Medicine Cabinet Oils

Jasmine Hutchinson
Jun 28, 2019
3 min read

Many people wonder what essential oils can be used for and what benefit is it to use them instead of other items. Aside from using essential oils to aid in the maintenance and healing of your body; many use them the replace routine medicines which are in your cabinet at home.

Think about what medications are typically found ina medicine cabinet. Medications for headaches, GERD, sleep aids, arthritis, sore muscles, and sickness. Some people have used essential oils to replace medications like Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, Advil, Tums, Vicks Vapor Rub, Laxatives, and more.

***Remember different oils are going to work for different people. You should also follow the recommendation of the company you are purchasing essential oils from. ***Don’t place essential oils inside of your ear or eyes.

There is a time and place for everything.Too much of anything is bad for you. – I was taught these things growing up. THERE IS NO SAFE DRUG!– This is what I was taught in nursing school.

Essential oils are different from medications in that they work with your body to aid in maintaining and healing. They are made up of tiny complex molecules which are able to penetrate barriers and unlock doors of cells medication cannot. Essential oils also do not operate by cause and effect like medications do.

Some people use peppermintessential oil to replace Tylenol for headaches and reduce a fever because it increases oxygenation to the tissues and dilates blood vessels; replace your tums to help with GI upset ingesting too much peppermint can cause GERD because it relaxes the sphincter between your esophagus and your stomach- it would take a lot of drops to do this though, replace your icy hot or Bengay relieve sore muscles and joint pain, since relaxes smooth muscles, replace toxic insect sprays and repel bugs… and many others. No one oil is for only one thing!! They are versatile.

If you have a baby at home who is teething or have a toothache, diluting clove essential oil and rubbing it on the area is a great way to relieve pain because of its numbing effect. I have also used this oil to alleviate my sore throat when I am sick.

Eucalyptusis another essential oil I have added to my medicine cabinet. I use this oil for my headaches and if anyone in my home is congested. Rubbing this oil on the chest acts like Vicks Vapor Rub. It is also one of the oils I add to my homemade flee repellant and cleaning products- it is great at keeping bugs out of the house and a wonderful air freshener.

If you are looking for a sleep aid and need something stronger than Lavender. Oils such as Vetiver, Valerian, Sandalwood, and Citrus blends (among others) have also helped people sleep. When its bedtime I have used Vetiver to help my family sleep (it is one of my favorites). A drop rubbed into both writs and a couple drops added to the diffuser, is enough to send everyone to bed. It is also one that I add with Lemongrass in the daytime to help my son focus on his studies.

Whatever your ailment, there is probably an oil for that. I have replaced over the counter medications in my home and know some people who use essential oils to aid with your prescriptions- even eventually get off- (always consult a doctor).

I hope this information helps motivate and begin new habits, overcome obstacles, set new goals (you will achieve), and touch the lives of others. Essential oils can have an impact on your life- it only takes 1 to 2 drops- to start your path to healing.

Jasmine Hutchinson PHN, BSN, RN