A Beginner's Top Ten 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 related conditions and more.

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 - Distilled from delicate white flowers, the oil of Chamomile is also a great stress reliever, very useful in households with children. The oil can be utilized undiluted as a foot or belly rub to bring calm in chaotic times - it is a very highly regarded oil for this effect. (For infants, a 1% dilution of true Vanilla essential oil will have an equal effect, and may be more comforting to the very young).

Peppermint Essential Oil - An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, it's effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines. Beyond it's support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air). Because of it's potent stimulating properties, peppermint should not be used with children under 2, or with epileptics.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, it's effects are certainly not limited to the airways - because of it's broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists 'designer oil'. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (or due to fever - use in a compress), and support the immune system in Winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, Candida, and sunburn, to name a few, as well as being an insect repellent.

Geranium Essential Oil - M. Hozzel has said this regarding Geranium: "Geranium's vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. The oil inspires natural beauty and enjoyment, uplifts instantly and tonifies the mind and intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative and 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, and is particularly appreciated by women. It is highly regarded by aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood for refreshing qualities; she describes its use in misting sprays and baths for stress relief. Geranium is also used in the summer months as a tick repellent - a drop or two of the oil is regularly placed on a pet's collar for this effect.

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 oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the 'linalool' chemotype is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be diluted prior to topical application. Given the precautions, Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu, being used in a room diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body (particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and its warming quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. It's application for the digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.

Lemon Essential Oil - Oh, to finally get rid of those chemical household cleaning agents! A spray bottle with 10 drops of lemon per ounce of water will effectively clean your countertops and leave your rooms with a lovely fresh (and natural!) scent. It is a wonderful mental stimulant as well: in a study on test-taking students, diffusing Lemon improved tests cores more than any other oil. Further, diffusing into any space can also disinfect room air and act as a natural odor controller.

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.

So, there we have a possible 'top ten' essential oils for the home medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

The author is the owner of The Ananda Apothecary, a source for essential oil and flower essence information and supplies.

If You want to use this article on your website then select COPY THIS ARTICLE in the Menu on the right side!

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated