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A Beginner's Top Ten Essential Oils

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 - 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 - 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 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 - M. Hozzel has said this regarding Geranium: "Geranium's vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. The oil inspires natural beauty and enjoyment, uplifts instantly and tonifies the mind and intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative and emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds." Particularly noted for it's effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints, and is particularly appreciated by women. It is highly regarded by aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood for refreshing qualities; she describes its use in misting sprays and baths for stress relief. Geranium is also used in the summer months as a tick repellent - a drop or two of the oil is regularly placed on a pet'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 - 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, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano - Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Hulda Clark's anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from one's digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.

This rounds-out a possible 'top ten' essential oils for the beginning home aromatherapist. There are a great many other oils available; a little research, or professional consultation will help the natural health, wellness and fitness enthusiast find the oils that will be most supportive of their conditions and goals. As with any potent medicine, the power of essential oils should be respected - use them all with caution as you learn more about their proper application and effects. Keeping this in mind, the world of aromatherapy has much to offer in addition to these practical applications - get your nose in there and enjoy these natural wonders!