Your Top 10 Essential Oils

Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to common ailments we see at home. Those interested in alternative remedies and natural health, wellness and fitness will appreciate these natural wonders. The of essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants. While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as adjuncts to other therapies. Here we will have a brief look at ten essential oils which may comprise the 'basic home care kit'. While by no means exhaustive, this list will go a long way to providing effective (and often pleasant!) treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, burns, digestive troubles, stress

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Perhaps the most commonly used natural antiseptic, Tea Tree oil is often used in place of iodine or anti-bacterial ointment for cuts and scrapes. To enhance it's healing effect, a blend can be used with an equal part of Lavender essential oil for extra soothing and pain relief for the little ones. The antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral effects of Tea Tree are broad-reaching - other common ailments which can be supported through its use include nail fungus, Candida infection, acne and many more. A little research will lead you to the healing protocol best suited to your needs.

Lavender Essential Oil - As important and useful as Tea Tree, Lavender oil has been named the 'medicine chest in a bottle'. Lavender's calming and healing properties act on both a physiological and psychological level. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring, and is the first choice in cases of minor burns. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations - a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment to bring calm and comfort during a stressful time. Lavender has been noted as 'better than benzodiazepines' for supporting sleep - use in a diffuser in your bedroom, or simply sprinkle a few drops on the bedding before retiring to enjoy this effect.

Chamomile Essential Oil - Well known for its gentle sedative effects, chamomile has been used in herbalism since antiquity. Chamomile essential oil works particularly well for bringing children back down to earth when the household gets a little (or a lot!) hectic. Massaging a small amount into the feet or belly works wonders; on infants, instead use a 1% dilution of Vanilla essential oil in Hazelnut oil for the same effect. Chamomile can also be inhaled from the bottle or tissue.

Peppermint Essential Oil - Peppermint is often employed for tummy troubles and for motion sickness. A drop in a cup of warm water is excellent for those who can tolerate its potent taste; a drop in a teaspoon of honey is effective for younger ones. Spearmint should be used instead for children under three years. Peppermint is also an excellent mental stimulant, bringing clarity and alertness (though it should not be used in cases of epilepsy due to its potency). Peppermint can be inhaled from a tissue or diffuser (with care taken not to touch the sensitive skin under the nose) - it is the oil of choice for use in car diffusers to keep the driver alert and to clear the stuffy air. Peppermint is also an effective mosquito repellent, and can be added in small amounts to neutral skin creams or suntan lotions for this effect.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus is often used for respiratory conditions, clearing congestion with coughs and colds - it can be inhaled from a diffuser or from a steaming bowl of water. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (use very diluted in water in a spray bottle - be sure to avoid the eyes when dousing yourself). Diffusing Eucalyptus oil in your home or office can effectively disinfect the air, which is particularly useful for folks with weakened immune systems. For the natural health enthusiast, it's broad range of actions should be investigated further.

Geranium Essential Oil - Geranium (sometimes known as 'Geranium Rose') works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. It's floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil : "Geranium's vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. (Geranium Essential Oil) inspires natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & "tonifies" the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds." Particularly noted for it's effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints.

Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil - This is the wonder oil for sports injuries and bruises of all kinds. Its effects are recounted time and time again by active sports and fitness enthusiasts sustaining injuries of all kinds. Highly regarded in the aromatherapy literature, Helichrysum Italicum can be applied directly to any impact-related injury to dramatically reduce healing time. Only a small amount is needed for each application, and can be used sparingly if cost is an issue - Helichrysum Italicum oil can be diluted to 10% in a carrier for regular application to chronic injuries, aches and pains. It can provide similar healing action to damaged skin, particularly when blended to three percent dilution in Rosehip Seed and Hazelnut oils.

Thyme Essential Oil - Thyme is a potent antiviral, antibiotic, and antiseptic oil. There are many types of Thyme, with only the linalool chemotype appropriate for use with children. Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu or sinus infections, being inhaled regularly from a diffuser. Alternatively, for sinusitis, a drop can be placed on a small square of tissue paper, with the paper then rolled so that the drop is in the inside. The paper can then be placed in the nostril to the oil can slowly be 'diffused' into the sinus cavity. Further research can help you find particular uses for this wonderful oil.

Lemon Esssential Oil - Say good-by to chemical cleaners and deodorizers. Just dilute Lemon essential oil in distilled water (2-10 drops per ounce, depending on the strength desired) and use as you would other cleaners for your kitchen countertops. Lemon has a very uplifting aroma in addition to its gentle yet effective antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown increased test scores by students where Lemon was diffused during study. The uses for Lemon essential oil are extensive - a little research will help you incorporate this lovely, inexpensive essential oil into your life.

Clove Essential Oil - The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of the aroma - it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of 'longevity' formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano - Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Hulda Clark's anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from one's digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.

This round's out a wonderful beginning 'home care kit' for the natural health, wellness and fitness enthusiasts. These oils can offer a wonderful introduction to the world of aromatherapy, particularly due to their obviously practical uses. There are a great many more varieties of oils, with a corresponding number of healing properties for both the body and the mind. As always with essential oils, there potent nature demands a certain amount of respect with their use - start slowly in any case, and consult a knowledgeable practitioner if you have any questions about their application. Most of all, enjoy the experience of including these healing liquids in your life and have fun!