A-Z Of Essential Oils
By Heidi
McGowan
Angelica (Angelica Archangelica)
Properties - Invigorates the lymphatic system, increases
perspiration, cleansing system of toxins. Aids indigestion,
flatulence, dyspepsia, colic. Stimulates appetite. Good For -
Provides use as expectorant in colds, bronchitis, pleurisy. Useful
for headaches, migraines, and toothache. Used as a skin tonic,
soothing inflammation.
Aniseed (Pimpinella Anisum)
Properties - An antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant,
invigorating, reviving and uplifting.
Good For - Indigestion, flatulence and muscle spasm.
Blends well with - Bay, cardamom, Cedarwood, coriander, fennel,
mandarin, Petitgrain and rosewood.
Mood - Relaxing
How To Use - Massage
Cautions - May irritate sensitive skin. Do not use if pregnant.
Basil (Osimum basilicum)
Properties - Antiseptic, decongestant, warming.
Good For - Effective with headaches and migraines. Antiseptic to
the respiratory tract and used for sinus congestion, asthma,
bronchitis, emphysema, and influenza. Restores sense of smell due
to catarrh. Also antiseptic to digestive and urinary tracts, and
therefore finds application with digestive disorders, vomiting,
gastric spasm, nausea, and dyspepsia. Useful with deep massage to
ease muscular pain and spasm and to stimulate blood flow.
Skin: Tonic to congested skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, chamomile, citronella, clary sage,
geranium and lemongrass.
Mood - Refreshing and invigorating.
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and massage
Cautions - Can cause skin irritation therefore use in low
concentrations. Do not use if pregnant.
Bay (Laurus Nobilis)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, promotes
menstruation, stimulant, and settles upset stomach.
Good For - Respiratory problems, indigestion, rheumatism.
Blends Well With - Coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper,
lavender, rose, rosemary and thyme.
Mood - Warming
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and massage
Cautions - Do not use in facial steams. Do not use if you are
pregnant.
Benzoin (Styrax Benzoin)
Properties - Soothing sedative, antiseptic.
Good For - Inflamed/ irritated skin and throat infections.
Blends Well With - Citrus oils, cypress, frankincense, jasmine,
lavender, myrrh, petitgrain and rose.
Mood - Uplifting and warming
How To Use - Massage and inhalation
Cautions - Skin irritant.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Properties - Cooling, refreshing, uplifting, antiseptic,
deodorising, pain relieving and sedative.
Good For - Can be used as an aid to digestion and as an appetite
stimulant. It soothes muscles and can be used in the bath, in a
diffuser, as skincare and with massage.
Blends Well With - Other citrus oils, chamomile, coriander, pine,
lavender, Neroli and rosemary.
Mood - Uplifting
How To Use - Inhalation and bath
Cautions - Avoid using before sunlight.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Properties - Dilates and increases circulation of local blood
vessels providing use for muscular aches and stiffness. It is an
acrid digestive, increasing flow of saliva and stimulating
appetite. It is also a warming digestive, expelling wind, and
promoting gastric motility and function Finds use with rheumatoid
arthritis and temporary paralysis of limbs. Restores tone to the
colon muscles. Promotes urine and stimulates the kidneys. Its
warming action also aids respiratory illnesses involving cold, as
it is antiseptic to the lungs.
Good For - Muscle spasm, useful for treating bruises.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cypress, frankincense, geranium,
grapefruit, rosemary, sandalwood, and Ylang Ylang.
Mood - Warming
How To Use - Massage
Cautions - Use in low doses. May irritate sensitive skin.
Cajeput (Melaleuca Leucadendron)
Properties - Antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, carminative and
pain relieving.
Good For - respiratory and digestive problems.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cypress, juniper, lemon, pine and
rosemary.
Mood - Relaxing
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and massage
Cautions - Skin Irritant, Avoid during pregnancy.
Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum)
Properties - Antiseptic, aphrodisiac, digestive tonic, warming
and calming.
Good For - Indigestion,
Blends Well With - Clove, coriander, frankincense, geranium,
juniper, lemon, pine, verbena and ylang ylang.
Cautions - skin irritant
Cedarwood (cedrus atlantica)
Properties - As a tonic to the glandular and nervous systems.
Its expectorant and drying properties are beneficial to the
respiratory tract in conditions of bronchitis, pneumonia, and
coughs with catarrh or excess phlegm. Also provides a tonic effect
on the genito-urinary tract where there is inflammation or burning
pain.
Good For - Dry skin, eczema and acne.
Skin - Provides astringent and antiseptic properties that benefit
oily skin conditions and may help acne.
Blends Well With - Jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh,
neroli, rose and rosemary.
Mood - Soothing
How To Use - Massage, inhalation and skincare
Cautions - Skin irritant. Avoid in pregnancy.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Properties - Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and
antidepressant.
Good For - Remedying pain associated with the nerves such as
neuralgia, headaches, toothache, and earache. Also used for
menstrual problems associated with regulation and pain. Chamomile
is renowned for gastrointestinal problems, often bring relieve to
those suffering with gastritis, diarrhoea, colitis, peptic ulcers,
flatulence, inflammation of the bowels. Also useful for
genito-urinary tract problems. Possibly useful for liver problems
such as jaundice. Chamomile is also renowned for use with skin
problems, providing a soothing calming and cleansing action useful
for burns, blisters, inflamed wounds and ulcers.
Blends Well With - Jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, palmarosa and
rose.
Mood - Soothing
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and massage
Cautions - Avoid in the first three months of pregnancy.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)
Properties - Antiseptic, stimulant, insecticidal and
parasitical.
Good For - Nausea and digestive problems.
Blends Well With - Ginger, lemon, orange, pine, rosemary and ylang
ylang.
Mood - Warming
How To Use - Massage
Cautions - Skin irritant, avoid in pregnancy. Inhalation can cause
irritation.
Citronella (Cimbopogon nardus)
Properties - Renowned for use as an insect repellent. Can help
with gastro-intestinal distress including stomach ache and colitis.
Its antibacterial properties find use with intestinal
parasites.
Skin: Reported for use with cases of excessive perspiration, oily
skin and hair.
Good For - Insect repellent and softens the skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, Geranium, Lemon, Orange, Lavender and
Pine.
Mood - Refreshing and uplifting
How To Use - Vaporisation and skincare
Cautions - May irritate sensitive skin, avoid use on sensitive or
damaged skin. Can cause dermatitis in certain people.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Properties - It has a soothing and sedating effect while at the
same time strengthens the nervous system. One of the best muscle
relaxants used to relieve cramps and/or muscle pain.
Antidepressant sometimes described as euphoric.
Good For - Stress, hormonal problems and muscle aches.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cypress, grapefruit, juniper,
lavender, lime, pine and sandalwood. Mood - Relaxing and
euphoric
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams
Cautions - Not for use in pregnancy. Can cause headaches. Avoid
with alcohol.
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, stimulating and warming.
Good For - Scientists have recently found that the oil is high in
eugenol, accounting for its antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Clove oil is used in many commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes.
French Aromatherapist have found that the anti-inflammatory effects
of clove oil have helped in the treatment of arthritis.
Blends Well With - Basil, black pepper, lemon, peppermint and
rosemary.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Massage and skincare
Cautions - Not to be used as a massage oil, and only use in small
doses.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Properties - Renowned for use as an insect repellent. Clears and
uplifts. Is applied to fatigue, headache, migraine, neuralgia, and
depression. Reportedly speeds heart beat but has antispasmodic
action which can help with gastro-intestinal distress including
stomach ache and colitis. It's antibacterial and vermifugal
properties find use with intestinal parasites. Useful with
rheumatism and arthritis pain. Reported for use with cases of
excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair.
Good For - Mental fatigue, migraine, tension and nervous weakness.
It gives a warm effect on the stomach and can relieve wind and
cramps. It is also helpful for alleviating pain such as rheumatism,
arthritis and muscle spasms and useful with colds and flu.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, Cinnamon, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon,
Neroli and Orange Cautions- Avoid use on sensitive or damaged
skin.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Properties - Antiseptic, antitoxic, stimulant, digestive tonic
and diuretic.
Good For - Its astringent and decongestant properties lend it to
uses with excess water and/or perforation leakage such as oedema,
haemorrhages, nose bleeds, heavy menstruation, and incontinence,
and generally aids the immune system. Its astringent property
coupled with its vaso-constrictive/styptic property aids with
varicose conditions and haemorrhoids. Its antispasmodic action and
normalisation effects with hormones can help pre-menstrual tension
and side effects of menopause such as hot flashes, hormone
imbalance and irritability.
Skin: Again, astringent effect can benefit wounds and abrasions
while its decongestant effects help with oily, over hydrated skin,
excess perspiration, and cellulite.
Blends Well With - Basil, frankincense, geranium and rose.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Massage and skincare
Cautions - Avoid before exposure to sunlight. Avoid if you have
high blood pressure.
E- L Of Essential Oils
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Properties - Cleansing, stimulating, antiseptic, expectorant,
antiviral, anti-bacterial and insecticidal. Eucalyptus essential
oil is a very powerful antiseptic and decongestant and has strong
disinfectant properties, used commercially today in embrocations
and lozenges.
Good For - Eucalyptus oil is useful in treating inflammations,
rheumatism, muscular aches and pains and fibrositis. it works well
as a decongestant and as an antiseptic.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, lavender, lemon,
marjoram, pine, thyme and tea tree.
Mood - Refreshing and invigorating
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams.
Cautions - Use low concentrations when you are in contact with the
sun. Avoid in pregnancy.
Fennel ( Foeniculum Vulgare)
Properties - Anti-spasmodic, expectorant, digestive, diuretic
and detoxifying.
Good For - Constipation and menstrual symptoms.
Blends Well With - Basil, geranium, juniper, lemon and
rosemary.
Mood - Energising
How To Use - Inhalation, massage and skincare.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy or if you suffer from epilepsy.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Properties - Purifying, warming, antiseptic, astringent and
anti-inflammatory.
Good For - Frankincense is an expensive essential oil but it is
also an important healer. It rejuvenates skin, so it is used on
mature and ageing complexions and to fade old scars and to reduce
inflammation. Its antiseptic qualities are useful in fighting
bacterial and fungal skin infections. The oil works in two ways, it
first numbs the nerve endings to reduce pain then boosts the body’s
immune system, to accelerate the healing process.
Blends Well With - All citrus oils, basil, black pepper, geranium,
lavender, patchouli and sandalwood.
Mood - Comforting
How To Use - Inhalation and bath
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Properties - Balancing, calming, diuretic, soothing and
uplifting.
Good For - Used with pre-menstrual tension and menopausal problems.
Said to be helpful with inflammation and congestion of the breasts.
Is also used for circulatory problems including sluggishness, and
phlebitis. Reportedly aids sore throats, tonsillitis, asthma, and
excess mucus.
Skin: Geranium is known for its beneficial use on the skin. It is
considered useful on all skin types. First, it is antiseptic,
anti-fungal, and antibacterial, aiding such conditions as ringworm,
and general infections, however it is reportedly useful with acne,
burns, bruises, shingles, herpes, eczema, and dermatitis as well.
Second, it is considered to normalise sebaceous gland activity and
sebum secretion, benefiting congested skin as well as dry skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose and
sandalwood.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and cream.
Cautions - Can irritate very sensitive skin. Do not use if you are
pregnant.
Ginger ( Zingiber officinale)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant and
carminative.
Good For - Warming, muscle aches and stomach upset.
Blends Well With - Bay, caraway, cardamom, cedarwood, citrus oils,
coriander, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, juniper and
rosemary.
Mood - Warming and comforting
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and cream.
Cautions - Avoid using in the Bath, can cause irritation to the
mucous membranes. May irritate sensitive skin.
Grapefruit ( Citrus Paradisi)
Properties - Antiseptic, anti-toxic, stimulant, digestive tonic
and diuretic.
Good For - Helps to relieve the symptoms of Anxiety and
depression.
Blends Well With - Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense,
geranium, jasmine, lavender, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - Uplifting
How To Use - Inhalation and bath.
Cautions - Avoid exposure to sunlight.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Properties - Antidepressant, emollient, mild analgesic,
sedative, soothing, uplifting and a uterine tonic.
Good For - The scent of jasmine sedates the nervous system, so it
is good for frayed nerves, headaches, insomnia and depression and
for taking the emotional edge off PMS and menopause. The aroma can
also sharpen mental awareness and stimulate brain waves. Jasmine
works very well if you suffer from period pains.
Blends Well With - Clary sage, frankincense, geranium, melissa,
neroli, orange, rose and sandalwood.
Mood - Energising and uplifting
How To Use - Inhalation, compress and bath.
Cautions - Do not use if you are pregnant or if you are breast
feeding.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Properties - Astringent, diuretic, purifying, stimulating and
uplifting.
Good For - Juniperberry essential oil has been used to treat
urinary infections, for respiratory problems as well as
gastro-intestinal infections and worms. It has been known to treat
rheumatism pain and cystitis. Berries and extracts are used in
diuretic and laxative preparations, also veterinary preventatives
of ticks and fleas
Blends Well With - Benzoin, cypress, cedarwood, frankincense,
geranium, grapefruit, lemongrass, melissa, rosemary and
sandalwood.
Mood - Purifying and cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams.
Cautions - May over stimulate the kidneys. Do not use if
pregnant.
Lavender (Lavendula vera)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, balancing diuretic,
sedative, skin rejuvenating and stress relieving.
Good For - Lavender essential oil is probably the safest of all
essential oils and the most antiseptic
This anti-viral and anti-fungal essential oil treats lung, sinus,
vaginal and skin infections, reduces inflammation and relieves
muscle pain and headaches. It hastens the healing of skin cells, so
it is used on burns, sun-damaged skin, wounds and rashes. Lavender
can also act as a sedative and antidepressant and can reduce the
stress that causes asthma flare-ups
Blends Well With - Bergamot. geranium, neroli, peppermint, rosemary
sandalwood and thyme.
Mood - Soothing
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams.
Cautions - Avoid during the first three months of pregnancy.
Lemon (Citrus Limonium)
Properties - Uplifting, detoxifying, purifying, antiseptic,
astringent, immunostimulant and antacid.
Good For - Respiration, circulation and toning.
Blends Well With - Benzoin, cardamom, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender,
rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Mood - Invigorating and cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, skincare and massage,
Cautions - Skin irritant. Avoid using prior to exposure to the
sun.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Properties - Sedative, antidepressant and insecticidal.
Good For - Lemongrass oil is said to be calming and balancing to
the nervous system and may increase your powers of concentration.
In addition it is reported to stimulate digestion and milk
production in nursing mothers. Aids recovery from illness.
Stimulates glandular secretions, liver, digestion, and
appetite.
Blends Well With - basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine,
lavender, neroli and rosemary.
Mood - Relaxing
How To Use - Massage and bath.
Cautions - Use in low dilutions. Avoid if you are prone to skin
allergy. May irritate sensitive skin.
Lime (Citrus Aurantiifolia)
Properties - Astringent, anti-inflammatory, uplifting,
antiseptic and refreshing.
Good For - Can be used for cellulite, high blood pressure,
nosebleeds and asthma. Lime oil can be useful to cool fevers
associated with colds, sore throats and flu and aids the immune
system. Eases coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis. Lime oil can be
used to stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with
depression.It has previously been use to treat those suffering with
arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, and in cases of obesity
and cellulite.
Blends Well With - Citronella, clary sage, lavender and neroli.
Cautions - Avoid before exposure to sunlight.
M-P Of Essential Oils
Marjoram (Origanum marjorama)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, digestive tonic and a sedative.
Good For - In combinations, marjoram and marjoram oil are used for
the stimulation of appetite, to promote digestion, strengthening of
the stomach, for acute and chronic gastritis, as an antispasmodic,
for flatulence, for colic-like nervous gastrointestinal disorders A
calming, relaxing oil that can ease muscle spasms, stiff joints,
coughing, indigestion and menstrual cramps. Inhaling marjoram can
help to relieve headaches and migraine. The antiviral and
antibacterial properties can help to ward off colds and infections,
and its expectorant properties make it a useful oil to include in
steam inhalations for chest infections
Blends Well With - Cedarwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender,
mandarin, nutmeg and ylang ylang.
Mood - Warming
How To Use - Inhalation, compress and bath.
Cautions - Can cause drowsiness. Do not use if pregnant.
Melissa ( )
Properties - Anti-allergenic, antidepressant,
anti-inflammatory and a digestive tonic.
Good For - Respiration, stress and hormonal disorders.
Blends Well With - Basil, chamomile, ginger, juniper, lemon,
neroli, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - revitalising
How To Use - Bath
Cautions - may cause skin sensitivity. Do not use if you are
pregnant.
Myrrh (Commifora myrrha)
Properties - Stimulating, antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sedative, diuretic and
carmanative
Good For - Respiratory and menstrual disorders. Myrrh has an
excellent soothing, antiseptic effect on sore or inflamed gums,
mouth ulcers, wounds, and cracked or chapped skin. It can speed the
healing of weepy eczema, and because of its anti-fungal properties
can be used as a vaginal wash for thrush or in a footbath for
athlete's foot
Blends Well With - Benzoin, clove, cypress, frankincense,
geranium, lavender, mandarin, patchouli, pine, sandalwood and tea
tree.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Inhalation and skincare.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Properties - Antidepressant, antiseptic,
aphrodisiac, deodorant and digestive,
Good For - Neroli provides a tranquillising action on the
sympathetic nervous system, which is why it is effective with
stress related problems such as insomnia and depression. It is
reportedly effective for neuralgia, headaches, and vertigo as well.
Neroli is also a reported aphrodisiac. Again, this is probably due
to its ability to reduce anxiety. Coupled with its antispasmodic
action, it is useful with pre-menstrual tension and some menopausal
symptoms such as irritability and emotional disturbance. Its
antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial and emollient properties
have been usefully applied to bronchitis, pleurisy, and pulmonary
disease plus chronic diarrhoea, colic, colitis gas and spasm.
Skin: Neroli has pronounced protective and regenerative properties
for skin cells, improving elasticity and conditions such as thread
veins, scar tissue and stretch marks
Blends Well With - Citrus oils, coriander, geranium, jasmine, rose
and ylang ylang.
Mood - Uplifting and euphoric.
How To Use - Inhalation, massage, compress and bath.
Cautions - Has a short shelf life.
Nutmeg ( Myristica Fragrans)
Properties - Analgesic, antispasmodic and
antiseptic.
Good For - Nutmeg oil can stimulate the heart and circulation,
activate the mind and revive fainting spells.It is useful on the
digestive system for flatulence, nausea, chronic vomiting, bad
breath and indigestion; it encourages appetite and averts
constipation.Nutmeg oil can be useful with scanty periods,
frigidity, and impotence and can aid births by strengthening
contractions.Its warming qualities can help with muscular aches and
pains, arthritis, gout and especially chronic rheumatism.
Blends Well With - Black Pepper, clove, lavender, lemon, lime,
orange, patchouli, rosemary and tea tree.
Mood - Stimulating.
How To Use - Inhalation and bath.
Cautions - Toxic in high doses.
Orange ( )
Properties - Restores balance to dry or oily
skin. It maintains healthy youthful skin by promoting the
production of collagen. Reduces puffiness and discourages dry
wrinkled skin. Stimulates circulation to the skin surface and
softens rough skin. Clears blemishes and improves acne-prone skin.
It improves cellulite, which is sometimes called orange-peel skin.
Good for ageing, dry skin, and dermatitis. Balances the emotions,
either relaxing or stimulating as needed. It revitalises and
energises when boredom and lethargy set in. It has a warm, happy
and light influence that prevents extreme seriousness. It calms the
nerves and can combat anxiety and insomnia. Orange oil brightens
gloomy feelings, dissipates depressing thoughts and subdues tension
and stress, particularly in wintertime or if the stress is related
to premenstrual syndrome or menopause.
Good For - Respiratory problems and also as a moisturiser for oily
skin. Relaxing and calming your mood. Great on cellulite.
Blends Well With - Frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary,
ylang-ylang
Mood - Calming
How To Use - Massage, bath and skincare.
Cautions - Avoid applying to skin before sun exposure.
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martini)
Properties - Antiseptic, antiviral, circulation
stimulant, refreshing, cooling, nervous tonic, tonifying and
uplifting.
Good For - Reduces temperature, a digestive tonic, stimulates the
appetite, hence making it effective for those suffering from
anorexia nervosa. Has been known to ease stiff joints. Helps to
reduce wrinkles. Great for dry skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, citronella, geranium, jasmine,
lavender, lime, orange, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Cautions - Avoid in early pregnancy.
Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)
Properties - Calming, sedative, antidepressant
and digestive tonic.
Good For - Works well as an aphrodisiac and assists in the healing
of damaged skin. Blends Well With - Bergamot, frankincense,
geranium, galbanum, ginger, rose, rosewood and sandalwood.
Mood - Soothing and sensual.
How To Use - Skincare and massage
Cautions - None
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Properties - Cooling, detoxifying, antiseptic,
deodorising, decongestant, nerve tonic and calmative.
Good For - Digestive disorders and cooling sore feet. Flatulence,
prevention of travel/motion sickness. Tones the liver, intestines
and nervous system. Peppermint oil is also used as a painkiller,
beneficial for toothache, headache and migraines
Blends Well With - Benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, lemon,
marjoram, pine, rosemary and sage.
Mood - Refreshing
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)
Properties - Sedative, antidepressant and
antispasmodic.
Good For - Anxiety, insomnia and skincare. Petitgrain oil
strengthens and tones the nervous system and can be used to soothe
many stress-related problems such as nervous exhaustion and
insomnia. Gently antiseptic can be used to help control excessive
perspiration and acts as a deodorant. As an antispasmodic can help
relieve dyspepsia and flatulence
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, geranium,
lavender, melissa, neroli, orange, rosemary and sandalwood.
Mood - Uplifting and cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, skin and hair care.
Cautions - None.
Pine (Pinus palustris)
Properties - Antiseptic
Good For - Apart from its renowned antiseptic properties Pine
essential oil has also been used to treat arthritis, muscular aches
and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, stiffness, asthma and
bronchitis .Pine oil encourages the elimination of toxins from the
skin, making it useful for clearing dull dry skin as well as acne.
It improves oily scalp conditions, dandruff and seborrhea. As an
insect repellent, it protects against bug bites. It also reduces
excessive perspiration.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Skincare, massage and inhalation.
Cautions - May irritate sensitive skin.
R-Z Of Essential Oils
Rose (Rosa damascena)
Properties - Antidepressant, aphrodisiac, liver
tonic, menstrual regulator, rejuvenator and a sedative.
Good For - Rose oil is reputed to have an affinity with the female
reproductive system, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and
alleviate PMS or post-natal depression. It is also a powerful
antiseptic against viruses and bacteria, and regulates the appetite
and prevents and relieves, digestive spasms, constipation and
nausea . Effective on dry skin.
Blends Well With - Frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender,
neroli, patchouli and sandalwood.
Mood - Uplifting.
How To Use - Inhalation, cream and in the bath.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)
Properties - Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, soothes
nerves, stimulant and a tonic.
Good For - Because of its stimulating qualities rosemary oil may be
used to combat mental and physical fatigue. It is current in the
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for 'depressive states
with general debility and indications of cardiovascular
weakness'
Blends Well With - basil, lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and
sandalwood.
Mood - Invigorating.
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy or if epileptic
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Good For - Fever, appetite stimulant and easing joint pain.
Blends Well With -
Mood - Astringent, cooling.
How To Use - Inhalation and massage
Cautions - Use with care, contains thujone which is an oral toxin.
Do not use if pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure. A
milder alternative is Clary Sage
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Properties - Anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, relaxing, respiratory
clearing, sensual and soothing.
Good For - The fragrance of sandalwood oil can help lift depression
and banish feelings of anxiety and lack of sexual desire. It is
also effective for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, dry
coughs and sore throats. Sandalwood encourages skin rejuvenation
and has been used for wound healing, dry or chapped skin, acne and
psoriasis
Blends Well With - Bergamot, frankincense, geranium, jasmine,
juniper, lavender, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - Relaxing, soothing and sensual.
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - None
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Properties - Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
immuno-stimulant, stimulating.
Good For - Tea tree essential oil can be used for a wide range of
skin problems, such as athletes foot, acne, burns, cold sores,
dandruff, insect bites warts and infected wounds. Has also been
used for colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses such as chicken
pox
Blends Well With - Clary sage, clove, lavender, nutmeg, rosemary
and ylang ylang.
Mood - Cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - May irritate sensitive skin.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Properties - Antidepressant, antibacterial, diuretic and
warming.
Good For - Thyme essential oil is an antiseptic and antibiotic,
disinfectant and strong germicidal, it is valuable for all
infections, especially gastric and bladder infections. Its
anti-rheumatic and anti-toxic properties are beneficial in treating
arthritis, gout and cellulite. Thyme stimulates the immune system
to effectively fight off colds, flu and catarrh
Blends Well With - Bergamot, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper,
lavender, lemon, marjoram, rosemary, sage and tea tree.
Mood - Uplifting
How To Use - Bath and Inhalation
Cautions - Avoid during pregnancy. Use in small doses.
Vetivert
Properties - Calming therefore useful in cases of anxiety, shocks,
stress and tension
Good For - Used to to ease aches and pains, cramp and stiffness
Mood - Relaxing
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and massage
Cautions - None
Ylang Ylang (Canaga odorata)
Good For - Used to slow fast breathing (hyperpnea) and for
palpitations of the heart, tachycardia, and to lower blood
pressure. Reported to balance the hormone, stimulate the thymus
gland, and is used for the reproductive system as a tonic for the
uterus and to provide a feeling of warmth and togetherness. Also
used to balance diabetes. Ylang Ylang is reported to be beneficial
in firming the breasts. It is renowned for its aphrodisiac and
antidepressant qualities, and as such is used for impotence and
frigidity. It provides an antiseptic action to the intestines to
aid in infection and diarrhoea. Ylang Ylang balances sebum
production and therefore finds application for both oily and dry
skin. It was used by the native population of Comoros to stimulate
the scalp promoting a more luxurious hair growth. It is also used
for acne, insect bites and as a fragrance.
Blends Well With -
Mood - Calming and sensual
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, bath and massage.
Cautions - avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin, use very highly
diluted
|
|
|