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Angelica (Angelica Archangelica)
Invigorates the lymphatic system, increases perspiration, cleansing
system of toxins. Aids indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia, colic. Stimulates appetite. Provides use as expectorant in colds, bronchitis, pleurisy. Useful for headaches, migraines, and toothache.
Skin: Used as a tonic, soothing inflammation.
Basil
(Osimum basilicum)
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.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
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.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Dilates and increases circulation of local blood vessels providing use for
muscular aches and stiffness. Finds use with rheumatoid arthritis and temporary paralysis of limbs. 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. 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.
Skin: useful for treating bruises.
Cedarwood (cedrus atlantica)
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
their is inflammation or burning pain.
Skin: Provides astringent and antiseptic properties that benefit oily skin conditions and may help acne.
Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
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
Skin:
Chamomile is also renowned for use with skin problems, providing a soothing calming and cleansing action useful for burns, blisters, inflamed wounds and ulcers.
Citronella (Cimbopogon nardus)
Renowned for use as an insect repellent. Can help with gastro-intestinal
distress including stomach ache and colitis. It's antibacterial properties find use with intestinal parasites.
Skin:
Reported for use with cases of excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair. Caution: Avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
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. Not for use in pregnancy.
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
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.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
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.
Skin:
Reported for use with cases of excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair. Caution: Avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
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.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus essential oil is a very powerful antiseptic and
decongestant and has strong disinfectant properties, used commercially today in embrocations and lozenges. Eucalyptus oil is useful in treating inflammations, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains and
fibrositis
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
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.
Geranium
(Pelargonium graveolens)
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.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
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.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Juniperberry essential oil has been used to treat urinary infections, for
respiratory problems as well as gastro-intestinal infections and worms. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia mentions this oil in the treatment of rheumatism pain and cystitis. Berries and extracts are used
in diuretic and laxative preparations, also veterinary preventatives of ticks and fleas
Lavender (Lavendula vera)
The founder of twentieth century Aromatherapy Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse
accidentally rediscovered the healing properties of lavender oil when after burning his hand in a laboratory experiment and instantly plunged his hand in a bowl of lavender essential oil. 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
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
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.
Marjorum (Origanum marjorama)
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
Mint (Mentha spicata)
Spearmint oil is milder than peppermint oil but has similar uses. For intestinal
colic, flatulence, common cold, vomiting in pregnancy, dyspepsia, Is also used to treat acne, dermatitis and toning of the liver, intestines, and the nervous system. Spearmint oil can also used as a
painkiller, beneficial for headache, nervous stress and migraines
Myrrh (Commifora myrrha)
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
Neroli
(Citrus aurantium)
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
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint oil is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for
intestinal colic, flatulence, common cold, vomiting in pregnancy, and dysmenorrhoea (lack of bleeding during a period). It is also extensively used to help prevent travel sickness, toning of the liver,
intestines, and the nervous system. Peppermint oil is also used as a painkiller, beneficial for toothache, headache and migraines.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)
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
Pine (Pinus palustris)
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
Rose (Rosa damascena)
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
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)
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'
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Use with care, contains thujone which is an oral toxin.
DO NOT USE IF
PREGNANT OR EPILEPTIC, OR IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
A milder alternative is Clary Sage
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
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
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
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
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
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
Ylang Ylang
(Canaga odorata)
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.
Skin:
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. Note: avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin, use very highly diluted
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