Therapeutic Uses of Aromatherapy

Lavender is a great oil to have around.

Hand sanitizer + lysol + flu vaccines =  super bugs...
Evidence underlines this simplified equation as the CDC categorized the last part of 2012 to be above the level of an epidemic due to flu outbreaks, with the highest amount of public provided sanitizers. Obviously I am not saying don't ever use hand sanitizer again, I am saying there are better ways out there to stay healthy.

 What does this mean for me and my family? Are we doomed to hacking, coughing, and shivering our way through til spring? Or potentially (and more seriously) encountering a fatal outcome?

Absolutely not! However, it does mean that you should be looking for alternatives for you and your family's war on bugs. Don't know anything about aromatherapy besides the fact you like the candles at BodyShop?  

No problem. This blog post will be a quick crash course in essential oils to help protect you from bugs, naturally and effectively. Rosemary, Lavender, Tea tree, Eucalyptus, Clove, Thyme, Lemon, Cinnamon, Ginger (fresh source), and Oregano are the heavy hitters when it comes to germ murderers. (Let me mention two caveats here: internal use of essential oils is not recommended without extensive research and is beyond the scope of this blog. Also, make sure you buy your essential oils from a reputable source, organic or wild harvested are best. Unfortunately some companies are now using the term 'Therapeutic Grade' to dupe newbies, so educate yourself about the company and the founder, it will reveal worlds.)  

Some businesses like ours will mix oils to your direction so you don't have to buy each individual oil, or suggest a blend based on what you want. Its important to use the correct concentrations, so don't hesitate to ask for numbers!

• Rosemary and Lavender are used in French hospitals in place of our standard sanitizer, because it works better and lasts longer! However, they fall short on yeasts and fungi (so get a good mix.)
• Thyme has been shown to be effective against e.coli and salmonella.
• Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Cinnamon have been shown to be effective against some fungi and viruses, and many bacterial strains (some deadly). This is also the base of the 'Thieves Blend' - worth another blog for its pros and cons.
• Oregano effective against anthrax and penicillin-resistant strains.
• Clove most effective antioxidant known, also effective against 60 kinds of bacteria.
• Tea tree has been shown to be effective against viruses, fungi (also molds and mildew), yeasts, and bacteria in concentrations greater than 4%.
• Ginger is effective against salmonella and parasites.

Try this easy list to incorporate essential oils into your life and home:

1. A whole home diffuser is a great idea ~ don't set it up close to expensive wood, otherwise this is the best investment for your money.
2. Use the cup on top of your humidifier to hold a blend of oils ~ cheaper alternative to the diffuser and more localized.
3. Try your own spritzer 'sanitizer' ~ definitely worth it, cheap, easy to make, and lasts a long time.
4. Make your own wipes ~ use handkerchiefs, cut squares from old sheets or towels, make sure you include one in your child's lunch box or coat pocket (put it in a ziplock bag to keep moist). 

I hope this blog article gives you enough of a base to start using aromatherapy for your health, rather than just pleasing your nose! Essential oils are incredibly safe, cheap, accessible, and come with fewer negative side effects than most chemicals on the market. If you have any questions, feel free to visit our facebook page.

Rather than post all my sources and making this article super long, look them up yourself at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed