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

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

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/

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