Adding a few drops of essential oils to Epsom salts is a great way to enjoy a fragrant, therapeutic bath.

Too much of a good thing is not better, especially when it comes to using essential oils. It is important to remember these oils are strong and are often used for medicinal purposes.

Think of it this way, two aspirins are usually enough to take care of a headache, however sometimes your headache is more severe, but taking six aspirins to take care of the pain is not a good idea. While you may not overdose, you could make yourself sick.

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil. Never use them on your skin straight.

It is a good idea to test a new diluted essential oil on a small, unnoticeable area of your before using it all over just in case you have a bad reaction to it. A good example of this is thyme. I use the leaves (fresh and dried) in food all the time, but cannot use the essential oil because it breaks me out.

Avoid direct inhalation of the oils and do not take them orally.

Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Always dilute essential oils in either Epsom salts or a carrier oil. Never use them on the skin in their pure form.

A basic aromatherapy oil kit would include the essential oils of Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon, and Clove, along with aloe vera, witch hazel and rosewater.

These ten essential oils are the most useful, along with being the most versatile for the home medicine cabinet.

Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier.

Tea Tree oil has an antiseptic action thought to be one hundred times more powerful than carbolic acid, and non-poisonous to humans. Its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it useful for a wide range of conditions including infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot and toothaches.

Peppermint is an excellent digestive aid, great for the respiratory system and circulation along with being an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

Chamomile oil comes in several different varieties, including German, Roman, and is especially good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Each variety of Chamomile oil has its own unique properties in addition to being antibacterial, antiseptic, and useful as a disinfectant.

Once you have used Eucalyptus oil, you won’t want to be without it. Adding a few drops to boiling water and covering your head with a towel while taking deep breaths will work wonders on winter colds, or you can add a few drops to your bath water. Another idea is to add a few drops to a cotton ball and place by your bed at night.

It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, deodorizing, and useful as an insect repellent and in veterinary care.   However, you need to be aware that Eucalyptus Oil, as with many essential oils is poisonous if digested.

Geranium Oil is great for working with the emotions, many medical conditions, and in skin care.

Rosemary Oil works as a stimulant both physically and mentally. A few drops of this oil in your bath will help stimulate you and help with muscular tiredness. It’s an excellent addition to the chef’s pantry and the make-up cabinet.

Thyme oil is an antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic product that should be used with caution. It should not be overused as it can affect the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. It is good for discouraging parasites and insects from your home.

Lemon Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Useful for cleaning, polishing furniture, weight loss and medical care.

Clove oil is antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic oil. Used for disease and infection and in your spice cabinet. Do not use on skin undiluted.

Essential oils carry a wide range of properties making them a useful item. Know the exact type of oil you are purchasing in addition to its properties and cautions. Improper use of oils can be serious. Keep them out of reach of children and animals.

Remember that essential oils must be used with care. Seek the advice of a licensed physician for ongoing or severe medical problems.

Each herb, seed, bark, root or flower has a certain temperature where the plant begins to release its essential oil. Knowing what that temperature is and the best method of distillation for the plant material you are trying to distill is essential. This takes a bit of research on your part.

When bringing a still up to temperature, it is best to go slowly. It is hard to cool a still so by carefully watching the temperature and beginning to turn the heat setting back as you go, you will have more control over the end result.

It is best to use fresh cut herbs that have been harvested early in the morning as soon as the dew dries after a several day dry spell has occurred. This insures the maximum amount of oil. If their has been a drought that year you may find some plants such as lavender have more oil than on a year where there has been an abundance of water.

This chart will give you an idea at what point some herbs begin to release their oils or volatilize. Never heat your herbs past this point and try to maintain this temperature throughout the distillation process.

Marjoram and Oregano – 163 F (72 C)

Mints – 200 F (93 C)

Sage – 150 F (65 C)

Savory – 176 F (80 C)

Cinnamon Bark – 170 F to 212 F (76 C to 100 C)

Wintergreen – 218 F (103 C)

Big companies have specialized equipment to separate the naturally occurring hydrosol from the essential oils they are seeking, but what is a person with a simple still to do?

The answer is easy, simply pour your distilled product into a freezer proof glass container, put a lid on it and freeze it.

The hydrosol, which is mostly water will freeze, while the essential oil will not freeze. Once the hydrosol is completely frozen you can pour off the essential oil.

Be sure to allow the hydrosol to melt as it is a useable product too. Keep the essential oil as well as the hydrosol in the refrigerator. Both products should be good up to a year.

Do keep in mind, you may end up with some hydrosol in your essential oil and some essential oil in your hydrosol. This is not an exact science, but it is the easiest way I have found to separate the two products in your standard home situation without investing in a lot of equipment.