As interest in natural means to improved health, wellness and fitness grows, essential oils are gaining in popularity in the United States. The healing powers, on both physiological and psychological levels, have been utilized in Europe and the rest of the world for some time. Natural, pure essential oils used in aromatherapy have a very diverse range of healing properties - as diverse as the hundreds of plants from which they are distilled. The effects range from antibiotic (without incurrence of resistance as with pharmaceutical drugs), to antiviral (the power of which modern medicine has yet to replicate), to anti-inflammatory and analgesic, with many having 'homeostatic' properties - meaning they support balance in many of the body's systems. Here's brief look at ten essential oils commonly used in the home health care kit - the list and descriptions are not meant to be exhaustive; rather, let them stimulate your interest in furthering your knowledge of these oils, their applications, and the vast potential of the many, many other essential oils available today.



Tea Tree Essential Oil - Tea Tree is a plant species native to Australia. The indigenous people have used the plant for ages for its powerful healing properties. The essential oil has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. While not THE most powerful oil in each of these respects, it's gentle and effective action makes it the oil of choice for regular antiseptic use. Employ Tea Tree oil for small cuts and scrapes (mixed 50/50 with Lavender for and extra soothing blend). Tea Tree can be diluted in water (5 drops or so per ounce) for a mouthwash, applied to acne breakouts, and has been used effectively against Candida infection (consult a natural health professional for a personal protocol for best results). Tea Tree oil is an important, inexpensive addition to your home medicine chest.

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 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.

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 - 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 - 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 comes in several chemotypes, each with slightly differing effects and potencies. Thyme linalool is the most gentle variety, safe for use with children. Thyme is a potent antiviral and antibacterial, frequently used for sinus infections - it can be inhaled from a diffuser, or another common technique is placing a drop of the oil in the center of a tissue paper, rolling the paper so the oil is at the center, and inserting loosely into each nostril. This allows inhalation of the oil over a period of time, often used during sleep. Further research on this oil, or consultation with a natural health professional can help you find the most effective uses for Thyme's great possibilities in supporting healing through infectious illnesses.

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 - 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!