Pure essential oils used in medical aromatherapy offer a wonderful alternative to many pharmaceutical or 'manufactured' health preparations used in American households. The physiological and psychological effects of natural essential oils (as opposed to synthetic 'aroma' oils) are extremely diverse, ranging from powerfully antibacterial and antiviral, to anti-inflammatory and antidepressant. These natural wonders make an excellent adjunct to a lifestyle concerned with natural health, wellness and fitness - essential oils support the body's natural healing process, which is not often the case with man-made preparations. While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care when necessary, they can be successfully utilized for many common ailments, and as adjuncts to other therapies. The following is a list of essential oils often recommended as components of the basic home care kit. While certainly not 'all inclusive' relative to the hundreds of varieties of oils available, they will offer clear natural alternatives in many instances.

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

As important and useful as Tea Tree, Lavender oil has been named the 'medicine chest in a bottle'. Lavender's calming and healing properties act on both a physiological and psychological level. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring, and is the first choice in cases of minor burns. 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 to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment to bring calm and comfort during a stressful time. Lavender has been noted as 'better than benzodiazepines' for supporting sleep - use in a diffuser in your bedroom, or simply sprinkle a few drops on the bedding before retiring to enjoy this effect.

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

Eucalyptus is often used for respiratory conditions, clearing congestion with coughs and colds - it can be inhaled from a diffuser or from a steaming bowl of water. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (use very diluted in water in a spray bottle - be sure to avoid the eyes when dousing yourself). Diffusing Eucalyptus oil in your home or office can effectively disinfect the air, which is particularly useful for folks with weakened immune systems. For the natural health enthusiast, it's broad range of actions should be investigated further.

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.

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

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 a component of 'longevity' formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, also with analgesic properties, commonly used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil is also a component of anti-parasite protocols, helping eliminate parasites from one's digestive system during times of intestinal cleansing. Its aroma is warming, and particularly appreciated during the winter months, blending well with citrus oils such as lemon and orange.

So, there we have a possible 'top ten' essential oils for the home medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.

Article Source: Nancy Wellington | www.articleshop.co.uk