By Staff Writer - March, 1st 2014

When you think of essential oils, you likely conjure smells of lavender and peppermint, but did you know that their benefits go way beyond a pleasant scent? Essential oils have been used for centuries for their healing properties.

by Gaye Levy

When it comes to treating minor ailments, nothing seems to beat the effectiveness of essential oils. I say this not as a healthcare professional, for surely I am not, but as someone who recently dumped two drawers filled with over-the-counter remedies in favor of essential oils. To say I am pleased would be in understatement and while a bit of experimentation has been involved, each day my confidence in these miracle-worker oils grows.

In the past, I have written about the amazing uses for Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary and Clove oils.  If you have followed closely, you will have seen patterns where the solution to some ailment may be positively treated by more than one essential oil, either singly or in combination.

The reason for this is that many essential oils have common properties, such as Antiseptic, Anesthetic, Antibiotic, Anti-Bacterial, Antiviral, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Fungal and Anti-Depressant.  Most essential oils will …

Scientists agree that essential oils may perform more than one function in living plants. In some cases they seem to be a part of the plant’s immune system. In other cases they may simply be end products of metabolism. Essential oils are said to be healing because they contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins, and other natural elements that work on many levels. For example, essential oils can be sedative or stimulating. Some are antispasmodic, and most are antibacterial.  Essential oils are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs.
When you think about it in terms of gardening, this makes sense.  You plant a seed, it germinates, a plant grows, and more seeds are created.  Each plant has its own circle of life.  So, from a non-scientific and non-technical perspective, to transfer the essence of a plant to the cells of a human body means we are taking advantage of this essence for a mostly if not completely positive outcome.

Okay, enough science.  Here is the chart I have put together for you.  This is my go-to chart when I don’t have time to look something up in my essential oil bible (The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy) or online.  And don’t worry, I have created a download link for you so you can easily print out a copy for reference purposes.

8 Essential Oils for Your Health and Wellness Kit

Here they are, the 8 essential oils you need to cover a wide range of maladies,  Except for Frankincense, all are very inexpensive ($5 to $8 max) and will serve you well for a variety of conditions.
Lavender

Acne
Allergies
Anxiety
Asthma
Athlete’s Foot
Colic
Depression
Headache
Insect Bites
Sunburn
Earaches
Sleep

Rosemary

Muscle Aches
Arthritis
Dandruff
Dry Scalp
Circulation Problems
Rheumatism
Dry Skin
Strengthen Hair
Stress and Anxiety
Joint Pains and Arthritis
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Bad Breath
Mental Clarity

Peppermint

Asthma
Colic
Exhaustion
Fever
Headache
Nausea
Scabies
Vertigo
Sinusitis
Digestion Problems
Decongestant

Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Respiratory Ailments and Bronchitis
Fungal, Bacterial or Viral Infections
Acne
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Cold and Flu
Corns and Warts
Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Insect Bites
Ring Worm
Athlete’s Foot
Head Lice
Dandruff
Dry Scalp

Lemon

Athlete’s Foot
Colds and Flu
Corns
Cold Sores
Psoriasis
Warts and Skin Tags
Minor Cuts and Wounds
Dull Skin
Oily Skin
Varicose Veins
Warts
Mood Enhancement
Hard Water Stains
General Cleaning Solutions
Remove Sticky Labels

Oregano

Burns
Insect Stings/Bites
Headaches
Acne
Skin Irritations
Diaper Rash
Gum Soreness and Infections
Digestion Problems
Menstrual Issues
Lice
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Gas and Bloating
Mild Fevers
Allergies
General Cleaning Solutions

Frankincense

Anxiety
Asthma
Respiratory Issues
Bronchitis
Scars
Arthritis
Stress Relief
Stretch Marks
Dry Skin
Menstrual Issues
Emotional Issues
Cold and Flu

Clove Bud

Toothache
Sore Gums and Throat
Insect Repellent
Indigestion
Tension Headache
Stress Relief
Burns
Pain Relief
Acne

Many essential oils have strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral or anti-fungal properties. These benefits are often used to help prevent flu, cold and other illnesses. Essential oils can be diffused through an atomizer or air diffuser so that the vapors are dispersed throughout a home, freshening and sanitizing any room. There are many essential oils used to prevent flu and other sickness, and sometimes alternating different oils can help with overall care during the cold and flu season. All essential oils are highly potent. Because the essential oils are so concentrated, most of the time just a couple drops are all that is needed for one treatment or use. Nearly all essential oils should be diluted, whether through dispersion into the air, or with an oil or lotion base, or into a bath for water immersion depends on the desired result. Home use of essential oils is not recommend without some additional study and training.

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