(DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TREATING ANY CONDITION. THE INFORMATION BELOW SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS MEDICAL ADVICE)

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While our cupboards have plenty of our “staple items”, do you have an herbal staple supply? Herbal staples are common herbs and essential oils that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. From physical ailments to cleaning products, the more purposes an essential oil has the better. Here is a list of essential oils and herbs I keep in heavy rotation:

Lavender: Once upon a time, lavender was referred to as an “old lady fragrance” but lavender does so much more than provide fragrance notes to your favorite body wash and perfumes. 

I use lavender essential oils to alleviate insomnia, insect bites, tension headaches, wound dressings, and migraines. I also keep a pound of lavender flower in my cabinet for teas, elixirs, candle making, and whatever else may come up. It is truly one of the most versatile essential oils you can buy. 

Thyme:  Thyme is an essential oil with a long history of use in aromatherapy. I discovered it when I owned my apothecary shop. Customers would ask for it in their bath teas and I’d be more than happy to oblige. Thyme linalol is great for treating muscle and joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. I use thyme in conjunction with cedarwood, eucalyptus, cinnamon and lemon essential oils in a room diffuser blend that kills germs.

Another bonus? Thyme HERBAL EXTRACT. I give 5 drops of thyme extract to my senior dog. He’s a Yorkie with collapsing trachea and seasonal allergies. Whenever he’s experiencing minor respiratory ailments, I give him some drops in his food. 

Eucalyptus: If there was ever an essential oil to keep in your cabinet this should be in it. Unfortunately, germs and microbes aren’t going away which means we need to be always on our immune system defenses. Eucalyptus has a cooling sensation helps alleviate sinus congestion, colds, muscular aches, and arthritis. I also use it in foot soaks with Epsom salt. This is an essential oil with a forever place in my cabinet.

Chamomile:  Chamomile is another one of my favorite herbs from my childhood. When I had trouble falling asleep as a teenager, I would drink a cup of that tea we’ve all seen in the big box stores. As an adult, I adopted chamomile flower into my cabinet when I had children. Quick relief of stomach cramps? Chamomile extract. Trouble falling asleep? Chamomile extract and tea. Calming fragile nerves? Chamomile extract and tea.

I keep a pound of dried chamomile flower in my cabinet as it’s a herb which will play a role in my life in some shape or form forever. 

Recently I used a chamomile and distilled water blend to alleviate my dog’s itchy skin. I’ve used a similar concoction for my now no longer existent eczema. Just simple chamomile tea and water.

Rosemary:  Before I knew better, I thought the only purpose rosemary served was seasoning food. Once I studied the herb itself, I found it does way more than season your Sunday dinner.

Rosemary happens to good for treating most muscular conditions, arthritis, respiratory issues, and aid in memory. I’ve made bath salts and herbal roll-ons with rosemary essential oils and gotten great results.

Peppermint:  When it comes to digestive and circulatory issues, peppermint is the herb you should reach for. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate stomach cramps and IBS. Peppermint also has antiseptic properties which helps to kill germs.

I use it for migraines and a bathroom spray blends. It’s a very versatile herb. I keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil and peppermint leaf flower in my cabinet.

Lemon:  Your herbal staple cabinet should always have a citrus based essential oil. The smell of citrus uplifts spirits and helps you feel good on your not so good days. You can use lemon essential oil in dozens of ways, from the hair on your head to the tip of your toes, lemon essential oil has a benefit for you. I use lemon essential oil in my skin care, diffuser and cleaning blends. You can substitute lime or grapefruit if you can’t find lemon. It’s usually easy to purchase.

Wondering what to buy to stock your herbal cabinet? Here is a good essential oil set to get you started along with a dried herb kit of well-known herbs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the herbs and herbal blends, this book is an excellent read.

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Thanks for reading.