Essential oils have practically saved my life…a number of times.
And I am not exaggerating.
Since I am allergic to almost all antibiotics, I’ve had to do a lot of research…and find effective alternatives.
If you are not already acquainted with essential oils, this is a quick and easy primer. These top 10 have been invaluable to our family over many years. If used correctly, they can be very effective and safe. We have only had to resort to antibiotics once. ~Jacqueline
My Top 10 Favorite Medicine Cabinet Essential Oils
The wise use of these top 10 essential oils provides a fantastic natural alternative to address common ailments we see at home. Here’s a brief look at ten essential oils which comprise the ‘basic home care kit’. This list will go a long way to providing effective (and often pleasant!) treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, burns, digestive troubles, stress-related conditions and more.
For use topically and by periodic inhalation only, not orally.
Tea Tree –
• Perhaps the most commonly used natural antiseptic, Tea Tree essential oil is often used in place of iodine or antibacterial ointment for cuts and scrapes. To enhance its healing effect, a blend can be used with an equal part of Lavender essential oil for pain relief for the little ones.
• The antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral effects of Tea Tree are broad-reaching – other common ailments which can be supported through its use include nail fungus, Candida infection, acne and many more.
Lavender – (the safest of oils)
• As important and useful as Tea Tree, Lavender essential oil has been named the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’.
• Lavender’s calming and healing properties act on both a physiological and psychological level. Apply Lavender oil to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment to bring calm and comfort during a stressful time.
• Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring, and is the first choice in cases of minor burns.
• Lavender oil has been noted as ‘better than benzodiazepines’ for supporting sleep – use in a diffuser in your bedroom, or simply sprinkle a few drops on the bedding before retiring to enjoy this effect.
Chamomile –
• Well known for its gentle sedative effects, chamomile essential oil has been used in herbalism since antiquity.
• Chamomile oil works particularly well for bringing children back down to earth when the household gets a little (or a lot!) hectic.
• Massaging a small amount into the feet or belly works wonders; on infants, instead use a 1% dilution of Vanilla essential oil in Hazelnut oil for the same effect. Chamomile can also be inhaled from the bottle or tissue.
Peppermint –
• Peppermint oil is often employed for tummy troubles and for motion sickness. A drop in a cup of warm water is excellent for those who can tolerate its potent taste; a drop in a teaspoon of honey is effective for younger ones. Spearmint oil should be used instead for children under three years.
• Peppermint is also an excellent mental stimulant, bringing clarity and alertness (though it should not be used in cases of epilepsy due to its potency).
• It is the oil of choice for use in car diffusers to keep the driver alert and to clear the stuffy air.
• Peppermint is also an effective mosquito repellent, and can be added in small amounts to neutral skin creams or suntan lotions for this effect.
Eucalyptus –
• For respiratory conditions, clearing congestion with coughs and colds – eucalyptus ess. oil can be inhaled from a diffuser or from a steaming bowl of water.
• Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (use very diluted in water in a spray bottle – be sure to avoid the eyes when dousing yourself).
• Diffusing Eucalyptus oil in your home or office can effectively disinfect the air, which is particularly useful for folks with weakened immune systems.
Cinnamon –
• Cinnamon essential oil is highly anti-microbial and anti-bacterial for a great diversity of infectious bacteria.
• Studies have shown the strength of cinnamon bark oil to eliminate many forms of pathogenic organisms. Cinnamon essential oil has traditionally been used for fast relief of infections of the bladder and the digestive tract, as well as enzymatic deficiency in the gut.
• Cinnamon essential oil is considered a warming remedy, stimulating digestion and circulation, while supporting the immune system and relieving aches and pains.
Rosemary –
• Rosemary essential oil is used in treating respiratory allergies, cold, sore throat and flu. It’s unmatched for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
• The oil is antispasmodic and is used in bronchial asthma.
• Rosemary essential oil has nootropic qualities is an excellent brain and nerve tonic.
• It increases concentration and helps in studying efficiently.
• It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
• Inhaling rosemary oil alerts the brain and lifts your spirits immediately.
• The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive usage in headaches, muscle pains, sore muscles, rheumatism and even arthritis.
• Massaging the part which is in pain with rosemary essential oil give relief from the pain.
Thyme –
• Thyme essential oil is a potent antiviral, antibiotic, and antiseptic oil.
• There are many types of Thyme, with only the linalool chemotype appropriate for use with children.
• Thyme ess. oil can be a first line of defense in cases of flu or sinus infections, being inhaled regularly from a diffuser.
• Alternatively, for sinusitis, a drop can be placed on a small square of tissue paper, with the paper then rolled so that the drop is in the inside. The paper can then be placed in the nostril to the oil can slowly be ‘diffused’ into the sinus cavity. Further research can help you find particular uses for this wonderful oil.
Lemon –
• Say good-by to chemical cleaners and deodorizers. Just dilute Lemon essential oil in distilled water (2-10 drops per ounce, depending on the strength desired) and use as you would other cleaners for your kitchen counter tops.
• Lemon has a very uplifting aroma in addition to its gentle yet effective antimicrobial properties.
• Studies have shown increased test scores by students where Lemon was diffused during study.
Clove –
• Strong, sharp and earthy, Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of ‘longevity’ formulas.
• It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano.
• Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments.
• Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache.
• Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Hulda Clark’s anti-parasite protocol.
• This is a very hot oil which should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.
I will quickly share my simple antibiotic blend even though I have a whole post on it here.
Recipe To Diffuse Oils:
To clean the air and surfaces in your home, make a blend of any of these oils above (minus chamomile) and diffuse off and on:
• 20 drops each of lavender and tea tree
• 10 of rosemary
• 5 each of cinnamon and cloves
• OR make My Version Of Thieves Oil Blend For Way Less $$.
My Personal Blend Of Oils – (My Go-To Antibiotic)
This simple recipe is for topical use only:
• 2-3 drops of lavender and tea tree essential oil (add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus if congestion is involved)
• 1 drop of each: cinnamon, cloves, and rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil as a carrier oil
This blend has brought the members (old and young) of our family back from the abyss of many potentially serious infections through the years. It has also saved us from the flu many times (before I knew about elderberry tincture and syrup).
Directions:
• Mix oils and 1 TBSP carrier in a small bowl (glass ramekin, not plastic) with fingertips. It will be an oily liquid, so take care not to drip it when applying.
• Make sure the oils are well mixed (cloves and cinnamon can sting if not mixed in very well).
• In a circular motion, apply generously to the chest, back, upper arms, inside of upper thighs or soles of the feet until absorbed. The skin is very absorptive and will transport the oils to where they are needed. Wear an old shirt or socks as the oils may discolor them.
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Medical Disclaimer: I am no longer a practicing medical professional, and I am not doctor. I am a mother. I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is intended to treat or prevent disease. Consult your own doctor.©2026 Deep Roots at Home • All Rights Reserved
Sarah Mendenhall
I would love to start using essential oils. Thank you for this review of your top ten, it was very helpful! I could almost smell them as I read! Do you know anything about incense? I’m guessing a health food store would be the best place to buy some? I really love the idea of a yummy smelling home, but I wouldn’t want to burn anything toxic. Because of Andrew’s sensitivities to strong smells we have never been able to have candles or anything strong smelling.
power pendants
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in
Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Many thanks
Jacqueline
Dear Cathryn,
Thank you so much for letting us know about the glitch in Internet Explorer. I wonder how long it has been that way…
We will look into it 🙂
Many blessings!
Jacqueline
Matthias
Thank you for this excellent article. Could you please give me a list of what your topical recipe here is for. I’m an avid outdoorsman and mostly use plants I can find on location. I’ve been looking for recipes to bring with me some homemade balm or ointment like your that could be kind of an all around way to cure a lot of problems I could encounter in the woods for longer period of time. ( I teach survival and spend sometimes weeks away from civilization to train, I usually carry not much more than my knife a poncho and my water bottle and of course a very minimal first aid kit.
Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
Matt
Jacqueline
Matthias,
The uses for the recipe of topical oils is pretty broad. It could be used for any systemic bacterial infection, but if it is primarily respiratory, I would add eucalyptus. It was our main antibiotic when the children would start to get a cold or the beginning of the flu. If we caught it early enough, it would often stop it or decrease its duration or intensity. It is excellent for wounds and scrapes, bug bites, and inflamed skin.
If unable to clean your hands in a wilderness situation, one drop of the mixture could be used with a splash of water to disinfect hands. Inhaling it is a rapid way to get it into the bloodstream to fight something you would pick up on a closed airplane ventilation system. With Rosemary added, it is very close to the Thieves which would be able to fight spread of a plague-like situation: https://deeprootsathome.com/my-version-of-four-thieves-oil-blend/
I hope that helps 🙂 Stay safe!
Matthias
Helps a lot! thanks for the time spent on it! I will check that “thieves” thing. The only translation I know for the word is probably very far from the aromatherapy one! I’m going to check the right away! Thanks a lot!
Matt
Matthias
oh, last question, this mixture can be directly applied to a wound or around a wound?
I think this is the closest all around balm recipe I’ve found since I’ve been provided with the “Warrior’s Balm” mixture in indonesia for martial aart classes… Back then, they did use some kind of mix of EO with wax and coconut oil that was used for light bleeding wounds, bruises, scrapes, pain in joints and so on… it was so effective but they never told me the content…
Thanks a lot!
Matt
Jacqueline
Hi, Matt 🙂
I have applied the oils in a coconut oil base to an open wound before; that isn’t the usual, most common way, though I wouldn’t hesitate in a jungle setting, etc.. It is all-round help when absorbed by the thinner skin any of these areas: chest, back, belly, inside the upper arm, armpit and bottoms of feet. I can’t remember is I gave you this link to thieves mixture: https://deeprootsathome.com/my-version-of-four-thieves-oil-blend/
I hope that helps you! God’s blessings!
Jen
Thank you for this post. You have listed oils I had not thought of, such as Clove, or heard of, such as Helichrysum Italicum. I am making a survivalist list of what essential oils are necessary to always have on hand.
I love your heart behind your work. I too work from home and had my first baby a few years ago at age 41. I love being a mommy! What a wonderful surprise and blessing she is! God bless you. Keep up the excellent work.
Kellie Charleston
Hi! I am looking for a recipe similar to the YL Purification blend that uses lemongrass, rosemary, melaleuca, myrtle, citronella, and lavadin that I can make myself. YL is so pricey for their blends. Thank you.
Jacqueline
Kellie, I just was asked a similar question 2 minutes ago, and shared my post on Thieves blend which I use regularly for cleaning our home’s air of mold and bacteria: https://deeprootsathome.com/my-version-of-four-thieves-oil-blend/ I like Thieve’s a bit better for air purification, but they both are pretty amazing.
This is how i would blend it, but I am not a certified aromatherapist:
25 drops citronella
20 dr lemongrass
15 dr rosemary
15 dr melaleuca
12 dr lavandin
5 dr myrtle
This can be a guide, but I’d experiment as all are safe. Hope this helps!
Blessings 🙂
Sarah F
I came across your blog this evening in my attempts to learn about essential oils. I noticed that some of the oils in your pictures are Aura Casia and Now brand, and also that you officially recommend Mountain Rose Herbs. I have been so conflicted in the information I have been given in regards to brands. Our budget is exceptionally tight right now, so the last thing I want to do is invest in oils that are not pure enough to “work”. But its almost as bad to be paying far more than necessary. So I guess my specific question would be, have you found Aura Casia and Now brand essential oils to be effective for your needs? Because if they have, that’s good enough for me. There are several oils that I plan to buy from MRH, but some are just so much cheaper from these other brands. I just worry as I keep reading “you get what you pay for.” Thank you so much for any guidance you can give me.
Jacqueline
Hi, Sarah! I understand your concerns and also where you’re coming form as far as cost vs. value. I do use a lot of oils (for cleaning, prevention, and applied for acute sickness). For over 20 years our only *antibiotic* has been a mix of EOs..and they have worked for us, except for once. Back then I wasn’t terribly discriminating, but the Lord helped me obviously. We didn’t know about YL or MRH back then!
To answer your specific question, yes, I think NOW and Aura Cacia are good companies, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use their products if it comes down to being able to afford them.
I have used many different brands and have seen some differences (Aura Cacia, NOW, Young Living (I bought the starter kit) and MRH. I feel I am getting a quicker response from Mountain Rose Herbs, so in the last 2 years I mainly use Mountain Rose Herbs..(and will seek to use up the remaining EOs from other companies). I also have looked at MRH as a company, and though not a Christian company, they are people highly committed to the environment…it is almost *sacred* to them and so I get the sense they work hard to make the best available product from the best natural sources for a reasonable price. I must say I do not care for multilevel sales.
There are many lesser quality companies that I will avoid, and that is a paying attention to a check in my spirit from the Lord.
As for making the Thieves blend with MRH – MRH works just as well if not better (to me) than YL b/c of the the lower cost making it a better value (we have had to diffuse a lot with the mold issue). MRH is my favorite and am using it to kill mold in our bedroom…we can sleep there again and believe it IS killing it! So glad to be back in our BR! https://deeprootsathome.com/my-version-of-four-thieves-oil-blend/
Also, if you are a new Mama with little ones, this is for you: https://deeprootsathome.com/safe-essential-oils-for-children-babies/
I hope that helps some. I wish you the very best in your journey for health. Blessings!
Chi
I’m comprising a list right now and about to order. Just figuring out what to order to start with is whata driving me crazy! This blog helped figure out some basics I will be ordering, and see how it is considering yl and dt were way out of my price range and the start kits have a bunch of stuff I’m not interested in so no need to spend that money there. My dilemma right now is just figuring out which oils to begin with and which ones I should choose ! New to this but very excited!
Thank you so much.
Beth Baker
I’m just getting started with essential oils. I have a friend who is a distributor with Young Living oils. To make this brief, their claim is that essentially their oils are the best, the purist, etc. My problem is that they are also very pricey and I’ve got limited funds. I’ve seen “Now” brand and take many of their supplements….and I see them on your site. Can and/or will you share with me your thoughts on different brands? I want the best I can buy as I want to be sure it’s not just about smelling pretty but also being pure and strong enough to do the work. If Young Living is the best out there then I guess I’ll have to find a way. But if you’ve found other brands to be comparable in quality, I would love to know.
Thanks….Beth Baker
Jacqueline
Yes, Beth, I DO find the brands I use (as you see in the photos) to be very effective and therapeutic. And cost effective! 😀 Glad you asked!
Beth Baker
Oh my….just read the posts above mine and saw the very information I was asking about. Sorry….should have done that first. Ok, so I’m going to look for the Mountain Rose Herbs brand.
Thank you!
Jacqueline
Beth~ No problem 😀
Bettina
Hello Jacqueline,
I wanted to leave a note to tell you how encouraged I am to have found your blog. I searched for most useful essential oils and this link came up. I also looked at the Make your own Thieves blend post. I’m so thankful to have found you. Another sister in Christ and I have received the revelation of Titus 2 recently. We’re realizing how counter cultural this precept is and how radical it is to follow it. I live in a college town and women are NOT taught the truth of God’s Word. I didn’t learn it growing up either and it’s taken marriage, raising three sons and over 20 years to finally become enlightened to the Truth. Wow. I wish someone would have told me earlier, except I wonder if I’d have listened since the other persuasive cultural voices were loud, forceful and powerful. So thank YOU for teaching us all from your loving heart. God bless you Jacqueline for your ministry.
Jacqueline
Awww.. Bettina,
I thank you so much, new friend. I can’t tell you how much I needed to hear this today. I can only give credit to our merciful Lord b/c I am just not capable of doing anything without His guiding love and Holy Spirit. It is “for the joy that is set before” me that I do what I do. Hebrews 12: 2-3: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.…” God bless you, Bettina, as you keep your eyes on Him and stand firm!
Jen
Jacqueline, I came to this page looking for information on essential oils- great info, thank you!
I liked your Facebook page and found it very inspirational. Thank you! Praise the Lord.
Jen
Jacqueline
Aww! Thanks, Jen! I’m so glad and thank you for that encouragement. It has been a rough couple of months with illness. I’ve not kept anything really up to date like I’d like, but the Lord knows what I need to grow to be more like Him!
Blessings!
Doris Davies
Hello Jacqueline,
You give your recipe for Thieves. We have used the Young Living Thieves in the following way ~ fill a small dark spray bottle with water & 10-12 drops of Thieves. When we have a cough or tickle in the throat we spray with Thieves. Can your Thieves be used in the same way? Thank you, Doris
Jacqueline
Hi, Doris! Yes, you absolutely can use it that way! That is a great way to administer it on the go!
Stay well, friend! ~J
Doris Davies
Thank you Jacqueline for answering. So appreciate your FB page & blog…..and “finding” your Thieves recipe will save us so much. Your help is so appreciated. d
Jacqueline
Doris, it is my pleasure! It is my mission! Warm hugs! ~J