Essential Oils For the Home Care Kit - the Basic Ten

Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to common ailments we see at home. The actions of essentialoils 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 canbe 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!) treatmentsfor you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related conditionsand more. In the second article, we will cover specific applications and uses of each oil.

Oil #1: Tea Tree Essential Oil

When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 timesmore powerful than carbolic acid – the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broadrange of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research.Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and canalso be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.

Oil #2: Lavender 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 Valnetdiscovered Lavender’s healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident. Lavender is consideredto speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stressin 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.

Oil #3: Chamomile Essential Oil

Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide varietyof 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 Romanvariety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremelyeffective anti-inflammatory.

Oil #4: 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 controlledstudies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painfulcondition of the intestines. Beyond it’s support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfullystimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by someto be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surroundingair).

Oil #5: 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 limitedto the airways – because of it’s broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists ‘designeroil’. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (or due to fever – use in a compress), and supportthe immune system in Winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportiveof bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, toname a few, as well as being an insect repellent.

Oil #6: Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium (sometimes known as ‘Geranium Rose’) works wonderfully on both physiological and psychologicallevels. It’s floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte Hozzelhas 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 EssentialOil) inspires natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & "tonifies" the mind & intellectin a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves, helping us torise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds." Particularlynoted for it’s effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausalproblems, uterine and breast complaints.

Oil #7: Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morningbath. It’s slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthriticjoints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu – Rosemarywas a component of ‘Four Thieves Vinegar’, which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infectionwhen up to no good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is the essential oil most oftenassociated with improving hair growth in cases of Alopecia.

Oil #8: Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic, though it should be employed withgreat care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the ‘linalol’ chemotype is appropriatefor 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 eliminationof toxic wastes from the body (particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and it’s warming qualitycan 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 supportivein cases of hair loss.

Oil #9: Lemon Essential Oil

A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room improved testscores more than any other oil. In addition to it’s mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfectroom air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to support liver function, and is also commonlyused to assist in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a pleasant top note, and can createa synergistic effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and flavoringagent.

Oil #10: 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 acomponent of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective againsta broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano – Clove oil has even been employedto sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reducethe pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Huda Clark’s anti-parasiteprotocol, helping eliminate parasites from one’s digestive system. This is a very powerful oil whichshould 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 selectionwith an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to notethat all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer toa trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxicif used incorrectly.

Misty Rae Cech, ND is a naturopath practicing in Boulder, Colorado. She employs a broad array of natural therapies with her clients, including flower essences, essential oils, herbs and more. She is also the owner of http://www.ananda-aromatherapy.com.