FIVE BASIC ‘Must-Have’ OILS
Everyone makes their own selection in choosing perfumed essential oils for personal enjoyment and we all have our favourites. It is also usual to have a degree of aversion to some scents. These olfactory preferences regarding natural aromatics define our particular personalities and tastes.
However in beginning to build up a range of pure natural essential oils at home there are some useful ones to purchase as a basis, as they have health value, many practical applications and all people find their scents are delightful to inhale.
So the suggestion is to first consider –
Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia There are many species of lavender and all have provided traditional and very popular cottage remedies when used as an analgesic, antidepressant or nerve tonic. Its gentle, sedative influence is well known and popularly used in modern commercial perfumery and toiletries as well as in aromatherapy.
Its soothing influence makes it invaluable for inhaling when any nervous tension needs attention. It is safe for children to inhale as it is for adults. Lavender can be blended with almond oil for massaging. It can be applied directly to burns.
Women in particular benefit from its use. Inhalations offer healing agents in cases of insomnia, migraine, premenstrual tension, headache or dizziness.
Lemon – Citrus limon
This wonderful oil from the rind of the lemon fruit has many important roles to play in the home. It is looked upon as one of nature’s most potent antiseptics. A drop of the oil can be smeared upon the back of the tongue at first sign of contracting a cold or any contagious disease. With care in placing the oil so that no contact with teeth occurs, children can be included in this simple defence against illness.
Direct inhalations help to cleanse the mind of troubled thoughts. The oil is also recommended for aiding concentration when studying.
As an air freshener, its sharp, clean scent in bathrooms, toilets and storage places is appreciated.
The pure oil is powerful and can be damaging in direct contact with materials, furniture and even plastics so care must be taken to safeguard any possible damage.
Although strong, it is not toxic but as with all substances, including essential oils, children should not have access to it.
Peppermint Oil Mentha piperita 
This is a well known aromatic that is used in confectionary, pharmaceutical products, toothpastes, toiletries and in embrocations for external application.
It is related to lemon with its clean, sharp influence.But whereas lemon oil is not used directly on the skin, peppermint is a fine ingredient in massage oils for relieving spinal conditions as well as muscular strains. It is proven effective in use by naturopaths, osteopaths and chiropractors for these purposes.
In home use a few drops in almond oil, massaged gently for any muscular strains gives relief and produces a mixture of sensation of heat and cold. When administering this oil, caution is given to the masseur in a reminder to wash hands immediately afterwards as the intense fumes can irritate the eyes.
Peppermint is usually valued for its use by direct inhalation to relieve colds and ‘flu, asthma or any respiratory conditions when the eyes must be closed. Steam inhalation in a mechanical inhaler is effective also.
Pine Oil – Pinus sylvestris 
This wonderfully warm and delightful aromatic oil has great value as an energizer when inhaled directly, easing muscular strains and nerve pain. Its recognized chemical attributes make it an accepted antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic.
This is an oil for general use in the family but is particularly helpful for males and frequently their choice in personal toiletry or as a deodorant.
Directly inhaled is not only pleasant but has the effect of well being and improving vitality of body and mind. It is recommended for various physical applications but the subtle benefit for those suffering stress of depression is of primary importance. It can assist in strengthening self confidence.
It is used in massaging oil, for arthritis, fatigue, cystitis, gout, muscular aches and rheumatic pain. It is safe to use direct (after skin test) or blended with almond or eucalyptus oils. It is also a fine direct inhalant for relief of respiratory difficulties and chest troubles.
Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia 
This unique oil from Australia offers a remarkable one that has many useful applications and deserves a pride of place in your family health cabinet although usually not selected for its perfume.
Application of tea tree oil has a miraculous power to eradicate physical skin problems related to fungal conditions in particular. The problem symptom of ‘germ under the nail’ that has a history of stubborn resistance to any medicine is cured by direct application of this pure oil.
When first discovered it was found helpful as a mouth wash in gum and dental treatment and remains a common practice in many homes today as an alternative to the chemical products that often have side effects or cause allergic reactions. Following usual tooth brushing practice, a mouth wash with a drop or two of tea tree oil in warm water is a refreshing experience and results in fine method for maintaining oral hygiene that can be used by the whole family.
TO ENLARGE UPON THIS BASIC SELECTION WILL TAKE YOU ON A PLEASANT PATH TO INCREASED UTILIZATION AND ENJOYMENT OF THE RANGE OF AVAILABLE CONCENTRATED NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS THAT OFFER US REMEDIES FROM NATURE’S LABORATORY.
