Essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender, must-haves!

Tension, digestive, or idiopathic (i.e. unrelated to a disease) headaches (headaches) can often be alleviated by the use of one or a combination of these essential oils.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Peppermint essential oil

I always have my peppermint essential oil at home and in my purse.

Peppermint, thanks to its high concentration of menthol, is known to reduce pain. It is important to know that for any ingestion and application, peppermint essential oil should be mixed/diluted in a carrier oil, for example sweet almond oil. Applied directly to the skin, it can cause skin irritation, too cold effect or too strong smell. Same thing when ingested, it should be diluted, as it gives an almost cold burning sensation in the mouth and esophagus.

• Applied to the temples and at the base of the neck, it soothes headaches and sometimes even migraines
• Applied to a tense muscle, it acts like a gel and brings freshness in addition to relaxing the muscles.
• Diluted in the vinaigrette, it facilitates digestion while offering a delicious mint taste. Ingested, it also particularly helps those struggling with digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome or liver disorders. In infusion,mint green tea, it is also effective in calming the digestive system.
• Ingested, it also helps fight bad breath.
• Diluted in a cream, it soothes itchy skin and reduces redness.
• In diffusion or diluted with water, it soothes nausea.⠀
• Diffused or applied locally to the forehead or sinuses, it helps to clear the airways and stuffy noses.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Eucalyptus essential oil

I use eucalyptus mainly in my diffuser when I work to help me focus and relax. Eucalyptus is commonly used to treat the respiratory tract or muscle or joint pain. It has, however, several other uses, which we owe to the presence of eucalyptol in the leaves of these trees.

• Mix 1-2 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil (E. citriodora), diluted in a little vegetable oil. Rubbing the forehead and temples with the mixture helps reduce headaches. Repeat every hour until the headache subsides. It is important to avoid the eyes.
• In the shower or by evaporation, during nasal or sinus congestion, favor the essential oil of menthol eucalyptus (E. dives or E. radiata). Pour 4 to 6 drops of essential oil into a bowl of boiling water and breathe in the vapours, with your head hidden under a towel.
• Apply the same mixture of menthol eucalyptus essential oil and vegetable oil to the chest in case of asthma.
• Applied to the skin, again mixed with vegetable oil, it is known to repel insects. (in the form of essential oil of radish or lemon eucalyptus)
• Diluted in vinegar and water for household products, as it has antibacterial properties.⠀

True lavender essential oil

True lavender essential oil shares many of the benefits of peppermint and eucalyptus. It offers excellent calming properties on the nervous system and on stress, which is what it is best known for.

• Same principle as for other essential oils, mix 1 to 2 drops with a vegetable oil, and apply it to the forehead and temples, and massage gently to treat a headache or a migraine. By evaporation too, it can be effective, in a bowl of boiling water with a towel over your head.
• In diffusion or vaporized, it allows relaxation and relaxation. It helps the body to relax, soothe the nerves and makes it easier to fall asleep.
• Diluted in creams, it soothes dermatitis (eczema, itching and redness). Its healing properties also make it an ally during burns and sunburn.
• It has good anti-lice properties. A few drops applied behind the ears, it repels them and protects your children's heads.
• Added to meals, it reduces nausea.
• Lavender essential oil is reputed to have a painkiller effect, due to its major active ingredients, which have proven analgesic effects. It is recommended in case of cramps, spasms, muscle pain. For example, diluted in vegetable oil, and applied to the stomach, it soothes menstrual cramps.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  It is important to always buy organic essential oils and to inquire about the need to dilute before use.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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  Essential oils are a little extra to your nutraceutical protocols, your pharmacy and your dietary changes. Better to combine them with a healthy lifestyle for more results.

Article written by Émilie Riendeau

Naturopath, B.Sc, ND, K.In

Émilie Riendeau can be reached on her social networks: instagram or by email at: info@emilieriendeau.com