Self-Reliance is Subversive: Take Charge of Everyday Health

Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed...

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Over the past year I have gone from skeptic to essential oil enthusiast. One friend who now uses essential oils is a chemical engineer who studied the biochemistry of these oils before trying them. I truly believe God gave us plants full of good things and we can learn to use them to enhance our personal health.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are distilled from plants. Their natural function within a plant is to protect it from decay, bacteria, fungi, and insects. These oils can perform some similar functions for humans when inhaled, applied topically, or taken internally, depending on the oil.

Oils are generally used aromatically, although many are safe to use topically (some need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil) or even internally. If you take any medications, talk with your doctor and/or pharmacist before using essential oils, as some may negate, alter, or intensify the effects of medications. Keep a list of all medications, nutritional supplements, and natural remedies you take in case of a medical emergency--doctors need to know what you are taking, even if it requires no prescription.

Source: Using Essential Oils: A Beginner's Guide available at www.ShareOils.com

Using Oils

To use essential oils topically, it is convenient to dilute them with organic coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil and put the dilution in a roller-type perfume bottle. This makes it easy to apply oils without spilling them.

Diffusers are available that allow you to distribute essential oils into a sleeping area, your car, or anywhere.

While I personally don't use oils internally much, I know some folks get capsules for taking oils internally. They put a drop of oil inside the capsule, close, and swallow.

Oils That Help My Family

Here are some of the uses I have personally experienced:

Clove Oil is my choice for toothache or tooth sensitivity. It's great to have around when pain occurs over the weekend or after office hours.

Lavender is a staple around my house. I use it for almost any skin irritation. In the kitchen, I burned my finger on a hot pan. I opened my lavender oil, put a drop on my finger, and the pain subsided almost instantly. Lavender is also relaxing, so a drop on a pillow can help with sleep.

Peppermint is my first thought when stomach upsets hit. I have used it in tea for morning sickness and other nausea.

Bergamot is the oil that makes Earl Grey tea so fragrant. I add a drop to regular black tea for fragrance and flavor. Bergamot is also a natural mood lifter.

Blue Chamomile is part of the Deep Blue ointment I get from Doterra. It smells good and lasts hours longer than drugstore muscle rubs. I use it after a long day on my feet to prevent nighttime muscle cramps.

Eucalyptus is one of my favorite aromatics. Not only does it help with stuffy noses and chest congestion, but it's great for general air freshening.

Melaleuca is something I use in addition to lavender for skin irritation such as poison ivy. This even helped somewhat when I had shingles.

Lemon helps me during allergy season when I combine it with peppermint and lavender.

My Conclusions

I don't reject modern medicine; rather, I embrace health. If we take care of ourselves through diet, exercise, and sanitation, we can minimize our use of expensive health care and harsh drugs with unwanted side effects. For example, I would treat a 1st degree burn with lavender--but a severe burn would call for a trip to a doctor or hospital.

Knowing how to help your own family as much as possible can minimize your contact with hospitals, paperwork, HIPAA, ObamaSocialistCare, and other aggravations of modern life.  You will also be prepared for emergencies in which health care from a doctor may be difficult to obtain, e.g. ice storm, government red tape, insurance difficulties, civil unrest....

Disclaimer

This article is meant to inform and entertain. It is not to be considered medical advice. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know all medications you take, as well as nutritional supplements, herbs, and essential oils. Some substances interact with one another or render medications less effective or more effective.

For More Information:  doTerra