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diseldriver · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 31 Location: LA;-USA

Aromatherapy, Essential Oils & Herbology

Common Oils & Uses

Bergamot
(Citrus bergamia)

Properties:
A powerful antiseptic, diuretic, antitoxic, deodorant and insecticide.

Usage:
Massage or compress Skin complaints (acne or oily skin), cellulite, chest infections and sore throats. It can relieve the pain associated with shingles and chickenpox and can be used as an insect repellent.
Added to bathwater or vaporiser/burner Alleviates feelings of anxiety, depression or irritability and eases cystitis, urethritis.

Caution:
Bergamot is phototoxic, so it shouldn't be used on the skin before being exposed to sunlight unless it's the rectified form (bergamot FCF), which has had the phototoxic ingredients removed. Never use undiluted on the skin as this can result in discolouration and a skin rash.

Cedarwood, Virginian
(Juniperus virginiana)

Properties:
The two types of cedarwood (Atlas and Virginian) are antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, sedative (to nervous system) and tonic (to circulatory system).

Usage:
Massage, added to bathwater or a vaporiser/burner, steam inhalation Eczema, oily skin and acne, coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, cystitis, stress and tension. Hair tonic Hair loss and dandruff. In a burner Insect repellent, particularly useful for moths.

Caution:
Not to be used during pregnancy. Virginian cedarwood can cause skin irritation and should never be used undiluted.

Chamomile, Roman
(Anthemis nobilis)

Properties:
The sweeter scent of Roman chamomile is often preferred over the slightly bitter, seaweedy odour of German chamomile. Their actions are similar but not identical. Both are antibacterial, sedative, digestive and analgesic; German chamomile has a more anti-inflammatory action.

Usage:
Diluted and applied to skin Healing infected wounds, cuts, burns, rashes, insect bites, boils and abscesses.
Massage Into the abdomen to relieve menstrual cramps, digestive problems and cystitis, into the temples and wrists to ease headaches and migraine, into the muscles and joints for aches and pain, into the skin to relieve dryness and fluid retention and into the gums for toothache. Compress Easing eye strain, conjunctivitis and skin irritation. Added to bathwater Easing restlessness and insomnia.

Caution:
Don't use during the first three months of pregnancy. A small percentage of people experience skin irritation; sensitive individuals should do a skin patch test first.

Clary sage
(Salvia sclarea)

Properties:
Antidepressant and soothing, which makes it ideal in treating stress-related disorders and depression. Also antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, deodorant, digestive and an aphrodisiac.

Usage:
Massage, added to bathwater, or a vaporiser/burner Digestive problems (dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, and ulcers), menstrual (such as scanty periods) or menopausal problems, asthma, throat infections, migraine, whooping cough, acne, boils and wrinkles and can lower blood pressure. Diluted oil massaged into the scalp Hair loss, dandruff and oily scalp. Compress Muscular aches and pain and skin complaints. In a burner As an aphrodisiac it may be helpful for frigidity and impotence problems.

Caution:
Avoid during pregnancy and use with caution if taking HRT or the contraceptive pill. Avoid combining with alcohol as it can exaggerate its effects, and don't use before driving as it induces drowsiness.

Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus)

Properties:
Decongestant, antiseptic, detoxifying and a circulatory stimulant.

Usage:
Steam inhalation two to three times a day or added to a carrier oil and rubbed into the chest, or few drops on a handkerchief Sore throats, coughs, chest infections, such as bronchitis, asthma and in clearing the catarrh of colds, flu and sinus infections. Compress For burns and healing cuts and other wounds. Diluted and applied to skin Blisters, such as those associated with herpes, shingles and chickenpox, muscular pains and stiffness, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, athlete's foot, nervous headaches, neuralgia and cystitis. It can be used as an insect repellent and can also help in treating insect bites and head lice.

Caution:
May cause skin irritation. Only use diluted and not for more than a few days at a time. Don't use on babies or young children. Not advisable in early pregnancy or if you have high blood pressure. Toxic if taken internally. Don't use in conjunction with homeopathic remedies.

Frankincense
(Boswellia carterii)

Properties:
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, calming, digestive, diuretic, sedative and tonic.

Usage:
Added to bathwater, or a vaporiser/burner, as a steam inhalation or a few drops on a handkerchief Easing respiratory problems such as asthma, catarrh, coughs and colds, chest infections, sore throats and to relieve anxiety and promote deep sleep. It's also used for cystitis, haemorrhoids, irregular or heavy periods, ulcers and nosebleeds.
Diluted and applied to skin Smoothing wrinkles, rejuvenating ageing skin and helping wound healing.

Caution:
Best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy. Toxic if used internally. Dilute well.

Geranium
(Pelargonium graveolens)

Properties:
A mild sedative, so can be useful in treating emotional and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, mood swings and general apathy. Also anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic and is commonly used as a skincare oil.

Usage:
Diluted and applied to skin Congested pores, oily complexions, acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, nappy rash, blisters and wound healing. It can also be used to discourage mosquitoes, head lice and the spread of ringworm. In massage, added to bathwater and in a vaporiser/burner Easing PMS (especially fluid retention and swollen breasts) and menopausal symptoms (especially hot flushes), postnatal depression, cellulite, poor circulation, cystitis, arthritis, sore throats, bruises, broken capillaries and haemorrhoids.

Caution:
May irritate very sensitive skin. Shouldn't be used in the first three months of pregnancy and not at all if there's a history of miscarriage.

Ginger
(Zingiber officinalis)

Properties:
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, stimulant, relaxant, detoxifying and a digestive tonic.

Usage:
In a vaporiser/burner Winter ailments such as colds, sore throats, sinusitis, runny noses and irritating coughs. It can relieve appetite loss in convalescence, digestive ailments, nausea, morning sickness and travel sickness. It's also thought to stimulate memory and have aphrodisiac properties. Added to hot water A warming footbath to improve circulation. Massage Eases muscular aches, joint pains, back pain, cramps and cellulite.

Caution:
May irritate sensitive skin and mildly phototoxic. Always dilute well.

Jasmine
(Jasminum officinale)

Properties:
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, tonic and expectorant. Also a powerful natural antidepressant and can produce feelings of optimism and euphoria.

Usage:
In a vaporiser or added to bathwater Easing catarrh, coughs and sore throats and relieving menstrual problems, uterine disorders, muscular spasms and sprains. Also lifts apathy, restores confidence, reduces stress and is an aphrodisiac. Diluted and applied to skin Dry, irritated, sensitive or inflamed skin.

Caution:
May cause skin irritation and gives some people a headache. Should also be avoided during pregnancy.

NB:
Because pure jasmine oil (jasmine absolute) is very expensive, many over-the-counter jasmine oils are diluted with carrier oils. For the pure oil, it's best to order direct from an essential oil supplier.

Juniper
(Juniperus communis)

Properties:
Detoxifiying, antiseptic, antirheumatic, tonic and an aphrodisiac.

Usage:
Massage or added to bathwater or a footbath Improving circulation and relieving fluid retention, cellulite, varicose veins and haemorrhoids, muscle and joint aches and pains, menstrual problems, cystitis, indigestion, flatulence and diarrhoea, skin and hair conditions such as acne, eczema, oily skin, blackheads, greasy hair, dandruff and hair loss. In a vaporiser/burner It helps to reduce anxiety, relieve insomnia, lower blood pressure and ease colds and flu.

Caution:
Not to be used during pregnancy or by people with kidney disease. Dilute well as may cause skin irritation.

NB:
The best quality juniper oil is distilled from fresh, new berries. Many poorer quality and cheaper oils are extracted from juniper wood or needles, or from berries fermented during gin making, and are adulterated with turpentine.

Lavender(Lavandula officinalis)

Properties:
Relaxant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antidepressant, decongestant, detoxifying, diuretic and restorative. One of the most popular oils with a multitude of uses.

Usage:
Added to bathwater Soothing tension and headaches, relieving stress and lifting depression. In a vaporiser/burner Nervous system disorders, such as anxiety and insomnia and also shock, vertigo, hypertension and migraine. One to two drops of the neat, or diluted, oil rubbed into the skin or applied as a compress Acne, boils, sores, spots, psoriasis, bruises, burns (including sunburn), dermatitis, eczema, athlete's foot, ringworm, scabies, insect bites and stings. It can also be used as insect repellent. Massage (diluted in a carrier oil) Easing digestive symptoms such as colic, flatulence, abdominal cramps and indigestion, menstrual pain, cystitis, aches and pains, and stimulating circulation. A few drops added to shampoo Treating dandruff and warding off head lice. Steam inhalation Easing coughs, colds and congestion.

Caution:
May cause skin irritation through repeated use, especially if used undiluted or in highly concentrated form. Avoid in early pregnancy if there's a history of miscarriage. Those who suffer with hay fever or asthma may be allergic.

NB:
There's more than one type of lavender oil. Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) has a more stimulating scent and is most effective for respiratory problems.

Lemon(Citrus limon)

Properties:
Restorative, relaxant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antihistamine and antidepressant.

Usage:
Added to bathwater Refreshing and stimulating.
Drops on a handkerchief Improving memory and aiding concentration.
Massage Easing headaches, migraine and vertigo, lifting depression, soothing the digestive system and relieving menstrual cramps and urinary pain. Neat (just one or two drops), mixed with a carrier oil or made into a compress Insect bites and stings, eczema, cold sores, shingles and boils. As an antiseptic gargle Relieving sore throats.

Caution:
Don't use before going in the sun. For sensitive skin, dilute well and don't use for more than a few days at a time. Use within six months of purchase as it's more likely to cause skin irritation once it has oxidised.

Myrrh
(Commiphora myrrha)

Properties:
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and stimulant.

Usage:
A few drops added to a carrier oil and gently massaged into the affected area or added to warm water and used to bathe the wound or rinse around the mouth Healing wounds, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, ringworm, athlete's foot and thrush (oral and vaginal). Added to bathwater or a vaporiser Relieving respiratory disorders (such as bronchitis) and catarrh, stimulating the digestive system and appetite, easing diarrhoea and flatulence, balancing menstrual function and relieving stress. Massage Improves circulation, eases arthritis, muscle and joint aches and pains. It can be used in skin care for oily or aging skin.

Caution:
Not to be used during pregnancy. Don't use in high concentrations or internally.

Neroli
(Citrus aurantium)

Properties:
A form of bitter orange which is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic and antifungal, as well as a stimulant and tonic.

Usage:
Massage, added to bathwater or a vaporiser Depression and stress-related disorders. Skin problems such as acne, eczema, greasy skin, excessive perspiration, scars and stretch marks or for rejuvenating mature skin. Eases digestive problems such as colic, colitis and flatulence, and helps to relieve PMS, menopausal problems, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other stomach upsets, palpitations, high blood pressure and insomnia.

Caution:
The distilled oil can occasionally cause skin irritation and be phototoxic.

diseldriver · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 31 Location: LA;-USA

Quick Guide To Essential Oils.

The Best Oils To Pick For Your Vaporizer (oil burner)

To Energise.......... Bergamot
Black Pepper
Lemon
Peppermint
Rosemary

To Relax................Lavender
Mandarin
Sweet Marjoram
Melissa
Neroli

For Tension............Geranium
Juniper Berry
Marjoram
Rose
Sandalwood

For Headaches........Chamomile
Lavender
Marjoram
Neroli
Rosemary

For Antiseptic...........Benzoin
Eucalyptus
Juniper Berry
Tee Tree
Thyme

Sensual...................Cedarwood
Lavender
Patchouli
Rose
Ylang Ylang

DONT FORGET....dilute oils with water when using them in your burner....add between 3 and 5 drops to a burner fairly full of water.

partoflancs · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject: Essential Oils

Just as a footnote to this excellent post (A~Z of Essential Oils)
Clary Sage is an excellent oil for a burner while meditating, especially when mixed with May Chang which harminised the body and mind.
If you decide to use Essential Oils for massages remember to ALWAYS dilute them with a Carrier Oil first.

Hope this helps.
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