GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL OILS

(Note that some oils are toxic, some can affect different people in a different way as different people have different sensitivity to it)

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum: fragrance perfume, ideal as nerve tonic, stimulates, intellectual concentratin, memory, helps fight exhaustion and stress, tonic, exhilarating, eases digestion, eliminates migranes.

BAY (Pimenta racemosa): spicy-smelling, pulmonary antiseptic, helps relieve bronchitis, colds and flu, aids digestion and sleep, soothe rheumatic aches and pains.

BENZOIN (Styrax benzoin): valuable for treating urinary infections, warming, relaxing, action suitable for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, coughs and colds.

BERGAMOT (Citrus Bergamia): refreshing and uplifting, citrus aroma, general tonic of the nervous system and can be used to relieve stress and as an anti-depressant, used to help to relieve fevers, coughs and acne, treat skin infection and sore throats, contains good antiseptic properties.

BLACK PEPPER (Piper Nigrum): hot stimulating effect, dilates local blood vessels, hence useful for aches and pains and an aid for digestion, helps in constipation, flu, muscle ache, fever, sickness, stomach pains.

CAJUPUT (Melaleuca leucadendron): useful for respiratory conditions, will relieve a fever, useful for breaking through old habits and focusing in the present.

CAMPHOR (Cinnamomum camphora): used to focus a wandering mind and as an aid to concentration. Calms nerves for those who worry unnecessarily.

CARDAMOM (Elettaria cardamomum): spicy, good remedy for digestive problems, expands a person's awareness, warmth bringing.

CEDARWOOD (Cedrus Atlantica): a pleasant woody scent, has a calming effect for those under stress, useful for oily skin or scalp and for bronchitis.

CHAMOMILE ROMAN (Anthemis Noblis): one of the most sacred of all essential oils. Excellent for skin care and those with fair hair, has very good anti-inflammatory properties, very soothing, used for allergies, anaemia, burns, dermatis, diarrhoea, fever, indigestion, insomnia, menstrual and menopausal problems, rheumatism, toothache, ulcers, has a calming and sedative effect on the nervous system.

CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): distinctive hot, peppery aroma, useful for fatigue and depression, tonic for respiratory and digestive systems, especially useful for coughs, colds, flu, stomach ache and diarrhoea, an aphrodisiac, helps impotence.

CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon Nardus): a strong lemon aroma, a good room freshener with antiseptic and cleansing properties, deodorant, fights tiredness, migraines, fever, useful as an insect repellent.

CLARY SAGE (Salvia Sclarea): a primary oil for PMT and a muscle relaxant, induces a feeling of well-being which is helpful in fighting depression and negativity.

CLOVE (Eugenia Caryophyllata): a powerful antiseptic, very good for relief of toothache and digestive problems.

COMFREY (Symphtum Officinale): contains allantoin, a cell generator, valuable for treatment of wounds, skin disorders, eczema, psoriasis, athlete's foot and torn muscles, for treating stretch marks.

CORIANDER (Coriandrum Sativum): sweet smelling spicy essence, stimulating and refreshing, good for lack of appetite, lack of motivation.

CUBEB : good for catarrh, antiviral, respiratory problems, fragrancing.

CYPRESS (Cupressus Sempervirens): has a woody aroma, makes a good bath oil as it is relaxing and refreshing, has astringent and antispasmodic properties which make it good for a foot bath, can be used for circulatory conditions, colds, coughs, flu, haemmorrhoids, menstrual and menopausal
problems, varicose veins and whooping coughs, acts as a sedative to sooth nervous tension.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus Globulus): a very distinctive medicinal scent which contains powerful antiseptic properties, widely used as a decongestant, especially useful for those with asthma, bronchitis, colds, allergies, diabetes, powerful expectoring action.

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare): smell like aniseed, noted as a diuretic, a mild laxative, effective for colic, constipation, digestive problems, kidney stones, menopausal problems, nausea and obseity.

FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia Thufifera): a warm, spicy scent, helpful for relief of anxiety, nervous tension and other stress related conditions, good for dry or cracked skin, uplifting effect and aids concentration.

GERANIUM (Pelargonium Graveolens): fresh, floral fragrance, balances and soothes the emotions, useful for all skin types and for most conditions, valuable for treating nervous tension and depression, used for circulatory and skin problems especially wounds, blends well with lavender and other floral oils.

GINGER (Zingiber Officinale): warming in both frangrance and character, works well as a bath oil for treating aches and pains and at the first sign of a cold or flu, good for rheumatic sufferers, blends well with other citrus oils.

GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus x Paradisi): a lively, uplifting scent which clears the mind, good for those who dither and procrastinate, good for oily and congested skin, i.e. cellulitis, stimulant in case of fatigue and stress.

HO LEAF : Used for respiratory problems, catarrh, colds, flu, fragrancing.

HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis): used in perfumes and liquers, used for disorders of the cardiovascular system, both stimulating and sedative, have powerful effects on the respiratory tract, for bronchitis, coughs and colds, can be used for skin disorders.

JASMINE (Jasminum Officinale): one of the most exquisite, exotic and expensive oils available, a reputation for being an aphrodisiac, it's wonderful fragrance is ideal for a luxurious massage or for creating a relaxing room atmosphere, sedative, mood enhancer, lifting anxiety and depression.

JUNIPER (Juniperus Communis): a sweet, fresh, woody fragrance, useful for anxiety, nervous tension and other stress related conditions, professionally used for its blood purifying and cleansing properties, diuretic and antiseptic, especially effective for the urinary tract and an excellent treatment for cystitis and water retention, use for acne, colic, cough, dermatitis, eczema, flatulence, rheumatism and skin ulcers.

LAVENDER (Lavandula Anguslifolia): best known, most versatile, most used of all the oils, has a clean fresh, floral fragrance which is calming and balancing, can be used as a room fragrance, on pillows at night or in a warm bath after a fraught day, excellent for burns, insect bites, wounds, aches and pains, rheumatisms, anti-depressive etc.

LEMON (Citrus Limonum): a clean, refreshing scent, has anti-bacterial and antiseptic qualities, useful against warts & corns, beneficial for oily skin, cooling, laxative, disinfectant, helps slim down, good for varicose veins, acne, blood circulation problems, nausea fits during pregnancy, use to treat cuts, bruises and insect stings.

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon Citratus): has a strong lemon fragrance which is stimulating and refreshing, can be used as a room fragrance and as an insect repellent, antibacterial action, good for skin complaints, sore throats and respiratory problems, effective against headaches.

MANDARIN (Citrus Reticulata): a sweet and fruity fragrance with gentle and calming properties yet uplifting and so good for nerves or depression, can be used for children in safety.

MARJORAM (Marjorana Hortensis): a woody spicy scent which has a warming effect leading to relaxation and easing of tension, helpful for muscle spasms, aches and strains, prevents snoring, resolves problems of winds and flatulences.

MELISSA (Melissa Officinalis): smells liket lemons, uplifting and calming cure for melancholia, antispasmodic properties, treatment of allergies, colds, diarrhoea, hypertension, menstrual problems, migraine, stress headaches, nausea, palpitations.

MINT : Tonic and stimulating, helps fight nausea and impotence, works for digestion, soothes toothache, regulates mensturation.

MYRRH (Commiphora myrrha): aromatic, spicy, sweet smell, anti-inflammatory and expectorant, will ease bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, good for digestive problems, infections of the mouth and skin conditions.

NEROLI (Citrus urantium): floral fragrance, uplifting, excellent sedative and anti-depressant, counters anxiety, hysteria, shock and palpitations, combats insomnia, helpful for dermatitis and dry skin, pre-menstrual tension and menopausal problems.

ORANGE (Citrus Sinensis): a sweet fruity fragrance which has a refreshing and warming effect on the person, useful for those suffering from lack of energy and depression, good for recovery, recommended against exhaustion, anaemia, infectious disases, strengthens the heartm good against swelling gums.

PALMA ROSA (Cymbopogon Martini): smells like a blend of Rose and/or Geranium oil, effective for treating various skin conditions as it helps to balance production of sebum, useful for extremely dry and oily skin, help release anger and grief.

PARSLEY (Petroselinum sativum): herbaceous, spicy smell, used in herbal perfumes, diuretic, used for kidney and urinary problems and water retention, high in vitamin A, essential for healthy hair, skin, teeth and eyes and iron for blood and liver during menstruation and menopause.

PATCHOULI (Pogostemon Patchoull): has a musky fragrance which is often used in perfumes, good for oily skin and hair problems, reputed to be an aphrodisiac, can be used to treat nervous exhaustion and stress related complaints.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha Piperata): has a strong, penetrating fragrance, good mental stimulant, widely used for oral preparations, headaches and digestive upsets, refreshing skin tonics, a footbath with peppermint will restore tired feet.

PETITGRAIN : antiseptic, skin and haircare, astringent.

PINE (Pinus Sylvestris): a dry balsamic aroma, when inhaled can relieve asthma, blocked sinuses, etc., when used in the bath it helps to relieve muscle stiffness, recommended against insomnia, bronchitis, nervous diseases, strong disinfectant against all kinds of germs.

ROSE OTTO (Rosa Damanscena): very expensive as huge quantities of flowers are required, very good for dry skin, when used in a burner, it soothes and balances the emotions with the user having a sense of well being, used as an aphrodisiac through the centuries.

ROSEMARY (Rosamarinus Officinalis): has a strong fresh, minty-herbaceous scent which is penetrating and mentally stimulates the user which is useful in getting rid of that Monday morning feeling, stimulates physically particularly when used in a hair rinse where it controls greasy hair and a number of scalp disorders, helps in case of muscular pain, haemmorrhoids, low blood pressure, circulation problems, back problems.

ROSEWOOD (Aniba Rosaeadora): steadying effect, boosts creativity.

SAGE (Salvia Afficinalis, Salvia Sclarea): fresh, spicy fragrance with a hint of camphor, renowned for regulating menstruation, used for treating insomnia, anxiety and depression.

SANDALWOOD (Santalum Album): a deep, soft, warm and spicy aroma which is persistent and exotic and very sensual, used as an aphrodisiac for centuries, has a soothing, antiseptic quality which is good for all skin types especially aas a moisturiser, very good for calming the nervous system.

TANGERINE : soothing, sedative, induces sleep and relaxation, exhilarating, antispasmodic, fights flatulences, hiccups, instestinal convulsions.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca Alternifolia): has a clear medicinal scent, has strong anti-bacterial properties which are most beneficial when used in the bath or massage, may be used in a hair rinse to stimulate the scalp, a powerful immune system stimulant.

THYME (Thymus Vulgaris): has a powerful, warm and spicy fragrance, Use With Great Care, as this oil is highly antiseptic and can cause irritation in some people, helps to relieve infections of respiratory tract, sinuses, bronchitis, coughs, asthma, etc., helps fatigue and anxiety, skin problems such as sores and swellings.

VERBENA :: purifies, stimulate the brain and clears up the brain, helps exchanges, harmony, strengthens relationships, digestive properties.

VETIVERT (Vetiveria Zizanoides): has a deep smoky-woody aroma which promotes a warm, comforting and relaxed feeling which is most sensual, use in aburnet or in the bath or as a massage, of used at bedtime, it will relieve insomnia, a deeply relaxing oil.

YLANG YLANG (Cananga Odorata): has a sweet, soft, floral and slightly spicy fragrance which is quite exotic, has excellent relaxing and soothing properties, instils confidensce and help to get rid or inhibitions, most helpful for sufferers of stress and nervous tension, raises spirit, great relaxer, highly recommended for anxiety, depression, insomnia and frigidity, treat high blood pressure and skin conditions.
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Updated on 13th November 1998
HS LIM