Essential Oils

[Ridgerunner665]

My primary need is to work with very dry and irritated skin....hands & feet mostly. The body parts that get beat up most of all.

I have a pure essential oil blend (only topical use for me) that needs to be mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil, which is my preference. It's called "Thieves." Other than using as a massage ointment, it is marketed having other uses. Easy to show those uses with this very brief marketing video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6FjpGPS2tI

To further battle my general dry body skin I use two "Aromatherapy" body washes. My favorite is Sleep - Black Chamomile, and the other is Stress Relief - Sage & Cedarwood. They contain the primary essential oils listed in the names. Both are distributed by Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I learned of these from my wife, and she often used the Black Chamomile. They have very pleasant fragrances, but more than that. I tried them and I've found some help to lessen dry skin itching. I think it's well worth it to pay a little more for these helpful products.

It's also quite relaxing to smell that good after a shower!

PT7

Jojoba oil is very good for skin and hair... better in some ways than olive oil.

[markiver54]

Interesting thread!!!

[Mags]

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We also use DoTerra. The oils in a bedside diffuser mostly. OnGuard, Serenity, Breathe, Lemon, Peppermint and Lavender.
Also use Breathe stick and Serenity capsules. Has really helped me sleep through the night and avoid colds and flu.

I cannot stand the smell of Frankincense or Balance.

[BrokenolMarine]

Tina makes all our soap and uses all natural ingredients including olive oil, lye, and essential oils. She also makes lip balm and pain sticks (which look like roll on deodorant.). My favorite soap is the lemon grass. The dermatologist told me to QUIT using the body washes and scented commercial soaps, but was all for the natural soaps. Tinas are hypoallergenic, and produce thick lather.

They sold really well, especially at Christmas. However, VA changed the laws last year, and homemade soaps by hobbyists now require a license and approval. (As do perfumes, body oils, make ups, etc.). Now she just makes it for us. Lots of folks disappointed.

[Mistered]

thanks, but I think my problem is more under exertion.

And that of many as well.
Physical activity is important - and is especially so as we age.
A lot of minor aches and pain can be relieved by exercise and stretching.

I have always been skeptical of things like 'essential oils' and homeopathic products in general but do believe there may be some benefit if only placebic. A lot of modern, approved medications are derived from 'natural' things but hey if they smell good, aren't toxic and seem to help them go for it - while at the same time staying physically active, eating healthy, and limiting (or eliminating entirely) any highly sugar based products such as soda or energy drinks.

For me there are two 'essential oils' - olive and canola and thats for cooking!

[Mags]

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I don't think younger active, physically and mentally fit will see much benefit.

However as we age, our metabolism and brain function changes and the right oils can help. I used to quite often suffer severe anxiety attacks while asleep. The odor of Serenity and Lavender are very soothing. Used in our diffuser at night. The severity and frequency of attacks has been significantly reduced.
With the use of OnGuard, I haven't had a cold or the flu since we started using it. Breathe stick is used as needed for the occasional allergy sniffle. But one can get the same benefit with a dab of Vicks. Both are made with Eucalyptus.

[Dahliathemeh]

My comment was deleted!! Oh well, I use essential oils for my eczema. I use a fusion of Shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils. I use this because I miss smelling frufru. However I use the Shea Coco combo for body, hair, shaving, scrapes, cuts, chaffing, etc.

[markiver54]

Lots of good input and information here relative to specific needs.

[Ozarkwoodswalker]

I'm glad I asked the question to start with. Interesting info....thanks folks

[PT7]

...I have always been skeptical of things like 'essential oils' and homeopathic products in general but do believe there may be some benefit if only placebic. A lot of modern, approved medications are derived from 'natural' things but hey if they smell good, aren't toxic and seem to help them go for it - while at the same time staying physically active, eating healthy, and limiting (or eliminating entirely) any highly sugar based products such as soda or energy drinks.

For me there are two 'essential oils' - olive and canola and thats for cooking!

Some good points made, Ed. And I agree with your qualified statement, "...there may be some benefit if only placebic." I have a significant "placebo" story embedded in my use of one foaming hand soap, which is mainly composed of aloe leaf juice and vitamin E. But it is too long of a tale to unwind here. As Ozarkwoodswalker stated, he was glad he asked the original question, which brought some interesting responses. Agreed.

Like the choice of your “two essential oils” -- olive and canola.
Tasty benefits that come off the stovetop with those!!

PT7

[BrokenolMarine]

I go by what my dermatologist at the VA told me. Tina's soaps, all natural, with essential oils for scents - good. Commercial scented soaps with chemicals, not good.

I was seeing them every six months, now only once per year.

[The Wiz]

I never knew about this stuff. Amazing.

[Mags]

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I didn't either until couple years ago. At first I was a 'snake oil' skeptic.

I never knew about this stuff. Amazing.