Essential oils provide a natural alternative to healing common ailments. The actions of essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants.
While essential oils should never be used as a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully used for many minor complaints, and work well in conjunction with other therapies.
In this two part article on essential oils we will have a brief look at ten essential oils which will form a ‘basic home care kit’. While this list is by no means exhaustive and there are hundreds of essential oils out there, I’ve chosen these as a good starter to form your basic kit to tackle common ailments like cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related conditions and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When using ANY essential oils, always check first for any contra indications and always dilute the essential oils accordingly. This is only given as a brief guide and is not intended to be used instead of professional help.
First up, 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 anti-fungal properties. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree has amazing healing properties. It is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for its broad range of applications. No home should be without it! Lavender oil is 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 speeds up wound healing and reduces scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress and tension, bring clarity of mind and help improve sleep.
3. Chamomile Essential Oil
The great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions. Rubbing the diluted oil into the solar plexus is a commonly used application to release tension. Chamomile essential oil is available in two 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.
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 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). PLEASE USE THIS OIL WITH CARE AND DILUTE ACCORDINGLY, IT IS VERY POWERFUL!
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 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.
That’s the first 5 in your basic home care kit, the next four will be in the Essential Oils-Your Basic Tool Kit Part Two.
