In recent years, due to some serious health issues that arose in my own family, I started evaluating and researching the products we use on a daily basis and their impact on our long-term health and quality of life. This journey helped me discover some amazing natural remedies, recipes, and uses for plant oils (what we call essential oils) and natural substances. Did you know that essential oils can actually be found in the Bible? Did you know two of the three gifts given to Jesus by the Wisemen were essential oils and have some really amazing applications? No? Great, we are going to dive into some of my favorite oils and their uses.
I do want preface all of this by saying that the following information provides great methods for saving on treatments for common colds, using preventative maintenance to avoid catching viral infections, and cleaning your household, but it should never replace sound medical and biblical instruction regarding your health.
Lavender
Uses: Antibacterial, sleep aid, calming/stress Relief, eczema/dermatitis, mild burns or sun burn, insect bites, nausea/motion sickness, dandruff, dry/chapped skin & lips
Lavender oil is one of my favorite and most used oils. I drink lavender earl grey tea, lavender lemonade, lavender lemon cupcakes and tea, etc. Before bedtime, I love to use a spray bottle with lavender oil diluted with water and spritz my pillow and bedding, it creates restful night of sleep. As a school teacher I have used a diffuser in my classroom and at my desk with lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus, which really helps with stress in both the students and myself, but it also helps to purifying the air, which is not always ideal in work spaces and older buildings.
Eucalyptus
Uses: Antibacterial, boosts immune system, respiratory health, respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, cold, cough, flu, etc), sore throat, headaches, boosts mental clarity, alleviates ear aches/infections, reduces pain/inflammation, aids wound care, fights infection/fungus/bacteria, clear sinuses, repels rats, fight bad breath & cavities, deodorizing
Eucalyptus, like lavender, is a favorite of mine, especially during seasons where many people seem prone to sharing their germs with the rest of the population as they’re fighting cold, flu, etc., but also when pollen seems to be heavier than usual. I use it in my diffusers, laundry, showers, etc. Dealing with a terrible cough or cold? You can add eucalyptus and menthol to a hot bath or make shower melts (recipe posted below). Dealing with an earache or ear infection? Put some drops of Eucalyptus on a cotton ball and place cotton ball in the opening of your ear while you sleep or rest, you’ll be amazed to find your ear will feel so much better when you wake up.
Tea Tree
Uses: Antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, anti-acne, decongestant, cleaning/disinfecting, insecticidal, athlete’s foot, lice, nail fungus, hand sanitizer, all-purpose cleaner, dandruff, mold, psoriasis, skin tag removal
Tea tree oil is one that I use for any skin irritations/rashes I may get. I’ve found it to be very effective at both alleviating itching as well as helping reduce the inflammation.
Frankincense
Uses: Antiseptic, disinfectant, astringent, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, uterine health, reduces stress, boosts immunity, fights cancer, skin health, promotes memory, reduces scars and stretch marks, regulates and promotes mensural health, promotes digestion, anti-aging (cytophylactic)
Frankincense is mentioned multiple times in the Bible in a variety of uses, including being one of the three gifts given to Jesus by the Wisemen.
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Myrrh
Uses: Antioxidant, anti-Cancer (may help treat skin cancer), antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, relaxation/anti-stress, gum decease and mouth infections, relief for upper respiratory issues, relief for digestion issues, hypothyroidism, ulcers/wounds
Myrrh is actually mentioned 152 times in the Bible. It was a very important resource in biblical times and was used as a spice, as a natural remedy, and to purify the dead.
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” – Proverbs 7:17
I hope you’ve enjoyed the oils and uses I’ve highlighted above. If you’re interested in more information, here are other essential oils that are mentioned multiple times in the Bible that you can research to find out more about:
Sandalwood/Aloe, Cassia (Cinnamon Bark), Calamus, Cedarwood, Cypress (Fir), Galbanum, Myrtle, Onycha, Rose of Sharon, Spikenard (Nard)
Eucalyptus Shower Melts Recipe
Ingredients
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- 1 cup baking soda
- 2-5 tablespoons water
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- Soap colorant (optional)
- Silicone mold
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Directions
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- Add baking soda to a glass or metal bowl.
- Slowly mix water with baking soda one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick paste consistency. Note: You may not need 5 full tablespoons, so add each tablespoon until it reaches the correct consistency.
- Add in your essential oil and soap colorant if using and mix well. The amount of each is up to your personal preference. You can start with 10 drops of each scent, but if you want a stronger aroma, you could add up to 15-20 drops. once these ingredients are added the mixture should look a little like wet sand.
- Press your mixture firmly into your mold. It may get watery at the top once it settles. Just take a paper towel and blot the water away. Put it in the freezer to dry.
- After about an hour, your shower melts are ready to use. Store them in a dry, airtight container for 1-2 months.
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Featured Photo by Jaron Whelan on Unsplash
