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 - 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 antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athlete's foot and acne, among other things.

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 - 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 - 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 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.

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 - 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!

Alternative Medicine Products on our marketplace

The author is a consultant to the Ananda Apothecary, makers of pure organic essential oils and blends. More information on using oils in aromatherapy can be found through www.anandaapothecary.com