Healing oils

Healing oils are gaining popularity and are extremely useful for self treatment of everyday ailment. It is not just the chemicals of the oil that heal, but the smell, touch and technique used for applying also have the power to heal. Though healing oils are spoken of a lot in the recent days, oils had been used to heal sick people as early as 2000 years ago. Healing oils are used in modern medicine since the late 19th century. It was in military and civilian hospitals after the world war 1 where the use of these essential oils restarted.

Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, studied essential oils in 1907 and he is named as the father of aromatherapy. The use of lavender oil to treat his own gas gangrene which happened after a fire accident was the incident that motivated him to work more on essential oils to find out their uses. Soon he found that essential oils have the properties against virus, bacteria, fungus and any sepsis.

Healing oils are used to heal acne, arthritis, athlete's foot, candida, cold sores, eczema, genital warts, headaches, head lice, hemorrhoids, herpes, insomnia, migraines, psoriasis, scars, shingles, stretch marks and warts. Healing oils are made from herbs and different parts of a plant or tree that has a natural effect on our body leaving with no side effects or less harmful effects.

1. To promote comfort or to relieve pain:

Basil: Relieves anxiety and nervousness.
Clove: Soothes toothaches.
Chamomile: Calms down the mind and promotes sleep.
Thyme: Relieves headache.

2. To add beauty:

Apricot: Improves elasticity of skin and reduces blemishes.
Peppermint: Softens the skin.
Almond: Relieves dry skin, hair and nails.
Myrrh: Reduces arthritic pain.

3. To treat diseases and infections:

Lavender: Treats insomnia.
Basil, coriander and camphor: Boost the immune system and fights common cold, cough and any congestion.
Benzoin, jasmine and eucalyptus: Open up the blocked sinuses.
Clove: Relieves nausea.
Sage and lavender: Control blood pressure.
Peppermint: Removes bad breath.
Myrrh: Treats gingivitis.
Cinnamon: Fights viral infections

4. To relax your mind:

Lavender, thyme and rosemary: Calms and relaxes your mind.
Bayleaf: Improves memory.
Ginger: Keeps the mind active and alert.

5. To provide extra energy:

Frankincense: Revitalize and energize the fatigued.
Peppermint: Keeps you active.
Anise Seeds: Reduces morning sickness.

Though these healing oils have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties, they may contain substances which could have adverse effect on some peoples' bodies. So caution should be exercised when going for these healing oils especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. If in doubt, ask at the pharmacy or place of purchase.