All essential oils have multiple beneficial properties but geranium, German chamomile, lavender, lemon and peppermint are five of the most versatile must-have oils. Remember that all oils should be diluted for topical use and can be diluted in lotion, body wash, liquid soap, carrier oils, etc. They can be used for inhalation with a diffuser, lava bead bracelet or a couple of drops on a tissue.
Geranium
Geranium is a strong but lovely floral scent.
- Once diluted, geranium can be used for:
- wounds, broken capillaries, reducing redness, varicose veins, boils, balancing sebum production, inflammation, psoriasis, acne, warts, scars, anti-aging, large pores, rosacea, cellulite, eczema, bruising, burns, stretch marks
- arthritis, rheumatism, shingles, athlete’s foot
- diarrhea
- balancing hormones, menopause, PMS
- antiviral, disinfectant, anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-fungal, immune stimulant
- By inhalation, it can be used to treat:
- anxiety, depression, headaches, stress, worry
- It blends well with lavender, eucalyptus, clary sage, frankincense, ylang ylang, grapefruit, orange and tangerine.
- Use caution with sensitive skin or if on diabetes medication.
German Chamomile
German Chamomile is a sweet, expensive and very strong essential oil. It is often available diluted in jojoba oil at 3% or 10%, which is still enough to give it a good scent and retain its beneficial properties.
- Diluted, it can be used for:
- Migraine, headache, arthritis, rheumatism
- Hives, abscesses, boils, acne, rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, cuts, rashes, burns and sunburn, itchiness, anti-inflammatory, broken capillaries
- Balancing hormones, PMS, menstrual cramps, menopause
- Shingles
- Disinfectant
- By inhalation it can be used for:
- stress, worry, anxiety, depression, insomnia, exhaustion, soothing the respiratory tract
- It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose and ylang ylang.
- It is safe for sensitive skin. It may have a possible drug interaction with antidepressants and anti-psychotic drugs.
Lavender
Lavender has a fresh floral scent.
- Diluted, it can be used for:
- Dermatitis, shingles, athlete’s foot, psoriasis
- Varicose veins, broken capillaries, rosacea, reducing redness and scars, warts, cellulite, hives, abscesses, boils, stretch marks, acne, wrinkles, wounds, burns, itching
- Disinfectant, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral
- Headache, migraine, insomnia, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle aches
- Bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, nausea
- PMS, balancing hormones
- Bug repellant, insect bites and stings, lice
- By inhalation, it can be used for:
- Mental exhaustion, depression, stress, panic attacks, shock, burnout, jetlag, vertigo, asthma
- It blends well with other florals, citrus, cedarwood, clary sage, geranium and patchouli.
Lemon
Lemon has a fresh and sharp citrus scent.
- Diluted, it can be used for:
- Antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, disinfectant
- Acne, rosacea, boils, warts, cellulite, large pores, herpes, reducing redness, varicose veins
- Constipation, indigestion
- Asthma, bronchitis, sore throats, colds, flu, boosting the immune system
- Soothing insect bites and stings
- Arthritis, rheumatism, shingles, headaches, migraines
- By inhalation, it can be used for:
- Improving memory, anxiety, burnout, depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, fatigue, stress, concentration
- It blends well with other citrus oils, Chamomile Roman, frankincense, juniper berry, lavender, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
- When using topically, use at night or avoid sun exposure for 12 hours.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a sharp but minty sweetness.
- Diluted, it can be used for:
- Gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, travel sickness, indigestion,
- Broken capillaries, acne, rosacea, reducing redness, hives, sunburn, boils, itching, large pores, anti-inflammatory, bruises, eczema, insect bites, astringent
- Sinusitis, bronchitis, colds and flu, sore throat, fever
- Sore muscles, arthritis, headaches, migraines
- Athlete’s foot, tired aching feet
- Antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic
- By inhalation, it can be used for:
- Memory health, asthma, faintness, dizziness, shock, energizing, mental fatigue, depression, anger, concentration
- It blends well with eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rosemary.
- Avoid on or near the face of children under 3 years old, in cardiac fibrillation, or with a G6PD deficiency. May irritate mucus membranes.
