Top 5 Essential Oils for Natural Healing

I’ve been a fan of essential oils (EOs) since my husband bought me a starter kit 15 years ago. While I have used them in baths and massages, I use them most frequently in a burner for soothing sicknesses (lemongrass for reducing fever) and or influencing the mood of others (ylang ylang for calming anxiety). They smell great and come in handy for relieving a host of child-related symptoms.

Here are my Top 5 essential oils. Please be sure to research them for proper application and dosages.

1. Tea Tree

   Distilled from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, this is one of my stock oils and a great addition to the natural medicine cabinet. Tea tree oil is touted for its antiseptic properties in fighting bacteria, viruses and even foot fungus. It’s also great as a cleaner for disinfecting household items like the humidifier. I often burn tea tree with other oils when Sofie is sick as it helps alleviate respiratory problems and strengthens the immune system. Inventive Use: A drop of tea tree oil diluted in 1 teaspoon of olive oil is said to help relieve ear aches.

2. Lavender

   Another must-have in your essential oil collection, lavender has multiple uses as a painkiller, relaxant, antiseptic and antidepressant. Its calming properties make lavender the scent of choice in eye pillows and bath products. (I chose it for Sofie’s nighttime “monster spray.”) Lavender is one of the safer oils, often applied directly to the skin in massages or for treating bug bites and sunburn. Inventive Use: Stimulate hair growth by massaging the oil onto your head.

3. Jasmine

   One of the best-smelling EOs in my opinion, jasmine acts as an antidepressant, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac (I sometimes burn it with other oils to set the mood for a party ). It’s an oil with contradictory properties; regarded as both calming and stimulating, jasmine can simultaneously strengthen contractions and relieve pain in childbirth (not recommended for use in pregnancy until advanced stages of labor). When blended with other oils, jasmine can encourage cell growth and skin elasticity. It’s also effective with lingering coughs. Inventive Use: The Chinese gave jasmine to inebriated guests to clear their heads.

4. Roman Chamomile

   Revered since ancient times as one of the nine sacred herbs, chamomile is recommended for its analgesic, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used for alleviating muscle pain, headaches, toothaches and skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis. Also a relaxant, Roman chamomile helps with insomnia, digestive problems and menstrual pain. Inventive Use: When diffused, it can help calm irritable babies and toddler tantrums.

5. Cypress

   This woody scent blends well with other oils and acts as an astringent, antiseptic and sedative. (I use it in the sick room to aid with coughs and flu symptoms.) Due to its purifying and balancing qualities, cypress calms anger and anxiety and regulates bodily excesses (nose bleeds, fluid loss). It’s especially helpful in balancing the female reproductive system. Inventive Use: A natural deodorant, cypress can be blended with other oils to control body odor.

For more information on essential oils, check out this online starter guide.

Or buy this Aromatherapy book that I use!

This post is a part of Wellness Wednesday, Thank Your Body Thursday, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways and Natural Living Monday.

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Donna DeForbes