Essential oils can be used therapeutically with people and pets. The antibacterial and antiseptic qualities of many of the oils make them ideal ingredients for natural cleaning products. And the insecticidal action in a number of the oils makes them a good choice for natural insect repellents.

Essential oils should be diluted before applying to the skin.  Grapeseed oil and sweet almond oil are a nice light base.  Other choices include sunflower, hazelnut, safflower, peanut or corn oil.  Thicker oils that are more nourishing to the skin include jojoba, avocado, apricot kernel, borage, oilve and sesame.  Generally the essentil oil content in a blend is between 1% and 3%.  Adding 5% wheatgerm oil to the blend will help preserve it.

Following is a list of conditions and suggested essential oils taken from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless.