Part 2: 7 Must Have Essential Oils for the Perfect Starter Kit

Last week, I shared my top three essential oils for the perfect starter kit, including some of their most relevant properties – here is the balance of my magnificent seven. For safety’s sake, I’m repeating my usage instructions from the previous post: I’ve specified method of use and strength in some cases, but where I haven’t, my advice is always to dilute the oils at less than 1% which would be no more than 20 drops in 10ml of your chosen carrier. For best results, so as not to clog your pores, always use a cold pressed natural oil, a pure aloe vera gel, or gently melt some coconut oil so it’s just liquid, not overly warm, enough to help you evenly mix the essential oil through.

4. Ginger

Zingiber Officinale is another good all-rounder, but is particularly well-known for treating digestive disorders. It is good for relieving indigestion and wind, including spasms and colic, and is often effective for “holiday tummy”. Ginger is effective at relieving nausea, including motion-sickness and morning-sickness – hence why ginger biscuits or candied ginger are often offered to sufferers. Normally I don’t advocate taking essential oils orally, for many reasons (that would take a whole other blog post to explain) but as this relates specifically treating the stomach, place 1 drop on a sugar cube, and eat like a sweetie, to avoid irritating the digestive tract. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for arthritic and rheumatic pain, as well as muscle soreness. Blend 10-12 drops into 10ml of good quality aloe vera, and apply as needed. I don’t recommend making up a whole batch at once – you want it fresh and lively!

5. Peppermint

Mentha Piperata has a long history of medicinal use and is perhaps the most commonly used essential oil in commercial products. In aromatherapy, it is most used for the cooling properties that come from the menthol it contains. It is strongly pain-relieving and reduces swelling and inflammation, so is a good choice for bruises and sprains. It is also a powerful anti-spasmodic, and is useful for trapped wind and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also excellent for respiratory conditions, providing almost instant (though temporary) relief from coughs and colds, as well as the more severe symptoms of bronchitis and sinusitis. It is very potent, and a little goes a long way, so it should always be well diluted.

6. Geranium

(Latin name: Pelargonium Graveolens)The most obviously floral smelling of all the oils I’ve listed here, geranium is uplifting and can relieve symptoms of depression. It is also great for hormonal issues and particularly good for managing post-menopausal symptoms. It has excellent anti-ageing benefits as it stimulates cell regeneration, has a tightening effect on the skin, and helps to fade scars and age spots. Geranium is also an excellent deodorant, because of it’s long-lasting anti-bacterial properties.

7. Roman Chamomile

(Latin name: Anthemis nobilis / Chamaemelum nobile) last but by no means least, this gentle, sweet and happy smelling oil is another absolute power-house of effectiveness. It is useful for bringing down a fever, has strong antibiotic properties and is also a powerful natural remedy for intestinal worms, and even head-lice. It fights depression, raises spirits and is also calming. Roman Chamomile increases the production of digestive juices including bile, thereby aiding the digestive process. With it’s gentle, nurturing smell and all round helpful nature, it’s one of the best oils for babies.

So there you have it – my seven must have essential oils for the perfect starter kit. Next time I will tell you how to create just a few of the possible synergies from this collection, for even more potent effects.

Would you have chosen the same oils? Let me know what oils you would like to see added to this list and why.

Do you have an oil in your collection that you’ve never used because you just don’t know what to do with it? Let me know what it is, and I’ll help you make friends with it!

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