I use lavender essential oil. I rub a drop on the back of neck before bed to help relax, promote sleep...sometimes helps!

It's also an ingredient in the alcohol-water-lavender oil spray that I mix up and use for cleaning (granite, SS, mirrors....).

Thank you both! I love the smell of lavender. I guess I should have been a bit more specific in my question, I am mainly interested in the health benefits of essential oils. I know there are ones that help immunity, etc. and I just wondered if some of my GW friends use them for this purpose.

We use oregano oil once a week, a drop on the toothpaste, when we brush our teeth. Its quite strong, but our gums have never been so healthy, according to our dentist. It kills bacteria. I also use rose hip oil on my face, contains vitamin A which is good for your skin.

I have used one for headache relief aromatherapy

I like eucalytpus oil in the humidifier when congested. I also like a drop of peppermint oil in tea when I have a cold.

I have an inhaler with Peppermint for headaches. I cured a constant neck ache with a blend, but I no longer buy that brand since they promote unsafe usage. I started buy Plant Therapy and making my own blends. There are several trustworthy FB pages and websites where you can ask for or find recipes. I have one for stress (usually inhale at bedtime and sleep better). Inhalation if better than applying on the skin and EOs should never be ingested without the guidance of a qualified/educated person.

I have a diffusor but have never used. DD2 has one and uses, but you have to be careful what you use around children and pets, especially cats.

I know one person that burned her stomach ingesting. Another got surface burns using lavender undiluted, even though it is suppose to be one oil that is safe to use undiluted. And I've read some horror stories online.

Thanks Allison. I would never ingest. I do have an acquaintance that sells and teaches classes. She diffuses and has two young children (who seem very healthy). I don't have problems sleeping, etc. was more interested in the one(s) for immunity. Maybe I should go to one of her classes LOL!!

A medication I must take daily makes me sick so I use oil of peppermint for the nausea. The peppermint helps but is not as good as Zofran.

Ginger is suppose to be better than Peppermint for nausea. I have an inhaler with it as well.

tinam61, I take Vit D3 and elderberry every morning (skipping a day or two a week, now and then for a week to not build up). Suppose to be good to avoid colds and flu. I've only had a couple of colds since I started 4 years ago. DD2 also has DGS taking Echinacea. She takes probiotics, and he used to but doesn't anymore.

I've been wondering about the supposed immune boost from the blend of essential oils known as thieves. I think it includes thyme,rosemary, and others. An acquaintance is part of a mlm group's and is pushing it. Would be interested to know if there is any validity.

Thieves is strong and should not be used on children. I personally like PT Germ-Fighter Synergy better. I have both. The thing about YL and MLM people I have had experience with (in person and online) is the MLM says theirs is better grade, therapeutic grade (not even a "real" thing) and you pay more for EO that are equal to other companies - Plant Therapy, NYR Organics, Tropical Traditions sells Florihana EO (their Peppermint is THE best) and Aura Cacia. Research and listen to those that conduct 3rd party testing.

Find a good dilution chart and follow. Some say don't use on children under 6 months, some under 6 years. Also EOs that pregnant and nursing mothers should not use. Some don't mix well with meds. Just because they are "natural" does not mean they are always safe.

Didn't answer your original question! I have use/ YL (but won't buy anymore), Plant Therapy, Florihana and Essential Oil Exchange.

Allison, my D levels are good so I don't think I want to take that. I have been advised not to take echinacea because of allergies. I rarely get sick as it is, but I always think about flu season, etc. Yes, Thieves is one I have heard about. YL is the brand the acquaintance uses and I must say her family of 4 (2 young sons) seem extremely healthy. I will look at the other brands you listed. I'm really only interested in diffusing - I especially thought of it during flu/cold season on days I work! Too many people come in when they should take a sick day. Is there a certain brand you like Allison?

Kswl, I'm sorry you deal with nausea daily. I had a bout a couple of years ago with some stomach ulcerations and ginger tea really helped. But I'm with you on the Zofran. I had never had it until a few months ago after my colonoscopy. I woke feeling a tiny bit nauseated and the doc gave me Zofran. I told him I didn't want something that made me sleepy/groggy - and it didn't.

My levels are fine too. Taking it doesn't raise it.

Plant Therapy, first choice. Essential Oil Exchange, 2nd.

When DD2 worked in a Drs office that required flu shots, the Dr/owner allowed her to skip once he was told she was taking D3 and elderberry. If you diffuse, do 30 minutes on/30 off. Not continuous, as it's not recommended. There are diffusers that have on/off settings so you don't have to keep up with it.

I use a mix of water, vinegar, and tea tree oil to make cleaning wipes. I have a few containers around the house. I have a relative big into EOs and it's one of those things I'd like to get into more. This thread has reminded me once again!

Thanks, TinaM, I would def have trouble without zofran!

Allison, For some reason ginger did not mitigate my nausea at all, so I tried peppermint on the advice of a friend, and it does help. I use it first, then Zofran if necessary, about 7 days out of 10 right now. I am on the medication for life, so trying different strategies to cope with the nausea it causes.

I will look at those brands - thanks Allison. Silly question maybe, but if you don't need additional D, why take it? I don't know about D3, but I do know you can get too much Vit D and it can cause too much calcium in the blood. I will always take a flu shot, although I know many disagree. Yay for that peppermint Kswl!!

Ok, I'm going to order the germ fighter, a diffuser and an inhaler. Any other oils I should try? Allison, do you use any of the ones for energy?

No, I don't have a problem with energy. Just turning my mind off at bedtime! I bought Munchy Stop. It smells really good but I can't say it stops me from overeating/snacking. I am a stress eater, mostly when I get sad... like when my cat died. I ate way too much that week, but never tried the MS. Didn't think too... Too much on my mind, I guess. I've made the home made blends "Liquid Xanax" and "Liquid Ambien." The LA helped me sleep but I had very weird/vivid dreams, so I stopped using it and just did the stress recipe.

Avoid colds/flu,
D3 Benefits

Y'all are speaking Greek to me. I loved essential oils back in the day when you bought them at head shops along with posters, incense and paraphernalia. Have a couple from Whole Foods that I'll use once in a blue moon. Little dab'll do ya.

Vitamin D is one of the latest cure-alls following in a long line of others---including green tea, vitamins C and E, etc. It can be toxic if you ingest too much of it. Remember that articles about scientific studies often express the results in much stronger terms than the original authors, and that correlation is not cause.

I don't have a problem, but I have long days. On most week-days I am up around 5:30 and go to bed, hopefully by 11:00. I sometimes get a mid-afternoon "slump", especially on days I go to work. I rarely nap, but I do sleep well and have no problems going to sleep or staying asleep. I may try one of the oils for energy. Haven't placed my order yet.

kswl, I've had my D levels checked and they are good, so I'm not supplementing. I do think many people have low D levels and don't know it.