Essential Oils and Our Pets
Essential Oils and Our Pets
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first should define what is an essential oil in the first place.An essential oil is a bioavailable nutritive liquid. This liquid is derived from flowers, plants, trees, etc., through a special distillation process. Essential oils (when left in their purest, non-diluted state with no synthetics added) have a 100% kill factor on harmful viruses, bacteria, funguses, mold and tumors.*The key to using an essential oil in the ways I will describe here though is to make sure you 1) know your source 2) because you'll want the oils derived from certified organic plants not grown with pesticides in order to have the full effect of the oil.Aromatherapy is often a word you'll find associated with the essential oils. The phrase was first "coined" by French chemist Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, Ph.D., in 1920. One day while he was working in his laboratory he had an accident that caused a third-degree thermal burn to his arm and hand. His immediate reaction was to plunge his arm into what he thought was a vat of water but rather it was a vat of lavender oil. So, he continued to use the lavender oil to treat his burn which eventually healed completely and left absolutely no scar!Now please keep in mind that most of the essential oils on the market today have synthetics added to them as they're basically made for the cosmetic industry and are not nutritional. However, there are some excellent therapeutic grade oils on the market that are pure, unadulterated oils that can be used internally, topically and inhaled as powerful immune system builders.While these essential oils for the most part have been created with humans in mind, many people are using these essential oils in their pet care successfully, and I'm one of them.The essential oils work synergistically with the body to maintain, help, repair, and renew it right down to our DNA. The "oil" from the plants is similar to our blood and immune system so they work very harmoniously within our bodies. They go in and oxygenate and detoxify our blood simulatenously and create an environment where pathogens cannot live! Even more exciting is when the oils are either directly inhaled or diffused (using a cold air diffuser) they will cross the blood-brain barrier and clean out the petrochemicals. Due to their adaptagenic qualities they go into our blood streams, cells, etc., and seek out where they are needed like little therapeutic agents.You might be thinking, well but I don't have any petrochemicals in my brain or blood and even if I do, my pets don't. Think again. Dr. David Stewart, PhD, wrote in his article Essential Oils for Things That Bug You Around the House the following "Among the many chemicals in our industrial environment that get into our systems and make us sick are the pesticides we use in our homes. We use them because we they are toxic to the creatures that bug us, but they are also toxic to us. Sometimes the toxicity is immediately apparent: we get a headache, get sick or feel nausea from the fumes or other contact.Sometimes the toxicity is subtle and can accumulate resulting in chronic complaints and disorder (including allergies, cancer and miscarriages) that can be serious and even deadly over time. Sometimes we even put poisons on our pets to deal with ticks and fleas, not realizing that these substances are not healthy for us nor our animals."Pesticides normally include some kind of petrochemical. Meaning if we don't take responsibilty for our health and the health of our pets, we can become sicker and sicker through the use of all these pesticides, herbacides, and chemical cleaning products in our homes. What affects us can affect our pets even faster and more readily because they are lying on our chemically cleaned floors and in our chemically treated and fertilized yards.There is hope though! By using therapeutic grade essential oils, we can eliminate much (if not all) of the poisons from our homes and in our bodies -and that includes our pets too! While I can't go into depth in one single article I can leave you with some links to follow up on and a few of the essential oils you may want to get immediately to start implementing the change in your lives and the lives in your pets.When using therapeutic grade oils, you can use them "neat" (undiluted) on skin, inhaled, or even internally with some oils. To apply any to your pets, you may choose to diffuse them in a diffuser until your pets become more used to the oils. With cats it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and either diffuse them or apply diluted to their hind feet (using more mixing oil than essential oil) or tips of their ears. I only use one brand of oil and do not use any others. I know my source and these oils and trust them. Do your homework before embarking on the oils for your pets, especially your cats.Lavender oil has so many uses benefits including the one at the beginning of this article: for burns, cuts, scrapes, sunburns it is an all-purpose oil. Add to that the calming effect and wonderful smell, you can't go wrong with this oil. It can be used on bee stings and insect bites also and is a good oil (when diluted with a organic mixing oil such as olive or almond) for cleaning your dog and cats ears (VERY diluted on a cat!). When you use any of the oils (neat or straight undiluted) the oils act an insect repellant. When you mix them with water they act as a natural pesticide. This oil is a good repellant to chiggers, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks!Peppermint oil: this oil is great for relieving doggy flatulence (and human!), diarrhea, indigestion, as an anti-inflammatory, and can reduce fevers. You can also use it before or during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue -I do daily! Oh and the best part -it can curb your appetite! This oil is also good at getting rid of the following bugs: Ants, aphids, beetles, catepillars, fleas, flies, lice, moths, plant lice, and spiders.There are many many more oils to help you for nearly every single medical protocol for you and your pets. Here are some articles you can read along with Dr. Stewart's above which can all be found on my dog's blog Bark 'N' Blog (see bio):"Aromatherapy Research and Education: What is AFNOR?"
"How Do Essential Oils Work?"
"The Healing Power of a Rose"
"Important Facts Regarding Toxins in our Environment"*All information presented here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body or pets and the author, publisher, and contributors accept no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering or their pets from any disease, illness or injury should consult with their physician or veterinarian.Originally published for Suite101.com Holistic Pet Care TopicAbout the Author:
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care educator helping pet owners learn to care for their pets through natural, holistic means. Disease prevention is her goal to help pet owners lower their pet care costs and extend the lives of their pets. Visit her website Aspenbloom Pet Care and her dog's blog barkin' about natural pet care from a canine perspective Bark 'N' Blog
Use Essential Oils and Herbs in a Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoid Relief
Use Essential Oils and Herbs in a Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoid Relief
Sitz bath using juniper and lavender oilsIf you have swollen hemorrhoids, a sitz bath can help you
reduce them and speed your recover. Fill a tub with warm
or hot water. Use the temperature that will not irritate your
hemorrhoids. Fill it so water reaches your hips or stomach,
6-8 inches. Then add 22 drops of juniper and 22 of lavender
essential oils into the bath.Stir in the oils with your hand and then sit in the bath with
your knee raised for 10-15 minutes three times a day. This
position helps to bring more blood into your hemorrhoid
area, which brings in more nutrients and to pulls out toxic
waste.After 15 minutes, take a shower with water as cold as you
can take.After this sitz bath and shower, you can use one of the herbal paste or ointments directly on your hemorrhoids and leave it on over night.Sitz bath using Shepherd's PurseThe herb Shepherd's Purse can be used in sitz bath. This
herb is useful in treating hemorrhoids by reducing,* Internal and external bleeding* Reducing blood pressure* Relieving hemorrhoids* Repairing wounds* Reducing prolapsed rectumHere's how to use it,Place 1 oz of shepherd's purse in two quarts of distilled
water and let it sit for 12 hours. In the morning or evening,
boil this mixture for 2-3 minutes and then strain it. Pour the liquid into a sitz tub or into a full bathtub. Stay in the tub for around 20
minutes and do this 2-3 times a day.After the sitz bath take a cold shower to stimulate blood circulation in the hemorrhoid area.Witch Hazel and a BasinPrepare a small tub, container or basin that you can sit in
and add some warm distilled water. Add 1/4 cup of witch
hazel liquid to the water. Sit in the small tub as long as you
can and do it as often as you can. This will relieve your
hemorrhoids in 3 to 4 days.0r, you can freeze witch hazel into small ice cube, then wrap
them with cheesecloth and press them against your
hemorrhoids for 10-15 minutes every hour. This will reduce
the pain and swelling of your hemorrhoids.Use the sitz bath only for the time you need to eliminate or get relief from your hemorrhoids. Remember that using herbs longer than necessary can cause the condition you're trying to eliminate.Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "natural-remedies-thatwork.com" and he has written an ebook called "How to Relieve Your Constipation with 77 Natural Remedies." You can get more information on this ebook and more hemorrhoid remedies at this site. http://www.hemorrhoid-remedies.for--you.info
Essential Oils Blends and Uses
Essential Oils Blends and Uses
Better Living With Essential OilsPractical formulas you can use in Personal Care and Your EnvironmentPersonal Care - What Essential Oils can do for Your Skin:l Penetrate lower skin layers to work on moisturizing and healing.l Stimulate and regenerate skin cells, to heal skin damaged by sun, burns, wrinkles, or injury.l Destroy infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi such as those associated wit acne and other skin problems.l Reduce inflammation and puffiness.Drop Equivalent20 drops = 1/5 Teaspoon = 1 ml.100 drops = 1 Teaspoon = 5 ml.300 drops = 1 Tablespoon = 15 ml.Facial FormulasDry Skin - Avoid cosmetics with alcohol & harsh soaps. Diet: May be helped by Vitamin A supplement. Helpful oils: Sandalwood, Rose, Neroli, Rosewood, Palmarosa, Lavender & Myrrh.For Sensitive Skin: 2 drops Chamomile, 1 drop Myrrh, 1 drop Rose, 2 oz. Jojoba or Almond Oil. Combine oils and store in Amber Bottle to preserve from light damage.For Mature Skin: 2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Myrrh, 2 oz. Jojoba or Almond oil. Combine oils and place in Amber bottle.For Acne: 15 drops Tea Tree, 10 drops Lavender, 2 oz. Jojoba or Almond oil. Combine and store in Amber bottle.Whole Body Skin Soother - In a Large cup mix the following: 1 Cup of Milk, 1 Tsp. of Honey1 Tsp. of Vinegar, 2 Drops of Spearmint, 2 Drops of Lavender, 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil. Run a WARM (not hot) bath. When the water is done filling the tub add the above mixture and stir. Soak and relax as it soothes your irritated skin.Hair FormulasDry Shampoo - Washing your hair too often can strip it of it's protective acid mantle.Between shampoos or when short on time, use this dry shampoo: 1 drop rosemary, 1 Tablespoon Orris Root powder. Mix ingredients. Part hair in sections and sprinkle mixture on. Leave on 5 minutes, then brush thoroughly.To Stimulate Hair Growth - 10 drops Rosemary, 8 drops Bay, 7 drops Cedarwood, 50 ml. Jojoba. Add essential oils to Jojoba, apply to scalp, cover with towel or shower cap and leave on overnight. Wash your hair the next morning. Store in Amber bottle to prevent light damage.Household Uses for Essential OilsHerbal Disinfectant - 2 cups hot water, 10 drops Thyme essential oil, 1/4 cup Borax. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.Mold Deterrent - 1/4 cup white vinegar, 3/4 cup water, 2 drops Cinnamon Leaf 5 drops Patchouli, 2 Teaspoons Tea Tree & 2 drops Tagettes. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. If you already have a buildup of mold or mildew, allow the spray to "rest" on the surface for a few hours. Wipe with a soft cloth, re-spray the area and let dry without rinsing.Lavender Soft Scrubber - 3/4 Cup Baking Soda, 1/4 Cup Powdered Milk, 1/8 Cup liquid Castile soap, 5 drops Lavender & Water. Combine Baking Soda, Milk, Castile soap and Lavender in a squirt-top bottle. Add just enough water to make a smooth paste. Shake or stir to mix. Apply to surface, then wipe area clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse Well.29 Ways to Use Essential OilsEssential Oil Blending Recipes FOR The Home1, Make scented candles by adding a drop of to the pool of melted wax around the wick. Light a candle, blow out after a few minutes. Add oil to melted wax. Do not add while candle is lit as the oils are volatile.2, Freshen sneakers and shoes. Place cotton balls dabbed with geranium, lemon or tea tree into shoes overnight3, Gently scent a room by adding a few drops of to a pan of water simmering on a burner or wood stove. Even easier, use an essential oil diffuser.4, Scent linens and towels. Add a few drops of your favorite to a piece of terrycloth and add to your clothes dryer for a natural dryer sheet.5, Repel flies: Dab lavender on door and window sills.6, Get rid of musty food odors. Add one drop orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, bergamot or mandarin oil to a cup of water. Rinse surface of icebox, freezer, oven, trash cans.7, .Add a few drops of to a small spray bottle of water to make an air freshener.8, Repel mice. Place peppermint oil on cotton balls in problem areas.9, Make your own carpet freshener. Add 10 drops to cornstarch or baking soda let sit for 24 hours. Sprinkle carpet and vacuum after about an hour.10, Doggy odor? Add a few drops of Rose or geranium to dog collar, and to a cotton ball placed inside the vacuum canister of your vacuum cleaner. Make a safe, effective flea collar. Saturate a soft rope with tea tree oil, the rope into a bandana to tie loosely around the doggy's neck.Essential Oil Blending Recipes for the Body11, Tired muscles and aching joints? Add one part each eucalyptus, sage and basil oil to 4 parts Jojoba or your favorite oil. Massage into area as needed.12, Make your own deodorant powder; add 2 oz. Cornstarch, 1 oz. Baking soda, and a few drops essential oil. See precautions about skin contact.13, Make home-made massage oil. Add 10 to 12 drops of your favorite to 1 oz. jojoba oil. See precautions about skin sensitivity.14, Repel mosquitoes and black flies by placing a few drops of citronella on tablecloths at picnics, or cap. Another option, buy our Ticked Off Bug repellant.15, For a hangover, blend juniper, Cedarwood, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, lemon or fennel. Add 6 to 10 drops to a hot bath & soak it away.16, Speed healing of minor burns and scratches. Add 1 drop tea tree to oil from Vitamin E capsule: apply directly to affected area17, Long Drive Ahead? Stimulate attentiveness! Place peppermint or rosemary on cotton ball near the car heating/cooling vents for a refreshing scent.18, Insomnia? Place hanky sprinkled with chamomile and lavender oil under the pillow.19, Going on Vacation? Add a few drops of chamomile and lavender to travel-sized mister. Spray in guest or hotel room.20, For athletes foot, dab toes with tea tree to soothe burning, tired feet.21, Aid memory by placing a drop of rosemary on a light bulb in a study area.22, Ease headache pain. Massage one drop rosemary/lavender blend to back of neck.Make Great Gifts with Essential Oil Blending Recipes23, Make lavender water by placing 1 oz. Alcohol, 1 tsp. Lavender oil and 1/2 cup Rosewater into a clean bottle. Let sit for a month and shake the bottle frequently, then pour into perfume bottles or buy one of our all natural floral waters.24, Make scented stationery. Add a few drops of your favorite scent to paper and envelopes, then seal inside a plastic bag for 24 hours. Place in a wooden box afterwards.25, Make aromatic sachets. Add a few drops of to dried flowers or herbs then tie or sew them in decorative cloth bags.26, Make herbal potpourri gifts. Fill glass jars or decorative boxes with dried flowers scented with a few drops of of your favorite scent extract.27, Make your own perfume blends. Add 25 drops your favorite to 1 oz. jojoba oil. Let sit in a tightly capped bottle for two weeks before to using.28, Make herbal bath oils by adding a few drops to a bottle of apricot or almond oil and shaking thoroughly. Pour into smaller bottles.29. I use 10 drops of our blend, Summer Cooler, in each water tank of my humidifier in the winter to deter bacteria. The aroma also gives an uplifting feeling during the cold winter months.Gerald F. McCarthy holds a patent on the unique diffuser used in all ESSENTIAL AIR models.Over the years McCarthy of Leyden House has accumulated seventeen patents in the field of energy and health related products. A speech pathologist by profession he was intrigued by the beneficial effects of natural healing and began searching for ways to deliver essential oils more effectively.Visit: http://www.essential-air.com