Ten Essential Oils For The Home Care Kit

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus, also known as Eucalyptus Radiata, has been called an 'aromatherapists designer oil' due to its broad range of effects and pleasing aroma. It is helpful in many breathing related conditions when inhaled, it can cool the body in a light mist, and invigorate in a massage blend. Diffusing in your home or office can disinfect room air, and can be effective as support during healing from a great number of ailments - consult a knowledgeable practitioner for blends and protocols that can be right for you.

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 Essential Oil (a.k.a. Everlasting oil) - This is the wonder oil for sports injuries and bruises of all kinds. Highly regarded in the aromatherapy literature, Helichrysum Italicum can be applied directly to a twisted ankle, hematoma, or other impact-related injury for near immediate analgesic and anti-inflammatory action to dramatically reduce healing time. While a precious, somewhat expensive oil, only a small amount is needed for each application - it 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 3% dilution in Rosehip Seed and Hazelnut oils, helping speed healing and reduce the possibility of scaring.

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. It's slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu - Rosemary was a component of 'Four Thieves Vinegar', which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is the essential oil most often associated with improving hair growth in cases of Alopecia.

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!