Homemade Essential Oils for Any Ailment

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:

Mix 1/4 ounce of bulk herbs of your choice with 1 cup of carrier oil.
Add the mixture to your slow cooker and allow it to cook on very low heat all day (about 8 hours).
Remove the mixture from the crockpot and strain.
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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Winn A.

7:42AM PDT on May 5, 2013

Thanks

May 5
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Bryna P.

3:26PM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

I can't wait to try these mixtures!

March 23
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Monica M.

11:21AM PDT on Mar 17, 2013

so many uses

March 17
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Ajla C.

8:59AM PST on Nov 17, 2012

odlican clanak

November 17
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Sheri L.

5:01AM PST on Jan 6, 2012

Great article !!!

January 6
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Blueberry M.

7:33AM PST on Dec 4, 2011

thanks! can't wait to try it

December 4
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Theresa D.

6:55PM PDT on Mar 28, 2011

I'm soooo going to get some carrier oils now! I always thought it would be difficult to make your own scented oils. Thank goodness! And it'll be cheaper too! Thank you so much!

March 28
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Jade T.

7:14PM PST on Feb 7, 2011

For those of you interested, I too am a firm a believer in essential oils. The more pure the better. DoTerra is awesome all the way around. Oils, diffusers, vitamins and beauty.

mydoterra.com/makeulwilliams

February 7
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Joy W.

11:19PM PST on Feb 3, 2011

Thanks for sharing.

February 3
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Elodia R.

12:33PM PDT on Jul 3, 2010

My lavender plant has been so beautiful for years but it did not make it through last winter very well. I am just now seeing a few sprouts from it:( It is the variety that has the small velvety yellow flowers and/or seed pods. But I love lavender. Thanks for the information.