Essential Oils
Secrets of the Earth. Gifts of the Earth. A couple phrases that pop into my head as I dive into their stories.
Essential oils are being studied by their individual components to help and unveil what their secrets are. Some components are well known like Linalol and linalol acetate. 2 components that are in lavender and many other oils.
Essential oils, just like medication, may not be safe for everyone. An example is oils that have 1.8 cineole like Eucalyptus Globulus may cause an attack for asthmatics. I suggest you shake your product well, then open and smell the lid before getting in a salt bath for example. How do you respond?
I am by no means a doctor, I am not trying to prescribe. Essential oils are not the cure to any disease, but if they can help aid you in your symptoms I am willing to try them. I like to think, they are natural, our body knows how to process natural.
Essential oils and how they may be able to aid us.
The Firs, Pines and Spruces. My go to when cold and flu season comes around. One thing all firs are great at, aiding us with a cold, flu or any respiratory infection. (Asthmatics caution: can bring on an attack)
Balsam Fir: Antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. S-3-Carene has to be mucolytic in studies. Also has properties to help rheumatic conditions.
Black Spruce: A powerhouse for cold or flu symptoms. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antinociceptive (nerve pain)
Douglas Pine: An uplifting oil for days you are down. Antibacterial, analgesic, antinociceptive and antifungal.
Engelmann Spruce*: Shown in studies to be helpful with strep throat, pneumonia or sinusitis. Antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
Hemlock: Not much research has been done on hemlock. However, it has some chemical components that have been studied. Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Also sedative and calming properties.
Norway (Red) Pine: Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Useful for angry sinusitis, and/or spastic coughing.
Pinon Pine: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive. An antimicrobial you use in your diffuser during cold and flu season.
Ponderosa Pine: A great oil when dealing with strep throat, pneumonia or sinusitis. Helps to ease congestion and spasmodic coughing.
Scotch Pine: Another great for the diffuser with uplifting qualities and Airborne antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Siberian Fir: (My personal favorite) Antioxidant, mucolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and pain reliever. Cold, flu and congestion, coughing and rheumatic pain; Siberian can help.
Sitka Spruce: Analgesic, antibacterial, antitussive and mucolytic. A pain reducer and useful for respiratory inflammation and congestion.
Utah Juniper*: Antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, analgesic, antitussive and mucolytic. Another top choice for respiratory problems and pain.
White Fir: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and pain relieving. Useful for coughs and congestion.
White Pine: A relaxing oil that has properties that can help symptoms of strep throat, pneumonia or sinusitis. Antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive.
White Spruce*: Great for muscle and joint problems, respiratory support and calming. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitussive and mucolytic.
* Contains Camphor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this oil.
The Citrus' and how they can help
Citrus essential oils smell great and are helpful in many ways. However, keep in mind, most are phototoxic (don’t put on your skin then go out in the sun (or tan)…you will burn depending on dilution.) The amount we add in our bath salts are safe but always be mindful. We are all different.
Bergamot: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial (against Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus strains in studies). Antidepressant and anxiety relieving, antifungal and cooling when used as an antiseptic for skin wounds.
Grapefruit: Analgesic, antibacterial activity against certain strains of bacteria. Antidepressant, antioxidant, antiviral, astringent (good for skin care), diuretic and an immunostimulant.
Lemon: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, Anti-stress (anxiolytic), antimicrobial, antibacterial, astringent and immunostimulant.
Lime: Distilled lime is not phototoxic. Antibacterial, antimicrobial, Antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and an immunostimulant.
Mandarin (green): Antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. Not phototoxic. Can help ease nausea and anxiety.
Orange (sweet): Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial against a few bacteria including E. Coli, antidepressant, antiviral, antispasmodic, antioxidant, diuretic, gastro aid, anxiolytic and a tonic. Non phototoxic.