If I had to choose the ten most versatile and useful essential oils for the average home medicine cabinet, these would be they. Although these oils are chosen first for their medicinal properties and their ability to deal with a wide range of health complaints, you will find they are useful for a diversity of purposes from skin care to gardening and from home care to celebrations. The treatments outlined in this section are straightforward yet effective. Other useful additions to your care kit would be aloe vera, witch hazel, and rosewater.
Lavender
This oil is capable of many important jobs and is a delight to use. Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oil, because it is so very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds.
Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly. Although not known specifically as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems to allay the effects of clinical shock and as a mood tonic and antidepressant it helps to deal with the psychological shock of injury. It also has a multitude of other qualities which make it a truly indispensable oil.
Tea Tree
The antiseptic action of tea tree is thought to be one hundred times more powerful than carbolic acid- yet it is non-poisonous to humans! The Aborigines have been using this indigenous Australian tree in their medications for centuries, and today tea tree is the subject of a great deal of international research. Its impressive antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it useful in a wide range of conditions. It is used in the treatment of candida and all sorts of infections, for ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, toothache, and pyorrhea, among other things.
Peppermint
This herb has been used by many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and American Indians, no doubt because of its extremely useful health-promoting properties. It is an excellent digestive, it helps the respiratory system and circulation, it is an anti-inflammatory, and an antiseptic. These qualities make it a good oil in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flu, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and fatigue. It even keeps mice, fleas, and ants away!
Chamomile
There are several types of chamomile essential oil. German Chamomile is an excellent variety and its beautiful deep dark blue color, due to its high azuline content, comes as a bonus. Another excellent variety, Roman Chamomile, is particularly good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Beware of Chamomile Maroc (Ormensis multicaulis) which is not a tue chamomile and cannot be used as such
Although chamomile is anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant, it is most valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. These apply to internal conditions like rheumatism, as well as external inflammations. Chamomile is indispensable if you have children because it can be used for teething troubles and in the bath to ease nerves and tetchiness.
Chamomile is used in the treatment of burns including sunburn, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, diarrhea, sprains and strains, nausea, fever, and all nervous and depressive states. Its analgesic, diuretic, sedative, and calming properties make chamomile an extremely desirable oil. For kicking the tranquilizer habit it is invaluable, and in anorexia nervosa it is extremely helpful. As if this weren’t enough, chamomile is used in rejuvenation treatments.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has been distilled from at least 1788 when two doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden, distilled Eucalyptus piperata for its use in treating chest problems and colic. This was in Australia where the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are so called because of the extraordinary blue haze that exudes from the resin of the eucalyptus gum, 
and envelops the whole landscape. In such a powerfully aromatic environment, the medicinal qualities of this ancient tree would be hard to miss.
Eucalyptus is a marvelously versatile and useful oil. It cools the body in summer and protects in winter. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing. Research has proved its antiviral properties as well. It is best known for its effectiveness against coughs and colds but is equally effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida, diabetes, and sunburn, while also being useful in veterinary care and as an insect repellent. There is a wide range of eucalyptus varieties, any one of which would be a useful addition to the Basic Care Kit.
Geranium
Geranium is one of my favorite oils because it works profoundly on the emotions and is useful in many medical conditions -and smells wonderful while it works so hard. The oil is not extracted from the species Pelargonium -Geranium Robert or “lemon plant”- which is very often displayed in abundance in Greek restaurants.
Geranium will make chilblains disappear overnight and brings a radiant glow when used in skin care. More importantly, it is a vital component in the treatment of endometriosis , is very effective for menopausal symptoms, diabetes, blood disorders, throat infections, and as a nerve tonic, and works as a sedative. It is reputed to help in cases of uterine and breast cancer and if nothing else, would certainly help the patient to relax and cope with the pain.
Geranium has many applications, from frostbite to infertility, and its antiseptic and astringent properties contribute to its usefulness. Its delightful floral fragrance makes it a pleasure to use, either on its own or as a contributory oil in a blend.
Rosemary
Rosemary is both a physical and mental stimulant, which makes it a good oil to have in the morning bath, while also being excellent in the treatment of all muscular conditions, making it the perfect herb for a bath after a long tiring day. This antiseptic oil is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, cough, flu, and diabetes among other conditions. It is also very useful in beauty treatments, being used in hair care, as well as acne and cellulite remedies. For the sportsman, cook, and gardener, rosemary is invaluable.
Thyme
There are many types of thyme, some of which can be used safely in all situations and some which cannot. Thyme has notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic properties and should be used with great care. 
Overuse of it can stimulate the thyroid gland and the lymphatic system. Like many good things, it must be used in moderation. It should never be applied to the skin undiluted and should not be used on children unless in the chemo-type Thyme Linalol.
Thyme is a vital component of the Basic Care Kit because of its powerful antiviral properties. When flu is around it is a wonderful oil to have on the room diffuser. It assists in the elimination of toxic wastes from the body. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including whooping cough, warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, fatigue, and acne. It is also extremely useful in antiseptic powders, hair and skin regimes, and cooking. Just to make it a perfect all-rounder, thyme will discourage all manner of parasites and insects from your home.
Lemon
When our adventurous seafaring ancestors sailed the high seas, fresh lemons saved them from getting scurvy. For modern stay-at-homes, the essential oil of 
lemon is just as useful as a water purifier. This antiseptic and antibacterial oil will perform many tasks when used in blends, including treating verrucas, insect bites, and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will assist you to slim, help disperse cellulite, and keep wrinkles at bay. Its contribution to synergy makes it particularly useful in blends, while it is indispensable as fragrance and flavoring agent.
Clove
Clove oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic and is a good oil for the 
prevention of disease and infection. Being a spice, it can easily be incorporated into your cooking. It is best known as a quick cure for toothache although it is equally useful in digestive problems and muscular disorders. It can be used in the treatment of asthma, nausea, and sinusitis, and as a sedative. Clove is a powerful oil that has been used in the sterilization of surgical instruments. It should not be used undiluted on the skin.
Be sure to view my previous post on safely using essential oils here.
For uses of the Aromatherapy Basic Care Kit click here.
This article is a collection of excerpts from:
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
All images pulled from Google.com
Pentacles and Pastries 