Warming Essential Oils

In case you haven't noticed, essential oils are everywhere!  Their uses are broad and are easily incorporated into daily life and home routines.  They can be used for aroma, purification of the air, comfort, healing and for food grade oils, cooking or flavoring. 

Of course if you use them throughout the year, there will be oils that flow with the season.  Some are light, floral, fruity and warm.  This is the season we look for warmth and comfort.  The chilly days make us long for cozy homes, cozy food and the things to surround our homes with that feeling of warmth.  These days also bring along cold and flu season.  Especially when those invade our home, we seek out a healing warmth.  

This time of year,  I tend to use oils that have a warming effect such as Clove, Cinnamon, Oregano, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. When applying these oils topically, it's very important to dilute these oils with a carrier oil like sweet Almond or Jojoba. Just add a few drops of the carrier oil into the palm, add a few drops of the oil and mix together before applying. Also remember to never apply any essential oil directly to the eye area or ear canals. 

Here are a few qualities of these warming oils:

Eucalyptus:

Colds & Flu 

Eucalyptus works as an expectorant and helps cleanse your body of toxins and harmful microorganisms that can make you feel sick. One of the most effective ways to utilize eucalyptus for colds is to drop several drops of the essential oil into your diffuser before going to sleep so you can take advantage of the healing benefits all night long.

For more acute situations, you can make a steam bath by pouring a cup of boiling water into a bowl, and then mix 10 drops of eucalyptus EO, place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for five–10 minutes.

Eucalyptus oil, a stimulant, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick (remember the healing feeling of Vick's salve?).

Massaging eucalyptus oil on the surface of the skin helps to relieve stress and pain. Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that are effective at treating wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores and scrapes. It also can be made into a salve or healing ointment and put on bug bites and stings. Along with acting as a natural pain reliever to the area, it also keeps the area from getting infected, which speeds healing.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues.

Clove

The oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headache, stress and blood impurities. The most important and common use of clove oil is in dental care. Several toothpastes, mouth wash and oral care medications contain clove oil as an important ingredient.

Because of it’s high antioxidant count levels, clove is also known as the ultimate “protective” herb and has been used in essential oil blends such as “OnGuard” and “Thieves”.

Oregano

Add oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. 

Oregano essential oil can act as an expectorant, which will loosen up or help eliminate the uncomfortable buildups of mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tracts and sinuses, but it is also a soothing balm for inflamed lungs and the throat, which often stimulate coughing fits. 

Make an oregano oil hand sanitizer: Because oregano oil is strong, you should first dilute it. Combine 10 drops of oregano oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil. Rub it into your hands as a natural hand sanitizer.

Vaporize it: Dangerous bacteria can inhabit your respiratory system and stir up trouble. To help your immune system fight a respiratory infection, put one drop of oil of oregano in a bowl of steaming water. Put a towel loosely over your head and inhale the steam once a day until you feel better.

Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, some experts have advocated the use oil of oregano to treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Combine equal amounts of oregano oil and olive or coconut oil and apply it to your problem areas with a cotton swab before you go to bed.