As an aromatherapist, I have access to more essential oils than i care to mention… and for an essential oil addict like me, it can get quite expensive keeping such a large kit.  However, as with any artist, I need my colour palette to do my work. 

If I was to pick just 4 basic essential oils that are must haves for around the home, I’d have to pick these…it’s a hard call, but when you absolutely, positively only want 4, here they are…

Chamomile

• Anti-inflammatory – reduces redness and inflammation, and itching…great to dab on mozzie bites.
• Eases acne and other skin conditions – chamomile is such a soothing essential oil on the skin, add it to your cleanser and moisturiser for beautiful clear and calm skin.
• Anti-anxiety / relaxant – just like a nice cup of chamomile tea, chamomile essential oil inhaled can calm the nerves.
• Teething and wind – rubbed on the outside of the jaw to relieve babies pain, or on the back or tummy for wind.

Lavender

• Cuts, scratches, bites & burns – one of the only essential oils I use 100% when needed, simply apply and keep clean
• Sleep, bumps, & headaches – on the temples or sprinkled on the pillow for a restful sleep or headache relief.  Apply to bruises to help them dispel (use arnica as a base for quicker results)
• Nurturing, soothes emotions and is relaxing – it’s like a warm cuddle from grandma, inhaled or however you please.
• Space cleansing – add lavender to your cleaning products or salted water and mop bucket for a wonderfully clean home.

Rosemary

• Nits – can prevent nits when added to a hair or hat spray daily, and can kill them if you are unlucky.
• Hair and scalp health – rosemary helps improve circulation in the scalp, thus helping healthy fuller hair growth. Add it to your shampoo and conditioner or make a hair mist for extra shine.
• Creativity, memory and focus – such a great oil to help you to focus and remember things. And when focus is good, creativity can blossom.
• Arthritis/analgesic – rosemary is traditionally a great pain reliever when added to a base and applied directly to the area needed.

Lemon Eucalyptus

• Mossies – one of the top essential oils for repelling mosquito's – even better than deet, thank goodness.
• Anti-bacterial – lemon eucalyptus has the same great anti-bacterial properties as more common eucalyptuses, but just a little more interesting on the nose.
• Fresh clean smell, deodoriser – freshen your home naturally with this lemon fresh aroma.
• Catarrh, colds & coughs – on inhalation can ease breathing difficulties and congestion.

Rosemary warning: do not use if you suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy or are pregnant.