Essential Oils for Allergies continued from page 14
consistency and leaves an oily feel on the skin . It has a stronger aroma and is a good source of omega fatty acid ( oleic acid ). Olive oil has a relatively short shelf life .
● Coconut Oil - Has a distinct coconut aroma and is solid at room temperature . It has a solid white color and is used widely as a moisturizer . Coconut oil has a long shelf life . five drops of eucalyptus at home or apply it topically to the chest and temples . To clear the nasal passages and relieve congestion , boil a cup of water and add 1 – 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil , then place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for as long as you can up to 5-10 minutes .
● Tea Tree Oil ( Melaleuca ) This powerful oil can destroy airborne pathogens that cause allergies . Diffusing tea tree oil in the home will kill mold , bacteria , and fungi . It is an antiseptic agent , and it has anti-inflammatory properties .
When you suffer from allergies , it is important to disinfect your home and office often :
● In a 16oz spray bottle , combine 40 drops of lemon oil with 20 drops of tea tree oil ( Melaleuca ) with filtered water and a bit of white vinegar . Spray mixture around your home .
● Lemon oil reduces triggers inside your home . Add a few drops lemon oil to your laundry detergent , mix a couple of drops with water and spray it on your couches , sheets , curtains , and carpets .
● Diffuse a few drops Lemon oil throughout the day in your home or office .
This list is by no means all-inclusive . There are many Essential oils that are useful in treatment and prevention of allergies . I tried to narrow it down to some of the most effective oils . Any of these oils can be diffused , inhaled , and used alone or combined ; they can be applied topically to the chest , back , soles of feet , etc .
* A word on Carrier Oils ... Carrier oils , also known as base oils or vegetable oils , are naturally derived from vegetarian sources and have a neutral smell . They are used to dilute essential oils when they are applied topically to the skin or taken internally . They are called “ carrier ” oils because they carry the essential oil into the skin and body . Essential oils are volatile , meaning , they contain the natural smell and characteristics of the plant and they evaporate rapidly . This can make some essential oils too strong to apply directly to the skin . Diluting with a carrier oil reduces the concentration of the essential oil without altering its therapeutic qualities . You can control an
24 essential oil ' s concentration before applying by diluting with a carrier oil .
Carrier oils vary widely in their absorption ability , aromas , shelf life and other properties . They can be blended or used by themselves . Because carrier oils are high in fat , they have a limited shelf life , which means they can go bad . Be sure to store oils in their original containers in a cool , dark place to maximize their shelf life .
Here are some of the most widely used carrier oils and their properties
The good news is essential oils can offer relief and even prevention of seasonal allergy symptoms .
● Fractionated Coconut Oil - The difference between “ regular ” coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil , is that fractionated coconut oil is liquid at room temperature . It has no noticeable aroma and absorbs well into the skin helping to moisturize without feeling greasy . It is high in essential fatty acids and has a long shelf life .
● Grapeseed Oil - This is a very light , thin oil which makes it great for use in massage . It is high in linoleic acid and very moisturizing . It has a relatively short shelf life .
● V-6 Carrier Oil * - This organic oil is a proprietary blend by Young Living . It combines fractionated coconut oil , grapeseed oil , sweet almond oil , wheat germ oil ( contains a lot of vitamin E and acts as a natural preservative ), sunflower oil and olive oil . It is a great carrier oil for all your best essential oils and applications . Has a long shelf life . * CAUTION - may cause a reaction to those with nut allergies .
● Olive Oil- that ' s right …. good old Olive Oil . Easy to find and very popular in both culinary and topical applications . Olive oil has a thicker
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These are just some of the more popular and effective Carrier oils . There are many others out there . A lot of Young Living essential oils can be applied “ neat ” which means , they can be applied directly to the skin , but when in doubt …. dilute , dilute , dilute . Dilution is especially important if you have sensitive skin . Be sure if you ever mistakenly get essential oils in or near your eyes , that you do not apply water , this will exacerbate the irritation , instead , immediately apply a carrier to the area and this will neutralize the irritation .
It is important to note that I am not a certified aromatherapist and am sharing this information based on my personal experience and research . I only endorse Young Living Essential oils and cannot attest to the efficacy of other brands of essential oils .
Pick up your Young Living Essential oils at Incentives Spa today !!
Disclaimer The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA . The information in this article is in no way intended to treat , diagnose or prevent any disease or illness . If you feel you have a medical condition , you are urged to seek the help of a medical professional . The suggestions in this article are for use with Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and no other . Use caution when using essential oils around infants , children , and pets . Some essential oils should be completely avoided around young children and cats .
Dina Voigt is the Manager of our Mind , Body & Soul Programs . Contact her at dina @ fitnessincentive . com with any questions or for further information .