My Top 10 Favorite Medicine Cabinet Essential Oils

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.

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