Give Your Medicine Cabinet a Makeover

I've mentioned doTERRA essential oils in a few posts now, but I haven't really explained what they are and why I love them so much. Well, for those of you who don't know, essential oils are "the volatile liquids that are distilled from plants (including their respective parts such as seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, etc.)." (Modern Essentials) They have amazing therapeutic benefits when used aromatically, topically, and internally. They are so small in molecular size that they immediately penetrate the skin and affect every cell in your body within 20 minutes. They can even pass through the cell membrane, which modern medicine cannot do. Have you ever gone to the doctor for a virus and he sends you home empty-handed and tells you to wait it out and get lots of rest and fluids? Well, that's because viruses are located on the inside of the cell membrane. But essential oils can kill viruses!

Now, I'm not against doctors, don't get me wrong. In fact I just visited a dermatologist a few days ago. I'm simply suggesting that, when it comes to informed self-care, there are all-natural solutions that are just as, if not more effective than pharmaceuticals. We are our own best advocates when it comes to healthcare, so make sure you are as informed as possible before making decisions.

Our family turns to essential oils first before going to the doctor or purchasing over the counter medications when treating minor ailments. And for those who want to do the same, I suggest a doTERRA medicine cabinet makeover!

What do you have in your medicine cabinet right now? Let me name a few items that just about everybody has: Tylenol, antacids (like Tums), Pepto Bismol, fungal powder or cream, diaper rash cream, anti-itch or cortisone cream, sleep aids, Neosporin, bug repellent spray, Excedrin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, nasal decongestant, cough drops, cough suppressant, Benadryl, laxative, Icy Hot... Sound famililar? What if you could replace all those tubes and bottles and pills with a handful of essential oils that will cover all of your basic ailments?

Let me introduce The Family Physician Kit and the 10 oils it comes with.

1. Lavender - All Things Calming

- Apply to bug bites, burns, cuts and scrapes.
- Use as a sleep aid.
- Use for stress and anxiety.
- Relieves diaper rash.
- Use in homemade diaper wipes.
- Add to conditioner for extra manageability.

2. Peppermint

- Reduces fever.
- Calms upset stomach and relieves indigestion.
- Use as mouthwash.
- Relieves headaches.
- Helps with dehydration.

3. Lemon

- Helps with depression and grief.
- Use as household cleaner.
- Purifies water.
- Energizes.
- Use for a gentle detoxification.

4. Melaleuca - a.k.a. Tea Tree Oil

- Anti-fungal (athlete's foot, ringworm, etc.)
- Use in homemade diaper wipes to prevent yeast infections.
- Add to shampoo to prevent lice.
- Relieves earaches and ear infections.
- Apply to acne, cold sores, and canker sores.

5. Oregano

- Supports healthy immune system.
- Removes warts.
- Kills parasites.
- Helps with fungal infections.

6. Frankincense - Liquid Gold

- Relieves inflammation due to injury, arthritis, joint pain, etc.
- Regenerative properties prevent aging and scarring.
- Anticancer properties.
- Antidepressant.
- Enhances the effects of other oils.

7. Deep Blue - Soothing Blend

- Relieves muscle pain, joint pain, and arthritis pain.
- Relieves inflammation.
- Relieves headaches.

8. DigestZen - Digestive Blend

- Relieves indigestion, stomachache, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Can be used as a decongestant.

9. Breathe - Respiratory Blend

- Relieves cold and flu symptoms.
- Helps with sinus infections and congestion.
- Use in addition to or instead of allergy medications.
- Use as a sleep aid when having trouble breathing.

10. On Guard - Protective Blend

- Boosts the immune system.
- Soothes sore throat.
- Use as a household cleaner (kills bacteria and viruses, including MRSA)
- Use as a hand sanitizer (and spray on shopping carts and public tables too!)
- Add to baking soda as a bathtub, sink, or toilet bowl cleaner.

Sound too good to be true? I can tell you from personal experience that they're not, but if you need a little more convincing, here's a video from Fox 17 News about a doTERRA essential oil study done at Vanderbilt Hospital.

But honestly, if you want to be truly convinced, just try them for yourself. Feel free to comment if you have any questions about the oils or specific ailments or if you want to order something.