ESSENTIAL OILS AND HERBS FOR GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPPINESS

[Mother]

She who has the most oils wins.  .  I envy your inventory.  Mine used to be similar at least as far as herbs and infused oils went.  Years of being ill and a much smaller home have reduced it to a minimum.  I do have a few dozen herb and natural healing books still.  I’ve had to downsize my library but those I kept. I do still have herbs growing inside and out and harvest, use, and store those.  Lately I have been gaining knowledge and a small supply of essential oils.  My daughter has used them for several years and has been encouraging me.  She has an extensive inventory and is willing to share them with me.  Have I mentioned I love learning?  
 

One thing I have found in making lotions is to gently warm all the ingredient after they are mixed together.  Then continually stir if it is a sale or shake if it is a lotion until it thoroughly until it cools.   I also use bees wax in many of my products and the amount used determines the end results. That is warmed with the ingredients until melted. 
 

Do you have any of Jeanne Rose’s books.  I have a couple of her early ones;  Herbs and Things and her Herbal Body Book.  They are from the 70’s and her herbal information is outdated but she has some good basic instructions I still use. 
 

I am so enjoying this discussion. It is reminding me of things I can still do and that is important.  😀

[still Nana]

I just did a quick check and realized I misspoke about the price of the lavender oil I recently purchased. At the end of January, I bought a 4 oz bottle of Ola Prima lavender oil for $9.99.  The 4 oz bottle of Maple Holistics rosemary oil was $21.95. A 4 oz bottle of SVA Organics camphor oil was $14.94. A 10ml (1/3 oz) bottle of Gya Labs myrrh oil was $14.94. Yes, that seem expensive, but the Three Wise Men knew exactly what the were doing when they showed up with frankincense and myrrh oils. Those oils were to annoint the baby Jesus' head and body to keep him healthy. There are studies being done, as we speak, on certain oil combinations curing cancer. They are amazing healers. Those are two more of the oils you should keep in your wellness arsenal.

 

Edited to add; those oils were all purchased on amazon. I try to use AmazonSmile, to make donations to a chosen charity. I don't pay it, amazon does, in my name.

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

Edited March 20, 2022 by still Nana
additional info

[Jeepers]

LOL Still Nana, honestly, I didn't take it any certain way! I know when I'm being ignored on purpose.      

 

I've been reading your posts and enjoying them immensely! My DIL doesn't make her own but she does blend them to make different scented cleaning products. She also bought some of the little roll on bottles she uses with essential and carrier oils. Also in diffusers. 

 

She makes a very soothing rub for my arthritic neck. I can't honestly say it worked for the pain but it sure feels and smells good. I don't remember what all she puts in it but as soon as my finger touched it, it started to melt. Probably the coconut oil. She has rheumatoid arthritis pretty badly which is why she uses the oils.

 

About three years ago she took some classes in Reiki. She uses it on their elderly dogs. They seem to enjoy it and it has a calming effect on them. 

 

BTW, your herbal knowledge is outstanding and greatly appreciated.  

 

 

Edited to say, I use Amazon Smile too. They have had to donate loads to my charity too. The Service Dog Project.  

 

Edited March 20, 2022 by Jeepers
Added Info

[Ambergris]

https://homesteading.com/essential-oil-distiller/

[still Nana]

Very interesting, Ambergris! However, if I pay upwards of $350 for something like that I would want it to come pre-assembled. That seems a little expensive and I'd be afraid my soldering wouldn't hold up and I'd get leaks. I really did like the 5 gal. copper one that looked kinda like a stovepipe. I may have to think about it.

I wonder if my husband will even roll his eyes about this? We've been together for so long, and I've done so many crazy things, he barely even blinks anymore. I think he's developed nerves of steel.

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

[dogmom4]

Ok, I’m really loving this thread. Mother or stillNana if you could recommend one book for with good basic knowledge what would it be?

[Mother]

Mine are all old books but to get started just start with a need or a want and do the research online or follow Nana's recipes here. Don't wait for a book. There is nothing like accomplishing something to make you even more interested in something.  The easiest is to make tea but the most fun is making salves or lotions.    You can add books as you go along.  

[Littlesister]

I have a lot to learn. I have never used the oils or gotten into this. Might be something I really need to learn how to do. Will have to start with some reading as that is about all I can do till the construction is done. 

[ANewMe]

I tried Young’s Living but it was pretty pricey and when my starter pack ran out I didn’t buy anymore. I have picked up some from TJ Max to diffuse instead of using candles but I’m guessing they are not the real thing. I’m really interested in learning more and I’m researching some different brands. I’m currently looking at Plant Therapy, NOW, Guru Nanda and Aura Cacia. If any of you have tried any of these I would love your input

[still Nana]

ANewMe, I have tried Aura Cacia. It's okay but generally it is heavily cut with jojoba or another carrier oil so it wouldn't be my first or even my third choice. I would only buy it if it was all I could find, especially for the price. I do buy Plant Therapy, and I think I have some from Guru Nanda. I have a LOT of oils so I'd actually have to look but it sounds very familiar. I have a couple of projects to finish tomorrow but, on Wed., I have to blend a couple of oil recipes and make a body butter. I'll check the different brands I buy and let you know.

 

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

[still Nana]

Dogmom,

I have at least a dozen really good books on oils and herbs; of my favorites; The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs from Rodale publishing, The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies, by the editors of Prevention Health Books, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine from Dorling-Kindersley (I hope I spelled that correctly- I love their books, especially for children!), one is The Aromatherapy Bible, a couple from Dr. Schnaubelt. The Aromatherapy Handbook, and others I don't remember right now. I also rely heavily on google. Sometimes it's easier to google than grab a couple of books and search. I do read them from time to time, to see what I may have missed or to inspire me to try something new. Of course, YMMV.

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

Edited March 22, 2022 by still Nana

[ANewMe]

Thank you Nana. I have a tray full of oils but it’s a hodge-podge of “junk”. I’m sure none of it is good and I picked it up here and there at places like TJ Max just for scent. Im sure none of them are “real”. Im treating myself to a book and a few oils this weekend to start a real collection again.

[ANewMe]

After cleaning out the junk in my old stash I found that I had a good base to build on. I’m so excited!

 

I have a lot of trouble sleeping and/or staying asleep. I pulled out my diffuser and mixed the following and I slept hard as a rock! This was huge for me!!

3 - Lavender

2 - Cedarwood

1 - Frankincense

 

I also mixed a drop of Frank with a little Vit E oil I had left over in a bottle and used on my face before bed and WOW! So now I’m adding Carriers to my wish list.

 

My friend shared a few brands that she used and I did some research and settled on Plant Guru. I was going to use Plant Therapy until I find this one. I read all that I could find on the company and the reviews and pricing were great. I had a budget of what I planned to spend and I was able to purchase way more than I had anticipated and there was even an unsuspected discount at check out!

 

I also purchased The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded. I just want to have it on hand for emergencies but I plan to start a notebook on all things oils and herbs that I learn here and in my research. I think this is going to be my new favorite place on Mrs. S

 

 

Edited March 27, 2022 by ANewMe

[Mother]

I think it will be mine as well.  I look forward to Nana’s next post.
 

Nana, Do you favor essential oils, tinctures, homeopathies, herbs, teas?   For myself and for babies and children I tend towards homeopathy or herb teas but I believe aromatherapy with essential oils might be really useful.  I react very strongly to even tiny amounts of tinctures though I suspect the reactions might be a herxheimer’s reaction (a reaction to detoxification) or a healing crisis.  One thing I learned in my studies was to “heal a little, cleanse a little” when a person was very I’ll or had been Ill a very long time.   

[ANewMe]

41 minutes ago, Mother said:

I think it will be mine as well.  I look forward to Nana’s next post.
 

Nana, Do you favor essential oils, tinctures, homeopathies, herbs, teas?   For myself and for babies and children I tend towards homeopathy or herb teas but I believe aromatherapy with essential oils might be really useful.  I react very strongly to even tiny amounts of tinctures though I suspect the reactions might be a herxheimer’s reaction (a reaction to detoxification) or a healing crisis.  One thing I learned in my studies was to “heal a little, cleanse a little” when a person was very I’ll or had been Ill a very long time.   

I bought a sleepy time tea at the herb shop a while back and really liked it. This is one thing I want to learn more about. They had tons of jars with tons of stuff you can buy by the oz or whatever. I wondered if it would be cheaper for me to buy some of that and mix my own. I know nothing about herbs so I’m very eager to learn

[still Nana]

Okay, ladies... a quick response, as I have paint drying that needs another coat.

I honestly don't think I have favorites, in anything. Each of my girls are still trying to convince me that they are my favorite, or that one of their children is the favorite grandchild but, each is unique and special, with individual strengths and weaknesses, and all have their own special place in my heart and mind. Kay (used to be here on MrsS) once asked me my favorite color. She got the biggest kick out of my answer. Sunset. It's absolutely true. I guess I could add a second... water. Any color water absolutely fascinates and calms me, rivers, oceans, seas, waterfalls. Hmm... I digress.

I love the idea of doing things as naturally as possible, while avoiding chemicals and toxins produced in the manufacture of medications. So each of those,

58 minutes ago, Mother said:

essential oils, tinctures, homeopathies, herbs, teas

has it's own special place in healthy living with fewer chemicals. I don't even eat margarine. It's literally one molecule away from being plastic. Back to the question.

I use each depending on the situation and the benefit. I've had considerable success in a few areas and am pleased with the outcome. One of my daughters knew an elderly lady, in her 90's, that managed to survive an RV accident, but was left with a couple of bedsores, that her doctor told her would never fully heal, due to her age. My daughter came to me in tears, telling me the story, and asking if I could help, because this lady just wanted to attend the weekly seniors dance with her husband again, and to get on the dance floor. I created a salve, and an extract, prayed over it, prayed for guidance and prayed for a little old lady that just wanted to dance with her husband. She saw her doctor about 6 weeks later and he was astonished that her sores were healed. He said it was a miracle of modern medicine. She told him it had nothing to do with modern medicine, her friend gave her a cure. I never met the lady but, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to help her.

Kind of long winded, sorry. Like I said, I have paint drying.

ANewMe... fill a 10ml roller bottle 2/3 full of fractionated coconut oil. Add 15 drops each of frankincense, cypress and lavender. Shake well and use it as a night oil. It will also help you sleep, but the best part is, it does amazing things for your skin and will even help to heal any eye problems. I roll it on my eyelids and under my eyes, across my cheekbones and up my neck. Massage up and out and sleep like a well fed baby.

 

Mother, I do tinctures every one in a while, but I use 80 proof vodka for them. I know you can also use vegetable glycerin but I haven't tried it yet. Teas are awesome and my go to when I'm out of sorts.

 

ANewMe, buy your herbs from herbalcom.com  They have great prices, awesome products and a flat shipping and handling fee. Don't go crazy, though. a pound each of calendula petals, chamomile flowers, lemongrass and lavender flowers will fill a small moving box. And it will be cheaper than buying a cup at a time from anywhere else. Vacuum seal half, for later use and it will stay fresh. The first order I bought from them was a major shock to me.

And make your own sleepy time. Calendula, chamomile and lavender. Gotta go. Paint's dry...

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

[Mother]

Thanks, Nana.  I have had some great successes in the same way over the years. One of my favorite was with a woman who had rosacea for years.  Her skin specialist had tried everything he knew but it didn’t help much.  She attended a ladies tea At the museum I was director of.  I was giving a demonstration of historic beauty products and one of the things we did with them was to have them use an old fashioned honey mask.  I assured her it would only be good for her rosacea and sent some of the raw honey we were using home with her.  She called me two weeks later to thank me.  Her doctor was amazed at the way the honey worked.  Just plain honey. 
 

I, too, use vodka for tinctures.  I have made them in the past with glycerin but not for many years.  I may try that again.  Thanks for the reminder.  
 

Like you, I do not DO chemicals.  👍

[still Nana]

I guess I should have said that when it comes to homeopathic medicine, I really don't have a ton of experience. I buy them as needed but I haven't done a lot of research recently. Whatever I learned, can be found in my 2006 posts about flu and setting up a sick room. I've done and read thousands of things since then. I still use them occasionally, and I endorse them but I can't remember specifics.

I will use oscillococcinum, as well as an earache remedy and eye drops but I don't even remember the brands. I rarely have to use anything other than my oil concoctions.

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

Edited March 28, 2022 by still Nana
spelling... bad fingers!

[still Nana]

Quote

I have had some great successes in the same way over the years. One of my favorite was with a woman who had rosacea for years.  Her skin specialist had tried everything he knew but it didn’t help much.  She attended a ladies tea At the museum I was director of.  I was giving a demonstration of historic beauty products and one of the things we did with them was to have them use an old fashioned honey mask.  I assured her it would only be good for her rosacea and sent some of the raw honey we were using home with her.  She called me two weeks later to thank me.  Her doctor was amazed at the way the honey worked.  Just plain honey. 

Mother, isn't it an amazing feeling? I can't even explain it. I've done a few of these, and I have a niece who swears I've saved her life a couple of times. I am as astonished as everyone else is, that what I make works. I always say, that everything we need was already here, a gift from God. We just need to learn how to use it.  

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

[Mother]

2 minutes ago, still Nana said:

I always say, that everything we need was already here, a gift from God. We just need to learn how to use it.  

 A Native American shaman I knew taught me that for every ailment that came about in a given area there will be a natural treatment for it in that area.  He also taught me that you had to be open to it, to listen to its call, to be able to find it.  And learn how to use it.  

[still Nana]

Did you know you can make your own colloidal oatmeal? Place 1 cup rolled oats in food processor or high speed blender and pulse until you have a very fine powder. Store in an airtight container. Add  about 1/4 C to a warm bath to soothe dry, itchy skin. Drop in 10-15 drops of lavender or chamomile oil for a luxurious soak. This can also be used for babies and small children. Just adjust the amounts down by half or less, to avoid any irritation.

 

Have a minor allergy that makes you sneeze, or makes your eyes itch when you're outside for a while? In a 10ml roller bottle; fill halfway with fractionated coconut oil. add 1 drops each of lemon, lavender and peppermint oil. Shake to mix. Rub on the back of your neck or on your temples to ease allergy symptoms.

 

For minor kitchen burns, use straight lavender oil. With a cotton swab, gently dab lavender to cover the burn. Use as needed, until the burn stops and it heals. It should happen very quickly, and without leaving a mark. Always keep a small bottle of lavender in your spice cabinet.

 

Cold hands or feet? Add a couple of drops of black pepper oil, clove oil and and frankincense oil, to 2 TBSP of solid coconut oil. Stir with a wooden stick or plastic spoon to mix in a small, clean glass jar, or rigid plastic storage container. Use about 1/2 teaspoon and massage thoroughly into hands or feet to warm them. Careful not to touch you eyes or mouth immediately after using. 

 

Eye irritation? Possibly pink eye? Mix 1/2 tsp. raw honey with 1 tsp. distilled water. Use a clean eye dropper to put 1 or 2 drops in your eyes. Use only real, raw honey, local to your area is best. It should clear up in a day or 2. If you need longer, make a fresh batch after 24 hours. This mixture works as well if not better than prescription steroids, and unlike steroids, doesn't damage your eye tissue over time.

 

I literally had to use this over the presidents day weekend. I was making a sugar lip scrub. After pouring the sugar from a mylar bag, I got a puff of sugar dust in my face. A couple of hours later, my eye started to hurt. When I checked it in the mirror, I had a full blown case of pink eye. Crazy to think a little dust can cause such a big problem. This happened on Saturday night. By Tuesday morning, when I could have contacted my doc for a script, it was almost completely clear. Gotta love those little girls that give us such a perfect food and antibiotic rolled into one. Go BEES!

 

Love and hugs,

still Nana

 

In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

[Mother]

These are great, still Nana.  I use honey for many things but I hadn’t thought about honey for eye irritation.  I’m going to try it in place of my eye drops for allergy and dry eyes.