Essential oils not only have aromatic properties, but have therapeutic properties that make them useful for treating everyday troubles. Essential oils are potent liquids that form as part of the internal structure of aromatic plants. Special microscopic sacs in the leaves, flowers, rind, or bark of these plants gradually fill up with oil as the plant matures and play a biological role in the life of the plant by attracting pollinators, deterring parasites, and protecting the plant from fungal attacks. The same chemicals that protect the plant can help us heal naturally.

Essential oils are highly potent and it is important to remember to apply them in appropriate dilutions and keep precautions in mind to avoid negative reactions. Ingesting essential oils internally is not approved in the U.S. due to the risk of overdose, gastric irritation, and interactions with medications.

Essential oils for topical use should be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. A safe topical dilution for adults 12 years and older is 3%, 5% on the soles of the feet where skin is harder to penetrate. For children 5-11 years old, the elderly, and pregnant, the safest dilution is 1%. For children 2-5 years old the dilution should be .5% and .25% for babies to 2 years old. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia is considered the only safe essential oil for babies. For example, in a 1-ounce container of lotion, a .25% dilution is 1 drop of essential oil, .5% is 3 drops, 1% is 6 drops, 3% is 18 drops, and 5% is 30 drops.

I have put together a list of the most useful, versatile, and reasonable-priced essential oils for home use:*

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) -- Eucalyptus is a versatile oil. It is known for its ability to clear congestion and ease a cough, but it is also effective at relieving muscle aches, including headaches. It is also a good oil to have in the first aid kit, disinfecting and relieving the pain of cuts and stings. (Precautions: Not for use with children under 5 years old or epileptics)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) -- Ginger is excellent at relieving nausea or morning sickness (by inhaling) and calming a stomachache, but as a warming oil, is also effective in easing the pain of arthritis or stiff muscles. For that reason, and because of its strong, spicy aroma, it works well to clear coughs and congestion.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — Lavender is known as the universal healer for good reason. Safe to use directly on skin, Lavender is good for almost anything that ails you. It is best known for its calming abilities, but is also a must-have in the first aid kit, disinfecting and relieving the pain of cuts and burns then assisting with regenerating skin cells while the wound heals. Lavender is lovely in any skin remedy, healing, regenerating, and soothing irritated skin.

Lemon (Citrus limon) — A perfect oil for cleaning with a lemony fresh scent, Lemon is a germ-fighting antifungal. I keep it for cleaning and as a room spray to lift my spirits. You just can’t beat that citrus aroma! (Precautions: Lemon can be irritating to sensitive skin and will attract the sun and cause sunburn if applied to exposed skin.)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) -- An unsung essential oil, Marjoram has a gentle herbal scent and calms the spirit as well as inflamed muscles and stomach and menstrual cramps.

Orange (Citrus sinensis) -- Known for its uplifting orange scent, Orange is also a powerful cleaning agent for disinfecting and destroying fungus.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) -- Next to Lavender, Peppermint is a must-have in the first aid kit. Excellent for calming stomach cramps and relieving nausea (if inhaled), Peppermint also is known for it congestion-clearing abilities. It calms inflamed muscles as well, including headaches.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) -- Tea Tree is best known for its ability to clear acne-prone skin, but it has a whole host of other skin-loving properties, including calming itchy skin and healing scars.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) -- Thyme is a deodorizing essential oil that disinfects, kills fungus, and calms muscle aches, but the main reason I keep it around is to reduce snoring. No one can explain why, but Thyme essential oil (5% dilution) when applied to the bottoms of the feet at bedtime has the ability to reduce snoring in some people. Folk medicine at its best!

*Don’t see your favorite essential oil here? I can special order oils for you. There may be an extra charge depending on the scarcity of the oil. Some essential oils are not available due to over-harvesting, especially oils made from tree bark or resin that requires the entire tree be destroyed. Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Spikenard, and Sandalwood are currently endangered.

Contact me to place an order for delivery or shipping.