10 Versatile Essential Oils for Your Basic Aromatherapy Care Kit

8:00 AM Posted by jo

There are many essential oils to choose between and it can be somewhat confusing to know what oils to start with. You don't need many bottles since you can easily enjoy the benefits of essential oils with only a couple of bottles. I always have lavender and tea tree on hand, and it is actually a very economical way to deal with minor cuts, wounds, scratches and insect bites. They are very versatile, fairly inexpensive, and together they make a great first aid kit.

Base care kit

I have narrowed it down to 10 single oils that I picked for their versatility and ability to deal with a variety of health complaints. Several essential oil companies have starting kits that contain most of these oils. I highly recommend to purchase a starting kit since it is normally cheaper than buying the individual oils.

10 versatile essential oils

Lavender

Lavender is an oil that I think should be in every home because it is an effective oil to a reasonable price. It has historically been useful in treating various nervous and psychological disorders due to its sedative and nervine effects. It has historically been used for things like migraine, depression, stress, insomnia, and nervous tension. If you were to pick only one oil for your first aid pick it should be lavender since it is the most versatile of all essential oils. Its antiseptic properties has historically been used for coughs, colds, catarrh, sinus, flu as well as wounds, burns and all types of pain.

Tea tree

Tea tree is an immune stimulant and has antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic properties. According to Battaglia, it has been proven to be active against all three categories of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree has historically been used for wound healing, fungal infections, congestion, aches and pains, acne and dandruff.

Lemon

Lemon is highly antibacterial. According to Battaglia, it is able to stimulate the action of the white blood cells. Lemon has a purifying, uplifting and revitalizing aroma, and it clears the mind and sharpens the senses. It is a very pleasant and soothing oil. Research in Japan has proven its effect to improve the ability to concentrate.

The main constituent is limonene, which has been studied for it's anti-cancer effects.

In the book, The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system. Battaglia says, lemon also counteracts the acidity and makes the stomach more alkaline. It also has a tonic effect on the circulatory system. Historically lemon has been used in skin care due to its astringent effect.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is expectorant, antibacterial and antiviral. It is best known as a decongestant. Eucalyptus has historically been used to treat respiratory problems like sinus problems, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. Eucalyptus increase oxygen to the cells in the body. It has also historically been used to relieve insect bites and muscular aches and pains. Eucalyptus has been recommended for treatments of headaches, neuralgia and debility. It has been used historically to reduce fever. Eucalyptus is effective as an insect repellent, and it has traditionally also been used to treat burns, wounds, blisters and cuts. It also makes a great antiseptic for when you clean, so you can add it to your cleaning water. More information about eucalyptus.

Rosemary

Rosemary is antifungal and antibacterial. It is a general stimulant and it also supports nerves and endocrine gland balance. It has also historicaly been used in treatments for muscular conditions, and makes a useful oil to add to the bath after a tiring day. According to Worwood, rosemary is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, diabetes, coughs and flu. It is also being used in natural hair care as well as in acne and cellulite treatments.

Clove

Clove is a powerful antimicrobial and it has a stimulating effect on the mind. It is not only a strong antiseptic, but it also has carminative and antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps stimulate digestion. It has historically been used to treat viral diseases, to stimulate digestion, relieve flatulence, and restore the appetite. Clove's anesthetic property has historically been used to ease toothache. The anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.

According to Jean Valnet, MD, clove oil can prevent contagious disease, and may treat arthritis, bronchitis, colera, cystitis, cholera, dental infection, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, tuberculosis, acne, fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, insect bites, hypertenstion, dermatitis, skin cancer, bacterial colitism sinusitis, sores, viral hepatitis, warts, and lymphoma. More information about clove essential oils.

Peppermint

The antispasmodic properties of peppermint have been confirmed in clinical trials. Peppermint is one of the most effective oils of the digestive system. The German Commission E Monographs recommends peppermint oil for obstructions of the bile ducts, gall bladder inflammations and severe liver damage.

Jean Valnet, MD studied peppermint's supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint helps the circulation as well. According to Worwood, this is a good oil for the treatment of indigestion, flu, catarrh, headaches, toothache, rheumatism, and migraines. It is also keeping the ants, mice, and fleas away. More information about peppermint essential oil.

Geranium

Geranium works on the emotions and is very useful for many medical conditions. Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. According to Battaglia, geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. He also says it is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex has a regulatory effect on the hormonal system. It may therefore useful in treating PMS and menopausal problems. Geranium balances the sebum and is therefore useful for all skin conditions, but it is especially useful for sluggish, congested, and oily skin. According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.

Chamomile

Chamomile is antiseptic and antibacterial, but it is often valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the skin in Europe. It has historically been used to treat rheumatism. It has also traditionally been used by mothers to ease ear aches, soothe stomach aches and indigestion, and relieve tooth aches and teething pains. Roman chamomile may help calm restlessness and tension. It's anti-infectious properties benefit cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

According to Gary Young, chamomile neutralizes allergies and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. Young also says chamomile can effectively minimize irritability and nervousness in children.

Chamomile is calming and relaxing and therefore is often used to combat depression, insomnia and stress. It is known to minimize anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Chamomile has historically been used in treatment of burns, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, hay fever, migraines, sprains and strains. More about chamomile.

Thyme

Thyme is highly antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiviral. Thyme has historically been used for respiratory problems and digestive complains. It is often used in the prevention and treatment of infection, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Thyme is a general tonic for the nerves and the stomach. It is a wonderful oil to use in the room diffuser when the flu goes around due to it's antiviral properties. Thyme also aids in the detoxification of the body.

I suggest that you invest in vegetable oils and/or aloe vera gel to dilute the essential oils with. A good diffuser is also recommended. There are many ways these essential oils can be used which make them perfect for a natural first aid kit.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday
Healthy 2day Wednesday
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Wildcrafting Wednesday
Eco-Kids Tuesday