Oiling Myself Well

So sorry, dear followers, that I haven't posted for an entire week. I was busy battling a nasty respiratory bug of some sort, ahem, gathering research for my blog. I am rarely sick, but this was a tough one that hit me like a truck. Started with a fever, a swollen gland and ear, possibly tonsillitis, raw throat, massive mucus overload in my sinuses, and then congested lungs. My whole lymphatic system ached, no doubt clogged with mucus and the lymph node under my left arm was hard as rock down into my breast. It is my nature to stay positive and believe me,I worked at getting well, using every essential oil in my arsenal to move this bug along.

I don't do Nyquil or any Quil for that matter. Over the counter decongestants, cold medications, pain relievers? Nope. Here is how I used essential oils for this recent bout of yuck (remember these are medicinal, therapeutic grade essential oils--DO NOT take EOs internally unless they are labeled as a dietary supplement!).

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia):
Applied these EOs 2 or 3 times daily for congested ears/glands. A drop of each EO mixed with a drop of jojoba or olive oil on a cotton swab then inserted halfway into ear, twisting gently to coat ear canal. Never drop EOs directly into ear!

For tonsillitis, I swab undiluted Tea Tree over the back of my throat--not pleasant to do, but almost immediate relief! Followed by hot water with fresh squeezed lemon, great for breaking up mucus and encouraging lymphatic circulation.

Thieves Hard Lozenges : I went through a whole box of these little gems! Great to suck on to soothe sore throats and cough and contains a powerful blend of EOs to fight bacteria in the ear, nose, and throat.

Inner Defense softgels: These are my silver bullets for respiratory issues, very , very strong thyme and oregano and other heavy hitting bacterial fighting EOs! I took 2-3 during the day with meals.

Life 5 Probiotics: These amped up my healthy intestinal flora that was struggling with mucus overload. Took one capsule at night.

Frankincense cleared out the congested lymph node and breast duct like nothing else! A 50/50 dilution of Frankincense in jojoba or olive oil rubbed over area, then I put a warm compress over it....ahhhh.

Eucalyptus globulus and Pine : I diffused these EOs like crazy throughout the house! Pine is a bronchial dilator and really helped expel the stuff lodged deep in my lungs.

Feel free to contact me for information about how to order these EOs and products for YOUR medicine cabinet or visit my online catalog for purchasing.

Essential Tip of the Week: Sinus Infection/Post Nasal Drip

I wish I would have known about using essential oils for sinus congestion when I was growing up. I had chronic post nasal drip that was so very irritating! Eventually I learned that stress was a huge contributor to this problem. Now I understand that it was my body's attempt to "swallow the tears" when I was in an emotional or stressful situation. Even excitement or anticipation could trigger a horrible bout of the drip. Here are a few other things that can add to sinus troubles:

• Diet high in refined sugar, wheat, and dairy contributes to an acid environment in the body.
• An imbalance of acid can create inflammation in the tissues.
• Over production of mucus occurs to protect the tissues from the inflammation.
• Lack of proper hydration can thicken mucous and inhibit proper lymph drainage.
• Synthetic fragrances and chemicals can cause respiratory inflammation as well.

Nasopharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the nasal cavity where it connects to the throat and the eustachian tubes.

When my throat starts feeling scratchy (not even really sore yet) and my glands start feeling a bit enlarged, my first EO choice is a drop or two of Purification (contains lemongrass which is anti-inflammatory and promotes lymph flow) or R.C. blend in a few drops of jojoba oils rubbed gently with downward strokes from temples on both sides of my neck below ears. I also suck on an Thieves EO hard lozenge which really helps if my ears feel like they could plug or ache. Getting the lymph system moving can ward off a full blown head cold or sore throat.

Gargling with Melaleuca alternafolia or Thieves blend can help help kill bacteria in the nose, ears, and throat. I just drop one drop of either of these EO Supplements on the very back of my tongue and hold it in my mouth, mixing with saliva for several minutes, then swallowing. This is very effective when started at the very first indication of infection and repeated 3-4 times for the first hour, then once an hour until symptoms subside.

This tip is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential Tip of the Week-Headaches

Headaches can be due to hormone imbalances, shortage of oxygen, sinus pressure, stress, muscle tension/injury, sugar imbalance (hypoglycemia) or colon/liver congestion. Other triggers for migraines can be monosodium glutamate and other food preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and environmental allergic reactions.

Essential oils boost the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and oxygen infusion into the cell. They can also soothe inflammation which can reduce pain.

Here are some EO's that work well for specific headache types. I like to mix a drop or two of a single EO or blend with a few drops of pure jojoba oil in my hand and apply to neck and shoulders. Holding firm pressure under the protruding bones at the base of your head (brain stem) with thumb or fingertips can bring great relief as well.

Hormone Imbalances: Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Fennel, Bergamot, Dragon Time Blend.

Hypoglycemic Migraine: Peppermint, Lavender, Dill, Di-Gize Blend

Migraine: Helichrysum, Frankincense, Lavender, Basil, Rosemary, Peppermint (great for migraines with nausea), Eucalyptus radiata.

The vast majority of migraine headaches may be due to colon congestion or poor digestion. I use Young Living's Cleansing Trio for an annual or bi-annual cleanse.

Note: Lavender and Basil, layered (not mixed together) on the forehead and temples, have relieved migraines.

Muscle-Related Headache: Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Frankincense (my personal favorite).

Sinus-Related Headache: Lavender, Eucalyptus radiata, RC Blend, Raven Blend (the BEST!).

Structural-Bone-Related Headache: Lavender with Wintergreen, Basil, Lemongrass, PanAway Blend.

Please keep in mind that the oils that can produce these benefits MUST be pure, therapeutic/medicinal grade. I use Young Living's EOs because of their exceptional purity, potency,consistant quality and excellent results. All the EO blends listed in this post are either trademarked or formulated by Young Living.