A Drop of Prevention Cuts Family Health Costs

The cheapest way to deal with family health problems is to prevent them. Everyone knows that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the plant world, all it takes is one little drop of essential oil. One drop is just 1/600 of an ounce.

Essential oils are the plant’s way of preventing illness or healing injury to the plant. These delightfully fragrant plant guardians offer the same benefit to people, too. Regular use of tiny amounts of essential oil in your home, workplace or personal care can help you minimize your family health problems and the attendant cost.

When you smell the piercing coolness of mint or the perfume of a rose, you are smelling essential oils. Most people think of essential oils as little bottles with high price tags. Keep in mind those little bottles hold many drops, and one drop goes a long way. Even the better lines of essential oils cost only five to ten cents per drop. It is false economy to buy lesser grades of oil just to save two or three cents per drop. The reduction in benefit outweighs the lower purchase price.

You’ll get the best value by purchasing quality essential oils, knowing that you’re getting the most power in every drop. Here are just a few ways to use essential oils to prevent common family health problems.

CLEAN UP THE AIR by adding 4-6 drops eucalyptus oil to simmering water on your stove or in a vaporizer. This will also help to keep sinuses clear. If there has been illness in your home or workplace, add a few drops of oregano oil to help kill lingering germs. This simple application can help stop the spread of disease.

WASH ALLERGENS OUT OF PILLOWS AND BEDDING by adding 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to the washwater. If the weather allows, sun dry items for a wonderful freshness. A fresh pillow may be the answer to many allergies.

ADD GERMICIDAL PUNCH TO YOUR DISHWASHER. Drop 4-6 drops lemon oil with the detergent in the dispenser cup. Lemon oil helps kill food-borne bacteria. The perky scent is very nice for the kitchen You’ll also be delighted with extra-sparkly glassware. This works for handwashed dishes too, and is ideal for camping.

YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE SWEET DREAMS with a little lavender oil to put on a tissue or on the pillowcase if someone has trouble sleeping. All it takes is one drop. Adequate rest is critical for good immune function.

SETTLE INDIGESTION with a whiff of peppermint oil. You can sniff right from the bottle. Peppermint oil is cheaper and more convenient than digestive aids, and contains no questionable ingredients.

PREVENT MOLD by adding 12 drops tea tree oil per ounce of water and spraying on your shower regularly. Apply to shower walls, doors, floor and the corners of the tub. Put a few drops tea tree oil on a cotton ball and put into coolers and other stored summer gear.

BRIGHTEN THE MOOD in your home with any of the citrus oils. Orange and grapefruit are favorites for all ages. Citruses are natural stress busters that are especially welcome in the winter. A drop of orange oil on a tissue will calm a fussy child.

You can be very creative in your use of essential oils in your home. It is best to learn the basics of essential oil use for maximum benefit. There are many good books and internet resources. You can learn the basics in just a few minutes. After that, start using just a drop to protect your family’s health.

How much can you save? If you look at the cost of even one lost workday or school day, the dollars add up fast. Essential oils are more cost effective than most over-the-counter remedies, and more physicians now suggest trying essential oils before resorting to pharmaceuticals. Essential oils can minimize everything from flu to sinus headaches. Plus, your home smells great. That’s a lot of benefit for just a few cents.