Top 6 Essential Oils - Part 2
In the last post, we talked about lemon and sweet orange essential oils and learnt that these citrus oils provide cleaning, clearing, uplifting and revitalizing benefits. Lavender and peppermint are the next 2 oils in my Top 6
Lavender: There are 4 species of Lavender all of which belong to the Lamiaceae plant family but have their own unique chemical makeup, healing benefits and safe use considerations.
The species in my Top 6 and subject of this post is commonly known as True Lavender or Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia (L. officinalis or L.vera). and is safe to use after the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
The other three species should be avoided during pregnancy, while nursing and around babies/young children due to their chemical compounds.
Spike lavender - Lavandula Iatifoila
Spanish lavender – Lavandula stoechas L (French Lavender, Maritime Lavender)
Lavandin – Lavandula x intermedia which is a hybrid of Lavender and Spike Lavender
Smart Tip: when choosing which oil to purchase or use look for the Latin name (above in italics) on the label or description and ensure it is the right oil for the situation.
The Provence region of France is where most of the world’s True Lavender is commercially grown and steam distilled to extract its pure essential oil. There are several farms in Ontario and British Columbia where you can witness the seasonal display of vibrant purple flowers and sample the many ways to experience lavender.
When lavender is used in first-aid on cuts, burns, insect & animal bites it quickly soothes pain, acts as an antiseptic and begins the healing process. Combined with its calming, sedative and pain relief properties lavender works to gently reduce shock and trauma imprinting. True lavender, when used with an appropriate carrier oil or lotion is good for all skin types and can treat acne, eczema & psoriasis, bruises and sunburn. It is also known to be an insect repellent. Feelings of nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, travel sickness, flatulence (gas) and colic can be reduced by gentle massaging lavender into the abdomen and lower back.
Safety tip: When using essential oils on babies 6 months or older add no more than 1 drop essential oil per 1 teaspoon carrier oil or lotion. Lavender hydrosol or floral water is gentler than essential oils and safer for babies.
Aches, pains and inflammation, whether caused by colds, flu, muscle spasm, cramps, sprains, strains and rheumatism can benefit from lavender. Symptom reduction can be found by adding 3 or 4 drops to a teaspoon carrier or used in a warm or cool compress or salted bath water. Lavender can help with irregular, scant or painful menstruation, PMS mood swings, and during childbirth to speed delivery, ease birthing pains and support post partum self care.
Known to be calming, yet cheerful, lavender, when inhaled can soothe headaches, migraines, stress, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion, depression (including post-partum), mood swings, anger and grief.
In medieval Europe it was known as an herb of love, is associated with the heart, throat and crown charkas and can encourage feelings of love, peace, compassion, balance and relaxation.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint, mentha x piperita L is also a member of the Lamiaceae plant family and its oil is extracted by of the herb during the flowering phase. Peppermint is not a pure species, but a hybrid of spearmint (mentha spicata) and watermint (mentha aquatica) native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, and is now grown in many humid regions of the world with the United States being a prime commercial producer.
The ancient Romans and Greeks used peppermint in aromatic baths, bedding and festive decorations for its detoxifying effects, while the ancient Egyptians used it as a perfume in rituals and as an ingredient in sacred incense. For centuries, peppermint has been used to whiten teeth, freshen breath, as a perfume, and to soothe stomach or digestive issues.
Peppermint contains high percentages of Alcohol/menthol (42%) and Ketones (30%) and should not be used with or around children under 6 or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (possible reduction in milk production) although in small amounts, short term use can provide relief for morning sickness and mastitis. People with a history of cardiac fibrillation or high blood pressure (menthofuran content) and those with G6PD deficiency (an inherited enzyme deficiency) should also avoid using peppermint.
Caution must be used with those with epilepsy, cholestasis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and some sources suggest it may interfere with homeopathic (herbal) remedies. Avoid using on damaged or sensitive skin, even in low amounts. Peppermint is a contradicting and confusing oil which is no surprise when you consider it is a naturally occurring hybrid species. Mother Nature has an interesting way about her. If you are not sure if peppermint is right for you, reach out to me here and let’s chat about your wellness goals.
When using peppermint, I find a personal inhaler to be an easy and convenient way to get the benefits without effecting others. Simply add a 6 to 8 drops of oil directly to the absorbing stick inside the inhaler, seal the bottom and inhale from the top to help clear the nose and breath easier. To refresh your inhaler, simply add a few drops of essential oil to the internal stick as needed. For muscle aches & pains and applying directly on your skin, start with 2 to 3 drops in 1+ teaspoon (5 - 8 ml) of unscented lotion or liquid carrier oil such as Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel or Hemp oils and massage gently where desired. Wash your hands with soap & warm water and avoid getting spicy peppermint in your eyes.
When used correctly, peppermint is a good oil for eliminating bacteria and viruses, reduces congestion due to colds & sinus issues, reduces inflammation, soothes arthritis & rheumatism, muscle aches & pains, and respiratory ailments. Those who experience headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, fainting spells, and sudden shock can benefit from peppermint, as well as those with depression, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. When used with other oils, it can enhance or intensify their effects and helps cool when warm or warm when cold.
When looking for support with emotional well being, peppermint can help develop healthy self esteem, activate your intuition, discover hidden talents, strengths and reduce egos influence. Peppermint is connected to the Root, Solar Plexus and Crown charkas, can assist in letting go of fears of the unknown, reduce resistance to new ideas while providing clarity in communication and support focus during meditation.
USING WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
So, we have learned some exciting stuff about these 4 different oils: lemon, sweet orange, peppermint & lavender, let’s have some fun using them.
Pro tip: Remember to label your glass storage container, roller bottle or personal inhaler with the date made and the oils you used. Its always a good idea to make note of your personal blends so if you wanted to use it again or tweak it next time its there for you.
“Get up and go!” blend for motivation:
For use in a diffuser or personal inhaler add equal amounts of Lemon, Orange and Peppermint and enjoy. You can also use a 10 ml roller bottle and add up to 6 drops total of the above listed oils and top up with an appropriate liquid carrier oil. Apply to bottoms of feet, neck, wrists as desired.
Safety note: Citrus oils can cause skin sensitivity and burns when exposed to UV rays so avoid exposing treated skin to sunshine or tanning beds 12 hours after applying
“Get Unstuffed” blend:
For nasal congestion and allergy relief, diffuse or add to a personal inhaler up to 6 drops each lemon and peppermint.
Safety note: Remember the safety information regarding peppermint & citrus oils.
For using on the skin add no more than 6 drops total (3 drops each peppermint & lemon) to 2 tsp lotion or into a 10 ml roller bottle and top up with your choice of liquid carrier oil. Use as needed for a few days then take a break for an equal amount of time.
“Squeaky Clean” blend:
For a quick and easy cleaning DIY in a glass container add up to 60 drops total of lavender, peppermint, lemon, and sweet orange to 1/8 – ¼ cup tablespoon castile soap and mix well. To use, simply shake solution to mix and add to bucket of warm water. Castile soap is made from vegetable oils, is anti-bacterial, non-toxic and can be used for household cleaning and personal hygiene. Store any unused solution in sealed glass container.
Let me know how you like the blends and how you’ve customized or adapted them to suit your lifestyle, as it’s all about experiencing the beauty of essential oils in support of your wellness goals.
I have saved my all-time favorite oils for the next and final post of this series. Stay turned to learn what they are and why I use them in support of my wellness.
Cheers - Fawn
As a Professional Aromatherapist, I do not proclaim that Aromatherapy is superior to any holistic or conventional medical care or therapy. I do not provide diagnostic services, make any curative claims, prescribe medications or recommend the use of essential oils internally. The services and products offered are that of a complementary nature only. Clients are provided with information on the ingredients used, appropriate methods of administration, and encouraged to make educated decisions on the safe & effective use of essential oils.