essential oils top 10 countdown (part one)

A lot of us are hesitant to start using essential oils not because we doubt they work but rather are unsure about how to actually use them. So, I will be showing you some simple but effective methods of using essential oils at home for a variety of purposes. You’ll be surprised to find that, other than the diffuser, there're absolutely no fanciful equipment nor preparation required.

Remember, any essential oil is just as effective when used on its own and you need not worry about uncommon or expensive types of essential oils or even making aromatherapy blends. All the essential oils, except maybe Frankincense and Roman Chamomile, mentioned below are relatively inexpensive and easily found either in retail stores or online.

As a rule of thumb, do not use essential oils on pregnant women or nursing mothers and on children or infants unless otherwise stated. Without further ado, let me begin by introducing, in my opinion, the 10 most versatile and important essential oils to have for your home and family.

Nº 10 – Rosemary

• Promote hair health – Hailed as one of the best essential oils for hair, rosemary essential oil promotes strong and healthy hair growth. You can combine rosemary and peppermint to make an invigorating shampoo.
• Relieve muscle aches – Add a few drops of rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils for a rejuvenating body massage that relieves muscle aches and tension while promoting circulation without the dopey after effect commonly associated with calming oils like lavender. 
• Boost memory – Diffuse rosemary essential oil while studying for to boost memory and concentration.

Nº 9 – Geranium

• Skin care – Geranium is a regulating/balancing oil in may ways from hormonal to sebum production. It is anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic that is commonly used as a skincare oil. Blend with lavender and tea tree in a carrier oil to treat acne.
• Shower gel – Add a few drops to unscented soap base or your shower gel for a relaxing shower that doesn’t dry the skin.
• Reduce varicose veins – To reduce unsightly varicose veins, make a 3% dilution with a carrier oil and apply daily until they disappear. 
• Cures sore throat – It’s also effective against sore throats and fights common colds. Add a drop of geranium essential oil on a sugar cube and allow it to melt in your mouth, or gargle a cup of cool water (you may add honey for taste) with a drop of geranium essential oil to cure laryngitis.
• Relieve stress & anxiety – Due to its sedative properties, it’s great for treating emotional and stress-related conditions while relaxing, de-stressing, and relieving anxiety, mood swings, and general apathy. It’s perfect for regulating and balancing emotions, while having aphrodisiac qualities at the same time.

Nº 8 – Eucalyptus

• Treat respiratory problems – Eucalyptus treats all kinds of respiratory problems from runny nose to sinus to bronchitis. Add a few drops to a carrier oil and rub on the front and back of the chest to effectively alleviate congestion along the breathing passages. Diffuse eucalyptus in the room to improve breathing while removing odour in the air.
• Clear sinus – Add 3-4 drops to a large bowl of hot water and use as a facial steam to clear sinuses.
• Muscle spasms & sprains – As an anti-inflammatory, add eucalyptus to a carrier oil to make a body massage for treating arthritis, lower back pains, muscle cramps, spasms and sprains.
• While driving – Diffuse to improve mental alertness and concentration while disinfecting and purifying the air especially in the car. 
• Skin care – Effective against oily skin, it can help in removing boils, acne, heals scars and wounds. Add to unscented soap base for an antiseptic body wash or facial cleanser. Add to a carrier oil and apply topically to heal infected pores and boils.
• Insect repellent – Other than citronella, eucalyptus is an excellent insect repellent. Add a few drops to a small bottle of distilled water to make an spray, make sure you shake the bottle well before use.

Nº 7 –  Roman Chamomile

• Skin problems – Chamomile is indispensable for the treatment of acne, eczema, dermatitis, boils, cuts, bruises, bee and wasp stings. Apply topically, either neat “full strength” or diluted.
• General skin care – Add a few drops to facial products like face wash, face mask, lotions and creams to restore radiance and youthfulness to mature, dry skin. 
• Hair care – The only known essential oil capable of enhancing golden highlights in naturally blond hair, chamomile essential oil is excellent for promoting strong, healthy, shiny hair. Add a few drops to your favourite shampoo or unscented shampoo base and use as per your hair care routine.
• Treat insomnia – Use on its own or in combination with lavender and/or geranium essential oils, apply either as a body massage or diffuse to aid sleep and treat insomnia.
• Emotional problems – Diffuse before engaging in a difficult discussion with a loved one to induce calm and dispel apathy, alleviating feelings of fear, anger, distress anxiety and depression.
• Safe for children – Children respond especially well to Roman Chamomile essential oil. Diffuse to calm hyperactive or quarrelsome children.
• Teething – Teething can be a painful process for infants. Fortunately, Roman Chamomile is one of the very few essential oils that can be used on babies. Add 1 drop of Roman Chamomile essential oil to 4 ml (1 dram) of Jojoba carrier oil and shake it up. Using your fingers, dab the blend and massage gently along the baby’s jawline, from cheek to chin.
• Tummy rub – Add 10 drops of Roman Chamomile to 30 ml (1 oz) of Jojoba carrier oil and mix well. Use half a dropper or 0.5 ml of the blend and massage gently in a circular motion on the baby’s tummy to help remove gas.

Nº 6 – Oregano

• Home-made mouthwash – A powerful anti-microbial, this essential oil is great for oral hygiene. Make a bend with lemon and peppermint and add 10 drops of the blend to 2 cups of distilled water for a disinfecting mouth wash. It may not taste as pleasant as commercial products but it’s 100% natural, organic and it works!
• Immune support – One of the best essential oil to boost the immune system, make a 1% dilution with a carrier oil and rub the blend on the soles of the feet. Because it is so potent, a little goes a long way.
• Skin infections – Skin infections are difficult to treat and, among them, fungal infection is the hardest. Oregano is indispensable when it comes to curing skin infections. Add a teaspoon of oregano essential oil to two teaspoons of olive oil and apply on infected area three times a day. This works well on Athlete’s foot, nail fungus, warts, shingles, cysts, candida and herpes – uncommon diseases, yes, but very useful when it happens.
• Digestive aid – Add a drop to a glass of milk to reduce digestive issues.
• Sinus congestion – Add 3 drops to a glass of juice and drink 3 times a day to reduce sinus congestion.
• Sore throat – Add 3 drops to a glass of orange juice and drink 3 times a day to ward off sore throat pain. Repeat until symptoms are gone.
• Surface disinfectant – As a household cleaning agent, dilute 10 drops to 470 ml (16 oz/2 cups) of water and use as a surface disinfectant to remove bacteria and odours. And, yes, your house will smell like the kitchen of an Italian restaurant.

Tune in to essential oils top 10 countdown part 2 for the top 5 essential oils of all time for your home and family!