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 - Lavender is the most widely used essential oil due to its broad range of healing properties along with its popular aroma. Lavender is most well-known for its soothing scent, often used in diffusers or on the bedsheets to improve sleep or to help 'wind-down' at the end of a stressful day. Lavender is the first line of defense for minor burns; its healing powers actually ignited the modern medical aromatherapy revolution through a chemist's laboratory accident. The first liquid available to quench his burning hands was lavender oil - the remarkable speed ofLavender Essential Oil - Lavender has often been called the 'medicine chest in a bottle' for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. It's anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered Lavender's healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. 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 'neat' (undiluted) to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment. healing prompted the writing of the first modern aromatherapy text in France.
Chamomile Essential Oil - Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions, and is often indicated for cases of stress in children (including teething and general 'crankiness').Rubbing into the solar plexus is a commonly used application if that is where one tends to 'hold tension'. Chamomile essential oil is available in to varieties, German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint Essential Oil - Peppermint serves many purposes; it is an effective digestive tonic for upset stomachs and motion sickness for children. Simply administer a drop with a small teaspoon of honey (use Spearmint for children under 3). Peppermint has been studied for its very positive support of irritable bowel syndrome, effectively balancing bacterial levels in the digestive system - it should be taken in enterically coated capsules for this use. Peppermint is an excellent mental stimulant and can clear the air in stuffy areas - it is commonly utilized inside automobiles (in diffusers or simply sprinkled on the carpets) to keep the driver alert and provide an alternative aroma to that of the congested highway. Finally, peppermint is considered one of the oils of choice when diluted in a carrier oil as a mosquito repellent when applied to the body (as opposed to oils like Citronella, which work well for the surrounding space).
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 - Geranium or Geranium Rose also works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. It's floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a calming agent. Adding the oil to a bath, or spraying on the body with a water mixture after a long day's efforts can work wonders for revitalizing mind and body, particularly for women. Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints, and again is worth further investigation for these issues. On a completely different front, Geranium Rose is gaining popularity as a tick repellent for pets; utilize on the coat in a dilute water spray or place one or more drops directly on the animal'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.
The author is published wellness consultant, working with Ananda Aromatherapy, producers of fine essential oils, to help educate the public on the proper use of oils and their many wonderful applications.
