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 - When first examined for it's

antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to

be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid - the medical

standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range

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 can also be effectively

employed for Candida, athlete's foot and acne, among other

things.

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 of healing prompted the writing of the

first modern aromatherapy text in France.

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 - 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 - 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 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 Essential Oil - A recent study on test-taking college

students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room

improved tests cores more than any other oil. In addition to

it's mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfect room

air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to

support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist

in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon

adds a pleasant top note, and can create a synergistic

effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used

as both a fragrance and flavoring agent.

Clove Essential Oil - Clove is a powerful oil in many

respects. It can be added in small amounts to your Lemon

antiseptic blend for an extra punch, and for a pleasing

'spicy' aroma addition. Clove oil has long been used

topically for toothaches, and can hold one over until a

visit to the dentist can be scheduled. The oil is taken in

small amounts internally by some; it is the strongest

anti-oxidant oil known (by an order of magnitude over any

other), and is included in many anti-parasite protocols when

performing an intestinal cleanse. In the cooler months,

it's aroma lends itself to creating a warm, homey

atmosphere.

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!