The Many Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

Uses for Eucalyptus oil around the house

Aside from medicinal uses, eucalyptus oil can be used around your home to replace many environmentally harsh synthetic chemicals.

Penny, a professional cleaner, gives these tips:

"I make a spray and wipe with water, eucalyptus oil and some washing up liquid. The idea comes from a hospital cleaner and works well. Proportions are not rocket science. Fill bottle mostly with water - add a slurp of dishwashing liquid and then a capful or thereabouts of 100% eucalyptus. Shake gently to mix. Works well on all surfaces. I use it diluted again in a little water in a bucket and it is great for all those finger marks that are hard to move from laminex finishes."

- You can also make a general disinfectant for toilets etc and again, it's a very simple recipe. mix 50 ml (1.6 oz) of eucalyptus oil with a litre (quart) of water. That's it - you can store it as you would a normal disinfectant.

- Eucalyptus oil can be used neat in order to remove sticker/decal residue from glass

- Add 1-2 teaspoonfuls of eucalyptus oil to your load of washing for a fresh scent along with the anti-microbial benefits

- Use the oil neat to help remove paint, grease and ink from clothes

- If you have a hanging car air freshener that's almost dead, reinvigorate it by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil

- Half a teaspoon mixed with half a litre (half quart) of water makes for a good bug repellent for plants

- Use it as a stainless steel cleaner

- To use as a room air freshener, Mix a quarter of a teaspoon or 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with a half teaspoon of vodka, place in an atomizer/spray bottle and add 2 cups of water. This should be quite subtle, so you may need to add more.

How to Take It:

Adult

Eucalyptus oil (for topical application): add ½ - 1 mL (15 - 30 drops) of oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil (sesame, almond, olive, etc.). For inhalation, add 5 - 10 drops of oil to 2 cups boiling water. Place towel over head and inhale steam.

Precautions:

Individuals with inflammation of the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, bile duct inflammatory disease, liver disease, or low or high blood pressure should not use eucalyptus leaf extract. Tannins in the leaves may cause stomach upset or kidney and liver damage if leaf preparations are ingested in large amounts.

People with asthma should use eucalyptus oil with caution due to the herbs potential to tigger an asthma attack.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use eucalyptus.

When used externally, eucalyptus oil is nontoxic. When taken internally, however, eucalyptus oil is toxic.

The Many Uses of Lavender Oil

Uses of Lavender  

Lavender Oil:

Produces a fresh and calming atmosphere.

Insect repellent:     Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a little sunflower oil and rub onto skin

Moth repellent:     Use sachets of dried lavender buds in wardrobes and linen drawers

Inhalation:   Clear a stuffy nose – add 5 drops of lavender oil to a small bowl of hot, steaming water.

Burns or sunburn:     A few drops of lavender oil on burns can relieve pain and help healing.

Scars:     Add lavender oil to a carrier oil and massage gently into scarred area. Must be applied within a few weeks of scarring to obtain a reasonable diminishing of the scar.

Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis:     Lavender oil will assist in control of these skin problems.

Acne:     Lavender will assist in controlling and relieving acne and other associated skin problems.

Sleep Disorders:   A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow or massaged gently into temples will help in inducing sleep.

Massage:     Add 45 drops of lavender oil to 100mL carrier oil and massage.

Headaches:   Gently massage a couple of drops of lavender oil on to temples.

Sunburn:     Add a few drops of lavender oil to water (mineral) and spray onto sunburned skin.

Bathing:     Enjoy a relaxing bath and relieve stress by adding lavender oil to the bath.

Cosmetics:   Add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your favorite face cream or bath product.

Washing floors:     Add a few drops to your floor washing water. Great for timber, tile or slate floors.

Drying clothes:     In a clothes dryer – put a few drops of lavender oil onto one item of clothing and place in dryer with others. Will give your clothes a beautiful fragrance and scent your house.

Lavender Water:

Has all the properties of the oil but in a much milder form. It has been termed the 'ethereal sibling' of the essential oil.

Sleep disorders:     A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow or a spray of lavender water will help induce a restful sleep.

Ironing:     Use lavender water in the iron to give your clothes a fresh scent and prolong the life of your delicate linens.

Insect repellant:     Lavender water may be safely sprayed around foods to keep flies away. It may also be sprayed on plants to control mealy bug and aphids.

Antiseptic:   Cuts and scrapes may be cleansed with lavender water to reduce the risk of infection.

Cosmetic applications:     Lavender water is good to clean makeup off and to tone the face.

Pet wash:     Terrific in the final wash to keep your pet flea free and cuddle-worthy.

Lavender Bath

Excellent for aching muscles, relaxation, stress relief. Add 6-8 drops Lavender essential oil after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Add the drops to a capful of milk or Epsom salts and then put in the bath as this helps to disperse the oils through out the water. This is a great way to receive the benefits of Lavender oil. Lie back and enjoy!

Lavender Shower

After wetting your hair, add 3 drops Lavender oil to a capful of water and tip onto your head. Stand under running water and allow oils to rinse off. Cup your hands over your face and breathe in the vapors. Add oils when shampooing your hair and rinse off as normal.

Lavender Vaporization

Fill the top dish of an 'oil burner' or 'vaporizer' with water and add 6-8 drops of Lavender oil. Place a lit tea light candle in the space provided underneath the dish. This is a very good way to receive the benefits of the Lavender oil. Use in the bedroom or living room. Vaporization is especially good to use when you have a cold or feel unwell. Keep burner away from draughts and open windows. Hint: use warm water in the dish for quicker results.  I use an oil diffuser which I bought from Ebay for about $40.

Lavender Massage

This is a particularly effective way to apply the oils when you have tight and sore muscles or have sustained an injury. The oils will be absorbed quickly into the blood stream, thus assisting the body and mind. NEVER massage UNDILUTED oils, always use a good quality vegetable or carrier oil. Add 5 drops of Lavender oil per 10ml of vegetable oil. Use 1-2 drops for babies and the elderly. Only use lavender with babies.

Lavender Tissues/Handkerchief

Good for instant relief from flu, sinusitis and anxiety. Use 1-3 drops Lavender oil and inhale immediately as required.  You can buy empty inhalers on Ebay very cheaply.  Just fill up the cotton centre with your choice of oils and snap on the outer case.  Carry in your handbag.

Lavender Steam Inhalation

Great for colds and flu or as part of a skincare/acne regime. Add 4-6 drops to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapor. Keep your eyes shut. Continue to breathe deeply for a few minutes, occasionally removing the towel and your head from the bowl.

Lavender Hand/Foot Bath

Great for tired feet, fatigue or sore/dry hands. Add 4-6 drops Lavender oil to a large bowl of warm water and soak for approx 10 minutes. Then apply a Lavender lotion for added benefits.

Lavender Compress

In a bowl or warm water add 6-8 drops Lavender oil and swirl around. Soak a cloth then gently squeeze out and apply to area of your body you wish to treat. Use cold water for treating new muscular injuries or sprains.

Lavender directly for Burns

After running cold water on the burn for approx 10 minutes, put a few drops of neat lavender oil onto the burnt area (including sunburn). This will greatly assist the healing process. ONLY use lavender. Remember serious burns must be seen to by a doctor.

The dosages mentioned are recommended for average sized adults. For the elderly, disabled, the very sick or young children, half the dose is recommended.

So, you see there are tons of uses for essential oils and lavender is one of the most versatile!

My List of 'Essential' Essential Oils

HERE IS A LIST OF OILS THAT I THINK ARE ESSENTIAL AND QUITE CHEAP TO BUY.  You can buy essential oils in Australia 

online - http://www.healthandhappiness.com.au/store/earthsgarden-diy/35-essential-oils.html 

Otherwise you may get them at your local health food shop, but they MUST be therapeutic essential oils (the best). 

My list of MUST HAVES are:

Lavender

Peppermint

Tea tree

Eucalyptus  (prices below)

I have also added a few others I like to use, but the above 4 are the basic.

Lavender: $4.95    10 mls

Peppermint: $4.95   “

Tea tree:      $4.95    “

Rosemary:   $4.95

Rose Geranium:  $5.95

Cedarwood:  $4.95

Lemongrass or Lemon Myrtle – for smell  $5.95

Eucalyptus: $4.95

Ylang Ylang: $7.95 – gorgeous for face creams etc.


I will be posting what you can use these oils for in the coming posts.

Hydrogen Peroxide Supplies

For those in Australia here is where to buy your H202.

Barrington River Organic Farm
920 Barrington West Road, Barrington. NSW  2422

Tel: 1800 225500
Email: mail@barringtonriverorganicfarm.com.au

VERY IMPORTANT:  This is 35% Hydrogen Peroxide and MUST be diluted very carefully to 3%.  That is one part H202 and 11 parts distilled water or Nobles Pure Water (from the supermarket).
You must wear gloves and protect clothing as it can burn.

Good Health using Essential Oils

"Aromatherapy" to me was almost a dirty word for many years.  It was a suspicious use of smelly oils that people claimed brought healing.  Those people usually wore weird clothing and smelled a little strange!  However, my eyes have been opened in recent years  to the amazing healing powers of essential oils.   If herbs contain vitamins and minerals more powerful than fruits and vegetables, then essential oils are like herbs on steroids!  I have learned very living thing has a vibration or energy force.

When your immune system is in perfect condition and balance, your molecules, cells, tissues and organs are in perfect harmony. But when disease and illness are present many times it may look as if it is a chemical imbalance, but it also is an electromagnetic imbalance. When your body begins to heal, it means that the frequency of the cells is coming back to a state of equilibrium

Therapeutic grade essential oils produce frequencies that bring health and healing to our bodies. Synthetic oils do not! The energy within these essential oils has the 'breath of life' within them.

Many have experienced the immediate difference in their being when they simply 'smell' a pure unadulterated essential oil. It has been proven in scientific reports that essential oils can create an environment conducive to helping the body heal itself.

Aromatic Plants, Herbs and Essential Oils have been used for aromatherapy, incense, perfume, culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years by many cultures. The Bible mentions over 33 species of fragrant plants with over 1,035 references to essential oils and/or plants in the Old and New Testaments.

During Biblical Times, essential oils were inhaled, applied to the body as anointing oil, and taken internally in which the benefits extended to every aspect of their being physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I will be bringing more about essential oils in future posts.  See my links for more info.

Introduction

Introduction

Turning 50, for me was a bit of a shock! It was as if all the signs of aging decended on me all at once. I started to feel aches and pains in all sorts of places, menopause set in and my muscles felt stiff and sore most of the time. I couldn't sleep, had dry eyes and mouth, creaking knees, back pain, and the list could go on.


I know, I sound like a bit of a whinger, but I tell you this to not glorify the signs of aging, but to share how I started on my journey to reverse these signs.


I am going to share with you my own story to natural health, which of course is ongoing, as I learn more every year!


There is an old saying: "When the student is ready, the Teacher appears". Is this ever true! As I started to look for answers, I was overwhelmed with information I never new existed. I am not a doctor or qualified to offer health advice of any kind, but I will point you to the links of those who are qualified. My only hope is that I will jolt your interest in different methods of healing the body and that you will study it out for yourself.


This is my first blog of many, covering this topic. I hope you will enjoy and benefit from it to help in your own quest for healthy living and aging. Selah.

Delicious Veges

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s 2012 Food & Nutrition Report was released last week and found that 91% of adults do not eat enough vegetables and only half eat enough fruit.

I have come up with a beautiful recipe for mixed vegetables that takes next to no time to prepare.  Here it is:

Mediterranean Baked Vegetables

Any selection of vegetables that can be baked in an oven.  Here is what I usually choose.

One of each of these:

Zucchini
Tomato
Red onion
Capsicum
Sweet potato
Carrot
Eggplant
One crown of garlic (with papers on)
Herbs of choice optional.

I chop each one into chunks, and place them into a baking dish.
Then I mix in a small jar, equal parts of balsamic vinigar and olive oil (approx 1/8 cup) and shake vigorously.  Pour over the veges and toss thoroughly.  Bake in 200 degrees C for 40-45 minutes.
I eat vegetables this way for about 3 nights a week.