• Home
  • Blog
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Free e-books!
  • Children’s Behavior
  • Women’s Health
  • About
    • Meet Jaclyn
    • Contact
Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

May 27, 2019

Growing Pains Treatment & Natural Remedies

If you’re looking for one more reason to love magnesium, here’s one! It makes for a smart and simple growing pains treatment. In this post, we’ll explain what causes growing pains and how to make growing pains go away. 

Natural Treatments for Growing Pains

Your kid wakes up in the middle of the night crying in pain and clutching her calf. She’s suffered no injuries that you can think of. What could be going on? Growing pains can strike out of nowhere and can range from a mild to significant pain.

What are growing pains and what do they feel like?

Growing pains are muscle cramps or spasms that growing children may experience, usually in the preschool or pre-teen years.

They tend to show up in the calves and quads, but can also be felt behind the knee or in the groin. Growing pains affect both legs, but may be felt in only one side or the other at a time.

How long do growing pains last?

You might notice growing pains in late afternoon or evening (just in time to disrupt bedtime), but they might also wake a child in the middle of the night. Different children will have different experiences. The pain can range anywhere from a dull ache to sharp and debilitating.

Growing pains tend to come and go and children do not usually experience pain every day.

What causes growing pains?

At this time, no one knows what causes growing pains. There’s also little evidence to link “growing” pains with actual growth spurts.

The prevailing theory is that the muscle cramps/spasms known as growing pains are actually linked to intense levels of activity common to childhood and subsequent over-use of the muscles, leaving them prone to cramping.

Other theories include a connection to restless leg syndrome and the possibility that not all body tissues grow at the same rate causing the body to protest in the form of growing pains.

Are growing pains normal?

An estimated up to 40% of children experience frequent growing pains, while others never experience them.

Most of the time, growing pains are considered “normal,” but they might also be tied to nutritional deficiencies, such as magnesium or vitamin B6 deficiency.

It is important to keep in mind that growing pains can be similar to other, more serious, conditions.

If something seems off, do not hesitate to seek a professional opinion. You should be concerned about growing pains if you or your child:

  • Experience pain around the clock or notice it in the morning
  • Show any signs of infection such as fever or a rash
  • Also feel lethargic, weak, or unusually tired
  • Experience limping, reduced mobility, swelling, or aching in the joints

While most folks consider growing pains a childhood malady, the pain doesn’t always abate with maturity. It can continue on into adulthood.

The sensation of growing pains in adults is often quite similar to that experienced by children – pain on both sides that shows up in the calves, quads, or behind the knee and that’s worse in the evenings or at night.

Growing pains treatment

Natural remedies for growing pains

So how do you make growing pains go away? Conventional treatments include stretching the legs, massaging the sore areas, and applying heat to affected areas.

The following holistic approaches may help to bring longer-lasting relief.

    1. Magnesium. Since growing pains have a connection with linked to restless leg syndrome, magnesium is a good option to try. Using a magnesium lotion, such as this one, when massaging the legs and/or a magnesium supplement, such as this one, are both good options to ensure your child’s pain is not from a lack of magnesium. A warm Epsom salts bath can also be very soothing and a great way to get some extra magnesium.
    2. Essential oils. Plant Therapy makes a Grow Ease Kidsafe essential oil blend specifically to help alleviate the symptoms of growing pains and can be added to the above magnesium lotion in place of the sleepy time oil for additional relief. You can also use this pre-made diluted roller on the backs of your child’s knees and bottoms of his feet at night.
KidsSafe

Grow Ease KidSafe Essential Oil 10 mL

  1. Homeopathic remedies. Cell salts can be helpful in reducing symptoms of growing pains by helping the body assimilate and send nutrients where they are needed most to reduce the pain. Calcarea phosphorica is a big one for growing pains.
  2. Vitamin B6. Because vitamin B6 helps transport magnesium into the cells and growing pains in children have been linked to a B6 deficiency, a good multi-vitamin or diet may help.
  3. Vitamin D. A 2015 study indicates that there is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and growing pains, as well, so ensuring your child has adequate vitamin D levels is important to ward off growing pains. Check this one out.

In addition to the above, some parents have also seen an improvement in their child’s growing pains by using CBD oil and chiropractic care.

How can I stop my legs from hurting at night?

In the case of adults with growing pains, rule out other potential causes.

Adults are more likely to have a condition such as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia as the root of their “growing pains.”

If you truly have growing pains, then many of the same natural remedies for growing pains mentioned above will apply to adults, too.

Growing pains treatment: diet

Food is medicine, and the case of growing pains is no exception.

Since vitamin B6 deficiency is linked to growing pains, be sure to include foods rich in vitamin B6, like:

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Beef
  • Salmon
  • Spinach
  • Asparagus
  • Yams
  • Broccoli

Bone broth with its high collagen content is beneficial for healthy tissue development and may help to avoid or alleviate growing pains. A hydrolyzed collagen supplement works too.

Some parents have also found that removing dietary inflammatory triggers such as sugar, gluten, and artificial sweeteners from the diet helped reduce their child’s growing pains.

If growing pains are connected to intense physical activity, electrolytes can also help. Coconut water will quickly boost electrolytes.

And on the topic of electrolytes – do bananas help growing pains? They might.

Bananas are high in potassium. So, if low potassium is part of the problem, bananas may help stop growing pains. Some dried fruits such as dates and prunes, cooked spinach, cooked broccoli, and sweet potatoes are also good sources of dietary potassium.

Growing Pains Treatment | The Family That Heals Together

Conclusion

Growing pains are unpredictable. Your child may or may not have them. Ensuring your child is well nourished with all the right vitamins and minerals can help.

So can good nutrition and a few home remedies.

Bonus: Many of the supportive tips to get rid of growing pains will also support your kid’s overall health.

What growing pains treatment options worked for you? Share in the comments below!

By: Rheagan · Filed Under: Blog, health, Remedies · Tagged: children's health, essential oils, growing pains, homeopathy, magnesium

March 23, 2019

How to Avoid Indoor Air Pollution & Have a Nice Smelling Home

We’ve talked before about how to keep your home smelling nice during the holiday season, but what about year round? And should you be worried about indoor air pollution from toxic home fragrances?

By the way, the post was created in partnership with Plant Therapy. All opinions are my own.

I admit it, when I walk into a home goods store, something about the fragrance that fills the air makes me want to buy all the pretty things. And while I’m there, I sometimes wonder how I can give my own home that same luxurious feeling.

But there’s an underlying problem when I enjoy this experience- the indoor air pollution that those toxic fragrances contribute to. Are you wondering how in the world you can have a nice smelling home without toxic chemicals? Read on- I have a solution for you!

Is indoor air pollution a problem in your home?

Early in my healthy living journey, I learned a dirty little secret. All those products that are meant to make our homes smell nice? They are actually contributing to a big, stinky problem: indoor air pollution.

“But Jaclyn,” you might be thinking, “isn’t outdoor air pollution a much bigger concern?” You might be surprised to learn the answer is probably no.

Is indoor air more polluted?

While we should be concerned about outdoor air quality thanks to modern industries, transportation, and even natural dust and pollen, it’s actually our indoor air quality that should alarm us.

Outdoors, air is always moving and fresh air can be found. However, inside the home and other buildings, air remains largely stagnant and often re-circulates. Buildings tend to be closed up, with windows and doors usually staying fairly sealed up.

Basically, buildings don’t breathe, therefore, the air inside can become quite toxic to breathe in, depending on what might be circulating. Let’s look at some of the major sources of indoor air pollution.

What are some examples of indoor air pollution?

Indoor air pollution can come from a number of sources. We should be mindful of the products we use, and even building materials and furniture we use in our homes.

Top contributors to poor air conditions in our home include:

  • mold
  • smoking in the home
  • formaldehyde and other VOCs that may offgas from furniture, paint, and glues
  • solvents used in household cleaners
  • & yep, you guessed it, toxic fragrances found in home products.

One study found that “scented consumer products emitted more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some that are classified as toxic or hazardous by federal laws.” These VOCs should be cause for concern because they can lead to a number of health complaints.


I keep my office space toxin-free and fragranced with uplifting scents!

What are the effects of indoor air pollution?

Short-term, toxic fragrances in the home can lead to lung and eye irritation. Long-term, the consequences are much more serious.

Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable. – EPA.gov

How do you get rid of indoor air pollution?

To start, eliminate sources of indoor air pollution where you’re able. Address water leaks immediately, use a good air purifier, and make your own cleaning supplies with essential oils.

You’ll also want to eliminate all sources of toxic fragrances from your home, which includes candles, plug-ins, potpourri, wax melts, sprays, and more. I know, this is a big step, and we all want our homes to smell good. 

(Side note: did I ever tell you about that time I cooked fish for dinner the night before a showing of the first home we sold? I don’t recommend it! I wish I’d had natural fragrance options then!)

I get it. Our home needs to be a welcoming place. We want it to smell nice and fresh, especially when preparing for guests.

Thankfully, there’s an oil for that. Actually, a whole line of essential oil-derived home fragrances that will make your home smell amazing without contributing to indoor air pollution.

How to Avoid Indoor Air Pollution & Have a Nice Smelling Home | The Family That Heals Together

Introducing Evoke from Plant Therapy

Evoke is a new line of natural fragrance products, characterized by their complex, emotive scents, derived from the natural aromatic components of essential oils.

The super cool thing about these fragrance oils is that, while I absolutely love diffusing essential oils, these new fragrances bring a new level of depth to the various scents.

For instance, my favorite Evoke scent, Revere, is described as “floral yet spicy, with notes of apple blossoms and citrus, along with rose absolute, dewy greens, and soft musks.” Plant Therapy achieves this layered effect by using essential oil isolates.

What are isolates?

To get a little science-y, isolates are naturally-occurring single chemicals that have been “isolated” from their natural sources. They are isolated through a process called “fractional distillation.”

Fractional distillation, as described by Plant Therapy, is a method that involves the separation of a liquid into fractions differing in boiling points. As the material is heated, the vapor rises into a long column above the still. The vapor is repeatedly condensed and re-evaporated as it moves toward the top, which distills the vapor many times.

The less volatile substances in the vapor tend to run back down the column after they condense, concentrating near the bottom. The more volatile ones often re-evaporate and move upward, concentrating near the top. Because of this, the column can be tapped at various levels to draw off different fractions.

How are isolates used in Plant Therapy’s natural home fragrances?

By using these isolates, along with pure essential oils, Plant Therapy has been able to create a totally unique natural fragrance line, filled with a variety of aromas. Using different constituents from different oils and combining them in creative ways, Evoke is a truly original fragrance line that smells amazing.

Even better, because these fragrances carry over some of the therapeutic properties of the essential oils they’re made from, you may experience other benefits as well!

So how do you choose which fragrance will best fit your preference? Well, I have my favorite, but I’ll let you decide!

Evoke fragrance selection

There are two sets of Evoke natural fragrances: Thrive and Celebrate. Each box contains three oils (which can be purchased separately as well), in similar fragrance families.

In Thrive, you’ll find more masculine blends including Spirit (a woodsy, warm fragrance with notes of bourbon, vanilla, clove, and lemon), Verve (a more earthy, smoky scent with hints of lemon and cardamom), and Zest (a fresh and spicy scent with floral and citrus notes, as well as a bit of musk).

In Celebrate, you’ll find a softer, more feminine set of fragrances, including Excite (a fresh, woody fragrance with hints of citrus and rose), Jubiliation (a soft, sweet combination of berries, rose, and musk, with a hint of baby powder), and Revere (my personal favorite, with its strong and fresh rose and citrus notes, along with a soft musk).

You can purchase each oil individually for $14.95, or you can get them in sets of three for $39.95 (and they come in an adorable little gift box). Check out all of the fragrances from the new Evoke line here. By the way, Plant Therapy always offers fast, free shipping!

Other ways to use Evoke natural fragrances

The uses are endless, as Evoke fragrances can pretty much be used in similar ways to the essential oils they’re derived from.

Diffuse them. I suggest this beautiful, high quality diffuser.

Dilute them in a carrier oil in a roller bottle and apply them as perfume or cologne (you better believe I’m whipping up a bottle of Spirit cologne for Mr. Incredible and that Revere fragrance for myself!).

Apply them to diffuser jewelry as another option to wear them and use them as aromatherapy on the go.

Create a bathroom spray by combining them with a little vegetable glycerine and water to spritz in the water before you go.

Use them in homemade cleaning supplies. Check out this guide.

Create a home fragrance spray to spritz on linens (especially nice in the guest room!) or into individual rooms when the mood strikes (hello pre-teen boy room!). Add 20-40 drops of the Evoke fragrance of your choice, along with 2 tbsp of witch hazel and 6 tbsp of water to a spray bottle and spray to your heart’s content.

Avoiding indoor air pollution is easy

By cutting out unnatural fragrances found in conventional candles, wax melts, and plug-ins, you’ll be avoiding one major source of indoor air pollution in most homes today. But- you can have your cake and eat it too, because avoiding harmful toxins doesn’t have to mean a stinky home!

I have loved diffusing the new Evoke natural scents from Plant Therapy because my home has never smelled better, but I don’t have to worry about my family breathing in toxic chemicals. I call that a win-win.

By: Jaclyn · Filed Under: Blog · Tagged: essential oils, home fragrance, nontoxic home, plant therapy, toxins

September 1, 2018

Selection of Essential Oils Safe For Pregnancy

Are essential oils safe for pregnancy? Yes and no. In this blog post, Reahgan explains which essential oils are safe for an expecting mother to use and which are best saved for labor. 

Essential Oils Safe For Pregnancy | The Family That Heals Together

Essential oil enthusiasts frequently debate the safety of essential oil use during pregnancy. While essential oils can resolve a variety of pregnancy complaints, they can also cross the placenta and make their way to baby. That said, no one has ever reported on the adverse outcomes or effects of properly used essential oils during pregnancy.

What essential oils can you use when pregnant?

Pregnancy may feel like a time of restrictions, limitations, and cautions on what you should and should not be doing – including which essential oils to use.

But as it turns out, there are more essential oils safe for pregnancy than those that are not.

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) has deemed the following essential oils safe for pregnancy:

  • Benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis)
  • Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
  • Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
  • Chamomile German (Chamomilla recutita)
  • Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)
  • Clary (Salvia sclarea)
  • Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
  • Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus smithii,)
  • Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
  • Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
  • Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
  • Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
  • Juniper (Juniperus communis)
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Lemon (Citrus limon)
  • Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
  • Marjoram Sweet (Origanum majorana)
  • Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara flos)
  • Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var amaraol)
  • Rose Otto (Rosa centifolia)
  • Sandalwood (Santalum album)
  • Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
  • Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

While this is not an exhaustive list, it gives a good starting point for the use of essential oils during pregnancy. You can find our favorite high quality essential oils here.

Can you use peppermint essential oil while pregnant?

The use of peppermint essential oil during pregnancy is somewhat controversial.

While not specifically mentioned in the above list, some sources consider peppermint essential oil as a safe oil to use during pregnancy. Since it is a stronger oil, be sure to dilute it.

More conservative sources say to avoid it during pregnancy entirely.

If you have other young children in the home, peppermint essential oil is not safe to use around children under the age of three, and some sources say not under the age of six. And if you choose to use peppermint essential oil during your pregnancy, a personal diffuser would be your best option to avoid exposing young children to the oil.

Why use peppermint essential oil at all? It can relieve headaches and nausea that often accompany pregnancy. Get our favorite organic peppermint essential oil here.

Is eucalyptus essential oil safe for pregnancy?

As noted above, eucalyptus is safe to use during pregnancy. It is particularly known for easing both sinus and respiratory congestion.

As with peppermint, exercise caution when using eucalyptus essential oil around young children in the home. And avoid using around children under the age of at least three and possibly six, depending on your sources. If there are young children present in the home, consider using a personal diffuser.

Get our favorite organic eucalyptus essential oil here.

What about lavender during pregnancy?

Lavender is quite possibly one of the most gentle and mild of essential oils. Safe for use during pregnancy and around young children, it can help with relaxation, sleep, and the minor pains associated with pregnancy.

Some folks suggest that lavender can stimulate the uterus, making it unsafe for pregnancy. But look at the actual research and you’ll find a misinterpretation of historical data. There is no evidence that lavender acts as a uterine stimulant, even in high doses.

We love this organic lavender essential oil.

Is it safe to use tea tree oil while pregnant?

Tea tree essential oil is another safe option for use during pregnancy.

It has good anti-microbial properties which can make it helpful for addressing the common cold and flu. As an anti-fungal, tea tree can also help resolve thrush and yeast issues, which can pop up more frequently during pregnancy.

Acne may also benefit from a little tea tree oil.

Grab organic tea tree essential oil here.

Is frankincense safe to use while pregnant?

One of my personal favorites, frankincense is safe to use during pregnancy and is so very useful.

Frankincense gently bolsters the immune system, promotes relaxation, improves sleep, and supports skin health. It can be used in belly or body butters to prevent or reduce the risk of stretch marks.

Beyond that, as a grounding oil, frankincense gives emotional support during pregnancy.

Get our favorite organic frankincense essential oil here.

Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, some essential oils are NOT safe for use during pregnancy. While few in number, it helps to know which essential oils threaten the safety of a mother and her baby.

IFPA recommends avoiding the use of the following essential oils during pregnancy:

  • Oregano (origanum compactum)
  • Thyme (thymus vulgaris)
  • Savoury (satureia montana)
  • Clove (syzygium aromaticum)
  • Cinnamon (Camphor, not Cassia) (cinnamomum camphora)
  • Cumin (cumimum cyminum)
  • Aniseed (pimpinella anisum)
  • Fennel (foeniculum vulgare)
  • Anise star (illicium verum)
  • Sweet Birch (betula lenta)
  • Wintergreen (gaultheria procumbens)
  • Sage (salvia officinalis)
  • Hyssop (hyssopus officinalis)

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy further adds these oils to the list of oils to avoid during pregnancy:

  • Basil (ocimum basilicum)
  • Mugwort (artemisia vulgaris)
  • Parsley seed or leaf (petroselinum sativum)
  • Pennyroyal (mentha pulegium)
  • Tansy (tanacetum vulgare)
  • Tarragon (artemisia dracunculus)
  • Thuja (thuja occidentalis)
  • Wormwood (artemisia absinthium)

While not an exhaustive list, this gives a good idea of which oils to avoid during pregnancy.

Often these are strong, hot oils that should be used with caution at any time, but especially during pregnancy.

Smart ways to use essential oils for pregnancy

Essential oils promote health and balance in the body.

In the context of fertility and pregnancy, essential oils can help balance hormones, heal old wounds (emotional and physical), and ease stress.

Our favorite safe ways to use essential oils for pregnancy are using them diluted in roller bottles like this, using personal inhalers like this, diffusing into the air of your home or on the go, or using diffuser jewelry. Each of these options allows you to create your own blend according to your needs.

See some ideas below and check out our favorite high quality essential oils here to start creating the perfect blends.

Essential oils for fertility

Your fertility journey may require individualized testing and support. But there are many ways to use essential oils to enhance fertility.

Frankincense, geranium, cypress, and Roman chamomile essential oils are good for balancing hormones and particularly helpful when paired with acupressure and reflexology points.

Basil, geranium, and rosemary are known to support ovary health. However, basil and rosemary are not safe for pregnancy.

Frankincense, geranium, lemon, tea tree, myrrh, and sweet orange essential oils support uterine health.

Citrus oils ease liver stagnation, which can have an impact on fertility.

Essential oils for nausea during pregnancy

Almost every new mother experiences nausea and morning sickness in early pregnancy. Some feel nauseous throughout their entire pregnancy.

Essential oils can help.

Lavender, ginger, peppermint, and lemon essential oils relieve symptoms of morning sickness and nausea. You can diffuse them in your home or keep a personal diffuser with you when out and about.

Essential oils to induce labor

Using essential oils to help prompt the beginning of labor may you help avoid unwanted interventions or make other induction methods more effective.

Note: Many of the essential oils used to induce labor are not safe for use during pregnancy.

For example, clary sage essential oil stimulates uterine contractions. Whereas jasmine essential oil both stimulates contractions and helps with pain management.

Rose essential oil can relax connective tissue, which helps with the expanding and opening of the pelvis to allow baby to pass, while geranium and lavender will help keep a mother calm during the labor.

How to use essential oils for labor

Whether spontaneous or induced, essential oils can support a smooth delivery.

As mentioned above, clary sage stimulates contractions and can help you move through resting labor. It also relieves muscle tension. But start slowly with this one, as too much can cause strong contractions.

Sweet orange essential oil has an energizing effect while ylang ylang uplifts and promotes positivity.

Peppermint can ease nausea during labor. But because it can affect milk supply, take care not to use it too close to delivery. Likewise, frankincense acts as an analgesic and helps with pain management, both on the abdomen and the perineum.

Geranium can be used on the abdomen following delivery to help tone and contract the uterus to expel the placenta and prevent excessive postpartum bleeding.

Caveats to using essentials oils for labor

If you would like to use homeopathy during labor, essential oils may antidote homeopathy – or neutralize the effects. So you may want to stick with one natural remedy.

When deciding whether to use essential oils topically or aromatically during labor, keep in mind that once baby is out, the scent of essential oils may be overpowering and interfere with the cues associated with early breastfeeding.

If this is a concern, make sure to use oils in a diffuser rather than topically. And when using essential oils topically, do so early during labor, rather than later.

What do you think? Are essential oils safe for pregnancy? Share in the comments!

By: Rheagan · Filed Under: Essential Oils, Remedies · Tagged: aromatherapy, essential oils, fertility, infertility, labor, pregnancy

July 28, 2018

Benefits Of Essential Oils: From Cold Busting To Relaxation

Even if you’re just not that into them, it’s tough to argue against the benefits of essential oils. For example, some essential oils can literally dissolve warts. On the flip side, that same oil can also stir up a case of weeping eczema.

So, what’s right for you? The trick to making essential oils work for you is to use them correctly and make adjustments along the way, based on how you personally respond to the extremely potent compounds in essential oils. In this post, Rheagan talks about a handful of essentials oils that you may want to keep nearby. 

Benefits Of Essential Oils: From Cold Busting To Relaxation | The Family That Heals Together

What are essential oils?

Many of us are familiar with the benefits of essential oils. They have become incredibly popular over the last few years because, quite simply, they work.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that have been used for health and wellness purposes for thousands of years. Typically obtained through a distillation process to produce the concentrated oils, manufacturers use a variety of plant parts to make specific essential oils. This includes roots, leaves, stems, bark, and flowers.

How do essential oils work?

Essential oils typically work topically (through the skin) or through inhalation.

To apply topically, an essential oil is safely diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the skin. Since the skin is permeable, your body absorbs the active components of the essential oil, similar to the idea of pharmaceutical transdermal medication.

Heat and massage to the area improve absorption because they improve circulation to the area. Topical application can be paired with reflexology or acupressure points on the body to help enhance its effects as well.

Inhalation is just like it sounds – inhaling an essential oil through the nose or mouth, often from an essential oil diffuser.

When inhaling an essential oil, molecules of the oil stimulate the olfactory system and, as a result, the brain and the limbic system.

The limbic system, also known as our “emotional brain,” is connected to many physiological functions in the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels and balance, breathing, and memory.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see how essential oils can be used to help promote physical and psychological wellness.

Benefits of essential oils and what they can do for you

The health and wellness benefits of essential oils vary, depending on the oil. But folks have found many practical benefits too. For example, essential oils are:

  • Readily accessible and relatively affordable.
  • Effective and can often be used ahead of pharmaceutical medications for common ailments.
  • When used properly and safely, virtually free of side effects and complications compared to many pharmaceutical options.

Most oils are multi-functional, meaning you can use them for more than one purpose.

Because essential oils are often antimicrobial in nature and keep the bad bugs at bay, you can use specific ones to replace conventional cleaning products.

Essential oils also tend to be naturally high in antioxidants, making them useful for homemade beauty products, which leave out the toxic chemicals normally found in store-bought products.

12 essential oils to keep at home

There are hundreds of different essential oils out there, but here are 12 of the most commonly used ones to consider starting out with, along with the benefits of essential oils:

1. Lemon. There are many citrus essential oils, but lemon is one of the most popular due to its versatility and anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the top essential oils to have on hand and can be used for so many things!

Lemon essential oils benefits can include relief of nausea, improved digestion, and reduced skin damage.

Lemon essential oil may support metabolism, promote lymph flow and drainage, protect against pathogens, reduce oxidative stress, prevent tooth decay, whiten teeth, boost the immune system, provide antimicrobial properties to cleaning products, and may even have cancer-fighting effects.

Get our favorite organic lemon essential oil here.

2. Lavender. One of the best-known and most commonly used essential oils in the world today, lavender essential oil has been used for thousands of years. High in antioxidants and with strong antimicrobial and mood-moderating properties, lavender essential oil is another top pick for the home.

Lavender essential oil benefits can include blood sugar regulation, improved mood and reduced stress, and improved cognitive function.

Lavender essential oil can help heal wounds and cuts, improve skin appearance, relieve of headaches, improve sleep, and provide topical pain relief.

Get our favorite organic lavender essential oil here.

3. Lemongrass. Lemongrass essential oil is an important one for its medicinal properties.

Known for its analgesic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, galactagogue, sedative, and insecticidal properties, lemongrass essential oil has earned its place in the home medicine/first-aid cabinet.

Lemongrass essential oil benefits can include pain relief, mood boosting, protecting against pathogens, lowering a fever, speeding wound healing, decreasing bleeding, improving digestion and elimination, repellin some insects, and enhancing milk production in lactating women.

Get our favorite organic lemongrass essential oil here.

4. Grapefruit. The benefits of essential oils from grapefruit are similar to those from lemon essential oil. But grapefruit has a particular affinity for digestive issues and weight loss. High in antioxidants with strong anti-inflammatory properties, this is a great oil to have on hand.

Grapefruit essential oil benefits can include disinfecting surfaces, improving mood, boosting the immune system, easing muscle and joint aches and pains, boosting metabolism, and reducing sugar cravings.

Get our favorite organic pink grapefruit essential oil here.

5. Peppermint. Peppermint is one of the oldest medicinal herbs to date. It is also one of the most widely-used and versatile essential oils with antimicrobial properties and an affinity for digestive and pain relief.

Peppermint essential oil benefits can include easing muscle and joint pain and acting as a muscle relaxant, which can have implications for a variety of health conditions, from fibromyalgia to arthritis.

Benefits of essential oils from peppermint can also include relief of sinus and respiratory complaints, including seasonal allergies, improved energy levels, relief of headaches, relief of digestive complaints, oral health benefits, easing nausea, repelling insects, and protecting and improving skin health.

Get our favorite organic peppermint essential oil here.

6. Tea Tree. Known in Australia for centuries for its medicinal properties, tea tree essential oil, also known as melaleuca, has strong antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties.

Tea tree oil benefits can include use in antibacterial products, such as hand sanitizer.

Tea tree essential oil can help repel insects, is effective against body odor, improves wound healing and prevents infection, reduces acne and soothes skin inflammation, improves oral health, is good for use in home cleaning products, reduces dandruff, and can be used to help treat fungal infections.

Get our favorite organic tea tree essential oil here.

7. Frankincense. Frankincense essential oil is one of the most prized oils the world over, having religious and medicinal significance in various cultures from ancient times to the present day. This is said to be one of the most powerful essential oils one can have for their health!

Frankincense essential oil benefits can include speeding healing of cuts and other skin afflictions, improving gum and hair health, helping in tissue health and regeneration (making it a great choice for skin care), reducing inflammation and easing pain in muscles and joints, helping relieve respiratory tract and lung complaints, improving oral health, improving digestion, and balancing hormones and helping to regulate a woman’s cycle.

Get our favorite organic frankincense essential oil here.

8. Clove. There are three different types of clove essential oil – bud, leaf, and stem. The most popular is clove bud essential oil, so we will focus on this one.

While having an ancient association with toothaches and dental issues, clove essential oil benefits go far beyond this. Clove essential oil has been approved as a dental analgesic and is often added to pharmaceutical oral health products.

Other benefits of essential oils from clove can include improving digestion and easing GI tract complaints, including easing nausea.

Clove essential oil can aid in healing skin issues like warts, acne, and signs of aging, repel insects, ease respiratory complaints, topical relief of pain, and speed healing of wounds and infections.

Get our favorite organic clove essential oil here.

9. Rosemary. One of the essential oils used in various thieves’ oil-type blends, rosemary has long been known for health and wellness purposes. Rosemary essential oil has analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and expectorant properties.

Rosemary essential oil benefits can include improving mental clarity, relieving coughs and headaches, improving memory, treating infections, improving oral health, and stimulating hair growth and health.

Get our favorite organic rosemary essential oil here.

10. Eucalyptus. The scent of eucalyptus will be familiar to many from a popular brand of vaporub. With its strong antimicrobial action, anti-inflammatory properties and affinity for breathing and lung complaints, eucalyptus essential oil has long been featured in both conventional and holistic medicine cabinets.

Eucalyptus essential oil benefits can include improving respiratory issues, relieving sore throats, clearing congestion, improving seasonal allergies, protecting against pathogens and boosting the immune system, easing headaches, improving wound healing, improving mental clarity, and repelling some rodents.

Get our favorite organic eucalyptus essential oil here.

11. Rose. One of the most beautiful flowers in the world, rose is equally enchanting for its essential oil benefits. Rose essential oil is known for its mood-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and aphrodisiac properties, among others.

Rose essential oil benefits can include improved mood, reduced inflammation, improved wound healing and reduced infection, as well as easing muscle spasms and cramps, protecting against pathogens, improving libido and sexual function, improving skin tone, stabilizing and regulating hormones to improve symptoms and regularity of the menstrual cycle, improving digestion, and reducing excessive bleeding.

Get our favorite rose absolute essential oil here.

12. Cedarwood. Extracted from the wood of the cedar tree, cedarwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, antispasmodic, sedative, and insecticidal properties.

Cedarwood essential oil benefits can include improved hair growth, improved skin conditions such as eczema, and improved scalp dryness & dandruff.

Cedarwood essential oil can also prevent infections, reduce joint and muscle pain resulting from inflammation, improve mood and sleep, improve mental focus, relieve coughs, and repel insects (think mothballs).

Get our favorite organic cedarwood essential oil here.

Essential oils aren’t for everyone

As with anything, essential oils are not for everyone.

Care should be exercised when using essential oils around young children as some may have adverse effects and there are separate guidelines for diluting essential oils safely for young children versus adults.

Hydrosols are often a safer option for babies and very young children. You can see a nice collection of organic hydrosols here.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should also exercise caution when it comes to essential oil use. Some oils are contraindicated for pregnancy, or nursing, or both. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy lists essential oil pregnancy safety guidelines on their website.

Anyone with allergies to the plants or plant families of certain essential oils should exercise caution when using those oils. Those with sensitive or broken skin should exercise caution when using essential oils topically as they may induce a reaction.

If you’re unsure, test a properly diluted essential oil on a small area of skin before applying more liberally. Never use an essential oil neat (undiluted) on the skin.

Certain oils, particularly the citrus oils, can increase photosensitivity, so caution should be taken when choosing these oils to apply topically.

Those with pets in the home, especially cats, should use caution with essential oils and research which ones (if any) are safe for use around furry, feathered, or scaled friends.

Some essential oils may interact with prescription medication, so those taking prescription medications or with liver or renal issues or a compromised immune system should consult with an aromatherapist before using essential oils.

We also strongly suggest you research and choose a quality essentials oils company who tests for safety and suggests proper usage. We especially love this company because they offer an extensive collection of organic and “kidsafe” essential oils, as well as lots of blends and roll ons! We don’t necessarily think you need to use (sometimes) overpriced MLM brands of essential oils to get quality oils. (Read our “rant” about that here. 😉 )

Knowing more about essential oils and how to use them can help you to dive into the wonderful world of self-care and home remedies. Essential oils offer an effective, safe (following proper guidelines), natural alternative that can help improve and support the health and well being of you and your family.

Are you sold on the benefits of essential oils? Which is your favorite?

By: Rheagan · Filed Under: Blog, Essential Oils · Tagged: adhd, anxiety, burns, depression, essential oils, health, lavender, natural remedies, scrapes, skin, skin care, tea tree

April 26, 2018

How To Use Essential Oils – The Right & The Wrong Way

Essentials oils can save you a trip to the doctor’s office and fill your home with a blissful aroma. But they’re not always the safest remedy to use. To get the most benefit, you need to know how to use essential oils. In this post, Lisa shares her tips along with safety precautions to take. 

How To Use Essential Oils - The Right & The Wrong Way | The Family That Heals Together

Wondering how to use essential oils and take your health to the next level? The benefits of essential oils are many. Essential oils may help with:

  • Immunity and infectious illness
  • Wound healing and pain relief
  • Sleep, mood, and cognition

What ARE essential oils?

Essential oils are derived from the fragrant essences found in plants.

Oils are the basis for use in aromatherapy. When derived naturally from plants, the use of essential oils provides a high-quality way to support your overall health.

How do you administer essential oils?

Topical Uses

The quickest and easiest way to experience the benefits of essential oils is through topical application. Correctly used, essential oils can uniquely target specific areas of the body to achieve the desired effect. Some topical uses include anointment and gentle massage.

It is important to note that essential oils are powerful. For safety reasons, taking them orally is not recommended. That said, inhaling essential oils can be therapeutic.

Aromatherapy uses

  • Relief from anxiety and depression
  • Improved quality of life, particularly for people with chronic health conditions
  • Improved sleep
  • Increased physical and mental energy

How to use essential oils for aromatherapy

The use of essential oils in aromatherapy works to improve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Depending on the oil and the time of day, inhalation of specific oils can positively alter brainwaves. The lasting effects can fluctuate between calming and uplifting.

Diffusing

To diffuse essential oils, add a few drops to water and turn on your diffuser, which distributes essential oil molecules in the air. As the vapor is inhaled it comes into contact with the nerves that send them directly to the brain, providing a safe and quick way to put the oils to work for you.

Besides deodorizing and sanitizing a space, diffusing essential oils can promote a calm and stress-free environment.

We like this inexpensive diffuser.

Inhalation

Another common use of essential oils is direct inhalation. This is done by adding a small drop or two to the palms, rubbing them together, cupping the mouth, and inhaling deeply.

Jewelry

Need to diffuse on the go? There are different types of jewelry that help you benefit from essential oil, even when you’re not at home. These include:

  • Locket style pendants with felt pads like this
  • Cylindrical silver or gold pendants with wicks
  • Stone, crystal, and handblown glass vessels with cork stoppers
  • Terracotta aromatherapy necklaces
  • Beaded essential oils jewelry
  • Leather and rope aromatherapy jewelry

Each of these aromatherapy jewelry pieces serves a different purpose. Because they are so close to the skin it is recommended to take caution when applying or reapplying essential oils. This provides the oil lover with a unique and stylish way to enjoy the aroma throughout the day.

We love lava stone necklaces and bracelets, and leather strap jewelry.

What essential oils can do for you

Immunity and infectious illness

The use of therapeutic grade essential oils to combat infection, such as the influenza virus, has proven to show significant positive impacts.

Many essential oils have anti-viral properties. Commercial essential oil blends have been shown to reduce the severity of the influenza virus by decreasing the direct infection of the cells. Other effective uses for essential oils:

  • Skin and foot fungal treatment
  • Staph infections
  • Bacterial infections

We love this organic germ fighter essential oil for applying, diluted, topically and diffusing. You can buy a pre-diluted roller here, or the Kidsafe Germ Destroyer roller here.

Wound healing and pain relief

When it comes to relieving pain, essential oils can provide a natural way to manage pain without unwanted or uncomfortable side effects. With anti-inflammatory, soothing, and pain relieving properties, there are specific essential oils that can help with the following aches and pains:

  • Back pain
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • TMJ pain
  • Knee pain
  • Foot pain
  • Kidney pain
  • Tendon pain
  • Hip pain
  • Bone pain
  • Leg pain

We like Organic Rapid Relief and Muscle Aid essential oils for pain relief.

Wound healing is another topical application of essential oils; essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and myrrh have antibacterial and healing properties.

Other essential oils can support healing as well, just be sure to use the proper handling and application as many of these oils can be potent and vary in strength.

Essential oils safety concerns

When used properly, most essential oils are safe and free of side effects. As with any addition to your health, essential oils do not come without a certain amount of care and intelligent use.

It is recommended that you never eat or drink essential oils. When used in full strength, they are extremely potent and should be treated as medicines that heal rather than casually ingesting them.

To avoid irritation and sensitization, dilute your essential oils. By using dilution methods, you are lessening the potency of the oils by mixing them with what is called a carrier oil, a base for safely “carrying” the essential oil.

Some common carrier oils are:

  • Sweet almond oil (we like this one)
  • Fractionated coconut oil (this one is organic!)
  • Olive oil
  • Grapeseed oil (try this one)

The quality of the essential oils you use is increasingly important. When researching a high-quality product you want to keep in mind these factors:

  • Sourcing
  • Extracting
  • Testing
  • Bottling
  • Application

Essential oils and children

When used safely, there are some essential oils that can support children, depending on age and sensitivity issues.

As a whole, a child’s immune system is not fully equipped to handle concentrated essential oils through diffusion. It is important to thoroughly research which essential oils are safe to use with children, based on their age.

This holds true for topical use as well. Always use a carrier oil and research which essential oils are more irritating than others.

We love these Kidsafe oils, designed specifically with children’s health and safety in mind.

Plant Therapy Essential Oils

Which essential oil brand is the best?

We get lots of questions about essential oil brands, and the truth is that there are a lot of good ones out there. As we’ve discussed before, we’re not into MLM essential oil hype… or the price tags that come along with it. We think good essential oils can be found at reasonable prices.

That’s why we use and recommend Plant Therapy. Not only is Plant Therapy super affordable, they offer:

    • lab-tested, quality essential oils backed by research
    • high standards for essential oil development and creation
    • a large selection of organic essential oils (check these out)
    • a large selection of Kidsafe oils that we feel good about using on and around our kids
    • Plant Therapy offers fast, free shipping (in today’s Amazon Prime world, you know that is important!)

(Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial)

Regardless of the brand you choose to use, please know that you don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to get high quality essential oils for your family.

The use of essential oils as part of a holistic lifestyle has many benefits. Essential oils can mean less trips to the doctor’s office and less use of pharmaceutical drugs.

However, it’s important to educate yourself and use the quality essential oils. Also, make sure that you monitor any and all effects, whether they are positive or negative. This will help you put the powerful benefits of essential oils to work for you daily.

Plant Therapy Essential Oils

What are your favorite essential oils and how do you use them?

By: Lisa · Filed Under: Blog · Tagged: aromatherapy, children's health, essential oils, how to use essential oils, plant therapy, using essential oils

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe | Paleo / GAPS / Gluten-Free
  • The PANDAS Parent Starter Kit (Where to start after a PANDAS diagnosis- or if you suspect it)
  • Paleo Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies (Healthy Pumpkin Spice Cookies!)

Copyright © 2023 · Hello CEO by Hello You Designs

Copyright © 2023 · Hello CEO on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in