In ancient times, women (and there are even stories of men) used roots, herbs, and oils to showcase their natural beauty as well as take care of themselves. The Biblical story of Jesus of Nazareth having his feet washed by a teary woman’s hair after she broke an alabaster bottle of oily perfume to pour on them is a widely known story of how essential oils have played a major part in our species past and shows that beauty is more than just skin deep.  Although no amount of oil can make you beautiful on the inside, there are certain kinds that can help you care for that which is on the outside and by essence help with one’s everlasting feelings of self-confidence.  Whereas we have so much access to a plentitude of products that claim to do this now, back then though honestly, who had a drug store to go and buy wrinkle cream and make-up, when you rode on a donkey to get anywhere

Enhancing natural beauty is another proponent of essential oils that were used back in the day, and one that I will recommend specifics here now.  Whether it is to relieve clogged pores, reduce wrinkles, correct hair loss, be your own sunscreen, or even your own fragrant perfume; essential oils can help you look and feel essentially you!

Some fragrant ideas:

1. Clogged pores – apply 2-4 drops Lemon, Tea tree, or Sweet Orange oil to affected area and gently remove with cotton ball.
2. Nail strengthening recipe – mix 10 drops each of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Lemon to 2 tbsp. vitamin E oil. Mix ingredients together and store in a glass bottle.  Rub on nail cuticles twice a week.
3. Wrinkle reducing blend – Mix 5 drops Sandalwood, 4 drops Geranium, 3 drops Lavender and 6 drops of Frankincense and apply to face. Keep away from eyes.
4. Dandruff blend – Mix 5 drops Lemon, 2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Rosemary, and 2 drops Peppermint. Massage into scalp thoroughly for 2 minutes and leave on scalp for 10 minutes.  Then shampoo hair as usual.
5. Stretch marks – mix 5 drops Frankincense, Myrrh, Coriander, or French Lavender with 5 drops of Sweet Almond and massage on stretch marks 2 times a day.
6. Face moisturizer – Mix 1 drop of Elemi, Frankincense, or Lavender with Primrose for an evening moisturizer before bed.
7. Natural facial scrub – Mix ¼ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup cornmeal, and 5 drops each of Patchouli, Grapefruit, and Lavender. Store any unused mixture in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
8. Skin toner – mix 8oz water, 2 drops Lavender, Palmarosa, and Rosewood in a clean bottle. Apply toner to skin with cotton ball after cleansing.  Shake well before use.
9. Hair thickener – place 1-2 drops of Rosemary or Carrot on hair brush before brushing to promote growth and thickness.
10. Perfume – Mix 25 drops of French Lavender, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Geranium, and Lavender to 1 oz of quality vodka. Let sit for 2 weeks before using.  Apply as a spray on neck, wrists, or lower back.
11. Stress soothing massage oil – mix 2 drops each of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, German Chamomile, and Bergamot with 5 tsp. of Apricot Kernal. Stir mixture and massage onto body.
12. Dry hair hot oil conditioner – mix 15 drops Rosewood and 5 drops Sandalwood, Geranium, and Lavender and 4 tbsp. of Avocado oil. Place mixture in small plastic bag and place the bag in a hot cup of water for a few minutes.  Apply, then wrap hair in a towel for 20 minutes.  Wash hair as normal.
13. Hair loss help blend – mix 3 drops each of Rosemary, Cedarwood, and Lavender with 2 oz Jojoba oil in a container and shake well. Massage into hair and scalp for a few minutes.  Leave on hair for an hour and then wash.  Use once per week.
14. Sunscreen – Mix 5 drops each of Myrrh and Carrot with 10 drops of Sweet Almond and apply for 40 SPF.
15. Oily hair repair – mix 9 drops of Ylang Ylang, Lim, and Rosemary with 2 tbsp. of Avocado oil. Mix all ingredients then massage into hair/scalp.  Wash hair as normal.  Use 2-3 times per week.
16. Natural lotion – mix 8 oz unscented lotion with 10 drops Myrrh, 15 drops Geranium, and 5 drops Ylang Ylang. Keep in an airtight container.  Apply as desired.

 

As you can see, there are a number of ways essential oils can bring out your best features without costing you the hundreds if not thousands required of more “traditional” beauty products.  Going back to the ways of the olden days can really help you with modern living.

For supplies and books that go further into this, check out Eupterra’s site and store.

Let me know if you have nifty green ideas!

Essential oils have numerous benefits to one’s health that they can provide.  From increasing circulation to dealing with snores and sores, there are many natural non-invasive alternatives that can aid in taking care of many minor health irritants and nuisances.

Here is a litany of oil ideas and uses, take a look and try!

1. Cold sores and blisters – mix 1 drop of Eden’s Garden Four Thieves with 1 drop of either Apricot Kernal, Avocado, Evening Primrose, Hemp, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond and apply to cold sore or blister 3 times daily or as needed until gone.
2. Nausea – mix 1 drop of Peppermint, Patchouli, Ginger, or Nutmeg with 4 drops of Evening Primrose or Sweet Almond and place drops behind each ear and around navel 2-3 times hourly.
3. Sore feet – mix 10 drops Vetiver, Patchouli, or Peppermint with 1 tbsp. Epson salt and add to a hot water footbath.
4. Inhale the aroma of Peppermint to curb the appetite and lessen impulse to overeat.
5. Cold and flu – rub 1 drop of Eden’s Garden Four Thieves mixed with 1 drop of Evening Primrose, Hemp, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond to the bottom of feet to help enhance the immune system.
6. Yoga mat cleanser – mix 12 drops of Sweet Orange, 6 drops of Tea Tree, and 6 drops Lavender with 4 oz of water in a spray bottle.  Shake and mist over yoga mat. Wipe clean with soft towel.
7. Menstrual cramps – mix 2 drops of Clary Sage, Basil, Rosemary, or Sage with 8 drops of either Apricot Kernal, Evening Primrose, Hemp, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond and apply on lower abdomen.  Apply a warm moist hand towel for 10-15 minutes.
8. Headache – mix 2 drops of Peppermint, Wintergreen, Roman Chamomile, or Spearmint with 2 drops of Evening Primrose, Hemp, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond.  Apply on back of neck, behind ears, on temples, forehead, and under nose.
9. Fir Needle clears the lungs, nasal passages, and sinuses.  Mix 3 drops of it with 3 drops of Apriocot Kernal, Hemp, Jojoba, or Sweet Almond and massage onto chest.
10. Neck pain massage – mix 1 drop of Birch, Basil, Elemi, or Copaiba with 3 drops of Avocado, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond and rub onto neck.
11. Circulation bath – Use 8-10 drops of Neroli in bath water regularly.  Try mixing with Epson salt as well.
12. Apply Lavender or Tea Tree directly to cuts, scrapes, or scratches.  You can also put 20 drops in a 4 oz spray bottle with water and spray directly on wound.
13. 6-8 drops of Eucalyptus in the bath cools the body in summer and protects in winter.
14. Teeth grinding – massage 1-3 drops of Lavender and Valerian on bottom of feet each night before bed.
15. Too much booze? Juniper Berry, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Rosemary, and Lemon help soften the effects of a hangover.  Create your own blend of these and use 6-8 drops in a warm bath.
16. Snoring – mix 3 drops of Thyme with 3 drops of Apricot Kernal, Avocado, Evening Primrose, Hemp, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond and apply to the soles of your feet at bedtime.
17. Workout – try inhaling Peppermint before a workout to help boost mood and reduce fatigue.
18. Colds – add 2-4 drops of Lavender, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus to 1 cup of milk or cream.  Pour into warm bath and soak.
19. Fever reduction – sponge the body with cool water with 1-3 drops of each: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lavender.
20. Aching joints/tired muscles – mix 1 drop Eucalyptus, Sage, and Basil with 12 drops of Evening Primrose, Hemp, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond and apply to muscles and joints.
21. Better sleep – place cotton ball with 1-2 drops of Roman Chamomile and Lavender next to pillow.
22. Arthritis or stiff joints – mix 2 drops Wintergreen, Cypress, and Lemongrass with 2 tbsp. Apricot Kernal, Hemp, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, or Sweet Almond.  Massage into area as needed.

So, the next time you feel like reaching for medication at the drug store, think about these.  Although essential oil efficacy may not be as quick or as potent as an over-the-counter or prescription drug, it is less impactful to one’s chemical balance (and financial balance!).  I would never recommend them as a substitute for serious conditions, but they are quite useful for minor ones.  For those who are tired of taking pills, have bad reactions/little to no result to medication, or pregnant mothers who are expecting, I hope this conglomeration of knowledge I have gathered over the years can help.

My thoughts, what are your experiences with natural healing practices or therapeutic oils?

Looking for these oils, visit Eupterra’s Store!

As humans, we can feel like creatures of sight more than anything.  However, for all our other senses; although our sense of smell is probably the most “unimpressive” (especially compared to a plethora of other creatures), it can be surprising how important it becomes to us.  Recently, studies into the human brain and memory have shown that smell is correlated to a lot of what we remember.

To help with studying, work, or just make your place feel a little more fresh and homier, here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Add 10-20 drops of Lavender or your favorite essential oil to 16 oz of water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener.
2. To remove cigarette smoke aromas, put 4 drops of Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus in a spray bottle with water.  Shake well before use!
3. Paint smell – mix a 10 ml bottle of Peppermint into a gallon can of paint to help dispel the fumes.
4. One way of using essential oils is by burning them in an oil burner.  Mix 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil and water in a burner bowl.  Then place the tea light candle in the specified area and light.  For creating a calm and peaceful environment, try using Grapefruit or Lavender.
5. Adding aroma to a candle is a nice touch.  Place a few drops of your favorite oil into the hot wax of a candle burning.  For insect repellant, try Citronella or Lemon Eucalyptus.
6. Smelly shoes? Place a few drops of Geranium directly into shoes or place a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of Lemon or Eden’s Garden Four Thieves into shoes to freshen them up.
7. Send your holiday letter scented with Cassia, Cinnamon Leaf, or Fir Needle.  Place a couple drops of oil on paper and put letters in a plastic bag.  Seal and leave overnight to infuse the aroma.  Try on bookmarks and other stationary, too. (Caution: can leave residue on paper, sample first!)
8. Pine, Frankincense, Sage, and Myrrh all make wonderful firewood oils.  Put 8-10 drops of essential oil on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log on the fire.
9. For wonderful smelling towels, sheets, and clothes, place 10-15 drops of essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the dryer while drying.   (For mites on laundry, Eucalyptus combats them excellently).

 

Essential oils promote alertness and stimulate memory, so adding certain aromas to your home, office, or car can help with remembering things and concentration.  Who know, you may find they leave a wafting impact on your life!

For more on oils mentioned, visit Eupterra Foundation’s page.

For buy good quality oils, visit Eupterra’s Store!

There are many ways you can use essential oils in your home to eliminate odors and illuminate your personal abode.

Here are some ideas that can add a natural element to your freshening and cleaning:

1. Put 5 drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place in your vacuum cleaner bag.  Try Peppermint, Spearmint, Cassia, or Pine.  Geranium can help with doggy odors.
2. To dispel of household cooking odors, add a few drops of Clove, Cinnamon, or any citrus essential oil to a simmering pot of water.
3. Kitchen sink scrub – mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/8 cup vinegar, and 5 drops of Bergamot and Lime.  Put the mixture in the sink and scrub.  Wash down with warm water.
4. Place 1-3 drops of Edens Garden Four Thieves, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, or Lime essential oil on a cotton ball at the bottom of a trash can or diaper pail to eliminate odors and kill germs.
5. To clean and increase shelf life of fresh fruit, fill a bowl with cool water and 2-6 drops of Lemon.  Drop washed fruit into the water and stir.
6. Use 1-2 drops of Lemon to remove gum, oil, glue, adhesive or crayon from most surfaces.
7. For carpet deodorizer – add 5-10 drops of Lemon, Lavender, Geranium, Peppermint, or Ylang Ylang to a box of baking soda.  Mix well and sprinkle over carpets.  Let sit for a day and then vacuum it up.
8. Soak dishcloth overnight in a bowl of water with a few drops of Lemon to disinfect and kill germs.
9. Bathroom refresher – place a few drops of Key Lime, Lemon, or citrus essential oil on a cotton ball and place behind toilet.
10. When washing out the fridge, freezer, or oven; add Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot, or Lemongrass to the final rinse water.
11. For general purpose cleaning – mix 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and 10 drops of a blend of Lavender, Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Tea Tree in a spray bottle.  Great for mirrors, granite, and general surfaces, but shake well before using.
12. To help keep squirrels, spiders, or mice away; place 3-6 drops of Peppermint on a cotton ball at the place they enter.
13. To help keep flies away; mix 25 drops of Peppermint with 16 oz water in a large spray bottle.  Use on counter tops, windows, and doors.  Shake well before use.

Hope this helps!  Let me know what you think or if you have more ideas.

To see recommended oils, check out the main article here.

You can also visit Eupterra’s Store to browse for more essential oils to use!

Many people may umbrella many aromatic things under the “essential oil” category.

Essential oils, however, are highly concentrated aromatic essences of plants from around the world.  These oils are extracted directly from roots, wood, flowers, fruit, and/or leaves.  For therapeutic purposes, it is always recommended that you use 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.

There are many creative and wonderful ways to use essential oils.  In one’s life, here are some areas I can think that they can come greatly useful:

Home

Health

Beauty

Kids

Emotions

Spiritual

Travel

Or just as an aroma or gift!

In this series, I will go into each one of these areas and point out specific natural oils that could be used to add or improve that area of life.  Consider these to be pointers, as each person needs/feels their own way about different oils.