First Aid Essential Oil Picks

August 12, 2016
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

Heal with ancient miracle remedies.

Essential oils are all the rage. Whether you’re seeking to treat a specific ailment or simply want a safe scent to fill your home, essential oils provide a wide array of therapeutic benefits. Yet, they are hardly new to the scene.

Quite the opposite, actually.

Essential oils date back to Biblical times. In fact, the Bible contains 14 principle oils: calamus, cassia, cedarwood, cinnamon, cypress, frankincense, galbanum, hyssop, myrrh, myrtle, onycha, rose of sharon, sandalwood, and spikenard. I bet you recognized at least a few on this list.

So, what exactly are essential oils? They’re simply oils that are distilled from the roots, leaves, and flowers of wild or organically grown plants.

In other words, “they are the lifeblood of the plant.”

Elegant, simple, but powerful.

I’ve been a fan for decades. I use them topically by rubbing one or two oils onto my skin (like lemongrass and cypress combined with a carrier oil like almond) or I use a few drops in a relaxing bath. I also love diffusing oils throughout the rooms of my home.

Specific Selection

There certainly are oils for everything! Below is my go-to “first aid kit” for health and healing.

Cedarwood: Promotes hair growth, diminishes skin irritation and acne, and reduces coughing.
Cinnamon: Fights bacteria, parasites, fungus and microbes, and is a holistic alternative to an antibiotic.
Clove: Works as an antibacterial and anti-parasitic solution.
Cypress: Provides emotional support during stress and loss, reduces cellulite, and treats connective tissue injuries.
Eucalyptus: Provides respiratory relief for issues like bronchitis and allergies.
Frankincense: Relieves allergies, headaches, warts, and bronchitis.
Hyssop: Soothes sore throats and respiratory infections.
Lavender: Boosts healing of burns and cuts, and promotes relaxation.
Lemon: Improves lymph drainage and is effective in household cleaners.
Myrrh: Acts as an antiseptic and relieves diarrhea.
Oregano: Fights fungus and tamps out common colds symptoms.
Peppermint: Supports digestion, sooths headaches, and reduces fever.
Sandalwood: Deepens sleep, supports the female reproductive system, and calms UTI symptoms.
Spikenard: Eases migraines and nausea and provides cardiovascular support.
Tea Tree: Fights skin infection and helps heal insect bites and cuts.

Please keep the following in mind when using essential oils, however:

• Avoid oils that contain synthetic ingredients, which might produce an allergic reaction—buy only 100 percent pure and natural oils.
• Store oils in a tightly closed blue or amber glass bottle away from sunlight or heat (your refrigerator is an ideal spot).
• Avoid using the oils near candles or open flames as they are highly flammable.
• Never swallow them and always keep them away from your eyes, ears, and mucus membranes.
• Don’t apply them directly to your skin without mixing with a carrier oil first.
• Keep away from children and pets.
• Pay mind to the recommended amount of these potent oils to ensure you don’t “overdose.”

 

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

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12 Comments

  1. DavetteB

    Good list of oils and guidelines. I would add that some on your list shouldn’t be used on children under 10 or pregnant or nursing women and some of the oils have maximum dilutions that should not be exceeded to prevent irritation or sensitization. Some also shouldn’t be diffused around if you have pets in the home.
    Everyone should do their own research for what is good for themselves and their families. HTH

    Reply
  2. Ann Louise

    DavetteB: Thank you for your insightful comment: well noted and appreciated. Just like diets (including my Fat Flush Plan), we are all biochemically unique and need to understand what is best for our particular age and stage of life. This blog is a very general “teaser” and it is my hope that my followers will learn much more about the specifics of essential oils at the Summit August 22.

    Reply
  3. Amy

    This is very interesting and I love knowing about the Biblical oils. Though I much want to use and benefit from essential oils (and I have purchased many,) I am very sensitive to scent and have not been able to use them as they promote immediate allergy symptoms in me. 🙁

    Reply
  4. Ann Louise

    So sorry to hear this but I wonder if you are using the highest quality oils from the most reputable companies. Do email [email protected] for the oils I use with my most sensitive clients.

    Reply
  5. Cynthia VanVranken

    Hi there Galbanum is an essential oil i didnt see anything written about when you wrote about the uses of the Biblical oils . Is it good for aging skin by any chance ?

    Reply
  6. Ann Louise Gittleman

    Galbanum is one of the 14 Biblical oils, for sure. It is specific for the immune system and respiratory tract and is known as an anti-inflammatory. Since the lungs and skin are connected, this may also be used – in very diluted amounts with a carrier oil for the skin. The Summit will have more info on topical uses for essential oils especially for skin health, I bet.

    Reply
  7. MaryJean Chase

    You have mentioned Yarrow is good. I have seen expensive A.ligustica and less costly A.millefolium. Which is the choice for the EMF protection?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      The Yarrow Environmental Solution by FES Flowers that Ann Louise mentions in Zapped as helping to protect against EMFs uses the A. millefolium.

      Reply
      • Teri

        Team ALG:
        Does Ann Louise suggest the use recommended by the manufacturers for EMF protection of sprays in the mouth up to four times a day?

        Reply
        • Team ALG

          Yes Teri you can just follow those directions.

          Reply
  8. Charlene Ihmoda

    ESSENTIAL OILS: Which brand?
    Please Ann Louise, can you list which essential oil brand(s) that you recommend?

    I was using a major essential brand, but have heard controversy about it. I am asking for my own use–fighting very, very tough symptoms.
    I’ve also emailed to your staff, asking for an appointment with you. Much thanks!

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      EOS brand oils are ones that Ann Louise has mentioned she likes.

      Reply

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