Essential Oils; A Few of My Favorites

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Therapeutic Lavender oil is an adaptogen and can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy. Therapeutic-grade lavender oil is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The French scientist René Gattefossé was among the first to discover these properties when he was severely burned in a laboratory explosion. Lavender oil may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods.

Tips for uses of Lavender essential oil (LEO)

Rub LEO on the feet for a calming effect on the body.
Rub a drop of LEO on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep.
Put a drop of LEO on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling.
Put 2-3 drops of LEO on a minor burn to decrease pain.
Drop LEO on a cut to stop the bleeding.
Mix several drops of LEO with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil and use topically on eczema and dermatitis.
To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of LEO on the end of the tongue or around the naval or behind the ears.
To stop a nosebleed, put a drop of LEO on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice. Push the tissue covered ice chip up under the middle of the top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until the bleeding stops (do not freeze the lip or gum).
Rub a drop of LEO over the bridge of the nose to unblock tear ducts.
Rub LEO on dry or chapped skin.
Rub a drop of LEO on chapped or sunburned lips.
To reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage LEO on and around the affected area.
Rub 2 – 4 drops of LEO over the armpit area to act as a deodorant.
Rub a drop of LEO between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
Rub several drops of LEO into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
Place a few drops of LEO on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.
Place a drop of LEO in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings.
Place a few drops of LEO on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.
Put a drop of LEO on a cold sore.
Diffuse LEO to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
Spray several drops of LEO mixed with distilled water on a sun-burn to decrease pain.
Drop LEO on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
Apply 2-3 drops of LEO to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin.
Inhale LEO to soothe and relax the body and mind.
Make an herbal tea by mixing 2 drops of LEO with 1 teaspoon of blue agave syrup and adding to warm water.
Add 4–5 drops of LEO to a bath gel base and use in warm bath for relaxation.
Massage several drops of LEO on feet to promote relaxation.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil has a strong, purifying, citrus scent that is revitalizing and uplifting. Therapeutic Citrus lemon oil is cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons. Lemon consists of 68 percent dlimonene, a powerful antioxidant. It is delightfully refreshing in water and may be beneficial for the skin. Lemon oil may be used to enhance the flavor of foods. Jean Valnet MD estimated that it takes about 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of oil. In his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system.*

Tips for uses of Lemon essential oil (LEO)

Use 6 drops of LEO and 6 drops of Purification oil in a squirt bottle mixed with distilled water to use in the bathroom as an air freshener.
Use 1-2 drops of LEO to remove gum, oil, grease spots or crayon.
Use 1 drop of LEO to add flavor to baked goods or beverages.
For homemade lemonade, in a blender mix 2 drops of LEO, 2 tablespoons of honey or agave and two cups of pure water. Adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your own taste.
Rub a drop of LEO on a corn, callous or bunion mornings and evenings.
To clean and increase the shelf life of fresh fruit, fill a bowl with cool water and 2-3 drops of LEO. Drop your cleaned fruit into the water and stir. Be sure all surfaces of the fruit contact the lemon water.
Add 2-3 drops of LEO to water and spray counter tops to sterilize them.
Soak your dishcloth overnight in a bowl of water and a drop of LEO to disinfect and kill germs.
Add a drop of LEO to your dishwasher before the wash cycle.
Rub a drop of LEO on your hands after using a public bathroom.
Use a paper towel soaked with several drops of LEO to sanitize bathroom fixtures.
Place a drop of LEO on cold sores, herpes or other mouth ulcers to lessen pain and aid in healing.
Put a drop of LEO on bleeding gums caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction.
Put a drop of LEO on oily skin or acne to balance sebaceous glands (oil glands).
Rub several drops of LEO on cellulite to improve circulation and help eliminate waste from the cells.
Rub two drops of LEO topically to clear athlete’s foot.
Rub several drops of LEO on varicose veins to improve circulation and relieve pressure on the veins.
Rub a drop of LEO on a wart morning and night until it disappears.
Rub a drop of LEO to clean a counters and other cutting surfaces.
Put 10-15 drops of LEO in each gallon of carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains and brighten the rug. This also leaves a fresh smell in the room.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil has a strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. Mentha piperita is one of the oldest and most regarded herbs for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency.* Essential peppermint oil may also be used to enhance the flavor of food and water. Jean Valnet MD studied peppermint’s supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in improving taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. Alan Hirsch MD studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals. This powerful therapeutic essential oil of peppermint is often diluted before topical application.

Tips for uses of Peppermint essential oil (PEO)

Rub 4-6 drops of PEO in the palm and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea.
Add a drop of PEO to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.
Massage several drops of PEO on the area of injury to reduce inflammation.
Apply PEO immediately to an injured area (bruised shin, hit on the foot or hand) to relieve pain. If there is a cut, apply the PEO around (not on) the open wound.
Rub several drops of PEO on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.
Apply a drop of PEO topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.
For poison ivy or poison oak, apply PEO on location neat or dilute with V-6 Mixing Oil.
Inhale PEO before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.
Massage several drops of PEO on the abdomen to relieve nausea.
To relieve a headache, rub a drop of PEO on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck. To stop hiccups, apply a drop of PEO on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck).
Place two drops of PEO on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration.
Inhale PEO, when taking a test, to improve recall.
Rub 4 drops of PEO on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.
Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.
Add PEO to food as a flavoring and a preservative.
To kill aphids, add 4-5 drops of PEO to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.
Rub PEO on joints to relieve arthritis or tendonitis pain.
Place a drop of PEO on the tongue to stop bad breath.
Inhale the fragrance of PEO to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.
Remove ticks by applying a drop of PEO on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick. Wait for it to release its head and remove it from your pet.
Mix PEO in a footbath to relieve sore feet. Keep water agitated while soaking feet.
Mix 1 drop PEO per 1 oz of water to spray and clean windows, mirrors, and eyeglasses.

Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oil has a strong, spicy aroma and can refresh the mind. Basil pure essential oil soothes the body, and helps restore mental alertness during times of fatigue. When applied topically, basil oil can relax tired, aching muscles.

Therapeutic Basil oil may also sharpen your sense of smell when inhaled and is a wonderful addition to favorite recipes that call for this herb.

How to use:

Apply to tip of nose, on temples and on location of stings and bites.

For mental fatigue, inhale first, and then apply to crown of head, forehead, heart and navel.

Pure organic Basil oil may be added to food or homemade nut or seed milk as a dietary supplement.

Dilution recommended for both topical and internal use. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very young children.

Eucalyptus Essential Oils

Eucalyptus essential oil is produced from Globulus, Polybractea, Dives, and Radiata by Young Living in the highest-quality of pure organic therapeutic grade essential oils.

EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS has a fresh, penetrating scent. It contains a high percentage of the constituent eucalyptol, a key ingredient in many mouth rinses. Applied topically, it is often used to support the respiratory system* and to soothe muscles after exercise.

How to use:

For dietary or topical use. When using as a supplement, dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid such as raw seed or nut milk. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not use near fire, flame, heat or sparks. Dilution recommended for both topical and internal uses. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children.

EUCALYPTUS DIVES has a fresh, invigorating aroma. This species is high in phellandrene and low in eucalyptol. It is excellent for use in topical application, as it may be less irritating to the skin than other eucalyptus varieties. Avoid prolonged, direct inhalation.

How to use:

For aromatic use. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid prolonged inhalation.

EUCALYPTUS POLYBRACTEA is one of the strongest eucalyptus oils. This variety is high in eucalyptol (up to 95 percent) and is well suited for topical application or diffusing.

How to use:

For aromatic use. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid direct inhalation.

EUCALYPTUS RADIATA is cooling, refreshing, and energizing. Lighter in smell than Eucalyptus globulus, it has many of the same supportive properties. Because it is relatively gentle and nonirritating, it is the preferred choice for children. This variety is one of the most versatile of the eucalyptus pure essential oils and is suitable for topical use, diffusing, and even direct inhalation. It has long been an ingredient in some of Young Living’s most popular blends.

How to use:

For aromatic use. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.