Homemade Essential Oils for Any Ailment

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

By Sara Novak, Planet Green

I have often thought that essential oils are the cure all for a host of
what ails us. My favorite scent, lavender has done wonders to calm me
down on many an occasion. I especially love it when I just can’t seem
to calm down before bed. A whiff of it seems to allow my body to relax
in no time at all. And peppermint oil is great when I want to wake up
quickly without sucking down a cup of Joe. But really, there is an oil
for tons of our physical and mental issues.

When you’re making your own oil, first choose a carrier oil. That is
the oil that will carry the scent that you are about to infuse. This
will depend on what you’re planning on using the oil for. If want to
use it on the skin, jojoba and avocado oil are great choices, because
they nourish the skin. Vegetable oil is a great choice if you want it
for aromatherapy as it easily allows the herbal scent to take over.

Just because something’s all-natural, however, doesn’t mean you should
abandon all caution, as Consumer Reports reminds us. These highly
concentrated plant extracts can cause adverse reactions in some
instances, for example, and for that reason, they should never be
ingested. Pregnant or nursing women, or people who suffer from asthma,
bronchitis, emphysema, epilepsy, or migraine headaches, should also be
mindful of using essential oils. Read more about applying them safely
on Planet Green.

Here’s how to make your own essential oil:

1. Mix 1/4 ounce of bulk herbs of your choice with 1 cup of carrier oil.
2. Add the mixture to your slow cooker and allow it to cook on very low heat all day (about 8 hours).
3. Remove the mixture from the crockpot and strain.
4. Place in a jar, storing in a cool, dark place. The oil should last about 6 months.

Essential Oil Ailment Guide (Source: Remedies for Life)

For PMS
Combine geranium, peppermint, rose, and ylang-ylang oil. Breathe it in daily.

For happiness
Combine chamomile, clary sage, valerian, and ylang ylang adding a few drops to a bath.

For headaches
Combine basil, chamomile, lavender, and peppermint and breathe it in daily.