doTerra EOs: Geranium-Helichrysum

Welcome to my essential oils blog! The purpose of this blog is to document my family's experience with dōTERRA oils and to share them with others. We've been using these oils for over two years now and I am convinced they are superior to any other EOs I have used before. Over the past 10+ years, we've been intentional towards living a more holistic and wholistic lifestyle, through both diet and medicinal approaches. Relying less on Western thought and practice toward medicine and overall well-being.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Persians and widely throughout Europe. Historical uses include treatment of illness and injury, food preparation, beauty and hygeine practicies, religious ceremonies and aromatherapy. So, they can be used topically, internally and aromatically; often times most effective when all three methods are used simultaneously.

dōTERRA essential oils are beautifully pure and their potency and effectiveness is unmatched. They are certified pure therapeutic grade (CPTG) and are the only oils on the market that can be safely taken internally. I have seen remarkable results therapeutically, as well as medicinally and continue to learn more ways to integrate these oils into our lives. I hope this blog is helpful to you and provides inspiration to explore natural medicines and to live better.

Geranium-Helichrysum

Geranium

For aromatic or topical use.

"The pelaruonium family includes a wide variety of 'Geraniums'. Those that are commonly used for household plants are of a different variety than those from which essential oils are distilled. Even for essential oils there are various plants, countries of origin and variations depending on the harvesting process. It is considered a native plant of South Africa but is now grown in many regions of the world. Its fresh floral aroma it has just a hint of Rose and is used heavily in the perfume and cosmetic industry. For this reason it is important to be assured of the purity and quality of essential oil that you are acquiring since there are lower quality products easily available. DōTerra Geranium is selected and tested for quality essential oil usage. It is of the botanical family Geraniaceae, grown in the Reunion Island, and steam extracted from the leaf of this plant.

Typical Applications

The variety of Geranium's properties give it a wealth of beneficial uses. It has been used to soothe inflammation, irritated skin, bruises and even burns. Some report it has a balancing effect on sebum production that makes it great for acne as well as both dry and oily skin problems. Due to its analgesic characteristics it is often used as a topical agent for individuals suffering with arthritis or rheumatism. Geranium stimulates the immune system, aids in poor circulation, and is anti-mucolytic.

It has a pleasing aroma, is uplifting to the mood, and has a calming effect on the nervous system that is pronounced. It may be applied directly to the skin, diluted for an ointment or used with a diffuser."

Properties

Analgesic
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Astringent
Diuretic
Sedative

Wellness Uses

Calm and Stress Relief
Disinfect Living Areas
Emergency Salve/Spray
Skin Care

Common
Health Concerns

Acne
Burns
Cuts and Wounds
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Gum/Mouth Problems
Herpes
Hormone Support
Indigestion
Menstrual Problems
Skin Disorders
Sore Throat
Stomach Ache
Throat Infections

Ginger

For topical, aromatic or dietary use.

"Has been used for nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness, chemotherapy, and general anesthesia. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties help some varieties of migraine headaches and arthritis. Some use to help with high cholesterol. Also used as an expectorant, stomach ache, chest pain, and back pain. And for the common cold and to lessen the effects of viral flu on onset. Apply to help rheumatism. Some find relief of sore throats and coughs. DōTerra Ginger is of the botanical family Zingiberaceae, grown in Sri Lanka and made from the fresh root of this plant.

Typical Applications

Mix 3-5 drops with water or juice, then drink (2-3) times per day to aid motion sickness or nausea. Ginger can be applied topically for nausea or stomach issues. Apply to the stomach, lower back, and behind the ears. Apply to the feet of children or use with a carrier. Apply topically for chest, back pain, cold, or flu symptoms. Diffusing, cup and inhale, or a tissue cup lessen nausea or motion sickness. Apply directly to originating areas of migraine or headache immediately upon onset. Gargle or drink 1-2 drops in water or juice for sore throat.

Precautions: Use with care during pregnacy. May react to sunlight or UV rays. When using photosensitizing oil, wait a minimum of six hours before exposing skin to UV rays. The stronger and more lengthy the UV ray, the longer the wait should be."

Properties

Analgesic
Expectorant
Stimulant

Wellness Uses

Cold and Flu Season

Common
Health Concerns

Cold and Flu
Colic
Congestions
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fever
Headaches
Menstrual Problems
Motion Sickness
Muscle Pain
Nausea
Sore Throat
Stomach Ache
Throat Infection

Grapefruit

For topical, aromatic or dietary use.

"Grapefruit is a flavorful and refreshing oil that aids the immune system, lymphatic systems, and is very powerful as an antidepressant. It will also freshen breath, heal inflamed gums. Because it is a strong disinfectant, it is very effective as a cleaning spray or as fruit and vegetable wash. Some have used Grapefruit for a scalp treatment others have had success using Grapefruit in a weight loss program. It is good treating the symptoms of colds and flu. Finally, Grapefruit is used for skin treatment, especially for treating aging or loose skin. DōTerra Grapefruit Essential Oil is of the botanical family Rutaceae, expressed from the peel of the fruit which is grown in the United States.

Typical Applications

Mix 3-5 drops with water or juice, then drink (2-3) times per day to aid diarrhea or allergies. Mix and gargle or oil-pull 2-4 in a tablespoon of carrier or ¼ of water freshening breath or gum irritations. Use in a lymphatic massage for lymph node stimulation and detoxifying – especially at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. Mix 2%-5% with shampoo or conditioner for scalp problems or dandruff. Leave in hair for 10 min. Add several drops to a large bowl or sink of water and wash fruits or vegetables. Make a spritz and use on bed sheets, in cars, or on meat before refrigerating to kill bacteria, virus, or fungus. Diffusing can also build immune system and kill pathogens. Put a few drops in a cup of water and leave the toothbrush in overnight to disinfect. Use to disinfect cutting boards or kitchen surfaces. Use a tissue cup for inhaling (3 X – deeply) prior to meals to inhibit appetite. Use topically, diluted 5%-10% for skin conditioning.

Precautions: Be aware of prescription drugs that caution against using Grapefruit while taking some medications (see note below). May react to sunlight or UV rays. When using photosensitizing oil, wait a minimum of six hours before exposing skin to UV rays. The stronger and more lengthy the UV ray, the longer the wait should be."

Properties

Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Diuretic
Disinfectant

Wellness Uses

Cold & Flu Season
Disinfect Living Areas
Travel Protection

Common
Health Concerns

Acne
Cold and Flu
Constipation
Depression
Skin Conditions
Weight Loss

Helichrysum

For aromatic and topical use.

"The Everlasting or Immortal oil. Some describe its aroma as honey like. Historically it has been used for skin irritations, bruising, sprains and joint or arthritic pain. It has very strong anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to aid in blood circulation, reduce thrombosis and aid in hypertension It has also been historically used to detoxify and stimulated the liver cell function. Sourcing this as an organic oil that is properly harvested and distilled has proven difficult. Carefully qualify the oil you use.

Typical Applications

Helichrysum can be applied topically for arthritis, joint and back pain, sprains, bruising, cuts, scrapes, minor burns, bites, and skin conditions. It can be used neat (undiluted) or with a quality carrier oil. The carrier oil is recommended especially for sensitive skin. Blend equal parts of Helichrysum and Eucalyptus for an effective direct application or light massage blend for arthritis. Apply with a carrier like coconut oil for rosacea, scars or sagging skin. Apply directly with light massage to areas of thrombosis irritation.

Helichrysum is certified as GRAS by the FDA.

Research: Helichrysum has been studied in Europe for regeneration of nerves, and improving skin conditions and circulation. The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents evaluated the inhibitory effects of helychysum properties on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P, MRSA and MSSA isolates). The results indicate that the H. italicum extract had an inhibitory effect on S. aureus strains reducing their growth."

Properties