Aromatherapy Basics: Your Top 10 Essential Oils

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Aromatherapy Basics: Your Top 10 Essential Oils

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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 - 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 - 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.

Geranium Essential Oil - Geranium (sometimes known as
'Geranium Rose') works wonderfully on both physiological
and psychological levels. It's floral aroma is brightening
and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte
Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil :
"Geranium's vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but
direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice
for aphrodisiac qualities. (Geranium Essential Oil) inspires
natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & "tonifies"
the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding
attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & 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.

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 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 - Clove is a powerful oil in many
respects. It can be added in small amounts to your Lemon
antiseptic blend for an extra punch, and for a pleasing
'spicy' aroma addition. Clove oil has long been used
topically for toothaches, and can hold one over until a
visit to the dentist can be scheduled. The oil is taken in
small amounts internally by some; it is the strongest
anti-oxidant oil known (by an order of magnitude over any
other), and is included in many anti-parasite protocols when
performing an intestinal cleanse. In the cooler months,
it's aroma lends itself to creating a warm, homey
atmosphere.

This round's out a wonderful beginning 'home care kit'
for the natural health, wellness and fitness enthusiasts.
These oils can offer a wonderful introduction to the world
of aromatherapy, particularly due to their obviously
practical uses. There are a great many more varieties of
oils, with a corresponding number of healing properties for
both the body and the mind. As always with essential oils,
there potent nature demands a certain amount of respect with
their use - start slowly in any case, and consult a
knowledgeable practitioner if you have any questions about
their application. Most of all, enjoy the experience of
including these healing liquids in your life and have fun!
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