Crafts-day9

12 Days of Christmas Crafting: Revisited
Day 9 Giving the Gift of Health
by Christi R Pugh
for Nature’s Gift Inc.

Today we’re sharing which oils we most often reach for during the winter cold-cough-flu season.  These are oils we would not be without, so we are always prepared when illness hits our home.  (Not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment.)

Putting together a small winter first aid kit to go-to delays treatment time, particularly when you have to wait for an order to arrive via mail.  I am assembling one for my parents, because I find it frustrating with them living about an hour away, when they come down with something and I cannot get it to them quickly.  They always take advice for treatment from a healthcare professional, however, we’ve found essential oils can aid and speed up recovery, keeping in mind lower dilutions since they are older and do have some chronic conditions to consider. 

Preparing a home remedy essential oil kit is fairly simple and a wonderful way to share and introduce the oils to those you love.  I have also included a few extra basic first aid kit ideas for burns, bug bites, scrapes, nausea, and histamine reaction. 

• Ideas for antibacterial oils:  Tea Tree, Manuka, Niaouli, Rosalina, and the most antibacterial of all, Oregano.  Note that Oregano should be diffused only.  It is quite strong and should never be ingested.  It is an excellent oil to diffuse in a “sick room.” 
• Ideas for anti-microbial oils:  Saro, Benchmark Thyme (very gentle!), Eucalyptus Globulous
• Ideas for flu-like symptoms:  Ravensara or Ravintsara, Melissa 10% (skin irritant)
• Ideas for dry cough: Eucalyptus Radiata
• Ideas for wet cough: Frankincense CO2
• Ideas for congestion (sinus/head): Eucalyptus Radiata
• Ideas for sore throat:  Lavender Hydrosol spritz
• Ideas for fever (febrifuge):  Lemon Essential Oil
• Ideas for analgesic, aches, pains:  Lavender, St John’s Wort Infused Oil
• Ideas for nausea:  Red or Green Mandarine, Ginger Root CO2, Midwestern Peppermint.
• Ideas for bug bites: Cajeput, Blue Cypress, Lavender or our After the Bite Synergy
• Ideas for minor burns:  Helichrysum italicuum, 10% in Jojoba, Aloe Vera Gel, Helichrysum hydrosol (keep refrigerated)
• Ideas for minor cuts and scrapes: Tea Tree or Kunzea diluted in Aloe Vera Gel.
• Ideas for histamine reaction:  Blue Tansy essential oil, one drop to a spoonful of honey.

These are our “top” recommendations to keep nearby. Of course there are many oils to consider and it is worth researching further based on personal preference and specific needs.

Packaging the kit in a small spa bag or specially decorated box for friends and family makes a helpful and thoughtful gift.  One could use 15 ml bottles; however, repackaging into 5 ml or 2 ml bottles would work well for this purpose since it might not be used very often. Make sure the kit is stored in a cool, dry, location. Write instructions for use for the components you include, including proper dilutions, and when and how to use. (Remember, for small amounts, for one teaspoon of carrier oil 1 drop of essential oil gives a 1% blend, 2 drops give a 2% blend, and 3 drops give 3%.)

 For more information on these and other essential oils, visit www.naturesgift.com.  We’re offering special savings of 20% through October 30^th on 2 and 5 ml “blending” bottles, pipettes, spa bags, and a few of the oils mentioned above: Tea Tree, Manuka, Niaouli, Rosalina, Oregano, Saro, Benchmark Thyme, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Melissa 10%, Cajeput, Lavender Mailette, St. John’s Wort, Red and Green Mandarine, Ginger Root, Peppermint, Helichrysum 10% in Jojoba, Aloe Vera Gel, and Blue Tansy.  Simply enter the code craft9 in our online shopping cart at checkout and click apply for the savings to appear.

Our series continues tomorrow as we consider uses for our personal inhalers.