Oils
Below are a list of common oils and their properties:
CEDARWOOD (Cedrus atlantica)
Character: confident, firmly
rooted; spiritual strength.
Cedar wood (also called Libanol)
is distilled from the wood of the cedar tree. it is one of
the oldest essential oils, used in North Africa as a perfume
and medicine. In Ancient Egypt it was used both for
preserving mummies and as massage oil. In the nineteenth
century it was found to have antiseptic properties.
Aroma: Harmonious, woody, soft.
Properties: Antiseptic,
astringent, diuretic, emollient, fungicide, harmonising,
insecticide, sedative, tonic.
Physical conditions: Eliminatory
system: cystitis, relieves burning pain; kidney tonic
Respiratory system: helpful with
asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs
Musculoskeletal system: may ease
chronic arthritic and rheumatic pains
Nervous system: relaxing and
calming
Skin: good for acne, oily skin,
irritation
Scalp and hair: dandruff,
seborrhoea.
Mental/emotional conditions:
Focuses attention when lacking concentration; for scattered
thoughts, day-dreaming, living in future. Calms anxiety and
nervous tension.
Other uses: Combine with
Sandalwood for room fragrance for meditation.
Applications: Bath. Inhalation.
Massage. Room fragrance.
Blends well with Sandalwood.
CHAMOMILE (Anthemis mixta)
Character: Soothing yet strong.
Chamomile oil is distilled from
the white flower heads of the Chamomile herb. There are many
types of Chamomile, including Roman, German, and Wild or
Moroccan Chamomile. Some are anti-inflammatory, containing
azulenes or bisabolene. Wild or Moroccan Chamomile has long
been used in the medicine of North Africa.
Aroma: Fresh, herbaceous,
tea-like, ardent.
Properties: Antispasmodic,
calming, cicatrisant, comforting, febrifuge, sedative of
nervous system, warming.
Physical conditions: Digestion:
colic, colitis, diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcers
Eliminatory system: bedwetting,
cystitis, irritable bowel
Hormonal system: decongestant,
good for hot flushes
Musculoskeletal system: used for
low back pain, rheumatism, sprains
Nervous system: helpful for
depression, headaches, insomnia, when feeling fragile.
Mental/emotional conditions: For
the highly strung and perhaps over- enthusiastic;
impulsiveness in helping others; living on nerves and
straining energies to their limits.
Applications Bath. Face
oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Footbath. Inhalation. Massage.
Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Geranium,
Lavender, Ylang Ylang
CLARY SAGE (Salvia sclarea)
Character: Benevolent.
Clary Sage is distilled from the
lilac flowering tops of a biennial herb with large wrinkled
leaves, growing in England, Europe, Russia and the USA. It is
related to, but different from, the common sage used in
cooking. The name Salvia derives from the Latin for 'good
health' and the word 'clary' meaning 'clear'; the seeds were
once used in a remedy to clear particles from the eyes. Clary
Sage can have euphoric effects, and from the 16th century was
added to beer by some brewers.
Aroma: Light, spicy, like drying
hay.
Properties: Antidepressant,
antiseptic, carminative, deodorant, sedative, tonic.
Regulatory and balancing. Strongly sedative, but sometimes
with euphoric effects.
Physical conditions: Hair:
encourages growth.
*Hormonal system: regulates
hormones, helpful for premenstrual tension and painful
periods, also frigidity. Encourages labour.
Musculoskeletal system: relieves
cramp, muscle spasm
Nervous system: exhaustion;
insomnia from over-work; headaches; migraines
Respiratory system: asthma, throat
infections
Skin: excessive perspiration
*Use with caution: can cause
excessive bleeding.
Mental/emotional conditions:
Particularly indicated for times of change, domestic,
occupational and biological, and when having difficulty in
adjusting to changes in life.
Other uses: Aphrodisiac.
Restorative when convalescing.
Applications:* Bath. Hair
oil/rinse. Massage. Room fragrance 'Can cause drowsiness;
best not used before driving or drinking alcohol.
Blends well with: Rosemary, Ylang
Ylang.
CYPRESS (Cupressus sempervirens)
Character: Solemn, firm, upright,
astringent.
Cypress oil is distilled from the
wood of the majestic cypress tree, which grows in Europe,
particularly around the Mediterranean. The tree has been
venerated since ancient times, and gave its name to the
island of Cyprus. It has also been associated with burial
grounds since Greek and Roman days, and is traditionally
believed to have supplied the wood for Christ's Cross. Known
for its astringent properties, the oil is often used today in
perfumery, especially men's cosmetics.
Aroma: Refreshing, woody, spicy.
Properties: Antiseptic,
antispasmodic, astringent, deodorant, toning, vasoconstrictor
Physical conditions: Circulation:
haemorrhoids, nosebleeds, varicose veins; cellulitis
Eliminatory system: bedwetting;
frequent urination; excessive perspiration
Hormonal system: hormone
imbalance; PMT; heavy periods; painful periods; menopause
Hair and scalp: dandruff with oily scalp
Musculoskeletal system: cramps,
rheumatism
Nervous system: warms coldness in
nervous system
Skin: can benefit mature, oily and
sweaty skin. Helps heal wounds.
Mental/emotional conditions: For
fear of what others think; inability to with-stand pressure
from others of more dominant personality.
Other uses: Insecticide;
deodorant; male toiletry.
Applications: Bath. Face lotion.
Facial steaming. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Frankincense,
Juniper, Lemon.
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus)
Character: Harmonising, vigorous,
deeply grounded.
Eucalyptus, or Blue Gum is one of
the most widely used essential oils; a constituent of cold
remedies and inhalants, and strongly antiseptic. The oil is
distilled from the blue-green leaves of the Eucalyptus tree,
which grows to a great height in warm regions. A native of
Tasmania, its leaves were used by the Aboriginals as a
dressing for wounds. It was introduced to Europe in the
eighteenth century.
Aroma: Resinous, camphorous, clear,
powerful.
Properties: Analgesic, anti-rheumatic,
antiseptic, decongestant, deodorising, energy balancing,
insecticide.
Physical conditions: Eliminatory system:
cystitis; diarrhoea
Musculoskeletal system: muscular aches and
pains; rheumatism (combined with Lemon and Juniper); sciatica
Nervous system: neuralgia
Respiratory system: asthma; bronchitis;
catarrh; colds; cold with headache; sinusitis
skin: burns; inflammatory conditions;
insect bites; skin eruptions
Mental/emotional conditions: Cools heated
emotions; balances extreme moods, highs and lows occurring
for no apparent reason; aids concentration.
Other uses: Insect repellent.
Applications: Bath. inhalation. Massage
Blends well with: Rosemary, Cedar,
Marjoram.
FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia carterii)
Character: Inspiring and contemplative.
Frankincense, or Olibanum is distilled from
the resin of a small desert tree growing in the Middle East
and North Africa. Famous as a birth gift to the infant Jesus,
it has had religious and therapeutic uses for centuries. The
Ancient Egyptians burned it in religious ceremonies, and also
used it in massage and to rejuvenate the skin. Today it is
used as an incense in many religions.
Aroma: Spicy, resinous, balsamic, almost
lemony.
Properties: Antiseptic, calming, cooling,
drying, fortifying, revitalising, stimulating, tonic;
uplifting.
Physical conditions: Circulation:
haemorrhoids; nosebleeds
Digestive system: indigestion
Eliminatory system: cystitis
Nervous system: chilliness
Respiratory system: asthma; bronchitis;
catarrh; congested lungs; shortness of breath
Skin: acne scarring; ageing; cracked; oily;
wrinkles.
Mental/emotional conditions: For
over-attachment to the past; burn-out, with no conditions:
reserves; depression; exhaustion and mental fatigue; fears;
insecurity; nightmares; panic.
Other uses: Aid to meditation and spiritual
development.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Cypress, Orange,
Tangerine, Sandalwood.
GERANIUM (Pelargonium roseum)
Character: Adaptable; strong when pure,
sweetens with dilution.
Geranium, or Rose Geranium is distilled
from the fragrant leaves of the Pelargonium, a herbaceous
plant with pink flowers. The oil is often obtained from
France, Madagascar, and Morocco and other warm climates.
Geranium was once used as a general healing herb for wounds,
fractures, cholera, etc. The oil has beneficial effects on
most skin conditions and stimulates the lymphatic system. It
is widely used in soaps and perfumes. It is one of the
balancing oils; harmonising extreme conditions, both physical
and emotional.
Aroma: Sweet, fruity, rose-like.
Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant,
astringent. balancing, diuretic, harmonising, insecticide,
tonic, vasoconstrictor.
Physical conditions: Circulatory system: a
tonic, helps relieve fluid retention and lymphatic congestion
Eliminatory system: a tonic for the liver
and kidneys
Hormonal system: regulatory, useful for
PMT, painful breasts, irregular or heavy periods, menopausal
symptoms
Hair and scalp: balances sebum; helps clear
head lice
Nervous system: cases neuralgia and fatigue
Skin: good for all types of skin condition
including dermatitis, blotches and eczema, and in skin
lotion. Effective in mouth and throat infections. *N.B. May
irritate some skins; patch-test first.
Mental/emotional conditions:
Anti-depressant. Quells acute fright, when totally rigid with
fear; escalating anxiety when an emergency arises. Balances
extreme moods.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Hair oil/ rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Mouthwash.
Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Most oils, particularly
Cedar, Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary.
JUNIPER (juniperus communis)
Character: Rough, bitter but consoling.
Juniper is distilled from the berries or
twigs of the juniper tree, a grey green leafed tree which
grows in many parts of the world, thriving in Arctic
conditions. Juniper oil has traditionally been used as an
antiseptic by many cultures, and in the past was a
constituent of herbal medicines for the plague, cholera,
typhoid fever and even diabetes. It has also been noted for
its reviving qualities, and today is well-known as an
ingredient of gin.
Aroma: Green, herbaceous, refreshing.
Properties: Antiseptic, anti-rheumatic,
antispasmodic, astringent, cleansing, detoxifying, diuretic,
insecticide, stimulant, tonic.
Physical conditions: Circulation: a
blood-purifier
Digestive system: generally beneficial;
detoxifying, cleanses liver after rich food and too much
alcohol
Eliminatory system: decongestant and
diuretic, good for cystitis, painful urination, kidney
problems, cellulitis and fluid retention
Musculoskeletal system: good for arthritis,
cramps, rheumatism, sciatica
N.B. Prolonged use may over stimulate the
kidneys Avoid in casts of serious kidney disease.
Mental/emotional conditions: Helps to lift
guilt, despondency, lack of self-worth; for feeling
undeserving of love, and dissatisfied with physical form.
Strengthens and supports: good for people in the caring
professions.
Other uses: Hangover; hay fever.
Applications: Bath. Footbath. Massage. Room
fragrance.
Blends well with: Frankincense, Rosemary.
LAVENDER (Lavandula officinalis, vera
and fragrans)
Character: Mellow, peaceful.
Lavender oils are distilled from the blue
flowering spikes of the lavender bush, just before opening.
The plant is widely cultivated in Europe and a hybrid called
Lavendin grows wild in the Mediterranean area. The lavender
plant has been used in medicine since ancient times, and was
introduced to England by the Romans. It has long been known
as an antiseptic and an insecticide, and was known for
clearing head lice in the 17th century. It is also well known
for its skin-healing properties. Lavender oil is invaluable
in a home first aid kit, particularly for insect stings, cuts
and burns. It is the first choice for insomnia and anxiety,
and also boosts the immune system. It is also, of course, a
popular constituent of perfumes and cosmetic products.
Aroma: Clean, balsamic, light, herbaceous.
Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant,
antiseptic, anti-viral, carminative, deodorant, detoxifying,
fungicide, insecticide, restorative, sedative. Healing for
mind and body.
Physical conditions: Circulation: relieves
chilblains
Eliminatory system: for pain when urinating
Hormonal system: helpful for hot flushes
Hair and scalp: kills head lice; helpful
against hair loss
Immune system: stimulates when below par
(indicated by chronic or recurrent infections)
Musculoskeletal system: relieves arthritic
pain, painful joints and sprains
Nervous system: relaxing and sedative,
excellent for insomnia, tension headaches and migraine, and
exhaustion
Respiratory system: relieves sore or dry
throat
Skin : healing and antiseptic for
abscesses, acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, sunburn, cuts,
insect stings and bites.
Mental/emotional conditions. Excellent for
all forms of anxiety and tension. For apprehensiveness with
vague fears; nightmares and feelings of panic and inner
trembling; fear of the dark.
Other uses: Helpful with tinnitus when
sensitive to noise, Counteracts travel sickness.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Footbath. Hair-rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Room
fragrance. A drop or two can be dabbed direct on insect
stings; use dilute on burns.
Blends well with: Clary Sage, Eucalyptus,
Geranium, juniper.
LEMON (Citrus limonum)
Character: Fresh, strong, versatile. Adds
character; harmonises well.
Lemon oil is pressed from the lemon rind.
Several varieties of lemon tree are grown in warm climates;
originating in India it was first brought to Europe by the
crusaders, and is widely cultivated in Italy. It has long
been used as an antiseptic, particularly for bites by
disease-carrying insects. Today it is used as a flavouring in
foods and drinks. Aroma: Fresh, clean, refreshing, lively,
Properties: Anti-infections, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic,
astringent, carminative, detoxifying, diuretic, insecticide,
laxative, stimulating, styptic, tonic, refreshing, uplifting.
Acts on the physical, mental and spiritual defence systems.
Physical conditions: Circulation: a good
tonic, helps to lower high blood pressure; stems nosebleeds
and external bleeding
Digestion: improves digestion, balances
acidity
Eliminatory system: helpful for cellulitis
and fluid retention; generally cleansing and detoxifying
Hair and scalp: cleanses greasy hair
Immune system: stimulates when below par
(indicated by chronic or recurrent infections)
Musculoskeletal system: helps relieve aches
and pains
Nervous system: soothes neuralgia
Respiratory system: relieves colds, sore
throats, influenza and coughs
Skin: clears corns, warts and verrucas;
broken veins; clears skin of dead cells.
Mental/emotional conditions: Refreshing and
clarifying; good for feelings of resentment or bitterness
about life's experiences; touchiness; when grudging of
others' luck or success.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Room
fragrance. Apply direct to corns, warts and verrucas.
Blends well with: Chamomile, Eucalyptus,
Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.
MARJORAM, WOOD OR SPANISH (Thymus
mastichina; Majorana sylvestre)
Character: Gentle, comforting, warming.
Wood or Spanish Marjoram is distilled from
the small, white flowers of the herb which grows in southern
Europe and is widely used in flavouring food. The oil is
physically and mentally calming and pain-relieving, useful in
rheumatic and back pains, and in promoting the circulation.
Aroma: Warm, herbaceous, with Eucalyptus
notes.
Properties: Analgesic, antiseptic,
anti-spasmodic, calming, carminative, digestive, laxative,
restorative, sedative, tonic.
Physical conditions: Digestion: soothing,
may help with indigestion, flatulence and constipation
Eliminatory system: a decongestant
Musculoskeletal system: a muscle relaxant;
relieves aches and pains, especially when cold and stiff; for
stiffness after sport.
Nervous system: headaches, migraines,
insomnia
Respiratory system: good for bronchitis,
chest inflections, colds, sinusitis; clears head congestion.
Mental/emotional conditions: Soothing and
relaxing, good when feeling hostile or withdrawn. For those
who find it hard to display emotions. Also for mental strain,
hyperactivity, irrational thoughts.
Applications: Bath. Facial steaming.
Footbath. Inhalatiori. Massage. Room fragrance
Blends well with: Lavender, Lemon.
MINT (Mentha arvensis)
Character: Hot and cold; stimulating.
Mint is distilled from the whole herb, an
invasive herbaceous plant. There are many species, including
Peppermint and Spearmint, all of which are used widely in
medicines and in flavouring confectionery, toothpaste, etc.
In Greek mythology, Mentha was a nymph, who was pursued by
Pluto, the god of the underworld. His jealous wife trod her
into the ground, but Pluto ensured her survival by
transforming her into the herb. Mint has been used for
centuries for digestive problems; in warm climates mint tea
is commonly drunk after meals. The oil is also good for aches
and pains, and respiratory congestion. It is rich in menthol,
often used in imbrications and inhalants. While best known
for digestive and respiratory conditions, it has other lesser
known but very useful applications.
Aroma: Minty, fresh, slightly sweet,
powerful.
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative,
clarifying, cooling, detoxifying, deodorising,
pain-relieving, refreshing, stimulating, vasoconstrictor.
Physical conditions: Digestion: useful for
bad breath, colic, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, food
poisoning, gastritis, indigestion, nausea, nervous dyspepsia,
vomiting.
Eliminatory system: irritable bowel;
encourages perspiration
Musculoskeletal system: anti-inflammatory
for muscle aches and pains. Excellent for aching feet
Nervous system: pain-relieving, cases
headaches, migraines
Respiratory System: clearing for colds, flu
and sinus congestion, laryngitis
Skin: cooling for inflammation, sunburn,
irritation; can help dermatitis and ringworm. Balances greasy
skin, helps remove blackheads.
Mental/emotional conditions. For shyness
and hypersensitivity to many things; for those dominated by
strong likes and dislikes.
Other uses: Travel sickness; shock,
faintness, vertigo.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage.
Mouthwash. Room fragrance.
N>B*: Use with caution and dilute well,
as this oil is extremely powerful and could cause irritation
of skin and mucous membranes.
Blends well with: Best left alone as it
overwhelms other essences.
ORANGE (Citrus aurantia)
Character: Mellow, warming, soothing.
Orange oil is expressed from the zest of
the orange fruit; the tree originated in China and today is
grown widely in hot climates. It was probably brought to
Europe by the Crusaders; later it was taken to California by
the early missionaries. The oil is used in perfume and for
food flavouring. It works well on the emotions, lifting gloom
and depression and encouraging a hopeful outlook.
Aroma: Mellow, fruity, sweet.
Properties: Anticoagulant, antidepressant,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, detoxifying,
digestive, sedative, tonic.
Physical conditions: Digestion: calms
nervous stomach, dyspepsia, gastric spasm; also helpful for
both constipation and diarrhoea
Eliminatory system: helps sweat out toxins
from skin
Musculoskeletal system: stimulates body
tissue repair, relieves muscular aches and pains
Nervous system: a balancing oil, calming
and relaxing as needed; can help insomnia
Respiratory system: good for bronchitis,
colds
Skin: good for ageing, dry skin, and
dermatitis.
Mental/emotional conditions: Very good for
depression, hopelessness, sadness, and lack of joy; energises
when apathetic, resigned and unable to make necessary
changes. Good during periods of hard work.
Other uses: Aids absorption of Vitamin C;
brings down temperature; energises.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion.
Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
N.B. Dilute well as high dosage may
irritate skin or cause photosensitivity.
Blends well with: Rosemary, Ylang Ylang.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Character: Vigorous, penetrating,
stimulating.
Rosemary is distilled from the needle-like
leaves of the evergreen bush, which is also a popular kitchen
herb. Originating in Asia, rosemary now grows in Europe,
particularly the south, and is cultivated for oil in France
and Tunisia. Its Latin name Rosmarinus means 'sea-dew'.
Rosemary was sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans who used
it in incense and as a symbol of regeneration; in
14th-century Europe it was believed to have rejuvenating
powers and was an ingredient of Hungary Water, a very popular
toilet water. Rosemary oil is known as a blood and lymph
stimulant; since it stimulates the local blood supply it is
excellent for aches and pains. It has also long been valued
as a brain stimulant; the ancient Romans wore rosemary sprigs
behind the car to aid concentration and memory. It has also
been used with some success to treat baldness and failing
hair; while it may not affect all cases, it is certainly
worth trying.
Aroma: Strong, woody, camphoraccous,
refreshing.
Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant,
anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent,
carminative, Cleansing, clearing, digestive, diuretic,
invigorating, stimulating, tonic.
Physical conditions: Circulation: boosts
circulation, heart tonic and stimulant, normalises low blood
pressure. Relieves chilblains and chilliness
Digestion: stimulates digestive process
Eliminatory system: boosts liver and kidney
function; good for constipation, cystitis - and hangovers
Hormonal system: may relieve menstrual pain
and fluid retention
Hair and scalp: excellent tonic, may be
helpful for baldness andfalling hair; good for dandruff and
oily scalp
Musculoskeletal system: very useful for
aches, pains, sprains, muscle fatigue, and rheumatism
Nervous system: clears headaches, mental
fatigue, migraine; stimulates brain and memory
Skin: good for oily skin; boosts
circulation.
Mental/emotional conditions: Clearing and
stimulating for feelings of disorientation, indecision and
lethargy' feelings of inadequacy; feeling overwhelmed by
responsibilities.
Applications:* Bath. Face oil/lotion.
Facial steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation.
Massage. Room fragrance.
*N.B. Use with caution if suffering from
high blood pressure, hypertension, and/or insomnia, or
epilepsy.
Blends well with: Cedar wood, Frankincense,
Geranium, Juniper, Orange, Tangerine.
ROSEWOOD, (Aniba parvijlora)
Character: Soft sweetness with body,
balancing.
Rosewood, or Bois de Rose is distilled from
the wood of a South American tree. Its main uses are
psychological; it has a balancing effect, uplifting when
lethargic and overburdened, soothing anxiety, irritability
and inner tension. It is believed to be beneficial to mature
skin as a cell stimulant and tissue regenerator and can be
helpful with problems of ageing.
Aroma: Floral with spicy undertones.
Properties: Antiseptic, antidepressant,
aphrodisiac, balancing, calming, deodorant, grounding,
regenerative, stabilising, stimulating, uplifting.
Physical conditions: Digestion: nausea with
anxiety
Eliminatory system: deodorant
Hormonal system: may be helpful for loss of
libido, frigidity, impotence
Immune system: boosts body's defence
system: helpful for chronic complaints
Nervous system: balancing and stabilising;
neurotonic; sedative; may relieve headaches accompanied by
nausea
Respiratory system: good for throat
infections
Skin: cell and tissue stimulant,
rejuvenating for dry skin, and ageing skin pigmentation.
Relieves insect bites.
Mental/emotional conditions: Good for rigid
attitudes, when over-critical of others, lacking empathy,
unyielding to others or to circumstances; for inner tension
and rigidity.
Other uses: Aphrodisiac. Insect repellent.
Applications: Face oil/lotion. Footbath.
Massage. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Cedar wood, Frankincense,
Geranium, Rosemary, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang.
SANDALWOOD (Santalum album)
Character: Persistent, sensuous.
Sandalwood, or Bois de Santal is distilled
from the heartwood of an evergreen Indian tree which is
parasitic on other trees. Sandalwood has been popular for
centuries in furniture and casket making, as well as incense,
and was used to build Indian temples. The ancient Egyptians
used Sandalwood oil in embalming and medicines. It is valued
as incense today in India, China and Japan. In India it has
strong spiritual connotations, being burned at weddings and
funerals; it is also used medicinally for genito-urinary
problems. Believed to encourage self-expression, Sandalwood
is very helpful for laryngitis and sore throats. it is
exceptionally long-lasting, and is used as a fixative in
perfumes.
Aroma: Warm, rich, sweet, woody.
Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic,
aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, diuretic, healing,
regenerative, relaxing, soothing, tonic.
Physical conditions: Eliminatory system:
alleviates cystitis; lymphatic decongestant
Hormonal system: a sensual stimulant, it
can be helpful with sexual problems
Immune system: boosts immune deficiency,
characterised by persistent infections
Nervous system: very relaxing for nervous
tension
Respiratory system: useful for laryngitis,
chest, throat and lung infections, bronchi tic and dry cough
Skin: good for ageing, dry skins; relieves
itching, inflammation and dry eczema. Antiseptic for acne,
boils cuts and wounds.
Mental/emotional conditions: Balancing for
people who are possessive and manipulative, who like their
own way; for difficulty in forgiving; for those who do things
for others but fear a lack of return. Helpful with
obsessional attitudes, worry about past and future, feeling
unsupported. Brings peace and acceptance. May be helpful for
sexual anxiety.
Other uses: An aid to meditation, and
spiritual development, associated with the 'third eye' and
development of intuition.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Inhalation. Massage. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Cypress, Frankincense,
Lavender, Lemon, Ylang Ylang.
TANGERINE OR MANDARIN (Citrus
reticulata)
Character: Refined, soft, cheerful,
uplifting, sweet
Tangerine or Mandarin oil is expressed from
the zest of the citrus fruit, which originated in China and
is now cultivated in other warm climates, including the USA
and Sicily. Tangerine and Mandarin trees come from the same
botanical source. Tangerine oil is a yellow-gold colour, with
a light-blue fluorescence in the best quality oils (quality
depends on the time of the Harvest). Like many oils,
Tangerine can be both relaxing and tonic, according to needs.
Its medicinal properties are similar to those of Orange.
Aroma: Sweet, fruity, tangy.
Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic,
cheering, sedative, soothing, stomachic, tonic, unwinding,
uplifting.
Physical conditions: Cardiovascular system:
calms excitation and cardiovascular crethisr which often goes
with indigestion.
Circulation: tonifies the peripheral
circulation in the extremities; revives tired and aching
limbs.
Digestion: a digestive tonic, good for
gastric complaints including constipation, diarrhoea and
flatulence,; stimulates bile excretion, thereby activating
the stomach and liver
Nervous system: sedative, hypnotic; soothes
and relaxes; good for insomnia
Skin: a useful skin tonic, encouraging
circulation.
Mental/emotional conditions: Good for
dejection, depression, emotional emptiness; regrets for
ageing and loss of the past; feeling watered down.
Other uses: Cheering and uplifting; popular
as a room fragrance in hospices.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion.
Footbath. Massage. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Chamomile, Clary Sage,
Geranium, Lavender Lemon.
TEA TREE (Melalcuca alternifolia)
Character: Vigorous, revitalising,
regenerating.
Tea Tree oil is distilled from the leaves
and branches of the Tea Tree, a small tree belonging to the
myrtle family, and a native of the marshland of New South
Wales. It acquired its name when Captain Cook's sailors used
it to brew up a substitute for tea. Tea Tree oil is a
powerful antiseptic and fungicide and boosts the depleted
immune system. Its wide range of medicinal uses have been
verified by research. In the 1920s and'30s, laboratory
research in Australia confirmed that it was not only a very
strong antiseptic but non-toxic and non-irritant. A report
noted that it dissolved pus, leaving infected wounds clean.
During World War 11 it was issued in army tropical first aid
kits, but the development of antibiotics led to a decline in
its use. A 1972 study showed that Tea Tree oil was effective
in many foot problems, including athlete's foot, corns,
bunions and other fungal infections. It has also been used by
practitioners to treat ringworm and thrush and more recently
it has been found helpful with Candida albicans and chronic
cystitis. It is an ideal first aid home remedy; for serious
chronic conditions readers should consult a qualified
practitioner.
Aroma: Medicinal, penetrating.
Properties: Powerful antiseptic,
anti-viral, bactericide, cleansing, detoxifying, fungicide,
insecticide, purifying, stimulating.
Physical conditions: Eliminatory system:
used to treat urinary infections, cystitis and Candida
Hair and scalp: impetigo, head lice; dry
scalp and dandruff
Immune system: activates the white blood
cells to fight infection
Respiratory system: combats infections of
the throat, lungs and ears; bad breath
Skin: very cleansing; antiseptic for acne,
boils, cuts, wounds, bites; effective with corns, warts,
verrucas; fights fungal infections (e.g. athlete's foot,
ringworm) soothes and heals irritating/itchy conditions -
chicken pox rash, psoriasis, impetigo,nappy rash, genital
itching, pruritis; treatment for mouth ulcers, and mouth/gum
infections
Mental/emotional conditions: Refreshing and
revitalising; for feelings of uncleanness; for
over-preoccupation with detail.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial
steaming. Footbath. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage.
Mouthwash. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Best used alone.
YLANG YLANG (Cananga odorata)
Character: Voluptuous, exotic, yet
reassuring.
Ylang Ylang, 'The Flower of Flowers' is
distilled from the yellow flowers of a tree growing in
Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also known as the
'perfume tree'. In the South Seas women combine the oil with
coconut oil to dress their hair, and in Indonesia the
blossoms are spread on the beds of honeymoon couples. The oil
is used in expensive perfumes. While Ylang Ylang has physical
properties, its main effects are on the emotions, and it is
known as an aphrodisiac. It is also reassuring and
confidence-building.
Aroma: Heavy, sweetly narcotic, floral.
Properties: Antidepressant, aphrodisiac,
calming, euphoric, sensual, sedative, uplifting.
Physical conditions: Circulation: calming
for tachycardia, reduces high blood pressure; regulates
adrenaline flow
Hormonal system: balances the hormones; a
uterine tonic. May help keep breasts firm. Helpful for sexual
problems.
Hair and scalp: tonic, promotes hair growth
Nervous system: has relaxing effect
Skin: balances both dry and oily skins.
Mental/emotional conditions: Calms anger,
fear, frustration, irritability. Is believed to act on the
emotional heart centre, healing feelings of guilt, jealousy,
resentment and selfishness. Also helpful in times of change.
Applications: Bath. Face oil/lotion. Hair
oil/rinse. Massage. Room fragrance.
Blends well with: Clary Sage, Geranium,
Lavender, Lemon, Orange.