oils).
Many essential oils, apart from being used for first aid or for the treatment of common complaints, are also ideal as bath oils, perfumes, or room fresheners. Even when they are used purely for esthetic purposes, they are still fulfilling a positive preventive and therapeutic role. A small, essential aromatic oil kit can prove to be an extremely valuable asset at home, in the workplace, or while on vacation, and when traveling. There is a group of five invaluable oils to keep in the home medicine cabinet, or to take with you when traveling: lavender, tea tree, rosemary, Roman chamomile, and peppermint.
There is a second group of 30 other oils that can also prove very useful, although they are not always the most popular or pleasantly scented (see here). In the section on specific remedies, several essential oils are usually mentioned for each illness, including some from an additional group of 30 (see overleaf). It is not, however, necessary to buy all the oils listed, as it is possible to treat many common illnesses by using up to five oils, especially when the oils are mixed or blended together in various combinations. The recommended blends which are highlighted in the section on the treatment of specific problems are always made up from a selection of the essential oils listed overleaf.
JASMINE
CHAMOMILE
LAVENDER
ROSE PETALS
Essential oils for the medicine chest
Group 1
Lavender is extremely versatile, especially for stress-related disorders and for skin complaints.
Tea tree is invaluable for its antiviral, antiseptic, fungicidal and immune-stimulant properties.
Rosemary has stimulant properties, and is an expectorant as well as being a tonic to the entire system.
Roman Chamomile is a mild relaxant and anti-inflammatory agent, especially as a children’s remedy.
Peppermint is good for digestive complaints such as nausea or indigestion, and for respiratory problems, and for treating fever.
Group 2
Atlas cedarwood
Group 3
Angelica
Benzoin
Camphor
Celery seed
Citronella
Dill
Hyssop
Lime
Melissa
Palmarosa
