can be marketed. Both companies claim that their guidelines comply with FDA requirements, and that they have no control over how non-employees distribute the products.(2)

These warnings do not appear to be slowing down doTERRA. Enthusiasts continue to state how these products help with everything from muscle pain to weight loss. Some advocates are stating that these oils save them from antibiotics and doctor visits.(3)

Social media is serving as a platform for enthusiasts to share their experiences, making statements about their lack of doctor and pharmacy visits.(3)

Google searches for “essential oils” have tripled in the last two years, and searches for doTERRA’s name have quadrupled. Last year’s convention had 18,000 people in attendance, and this year, the company is expecting 27,000 people to attend. The company has not released finance information, but does report that their earnings have been doubling each year. (3)

Google searches for “essential oils” have tripled in the last two years!

Time will tell how the FDA warning letters are dealt with by these companies. What lengths is the FDA willing to go to in order to shut down these companies, halt essential oils, or put fear into the public and distributors?

from: http://www.realfarmacy.com/fda-essential-oil/

Uses for Essential Oils

Posted on September 28, 2015 by marcia

59 Ways to Use Essential Oils

Posted on September 28, 2015 By The Alternative Daily

Essential oil use does not have to be complicated. Once you know the basic properties of an oil, it’s easy to discover new ways to use them. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to use these beneficial oils in your life. Here are 59 to get you started:

Make an all-purpose cleaner: Some essential oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Why not maximize that power in a homemade cleaner? Mix three drops of tea tree oil, three drops of lemon oil and three drops of clove or oregano oil in two cups of water. Spray the cleaner onto any surface and allow to sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe clean. Your surfaces will be disinfected.
Keep mosquitoes at bay: Mosquitoes hate the smell of some essential oils. Take advantage of this by creating your own mosquito repellant. Mix one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of peppermint oil, one drop of citronella oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Store in a small container and apply to the skin as needed.
Make a homemade sunscreen: Essential oils can help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Mix three drops of helichrysum oil and three drops of lavender oil with one cup of coconut oil, ½ a cup of shea butter and 3 teaspoons of zinc oxide. Apply to the skin for a gentle sun barrier that is non-toxic.
Shower cleaner: Place four drops of eucalyptus oil and four drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle along with 16 ounces of warm water. Spray on the shower and wipe clean to kill mold and remove soap scum.
Simple carpet cleaner: Replace toxic cleaners with this natural version. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with one box of Borax and sprinkle onto carpets. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, then vacuum away.
Bug killer: Create a mixture of orange essential oil and clove oil in a small spray bottle. Spray the undiluted mixture on bugs for natural, effective pest control.
Relieve stress: Lavender oil is known for its anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties. Diffuse a few drops in your home right before bedtime to promote feelings of relaxation.
Produce cleaner: Place two drops of lemon essential oil into a sink full of water. Place produce in the water and allow it to sit for a few minutes to remove unwanted bacteria from the surface of produce.
Kitchen or bathroom freshener: Soak a cotton ball in lemon oil and place it in the kitchen or bathroom. The smell will instantly make the room feel cleaner and will cover unwanted odors.
Fridge cleaner: While cleaning the fridge, add two or three drops of lime or grapefruit oil to the rinse water to eliminate bad fridge smells.
Remove smoke smell: Place four drops of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil in a spray bottle along with 16 ounces of water and spray into the air to remove lingering smoke smell.
Freshen shoes: If your shoes smell bad, freshen them up and eliminate odor by adding two drops of tea tree oil to the inside of the shoe after cleaning. This will kill any bacteria or fungus causing the funky smell.
Spot cleaner: If your dishes always come out spotty, add a few drops of lemon oil to the dishwasher before turning it on to remove all signs of spots after rinsing.
Medical kit: Add essential oils with antibacterial properties to your medicine kit to provide care for minor cuts and bruises. Use tea tree, lemon, oregano, and frankincense for cuts and scrapes. Add lavender oil for a calming effect after an injury.
Anti-nausea formula: Mix 10 drops of peppermint, lemon and fennel oil in a small bottle. Apply the mixture with a carrier oil externally when someone in the house feels nauseated.
Remove unwanted trash smell: Place five drops of your favorite essential oil onto a cotton ball and place it inside your trash can. When the scent leaves, add a new soaked cotton ball to easily control trash smell or litter box smell.
Gunk remover: Place five drops of lemon oil onto gum, sticker residue or other sticky substances to make it easy to remove with minimal effort.
Animal repellant: If you are plagued by vermin like mice, spiders and other large bugs, soak a few cotton balls in peppermint oil. Place the peppermint balls near areas where vermin and bugs like to hang out to keep them away. The odor is too strong for the critters and will keep them away.
Soothe sore feet: Add 10 drops of peppermint oil and vetiver oil to a tablespoon of Epson salt. Pour the mixture into a foot soaker tub or large basin and soak your feet for natural pain relief.
Clean your hands: Use a few drops of antibacterial oils, such as oregano, clove, lemon and peppermint for an immune system boost that won’t interfere with your skin’s normal barrier of defense.
Cramp relief: Mix two drops of basil, rosemary, and clary sage oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil. Massage the mixture into the area suffering from cramps.
Headache pain relief: Mix two drops of lavender oil with two drops of peppermint oil and a teaspoon of a carrier oil. Massage into your temples when you feel a headache coming on for pain relief.
Congestion help: Mix two drops of fir oil with two drops of spruce oil and a teaspoon of a carrier oil. Rub onto your chest to relieve congestion.
Improve skin health: Add 10-15 drops of peppermint oil or sweet birch oil to your bath to cool skin inflammation and promote healing. In the summer, this also has a cooling effect on the skin after you get out of the bath.
Fever aid: When someone in the house has a fever, add one drop of peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oil to a small basin of water. Apply the mixture to the forehead, back of the neck, and other areas of the body to bring down a fever.
Energy boost: Rub a few drops of grapefruit oil between the palms of your hands for an instant energy boost.
Tension relief: Rub a drop of lavender oil into the back of your neck to relieve tension.
Sleep aid: Place a few drops of chamomile essential oil on your pillow to promote a good night’s sleep.
Bruise remedy: Rub one drop of clove oil and four drops of lavender to bruises to help them heal faster.
Reduce poison ivy inflammation: Mix half a teaspoon of a carrier oil with three drops of wintergreen oil and apply gently to the infected area to reduce inflammation and redness.
Treat bee stings: Apply one drop of lavender oil to a bee sting to reduce pain and swelling.
Ease motion sickness: Rub a few drops of peppermint oil into your hands and inhale deeply until symptoms dissipate. This works best when done before motion sickness gets too bad, right at the start of your journey.
Remove new paint smells: While painting, add 10 drops of peppermint oil to the paint can to reduce the new paint smell. This will not affect the paint and your house will smell much better.
Car air freshener: Add 10 drops of essential oil to a small spray bottle along with 16 ounces of warm water. Keep it in your car and spray your seats to keep them smelling fresh.
Fire enhancer: Add 10 drops of frankincense oil to a log before burning to make your home smell delightful while burning wood.
Dryer sheets: Soak some fabric strips in ½ a cup of vinegar and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Throw a strip into your dryer to add scent to your clothing without any chemical residue.
Facial toner: Mix two drops of tea tree oil, orange and lemon oil with ½ a teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply to the face with a cotton ball for a refreshing, natural toner.
Facial mist: Add three drops of lavender oil to a small spray bottle containing water. Apply to the face for a refreshing facial mist.
Scented lotion: Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to any unscented lotion or coconut oil for a personalized scent blend.
Perfume: Add 10 drops of your favorite three essential oils to alcohol to create your own unique perfume.
Seasonal pick-me-up: If you are feeling blue, rub a drop of peppermint oil and grapefruit oil into your hands for an instant mood booster.
Night relaxation: Add a few drops of rose essential oil to a rice bag and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Place the bag on your forehead for soothing relaxation.
Custom bath salts: Mix 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oils into a mixture of one cup Epsom salts and one cup baking soda.
Hair refresher: On days when you don’t wash your hair, add five drops of essential oil to your brush to reinvigorate your hair.
Wood polish: Mix ¼ cup of vinegar, two tablespoons of olive oil, ½ a teaspoon of lemon oil and 1 ½ cups of water in a spray bottle. Use to clean wood and other furniture.
Homemade potpourri: Add a few drops of essential oils to wood shavings, dried flowers, or other potpourri blends for a customized scent.
Wart fighter: Apply oregano essential oil to a cotton ball, place over the wart and cover with a band aid. Keep reapplying the oil until the wart is gone.
Sugar scrub: Add 20 drops of essential oil to one cup of sugar and ½ a cup of coconut oil for a natural sugar scrub.
Holiday blend: Diffuse a drop of cinnamon, fir, clove and vanilla oils for a winter holiday aroma.
Room scent: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the light bulbs in your house. When the light comes on, your house will smell great.
Scented letters: Add one drop of essential oil to your letters before sending them for an extra personal touch.
Homemade candles: When candle wax is melted, add 10 drops of your favorite essential oils for candles that smell great while burning.
Invigorating soap: When making soap, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture to make soap that helps you feel perky while taking a shower.
Joint relief: Rub peppermint oil on sore joints for relief.
Massage oil: Place a few drops of lavender oil into one teaspoon of olive oil and rub it into the skin for a soothing, relaxing massage.
Chapped skin cure: Rub a drop of lavender oil on areas of the skin with rough, chapped places.
Deodorant: Rub lavender oil or your favorite oil into your armpits each morning for natural odor control.
Concentration aid: Rub a few drops of frankincense oil on the back of the neck to improve concentration.
Nail strengthener: Mix two drops of frankincense oil with ½ a teaspoon of coconut oil and rub into nails to strengthen them.

These are only a few ways to use essential oils at home. Their uses are nearly endless and only require a bit of knowledge and imagination.

from: http://www.thealternativedaily.com/use-essential-oils/

Oils & Fragrances to Reduce Stress

Posted on September 23, 2015 by marcia

One Whiff of These 10 Scents Can Relieve Stress Almost Instantly

Ever wonder why some scents make you feel relaxed or energized? It’s no coincidence and we have our olfactory system to thank for its intimate relationship with the brain, which affects both our memory and mood. Here are 10 scents which will enhance this system with just one whiff.

1) Lemon
Promotes concentration and allows the mind to calm especially when angry, anxious or very exhausted. Lemon boosts the body’s immune system, improving circulation and is known to reduce anxiety and depression.

2) Cinnamon
The stimulating properties in cinnamon can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus. Researchers from Wheeling Jesuit University studied participants and found that those who took a whiff of cinnamon improved in cognitive functions like visual-motor response, working memory and attention span.

3) Lavender
Lavender helps calm the mind and body almost instantly. But perhaps its most useful benefit is its ability to help treat insomnia. This essential oil has calming ands sedative properties that help control emotional stress. Lavender has a soothing effect on nerves and can relieve nervous tension and depression as well as treat headaches and migraines.

4) Rain
After a rainstorm, especially a rain storm that breaks a long dry spell, the world smells different. The clean scent after a rainfall is partially caused by ozone cleaning away some of the scents we take for granted. The smell of rain can literally relieve stress and improve your mood by over 60%

5) Fresh Cut Grass
Scent researchers found that a chemical released by a newly-mowed lawn can make people feel joyful and relaxed. The smell apparently is so powerful that neuroscientists came up with a perfume and air fragrance that matches it so the lawnless can also reap the benefits of the feel-good scent.

6) Peppermint
Try peppermint when brainstorming. An energy booster, this scent invigorates the mind, promotes concentration and stimulates clear thinking. Smelling peppermint is linked to greater cognitive stamina, motivation and overall performance

7) Vanilla
In a study published in the Proceedings of ISOT/JASTS 2004, researchers found that taking a whiff of vanilla bean elevated participants’ feelings of joy and relaxation. The results were measured through mood mapping, which included emotions ranging from happiness and stimulation to apathy and irritation.

8) Rosemary
The stimulating effect of rosemary may enhance certain aspects of mental function. People who work in rosemary-scented cubicles have better long-term memory than those who worked in unscented cubicles. Rosemary improves long-term memory, alertness and has properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue.

9) Pine
Pine decreases anxiety and alleviates stress. In one Japanese study, participants who went on a walk through pine forests reported significantly lower depression and stress levels. The research also discovered that anxious subjects had a greater feeling of relaxation after indulging in the scent.

10) Jasmine
Like lavender, jasmine it is also used to calm nerves, but this oil is also commonly used as an anti-depressant because of its uplifting capabilities that produce a feeling of confidence, optimism and revitalized energy.

from: http://preventdisease.com/news/15/092315_One-Whiff-These-Scents-Relieve-Stress-Instantly.shtml

Ways of Self Protection from Negativity

Posted on September 15, 2015 by marcia

9 Ways to Protect Yourself from Negative Energies

Anna Hunt, Staff Writer
Waking Times

Do you find it exhausting to be around stressed out or negative people? Have you ever left a dramatic situation feeling drained, even if you weren’t personally involved? For most people, the answer is yes. This is because we are constantly absorbing the energies of objects and people around us. Thoughts, emotions and words of other people can have a profound impact on our psyche and physical well-being. Just as spending time in nature or working in a garden can lessen stress and improve our mood, when you’re in a crowded place you will draw in the energies of the people around you, whether you feel it or not.

Here are some tools that to help you clear away negative energy and create a “shield” to maintain your personal energy and keep your psyche clear from the impact of other people and negative situations.

1. Crystals

It is common for people to be skeptical about the healing power of crystals, but one should just turn to science and technology to find proof that crystals are objects of measurable effect. Crystals are used in many objects we use every day including silicon, which is used in all computers and mobile phones and LCD’s, and quartz, a silicate material used in watches and clocks to regulate time. When you consider all of these applications, the effect of crystals on outside energies is undeniable.

Many crystals, especially darker colored ones such as black onyx, obsidian, amethyst, fluorite and tigers eye, repel negative energies and will cleanse your aura. The presence of crystals can also alleviate stress, boost creativity, and contribute to healing and raise levels of consciousness. It is important to remember that working with crystals has much to do with your intentions and your openness to allowing the crystal to work.

2. Smudging Sage

The North American native tradition of smudging by burning white sage bundles has been used for generations to clear out stale and negative energy out of the body and spirit. With the right intent and respect, the smudging process can help you clean your energy field, even if you are unaware of any problems. Smudging may help you clear residual feelings regarding a situation that has past, negative emotions such as anger and fear that linger after an event or interaction, tension and stress felt psychologically or physically, as well as the harmful energies of other people that have latched themselves to your psyche. Smudging is a relaxing way to regain composure and recenter your awareness after experiencing distress.

3. Essential Oils

Using the natural healing properties of essential oils has become more popular as people realize the limitations and detrimental side effects of some modern healing modalities. Essential oils such as sandalwood, niaouli and myrrh all have very power cleansing properties, and smell great. The olfactory sense is more closely linked to our emotional system than any of our other senses, and by using essential oils a link is created between healthy psychic states and the physical presence of the now.

When using essential oils it is important to inhale only the aroma of the oil, either directly or using and oil diffuser (which can be very useful when cleansing and protecting a larger space or several persons). Additionally, you can place a drop of oil in a few specific spots around the head, such as back of the neck, crown of the head and middle of the eyebrows.

4. Incense

Similar to sage smoke and diffused essential oils, incense is known for its purifying and cleansing properties. Incense may not be the best option if you need to ward of psychic attacks when in public, but it is a great tool to use when gathering with others and to cleanse away negative and stale energies around your living spaces. Ensure you use natural essential oil incense, such as Nag Champa and Tibetan Incense Sticks, that does not have any toxic or artificial perfumes.

5. Using White Light Meditation

Science continues to prove that meditation is a powerful healing practice. You can use a very easy and short meditation to protect yourself from psychic attacks. During such a meditation, close your eyes, calm the breath, and then image in the mind’s eye a bright white light forming a protective shield all around your body and any other person or object that you want to safeguard. It is up to you how long you keep your eyes closed and how bright your light will grow, and as you open your eyes continue with the meditation by trusting that your white light will continue to surround, protect and comfort you.

6. Cleansing Shower or Bath

The physical action of taking a shower or bath, with the right intention set in your mind, can help wash away negative energy. Similar to the white light meditation, image all of the negative energy lifting off each part of your body as you submerge into your bath or as shower water hits your skin. Baths also allow for the use of essential oils, Epsom salt, crystals and flower petals, for additional healing.

After you’ve completed your cleansing in the water, apply essential oils to dried skin. You can use some of the oils mentioned above, or other calming oils that benefit the skin such as lavender or ylang ylang. Mixing a few drops of essential oil into your favorite lotion or with fractionated coconut oil is also a nice option.

7. Mantras

Words, even if only spoken in your mind, have a powerful effect in creating your reality. When spoken out-loud, words and sounds can have an even more profound effect because they create vibrations that interact with your energetic body, helping it to fall into harmony or disharmony.

Chanting the following mantras repeatedly may help cleanse you of negative energy:

KRIM (pronounced “kreem”) – Used to stimulate the lower chakras of the body and begin purifying the body.
HUM (pronounced “hoom”) – Used to break down negativity and spread positivity and vitality through the body.
LAM (pronounced “lam”) – Used to cleanse impurities that have collected in your body and clearing any energy blockages preventing your prana from flowing freely through all your energy channels.

You can also create your own mantra with phrases and words that resonate with you and help you shed all negativity. Another option is practicing a spoken Metta loving kindness meditation which will release a wave of positivity that can be extremely healing. See the example below.

8. Sounds

Similar to chanting mantras, sounds of chimes, bells and gongs have been used in practices such as yoga to dispel negative spirits. In the modern world, wind chimes are known for their relaxing effect on a person. The vibrations created by sounds of chimes and bells resonate through the air breaking up stagnant and negative energies. They also vibrate your energetic body and attune you to different frequencies, strengthening your psyche and spiritual power.

9. Amulets

Amulets, trinkets and talismans, with the specific purpose of protecting the human spirit, are most common in religious traditions, including items such as the Christian cross and rosary and the Muslim hamsa. These types of symbols are believed to hold great power, but similar to crystals, they react o your intentions. If you believe an item is worthless, then it will offer you no protection.

from: http://www.wakingtimes.com/2015/04/16/9-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-negative-energies/9/

Posted on August 17, 2015 by marcia

How Essential Oils Can Help Improve Your Life

August 17, 2015

by Dr. Mercola

Scents can have a powerful influence on your well-being. Aromatherapy, which uses concentrated essences of various botanicals, allows you to harness the olfactory power of plants for healing on many levels.

Essential oils carry biologically active volatile compounds in a highly concentrated form that can provide therapeutic benefits in very small amounts.

Quality is of the essence here. First of all, what we’re talking about here is pure, therapeutic grade essential oils from plants, NOT synthetic fragrance oils or perfumes, which can be toxic and typically contain allergenic compounds.

But even among essential oils, the quality can vary widely and assessing the quality of any given brand can be difficult, as factors such as growing conditions and methods of harvesting, distillation, manufacture, and storage can all affect the final product.

The University of Minnesota¹ offers some helpful guidance regarding international standard-setting agencies and considerations to take into account when looking for an essential oil.

One of the most important considerations is to look for a statement of purity. What you’re looking for is 100% essential oil (meaning it has not been diluted, altered, or mixed with anything else). Price can be a tipoff. If it’s really cheap, it’s probably a reflection of poor quality.

There are hundreds and many thousands of essential oils available if you factor in combinations. Each have their own potential benefits. The oils tend to work synergistically, and using a combination of oils often creates a more powerful effect than any one individual oil.

There are many ways to use essential oils for health and well-being, and the featured article² lists no less than 25 ways to enjoy them. But first, let’s address the question of whether or not they actually have a biological effect, and if so, how.

Scents Can Alter Your Nervous System

When you inhale the fragrance of an essential oil, the aroma penetrates your bloodstream via your lungs,³ and this is thought to be one of the mechanisms by which aromatherapy exerts its physiological effects. Essential oils are also easily absorbed through your skin when applied topically.

The fragrance also affects the limbic system in your brain, which controls both memories and emotions. Many essential oils have antibacterial, antifungal, and/or antiviral qualities, and contrary to antibiotics, essential oils do not promote resistance.⁴

Modern scientists are not only finding compelling links between scents and human behavior,⁵ scents can actually influence the biochemistry of your nervous system.

This was shown in a 2002 Japanese study,⁶ which found that certain oils would stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity whereas others would calm it. (Your sympathetic nervous system modulates processes such as your heart rate, blood vessel constriction, and blood pressure.)

For example:

Black pepper, fennel, and grapefruit oil caused a 1.5- to 2.5-fold increase in sympathetic nervous system activity (as measured by an increase in systolic blood pressure)

Rose and patchouli oil resulted in a 40 percent decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity

Pepper oil induced a 1.7-fold increase in plasma adrenaline concentration

Rose oil caused adrenaline to drop by 30 percent

Lavender and Jasmine Help Uplift Your Mood

A Korean study⁷ found that lavender reduced both insomnia and depression in female college students.

Another study⁸ published in Phytomedicine in 2010 found that an orally administered lavender oil preparation (Silexan) was as effective as the drug Lorazepam for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. According to the authors:

“Since lavender oil showed no sedative effects in our study and has no potential for drug abuse, silexan appears to be an effective and well tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines for amelioration of generalized anxiety.”

Other research⁹ has concluded the essential oil of jasmine can also uplift mood and counteract symptoms of depression. The authors noted that:

“Compared with placebo, jasmine oil caused significant increases of breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which indicated an increase of autonomic arousal.

At the emotional level, subjects in the jasmine oil group rated themselves as more alert, more vigorous, and less relaxed than subjects in the control group. This finding suggests an increase of subjective behavioral arousal.

In conclusion, our results demonstrated the stimulating/activating effect of jasmine oil and provide evidence for its use in aromatherapy for the relief of depression and uplifting mood in humans.”

How Terpenes in Essential Oils Benefit Your Health

An article in Healthy Holistic Living¹⁰ discusses some of the components giving essential oils their therapeutic benefits. For example, some essential oils have tremendous antioxidant capacities.

According to this article, one ounce of clove oil has an antioxidant capacity equivalent to 450 pounds of carrots. Essential oils also contain three different types of terpenes, each with its own set of benefits:

Phenylpropanoids have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. As noted in the article,¹¹ “phenylpropanoids clean the receptor sites on the cells.

Without clean receptor sites, cells cannot communicate, and the body malfunctions, resulting in disease.” Oils that contain this type of terpene include: clove, cassia, basil, cinnamon, oregano, anise, and peppermint.

Monoterpenes, which are found in most essential oils, help “reprogram miswritten information in the cellular memory,” according to the featured article.

Sesquiterpenes help deliver oxygen to your tissues, which makes it more difficult for viruses, bacteria, and even cancer cells, to survive. Essential oils that contain sesquiterpenes include cedarwood, vetiver, spikenard, sandalwood, black pepper, patchouli, myrrh, ginger, and frankincense.

Essential Oils for Common Maladies

There are probably as many uses for aromatherapy as there are essential oils, but research shows particular promise in relieving stress, stabilizing your mood, improving sleep, pain and nausea relief, and improving your memory and energy level.

To give you an idea of the versatility of aromatherapy, the following table lists some of the therapeutic uses of several oils for a few of today’s most common complaints.¹² As you can see, there are some real “multitaskers,” like lavender and peppermint, which can be used to treat more than one problem.¹³

Complaint Essential Oils

Stress Lavender, lemon, bergamot, peppermint, vetiver, pine, and ylang ylang

Insomnia Lavender,¹⁴ chamomile, jasmine, benzoin, neroli, rose, sandalwood, sweet marjoram, and ylang ylang (avoid lemon, which has an invigorating effect¹⁵)

Anxiety Lavender, bergamot, rose, clary sage, lemon, Roman chamomile, orange, sandalwood, rose-scented geranium, and pine¹⁶

Pain Lavender, chamomile, clary sage, juniper, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, and green apple (especially for migraines)

Nausea and vomiting Mint, ginger, lemon, orange, ginger, dill, fennel, chamomile, clary sage, and lavender

Memory and attention Sage, peppermint,¹⁷ and cinnamon

Low energy Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, angelica, jasmine, tea tree, rosemary, sage, and citrus

Complaint	Essential Oils
Stress	Lavender, lemon, bergamot, peppermint, vetiver, pine, and ylang ylang
Insomnia	Lavender,¹⁴ chamomile, jasmine, benzoin, neroli, rose, sandalwood, sweet marjoram, and ylang ylang (avoid lemon, which has an invigorating effect¹⁵)
Anxiety	Lavender, bergamot, rose, clary sage, lemon, Roman chamomile, orange, sandalwood, rose-scented geranium, and pine¹⁶
Pain	Lavender, chamomile, clary sage, juniper, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, and green apple (especially for migraines)
Nausea and vomiting	Mint, ginger, lemon, orange, ginger, dill, fennel, chamomile, clary sage, and lavender
Memory and attention	Sage, peppermint,¹⁷ and cinnamon
Low energy	Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, angelica, jasmine, tea tree, rosemary, sage, and citrus

How to Use Essential Oils

Some of the most common ways to use essential oils include:

Massaging them (blended with a carrier oil) into your skin

Adding them to bathwater

Using them in a hot compress

Heating them in a diffuser

Rubbing a drop onto pulse points in lieu of perfume

But that’s really just the beginning. There are many creative uses for essential oils. Here’s a sampling of the 25 uses listed by the Epoch Times.¹⁸ For the full list, please see the original article.

Cleaning sprays and room deodorizers Making your own cleaning supplies and room deodorizers using essential oils is an excellent alternative to commercial products that may contain any number of hazardous chemicals. For example, for a homemade cleaning scrub with antibacterial activity, simply add a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil to baking soda.

Using a glass grated-cheese container with a stainless steel top that has holes in it makes it easy to sprinkle the baking soda on the surfaces. In lieu of commercial room deodorizers, you can either use an aromatherapy diffuser, or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to water in a spray bottle.

Freshen laundry Dryer sheets are notoriously toxic, emitting more than 600 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through your dryer vent. You can easily freshen your laundry without risking your family’s health simply by spritzing your wet laundry with a mix of water and a few drops of essential oil before placing it in the dryer. Alternatively, add a dozen or so drops to an old wool sock, and put it in the dryer with your laundry.

Therapeutic steam baths To deep clean pores, add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus to hot water in your sink, then lean over it with a towel draped over your head to capture the steam. This will also help unclog your sinuses if you have a cold. Alternatively, close the drain in your shower and add some eucalyptus essential oils to the pooled water on the floor of the tub to create a soothing steam.

Customized lotions and soap Synthetic fragrances are a source of allergies, but you can easily customize your own soaps and lotions by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to an unscented brand.

Combat pimples Tea tree oil, which has potent antibacterial activity, can help dry out pimples.

Facial toner Make your own facial toner by adding a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to distilled water in a misting bottle.

Insect repellents Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil is said to deter insects and rodents. The following essential oils also make excellent bug repellents in lieu of DEET and other chemical repellents:

Cinnamon leaf oil (one study found it was more effective at killing mosquitoes than DEET¹⁹)

Clear liquid vanilla extract²⁰ mixed with olive oil

Wash with citronella soap, and then put some 100 percent pure citronella essential oil mixed with a carrier oil on your skin. Java Citronella is considered the highest quality citronella on the market

Catnip oil (according to one study, this oil is 10 times more effective than DEET)²¹

Lemon eucalyptus was found very effective in a 2014 Australian study;²² a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection for three hours, compared to a 40 percent DEET repellent that gave 100 percent protection for seven hours

Resources

Aromatherapy can be a beneficial adjunct to your overall health plan. It’s not a replacement for wise lifestyle choices like good nutrition and exercise, but it can certainly help enhance your physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is one more tool you can keep in your tool bag for managing everyday stress, balancing out mood swings and improving your sleep for example.

Essential oils are also a great addition to many of your homemade beauty and cleaning products, adding both scent and antibacterial qualities. Whether you seek out a trained aromatherapist or adopt a DIY approach, the following are a few resources you might find useful.

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA):²³ Everything about the medicinal use of aromatic plants and the holistic practice of aromatherapy

Aroma Web:²⁴ A directory of aromatherapy information, tips, recipes, sources, including a regional aromatherapy business directory

American Botanical Council:²⁵ Herbal medicine information that includes an herb library and clinical guide to herbs

Herb Med:²⁶ Interactive electronic herb database (some information is free, but full access requires a fee)

I also offer further information on 57 different oils in my Ultimate Guide to Herbal Oils

from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/08/17/essential-oils-improve-life.aspx

Oils for Chakra Balancing

Posted on January 10, 2015 by marcia

7 Essential Oils To Balance Your Chakras

By Sarah Walsh
January 9, 2015

Essential Oils are a great tool to help with physical ailments and spiritual growth.

These oils have been around for centuries and are making a comeback into our modern day lives. Use these oils in addition to other tools like yoga, to help bring balance to your chakra system.

The essential oils can be mixed with coconut or olive oil, and applied topically by rubbing on the feet or corresponding chakra area. Alternatively, try an aromatherapy approach by using a diffuser, or or diluting in tea or water. You can also ingest these oils in capsule form.

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Located at the base of spine in tailbone area, this is where our sense of security lies.

Use patchouli for an enhanced sense of grounding and stability.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhistana)

The lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in — our creativity and sexuality.

Ylang Ylang and sandalwood both act as an aphrodisiac to aid in our sexual and reproductive energies.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The upper abdomen, in the stomach area — our self-esteem and confidence.

Use cinnamon to help heat up this power center, or peppermint to cool any excess fire in the system.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Located in the center of chest just above heart.

The scent of rose is related to our heart, and enhances romance and love. It is also helpful for alleviating depression and insomnia.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishudha)

Located in the throat — the center for self-expression.

Use eucalyptus to help clear sinuses and cure a sore throat or coughing, allowing this passageway to become free and clear for self-expression.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

At the forehead and in between the eyes is the gateway to our intuition.

Lavender oil is incredibly calming and great for headaches; a common occurrence whenever your third eye is blocked. We can calm the active mind with lavender to reach a higher state of consciousness.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The very top of the head is our universal connection to beauty and spirituality.

Frankincense is one of the most spiritually-charged oils. It has been around for thousands of years, and brings us mental peace and clarity.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

from: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16958/7-essential-oils-to-balance-your-chakras.html

Essential Oils for Health

Posted on August 26, 2014 by marcia

20 All Purpose Remedies Using Essential Oils

27th August 2014

By Gaye Levy

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

The use of essential oils for wellness and healing seems to be catching everyone’s attention these days. This is true not only in the prepping and homesteading world, but in the mainstream world of traditional medicine as well.

While it is easy to recommend using essential oils for whatever ails you, the question of which essential oil to use for a specific ailment can be elusive. Let’s face it. Sometimes you have a little problem that you want to solve right now, without resorting to a ton of research.

I am going to make it easy for you. With the assistance of author Rebecca Schiffhauer, I have compiled a go-to list of 20 great ways to use essential oils to solve everyday ailments not only for you, but your pets and children as well.

20 Great Ways to Use Essential Oils

1. Hiccups

Dab some Peppermint on the back of your neck, a little on each side of the spinal cord.

2. Runny nose

Swipe a drop of Lemon down each side of the nose to dry it up. Stay out of the sun afterwards to avoid sunburn.

3. Drowsiness

Combine Peppermint and Wild Orange, apply to the back of the neck, next inhale the oil left on your hands. Or add 4 drops of each to your diffuser.

4. Itchy, irritated eyes

Dab Lavender with a bit of carrier oil on the facial bones surrounding your eyes (careful to keep oil away from eyes). If applying to children, make sure they don’t rub their eyes until oil is absorbed.

5. Allergies

Mix up equal parts of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint ~ nature’s antibiotic! Apply to bottom of your feet morning and night. Diffuse if possible. Spark Naturals sells a convenient blend called called L.L.P. – short for Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint!

6. Ear Ache/Infection

Combine 2 drops Basil or Melaleuca (aka Tea Tree) with a little carrier oil and rub around the rim of the ear, behind the ear and just inside. Apply several times a day. Note: never drop essential oils directly into the ear.

7. Troubled breathing

Have a bit of chest congestion or asthma? Apply Respire blend on the chest, then cup your hands over your face and breath in the residual Respire blend on it ~ creating a natural “inhaler”.

8. Bad breath

A drop of Peppermint on your tongue and you’re kissable fresh again.

9. Athlete’s foot

Melaleuca works wonders! Apply neat (meaning undiluted) to affected areas twice a day.

10. Toe fungus

Melaleuca to the rescue again. Dab the affected toenail with a saturated q-tip morning and night.

11. Unsightly warts or skin tags

Use a Q-tip to dab one drop of Oregano oil on the affected area morning and night. Oregano is a hot oil so you won’t want to spread it around. Skin tags should fall off in two or three of weeks. Warts will take a bit longer but eventually will disappear.

For kids: Lemon works wonderfully too. Apply morning and night and don’t cover with a Band-Aid; it’s important to let the area breathe. Also, it’s convenient to put the EO in a roll-on bottle so kids can apply themselves…they like taking charge Be careful of too much sun after the application of lemon oil.

12. Cellulite

Pour a bottle of Grapefruit into a 4 oz. bottle of fractionated coconut oil and rub into problem areas after shower or bath. You’ll smell divine and your skin will be so soft.

13. Diaper Rash

Mix up some Diaper Spray: 18 oz. water, 1 tsp. organic body wash, 4 drops Melaleuca, 4 drops Lavender. This is a great diaper rash preventative too! DIY Healing Salve is a wonder for this as well.

14. Fleas on Your Dog

Drip a couple drops of Melaleuca on back of your dog’s collar. Or, tie a bandanna with a few drops of Melaleuca around your dogs neck and watch fleas flee!

15. Dog’s Ear Infection

Place 1 of drop of Melaleuca and carrier oil on a cotton ball, wipe inside of ear several times a day.

16. Dog with Sunburned Nose

Dab a little Lavender with carrier oil on his nose for relief. This works for people too!

17. Muscle Aches

Mix 1 part Amend blend with 1 part fractionated coconut oil as a penetrating, pain relieving massage oil. Add a drop of Birch or Wintergreen for extra strength. Or, try Lemongrass mixed with some DIY Healing Salve.

18. Fever

A few drops of Peppermint mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the torso can drop body temperature by 3 degrees in minutes.

19. Burns

A drop of Lavender will immediately stop the pain and mitigate tissue damage.

20. Heartburn

A couple drops of Peppermint in a small glass of milk will knock out heartburn. Or, try rubbing a few drops of Digest blend over your chest. It really works!

The Final Word

My love affair with essential oils continues. These days I have moved beyond the basics of Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint and Melaleuca (tea tree) and rely on a variety of oils to do various things. They are used for first aid, personal grooming, stress relief, and general health and wellness.

To be honest, three years ago, if someone told me I was going to dump, literally, all of my over-the-counter remedies in favor of essential oils I would have thought “no way”. Clearly, that is exactly what has happened. I now have a large collection of oils that should serve me well for a long time as long and I continue my pursuit of knowledge about these amazing substances.

I know I am not alone. Whenever I write an article extolling the virtues of essential oils, I receive a flurry of emails that reflect a pent up interest in learning more about essential oils and how they can be used to enhance our long term well-being and survival.

from: http://wakeup-world.com/2014/08/27/20-all-purpose-remedies-using-essential-oils/

The Many Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Posted on July 19, 2014 by marcia

The Miracle of Tea Tree Oil: 80 Amazing Uses for Survival

Gaye Levy

Essential oils have been used for healing and medicinal purposes for centuries and most certainly long before we had pills, capsules and big pharma to take care of our medical woes. And while there is a place for manufactured pharmaceuticals in our survival medicine kit, there exists the possibility that none will be available or that they will be in such scarce supply that they should be reserved for only the most dire of circumstances.

For that reason, many preppers and individuals seeking self-reliance are learning to use essential oils to manage the both routine and not-so-routine maladies that occur in daily life. There are about a dozen or so essential oils that belong in every survival kit including tea tree, peppermint, lavender, clove, rosemary and lemon among others. All of these essential oils have healing properties but today I would like to focus on just one, tea tree oil.

A Brief History Of Tea Tree Oil

It is believed that the Aborigines of Australia have been using the leaves of the indigenous Malaleuca Tree (whose leaves are used to make tea tree oil) in their medications for centuries. They inhaled the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds, sprinkled crushed leaves on their wounds and used an infusion of soaked leaves to treat sore throats or skin ailments.

Use of the oil itself, as opposed to the un-extracted plant material, did not become common practice until researcher Arthur Penfold published the first reports of its antimicrobial activity in a series of papers in the 1920s and 1930s. In evaluating the antimicrobial activity, he found that tea tree oil was 11 times more active than phenol.

The commercial tea tree oil industry was born shortly thereafter although interest in tea tree oil ebbed after World War II, presumably due to the development of effective antibiotics and the waning image of natural products. Interest was rekindled in the 1970s as part of the general renaissance of interest in natural products.

80 USES OF TEA TREE OIL FOR SURVIVAL

For thousands of years, the derivatives of the Malaleuca Tree have been effective in treating a wide variety of ailments. Here are 80 reasons why you should use it, too!

Abrasions & Minor Cuts: After cleaning the area well, apply a few drops of the oil directly. If a bandage is needed, allow a few drops of the oil to penetrate a cotton ball, then lay it face down on the wound with a bandage on top.

Acne: Add a drop to your normal cleansing routine or dab a very small amount on acne breakouts. You can also add 20 – 40 drops of the oil to your regular face wash.

Air Freshener: Keep a supply of cotton balls soaked in tea tree oil packed away in a plastic bag or tin. When confronted with foul smells from cooking, musty orders from dampness or even the medicinal smell in a sick room, take a few out the freshen the air and remove the nasty smell.

Allergies: Use topically by massaging into the chest, abdomen or the reflex points of the feet.

Arthritis: To help reduce pain associated with the swelling of arthritis, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of grapeseed or other carrier oil. Massage into affected area 2-3 times a day.

Asthma: Add a few drops of oil to a pan of water and heat on stove. When cooling, drape a towel over head and breath in for a few minutes.

Athletes Foot: Clean feet thoroughly, especially between toes. Add oil directly to feet every two weeks, dusting with corn starch after. Or add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp of grapeseed or other carrier oil and massage on feet and between toes daily.

Baby Care: Keep your diaper pail clean and fresh with a spray of tea tree oil mixed with water.

Bacterial Infections: Use topically, either massaging into the reflex points of the feet, adding several drops to a bath or cautiously applying over an infected site.

Bad Breath: Rinse with 1 ounce water and 1 drop oil. Do not swallow!

Bladder Infection: In a shallow bath, add 10 – 15 drops of oil. Sit and wash area carefully.

Blisters: Wash area carefully, then apply as for cuts and wounds.

Boils: Apply a warm washcloth for a few minutes. Then apply a drop or two of oil to the area – the infection should rise to surface and eventually be released.

Bronchial Congestion: Use as directed for Asthma. Add 5 – 10 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil, and massage into chest and throat 2 – 3 times daily.

Bronchitis: Add 1-2 drops to a pan of hot water and breath in the steam, or massage the oil over the chest.

Bruises: After icing, apply oil as directed for Arthritis.

Bunions: Massage area with 5 drops oil to 1 tbsp. of carrier oil.

Burns: Run icy cold water on area. After a few minutes, add a mix of 5 drops oil with 1 tsp. raw honey. Repeat 3 – 5 times daily.

Calluses & Corns: Massage area with 5 drops oil to 1 tbsp. of carrier oil. Repeat 2 times daily. Once the corn or calluses have become soft use tweezers to remove, and apply a few drops of tea tree oil and cover with bandage.

Canker Sores: Apply a drop or two of oil directly to infected area with a cotton swab, 2 times daily. Also, rinse as directed for bad breath.

Carbuncles: Add a drop or two of oil to cotton swab and apply directly to carbuncle. Repeat twice daily.

Chapped Lips: Add 1 or 2 drops of oil to lip balm. Apply to lips as necessary.

Chicken Pox: Apply a drop of oil directly to blisters. Allow to dry, then dust with corn starch. Repeat every few hours or until blisters disappear.

Chigger Bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.

Cold Sores: Apply a drop or two of oil directly to the sore with a cotton swab. Re-apply 2 – 3 times daily.

Coughs: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on 5 – 10 minutes.

Dandruff: Add 20 – 30 drops oil to any shampoo. Apply a few drops to scalp and massage after washing.

Dermatitis: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp of grapeseed or other oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

Dry Skin: Add 5 drops oil to 1 tbsp sweet almond oil. Massage into skin.

Earache and Infection: Add 2 – 3 drops of oil to 2 tbsp warm olive oil. With a dropper, drop a small amount into aching ear, tilting head to one side for a moment. Use cotton swab to absorb oil. Repeat 2 – 3 times daily.

Eczema: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp grapeseed oil or coconut oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Also can be applied undiluted.

Emphysema: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on 5 – 10 minutes.

Flea Bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.

Gout: Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp of carrier oil; massage into affected area 2-3 times a day.

Gum Disease: Create a mouthwash with purified water, 1 drop of peppermint oil and 1 drop of tea tree oil.

Head Lice: Add 20 drops of oil to 2 tbsp shampoo. Massage into scalp and hair, leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat 3 – 4 times daily, until eggs are gone.

Hives: Add 10 drops of oil to 4 tbsp of witch hazel. Apply with cotton ball. Or, mix with coconut oil (which is naturally healing and soothing itself) and gently apply to the infected areas.

Homemade Mouthwash: Make a simple homemade mouthwash with purified water and tea tree oil.

Household Cleaning: Can be used aromatically or added to homemade cleaners to kill germs and prevent the spread of colds and flus. You can make a general tea tree cleaner by combining 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend and use for household cleaning tasks. This is especially good in the bathroom and in toilets.

Immune System: To stimulate the immune system, diffuse through the air on a regular basis, massage into the soles of the feet to increase your immune response.

Infected Wounds: Adding the oil to steaming water, hold the infected area over the steam. Or dilute 1 drop of tea tree with 1 cup of water and rinse the infected area 1-2 times a day, as needed.

Inflammation: Massage over the inflamed areas, gently and always toward the heart, or diffuse and inhale the tea tree oil directly or indirectly.

Ingrown Hairs: Add 1 – 2 drops of oil directly to area. Repeat every 2 hours or until signs of infection disappear.

Insect Repellant: Add 15 drops to a quart of water and use as an effective insect repellent.

Jock Itch: Apply 10 – 15 drops of oil to 2 tbsp of carrier oil. Apply 2 times daily. Dust with corn starch, to reduce chapping.

Laryngitis: Add 5 – 10 drops of oil and pinch of sea salt to 1 cup of warm water, gargle 2-3 times a day. Do not swallow!

Laundry Helper: Add 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil to your laundry for towels and other fabric prone to getting moldy.

Mildew and Mold Remover: Spray an all-purpose cleaner made with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and 2 cups of water on growing mold and mildew. Shake well before using and do not rinse.

Mosquito Bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.

Muscle Aches and Pains: Add 10-15 drops of oil to half cup Epsom salts, and dissolve in bath. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp of carrier oil. Massage well.

Mumps: Massage over the body and into the feet, and diffuse through the home.

Nail Fungus: Add 1 – 2 drops of oil directly to nail and the surrounding tissue. Allow to dry completely on hands before touching anything. Repeat morning and night for a week.

Pest Control: Household ants and other pests dislike Tea Tree Oil, so a few drops put at the point of entry will deter them. Wipe cupboards out with an oil and water solution to keep ants away.

Plantar Warts: Apply oil undiluted to affected area 2-3 times daily.

Psoriasis: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Also can be applied undiluted.

Rashes: Mix with coconut oil and massage over the affected areas.

Rheumatism: To help reduce pain associated with rheumatism, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil. Massage into affected are 2-3 times a day.

Ringworm: Apply a drop or two of oil undiluted, repeat 2 times daily. Can also mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 drop of lavender oil for added benefit.

Rubella: Dilute as needed and massage into the affected areas.

Scabies: Apply 1 – 2 drops of oil directly to area in the morning and at night.

Sciatica: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Also can be applied undiluted.

Seborrhea: For skin: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tbsp of carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times daily. For scalp: Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp shampoo. Massage into scalp and hair, leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat 3 – 4 times daily. Bath: Add 10-15 drops of oil to bath.

Shingles: Add 10-15 drops of oil to half cup Epsom salts, and dissolve in bath. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tbsp of grapeseed oil or coconut oil and massage well.

Shock: Massage tea tree oil into the soles of the feet as needed.

Sinusitis: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on 5 – 10 minutes. Also add 2 drops to a neti pot.

Sore muscles: Fill your bathtub with warm water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water to relax tight muscles.

Sore Throat: Add 2 drops of oil to 1 cup of warm water with pinch of sea salt, gargle 2-3 times a day. Do not swallow!

Staph Infection: Best used topically, rubbed into the soles of the feet to increase the immune response and fight infection.

Stye: Add 5 drops oil to a pan of steaming water. Drape towel overhead and steam 5 minutes. Apply warm compresses directly to stye.

Sunburn: Mix 1 TB coconut oil with 1 drop of tea tree and 1 drop of lavender and gently apply to to sunburned areas.

Tattoos: Apply after tattoos to avoid infection. Use undiluted, diluted with coconut oil or as a spray with purified water.

Thrush: Gargle with sea salt, warm water and 1 drop of tea tree.

Ticks: Apply a drop or two directly to the tick and the surrounding area.

Toenail fungus: Rub the tea tree oil directly onto the affected toenail and underneath the tip of the nail. Apply 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil. Apply the oil once a day, preferably at bedtime.

Toothbrush Cleaner: Apply oil directly to toothbrush 1-2 times a week to kill bacteria.

Tonsillitis: Inhale from steaming water with tea tree, gargle, and massage into neck and soles of feet.

Vaginal Infection: Add several drops to the bath water.

Viral Infections: Diffuse tea tree oil throughout the home or inhale from steaming water.

Warts: Apply undiluted directly to wart. Use morning and night, until wart begins to disappear. Dilute if necessary for sensitive skin.

Wounds: Soak wounded area in water with tea tree oil, or spritz from a bottle of water with several drops of oil. Depending on the wound and your own sensitivity you may be able to apply directly.

A NOTE ABOUT CARRIER OILS

In order to effectively use essential oils – not just tea tree oil – it is often necessary to dilute the essential oil in another oil so that it can be easily spread or massaged on the affected area. These oils are called “carrier” oils. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil and others.

Fractionated coconut oil [remains liquid] and grapeseed oil are favorites because they are odorless and in the case of fractionated coconut oil, immune to rancidity. In practical use, any oil can be used if you do not have one of these more therapeutic oils on hand.

The properties of the various carrier oils is beyond the scope of this article but my favorite? Easy. Fractionated coconut oil. Is is relatively inexpensive, odorless and has a long shelf life making it perfect for the survival kit.

THE FINAL WORD

My first experience with tea tree oil occurred in the ’80s when I was faced with a nail fungus that would not go away. The pharmaceutical solutions at the time (and for all I know, even now) were harsh and required frequent monitoring of liver enzymes. For a simple, non-life threatening nail fungus, I chose to pass. After using a topical application of tea tree oil for three months, the fungus was all but gone.

I then became interested in aromatherapy (which uses essential oils). I read every book I could get my hands on and dabbled at creating synergies (a combination of two or more oils that create a chemical compound that is greater than the sum of its individual components). My bible then, and even now, is The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

Since then I have used essential oils off and on for a variety of woes and have never been disappointed. My recommendation is that you pick up a few essential oils – and especially some tea tree oil – and start to use them now to supplement any other remedies that you are using to keep your family and your home in tip top shape.

from: http://www.activistpost.com/2013/05/the-miracle-of-tea-tree-oil-80-amazing.html#!biir47

On Lavender Oil

Posted on August 27, 2013 by marcia

The Miracle of Lavender Oil: 25 Amazing Uses for Survival

Lavender in my front yard

26th August 2013

By Gaye Levy

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

When it comes to essential oils, you will find that everyone has their favorites. There are so many to choose from that deciding which ones to use on a regular basis can be rather daunting. The ultimate selection is further complicated by the fact that many different essential oils have the very same qualities when it comes to healing and other uses.

For me, the deciding factor has been multifold. Therapeutic benefit, healing ability, fragrance and cost have played a role in determining what to include in my own collection of essential oils. You already know about two of my favorites, tea tree oil (melaleuca) and clove oil. Today I would like to introduce you to a third favorite, namely lavender oil.

Lavender was the very first essential oil I purchased when I first became familiar with essential oils in the late 1980s. As someone who is always getting cuts and scrapes as well as burns from careless cooking techniques, lavender used topically has always been my first aid treatment of choice. As a natural antibiotic, and antiseptic, it has promoted healing and I truly believe that it has prevented scaring. It also seemed to calm the frequent migraine headaches that thankfully, I have now outgrown.

What is Lavender?

So what is lavender? First and foremost, it is a lovely green plant with fragrant purple flowers. It is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. The oil in lavender’s small, blue violet flowers gives the herb its fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 – 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

It’s name comes from the Latin lavare, which means “to wash”. It is believed that lit was first used as a bath additive to help purify the body and spirit in ancient Persia, Greece, and Rome.

Historically, lavender has been used as an antiseptic and as a remedy for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headache, upset stomach, and hair loss. It is a key component in aromatherapy, where the scent is used for both healing and relaxation purposes.

How is it used?

From a prepper’s point of view, lavender has three primary uses, as an antiseptic, a topical anesthetic, and as a sedative.

Antiseptic. Used alone or in combination with carrier oils, lotions or creams, lavender is used on the skin to treat abrasions, cuts, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions. Lavender helps promote healing and is one of the few essential oils that can can be safely applied to the skin in it undiluted form.

Topical anesthetic. As a topical anesthetic and pain reliever, lavender oil can dramatically reduce the sensation of pain from burns and insect bites.

Sedative. Lavender promotes a sense of calm and relaxation and can assist in combating sleeplessness and insomnia.

Beyond these broad uses, there are also many practical applications of lavender essential oil. Each of the 25 uses below will foster self-sufficiency not only now, but in a survival situation. They are presented in no particular order.

25 Uses of Lavender Oil for Survival

1. First Aid. Use on burns and scalds to avoid the formation of blisters and decrease the pain. Also use on minor scrapes to prevent scarring.

2. Stress and anxiety. Soothe anxiety and stress with the calming effects of lavender oil.

3. Sleep aid. Get some sleep by rubbing some lavender on the bottoms of your feet before going to bed.

4. Menstrual cramps. Relieve menstrual cramps by rubbing lavender oil over the cramping area of your abdomen

5. Headaches. Rub oil on the temples and forehead. Also try a combination of peppermint and lavender oil for even greater relief.

6. Bleeding. A few drops of lavender will help stop bleeding on small cuts and wounds.

7. Chest congestion. Relieve chest congestion the next time you have a cold or the flu by adding4-6 drops of lavender oil to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head, and inhale the vapor slowly and deeply. Just be careful that the water is not too hot or you will burn yourself.

8. Muscle pain, sprains. Add lavender oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or other vegetable oil) and rub on sprains and muscle pains for soothing relief. This is a great thing to do at bedtime.

9. Nocturnal foot and leg cramps. Before bed, rub lavender oil onto the ball of your foot and on to your big toe. If you wake up with a cramp or charley horse, rub additional lavender oil on the affected area until the pain is gone. (I have been doing this for about three weeks now and it is working!)

10. Insect bites. A drop of lavender oil on insect bites helps relieve the itch and help them to heal more quickly.

11. Insect repellent. Add lavender to a carrier oil and rub on to your arms and legs for a great insect repellent.

12. Remove splinters. Apply a few drops of lavender to a splinter. Wait for it to swell and the pesky splinter will be easy to remove.

13. Fatigue. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath water to relieve fatigue.

14. Fevers. Add some drops of lavender oil to a cool washcloth and rub gently on forehead, neck, and trunk are to cool down the body. Alternatively, you can also use lavender in a steam vaporizer to bring the comforting warmth to a chilled body.

15. Exfoliating hand cleaner and scrub. Make your own bath scrubs. Use sugar, olive oil, and lavender to create a wonderful exfoliating scrub for rough skin.

16. Ingredient in DIY cleaning products. Add lavender to Dirt Cheap Soft Soap, your homemade spray cleaner, laundry soap and other DIY cleaning products. (See Prepper Checklist: DIY Cleaning Supplies.)

17. Calming children. Put some oil into a diffuser and place it in a child’s room to help them sleep. Or add oil to a carrier oil and rub on the bottom of their feet anytime you want to calm down your child.

18. Acne. To reduce the swelling and inflammation of acne and to reduce the risk of an infection that could lead to scarring, add 5 drops lavender oil to 1 teaspoon warm water and stir. Dip a clean cotton ball into the mixture, and hold to the head of the pimple. Repeat as often as desired.

19. Sunburn. Treat sunburn by making a soothing skin toner of 2 drops lavender oil with 1/2 cup witch hazel, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon rosewater. Apply after cleansing.

20. Footbath. Footbaths can be a powerful remedy for headaches. The hot water draws blood to your feet, easing the pressure on the blood vessels in your head. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a footbath to provides soothing relief for a headache.

21. Itchy scalp. Mix lavender oil with water and massage into the scalp. You can also add a few drops to your favorite conditioner after shampooing your hair.

22. Moths. To repel moths in the closet, make a little sachet of cotton balls doused in lavender oil. Or if you are lucky enough to grow lavender in your yard, make up a little bundle of dried lavender leaves and flowers to to keep the moths away.

23. Solvent. Lavender oil can be used as an organic solvent that will rapidly help remove grease, glues and paint from various surfaces – and all the while with a much more pleasant odor than other chemical solvents.

24. Air Freshener. Add 5 to 6 drops lavender is a small mason jar. Add some baking soda then punch holes in the lid. Place in smelly areas (near the garbage can and laundry hamper, for example) and shake the jar often.

25. Scented candles. Add lavender oil to your homemade emergency candles for a nice calming scent when you need it most.

THE FINAL WORD

Essential oils have been a part of my life for close to 25 years. I use them neat (topically applied directly to the skin), as a lotion or cream mixed with coconut oil or other carrier, as a scrub in my hand and foot cleaner and as a component to my DIY cleaning products. In addition to lavender, I regularly use peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, clove and varying types of citrus with my current favorite being orange. I also have an abundant supply of both lavender and rosemary in my yard and enjoy their fragrance as I walk up the front stairs to my home.

Shopping for essential oils can be expensive. Without hesitation I recommend that if you only afford one, make it lavender!

from: http://wakeup-world.com/2013/08/26/the-miracle-of-lavender-oil-25-amazing-uses-for-survival/