Lavender Oil - A very versatile and popular essential oil. Apply pure lavender essential oil to spots, cuts, grazes and minor burns. The antiseptic properties of lavender make it invaluable in skin care. Use in massage to help treat stiff joints, aches and pains, headaches and period pains. It can help to induce sleep, produce a calming effect and help reduce stress. Add a few drops to a warm bath or sprinkle a few drops on your pillow last thing at night.

Arnica - Apply arnica cream to bruises and bumps. Great for families with young children. Homeopathic arnica tablets can be used to help treat swelling, sprains, joint pains and nosebleeds. They can also be taken before and after a visit to the dentist. Arnica cream, tincture and tablets are available from pharmacies and health stores.

Aloe Vera Gel - The gel from the aloe vera plant contains antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used in skin care to help treat spots, fungal infections, cuts, dry skin, itchy skin and cracked skin. The gel can also be used to treat minor burns, sunburn and rashes. Choose a gel that contains at least 80% of the pure aloe vera gel. You can also buy aloe vera plants to have in your home.

Ginger - Use as a remedy to treat nausea, vomiting and travel sickness. It is also a safe remedy to help with morning sickness. (Always consult your doctor first) Ginger is also a great pick me up when you're feeling fatigued and run down. Ginger can be taken in capsule or tincture form. You can also chew crystallized ginger or fresh root ginger. Children can nibble on ginger biscuits, ginger sweets or drink ginger ale. You can also infuse a piece of fresh root ginger in a cup of boiling water.

Chamomile - Chamomile tea is a gentle and calming remedy. Drink chamomile tea to help treat pms, period pain, stress and insomnia. Homeopathic chamomilla drops can be used in children to help treat colic, wind, constipation and teething. Soak a flannel in cold chamomile tea and use as a compress to help treat sunburn and eczema. Add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to a warm bath to aid relaxation and to help with insomnia.

Garlic - This plant is best know for its culinary uses but is also highly beneficial as a preventative medicine. It can be found in many forms including odourless capsules, fresh herb, liquid, oil, powder, tablet and ointments. Garlic is recommended to help treat colds and flu, catarrh, heart and circulation problems and fungal infections. It is also used to help fight infection and boost the immune system.

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Can be used in skin care to help treat spots, blisters, cold sores, rashes, warts, insect bites and stings. Apply one drop of pure essential oil to the skin using a cotton bud. To help treat colds, sinus and chest infections, make a steam inhalation by adding 4 drops of pure essential oil to a bowl of hot, just boiled water. Add 4 drops to warm water to help treat athletes foot. To help treat candida and cystitis add 6-8 drops of pure oil to your bath.

Echinacea - Can be used in tincture or tablet form, as a herbal tea, ointment or cream. You can also purchase echinacea lozenges from health stores. Echinacea will improve the efficiency of a weak immune system, which in turn will protect you against illness. Echinacea is recommended to help treat colds and flu, skin wounds and inflammations, thrush, ear infections, bronchitis, cold sores, bed sores, mouth ulcers, eczema, burns, boils and abscesses.