I use essential oils everywhere: on myself, my children, in my house and for everything: as much in cosmetics as to "treat" ourselves, as much to disinfect the house as to perfume our air.
In my aromatic pharmacy, I have a small emergency kit cleverly developed by nature and which is a valuable aid in treating a host of minor health problems to which we may be exposed regularly.
Here is a list of “must-haves” to keep at home:
Lavender is ideal for calming the nervous system, for exceptional skin healing (wounds, cuts, injuries, burns), as an anti-inflammatory, as a muscle relaxant, as a hypotensive, for sleep disorders, against mosquito bites, etc.
Highly anti-infectious and fungicidal, tea tree is used for infected wounds, gum infections, ear infections, sore throats (pharyngitis), and vaginitis. It also stimulates the immune system and is used for intestinal infections, etc.
Peppermint helps stimulate sluggish digestion, combats indigestion, and is great for digestive pain and cramps. It is useful for headaches, muscle and joint pain, and is also a general decongestant and stimulant.
Eucalyptus radiata is used in cases of flu, as a respiratory decongestant, helps with sinusitis, coughs and ear infections, and also stimulates the immune system (this essential oil is great for cases of flu, colds, coughs and bronchitis in children).
These four essential oils are easy to use and inexpensive. Their resume is impressive, and their versatility makes them indispensable. I keep lavender on hand for insect bites and burns (really amazing and worth trying (having done it several times!) if you unfortunately get burned: pour a few drops directly onto your sore, the benefits are instantaneous. I massage my boyfriend's back with peppermint when he's sore. I like to help our immune system in the winter with eucalyptus. I also have a very effective anti-flu formula (concocted by Luc) to swallow a few drops at a time. It's made with eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, oregano and bay leaf. I gave some to the whole theater company when we started our tour. I couldn't take it myself because I was breastfeeding, but I put thyme behind my ears.
For washing, I pour a few drops of "purifying diffusion" (I love this recipe from Luc which perfumes my counters and floors, what a fresh and clean scent!) or tea tree in my soapy water to disinfect (found toys, unearthed books, antiques, etc.) and clean my environment well... without poisoning myself! I also use tea tree to treat animal wounds. Aromatherapy is widely used in veterinary medicine in France.
When it comes to coquetry, rose and neroli hold a place of honor at the top of my list.
In the house, I use essential oils almost everywhere. I sometimes use them just to have nice smells (except in the summer because I leave room for the lilacs, the linden trees, and then the lavender that surround the house). In the winter, in addition to opening the windows almost every day to let in fresh oxygen, I diffuse essential oils to sanitize the air, especially if someone sick has come to my house: I use my clever little aromatic molecules to neutralize bacteria or viruses in the ambient air. I diffuse or vaporize the oils then mixed with water or tequila (orange/patchouli combination really winning in the bathroom!... of course, all tastes are in nature and that is why I appreciate these potions that I change with the seasons, needs and temptations). Eucalyptus, fir, and even citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons) are excellent air fresheners. I would never use commercial "scented" scents.
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