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Learning about Essential Oils

Posted in Homemaking

Essential Oils

One of the new things that I’m learning about this year is how to use essential oils.  My goal was to be able to start using some natural remedies for some of the problems that plague us.  It’s been interesting learning about the different oils and their properties.  In time, I’m sure my collection of oils will grow.

This past week, unfortunately, I’ve been putting some of the newly learned information into practice as Munchkin is feeling under the weather again.  Her allergies are acting up which means she has a sore throat and congestion.  We’ve been using the oils directly on her as well as in her humidifier.

I’m looking for a good essential oil diffuser to use in her room.  Let me know if you have any suggestions.

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday

20 Comments

  1. jen
    jen

    I got into aromatherapy for a while years ago
    thinking about it
    its probably cheaper than going to the doctor for me
    might have to think about this again myself

    PS love the smells too
    jen recently posted..Lyrical Sunday- Week 3 – FlowersMy Profile

    January 12, 2011
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    • Are the essential oils expensive there or are they okay in price?

      January 12, 2011
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      • jen
        jen

        just had a look on line and I definitely might have to get into this again
        for me the doctor is expensive
        I might be able to save myself some $$ by getting into this again

        it depends where you get the oils
        and good they are
        jen recently posted..My Walk Last Night – First walk with the clubMy Profile

        January 13, 2011
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  2. This is my new project for this year as well!

    I am making my own… starting with Vanilla, Lemon and Peppermint!
    Then Lavender.

    Also going to make my own Vinegars. 🙂

    January 12, 2011
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    • Tracy, I’d love to hear how you are making your own essential oils!

      I have my first batch of homemade vanilla extract going right now. My hubby laughs because I’m so excited about making my own. 😉

      January 12, 2011
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  3. Hi Heather,
    I read your previous post on this. My daughter has had exactly the same thing you have described that your daughter has. We tried everything we know under the sun, sugar, wheat free diet…essential oils, herb combination, natural sugars and ect….including testing her to know what she is allergic to, which she is allergic to way too many things, but the worse of all is the mold and dust.
    One thing we have discovered this past year which was the only thing we had not considered, and it seems to be working well for us. Keeping an eye on the hidden mold in all areas of our home. I don’t know where you live, but here in Indiana, mold grows just about everywhere.
    Pouring bleach down the drains has helped to keep that controlled. Our bathtub has some spots that mold grows in it, shower curtain as well. Central air filter and etc.
    Not saying they both have the same allergies, but htought I would share some others thing out there for you to consider that maybe you haven’t thought of it or maybe you did.
    I wish you many blessing as you try to find a solution for your DD. I know too well how frustrating this is.
    Katia

    January 12, 2011
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    • Thanks for the suggestion, Katia. We’re in the desert of Az right now, so mold isn’t really an issue. At the moment, we’re dealing with lots of “stuff” in the air as it’s planting season here. Between everything that is being stirred up and the chemicals in the air from spraying the fields, most people with allergies are a mess.

      I’m considering dropping dairy for a month to see if that makes a difference, but I’m receiving a bit of flack from my hubby and daughter on that one. lol! I won’t do it unless they’re on board as it would be a nightmare. 😉

      January 12, 2011
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  4. Hi,
    I am an aromatherapist and I use diffusers from Young Living. They work wonderfully and I have gotten my dog’s congestion under control by diffusing their R.C and Thieves blend where she sleeps. I’m sure you can found other diffuser at other places. I learned that cold air diffusing is the best since it doesn’t destroy the therapeutic properties..

    I wrote a post on my aromatherapy blog about diffusing the oils correctly:
    http://allyouneedtoknowaboutaromatherapy.blogspot.com/2010/10/diffuse-essential-oils-correctly.html

    I hope this helps some.
    Jo at Jo’s Health Corner recently posted..Using Essential Oils for Pain – Painful and Swollen ElbowMy Profile

    January 12, 2011
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    • Thank you. I’ll stop by a little later when I have more time to look around. Being so new to the world of essential oils, I’m always happy to have more information.

      January 12, 2011
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  5. I recently bought this book! I want to learn more about using essential oils as well. I have been buying oils at my local health food store and now have almost all of the Basic kit of oils. We also found a room diffuser at the health food store. It is made by AuraCacia and called Aromatherapy Room Diffuser. It was $10.00, but works very well. It comes with 5 little scent pads that are reusable and a couple of ‘recipes’ on the box for EO mixtures to scent the pads with. It just plugs in. Here is a link to the AuraCacia page with a photo of it. http://www.auracacia.com/dspCmnPrd.php?ct=anpcdavd&cn=Aromatherapy+Room+Diffuser I am sure you could find it cheaper online or at your health food store.

    January 12, 2011
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    • Thank you. We don’t have a local health food store, but we’re going to be heading to “the big city” (I feel so Little House on the Prairie saying it like that) either this weekend or the next, so I’ll be looking for the different suggestions then.

      January 12, 2011
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  6. I have several Scentballs that I use around the house. I use them more to scent the house (I love lavender)but sometimes use them in the kids’ rooms when they have a cold. They are pretty inexpensive.

    January 12, 2011
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    • I’ve never heard of scentballs. I’ll have to look into them. Thanks!

      January 12, 2011
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  7. Lynda
    Lynda

    You’ll have to keep us posted as to what scents work on what problems. Very interesting!

    January 12, 2011
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    • Right now, I’m using a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils. It definitely helps her breath better.

      January 18, 2011
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  8. I’ve been using essential oils for years. I just started my own essential oils blog because I really think the benefits are unlimited! There’s a lot of good info out there but my favorite book on the subject is, “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.” I refer to it several times a week. As for difusers. I bought one a while back from Mountain Rose Herbs. They’re on the web. I’ve bought a lot of oils from them too. Good luck and feel free to hit me up for any info. I’m not an expert by any means, but I love my oils!!

    January 13, 2011
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  9. I’m looking into essential oils, too…for my migraines. I just saw on another blog a deal to get Young Living oils for a really great price. $40 for their $150 worth oils, etc. I bought a small diffuser at Bath & Body Works and they said it will be good for use in my bedroom 🙂 I am hoping to find the right combination to keep the migraines away.
    A Homemaker’s Heart recently posted..Scrap n Share – Week 2My Profile

    January 15, 2011
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    • There are oils that work great for headaches and migraines. My favorite combination is 10 drops lavender, 5 drops peppermint, and 8 drops rosemary. Add these oils to 2 oz carrier oil such as almond oil. If you have someone who can massage this combo in for you have them start at the base of the neck working upwards toward the scalp. Have them use their fingers to add as much pressure that feels comfortable. Finish up with a gentle massage along the temples and up through the forehead. Add a sinus massage for a sinus headache. Hope this helps. I’ve never bought oils from Young Living but they are a reputable company. I love Mountain Rose herbs. Check them both out and see who has a better price on what you need.

      January 15, 2011
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  10. To diffuse essential oils, my low-tech favorite way is to mix them with some water in a spray bottle. I buy the commercial spray bottles at Sam’s Club and use those to not only make my own “air freshener” but also to use with vinegar for general household disinfecting purposes (I add essential oils to the vinegar).

    I also have one of these, which I can plug into a wall socket: http://www.iherb.com/Earth-Solutions-Scent-Ball-With-Lavender-Oil-1-Room-Diffuser/14818?at=0

    I have been using about 10 drops peppermint oil and just a drop or 2 of eucalyptus oil to clear our sinuses right now.
    Michelle Smith recently posted..Dollar Dinners Files- Taco Rice with Sunbutter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie BarsMy Profile

    January 18, 2011
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  11. I’ve been using essential oils for a number of years. My favorite place to buy them is Naturesgift.com They sell only medicinal grade oils, they are super knowledgeable and friendly. Our favorites are Eucalyptus Smithii, Bulgarian Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Peppermint….and I like their Rosemary for my shampoo and to taking hot soaks using Vetiver too. I also have the book shown in your picture. I don’t have recommendations for diffusers, but, I do know they sell them at Natures Gift. I have used a drop or two on a COLD light bulb — flip the switch and as the bulb heats up the oils diffuse and our humidifier has a little cup to put ‘Vicks’ in it — I use the eucalyptus and lavender instead.

    January 18, 2011
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