If you are just starting out with essential oils or trying to create an essential oil medicine cabinet, which five oils are indispensable? It’s a tough decision with so many wonderful oils available, but the answer would most likely be the same 5 oils for both categories – Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Orange and Tea Tree.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is the most popular essential oil throughout the world, thanks to its amazing versatility. It’s use for the relief of a wide range of ailments can be traced back to Ancient times. It’s ability to calm and relax, and aid sleep is legendary.
Benefits of use in aromatherapy: Calms anxiety, nervousness and restlessness; Induces relaxation; Promotes a good night’s sleep and diminishes insomnia; Reduces blood pressure and heart rate; Benefits respiratory health and relieves bronchial asthma, allergic inflammation and mucus hyperplasia; Alleviates hot flashes in menopause and relieves premenstrual emotional symptoms; Relieves pain from headaches and reduces nausea.
Benefits of applying topically: Treats blemishes, eases acne, eczema and general inflammation and promotes healing; Heals minor burns and skin afflictions such as scratches and bug bites and accelerates wound healing; Remedies fungal infections; Relieves stiff and sore muscles; Promotes hair growth and proclaimed to be effective for the treatment of alopecia areata.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Best known for its ability to soothe headaches and digestive disorders, Peppermint Oil has been used for this purpose for eons. Its cooling effect is indisputable which also gives this oil an immense versatility which goes way beyond these known uses.
Benefits of use in aromatherapy: Eliminates stress, anxiety, fatigue, tiredness, irritability and bad mood. It relaxes the nervous system, whilst simultaneously invigorating, energising and lifting the mood; Stimulates the brain, dispels mental fatigue, increases cognitive functioning; Escalates focus, concentration and motivation and enhances memory retention. Proven to boost mental accuracy, and enhance clear thinking; Increases pain thresholds; Shown to improve athletic performance and ability; Alleviates headaches and migraines and suppresses feeling of nausea; Benefits respiratory health. Reduces swollen membranes, opens the airways, and helps to break down mucus and clear blocked sinuses, promoting easier breathing; Relaxes muscles in the digestive system, facilitates digestion, improves digestive ailments and reduces cramping; A natural repellent for cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, mosquitoes and spiders; Helps suppress the appetite and stimulates the feeling of being full.
Benefits of applying topically: Heals minor burns and skin afflictions such as cuts and scratches, accelerates wound healing, and supports regeneration of the skin; Cools and soothes inflammatory skin conditions, reduces swelling and puffiness, and relieves any associated itching in conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, bites, sunburn, etc; Cleanses the skin and unclogs pores and, with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, effectively relieves acne and skin infections. Minimises large or open pores; Tightens and firms and reduces the appearance of fine lines to give the skin a more youthful appearance; Soothes, heals and protects chapped or cracked lips; Effective against the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores; Reduces itching sensation from chronic pruritus, or which can be a symptom of diabetes, or liver or kidney related diseases; Diminishes nerve pain in shingles; Traditionally used as a chest rub to relieve congestion; Relieves muscle and joint pain. Stimulates blood flow to the area, inhibits muscle contractions and relieves tension; Rub into the feet to reduce fever; Applied to the temples, forehead and back of head can relieve headaches and migraine; Stimulates the scalp, alleviates itching, dryness, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Increases blood circulation and helps to strengthen the hair roots, diminishing hair loss; Eliminates lice.
Other uses: Add to a bath – relieves respiratory infections, nerve pain, headaches, muscle aches, and itching and benefits a poorly functioning liver and pancreas. (Not recommended for children under 6); Mouthwash – Add a couple of drops to some water. Protects against plaque formation, maintains healthy gums, and eliminates bad breath; A cleaning spray – Add a couple of drop to some water or apple cider vinegar to clean and eliminate bacteria, fungi and bugs, and also works as an insect deterrent. Sanitises the air as it cleans.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Oil has a long history of use for a multitude of applications and was first discovered by the Aborigines in Australia, but reached worldwide acclaim during the First World War for its effectiveness against outbreaks of influenza and meningitis. A must have in everyone’s natural medicine chest, with an array of further uses.
Benefits of use in aromatherapy: Balances the nervous system. Has a calming effect on the mind and allays anxiety, reduces stress, mental fatigue and mood disorders; Improves brain function. Clears the mind and improves focus and concentration; Natural pain relief to reduce the discomfort of aches and pains; Offers respiratory support. Works as a natural decongestant to break down phlegm and mucus, and expands bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs to promote easier breathing. Alleviates coughs, a blocked or runny nose, and a sore throat. Demonstrated to help with asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Rapidly decreases symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis); Increases immunity and supports faster recovery from infections by increasing white blood cells (macrophages) in the blood;Repels mosquitoes and other biting insects for up to 8 hours. Also effective against moths, flies, bed bugs, cockroaches and rodents.
Benefits of applying topically: Allays a cough and loosens mucus when applied as a chest rub; Relieves sinus pressure when massaged into the temples; Soothes skin irritation and inflammation. Relieves contact dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, diaper rash, hives, poison ivy, shaving rash, and prickly heat, and eases the symptoms of psoriasis. Its cooling properties also make it ideal for the relief of sunburn; Combats the herpes simplex virus to reduce the occurrence of cold sores, plus reduces the pain of a cold sore and accelerates healing; Treats small wounds, cuts and abrasions, prevents infection and accelerates healing. Also effective treatment for skin ulcers, cysts and boils; Helps to combat and heal skin conditions and fungal infections, such as thrush or ringworm; Counteracts dry skin. Intensely hydrates and boosts the skin’s ceramide production, a fatty acid which increases the skin’s moisture-retaining capabilities, and reinforces the skin’s barrier protection; Helps to lighten dark spots; Effectively reduces levels of the enzyme COX-2 which the body produces a surplus of during an eczema flare-up; Relieves acne by neutralising P. acne bacteria and helping to reduce sebum production; Powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties bring relief to muscle stiffness, sprains, strains, tendinitis and joint pain; Stimulates the scalp, reduces dandruff, treats lice, strengthens the hair and improves elasticity, boosts shine, and stimulates the follicles for healthy hair growth; A natural chemical-free insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away. Also deters bed bugs, flies and ticks.
Other uses: Supports oral health – Diluted in water as a mouthwash or adding a drop to toothpaste can prevent plaque buildup, relieve fungal or bacterial infections, and freshen breath. Can also be used to disinfect a toothbrush. Do not swallow!; Disinfectant spray – Remove mold and mildew in kitchen and bathroom. Spray in the dirty laundry basket to eliminate a musty smell, or use it as a laundry freshener. Particularly useful in case of scabies, ringworm or other contagious infection. Can also be used to clean a hairbrush, comb, makeup brushes and sponges; Air freshener – Purify the air, and eliminate airborne pathogens; A gargle – Relieve a sore throat; Add to a bath – Reduce aches, pains and inflammation and treat fungal infection (scabies, ringworm, etc); A foot soak – Soothe and revive tired or swollen feet. Disinfectant and deodorises, relieves inflammation, boosts healing of any cracks or cuts, remedies fungal infections, and relieves painful bunions; A warm compress – Relieve muscular aches and pains. Also recommended to relieve cysts and boils; A cold compress – Soothe bites, plus bumps and bruises. Relieve tense facial muscles and soothe a headache.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange Oil has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in folk remedies throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. In addition to its benefits to the body and mind, it is a firm favourite in commercial household cleaners.
Used in aromatherapy: A known mood booster and anxiety calmer, both uplifting and tranquillizing; Helps to reduce pulse rate. Banishes depression, anxiety, anger, frustration, stress, sadness and negative moods, replacing them with peace and harmony; Boosts the mood, promotes mental clarity and motivation. Enhances cognitive function, making it easier to recall memories, which may be especially beneficial for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease; Diminishes mental and physical fatigue. Can be used as a mood and energy booster in the morning, a relaxant in the evening, and to improve cognitive function or diminish depression, stress or anxiety whenever needed; Induces sleep and enhances sleep quality whilst expediting the detoxification process of the body and helping to balance hormones; Has expectorant properties to prevent nasal and respiratory congestion, combats a fever, relieves dizziness and fatigue, allays the pain and pressure of a sinus headache, and eliminates harmful bacteria. Alleviates a spasmodic cough; Relieves allergy symptoms such as itchiness, headache, watery eyes and sinus congestion, caused by inflammation of the nasal passages, which are irritated by small particles such as dust, pollen, mould spores, etc.; Reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, a major contributor towards heart disease; Antinociceptive properties effectively reduce fracture pain.
Applied Topically: Completely nourishes the skin, soothing any irritation or dryness, plus cleaning and balancing without stripping the skin of its natural oils; Eliminates harmful bacteria, cleanses the skin, balances moisture and oiliness, helps to dry out acne, reduces inflammation and redness, encourages skin exfoliation, and reduces the appearance of pores, perfect for those suffering from acne, clogged pores and oily skin, and helping to diminish dark spots; Prevents premature ageing, enhances collagen production and encourages plump and smooth skin, thus eliminating fine lines and wrinkles; Treats boils, cuts, abrasions and wounds due to its antiseptic property; Alleviates and prevents fungal infections; Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for the relief of cramps and general muscle and joint pain, including conditions like arthritis. Reduces redness and swelling from infections, sprains, muscles tears, joint and bone pain, and oedemas; Helps to encourage the release of digestive enzymes, helping to eliminate indigestion, irregular digestion, constipation and flatulence when applied directly to the abdominal area, whilst its diuretic property can help to reduce bloating, stimulate the lymphatic system and bladder, and help to rid the body of toxins; Very beneficial for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Increases circulation, which is instrumental in relieving the discomfort of headaches, menstruation, abdominal pain, inflammation and a low libido, in addition to helping with stress, and nasal or bronchial congestion; Works as a muscle relaxant to help relieve muscle cramps and spasms, convulsions, coughing and diarrhoea; Alleviates a dry, irritated scalp and helps to prevent dandruff and flaky skin, whilst deeply nourishing the hair follicles, encouraging growth, eliminating brittle and dry strands, and making the hair thick, smooth, strong and healthy.
Other uses: An air freshener/purifier – it effectively diminishes odours from cooking and pets, and destroys airborne bacteria and pathogens; Non-toxic insect repellent – deters houseflies and kills their larvae and pupae. It is also a natural ant killer and eliminates their scent-pheromone trails, thus preventing further infestations; A superb natural cleaner – especially recommended for the kitchen, with antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and disinfectant properties, and is proven to be effective against staph bacteria, e.coli, salmonella and several fungi which can cause food spoilage. It’s also a natural degreaser.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Also known as melaleuca oil, this remarkable oil has been used for eons by the indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia. Nicknamed “medicine cupboard in a bottle”, it is truly indispensable around the home.
Used in aromatherapy: Allays anxiety, reduces stress and relieves insomnia; Boosts immunity and fights infections; Expectorant properties to prevent nasal and respiratory congestion, combats a fever, relieves dizziness and fatigue, allays the pain and pressure of a sinus headache, and eliminates harmful bacteria.
Applied Topically: Helps to combat and heal skin conditions and fungal infections, such as thrush or ringworm, soothe cuts and burns, and is particularly helpful for the elimination of scabies. Supports wound healing; Soothes skin irritation and inflammation. Relieves contact dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, diaper rash, hives, poison ivy, shaving rash, and prickly heat, and eases the symptoms of psoriasis; Combats the herpes virus which can help with cold sores, and it is an effective wart remover; Deeply cleanses, tones, and purifies the pores, and helps to regulate sebum to balance oily or dry skin. Effective against acne and breakouts; Restores the complexion. Reduces the occurrence of dark spots and scars; Regulates oil production on the scalp, soothes dry and flaking skin and treats dandruff; Boosts circulation to actively stimulate hair growth. Deters brittle hair; A natural remedy for lice; Brings pain relief from arthritic afflictions, relieves sore muscles; Relieves carpal tunnel syndrome when applied to the wrists; Helps to strengthen and stimulate the immune system, and eliminate bodily toxins; Home treatment for hemorrhoids to reduce itching, burning, pain and discomfort and promote healing; A natural insect repellent.
Other uses: A mouthwash – supports oral health, relieves fungal or bacterial infections, and freshens breath. Can also be used to disinfect a toothbrush; Disinfectant spray – removes mold and mildew in kitchen and bathroom. Also effective on plants. Plus can be used to disinfect a hairbrush, comb, make-up brushes and sponges; Laundry freshener – particularly useful in case of scabies, ringworm or other contagious infection; A natural chemical-free insect repellent – Excellent for repelling mosquitoes. Also deters bees, bed bugs, fire ants, fleas, flies (including horse flies), spiders and ticks; Air freshener – purifies the air, and eliminates airborne pathogens; A gargle – relieves a sore throat; Add to a bath – Reduces aches, pains and inflammation, treats fungal infection (scabies, ringworm, etc) and remedies a bladder infection. Recommended for anyone suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, as it helps to facilitate the body’s immune system; Foot soak – Soothes and revives tired or swollen feet. Disinfects and deodorises, relieves inflammation, boosts healing for any cracks or cuts, remedies fungal infections, and relieves painful bunions; A warm compress – Relieves muscular aches and pains. Also recommended to relieve cysts and boils; A cold compress – soothes bites, plus bumps and bruises.
Each essential oil has their only niche, so restricting the choice to just five is not easy since so many deserve a place in the natural healing cupboard. However the above five are truly unsurpassable and a prerequisite of any collection. Do you agree? What would your must-haves be?
