Home remedies are becoming more popular with people who are wanting natural ways to heal themselves from a variety of ailments. Below are seven essential oils with known medicinal properties that treat everything from headaches to indigestion to yeast infections and can provide an alternative to over-the-counter medications.
1. Tea Tree Oil
This is used in soaps, salves and shampoos for its abilty to cure the skin of a number of complaints and promote wound healing. It can be applied directly on the skin with no harmful side effects. It is also an effective natural cure for vaginal yeast infections. To use, add several drops of the oil to organic plain yogurt and insert the mixture with a cotton tampon. This will treat the infection after several applications.
2. Cinnamon Oil
The medicinal properties of cinnamon come from the aromatic oil in its bark. It is useful for travelers, as it can help protect against diarrhea and against food-born pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. While in a foreign country, take a drop of the oil mixed into a cup of water several times a day to keep the digestive tract safe.
3. Peppermint Oil
Many people are familiar with the beneficial effect that peppermint can have on the digestion (which is why so many over-the-counter stomach medications also contain it). For a natural remedy for constipation or indigestion, add a few drops to a cup of water and drink. This oil can also be used to relieve headaches by applying it to the temples or the back of the head.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
This is a popular ingredient in many commerically available cold medications. It does, in fact, have a well-earned reputation for being able to calm irritation in the respiratory tract and ease symptoms like coughing, excess phlegm and sinus congestion. Rub a few drops of oil into the feet; it will travel to the respiratory tract in less than a minute.
5. Helichrysum (Immortelle)
This powerful medicinal plant is not as well-known as some mentioned here, but it is excellent to have as part of a natural first aid kit. A great “emergency oil”, it can help staunch the flow of blood from a wound and simultaneously ease the pain. Apply the oil directly to the wound bed for quick results.
6. Red Mandarin
Also not as well-known in the West, the oil from red mandarin oranges can promote digestive health by easing abodminal pain and bloating, triggering the release of gas and regularizing bowel activity. To use, combine it with peppermint oil and rub gently onto the abdomen to ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
7. Spruce Oil
The essential oil of the evergreen spruce tree is known to treat both respiratory issues and insomnia-induced fatigue. Rub the oil onto the foot and this natural antihistamine will help ease sinus congestion, itchy, watery eyes and runny nose associated with allergy attacks. To give a little boost to the energy levels, apply a few drops to the hands and rub them together to warm them, then cup them over the nose and mouth and breathe deeply.
These are just a few of the many essential oils which are so potent at healing the body of a number of ailments. They can generally be found in most well-stocked health food stores and some natural pharmacies.
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