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Sunday, January 15, 2017

My Essential Oils and Their Uses

The Essential Oils in My Cabinet (and what they might be good for):
            Not a complete list, of course
            (I say “might be” because I am not making any official medical statements here.  Look up everything for yourself.  And nothing here is guaranteed.  I am just sharing what other sources have said these oils are good for.  Since I already had all this info in my computer for my own personal use, I thought, “Why not share it with others!” 
            Also, some of these come already diluted with jojoba oil.  I’ll specify that in parentheses.  
            Google each oil yourself to see all the ways that oil can be used, how others use it, and any safety concerns.  Some should not be used on skin or on certain people/ages or on those with certain conditions such as pregnancy, cancer, those on blood-thinners, etc.  
            There is a lot more information out there than what I list here.  Also, from what I can tell, you might not want to use an oil that is pre-diluted in jojoba oil in your diffuser.  The jojoba might gum it up and ruin it.
            See also "My Basic Safety Rules For Essential Oils" (where I list some of those oils that should not be used for certain ages/conditions) and "Essential Oils Listed According To Uses")




[Some oils are bad for pets, so research each one before you use them around animals.  Remember that dog noses are much more sensitive than human ones, so make sure to use even dog-safe oils sparingly.  Based on online information about diffusing essential oils around dogs (I did not look up using it on their skin), dog-safe oils are marked with DOG-YES, dog-unsafe with DOG-NO, and ones where I’ve seen both “yes" and "no” from different sources are marked with DOG-?.  The unmarked ones I could not find. And apparently, essential oils are more toxic for cats, so research carefully.]

These are just the oils I have, not a review of all oils:

 

Basil (DOG-YES) - inflammation, infections, anti-fungal, antiseptic, bites/stings, reduce fever, expectorant, mood lifter/anxiety/stress, muscle aches/pains/spasms, detoxification, headache, constipation, bug repellant, ear discomfort (only apply on outside of ear) (Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women or people with cancer)

Bay – poor circulation, colds/flu, infectious diseases, hair growth (oily scalp), aches and pains, reduce fever, expectorant, antiseptic, digestive troubles, skin health, perfume, diffuser (mixes well with florals, citruses and spices) (Not for people with cancer or kids under 6.  May irritate sensitive skin, might be phototoxic)

Bergamot (DOG-YES) – aches/pains, healing/skin regeneration, oily skin, eczema, infections, antiviral, scars, antiseptic, deodorant, fevers/infectious diseases, perfume, cold sores, detoxification, bug repellant, stress/anxiety/better sleep (phototoxic, and interacts with some medications so research carefully)

Cedarwood (DOG-YES) – perfume, dry skin/clear complexion, dry cough, congestion/expectorant, aching muscles/joints, detoxification, bug repellant, calming/stress/anxiety/better sleep, hair health (not for pregnant/breastfeeding women) 

Chamomile (in jojoba) (DOG-YES) – Gentle and safe for children, good all-purpose oil, healing skin, dry skin, eczema, sensitive skin, hair growth, inflammation, wounds, burns, bites, bruises, aches/pains, itching, muscle spasms, antifungal, scars, decongestant, gas/bloating, nausea, mood lifter/stress/anxiety, better sleep (Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women)

Cinnamon Cassia  (DOG-NO)– Use in diffuser or for room sprays.  (Not for use on the skin.  Although I was using it before I knew this, and we did not have any reactions except on the top of my feet once.  Use well-diluted.  I use no more than 6 drops of any blend of spices oils per ounce of carrier oil or water.  Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with cancer)

Cinnamon Leaf (DOG-?, one site says ok for dogs)– safest cinnamon oil for skin, but it (along with the other spice oils) is still questionable by some.  Look it up if you are unsure.  I will use it in my “Like Thieves” blend and in the diffuser.  Also good for poor circulation, colds/flu/cough, congestion, bronchitis, pneumonia, aching muscles/joints, fever/infectious diseases, muscle spasms, antiseptic, antiviral, detoxification, bug repellant, immune booster, stress/anxiety, digestion.  (Use well-diluted.  I use no more than 6 drops of any blend of spices oils per ounce of carrier oil or water.  Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women or people with cancer.  May not be good for sensitive skin.)

Clove Bud (DOG-NO)- colds/flu, minor infections, My “Like Thieves” blend, antibacterial, antiviral, tooth infections, warts, bug repellant.  (Use well-diluted.  I use no more than 6 drops of any blend of spices oils per ounce of carrier oil or water.  Not for use with young children.  May irritate sensitive skin.  And avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding or if you have cancer.)

Cypress (DOG-YES) - bruises, poor circulation, aging skin, oily skin, hair growth, dandruff, aching muscles/joints, stimulate immune system, warts, deodorant, antiseptic, muscle spasms, astringent, detoxification, bronchitis, anxiety, try in diffuser with rosemary (or lemon) for colds/respiratory issues, (may irritate sensitive skin)

Eucalyptus (DOG-?) – bites, infections, colds/flu/fever, burns, aches/pains/muscle tension, poor circulation, healing/skin regeneration, headache, infectious diseases, antiviral/antibacterial, chest congestion, bronchitis, sinuses, muscle spasms, astringent, scars, deodorant, cold sores, warts, diffuser, bug repellant, itchy/dry scalp, stress/anxiety (Not for kids under 10.  And not for people with asthma or estrogen-dependent cancers.) 

Frankincense (in jojoba) (DOG-YES) – dry/mature skin, wounds, wrinkles, colds/flu/cough, inflammation, healing/skin regeneration, headache, dry cough, chest congestion, aching muscles/joints, antiseptic, astringent, scars, fevers, immune stimulant, warts and moles, stress/anxiety/better sleep

Geranium - stress/anxiety, skin health, wrinkles, hormonal balance, menopause, hair, antibacterial, antifungal, skin infections, insect repellant, astringent

Ginger (DOG-YES) – cough, colds/flu/fever, infections, poor circulation, aches and pains, diarrhea/gas/bloating, constipation, nausea (dilute well and rub on stomach), antiseptic, infectious skin diseases, strains and sprains, antibacterial, expectorant, mood lifter, diffuser.  (Use well-diluted.  I use no more than 6 drops of any blend of spices oils per ounce of carrier oil or water.  Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women.  May irritate sensitive skin.)

Grapefruit (DOG-?) - hair growth, skin health, colds/flu, detoxification, muscle pain, perfume, diffuse, uplifting, better digestion, bug repellant.  (Citrus oils are phototoxic, do not wear in sun.)

Helichrysum (DOG-YES) – antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammation, may alleviate allergy symptoms/contact dermatitis, cough/cold, wound healing, stomach troubles/indigestion, constipation, muscle joint inflammation, candida, infections, insomnia, acne, anti-aging/cell regeneration, calming, skin health, scars/age spots, mood lifter

Jasmine (in jojoba) – perfume, dry skin, inflammation, stress/anxiety/mood lifter, better sleep (not for pregnant/breastfeeding women)

Lavender (DOG-YES) – one of the best and safest all-purpose oils, inflammation, itching, hair growth, dry skin, colds/flu, infections, healing, aging skin, aches/pains, bruises, burns, perfume, diffuser, nausea, good for gut health, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, warts and moles, detoxification, cardiovascular health, immune booster, stress/anxiety, better sleep, bug repellant (not for people with estrogen-dependent cancers, and if it's used too much, it could possibly cause breast growth in prepubescent boys, according to one source)

Lemon (DOG-?) – great oil for many uses, cleaning, perfume, diffuse, hair growth, colds/flu, boosts immune system, infections, antifungal, antibacterial, circulation, constipation, nausea, warts and moles, invigorating, purifying, mood lifter, detoxification, bug repellant.  (Citrus oils are phototoxic, do not wear in sun.  Sweet Orange is gentler for really young children.)

Lemongrass (DOG-YES) - infections, cold/flu, poor circulation, aches/pains, perfume, skin health/oily skin, fever, infectious diseases, anti-bacterial, deodorant, antiviral, anti-fungal, cold sores, warts, digestive troubles, bug repellant, mood lifter, stress/anxiety (not for use with young children or people with estrogen-dependent cancers, and may irritate sensitive skin)

Lime - poor circulation, fevers, infectious diseases, greasy hair, detoxification, deodorant, respiratory health, energizing, uplifting, purifying, perfume, bug repellant.  (Citrus oils are phototoxic, do not wear in sun.)

Linden Blossom – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant/cancer prevention, promotes digestion, colds/flu, sore throat/cough, promotes sweating/detoxing, immune stimulant, stress relief, headache, insomnia, migraine, hair conditioner, soothes itchy skin

Melissa (aka Lemon Balm) (DOG-YES) - antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, wounds/healing/skin regeneration, eczema, cold sores, warts, insect repellant, mood lifter, colds/flu, coughs, gas/bloating, (May irritate sensitive skin.  And I read somewhere this is not good for young children.  Research for yourself.)

Myrrh (in jojoba) (DOG-YES) - chapped/cracked skin, eczema, wounds, dry/aging skin, colds/cough/sore throat, gum infections, mouth ulcers, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, scars, expectorant, healing/skin regeneration, infections, gas/bloating, supports immunity (Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women)

Neroli (DOG-YES) – aging/dry/sensitive skin, healing/skin regeneration, poor circulation, deodorant, sunburn, dry/damaged hair, gas/bloating, antiviral, mood lifter (makes a nice "perfume oil" if you add a couple drops to spoonful of carrier oil and rub on your arms)

Nutmeg (DOG-NO) – perfume, inflammation, infections (bacterial), colds/flu, poor circulation, muscle aches and pains.  (Use well-diluted.  I use no more than 6 drops of any blend of spices oils per ounce of carrier oil or water.  Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women or people with cancer.)

Orange (DOG-?) - perfume, diffuser, inflammation, colds/flu, decongestant, deodorant, antifungal, antibacterial, muscle spasms, stimulating, uplifting, immune booster, gas/bloating, constipation, nausea, detoxification, bug repellant.  (May not be photo-toxic, as are other citrus oils.  Not sure, though, so look it up.)

Oregano (DOG-NO) – colds/flu, chest congestion/loosens mucus build-up in sinuses and respiratory tracts, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healthy digestion, immune booster, wart and mole removal, skin conditions (dilute well because it’s a strong oil, may irritate sensitive skin, and not for pregnant/breastfeeding women)

Palmarosa (DOG-YES) – perfume, diffuser, aging/dry/sensitive skin, eczema, infections, cold/flu/congestion, aching muscles and joints, deodorant, antibacterial, detoxification

Patchouli (DOG-YES) - healing/skin regeneration, aging/dry skin, eczema, scars, hair growth, decongestant, deodorant, fever reducer, inflammation, infection, antiseptic, bug repellant, mood lifter

Peppermint (DOG-?) – cleaning, aches/pains, inflammation, colds/flu, fever reducer, infectious diseases, chest congestion/decongestant, respiratory health, bites/stings, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, muscle spasms, itching, antiseptic, sinuses, gas/bloating, constipation, nausea, detoxification, diffuser, bug repellant (Not for kids under 6 or for pregnant/breastfeeding women)

Pine (DOG-NO)– diffuser, cleaning, infections, colds/flu, chest congestion, expectorant, poor circulation, stimulates immune system, aches/pains, greasy hair, antiseptic, antibacterial, detoxification, cramps, deodorant, bug repellant (Pinus pinaster is the type that can be used on the skin.  Scotch pine – pinus sylvestris - should not be used on skin.)

Rose (in jojoba) (DOG-YES) – perfume, for face cream and wound cream, healing/skin regeneration, scars, aging/dry/sensitive skin, chest congestion, coughs/colds/flu, muscle spasm, antidepressant, antiseptic, inflammation, infection, aching muscles/joints, antiviral, constipation, detoxification, mood lifter/stress/anxiety, better sleep (Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women.)

Rosemary (DOG-?) – aches/pains, healing/skin regeneration/scars, antifungal/antibacterial/antiviral, poor circulation, hair growth/dandruff, headache, antidepressant, inflammation, infections, colds/flu, cough/congestion, sinuses, bronchitis, digestion, clears mind, mood lifter, bug repellant, aching muscles and joints, constipation/better digestion, detoxification (Not for kids under 10 or for pregnant/breastfeeding women or for people with high blood pressure or epilepsy) 

Sage (not clary sage) (DOG-NO) – skin diseases, antifungal?, antimicrobial, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, digestive troubles, disinfectant, stimulant, cough/cold/congestion, hair health (3-4 drops each sage, rosemary, peppermint in 1 T olive oil), dry scalp (not for pregnant/breastfeeding women) 

Sandalwood (in jojoba) (DOG-YES) – perfume, skin and hair care, healing/skin regeneration, eczema, dry coughs, itchy skin, sleep/relaxation

Spearmint (DOG-?) – chest congestion, colds/flu, fever/infectious diseases, antifungal, muscle spasms, antiseptic, inflammation, scars, gas/bloating, constipation, nausea, bug repellant, uplifting, clears mind (if you mix it with orange essential oil, it will smell like Juicy Fruit gum)

Tea Tree (DOG-NO!) – one of best all-purpose oils, aches/pains, healing/skin regeneration, wounds/infections/rashes, bites/stings, aging/oily skin, eczema, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, purifying, cold sores, dandruff, inflammation, strains/sprains, cold/flu/coughs, scars, immune stimulant, sinuses, bruises, burns, warts and moles, detoxification, bug repellant

Thyme (DOG-NO)– antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, infections, coughs/colds/flu, congestion, bronchitis/pneumonia, expectorant, immune boosting, gas/bloating, scars, hair growth, insect repellant, aching muscles/muscle spasms, detoxification, anti-depressant, mood lifter, perspiration/deodorant, bug repellant, (it's a strong oil, dilute very well, may irritate sensitive skin, and not for pregnant/breastfeeding women or young children)

Vanilla (in jojoba) (DOG-YES) – perfume/deodorant, mood lifter, stress/anxiety.  My all-time favorite smell!  Use it straight from the bottle for a light, sweet "perfume."

Ylang Ylang III (DOG-NO)– perfume, healing/skin regeneration, aging/dry skin, eczema, hair growth, migraine, insomnia, insect bites, infections, aching muscles/joints, anti-depressant, antiseptic, detoxification, stress/anxiety, better sleep (not for young children)




            (I used to have cardamom, but it smells terrible to me.  And I used to have Anise and Fennel.  But after reading that they are not good for people with endometrioses, I decided to use them for cleaning my toilet instead.  I drip in a few drops and swish around the bowl.  It’s better than just tossing them.  I do not necessarily have problems with endometriosis, but they did find a little of it when I had a C-section years ago.  So I decided it was safest to not bother with these at all.)

            At the bare minimum, I recommend that everyone has Tea Tree Oil and Lavender.  And if you can, add Peppermint and Lemon.  These four will make a great selection of natural cleaners and therapeutic oils.

            And just so you know, sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, and rosewood are harvested from trees that are (or may be) endangered.  Use sparingly, if at all.