A lot of what I wish to learn about, and then eventually write about (if it's something that actually works), is what alternative medicine and remedies we will need to have for when there is no more conventional medicine--what can individuals do when there is no more insulin, no more thyroid medication, no surgery for appendicitis, no antibiotics.
But I also look at alternative medicine from a preventative point of view and trying to avoid needing conventional treatments. I have two children who get ulcers, so they need to avoid taking aspirin whenever possible. And I have a daughter who gets excruciating headaches, but they don't quite qualify as migraines. Unfortunately, her supplies of sumatriptan and amitriptylline are limited, and building a TEOTWAWKI-type stockpile hasn't gone well, so those meds need to be conserved as much as possible. She is fortunate in that if she takes something early, she can nip the headache in the bud and prevent a full-blown monster from ruining her day. But because two of her siblings are susceptible to ulcers, it's probably a good idea for her to avoid aspirin as well, even though it works beautifully, especially when combined with caffeine and acetaminophen (like in Vanquish or Excedrin Extra Strength).
So it's a situation where we are turning to essential oils to help her. Some essential oils can be irritating if applied directly to the skin, so they need to be diluted in a carrier oil. Because Becky is in school all day, she needs something she can carry easily with her and that isn't going to make a mess in her bag if it gets too warm. Some people like using little metal lip balm tins; I prefer the plastic lip balm tubes. I think they're a little more leak-proof, just in case the balm gets a little too warm and starts softening.
Peppermint-Lavender-Rosemary Headache Balm
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon beeswax
18 drops peppermint essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
12 drops rosemary essential oil
Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler on the stove. When the beeswax is completely dissolved in the coconut oil, remove from heat. Stir in peppermint, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. Carefully pour into lip balm tubes.
Apply to temples, forehead, and back of neck at the first sign of a headache.
Note. Beeswax is only used as a firming agent. If you do not have beeswax, this balm can be made with just coconut oil, but it will have a much lower melting point.
Links to related posts:
Peppermint
Rosemary
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Coconut Oil in Alternative Medicine
Coconut Oil in Cooking
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