If you are just beginning your journey with essential oils and aromatherapy, then there are a few oils that will help you to get started.
These are some of the easiest to find, yet the most versatile essential oils that should feature in your basic essential oils care kit. Not only are they used for therapeutic purposes, but they can also be used in many other applications too, such as in making natural cleaning and household products.
In addition to the oils, you will need a way to be able to fill the air so that you can breathe them in – an aroma diffuser is a good way to do this.
An aroma diffuser puts the essential oils into the air quickly and spreads them about the room, which allows you to get your therapy by just relaxing and breathing deeply. They come in all different shapes and styles, so you’ll be able to find one that matches the décor in each room of your home. Some run with the use of an open flame while others are powered by electricity. You can even get aromatherapy diffusers that work in your car.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is probably the most common and well-known of the essential oils. It is a nontoxic and non-irritant oil that is extracted through steam distillation of the flowering tops of the Lavender plant. Typically, Lavender is a favourite of the therapeutic essential oils due to its ability to relax the body, calm the mind, fight infection, and soothe inflammation.
Unlike most essential oils, Lavender oil does not have to be diluted and can be applied directly to trouble areas. The oil should be clear to pale yellow in colour and has a sweet smell with floral and woody undertones. Often used on its own however, Lavender oil also blends well with other floral and citrus essential oils too.
Within aromatherapy, Lavender has a variety of health benefits. Its pleasant and calming scent makes it helpful in treating headaches, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. It also increases mental stamina and helps to calm exhaustion. Lavender has both soothing and reviving properties, the essential oil is often recommended to treat insomnia as its scent can induce sleep. Receiving a massage with lavender oil can remedy all types of soreness and pain, even when it’s deep in the joints, as it promotes good blood circulation.
The vapor form of lavender oil is used to treat all sorts of respiratory problems including, colds, flu, chest congestions, whooping cough, sinus congestion, and asthma. Lavender has also long been a folk remedy, used to calm an upset stomach by stimulating the production of gastric fluids.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree essential oil is also a non-toxic and non-irritant oil, but it can cause sensitisation in some people. This oil is extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree plant.
Tea Tree has long been used by the aboriginal people in Australia and is named for their use of it as an herbal tea. The oil should be a pale-yellow green or water white color. It blends well with Lavender, Clary Sage, Rosemary, and many spice oils.
Tea Tree oil is known for being anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, antiseptic, and anti-viral. In short, it can almost be called a cure-all, because it has so many properties to ward off disease and germs. The essential oil can be used as an anti-bacterial to cure all sorts of bacterial infections including the treatment of wounds.
Within aromatherapy it can be used to treat coughs, colds, congestion and bronchitis. It can also keep fungal infections at bay and even cure dermatitis and athlete’s foot. Tea Tree oil can be used as a stimulant to hormones and circulation and to help boost ones immune system. Tea Tree helps to remove toxins by opening pores and promoting sweating which removes uric acid and excess salt and water from your body.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is non-toxic and when diluted, it is a not irritant. It can cause some skin irritation because of the menthol properties it holds and so should be used with temperance.
The use of Peppermint has been seen as far back as Ancient Egyptian, with trace being found in some tombs from 1000 BC. It also has a history of use in China and Japan since the earliest times to treat all sorts of health anomalies.
Peppermint essential oil should be pale yellow or greenish in color and has a strong grassy mint scent. It works well with other mint scents like Eucalyptus as well as Rosemary and Lavender too.
Peppermint has been studied in the science community and its health benefits proven, because of this Peppermint Oil is available in pill form. It contains many minerals and nutrients like Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins A and C.
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems and is widely used as and expectorant to remove nasal and respiratory congestion. Within aromatherapy it can be used to treat nausea, headaches, depression, and stress. It has also been known to treat irritable bowel syndrome too. As a skin care product peppermint oil can improve oily skin and replenish dull skin.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is a non-toxic and non-irritant essential oil that is extracted through the steam distillation process of the flowering Chamomile plant.
Chamomile essential oil has been used for over 2000 years in Europe for medicinal purposes. The oil should be a pale blue that will turn yellow as it ages and it will have a warm, fruity, sweet smell.
Chamomile blends well with Lavender and Geranium as well as Sage and Jasmine. It is well known for its calming properties, so much so that it can be used in aromatherapy to treat nervous disorders, headaches, and migraines. Chamomile essential oil is also used to calm allergies and asthma. Many women use it for the treatment of PMS or to relieve a teething or colicky baby.
Rosemary Oil
Although Rosemary is considered non-toxic and non-irritant when diluted, it should be avoided by epileptics, expectant mothers, and those who have high blood pressure.
The flowering tops of the Rosemary plant go through a steam distillation process to form the essential oil. It should be a clear or pale yellow liquid with a strong herb-mint scent.
Rosemary is one of the first plants that was used for both food and medicine. In the middle ages it was used to protect against the plague and to drive out evil spirits.
When used in aromatherapy Rosemary oil can help to boost mental stamina and increase brain activity. It can also treat depression, mental strain, and forgetfulness. When one inhales Rosemary they will immediately feel uplifted making it excellent for relief of fatigue. It can also clear your respiratory tract and relieve sore throats, colds, and coughs.
Around your home Rosemary can be used as an air freshener and bath oil.
Your Essential Oil Basic Care Kit
These are just a handful of common, easy-to-find essential oils that should be present in your basic care kit. As you can see, each oil possesses a whole host of health benefits, as well as being able to be used in and around the home.
Next week, we’ll build up your essential oils care kit with some more common, but powerful essential oils!
Until next time,
Sienna's Rose
Sienna's Rose