| Essential oils hold huge promise in the treatment of | | | | antiseptic formula can be applied directly to the skin in |
| varieties infectious disease, and are most readily | | | | small amounts, or applied to dressings before |
| utilized by the home-practitioner in the form of | | | | application. |
| antiseptics. An antiseptic is formally defined as 'a | | | | When more serious antibacterial action is necessary, |
| substance which reduces the possibility of infection | | | | natural medicine professionals turn to Oregano |
| when topically applied to living tissue'. Essential oils do | | | | essential oil. Oregano's use in day-to-day applications |
| this job exceptionally well, working powerfully and | | | | are relatively limited due to its extreme potency - it |
| quickly to support the healing of cuts and abrasions | | | | should not be used topically except under the advice |
| through the prevention of infections. Many do a | | | | of a qualified practitioner, and then only in low dilutions |
| double-duty of actually stimulating tissue regeneration, | | | | for a limited period of time. Oregano is being studied |
| while keeping the area free from potentially harmful | | | | extensively, however, for its potential use as a natural, |
| microorganisms. Here's a quick look at some | | | | effective antibiotic - particularly as many dangerous |
| aromatherapy techniques for moms with children | | | | bacteria become resistant to pharmaceutical |
| wanting to use natural products for the health and | | | | preparations. Oregano capsules are available at many |
| wellness of their families. | | | | health-food stores, and may be of use for systemic |
| Essential oils derive their antimicrobial effect from their | | | | infections such as of the candida fungus or other |
| unique chemical makeup. Each single, pure essential oil | | | | bacteria; if you feel you or a family member could |
| consists of several, sometimes hundreds of distinct | | | | benefit from such immune system support, consult a |
| natural chemicals. Many of these have antimicrobial | | | | qualified medical professional for advice. |
| activity, and show synergistic effects; blends of the | | | | Also a highly-regarded antimicrobial, but with gentler |
| chemicals - as found naturally in the oils - can be more | | | | action and scent, Geranium essential oil is a very |
| potent than any individual chemical alone. Many studies | | | | worthwhile addition to the home medicine chest. |
| have shown that Carvacrol, the primary molecule | | | | Geranium has exceptional healing properties for the |
| found in oil of Oregano, has exceptionally strong | | | | skin, creating balance between oily and dry states, and |
| antimicrobial activity. Further studies have noted the | | | | is useful for both over-oily and over-dry conditions.. A |
| combination of Carvacrol and Thymol (a minor | | | | non-drying, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and |
| constituent of the same oil) to be more potent than | | | | general tonic, Geranium is described in the |
| either of them alone. So the next time you might reach | | | | aromatherapy literature as a cure for acne, general |
| for Neosporin or rubbin alcohol, you might consider that | | | | dermatitis and eczema. Geranium essential oil is one of |
| the remedies nature has made will likely work better. | | | | the few that has been used successfully against the |
| Research exists describing the effective, | | | | MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) |
| broad-spectrum of antimicrobial action from essential | | | | bacteria in laboratory studies (see Pub Med for |
| oils, yet it is important to select the right oils in the right | | | | research abstracts on this suject). Geranium may also |
| amounts. Topical application of Oregano may be the | | | | be used as a local antiseptic for small wounds; there |
| best solution for a case of stubborn nail fungus, yet | | | | are many Geranium varieties available, though the oil |
| this is far too intense for use on soft tissue of any kind, | | | | produced in Egypt may be the most potent |
| particularly for children. Often, home mand formuals of | | | | antimicrobial, with a brilliant sweet and herbaceous |
| a potent antiseptic with a known soothing oil can | | | | aroma accompanying its healing effects. |
| improve the overall effectiveness. Here we will briefly | | | | The 'old stand-by' of Lemon should not be overlooked |
| profile these highly-regarded oils, and look at some | | | | when searching for ways to convert your home to a |
| recipes and methods of application: Tea Tree | | | | healthy 'green' lifestyle. Lemon oil, pressed from lemon |
| (Maleluca alternafolia), Lavender (Lavendula angistifolia), | | | | peels, has historically been a component of many |
| Oregano (Oregano vulgar), Geranium (Geranium | | | | household cleaners - and because of its efficacy, |
| asperum) and Lemon. (Citrus limon). | | | | low-cost and great aroma, it should continue to be. |
| Tea Tree may be the hands-down most popular | | | | Lemon oil can be used alone at about 8 drops of oil |
| antiseptic essential oil. Tea Tree is a must for every | | | | per cup of warm water for an all-purpose mild |
| natural first aid kit for the home. One of the safest and | | | | antibacterial solution. You can add a little potency for |
| most effective ways of controlling minor infections is | | | | kitchen and bathroom uses by adding oils like |
| the immediate intervention action of Tea Tree. Tea | | | | Eucalyptus, Pine, and Rosemary. Keep the total |
| tree's tolerability allows it to be used for longer periods | | | | number of drops per oil the same, adding other oils in |
| of time without the slightest irritation. A drop on a | | | | place of the Lemon. Eucalyptus may create the best |
| Band-Aid can keep the reddening indication of infection | | | | antimicrobial synergy, and additional oils will build on this |
| from children's cuts and scrapes, and when combined | | | | effect. You may increase or decrease the essential oil |
| with Lavender, makes a soothing rendition of popular | | | | concentration as you see fit - if increasing, simply test |
| over-the-counter antibacterials. Tea tree can also be | | | | your new recipe in small increments to insure tolerance |
| used directly on minor wounds for those with less | | | | for yourself and your family. |
| sensitive skin, and is highly useful as an acne treatment | | | | There are many, many choices for antibacterial and |
| - some individuals can use it 'neat', while others should | | | | antiseptic essential oils - these are a few of the most |
| dilute it in Hazelnut oil (a 'non-oily' base oil that will not | | | | commonly used oils with a broad range of applications. |
| exacerbate an over-oily skin condition). | | | | Many oils, particularly when properly blended, can have |
| Lavender essential oil is an antiseptic and | | | | greater specificity for your individual needs. There are |
| anti-inflammatory (AND stress reducer, especially for | | | | many excellent books available by reputable authors - |
| kids), and is helpful in the healing of small burns, cuts | | | | 'Advanced Aromatherapy' and 'Medical Aromatherapy' |
| and insect bites. Lavender is a brilliant soothing agent | | | | by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, and any of the books by |
| for nearly every situation; its aroma will bring calm - a | | | | Valerie Worwood are worth investigating to further |
| useful effect in many situations where an antiseptic is | | | | your knowledge in the practical application of essential |
| required. For healing unbroken skin such as burns, apply | | | | oils. These books cover the safe use of essential oils |
| Lavender 'neat' to the wound several times a day; | | | | in general, and specific conditions you'll want to be |
| insect bites also get a 'neat' treatment. For cuts and | | | | aware of when delving deeper into aromatherapy. In |
| scrapes, keep a one-to-one blend of Lavender and | | | | selecting essential oils over synthetic preparations, you'll |
| Tea Tree essential oils available for the best | | | | find great satisfaction making the natural choice for |
| all-purpose antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pain | | | | yourself and your family. |
| relieving solution. for the young ones. This soothing, | | | | |