Essential Oils are highly concentrated distilled plant essences. They are very aromatic, and have a wide variety of applications. They are sometimes used medicinally for treating specific ailments. In addition to treating physical conditions, these oils can effect us mentally and emotionally as well. As Phyllis Balch points out in Prescription for Herbal Healing,
"The inhalation of certain essential oils has been associated with the release of brain chemicals that stimulate various emotions. For example, lavender oil has the ability to evoke and increase the release of serotonin, thus producing a calming effect on the body."
Some Common Essential Oils & Their Properties
BERGAMOT
Balancing. Used to lift depression.
CEDARWOOD
Antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, sedative. Used to balance the function of sweat glands, ease bronchial problems and to control mold & mildew.
CHAMOMILE
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. Used for headaches, in warm baths, added to hair rinses, and in massage oils.
CLARY SAGE
Popular antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac. Used in skin and hair products and to counter insomnia. (Avoid in early months of pregnancy.)
CYPRESS
Astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic. Used to repell fleas, reduce coughing, and for excessive perspiration.
EUCALYPTUS
Antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, disinfectant, expectorant. Has a balancing, normalizing effect. Used to reduce fever, ease sore muscles, repel insects, treatbites and stings.
GERANIUM
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative, expectorant. Used for bronchitis, cleansing and purifying the environment, promotes cell regeneration.
HYSSOP
Antiseptic, tonic. Used for cleansing and detoxifying, stimulating respiratory system, and clearing congestion from lungs. (Avoid if you have any type of seizure disorder.)
JASMINE
Antidepressant, antiseptic, and sedative. Used for anxiety, emotional imbalance, frigidity and impotence. Good for the skin and scalp.
JUNIPER
Antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, and internal cleanser. Used to rid the system of toxins and parasites, reduce spasms, and cellulite. (Not for use during pregnancy. or if you have kidney problems.)
LAVENDER
Antiseptic. Used to calm and normalize the body, improve immune system, fight bacteria and fungal infection, ease depression, and reduce inflammation. Also useful in treating acne, burns, eczema, sleep disorders, and stress.
PATCHOULI
Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antifungal. A popular scent used in personal fragrances and bath & body products.
PEPPERMINT
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, mental stimulant. Used to treat headaches, congestion, fatigue, fever, indigestion, sore muscles, sinus and stomach problems. Popular in bath and oral care products.
PINE
Antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, restorative and stimulant.
ROSE
Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, mild sedative. Used for female complaints, impotence, insomnia, and nervous tension. Popular in skin care products.
ROSEMARY
Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent. Used for cellulite, enhancing circulation, dandruff, hair loss, memory problems, headache, and muscle soreness.
ROSEWOOD
Antiseptic, regenerative. Used for anxiety, cellular regeneration, depression, headaches, nausea, PMS, and tension.
SANDALWOOD
Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac. Used for bronchitis, nervousness, dry skin, and for soothing the mind.
THYME
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant. Added to bath for a calming effect, and to ease congestion.
YARROW
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. Used to lower blood pressure and improve digestion. Has similar functions as chamomile.
YLANG YLANG
Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative. Used to lift mood, ease anxiety, normalize heartbeat, and lower blood pressure.
Buying Essential Oils
When purchasing essential oils, make certain they are 100% pure botanical extracts, not chemical reproductions. Pure essential oils are extracted directly from various parts of certain plants. Oils are obtained in a variety of ways, including distillation, solvent extraction, expressing,carbon dioxide extraction, and enfleurage, where an odorless oil is used to extract essential oilsfrom flower petals.
What makes an essential oil therapeutic grade?
Buy in Small Quantities
Oils will deteriorate in partially filled bottles.
Read Labels
Make sure the label says "pure essential oil". I get my essential oils at
MountainRoseHerbs.com
Suggested Dillution Ratios
BATHS
Add 8 - 10 drops to a warm bath.
BODY LOTION
Add 25 drops to 8 oz. of unscented lotion.
CARPET FRESHENER
Add 25 drops of essential oil to 16 oz. water.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANING
Add 25 drops of essential oil to 2 gallons of water.
FACIAL OIL
Add 10 drops essential oil to 1 oz. of jojoba oil.
SHAMPOO
Add 10-12 drops to 16 oz of unscented shampoo.
HAIR CONDITIONER
Add several drops to a 6 oz bottle of conditioner.
HAIR RINSE
Add 10 drops to 2 cups of water.
PERFUME
Add 10-12 drops to 1/2 oz of jojoba oil.
MASSAGE OIL
Add 25 drops to 2 oz of your favorite massage oil - almond, apricot, grape seed, jojoba or olive oil.