Essential Oils Information
Useful Information about Essential Oils
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| Essential Oil |
Definition, Uses & General Information |
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| Absinthe: Artemisca Absinthum |
is above all a stomach medicine, being useful for indigestion, gastric pain, and lack of appetite, as well as the related problems of heartburn and flatulence, fevers, dysentery, asthma, burns, anaemia. It is also said to be helpful for liver insufficiency by stimulating liver and gallbladder secretions, jaundice. Anthelmintic, choleretic, deodorant, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insect repellent, narcotic, stimulant (digestive), tonic. Absinthe blends well with jasmine, orange and lavender. Pure Absinthe oil is poisonous. Relatively small doses may cause nervous disorders, convulsions, insomnia, nightmares, and other symptoms. Not commonly used by Aromatherapists. |
| Anethi: Anethum Sowa |
Oil made bt steam distilation from the seeds of a plant also known as East Indian Dill. Freshh sweet herbaceous scent. |
| Angelica: |
for respiratory problems and as a tonic for digestive systems, helps coughs and colds |
| Anise or Aniseed: Pimpanella Anisum |
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactogogue, stimulant, stomachic. Effective with the digestive system. It may be used to relieve dyspepsia, colic and flatulence in individuals with gas accumulation or those suffering from nauseous migraines. A massage of the digestive area when blended with peppermint, nutmeg and carrier oil, is quite soothing. It can also be helpful when massaged onto sore muscles or joints.It is also recommended for those with heart palpitations and any breathing difficulty from upper respiratory conditions. Expectorant useful for bronchitis and spasmodic asthma. It is said to increase Qi, restoring cardiac and respiratory functions while stimulating the lungs and expelling phlegm. |
| Amber: |
a rare and highly sought after scentand a natural perfume or as a relaxing bath oil. Additionally, you may mix it with sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or your favourite vegetable oil to make your own amber massage or body oil. Amber Essence Oil is also the perfect base oil for your own essential oil blends. Enjoyed by both men and women for its sensuous nature. It also may be used as a reliever of stress or anxiety, or to calm the mind for meditation or clear thinking |
| Basil: Ocimum Basilicum |
A liquorice-like scent that is stimulating. Colourless to light yellow. For reparatory infections, treatment of mouth ulcers, stimulating, good for mental fatigue and migraines, also for wasp stings and snake bites. It is useful for its antispasmodic properties which is beneficial to the respiratory system and can aid in relieving sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, or whooping cough. It is also beneficial for all types of fevers.. It is best if used for conditions when there is fatigue, cold and/or depression present. Basil is also useful for digestive disorders such as vomiting, gastric spasms, nausea, dyspepsia and hiccups. Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, sudorific, immune stimulant. Restorative, tonic, antidepressant, refreshing, uplifting, fortifying, purifying, clearing, warming, cephalic, and stupefying (in excess).Its active principles include methyl-chavicol, linalol, cineol, eugenol, pinene and camphor. Basil also makes a good massage oil for tired, overworked muscles and is often used by athletes, dancers, and others involved in strenuous physical activities. The chavicol version of basil is somewhat of an irritant, especially to the skin, and can be be stupifying in large doses. Use in moderation and avoid use over a long-period of time. Avoid during pregnancy or with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer. |
| Benzoin: Styrax Benzoin |
contains vanillin which gives it a creamy aroma. Soothing and comforting. Add to massage oil for penetrating/warming winter rub. A useful protection against roughened skin, especially for those who work outdoors. May need warming. |
| Bergamot: |
for fevers, tension, wounds, stress, anti-depressant, ingredient in Earl Grey Tea. Hot compress treatment of boils |
| Birch: |
treatment RSI, cellulite, inflamed tendons (tenosynovitis), Has a cortisone-like action and is beneficial for bone, muscle and joint discomfort. It has been helpful in decreasing pain from arthritis, tendonitis, and rheumatism. |
| Birch Bud: |
diuretic, blood-cleanser and skin treatment, dermatitis boils and ulcers |
| Black Pepper: |
for muscular pain, analgesic, digestive stimulant, warming |
| Cardamon (or Cardamom): |
digestive aid, used in India as aphrodisiac |
| Cajeput: |
inhalation for colds and reparatory infections |
| Carrot Seed: Daucus Carota |
Wood-earthy, herbaceous scent that is slightly spicy-sweet, dry and warm. Carminative, cytophylactic, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant, anathematic, antiseptic, tonic, vasodilatory, smooth muscle relaxant. An excellent blood purifier due to its detoxifying effect on the liver. Used to treat jaundice and hepatitis, and is reputed to increase red blood corpuscles. Traditionally, it has been used to boost the general action of all organs, including the kidney and gallbladder. May be helpful for anaemia, accumulation of toxins, arthritis, gout, oedema, rheumatism, colic, anorexia, indigestion and liver congestion. It may also assist in glandular problems and PMS or hormonal imbalances.Clearing effect on the mind and can help relieve feelings of stress and exhaustion. In skin care it can improve the complexion due to its stimulating effect on red blood cells and add tone and elasticity as well. It is useful for weeping sores, ulcers, vitiligo, pruritis, boils, carbuncles, eczema, and psoriasis. |
| Cananga: Cananga Odorata |
another name for Ylang Ylang |
| Cassia: Cinnamomum Cassia |
A slender evergreen native to Southeast China as well as Vietnam and India. Also know as Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia has a long history of traditional use. Today, the warm, spicy aroma of Cassia Oil is popular in aromatherapy and is often a component of potpourri. This essential oil is steam-distilled and 100% pure.Not for topical use. Do not use during pregnancy. Reported to be the Natural Lipase Inhibitor for Losing Weight Safely and Effectively. Stomachic, carminative, mildly astringent, said to be emmenagogue and capable of decreasing the secretion of milk. The tincture is useful in uterine haemorrhage and menorrhagia, the doses of 1 drachm being given every 5, 10 or 20 minutes as required. It is chiefly used to assist and flavour other drugs, being helpful in diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and to relieve flatulence. Not widely used by UK Aromatherapists. |
| Cederwood, Virginian |
acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, insect repellent, vaginal infections, stress, men's toiletries |
| Celery |
for depression especially associated with rheumatoid arthritis, gout. God for liver and digestive system or an an emmenagogue (helps irregular menstruation) |
| Celery Seed: Apium graveolens |
China, Hungary, India, Netherlands, USA. Yellowish to greenish brown liquid with a pleasant aromatic odour.he seeds are used in steam distillation to produce the oil.
Uses: amenorrhea, arthritis, dyspepsia, flatulence, gout, indigestion, jaundice, liver congestion, rheumatism. |
| Cempaka: tropical magnolia |
an oil used mainly in Indonesia for stress relief |
| Chamomile German |
Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhoea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds. |
| Chamomile Roman |
Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhoea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds. |
| Cinnamon |
Warming good for poor circulation, aches and pains and following illness. Can be a skin irritant and great care must be used especially with old people |
| Cornmint |
another name for Peppermint oil |
| Coriander: Coriandrum Sativum |
This oil, as shown in research to lower glucose levels by normalizing insulin levels and supporting pancreas function. It also has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. |
| Clary Sage |
for depression, nerves, sore throats. Normally used instead of Sage. |
| Clove |
toothache, asthma, nervous tension, sedative |
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