Essential oils are considered man kinds first medicine and it has been used throughout history for medical treatment. Using essential oils for medicinal use dates back to 4500 B.C. when ancient Egyptians discovered that oils and aromatics could be used for treating illness. Chinese medicine also centers on herbal concoctions and essential oils and is finally gaining attention in the Western world. Let’s not forget those 4 thieves who discovered a simple combination of herbal oils when the Black Plague was wrecking havoc throughout Europe.
Essential Oils Will Be Our Saving Grace
First things first, essential oils are the very essence of the plant. The oils of the plant are stored in the leaves, flowers, bark, roots or rinds of the plant and hold all the medicinal properties. The derived oils can be used for a myriad of medical issues and used in a variety of ways. Some more popular ways of using essential oils are aromatherapy, herbal soaks, compresses, tinctures and salves. But you can also use them in making natural household products, and for medicinal uses. The most amazing aspect of essential oils lies in their ability to effectively kill bad bacteria while leaving good bacteria alone! As well, essential oils have multiple uses. Rather than targeting [amazon asin=B002Q4UCLK&template=*lrc ad (left)]one symptom, as Western medicine does, it targets multiple symptoms.
Our reliance on antibiotics to be the cure-all for many modern day infections has caused our communities to deal with resistant strands of bacteria and viruses. Although these are community-based diseases, meaning they are typically contracted in hospitals, in a SHTF situation they could become our worse enemy. Some essential oils, such as Oregano oil are believed to be a natural defense against MRSA, SARS and even shingles because they stimulate the immune system and attack bacteria and viruses at a cellular level.
In an extended disaster, bacterial infections and viruses could likely be one of the reasons that people will die. There are two types of essential oils you should stock up on for SHTF planning:
Anti-bacterial – Due to the increase of antibacterial resistant illnesses, many are turning to essential oils such as Basil, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Melaleuca, Myrrh, Orange, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tea Tree and Thyme.
Anti-viral – Oils that have been studied to help control viral infections include, Basil, Cassia, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lemon, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Melaleuca, Myrrh. Oregano, and Thyme.[amazon asin=B005IHJ556&template=*lrc ad (right)]
Most Popular Essential Oils for Medical Care
Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial essential oil. You can use it topically for cuts, scraps, acne treatment, burns, lice treatment, bug bites, or as a bug repellent. If you have a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or ring worms on your skin or on your nails, you can also apply it topically. Other uses include toothache, infections of the mouth and nose, sore throat, and for ear infections of the inner and outer ear.
Lavender Oil – Lavender oil has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Use it to soothe and calm, assist with insomnia and nervous disorders, as well as for first aid, sunburn, and to boost immunity. Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.
Chamomile Oil – This herb is most recognized for its calming and sedative properties. Most people use it in teas and with aromatherapy. But it can also be used for skin conditions, to calm acne, eczema, rashes, wounds, dermatitis, dry and itchy skin and other allergic conditions in general. Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for ear infections.
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