Healthy Obsession #4: Essential Oils

(Disclaimer: this information is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical conditions and is not a substitute for medical advice or care)

About two months ago, I was introduced to the fascinating world of essential oils. I had heard of them before but never knew much about them and certainly didn't think to use them for things like bug bites, headaches, or indigestion.

My only experience with essential oils was when I bought a bottle of lavender at Whole Foods in hopes that it might help my baby sleep better. It smelled good but in fact didn't really seem to change the sleep patterns of my little one.

When a friend told me she had recently purchased a kit of essential oils to replace her medicine cabinet, I was intrigued and very interested as I try to steer clear of as many conventional medications (prescription or over-the-counter) as possible and choose the natural route as much as I can. I went to an oil class and learned about all of the amazing benefits of essential oils and how they can truly replace the usual meds in your medicine cabinet such as ibuprofen, neosporin, cough syrup, antacids, airborne, sleep aids etc.  Though I rarely use any of those meds, I have on occasion resorted to "natural cough syrup", an ibuprofen for a bad headache, papaya tabs for upset tummies, neosporin for cuts etc. I was so happy to begin learning about all that essential oils had to offer.

I have since purchased my own oil kit...and many more oils and we use them on a daily basis. Though conventional medicine does have it's place at times, oils can take care of a whole host of ailments. I'm totally sold on them! My almost 5 year old is now sleeping well at night and generally only waking up once a night instead of 3 or 4...my 7 year old had a nasty cough that I treated with oils and it cleared itself up and never once kept him up at night since I was also able to diffuse the oil in his room while he slept...an autoimmune disorder I have struggled with for the last 12 years has been greatly improved by the use of anti-inflammatory oils...I've been able to manage canker sores with oil that numbs...the list could go on and on.

I will be posting info about specific oils, information about health and wellness in regard to oils, and interesting tips about various oil-related topics in posts to come.