Popular Oils

Allspice-Leaf Oil

The allspice, or pimento, tree is indigenous to Mexico and the West Indies. A relative of the Clove tree, it reaches a height of about 40 feet and bears tiny white flowers that produce small berries, which are dried and used as a spice. The name allspice refers to the fact that the berries’ warm flavor is reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Like the berries, the essential oil extracted from the leaves of the allspice tree smells mildly spicy. It has a powerful and stimulating effect on both the body and the mind. Allspice-Leaf Oil warms the body and promotes circulation when it is added to massage oils and baths, helping to relieve pain from muscle cramps and strains. Inhaling the oil has a beneficial effect on respiratory-tract infections, as it can alleviate coughing and thin mucus. In addition, using it as a massage oil can ease cramps. The warm, spicy scent of Allspice-Leaf Oil can lift the spirits and help in overcoming fatigue and listlessness.

For Mild Depression

The stimulating, harmonizing effect of Allspice-Leaf Oil can help to ease mild depression, especially when it is blended with soothing Lavender and Bergamot Oils. Try this blend in an aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Allspice-Leaf Oil

2 drops Bergamot Oil

2 drops Rosewood Oil

1 drop Lavender Oil

Therapeutic Effect: The caryophyllene, eugenol-methyl ether, eugenol, and phellandrene in Allspice-Leaf Oil stimulate circulation and have a warming, relaxing effect in cases of physical and mental fatigue. The oil also helps to relieve stomachaches and intestinal colic. In addition, the strengthening effect of Allspice-Leaf Oil may support recovery from contagious illnesses.

For a Good Night’s Sleep: A bath containing Allspice-Leaf Oil can have a relaxing, balancing effect and can help promote a restful sleep. Mix 2 drops each of Allspice-Leaf and Clary Sage Oils and 3 drops Lavender Oil with 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil. Blend well; add to your bathwater.

For Firmer Skin: Lotion containing Allspice-Leaf Oil can help nourish the skin and protect it from dryness. It also has a firming effect. Mix 3 drops of Allspice-Leaf Oil in 2 ounces of lotion. Caution: Do not use as a facial lotion.

For Coughing: An inhalation of Allspice-Leaf Oil can suppress coughing and speed recovery from colds. Mix 2 drops each of Allspice-Leaf, Frankincense, and Roman Chamomile Oils. Add them to a big bowl of steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors.

To Relax Muscle Tension: Mix 2 drops each of Allspice-Leaf and Juniper Oils, 3 drops of Rosemary Oil, and 1 drop of Cinnamon Oil in 4 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Gently rub it into sore muscles.

Extra Tip: A compress with Allspice-Leaf Oil can ease headaches. Mix 2 drops in ½ gallon of cool water. Dip a cloth in it and put the cloth on your forehead.

Take Care! Be sure to dilute Allspice-Leaf Oil thoroughly and use it only in very small amounts, because large doses of the oil can lead to irritation of both your skin and your mucous membranes. Avoid using Allspice-Leaf Oil around your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Applications

• Allspice-Leaf Oil can be effective for alleviating mild toothache pain. Mix 1 drop of the oil in 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar and blend it into a glass of warm water. Use it to rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any of the liquid. Note: Always consult your dentist immediately about any kind of tooth pain.

• A bath with Allspice-Leaf Oil can help to improve your circulation when you have a bad cold. Mix 2 tablespoons of milk and 3 drops each of Allspice-Leaf Oil, Thyme, Lemon, and Rosemary Oils. Fill your tub with warm water and add the mixture to the bathwater. Bathe for 20 minutes, and then rinse off under a lukewarm shower. This bath can help you feel stronger and hasten your recovery while preventing further infection.

• To help relieve cramps and gas pains, mix 2 drops of Allspice-Leaf Oil and 3 drops of Lavender Oil in 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Blend the mixture thoroughly and rub on your abdomen.

• Allspice-Leaf Oil possesses mild disinfectant properties and can be used to help clean the home and your clothes. Blend 3 drops each of Allspice-Leaf, Lemon, and Pine Oils in 1 gallon of water and mix thoroughly. Use it to mop your floors or clean the kitchen. You can also add it to the water in your washing machine.

Angelica Oil

The elegant plant known as Angelica archangelica was named for its famed habit of blooming on the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel. A tall, stately, and expansive plant, Angelica is considered one of the most potent herbs in the botanical world—a panacea for all ills. Similarly, the herb’s essential oil seems to impart rejuvenation and strength to everyone who uses it. Extracted from either the fresh roots or the seeds, Angelica Oil is obtained from one of two different methods: steam distillation or solvent extraction. Both are available, but it’s best to use the distilled oil for medicinal purposes. In addition, the root oil is more readily available and stronger than the seed oil. However, regardless of which type you use, Angelica Oil boosts blood circulation and eases respiratory ailments, including coughs, congestion, and colds; soothes digestive complaints, such as stomachaches, poor appetite, cramps, and indigestion; and promotes sweating to relieve fevers. On an emotional level, its balsamic musky aroma lifts the spirits, eases anxiety, and promotes relaxation.

For Renewed Vitality

Angelica Oil’s fragrance has a stimulating effect that can promote emotional stamina and inspire new strength for daily living. Scent any room in the house by evaporating the following mixture in your aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Angelica

2 drops Basil

1 drop Ginger

Therapeutic Effect: Angelica Oil contains lactones, acids, borneol, coumarins, and terpens, such as pinene. These components give the oil its strengthening effect on the body and mind. The oil can also stimulate the immune system and protect the body against infection. In addition, it relieves menstrual and intestinal cramps and alleviates indigestion, bloating, and gas. Because it loosens mucus and quiets coughs, the oil helps relieve symptoms commonly associated with colds, flu, and bronchitis.

For Headaches: The relaxing, soothing effect of Angelica Oil gently relieves headaches caused by mental overextension. Blend 1 drop of Angelica Oil with 20 drops of Sweet Almond or Olive Oil. Massage the mixture onto your forehead and temples.

For Colds: Inhalations with Angelica Oil relieve respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, colds, flu, and congestion. The oil also loosens mucus and promotes expectoration, which helps to alleviate stubborn coughs.

For Insomnia: Angelica Oil’s aromatic scent has a very beneficial effect on sleep. Place 1–2 drops on the pillow to ease insomnia and promote a restorative sleep.

For Fevers: Added to a bath, Angelica Oil can promote sweating, which helps reduce fevers as well as speeds the removal of toxins and wastes from the body.

For Flu Prevention: Angelica Oil boosts immunity and can help prevent viruses, including flu. Blend a few drops of the oil in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and bend over the bowl, inhaling the vapors.

For Motion Sickness: For anxiety and nausea while traveling, dab a drop of oil onto a handkerchief or carry it in a vial to inhale the scent.

Extra Tip: Add a few drops of the oil to a humidifier or an aromatherapy lamp. It helps restore vitality and stamina after an illness.

Applications

• For intestinal cramps, bloating, and gas, take a sitz bath with Angelica Oil to soothe and relax the digestive tract. Add 1 drop of Angelica Oil and 2 drops of Fennel Oil to a half-full bath and soak for 20 minutes. Rest for at least 30 minutes afterward with a hot-water bottle on your abdomen.

• Massages with Angelica Oil can alleviate joint and muscle pain from arthritis and rheumatism. Combine 2 drops of Angelica Oil, 5 drops of Rosemary Oil, and 2 drops of Juniper Oil with 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend into affected areas using a gentle circular motion.

• Angelica Oil loosens mucus and calms coughs due to respiratory ailments, including bronchitis. Add 2 drops of the oil to a pot of boiling water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the vapors.

• To alleviate menstrual cramps, mix 3 drops of Angelica Oil in 1 ounce of Olive Oil. Massage the blend into your lower abdomen using gentle circular motions. You can also rub the mixture on your chest to ease coughs, or on the upper abdomen for intestinal cramps.

Take Care! The components of Angelica Oil can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. Don’t use the oil before going out in the sunlight because pigment spots can form. Angelica Oil may also irritate the skin, so only its diluted form is suitable for use. In addition, because excessive amounts of Angelica Oil may overstimulate the nervous system, use the oil only in very small amounts.

Anise Oil

The Anise plant, native to the Near East, is now grown in warm regions throughout the world. The grayish, brown seeds of Pimpinella anisum were highly prized in Ancient Greece as a natural digestive aid. Known for their ability to reduce bloating and flatulence, the seeds effectively address nervous-stomach ailments that are accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Also of note is the plant’s ability to sweeten bad breath. Anise Oil, obtained from the seeds, can be used to settle the stomach as well. In addition, the oil can have a regulating effect on the entire digestive tract—especially in cases of colic and diarrhea. The oil is also appreciated for its ability to relieve headaches and menstrual cramps, but it may irritate the skin unless it is first diluted. An inhalation prepared form Anise Oil can provide relief from colds and bronchitis. With its pungent scent—which is similar to that of licorice—Anise Oil is useful in reducing mental fatigue and improving concentration.

For Brightening Your Mood

The scent of Anise Oil has an uplifting effect and can lend a pleasant atmosphere to any room. Try this blend in your aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Anise

2 drops Mandarin Orange

2 drops Petitgrain

Therapeutic Effect: Anisic acid, anisic ketone, anethole, and acetaldehyde, the key components of Anise Oil, are responsible for its antispasmodic, expectorant, and digestive properties. The oil is effective in countering menstrual cramps and migraine headaches, and it can be effective in alleviating colic, nervous-stomach ailments, and bad breath. In addition, Anise Oil is beneficial for addressing coughs and other respiratory illness.

For Menstrual Cramps: A soothing bath with Anise Oil can alleviate pain in the back and lower abdomen during menstruation. Add 2 drops of Anise Oil and 3 drops of Clary Sage Oil to your bathwater. Soak for about 20 minutes.

For Migraines: The antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties of Anise Oil can help relieve migraines. Mix 2 drops of Anise Oil with 1 teaspoon of base oil. Rub the blend into your forehead and the nape of your neck; then rest for a while. If you prefer, you can apply 2 drops of undiluted Anise Oil to your hair. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.

For Fresher Breath: Anise Oil inhibits the growth of bacteria, thereby helping to prevent bad breath and gum inflammation. To freshen your breath, add 1 drop of Anise Oil to ½ cup of warm water. Mix well. Swish the wash in your mouth, spit it out, and then rinse with plain water. Caution: Anise oil may cause oral irritation. If this happens, discontinue use.

For Detoxifying: Anise Oil can gently detoxify your body. Mix 2 drops each of Anise, Juniper, and Cypress Oils with 1 cup of fine-ground sea salt; then scrub your damp body with the mixture before taking a bath or shower.

Extra Tip: Inhaling Anise Oil can provide gentle relief from cold symptoms and allow you to breathe more freely. Add 2 drops each of Anise, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint Oils to a pan of simmering water.

Applications

• The fresh, mildly pungent scent of Anise Oil is helpful in cases of nausea and vomiting. To make a compress, add 2 drops of Anise Oil to a bowl of hot water, Dip a small towel or washcloth in the water, wring it out gently, and apply to the stomach. If desired, you may add 1 drop of Ginger or Peppermint Oil to the water.

• For colicky pain that occurs suddenly, a massage-oil blend can bring relief. Mix 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil and 2 drops each of Anise Oil and Fennel Oil. Rub the oil onto your abdomen, using gentle circular motions. This will help relieve the cramps. Afterward, apply a hot-water bottle to enhance the effect. Regular inhalations with Anise Oil can be effective in relieving chronic bronchitis as well as other respiratory conditions. Add 2 drops of Anise Oil and 1 drop of Roman Chamomile Oil to 1 quart of water in a bowl. Put a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and deeply inhale the vapors for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this every day until all of your symptoms have been relieved.

Take Care! It is not recommended to apply undiluted Anise Oil directly to the skin, since it may cause irritation or other allergic reactions. Be sure to mix the oil well with other ingredients before using, and wash your hands thoroughly after use. Anise Oil should also not be used for an extended period of time or if you are pregnant.

Basil Oil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a native herb of Africa and Asia that is cultivated in North and South America, Europe, and the Mediterranean. The name comes from the Greek word basilokos, meaning “royal,” and indeed, Basil was once a very important ingredient in the oil used to anoint kings. Basil was also a sacred plant to the Hindu gods Krishna and Vishnu, and was widely applied in India’s traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Through steam distillation, the herb’s oil is extracted, then used in many medicinal preparations. When inhaled, the oil relieves coughs, emphysema, asthma attacks, bronchitis, congestion, and colds. The oil is effective in treating nausea, indigestion, constipation, and gas, as well. Basil Oil is also valued as a tonic to reduce stress, tension, and mental fatigue. Further, the stimulating effects and spicy aroma of this oil help to clear the head, alleviate a headache, sharpen the senses, enhance concentration, and even revive someone from a fainting spell. Since Basil Oil also aids circulation, it can stimulate menstrual flow and ease discomfort, too.

To Reduce Lethargy

Possessing both sedating and stimulating medicinal effects, Basil Oil blends very well with Bergamot Oil and Lemon Oil. When the mixture is heated in an aromatherapy lamp, it is an ideal way to lighten the mood, fight mental fatigue, ward off nervous tension, and build self-confidence. Try this blend for an extra lift at the end of a stressful day.

4 drops Basil

2 drops Bergamot

2 drops Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: The main chemical components of Basil Oil are phenol methylchavicol, estragole, linalool, cineol, caryphyllene, ocimene, pinene, eugenol, and camphor. Basil Oil is an antiseptic for hard-to-heal wounds and inflammations. Its antispasmodic properties help ease indigestion, tension, and muscle pain. When inhaled, the spicy freshness brings relief to respiratory ailments.

For Relaxation: A soothing blend of 4 drops each of Basil Oil and Lemon Balm Oil in your aromatherapy lamp calms and relaxes the entire body and may even lower your blood pressure. It also helps to relieve nervous tension and to ensure a deep, restorative sleep.

For Menstrual Pain: A nice warm bath with 2 drops each of Basil and Juniper Oils stimulates menstrual flow to ease pain at the start of your period.

For Cold Feet: The properties of Basil Oil help stimulate the circulatory system. To make an effective remedy for cold extremities, combine 3 drops each of Basil and Ginger Oils in 2 gallons of warm water. By regularly soaking your feet in this mixture, you can help prevent unpleasant foot perspiration and odor.

For Colds: To protect your immune system by reducing bacterial growth in the body, place 3 drops each of Basil and Peppermint Oils and 5 drops of Eucalyptus Oil in an aromatherapy lamp.

As an Insect Repellent: When it’s placed in an aromatherapy lamp, Basil Oil can be quite effective in warding off insects. Combine 3 drops each of Basil, Cinnamon, and Clove Oils.

Extra Tip: Used regularly, a hair tonic of 2 ounces of Witch Hazel and 3 drops each of Basil and Rosemary Oils promotes circulation of the scalp, adds luster to hair, and reduces hair loss.

Applications

• Compresses with Basil Oil help treat slow-healing wounds: Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water, 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar, 1 drop of Basil Oil, and 2 drops of Lavender Oil. Soak gauze in the mixture, and place it on the wound. Cover the gauze with a bandage for the night. Change the compress as needed.

• For a headache, the spicy aroma of Basil Oil both refreshes and eases tension. Place 2 drops of Basil Oil in a handkerchief and deeply inhale the aroma. Be sure to avoid direct contact with the mouth and nose.

• A bad cold diminishes the sense of smell. The invigorating and strengthening properties of Basil Oil help to rebuild irritated mucous membranes. Vaporize 2 to 3 drops on an aromatherapy lamp. Do not use more than 2 hours a day since overstimulation dulls the nerves that transmit the sense of smell.

• For gastrointestinal cramps caused by indigestion: Mix 1 drop of Basil Oil into 1 tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil. Then massage your upper abdomen with this soothing mixture, using a gentle circular motion in a clockwise direction.

• An abdominal massage with 3 drops Basil Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 ounces of either Evening Primrose Oil or Sweet Almond Oil eases menstrual discomfort and cramps.

Take Care! It’s best not to use Basil Oil during pregnancy, as it induces menstruation. People who have seizure disorders should avoid the oil as well. Because Basil Oil can irritate skin, be careful not to use it undiluted. To test your skin’s sensitivity to the oil, place a drop on the inside of your forearm. While aromatherapists have used the oil for centuries, a component of Basil, estragole, has been investigated for carcinogenic effects. Consult your health provider before using.

Bay Laurel Oil

The bay laurel, a tree native to the Mediterranean, can reach a height of thirty feet. Its fragrant, smooth, leathery dark-green leaves have been treasured for many centuries, both as a culinary seasoning and as a medicinal herb. The leaves also symbolized honor and wisdom to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Now, the leaves are valued as a seasoning in marinades, sauces, stews, and fish. In addition, Bay Laurel leaves are treasured for their ability to alleviate a variety of health problems. The leaves’ medicinal properties are due to the essential oil, which is extracted through a process of steam distillation. When applied externally, the oil’s pain-relieving effects make it wonderful for treating muscle cramps, rheumatism, arthritis, and sprains. It also promotes sweating and urination, which can help eliminate wastes. Use this oil in moderation, however, since it has a mild narcotic effect and is very strong, even in the tiniest amounts; be sure to dilute first.

For a Sense of Peace

The warm scent of Bay Laurel Oil, which resembles that of Cinnamon, helps to relax the mind and body. The fragrance clears your mind, eliminating stress and anxiety. To create a sense of peace, warmth, and security, add this oil blend to an aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Bay Laurel

2 drops Cedarwood

2 drops Sweet-Orange

Therapeutic Effect: The components phellandrene, pinene, terpineol, and cineole account for Bay Laurel Oil’s soothing and relaxing properties. The oil alleviates pain and is very effective for treating bruises sprains and arthritic and rheumatic pain, when added to massage oils, baths, and compresses. Bay Laurel Oil also has an antispasmodic effect on colicky diarrhea.

For a Warming, Calming Bath: Bay Laurel’s warm, slightly sweet scent helps to impart a sense of calmness and stability to your mind and body. Add 2 drops of the essential oil to a tub full of warm bathwater.

For Bronchitis: The scent of Bay Laurel Oil can help to thin the mucus in the bronchial tubes, while also easing coughs. A steam inhalation is the best way to do this. Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of Bay Laurel Oil to it. Inhale the vapors.

To Ease Headaches: Since Bay Laurel Oil possesses gentle anesthetic and pain-relieving properties, it can alleviate headaches and migraines. Add 3 drops of Bay Laurel Oil to a bowl of cool water. Dip a small towel or cloth in it. Wring out the excess liquid and place the cloth on your forehead. If necessary, repeat after about 5 minutes.

To Promote Hair Growth: A shampoo containing a few drops of Bay Laurel Oil helps to stimulate circulation in the scalp. When used regularly, it promotes healthy, strong hair growth and adds shine. Add 2 drops of Bay Laurel Oil to 8 ounces of a mild and neutral-scented shampoo and shake it thoroughly. Be sure to keep it away from your eyes.

Extra Tip: To customize a Bay Laurel Oil blend, try experimenting with Rose, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary and Eucalyptus Oils. All of these oils mix easily and effectively with Bay Laurel Oil.

Applications

• Massage oil with some Bay Laurel Oil added to it can help to alleviate pain from bruises, muscle cramps, and sprains. Mix 6 drops of Bay Laurel Oil and 4 drops each of Juniper and Rosemary Oils with 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond or Avocado Oil. Mix it thoroughly and rub the blend into the affected areas several times each day.

• Compresses and wraps with Bay Laurel Oil help heal bruises and swelling. Mix 4 cups of cold water, 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar, and 4 drops of Bay Laurel Oil. Dip a clean towel in the liquid, wring out the excess, and apply the towel to the affected area. If you wish, apply a bandage over it to hold it in place.

• Bay Laurel Oil can help alleviate rheumatic and menstrual pain when added to your bathwater. Blend 3 tablespoons of milk, 4 drops of Bay Laurel Oil, 3 drops of Clary Sage Oil, and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile Oil. Add the mixture to a tub of warm bathwater.

• To relieve abdominal cramps, blend 2 drops of Bay Laurel Oil and 2 drops of Peppermint Oil in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Use it to massage your abdomen.

Take Care! Bay Laurel Oil is one of the strongest oils used in aromatherapy. It should never be used by women who are pregnant, since it may cause spotting. The oil should also not be taken internally. In addition, Bay Laurel Oil can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Be sure to always dilute the oil well and use it in very small amounts.

Black Pepper Oil

Native to Asia, Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) thrives best in shady, forested locations. Its dried berries, known as peppercorns, have multiple uses. In the past, they were of notable value as a trading commodity. Black Pepper Oil is obtained from the berries and features a mildly pungent scent. Up to half a ton of peppercorns must be processed by steam distillation to produce 1 quart of Black Pepper Oil. The oil is useful for warming the body and promoting circulation, as well as for alleviating muscle pain and tension. When used as a bath or massage oil, it provides relief from chronic rheumatic ailments. Black Pepper Oil also strengthens the entire digestive tract and alleviates bloating and colic by regulating activity in the large intestine while inducing a mild laxative effect. The oil’s intense aroma invigorates the whole body and is effective for people who feel listless.

For Renewed Energy

The scent of Black Pepper Oil can have stimulating effects on people who experience mental and physical fatigue. Combining the following oils in an aromatherapy lamp will activate your body and mind, promote concentration, and enhance your performance.

3 drops Black Pepper

2 drops Cypress

2 drops Juniper

2 drops Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: The components of black pepper oil, including piperine, phellandrene, pinene, citral, and caryophyllene, have potent stimulating properties. Baths and massages with the oil warm the muscles and alleviate tension. The oil helps intestinal colic and stomach pain as well. It supports digestion and increases intestinal muscle activity.

For Aiding Digestion: To aid digestion after a meal, mix 2 drops each of Black Pepper Oil with 4 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Gently rub the mixture onto your abdomen.

For Detoxifying: Adding Black Pepper Oil to a warm bath helps stimulate sweat production and thereby increases the effectiveness of a detoxifying effect. The bath also increases kidney activity, promoting the excretion of additional toxins. Add 3 drops each of Black Pepper and Juniper Oils to your bath.

For Bruises: To decrease the swelling from a bruise, mix 2 tablespoons of Avocado Oil with 2 drops each of Black Pepper and Helichrysum Oils. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and apply it to the bruise twice daily.

For Nausea: With its pungent scent, Black Pepper Oil can help to relieve queasiness and nausea quickly with no side effects. Apply a few drops of oil, as needed, to a handkerchief, and then inhale the scent deeply.

For a Fever: Black Pepper Oil can reduce a fever when mixed with cool water. It is also used to prepare a calf wrap. Dissolve 2 drops of Black Pepper Oil in about ½ teaspoon vodka. Add the mixture to a bowl of cool water, soak two bandages in it, and then loosely wrap each calf. Keep the wraps in place for about 20 minutes.

Extra Tip: White Pepper Oil is similar in scent to Black Pepper Oil, though it’s less pungent. Their effects are similar, too, but the latter is more readily available.

Take Care! Always exercise caution when using Black Pepper Oil, because overuse may result in kidney damage. The oil is toxic when taken internally. It should always be thoroughly diluted prior to external use, since it can be irritating to the skin. In general, it is best to use Black Pepper Oil sparingly.

Applications

• For muscle pain: A massage with highly diluted Black Pepper Oil can improve circulation and warm tissues, thus alleviating muscle pain and tension. To make massage oil, mix 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil, 5 drops of Lavender Oil, and 3 drops of Black Pepper Oil. Gently apply the blend to the affected areas and massage it into your skin.

• For rheumatic ailments: Warm baths with Black Pepper Oil can be beneficial in alleviating pain and joint stiffness associated with rheumatism. Blend 2 tablespoons of an unscented cream, 2 drops of Black Pepper Oil and 3 drops each of Rosemary and Hyssop Oil. (You can substitute Frankincense Oil for the Hyssop Oil.) Add the mix to your bathwater and then soak for 20 minutes. After drying off, cover up warmly and rest for at least two hours. Caution: If you are suffering from acute inflammation, with symptoms such as redness, soreness and very painful areas, you should not use this remedy, as it can exacerbate your symptoms.

• Before exercise: Black Pepper Oil’s stimulating effect can help prevent muscle pain as well as cramps. Massage your entire body with 3 tablespoons of Sunflower Oil, 5 drops each of Black Pepper Oil and Rosemary Oil, and 4 drops of Orange Oil.

Cajuput Oil

A member of the family Myrtaceae, the Cajuput tree is native to Australia, Malaysia, India, and the Spice Islands. The aromatic tree can grow to a height of 130 feet and bears pale green oval leaves and clusters of small white flowers on long spikes. It is cultivated for its lumber and essential oil. Cajuput Oil, extracted by a process of steam distillation from the tree’s leaves and twigs, has long been valued for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can help to treat upper-respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, asthma, laryngitis, colds, and flu. The oil also eases arthritis, rheumatism, and such nervous-stomach complaints as cramps and gas. In addition, Cajuput Oil can alleviate neuralgia, neuritis, toothaches, bleeding gums, and symptoms caused by urinary-tract infections. Furthermore, the oil possesses many antiseptic qualities and may relieve skin blemishes, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. On an emotional level, Cajuput Oil’s fresh and eucalyptus-like fragrance can invigorate the senses, helping to clear the mind and banish fatigue and poor concentration.

To Clear the Air

Cajuput Oil’s slightly pungent, woodsy, herbal scent quickly purifies and freshens stale air. Try the following blend in your aromatherapy lamp to help deodorize musty rooms:

4 drops Cajuput

2 drops Lime

2 drops Bergamot

Therapeutic Effect: Cineol, pinene, valeric acid, limonene, and terpenes give the oil its antiseptic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic effects. Cajuput Oil strengthens the body and mind in cases of physical and mental exhaustion. It also eases intestinal complaints, promotes expectoration, and relieves joint and nerve pain.

For Skin Conditions: Cajuput Oil helps clarify and cleanse the skin in cases of psoriasis and neurodermatitis. It soothes itching and speeds the healing of scaly patches. Add 2 drops each of Cajuput and Frankincense Oils to 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Stir into warm bathwater.

For Nausea: To help alleviate nausea, put 1 drop of Cajeput Oil onto a handkerchief. Hold the cloth away from your nose in order to avoid skin contact. Deeply inhale the aroma and repeat as needed.

For Laryngitis: To soothe a sore throat and relieve laryngitis, mix 1 drop each of Cajuput and Tea Tree Oils, and 1 teaspoon vodka in 4 ounces of water. Gargle with the solution 3 to 4 times a day until the symptoms have completely subsided.

For Bladder Inflammations: Sitz baths with Cajuput Oil can relieve bladder inflammations and urinary-tract infections. Mix 2 drops each of Cajuput, Myrtle, and Thyme Oils and 1 drop of Lemon Oil with ½ cup heavy cream. Blend well and add it to a half-full bath. Soak for about 20 minutes, then rest in bed for an hour.

For Bleeding Gums: For toothaches and bleeding gums, mix 2 drops of Cajuput Oil with 1 cup of warm water. Use the solution to rinse your mouth several times a day. Spit out this rinse completely, as with all mouth washes.

Extra Tip: For an invigorating pick-me-up, add 3 drops of Cajuput Oil to a bowl of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl; inhale the vapors.

Take Care! As with all essential oils, Cajuput Oil should not be used internally. It is also unsuitable for pregnant women. When applying Cajuput Oil externally, do a test patch first to check skin for sensitivity. It is important to dilute the oil before using it too.

Applications

• Make a chest rub with Cajuput Oil to help alleviate respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis and asthma. Mix 5 drops of Cajuput Oil, 3 drops each of Thyme and Frankincense Oils, and 2 drops of Lemon Oil with 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil, petroleum jelly, or lotion. Apply to your chest and upper back several times daily.

• Cajuput Oil can help relieve pain due to arthritis. Blend 4 drops of the oil with 2 tablespoons of Sunflower Oil. Gently massage the oil into the painful joints. However, if the area is inflamed, you may want to try a compress (below).

• Cajuput Oil has a soothing and antispasmodic effect that can help alleviate nervous-stomach complaints, including diarrhea, gas, and abdominal cramps. Mix 2 drops of Cajeput Oil and 1 drop of Peppermint Oil with 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Use the blend to massage your stomach in a clockwise motion.

• For joint inflammation, make a cool compress with Cajuput Oil instead of massage oil. Blend 3 drops of the oil in a large bowl of cool water. Dip a cloth in the mix and apply to the affected areas, as needed.

Calamus Oil

The Calamus plant, which belongs to the family Araceae, is native to the areas of Southeast Asia. Also called sweet flag, it was introduced to Europe and North America hundreds of years ago; now it grows wild along bodies of standing water. Essential oil of Calamus, obtained from the root via steam distillation, stimulates the appetite and helps relieve gastrointestinal ailments. Due to its antibacterial properties, the oil is also used in gargles. (Similarly, people in India chew pieces of Calamus Root as a remedy for toothaches and to cleanse the mucous membranes of the mouth.) The oil also promotes blood flow through the tissues and stabilizes circulation. Thus, it can provide the body with lasting warmth, prevent muscle tension and cramps, and alleviate rheumatic aches and joint pain. Finally, the oil’s fresh, mildly pungent aroma can be beneficial in relieving exhaustion. Caution: Calamus Oil can irritate the skin, so be careful when using it.

Aromatic Strengthening

The fresh aroma of Calamus Oil has a revitalizing effect on the body and the mood. Try this blend in an aromatherapy lamp to help get you on your feet again in times of stress and emotional strain.

2 drops Calamus

2 drops Basil

2 drops Clary Sage

Therapeutic Effect: The active ingredient in Calamus Oil is asarone, which has a stimulating effect. The oil also contains asaryl aldehyde, camphene, and limonene. It strengthens the body, stimulates the appetite and has an antispasmodic effect in cases of colic and stomach pain. The oil also relieves gas and acts as a mild laxative. Its sweat-inducing and diuretic effects help remove wastes from the body.

For Exhaustion: Blend 2 drops each of Calamus, Lemon, and Rosemary Oils in a bowl of steaming water and use as a steam facial. This combination can help to relieve fatigue and poor concentration.

For Self-Care: A bath with Calamus Oil warms and strengthens your entire body. It also increases your immunity to infectious illnesses and protects against hypothermia during wet, cold weather. Add 2 drops each of Calamus, Eucalyptus, and Lavender Oils to your bath.

Massage for Varicose Veins: A daily massage with diluted Calamus Oil relieves pressure in the legs and can help prevent varicose and spider veins. Mix 2 drops each of Calamus, Rose, and Cypress Oils with 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil.

For Low Blood Pressure: A shower gel with Calamus Oil can stimulate blood flow in your skin. Alternating with warm and cool showers will further stimulate your blood pressure. Add 2 drops each of Calamus, Juniper, and Rosemary Oils to 4 ounces of unscented gel and then mix them well.

For Dental Care: Toothpaste containing Calamus Oil invigorates the gums and protects against bleeding and periodontal disease. Such toothpaste can be found in stores that carry natural cosmetics.

Extra Tip: Obtain Calamus Oil from a reliable source that can guarantee its authenticity.

Applications

• Massages with Calamus Oil can relieve cramps and pain in the lower abdomen. Mix 1 drop of Calamus Oil with 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil and massage the blend into your abdomen, using circular motions. Hold a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel against your abdomen and rest in bed for 30 minutes.

• A bath additive consisting of 2 tablespoons of Wheat Germ Oil, 1 drop of Calamus, and 2 drops of Ginger Oil promotes circulation and provides relief from chronic rheumatic pain. After bathing, it’s best to rest for at least one hour.

• Calamus Oil promotes sweating and acts as a diuretic, helping to cleanse the body. To support a fasting regimen, take a hot shower, and while still damp, rub your skin well with a blend of 3 tablespoons Olive Oil and 2 drops of Calamus Oil. Wrap yourself in a large linen towel and rest in bed for two hours, covered up warmly. Then take another shower, this time in lukewarm water, to wash away the waste products you’ve excreted through sweating.

• To help keep moths and other insects out of your clothes, blend 2 drops each of Calamus and Patchouli Oils, 10 drops of Lavender Oil, and 1 ounce of dried Lavender flowers. Place the blend in a sock, knot the end, and hang it in a closet.

Take Care! Because of its potentially carcinogenic effects if used in large quantities over an extended period of time, Calamus Oil is banned in some countries. It is also banned in fragrances which is one of its traditional uses. Like the majority of essential oils, Calamus should not be taken internally or applied undiluted to the skin. It is also not suitable for use during pregnancy.

Caraway Oil

Caraway (Carum carvi) has been used as a medicine and a spice for millennia. An aromatic member of the Umbelliferae family, it is closely related to Anise and Fennel and thus bears similar medicinal qualities. Caraway seeds have been prized as a natural digestive aid since the ancient Romans baked them into their cakes and pastries to promote proper digestion after sumptuous banquets. In fact, the therapeutic value of the seeds is derived from the presence of essential oil. The oil, extracted from the seeds by steam distillation, can help relieve digestive complaints. Caraway Oil has carminative properties that help regulate intestinal function, dispel gas, alleviate abdominal cramps, ease bloating, and boost the appetite. When used in steam inhalations, the oil promotes expectoration and alleviates congestion due to bronchitis, colds, and sinus infections. It can also be applied topically to soothe joint pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis. Cosmetically, the oil helps regulate sebum production and reduces acne, oily skin, and unsightly blemishes.

Banish Fatigue and Listlessness

The peppery, pungent scent of Caraway Oil stimulates the body’s senses and awakens new energy. To help relieve physical exhaustion, mental fatigue, and listlessness, burn the following blend in your aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Caraway

3 drops Lime

1 drop Petitgrain

Therapeutic Effect: Caraway Oil contains carvone, dihydropinol, carvol, and limonene, which have an invigorating effect on the entire body. The oil strengthens and regulates digestion, boosts the appetite, and relieves intestinal cramps, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Inhaling the oil loosens mucus and eases congestion. Applied topically, the oil helps treat acne and oily skin.

For Oily Skin: When used regularly, a cleansing lotion with a few drops of Caraway Oil can combat acne and regulate the oil production of the sebaceous glands.

For Rheumatism: Caraway Oil’s ability to warm the body and stimulate blood flow helps ease joint pain due to rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Mix a few drops with Sweet Almond Oil and rub into joints.

For Abdominal Cramps: Caraway Oil is beneficial for a variety of intestinal complaints. Add about 3 to 4 drops to a base oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil, and massage onto your abdomen with gentle, circular motions.

For Milk Production: Caraway Oil prompts milk flow and has been used as a natural nursing aid. Place 3 drops in your aromatherapy lamp; inhale before nursing.

For Respiratory Congestion: For sinus inflammations, head colds, respiratory congestion, and flu, Caraway Oil loosens mucus and fights the germs that can cause infection. Mix 3 drops of the oil in a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head, bend over the bowl and inhale the vapors with your eyes closed.

Take Care! Because Caraway Oil can irritate the skin, it should always be diluted and used only externally in very small doses. Young children and pregnant women may instead want to consider using Fennel and Anise Oils, which offer similar medicinal effects.

Applications

• For a sore throat, dilute 3 drops of Caraway Oil in ½ cup of water and gargle with it several times each day. Spit out the mixture. The oil’s antiseptic action helps fight germs, and its astringent property helps heal inflamed mucous membranes.

• Caraway Oil has an antispasmodic effect on the lower abdomen that helps ease menstrual pain. Mix 4 drops of Caraway Oil with 2 tablespoons of cream and add the mixture to a half-full bath. Soak for 20 minutes and then rest for one hour.

• For coughs and congestion, mix 1 drop each of Caraway, Lavender, and Frankincense Oils in 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend onto your chest and back to help promote expectoration.

• Try sweetening bad breath with Caraway Oil. Add 1 drop of oil to 2 tablespoons baking soda and blend well. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and brush your teeth as usual. Spit out the mixture and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

• For nausea, put a few drops of Caraway Oil onto a clean cloth. Inhale, keeping the folded cloth from touching your skin.

• Prepare a household cleaning solution with 2 to 3 drops of the oil mixed in 1 gallon of water and some liquid Castile soap. The oil has disinfectant, antibacterial properties and helps get rid of bathroom and kitchen germs.

Cedarwood Oil

Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is an evergreen native to Africa that is cultivated in Asia and can grow up to 130 feet. It has needle-like leaves and, if left undisturbed, can live as long as 2,000 years. Cedarwood was one of the first fragrant plants used by the Egyptians as an ingredient for cosmetics, perfumes, and the mummification process. In addition, Native Americans burn Cedar for purification. Today, Cedarwood Oil is used in cosmetics, fragrances, and household products. The oil is extracted from the sawdust and wood of cedar trees and has a scent that is deep, sweet, and camphor-like. Cedarwood Oil is known for its calming quality and numerous healing properties. An antiseptic and astringent, it relieves skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, oily skin, and acne, as well as upper-respiratory infections. Its aroma helps to promote spirituality, balance, and a sense of tranquility.

For Sensuality

Cedarwood Oil is believed to heighten the senses and relax the body. People have long relied on the oil to create an atmosphere of romance and sensuality and to enhance sexual desire: in fact, the oil is a renowned aphrodisiac. To use, place 5 to10 drops in an aromatherapy lamp in your bedroom, add it to a warm candlelit bath or apply it to clothing. You can add one or more of these aphrodisiac oils as well: Jasmine, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Rose, Neroli, and Ylang-Ylang.

Therapeutic Effect: Cedarwood contains alantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, and cadinene. It has astringent, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, which make it useful in treating infections and skin conditions. As a diuretic, it helps to relieve urinary-tract infections. As a sedative, it can also relieve anxiety and nervous tension.

For Emotional Balance: Cedarwood helps to alleviate anxiety, stress, and tension. It also improves mental clarity and concentration and assists meditation. Blend 6 drops of Cedarwood and 2 drops each of Geranium and Lemon Oils in 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Use the blend to massage the neck and shoulders.

For Body Care: Cedarwood, an astringent and antiseptic, is a common ingredient in many body-care lotions and creams. Add 2–4 drops of Cedarwood Oil to 1 tablespoon of your favorite lotion and massage it into the skin. It will help tighten your pores and even out your skin tone.

For Muscle Pain: Cedarwood Oil has a cooling effect that can help to relax your sore, tight muscles and lessen pain. Fill a bath with warm water, add 4–6 drops of Cedarwood Oil, and soak for 20–30 minutes.

For Congestion: For coughs, upper-respiratory congestion, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis, Cedarwood Oil’s expectorant effect opens the sinuses, thins mucus, relieves congestion, combats infection, and eases difficult breathing. Add 7 drops of Cedarwood Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 drops of Juniper Oil to 1 ounce of Sweet Almond or Olive Oil and blend well. Gently massage this mixture into your chest and upper body.

Extra Tip: Cedarwood Oil is a moth deterrent. Add a few drops to a cloth, and store it in your linen closet.

Take Care! High doses of Cedarwood Oil added to body oils, bath oils, or facial treatments may irritate the skin. Stop using the oil immediately if your skin shows signs of irritation. Note: Since this oil can stimulate menses, don’t use it if you are pregnant.

Applications

• Cedarwood Oil’s calming effect eases tension and anxiety that may cause insomnia and helps to promote a deep, restorative sleep. Before bed, fill a bath with warm water, and add 3 drops of Cedarwood Oil and 3 drops of Ylang-Ylang and Rosemary Oils. Soak for 15–20 minutes.

• Cedarwood Oil relieves many skin conditions. Add 3 drops of Cedarwood Oil and 2 drops of Lavender Oil to ¼ cup of warm water. Soak a soft washcloth in the water, wring it out, and then apply it to the affected areas. Be careful to avoid the eyes. When the cloth cools, soak it again in warm water, and reapply.

• To help relieve dandruff, control oily hair, improve hair condition, and stimulate the scalp and hair follicles, combine 2 drops of Cedarwood, 1 drop of Cypress, and 2 drops of Rosemary Oils in 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp for three minutes. Leave it on the hair for 20 minutes; then shampoo. Repeat weekly.

• To keep insects out of the home, use 3–5 drops of Cedarwood Oil in an aromatherapy lamp or in a spray bottle for misting.

• Make a traditional fragrance to enhance meditation. Mix 2–3 drops each of Cypress, Juniper, Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Cedar Oils, and add to your aromatherapy lamp.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon, one of the most commonly used spices in the world today, has been an essential ingredient in both Indian and Arabic cooking for centuries. Cinnamon’s familiar aroma continues to warm kitchens throughout the world. The spice was first used medicinally in ancient Egypt; we now know it has antiviral properties due to its volatile oil, which is extracted from both the bark and leaves of the cinnamon plant. These oils emit a sweet scent that aromatherapists believe can provide warmth and a sense of security. The bark oil is quite potent and can irritate the skin; oil from the leaves is more delicate, but it, too, may irritate. Each has its own set of uses. Oil from the bark is appropriate for a diffuser; its aroma is thought to arouse the senses. Used topically as a beauty aid, Cinnamon Leaf Oil is astringent, antiseptic, and soothingly warm. The warmth also soothes aching muscles due to cold symptoms. Avoid skin irritation by diluting either oil before use.

Gentle Strength for When You Feel Fragile

The aroma of Cinnamon Oil can calm your anxieties and strengthen self-confidence. A few drops of the following blend in an aromatherapy lamp has a soothing effect on the spirit, strengthens the heart, and may bring comfort in times of painful loss.

Therapeutic Effect: The primary components of Cinnamon Oil are eugenic acid and cinnamic aldehyde. These constituents are highly antiseptic and have a warming, stimulating effect on both the body and the mind. They may help alleviate pain from muscular, bone, and joint problems, including arthritis.

For Head Lice: To repel head lice, add a few drops of Cinnamon Oil to 1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil. Rub the mixture into your scalp daily until the parasites are gone. Be extremely careful to avoid your eyes.

For Strengthening Nerves: When you’re feeling tense or overexcited from the stresses of life, the sweet, spicy aroma of Cinnamon Oil offers peace and composure. The scent of cinnamon in a simmer pot or diffuser acts as a gentle tonic without side effects.

As a Custom Perfume: For an antiseptic perfume, a single drop of Cinnamon Leaf Oil may be added to 2 ounces of vodka for a warm, spicy base. Other essential oils like Lavender, Bergamot, or Ylang-Ylang could be added—up to 10 drops total—to create your own personal scent. Spray your hair (using caution to avoid your eyes) or on your clothes. If you add Bergamot Oil, do not spritz your skin, as it’s phototoxic. Add Jasmine Oil for a rich scent; Vanilla Oil will lend an exotic edge.

To Combat Chills: A warm bath with Cinnamon Leaf, Ginger, and Juniper Oils may dispel the chills that can accompany colds. The bath stimulates circulation and warms the entire body. Add 1 drop of each of the oils to your bathwater, and be sure to mix them well.

Extra Tip: If you decide to use Cinnamon Oil topically, choose oil from the leaf and dilute it first with a fatty carrier oil, such as Olive Oil. Discontinue use if any skin irritations occur.

Applications

• Daily massages with 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil mixed with 8 drops of Cinnamon Leaf Oil, 5 drops of Orange Oil, and 4 drops of Juniper Oil stimulate blood flow and help to firm up and tone the skin. The mixture can also help you battle cellulite: Massage the oil into the skin with firm upward strokes toward the heart. In addition, this oil works well as a foot massage.

• Cinnamon Oil strengthens and firms up gums and helps prevent gum disease. Add 1 drop of Cinnamon Leaf Oil to 1 teaspoon of vodka and 2 tablespoons of water. Shake the mixture well, and swish your toothbrush in it. Brush your teeth as usual.

• In a room spray, Cinnamon Oil will refresh damp, mildewy areas. Mix 2 ounces of vodka, 3 drops of Cinnamon Oil (bark or leaf), 5 drops of Bergamot Oil, and 2 ounces of water in a spritzer; shake the bottle well, and then spray the room. You can add this mixture to a simmer pot or diffuser for the same effect.

• For a warming footbath, fill a deep tub with 2 gallons of warm water. Add 1 drop of Cinnamon Leaf Oil, 2 drops of Rosemary Oil, 1 teaspoon of vodka, and 2 drops of Juniper Oil. Mix well, and submerge your feet in the mixture for a relaxing soak.

Take Care! Cinnamon Oil should only be used sparingly for topical applications. Even when diluted, it can irritate the skin if the amount is too high. As with most volatile oils, Cinnamon Oil is always diluted first with a carrier oil. Oil extracted from the bark of the cinnamon plant is suitable only for use in a diffuser or simmer pot. Don’t use more than 3 drops, since its high potency may cause headaches. Wash your hands well after each use.

Clary Sage Oil

As an esteemed member of the Labiatae family—which also includes Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Thyme—Clary Sage is a well-loved perennial that is native to France, Italy, and Syria and is now cultivated worldwide for medicinal use. Its heart-shaped, fuzzy leaves and pale purple flowers yield a highly aromatic essential oil with both antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it has been a widely prescribed natural treatment for eczema and psoriasis, as well as for minor cuts and wounds. Clary Sage Oil is also estrogen stimulating; the oil’s ability to balance fluctuating hormones makes it a highly beneficial remedy for PMS, painful menstrual cramps, and the hot flashes associated with menopause. The oil has even been used during childbirth to minimize labor pains. In addition, Clary Sage Oil’s sweet, nutty scent is said to revitalize those who are suffering from depression, tension, stress, and fear. Herbalists also recommend the oil for inspiring creativity and awakening intuition.

To Awaken the Imagination

To spark the creative impulse or create a stimulating and inspiring atmosphere, blend Clary Sage Oil with Sandalwood and Bergamot Oils. Place the oils, along with Lemon Oil for a refreshing scent, in a diffuser or in an aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Clary Sage

3 drops Bergamot

3 drops Sandalwood

3 drops Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: Composed of such therapeutic components as linalool, sclareol, monoterpenes, and tannins, Clary Sage Oil is antispasmodic, antiseptic, and calming. When used as a massage oil—or in a bath or aromatherapy lamp—the oil can help soothe menstrual cramps, treat acne, alleviate headaches and muscle strain, promote calm and lift the lowest of spirits.

For Peace and Tranquility: A warm and aromatic bath enhanced with Clary Sage Oil will help to ease tension and encourage calm, paving the way for a good night’s rest. Mix 3–5 drops of the oil in your bathwater just before you enter the tub. Remember, too, that less is best when it comes to using essential oils; as pure concentrates, they should be used sparingly.

Facial Bath for Acne: Clary Sage Oil’s antiseptic and anti-infectious effects are said to work together to effectively treat acne. Add 2 drops each of Clary Sage, Geranium and Roman Chamomile Oils to a bowl of steaming water; then cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply for 2–5 minutes. Do not use if you have broken facial capillaries.

For Dry Hair and Dandruff: Clary Sage will not only help prevent dandruff but also condition dry hair, giving it a silky shine. When used as a scalp massage, it is said to encourage hair growth. Mix 4–5 drops of Clary Sage Oil with 5 drips of Lavender Oil in 2 tablespoons of shampoo.

For Labor Pains: Mix 3 drops of Clary Sage Oil and 2–3 drops each of Jasmine and Rose Otto Oils, as well as 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, for a blend to help ease labor pains. Using gentle strokes, massage your entire lower abdomen and lower back. This blend can also help to reduce the fear and stress that often accompany childbirth.

A Little Lore: Derived from the Latin clarus, for “clear,” Clary Sage was a medieval remedy for blurred vision and eyestrain.

Take Care! Clary Sage Oil has been known to create a state of euphoria in certain cases. Refrain from using Clary Sage Oil with drugs or alcohol. It can cause their effects to become exaggerated, while also intensifying intoxication and hangovers. The oil can cause drowsiness as well and severely impair the ability to drive. In addition, Clary Sage Oil should not be used if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.

Applications

• Clary Sage Oil’s warming and relaxing effects make it an excellent massage oil for stiff, sore muscles. Mix 15 drops of the essential oil with 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil, and then massage into affected muscles.

• For colds and coughs, try the following mixture: In a diffuser or aromatherapy lamp, place 6 drops of Clary Sage Oil, 3 drops of Thyme Oil and 1 drop of Eucalyptus Oil. Caution: Avoid using red-or-white Thyme Oil. Use Thyme-linalool Oil instead.

• Clary Sage Oil can lower blood pressure and is said to have a calming effect during times of stress. Place 2 drops of Clary Sage Oil and 1 drop of Ylang-Ylang Oil on a tissue and inhale to settle the mind and restore emotional equilibrium.

• For menstrual cramps, fill a bowl with steaming water and add 2 drops each of Geranium Oil, Roman Chamomile Oil, and Clary Sage Oil. Dip half of a large cloth into the water; fold the cloth and apply the warm compress to the abdomen, with the oil-soaked side away from the skin.

• Clary Sage Oil can help heal minor cuts, wounds, and burns. Make a compress (above), using 3 drops of Clary Sage Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil. Apply to the skin.

Clove Oil

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Clove tree, native to the Molucca Islands of Indonesia. The trees grow up to fifty feet tall and bear aromatic leaves and buds. They rarely flower, however, because buds are harvested as soon as they turn pink. When the buds are completely dried, these Cloves resemble small, dark brown nails; indeed, the word Clove is derived from the Latin word clavus, or nail. Cloves have been treasured for more than 2,000 years in Asian countries, as both a spice and a remedy. During China’s Han dynasty, courtiers chewed on them to help freshen their breath when speaking to the emperor. In medieval Europe, Cloves were valued for medicinal and culinary uses. Today, they are mainly used for cooking. The oil made from Cloves retains their spicy, warm, sweet scent and possesses antispasmodic, antiviral, and antiseptic effects. It is used to relieve flatulence, diarrhea, stomachaches, and toothaches. In addition, Clove Oil is very effective for killing germs and bacteria, making it useful as an ingredient in mouthwashes, toothpastes, and wound disinfectants.

A Natural Insect Repellent

Aromatic Clove Oil can ward off mosquitoes. Use this blend in an aromatherapy lamp, placing it outside to help prevent bugs from disturbing a peaceful evening:

4 drops Clove

3 drops Lavender

3 drops Lemon

3 drops Orange

Therapeutic Effect: The components eugenol, acetyleugenol, and oleanolic acid are responsible for Clove Oil’s mildly anesthetic properties, which can alleviate pain from toothaches and gum inflammations. It is also effective for disinfecting canker sores and wounds and can help treat intestinal ailments that result in diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach pain.

For a Relaxing Scent: Clove Oil can lend a warm and pleasant note to natural perfumes. It harmonizes with Citronella, Orange, Grapefruit, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon Oils.

Following Childbirth: The strengthening effect of Clove Oil may help to tone the uterus following delivery. Mix 1 drop each of Clove and Cinnamon Oils and 3 drops of Orange Oil into your bathwater. Soak for about 15 minutes, once a week.

For Muscle Cramps: A massage oil that contains Clove Oil can ease muscle pain and cramps, as it stimulates circulation. Mix 3 drops each of Clove, Juniper, and Rosemary Oils with 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage it into sore muscles as needed.

For Toothache Pain: Clove Oil is very effective for alleviating toothache pain. Mix 1 drop each of Clove and Myrrh Oils and 1 teaspoon vodka. Put the mixture on a cotton ball and use it to gently swab the gums that surround the painful tooth.

For Disinfecting Wounds: Clove Oil is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. To make a Clove tincture for wounds, mix 2 drops of Clove Oil and 2 ounces of vodka in a glass bottle. Shake and apply as needed. Caution: Never put undiluted Clove Oil on your skin, as it may cause irritation.

Extra Tip: To ward off bugs and insects while you are outside, thoroughly mix 3 drops of Clove Oil in a bottle of suntan lotion and apply it to exposed skin several times a day.

Applications

• A mouthwash with Clove Oil in it can help to disinfect your gums and mouth. Mix 2 drops of Clove Oil in 4 ounces of vodka. You can also add a pinch of Cinnamon if you wish. Dilute 1 teaspoon of the blend in ½ cup warm water and use it to rinse out your mouth.

• Clove Oil’s strengthening effect and its ability to relieve coughs can help soothe inflamed and irritated bronchial tubes. People with asthma can also benefit from it. An inhalation of Clove Oil is easy to make: Mix 2 drops each of Clove and Eucalyptus Oils and 1 drop of Peppermint Oil in a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head and the bowl. Take deep breaths of the vapors for a few minutes.

• The relaxing, mildly anesthetic effect of Clove Oil can alleviate tension headaches. Add 2 drops of Clove Oil to a bowl of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid, wring out the excess, and place the cloth on your neck for 5 minutes to ease the headache.

• Clove Oil helps ease abdominal discomfort from cramps and diarrhea. Mix 1 drop each of Clove, Cypress, and Peppermint Oils in 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil. Use this blend to massage your abdomen whenever you have pain or cramping.

Take Care! There are three different types of Clove Oil: Clove-Bud Oil, Clove-Stem Oil, and Clove-Leaf Oil. But only use Clove-Bud Oil, which has the lowest eugenol content and is the safest. Clove-Stem and Clove-Leaf Oils are too strong. Use Clove Oil sparingly and only when diluted because it may irritate skin. Also, avoid Clove Oil if you are pregnant, since it can trigger contractions.

Cypress Oil

A prominent feature of the Mediterranean landscape, the slender evergreen cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens) can live up to 2,000 years. As a medicinal plant, cypress is of particular significance due to its ability to constrict blood vessels. Medicinal salves with Cypress Oil have been in use since ancient times as a way of staunching wounds. The oil’s astringent properties facilitate the flow of lymph in cases of tissue edemas, particularly in the legs. This helps prevent waste products from being deposited in the connective tissue and can protect against cellulite as well as varicose veins. As an aromatherapy inhalation, Cypress Oil has a dilating effect on the bronchial tubes and can be quite useful in alleviating ailments of the respiratory tract, including asthma, bronchitis, spasmodic coughing, and symptoms that are associated with hay fever. Its aromatic scent clears the mind, strengthens the nerves, and has a comforting effect during times of stress. Cypress Oil can be diluted and applied to the body in a variety of ways, including massage oils, shower gels, and sitz baths.

For Promoting Concentration

The fresh scent of Cypress Oil soothes and strengthens the nerves, thereby helping you keep a cool head in stressful situations. When added to an aromatherapy lamp, this blend has a balancing effect that can improve your ability to focus your attention.

3 drops Cypress

2 drops Bergamot

2 drops Rosemary

Therapeutic Effect: The main component of Cypress Oil includes sabinol, cymene, sylvestrene, camphene, and pinene. Due to its astringent properties, the oil can be beneficial in rubs and baths, which help remove waste products, eliminate blockages in the tissues, strengthen the veins, and clear up oily, large-pored skin.

To Refresh and Invigorate: A shower gel with Cypress Oil can be both deodorizing and refreshing. The oil stimulates blood flow in the tissues and stabilizes circulation. Combine 5 drops of Cypress Oil, 3 drops of Rosemary Oil, and 2 drops of Juniper Oil, and add the mixture to 4 ounces of an unscented shower gel or liquid castile soap.

For Wounds: An ointment made with Cypress Oil can help heal wounds, due to its antibacterial effect. Combine 5 drops of Cypress Oil, 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil, and 2 drops of Lavender Oil with 1 ounce of ointment base or aloe vera gel.

For Repelling Insects: Cypress Oil acts as an insect repellent and protects clothing from moths. Many stores carry untreated wooden balls that you can scent with a few drops of oil. Or add a couple of drops of Cypress Oil to a cotton ball, put it into a sock, and place in a storage trunk or a drawer.

For Relieving “Heavy” Legs: If your legs are tired, carefully rub them with highly diluted Cypress Oil (mix 5 drops into 2 ounces of Avocado Oil). The rub eases the reabsorption of lymphatic fluid into the tissues. It will also help the venous blood to flow back out of the overtaxed vessels.

Extra Tip: Cypress Oil can be useful in treating people who experience extreme mood swings and tend to have an excessive flood of thoughts. The oil helps restore equilibrium to their emotions.

Applications

• A sitz bath with Cypress Oil can help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, including itching. Mix 4 drops of Cypress Oil with 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil and 1 tablespoon of milk; add the mixture to a half-filled bathtub. Sit in the tub for about 20 minutes; then cover up warmly and rest in bed.

• Since Cypress Oil has the ability to remove waste products, it can help firm the connective tissue and may prevent cellulite from forming. After you take a warm shower, massage your body—especially the cellulite prone areas—with a mixture of 3 tablespoons each of Sweet Almond Oil and aloe vera gel, 10 drops of Cypress Oil, 5 drops of Grapefruit Oil, and 3 drops of Juniper Oil. Blend well before applying.

• To stop bleeding gums and help inhibit inflammation, combine 2 drops of Cypress Oil and 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar in warm water. Gargle with the solution; spit it out. Repeat several times daily.

• Cypress Oil dilates the bronchial tubes, making expectoration easier, and relieving the urge to cough. Add 2 drops of Cypress Oil and 2 drops of Frankincense Oil to a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head, and then hold your face over the bowl. Inhale the vapors deeply.

Take Care! Cypress Oil should not be used during pregnancy, because it can stimulate uterine contractions. When buying Cypress Oil, be sure the label reads Cupressus sempervirens. The essential oils of some other types of cypress are less effective medicinally.

Dill Oil

Dill belongs to the carrot family and is a close relative of fennel. The aromatic plant, a native of the Mediterranean region, southern Russia, and central and southern Asia, is widely cultivated in England, Germany and North America. Its name is derived from the Norse dilla, which means “to soothe.” In fact, Dill has been valued for thousands of years not only for its culinary uses, as is common today, but also for its healing properties. It was an essential ingredient in a common Egyptian remedy to ease pain and promote healing. The ancient Greeks used Dill, too. They believed it caused drowsiness, so they covered their eyes with the herb’s fronds before going to sleep. The plant’s therapeutic properties are also present in Dill Oil extracted by steam distillation of the seeds and the plant. This oil can help strengthen the stomach and relieve intestinal spasms and cramps. It is also a mild antiseptic and antispasmodic. In addition, Dill Oil may help to suppress severe coughs, promote milk in nursing mothers, ease flatulence and hiccups, and relieve anxiety.

For Stress and Panic

Dill Oil’s balancing, relaxing effects help to soothe feelings of panic, stress, and nervous exhaustion. Also, the oil’s aroma, which is sweet, spicy, and minty at the same time, can promote sleep and help relieve cramps. Try this blend in an aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Dill

2 drops Lavender

2 drops Lemon Balm

Therapeutic Effect: The major component of Dill is carvone, but the oil also contains terpinine, phellandrene, and limonene. The combination of these substances gives the oil its antispasmodic, pain-relieving, and soothing effects. It can ease the cramping that accompanies diarrhea and menstrual periods. When it’s used to treat colic, Dill Oil may help regulate intestinal activity. It is also an effective remedy for bloating and nervous tension.

For Fidgety Children: Children who are hyperactive and unable to concentrate can benefit from Dill Oil. Mix 3 drops of Dill Oil and 3 drops of Roman Chamomile Oil with 5 drops of Lavender Oil in an aromatherapy lamp. This blend helps promote concentration and a sense of calm.

To Refresh the Senses: Use Dill Oil in the shower to get a mildly refreshing and relaxing feeling after an illness. The oil can strengthen circulation and stimulate your entire body. Add 3 drops to some of your favorite shower gel.

For Menstrual Pain: Massage oil containing Dill Oil simultaneously relieves pain from menstrual cramps and stimulates circulation in the areas being massaged. It may also help to facilitate menstrual flow. Thoroughly blend 2 drops each of Dill, Clary Sage, and Lavender Oils with 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil; rub it onto your abdomen.

To Stimulate Milk Flow: Nursing mothers who have a problem with milk flow may find that diluted Dill Oil can help trigger milk production. Blend 1 drop of Dill Oil and 1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil and rub it into your breasts. Then wash it off before you nurse, as babies do not like its taste.

A Little Lore: Gladiators in ancient Rome believed that Dill Oil made them invincible, strong, and quick; they rubbed it all over their bodies prior to each and every fight.

Applications

• The relaxing effect of Dill Oil can relieve spasmodic abdominal pain. Mix 6 drops of Dill Oil and 2 drops each of Lavender and Roman-Chamomile Oils with 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil. You can rub this blend into your abdomen several times each day.

• To treat hiccups, add 3 drops of Dill Oil to some boiling water in a bowl. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale the vapors for 2 minutes.

• For whooping cough and croup, blend 5 drops each of Dill and Frankincense Oils with 1 teaspoon of Sweet Almond Oil. When gently massaged onto your upper chest, this oil blend can help ease severe coughing fits.

• Dill Oil helps promote a deep, restful sleep.

• It is very useful after a long, stressful day. Add 2 to 3 drops of Dill Oil to your pillow before going to bed to relax your senses. Or add a few drops to your sleeve or handkerchief and deeply inhale the vapors occasionally throughout the day to keep you feeling relaxed and calm.

• To soothe tense, sore muscles, blend 1 drop of Dill, 2 drops of Roman-Chamomile, and 3 drops of Lavender Oil in 1 tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage into the affected areas.

Take Care! Pregnant women should not use Dill Oil because it may have a stimulant effect that can trigger premature labor. The substance carvone, which is present in the oil, can be toxic in large doses and is dangerous to certain parts of the nervous system. For this reason, Dill Oil should be used only in the amounts specified. If you have an allergic reaction, discontinue its use immediately.

Eucalyptus Oil

The essential oil of eucalyptus is obtained from the leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus globulus. A steam distillation process is used to extract the oil from the tree parts, and some 110 pounds of plant material is required to produce about 2 pounds of Eucalyptus Oil. The medicinal properties of Eucalyptus Oil were most likely first discovered by the Aborigines, the native inhabitants of Australia (where the tree originated). They used the oil as a remedy for skin problems and fever; not surprisingly, the eucalyptus tree has long been called the “fever tree.” Modern herbalists rely on Eucalyptus Oil to treat these conditions, as well as colds and other bothersome respiratory ailments. The oil is a fine decongestant and has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects.

For Mental Fatigue

Eucalyptus Oil stimulates the nervous system and promotes concentration. Combined with Lemon Oil in a diffuser, it is ideal to use when the psyche is affected by mental exhaustion and listlessness.

4 drops Eucalyptus

2 drops Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: The principal active ingredient in Eucalyptus Oil is eucalyptol, which has strong germicidal and disinfectant properties. It also functions as a diuretic, lowers blood sugar, and helps to relieve cough and fever. Eucalyptus Oil is an effective analgesic and is often used in preparation designed to relive muscle, nerve, and joint pain. On a psychological level, it helps to combat exhaustion and dispels mental sluggishness.

For a Sense of Well-Being: A few drops of a blend of Eucalyptus and massage oils have a cooling and stimulating effect on both mind and body. Apply to pulse points.

To Purify the Sickroom: Eucalyptus Oil is the ideal essence to use in a sickbed environment. Five drops of the oil in a diffuser will kill germs in the air and reduce the number of bacteria. This will help keep germs from spreading.

For Wounds and Abscesses: The strong germicidal effect of Eucalyptus Oil can help heal wounds, burns, ulcers, and insect bites or stings. Place a few drops of the essential oil in a dressing or bandage before covering the area with it.

To Suppress Coughs: Make a chest compress with Eucalyptus and massage oils to loosen phlegm and improve lung function.

For Scarlet Fever: A few drops of Eucalyptus Oil added to a diffuser can help relieve the flu-like symptoms of scarlet fever.

To Improve the Sauna: To get the best detoxifying effects of a sauna, place 3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil in a ladleful of water and pour it over the hot stones.

Take Care! Too much Eucalyptus Oil can potentially irritate the skin, so be sure to use the exact amount specified in the preparations listed here. Combining Eucalyptus Oil with massage oil reduces the chance of irritation. Keep Eucalyptus Oil away from children under age six.

Extra Tip: Insects dislike the odor of Eucalyptus Oil. To make an insect repellent, add a few drops of the oil to massage oil. Or place a few drops in a diffuser to keep the room pest free.

Applications: External use

• Lower a fever with a Eucalyptus Oil calf wrap. Add 5 drops of Eucalyptus Oil to 1 quart lukewarm water. Soak linen or cotton cloths in the mixture. Then, wrap the cloths around your calves and secure with dry cloths. Calf wraps should be used only when the feet are warm.

• To rid dandruff, mix 10 drops of Eucalyptus Oil with your shampoo. Massage well into your scalp. Wait a few minutes before rinsing.

• To alleviate cold symptoms, place a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil on a handkerchief and deeply inhale the aroma.

• To relieve sinus and chest congestion, combine 5 drops of Eucalyptus Oil with 1 drop of Peppermint Oil. Add crushed Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Coltsfoot, and Comfrey herbs. Place ½ ounce of mixture in a clean sock, knot the end, and place inside your pillowcase overnight.

• For relief from muscular aches and pains, mix 10–15 drops of Eucalyptus Oil and 2 ounces of Sweet Almond or Grape Seed Oil. Massage into your muscles.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense—the very word conjures up images of ancient, smoke-filled temples and aromatic offerings to the gods. This legendary substance actually comes from an unspectacular scrubby tree that’s native to Africa, India, and Saudi Arabia. When the bark of the tree is peeled away, resin oozes out and forms “tears.” Those tears are scraped off and distilled to yield an oil that’s both fragrant and medicinal. When used as a massage oil, or in a warm bath or diffuser, Frankincense is a fine remedy for colds, bronchitis, asthma, and skin wounds. Once an ingredient in ancient Egyptian cosmetics, Frankincense is still prescribed to rejuvenate and restore wrinkled skin and promote the healing of scars. The oil is said to notably affect emotion and mood, as well. Used for many centuries as an incense to create a spirit of peace and contemplation, Frankincense has a uniquely warm and rich fragrance. Aromatherapists today recommend the oil for times of stress and anxiety. Frankincense Oil is also said to calm and focus a restless soul, alleviate mental fatigue, and mend a broken heart.

For Deep Relaxation

Frankincense Oil is believed to have a sedating effect on the central nervous system. Its soothing scent also slows and deepens breathing. To foster a sense of peace and serenity, combine these oils in an aromatherapy lamp:

2 drops Frankincense

2 drops Lavender

1 drop Sandalwood

Therapeutic Effect: The primary healing components of Frankincense Oil are pinene, dipentene and phellandrene; all are responsible for the oil’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antidepressant properties. In addition, Frankincense Oil is cytophylactic; in other words, it can stimulate new cell growth and help prevent wrinkles. This may account for its long-standing use to heal wounds and scars and to counter the effects of aging.

To Ward Off a Cold: Essential oils can often help fight off viral infection. Add 3–4 drops of Frankincense, 3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil, and 2–3 drops of Lemon Oil to a steaming bath. This anti-infectious blend is soothing and immune boosting to boot.

For Aging Skin and Wrinkles: While aging is inevitable—and at times accelerated by smoking, poor diet, too much sun, and stress—Frankincense Oil can help counter the telltale signs by strengthening connective tissue. Combine 3 drops of Frankincense Oil with 1 teaspoon Wheat Germ Oil. Apply to your face, especially to the area around your eyes, and leave on overnight. Or, make a facial steam bath: mix 4 drops each of Frankincense and Lavender Oils, 3 drops of Rose-Otto Oil, and 5 teaspoons of a base oil. Add to a bowl of steaming water and drape a towel over your head. Lean over the bowl and steam for about 10–15 minutes.

To Minimize Scarring: Frankincense Oil encourages skin to heal and reduces the possibility of both infection and scarring. In those cases where a wound is slow to heal, mix 2 drops of Frankincense Oil, 1 drop of Neroli or Lavender Oil, and 1 teaspoon of Wheat Germ Oil. Massage the ointment into wounds and scars on a daily basis until the skin is healthy again.

Extra Tip: For an essential oil bath blend that’s aromatic and uplifting, mix 2 drops each of Frankincense, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Rosewood, and Sandalwood Oils in a tub filled with warm water.

Applications: External Use

• To alleviate sinus congestion or other symptoms of a head cold, add 3 drops of Frankincense Oil to 1 quart of steaming water. Place a towel over your head and the bowl, creating a tent. Inhale the steam deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. If your symptoms are acute, use the steam bath twice daily until there’s a marked improvement. Reduce the treatment to once daily until all of your symptoms have subsided completely.

• Frankincense is antiseptic, and is effective in combating urinary-tract infections. Add 3 drops each of Frankincense Oil, Lavender Oil, and Roman-Chamomile Oil to a sitz bath. Soak for 15 minutes and repeat during the day as needed.

• As an anti-inflammatory, the Frankincense Oil can help ease an asthma attack. Place 3 drops each of Frankincense Oil and Tea Tree Oil in an aromatherapy lamp to promote deep breathing and reduce inflammation of airways.

• The use of aromatic essential oils can help relieve anxiety and bring about a welcome change in your outlook. Frankincense Oil is often used for calming frayed nerves, and has been useful during times of stress. Place a few drops of the oil on a tissue or handkerchief and inhale the scent as needed during the day.

Take Care! Like all essential oils, Frankincense Oil should only be used externally. If taken internally, it can lead to intoxication and may cause damage to the delicate membranes of the digestive tract. In addition, always dilute it with a base oil or a cream first.

Geranium Oil

Geranium Oil is extracted from the green leaves of the Geranium (Pelatgonium graveolens), which grows primarily in Madagascar, Egypt, and Morocco. Even though there are approximately 700 varieties of Geranium, only about 10 supply the valuable essential oil, which is obtained by distilling the leaves and shoots with steam. The oil, with its fresh, rosy, citrusy scent, stimulates the senses. It can renew your energy when you feel exhausted and calm, when you feel angry or irritable. Geranium Oil also helps balance the hormones, making it a good option for women who are troubled by menopausal symptoms. Because of its cleansing and antiseptic properties, the oil has proved valuable in healing wounds and fighting infections. Many cosmetic lotions contain Geranium Oil, as it soothes irritated skin and helps control acne. Geranium Oil blends well with other oils, including Lemon, Grapefruit, Lavender, Rosemary, Jasmine, Bergamot, and Ginger essential oils.

Insect Repellent

Geranium Oil is especially suited to warding off insects, particularly mosquitoes. The following mixture used in an aromatic diffuser provides the perfect insect-free evenings.

5 drops Geranium

3 drops Clove

Therapeutic Effect: The main constituents of Geranium Oil, geraniol, linalool, and citronellol have strong cleansing and antiviral effects. They also help maintain healthy skin. It is used in bath preparations as well as for facials, hair rinses, and compresses. The tannins found in Geraniums have a strongly constrictive effect, making it anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic; it also serves as a decongestant.

For Insect Bites: Geranium Oil can help with the aggravation of swollen, itching mosquito bites. Simply dilute 2 drops of Geranium Oil in 1 ounce of Witch Hazel. Dab on the affected area with a cotton ball to help the swelling go down.

To Feel Good: If plants could speak, the message from the Geranium would be, “Don’t do a thing, let yourself be pampered.” The pleasant scent of Geranium, Oil when mixed with Rose Oil is ideal for making a body oil combination to pamper yourself in a bath, with a facial, or in a hair rinse. The oil relaxes the body and softens the skin.

For Concentration Problems: You can begin to feel more in control of your hectic life and decrease absentmindedness by inhaling the scent of Geranium Oil. The clear, light scent will aid you in organizing your thoughts and improving your memory. You can also mix 2 drops of Geranium Oil with 2 drops of Rosemary Oil to enliven your senses. Add some to a tissue and keep it in your purse when you travel.

For Beauty: Geranium Oil can help most skin types because its stimulating action helps boost the regeneration of skin cells and aids the healing of acne and blemishes. Diluted, it also helps control excessive oiliness of the skin and soothe dry, sensitive skin. Geranium Oil will give your skin a healthy glow, making it appear more youthful and radiant.

Extra Tip: Geranium Oil eases premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. With its diuretic action, it combats fluid retention; it may also reduce breast tenderness.

Applications

• To reduce swelling in the legs, rub them with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil, 8 drops of Geranium Oil, and 5 drops of Lemon Oil, After applying the mixture, elevate your legs slightly and rest for 30 minutes. The oils unblock the lymph nodes and prevent edema.

• To help fade scars, use Geranium Oil mixed with Neroli Oil: Mix 5 drops of Geranium Oil, and 3 drops of Neroli Oil into 3 tablespoons of odorless, enriched skin cream. Massage thin cream daily into scar tissue to keep it supple.

• A bath with Geranium Oil provides relief from menstrual pain and cramps. Add 6 drops of Geranium Oil, 3 drops of Jasmine Oil, and 2 drops of Clary Sage Oil to 1½ cups of whole milk and pour it into your bathwater; soak in the tub for at least 30 minutes or more.

• Geranium Oil can give you new optimism when you’re feeling worn out and apathetic. Evaporate 3 drops each of Geranium and Bergamot Oil, using an aromatic diffuser.

German Chamomile Oil

Three different species of chamomile—German, Roman, and wild—are cultivated for their essential oils. All are members of the Asteraceae family, and all share similar properties, although research has shown that the German type, Matricaria chamomilia (also known as blue or true chamomile), may be more potent in its effects. It owes its dark blue color as well as its greater anti-inflammatory action to a compound known as chamazylene. This action makes German Chamomile Oil an especially good choice for treating infections, wounds, headaches, skin irritations, and menstrual pain. However, all the Chamomile Oils have a prominent place in botanical medicine and have long been used to cool fevers, alleviate aches and pains and relieve muscle soreness and spasms. We still profit from these centuries-old remedies, especially from German Chamomile Oil’s ability to calm jittery nerves. Indeed, some believe that the oil can relieve almost any ailment.

For Tranquility

German Chamomile Oil is a wonderful relaxation agent when your nerves are tense and frazzled. Put this mixture in an aromatherapy lamp to help create a sense of peace.

3 drops German Chamomile

2 drops Lemon Balm

2 drops Orange

Therapeutic Effects: German Chamomile Oil contains chamazulene, which has strong antispasmiodic qualities that relax tense, aching muscles. The volatile oil is also anti-inflammatory and is particularly effective in healing burns and preventing infection.

For Menstrual Cramps: German Chamomile Oil is a recommended treatment for menstrual pains. Take a five-minute sitz bath in 1 gallon of warm water to which you’ve added 2 drops each of German Chamomile and Lavender Oils.

To Help Heal Burns: For minor burns and wounds, blend 2 drops of German Chamomile oil with 2 drops of Lavender Oil. Add 2 cups of warm water. Used in a compress, this will prevent scarring and inflammation.

For Candida Infections: A warm sitz bath will relieve the itching and inflammation associated with yeast fungus in the vaginal area. Add 1 drop German Chamomile oil and 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1 gallon of warm water, and mix well before using.

For Joint and Muscle Pain: For painful joints and tense, stiff, or cramping muscles, blend 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil and 2 drops each of German Chamomile Oil and Rosemary Oil. Massage this blend into the affected areas to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation.

Extra Tip: Don’t waste time being grumpy. Add this oil to an aromatherapy lamp to lift your mood.

Take Care! Of the different varieties of chamomile—German, Roman, and wild—the most readily available are German and Roman. While they share similar properties, German Chamomile Oil has a higher volatile-oil content, making it preferable for healing treatments. If you are pregnant, use only in the later stages of your pregnancy, and mix it with Rose Oil to relieve the restlessness and fear associated with childbirth.

Applications

• Following a day in the sun, mist your skin with this moisturizing after-sun spray: Blend 2 drops of German Chamomile Oil, 2 drops of Lavender Oil, 1 drop of Rose-Otto Oil, and 4 ounces of purified water in a spray bottle.

• A compress made with German Chamomile Oil may be applied to wounds to help form healthy scar tissue. Moisten a cloth with a few drops of the pure oil, and place it on the wound with the essential oil facing away from the skin. The oil’s properties penetrate the cloth, but the skin is spared any irritation. Replace the compress once a day until the wound is healed.

• An oil treatment will leave your hair soft and easy to comb and your scalp conditioned. Blend 2 drops each of German Chamomile Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Lavender Oil with 4 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil, and massage your head and hair with the mixture once a week. Add a dab of shampoo before rinsing, or for best results, leave on overnight. Note: Use caution around your eyes.

• German Chamomile Oil relieves pain and reduces tension during migraine attacks. For very severe cases, moisten a towel with cool water and add a few drops of German Chamomile Oil. Place the cloth on your forehead, close your eyes, and breathe normally.

Helichrysum Oil

Also called Everlasting, Strawflower, and Immortelle, Helichrysum is best known as a flower that keeps its shape and color when dried. It is, therefore, often included in dried flower arrangements and wreaths. Originally from the Mediterranean region, the hardy evergreen bears long stems with velvety needles and clusters of ball-shaped, golden flower heads. Used by the ancient Romans to repel moths. Helichrysum gained a following for its honey-like fragrance. In fact, the flower is often strewn on floors in Europe, crushing it underfoot releases a sweet aroma. The plant’s essential oil is distilled from several species, such as Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum angustifolium, and has a soothing, pleasant scent. Helichrysum essential oil can help alleviate skin irritation, aching muscles and joints, and upper-respiratory congestion. On an emotional level, the essential oil assists creativity and intuition. It blends well with many other oils, including Cypress, Clary Sage, Juniper, Lavender, Pine, Bergamot, Lemon, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Geranium.

For Inner Peace

The unique aromatic scent of Helichrysum Oil helps to clear the mind, awaken the senses, and promote inner peace and serenity. Allow the following blend to evaporate in your aromatherapy lamp.

3 drops Helichrysum

2 drops Clary Sage

1 drop Lavender

Therapeutic Effect: Helichrysum’s primary components of pinene, nerol, uvaol, and amyrin give the oil its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which are useful when applied to inflamed, blemished skin, acne, and burns. The oil’s powerful expectorant effect makes it a good addition to steam inhalations, relieving respiratory congestion, bronchitis, and coughs.

For Soft Skin: A body oil with 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil, 10 drops of Helichrysum Oil, and 5 drops of Rose Geranium Oil leaves the skin soft and smooth. The oil protects skin from drying and helps to relieve psoriasis. Massage the oil into the skin immediately after a shower or bath to enhance absorption.

For Congestion: Mix 5–7 drops of Helichrysum Oil in a bowl of boiling water. Place a towel over your head and inhale the vapors to ease congestion, hacking coughs, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

For Menstrual Cramps: A hot bath with Helichrysum and Clary Sage Oils can help ease painful cramping during menstruation. Helichrysum Oil’s relaxing and analgesic effect can also relieve menstrual tension.

For Gum Inflammation: Helichrysum Oil has a powerful anti-inflammatory action that alleviates gum inflammation. Mix 1 drop of Helichrysum Oil in ½ teaspoon of Witch Hazel extract. Dip your toothbrush into the blend and gently rub over the inflamed areas.

For Sore Muscles: Make a massage oil for sprains, strains, aching muscles, and arthritic joints. Mix 2 drops of Helichrysum, Lavender, and Clary Sage Oils in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage it into affected areas.

Extra Tip: Since Helichrysum Oil stimulates the flow of lymph and firms the skin, it relieves varicose veins and edema. Massage the oil into the affected areas.

Take Care! Helichrysum Oil should not be used by children younger than 12 or by pregnant women. In addition, Helichrysum Oil can evoke powerful emotions in some individuals and should therefore be used in moderation.

Applications

• For psoriasis: Make a skin oil to ease inflammation and painful itching. Blend 5 drops of Helichrysum Oil and 2 drops of Lavender Oil in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage as needed into affected areas.

• For varicose veins: Make a daily massage oil by mixing 10 drops of Helichrysum Oil and 5 drops each of Lemon and Cypress Oils in 3 tablespoons of Grape-seed Oil. This oil blend helps alleviate swelling and congestion in the veins. It also works to relieve the typical feeling of heaviness in the legs that sometimes results from varicose veins.

• For coughs: The antispasmodic and expectorant properties of Helichrysum Oil help to relieve congestion, loosen mucus, and soothe coughs. Blend 3 drops each of Helichrysum, Eucalyptus, and Frankincense Oils in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend onto the entire chest area.

• For rheumatic complaints: Mix 3 drops of Helichrysum Oil, 5 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 drops of Roman-Chamomile Oil in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the mixture into your rheumatic joints to relieve pain and inflammation.

• For skin care: Add 2–3 drops of Helichrysum Oil to your favorite lotion and use it to moisturize daily.

Hyssop Oil

The bushy perennial Hyssopus officinalis is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for healing purposes for more than 2,000 years. Indeed, the plant’s ability to detoxify the blood was recognized by the ancient Hebrews and Greeks, who used it as part of ritual cleansings. Hyssop Oil, which is extracted from the plant by a process of steam distillation, retains this healing property. Aromatic, fresh, and spicy, Hyssop Oil is most often used to alleviate respiratory ailments, such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma. It boosts circulation and invigorates the body and mind, making it very useful in cases of recuperation, fatigue, and listlessness. In addition, Hyssop Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities; when applied topically, it can help heal acne and eczema. Gum inflammation also responds well to mouth rinses with the oil. On an emotional level, it enhances mental focus and stimulates creative thinking. However, Hyssop Oil is not in common use and can be hard to find; mail-order suppliers may be able to help locate it.

For Mental Clarity

The stimulating fragrance of Hyssop Oil increases mental clarity, boosts concentration, and enhances creativity. Try the following blend in your aromatherapy lamp when you need to focus your mind:

3 drops Hyssop

2 drops Fennel

2 drops Rosemary

1 drop Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: Hyssop Oil contains pinocamphone, thujone, pinene, and sesquiterpene, all of which have expectorant, antiseptic, and invigorating effects. The oil helps ease respiratory ailments, such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Applied topically, it can speed the healing of bruises and blemishes. Hyssop Oil also helps restore vigor and cleanse the blood, which boosts overall health.

For Skin Care: To condition dry skin and to alleviate itchy eczema, blend 2 drops of Hyssop Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 drops of Rose-Geranium Oil with 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Add to warm bathwater and soak for 20 minutes.

For a Fever: Hyssop Oil can help promote sweating, thereby reducing a fever. Mix 2 drops of the oil in a bowl of cool water. Dip a cloth in it, wring it out, and wrap it around your calves.

For Oral Hygiene: Mouthwash containing highly diluted Hyssop Oil promotes blood circulation in the gums, which may help prevent gum disease. Blend 2 drops of oil and 2 tablespoons of vodka with 4 ounces of spring water. Use the mixture to rinse your mouth, and then spit it out.

For Vaginal Infections: For vaginal inflammation and discharge, add 2 drops each of Hyssop and Lavender Oils to a half-full bath. Bathe daily until your symptoms subside.

For Convalescence: Following an illness, try this blend in an aromatherapy lamp: 3 drops each of Hyssop, Bergamot, and Cinnamon Oils and 2 drops of Basil Oil. This can restore energy and get you back on your feet.

Extra Tip: To help speed the healing of bruises, blend 2 drops of Hyssop Oil and 1 drop Helichrysum Oil in a bowl of very cold water. Soak a cloth in the mixture and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes.

Applications

• Hyssop Oil stimulates sweating, which helps cleanse the body of toxins and waste products. To make a body-cleansing oil, mix 9 drops of Hyssop Oil with 1 cup of pure Olive Oil. Apply the mixture to your entire body and wrap yourself in a linen cloth. Rest, covered, for one hour and then rinse off.

• To combat colds and flu and to help expectorate mucus, add 4 drops of Hyssop Oil to 1 quart of hot water. Put a towel over your head and the bowl, bend over, and deeply inhale the vapors.

• For swollen, painful acne, blend 1 drop of Hyssop Oil in 2 tablespoons of Witch Hazel. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and dab onto the affected areas to speed healing.

• To relieve a state of exhaustion and invigorate a sluggish body, add 2 drops of Hyssop Oil to 1 quart of water and simmer uncovered on low heat. Check the pot often to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated and replenish the mixture as needed.

• Hyssop’s powerful antibacterial properties make it an excellent household cleaner to eliminate germs. Add 6 to 10 drops of the oil to 2 gallons of warm water and use the solution to wipe down any surfaces or object in the home prone to infectious microbes.

Iris-Root Oil

Iris, a member of the Iridaceae family and native to North America, Asia, and Europe, is probably best known for its beautiful and dramatic flowers. Ranging in color from white to blue to purple, the blossoms have been prized for centuries by many cultures. However, it is the root—not the flowers—of the iris that produces its oil. This essential oil is very rare and expensive, as more than 1,500 pounds of iris roots are needed to make 1 quart of the oil through a process of steam distillation. Iris-Root Oil has a violet-like, sweet, soft, warm, and highly comforting fragrance. The oil not only possesses an appealing scent, but it also has health and beauty benefits. It can loosen mucus and quiet dry coughs, making it good for treating bronchitis and whooping cough. Iris-Root Oil also has a regulating effect on nervous disorders. Cosmetically, the oil helps to maintain healthy skin and nourishes sensitive skin. It is frequently used in exclusive skin-care products. Iris-Root Oil can also gently deep-clean oily, blemished skin, and may even help regulate overactive sebaceous glands.

To Create a Festive and Relaxing Mood

Iris-Root Oil is often too expensive for regular use. It can also be difficult to find. However, if you are fortunate enough to have a little extra oil on hand, you can create a fun and festive mood for a special event or party. Use a blend of the following essential oils in your aromatherapy lamp to help set an exhilarating moods.

1 drop Iris-Root

2 drops Rose

1 drop Ylang-Ylang

Therapeutic Effect: Iris-Root Oil’s relaxing and calming effect on the body is due to the action of its primary components, naphthalene, and iridin. Because of its mucus-thinning properties, Iris-Root Oil is frequently used to soothe coughs that occur with flu, colds, and bronchitis. It can help clear up blemished skin and also possesses laxative and diuretic effects that can help cleanse the blood.

For Soothing Skin Care: A skin oil containing Iris-Root Oil can help soften and tone dry, sensitive skin. Blend 1 drop each of Iris-Root and Frankincense Oils in 1 teaspoon of Wheat Germ Oil and 2 teaspoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Apply as needed.

For Fatigue: Place a few drops of Iris-Root Oil in a room diffuser to help minimize fatigue and poor concentration.

A Delicate Note in Perfume: Iris-Root Oil’s delicate, flowery fragrance makes it popular for use as a fixative in violet-scented perfumes. Dissolved in a base oil, it is like an elegant, floral bouquet. Make a custom scent by mixing 2 drops each of Iris-Root and an essential oil of your choice in 2 teaspoons of Jojoba Oil.

To Comfort the Soul: To relieve tension and create a calming, harmonious mood, mix 1 drop each of Iris-Root, Lemon Balm, and Rose Oils in 2 teaspoons of Jojoba Oil. Add the blend to a handkerchief and tuck it into your pocket.

For Blemishes and Oily Skin: A skin toner that contains Iris-Root Oil can be useful in clearing up blemished skin. It regulates oil production and gently deep-cleans the skin. Blend 1 drop each of Iris-Root and Lavender Oils into 5 teaspoons of Witch Hazel.

Extra Tip: Pure Iris-Root Oil is very concentrated; its true scent manifests only when it is extremely diluted. For this reason, as well as the expense of the oil. Use pure, undiluted essence as sparingly as possible.

Applications

• Using Iris-Root Oil in a warm bath helps to ease sore muscles and rheumatic pain. Add 2 drops each of Iris-Root, Lavender, and Juniper Oils and 3 tablespoons of honey to very warm bathwater. Bathe for 20 minutes, and then rest while warmly covered for one hour.

• Itchy skin that results from psoriasis can be treated with a blend of 3 drops of Iris-Root Oil and 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil. Dab the oil onto your skin 3–4 times a day. This oil blend will also help itchy affected skin to heal more quickly.

• Sinus inflammations can benefit from an inhalation of Iris-Root Oil, as it has a mucolytic and soothing effect on the mucous membranes. Add 1–2 drops of Iris-Root Oil to 1 quart of boiling water in a bowl. Cover your head and inhale the vapors.

• For blemished skin, thoroughly mix 1 drop of Iris-Root Oil, 1 teaspoon of kaolin clay, and 2 tablespoons of water. Apply the clay blend to your face and allow it to dry; then rinse it off.

• To help freshen the air in a sickroom, mix 2 drops each of Iris-Root, Frankincense, and Ravensara Oils. Add the blend to an aromatherapy lamp.

Take Care! Because Iris-Root Oil is so scarce and expensive, it is often adulterated. If you decide to buy some, be sure to check that it is guaranteed to be pure, 100 percent Iris-Root Oil. The color should be a golden amber, while the scent is reminiscent of violets, with a slightly sharp, aromatic, fruity, and flowery fragrance. Caution: Never use Iris-Root Oil, or any essential oil, internally.

Jasmine Oil

In India, Jasmine was called “Queen of the Night” because its earthy scent was thought to be an aphrodisiac. Native to Arabia, India, and China, the flowers of Jasminum gradiflorum are harvested before dawn so that the delicate aroma won’t evaporate in the Sun. Perhaps this is why Jasmine has long possessed an air of mystery, sensuality, and romance. The absolute oil is extracted using a special solvent that is later evaporated. This yields a rich, heavy, and thick oil with a floral scent—one of the most popular ancient oils used in perfumes. This oil’s healing properties are many: Familiar to midwives as a “woman’s oil,” it can be used during labor to induce contractions, ease cramps, stimulate milk production, and banish fear. In addition, Jasmine is known to encourage self-confidence, optimism, and intuition. The oil’s antispasmodic, analgesic, and sedative properties help relieve pain, muscle spasms, and tension. Furthermore, its antiseptic and conditioning qualities make it an excellent remedy for acne or dry skin.

For Mild Depression

The potent aroma of Jasmine Oil dispels dark thoughts and worries, while instilling self-confidence and hope. It helps balance moodiness, alleviate anxiety, and ease tension. Let the following oils evaporate in an aromatherapy lamp.

1 drop Jasmine-Absolute

1 drop Rose-Absolute

2 drops Bergamot Oil

Therapeutic Effect: Jasmine Oil contains benzyl acetate, geraniol, linalool, benzyl alcohol, and Jasmine, which calm and relax the body and mind. As a mild analgesic and antispasmodic, the oil is especially effective for easing menstrual cramps. Jasmine Oil also has a skin-softening action that treats dry skin and dermatitis; its astringent and antibacterial actions treat skin conditions as well.

For Coughs: For fits of coughing, Jasmine Oil helps relax the bronchial tubes and calms the urge to cough. It can be evaporated in an aromatherapy lamp or mixed with Sweet Almond Oil for a chest balm.

For Skin Tears and Stretching: During pregnancy and labor, massaging the skin of the abdomen and genital area with a blend of Frankincense, Jojoba, Jasmine, and Sandalwood Oils can help to protect connective tissue from tears caused from overstretching.

For Skin Conditioning: Blend Jasmine, Sweet Almond, Lavender, and Sandalwood Oils and use in a bath to nourish dry skin, dermatitis, and eczema. Jasmine Oil will also help to treat oily skin and acne by killing bacteria and regulating sebum production. As an astringent, it can help tighten wrinkled skin.

For Insomnia: The relaxing, warm aroma of Jasmine Oil helps soothe and release any physical tension caused by anxiety, stress, and depression. When mixed with Clary Sage and Ylang-Ylang Oils in an aromatherapy lamp, Jasmine Oil helps to assure a sound sleep.

Extra Tip: Jasmine-Absolute Oil is laborious to produce and thus quite expensive: To use less of it in your aromatherapy lamp, mix 3 drops of Jasmine Oil with 1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil.

Take Care! Jasmine Oil possesses a very intense aroma and should therefore not be used too much or for too long. When Jasmine Oil is administered in too high a concentration for a long period of time, the sweet, heavy aroma might lead to dizziness, headaches, and even nausea. It is therefore important not to let Jasmine-absolute oil evaporate in your aromatherapy lam for longer than 2 hours.

Applications

• The analgesic effect of Jasmine Oil relieves menstrual cramps: Mix 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil with 2 drops Roman-Chamomile and Clary Sage Oils. Massage the entire lower abdomen with the blend, using gentle circular motions; then cover with a heating pad.

• Jasmine Oil’s skin conditioning and emollient properties make it an effective agent against scaly, reddened skin. Gently massage the affected areas several times daily with 2 tablespoons of Avocado Seed Oil and 2 drops each of Jasmine, Lavender, and Neroli Oils.

• During late pregnancy, weekly sitz baths with Jasmine Oil help prepare the uterus for birth and prevent perinatal tears. Mix 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 2 drops each of Jasmine, Rose, and Lavender Oils. Add to a half-filled bathtub. Soak for 30 minutes.

• Make a nourishing treatment for dry hair: Mix 4 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil with 4 drops of Jasmine, 5 drops of Sandalwood, 3 drops of Rosemary, and 2 drops of Clary Sage. Add to hair and leave it on for at least one hour or leave it on overnight. Apply shampoo without water, blend in, and rinse.

• Jasmine bath salts soothe and relax. Mix 2 cups of fine sea salt with 2 drops each of Jasmine and Rose Oils, and add to bath.

Juniper Oil

The evergreen Juniper may grow as a shrub that sprawls on the ground or stand erect as a bush that grows up to twelve feet tall. It bears needles, yellow flowers, and blue berries that turn black upon maturity. These ripened berries are the source of the aromatic Juniper Oil. Its spicy, pine-like scent has earthy undertones, and it is most notably associated with the characteristic smell of gin, to which Juniper berries are added for flavoring. The oil, however, has been used for medicinal purposes for many years. Juniper essential oil fights infection, warms, and soothes painful arthritic joints, and minimizes the pain from muscle spasms. It can also speed the healing of cuts and bruises. Since it helps to rid the body of toxins and purify the skin, the oil may even relieve cellulitis. In addition, it can ease anxiety and calm irritable nerves during times of stress and overwork. And, the oil is cleansing to more than spirit; the antiseptic action of Juniper Oil makes an excellent addition to water used in housecleaning.

To Enhance Your Mood

The fresh scent of Juniper Oil can eliminate crankiness and irritability caused by tension. The following mixture in an aromatherapy lamp helps calm stress and anxiety.

4 drops Juniper

2 drops Lavender

2 drops Clary Sage

Therapeutic Effect: Juniper Oil’s most important constituents are pinene, terpinine, and terpineol. These make the oil quite useful for increasing circulation, fighting skin inflammations such as acne, and easing joint pain. Juniper Oil also lifts the spirit and balances emotions.

For a Warming Bath: Combine 3 drops each of Juniper and Rosemary Oils, and mix the blend well into your bathwater. This uplifting mixture will stimulate blood flow, induce sweat, eliminate toxins, and clear your mind.

Sitz Baths for Hemorrhoids: Mix 1 drop each of Juniper and Roman-Chamomile Oils into a warm sitz bath. Sit for about five minutes to allow the oil’s properties to help relieve painful hemorrhoids.

Toner for Oily Skin: To combat oily skin, combine 1 drip of Juniper Oil with ½ cup of Witch Hazel, and ½ cup cool water, and shake well. Cleanse your skin with cotton pads soaked in the rinse. This toner works to help protect against additional infection or inflammation.

For Joint Pain: Mix 4 drops of Juniper Oil, 4 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 drops of Rosemary Oil with ¼ cup of either Sweet Almond Oil or another base oil of your choice. Gently massage your skin with this blend; it may alleviate and soothe any muscles and joints that are painful due to arthritis.

Extra Tip: Juniper cleanses the atmosphere of a room and supports meditation. Add a few drops of Juniper and Frankincense to self-igniting charcoal blocks to create a custom incense.

Overall Health: The scent of Juniper Oil has been associated with improved overall health. It is astringent and antiseptic and helps balance mood swings.

Take Care! Like all essential oils, Juniper should never be taken internally. Avoid using the oil if you have kidney problems or are pregnant, since it may prove too stimulating. Remember to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond, before applying to your skin.

Applications: External

• Juniper’s stimulating effect on circulation counteracts cellulitis and firms the connective tissue. Blend 2 drops of Juniper Oil, 2 drops of Cypress Oil, and 2 drops of Orange Oil in approximately 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Before taking a shower, massage the affected areas with a skin brush. Shower, and apply the oil blend to the flushed areas; massage the area in a circular motion.

• To relax muscles: Add 4 drops of Juniper Oil, 3 drops of Rosemary Oil, and 4 drops of Lavender Oil to 1 cup of sea salt. Add the mix to your bathwater; bathe for about 20 minutes, and then rest for one hour, to avoid excess stimulation.

• Be kind to your hair by applying an aromatic hair oil. Combine 6 drops of Juniper Oil with ½ ounce of Jojoba Oil. Pour oil in your hands and run it throughout your hair. Leave it on for one hour and rinse.

• For improving a pet’s skin while bathing, add 4 drops of Juniper Oil to the bathwater. Another effective pet formula is 5 drops of Juniper and 10 drops of Lavender blended in an 8-ounce spritz bottle of water; use it to spray a pet’s sleeping quarters or the areas they frequent in the home. Add 2 drops of Eucalyptus Oil to the spray to help freshen your pet’s sleeping quarters and deter unwanted fleas and ticks.

Labdanum Oil

Cistus ladanifer is a small, resinous bush that grows in dry, rocky regions of the Mediterranean, especially the Greek Islands. Also known as the Rock Rose, the shrub bears fragrant white blossoms and lance-shaped leaves that exude a viscous gum called Labdanum Oil. This resin was so highly valued; it was an ingredient in a holy ointment mentioned in the Bible. The plant’s essential oil, extracted from the resin and the branches by a process of steam distillation, was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to help freshen the air. Today, Labdanum Oil is most often used as a fixative for perfumes; it also lends a musky, balsamic fragrance to balance heavy floral scents. Medicinally, the oil promotes circulation, which may ease muscle and menstrual pain. Labdanum Oil has numerous benefits for the skin as well. Its antiseptic and stringent properties help heal wounds, strengthen connective tissue, speed skin regeneration, dry acne and oily skin, and treat eczema and itchy rashes. On an emotional level, Labdanum Oil boosts self-confidence and soothes restless anxiety.

Tenderly Fragrant

For a relaxing fragrance to banish restlessness and self-doubt, try this blend in your aromatherapy lamp.

2 drops Labdanum Oil

2 drops Rose-Otto

1 drop Ylang-Ylang

Therapeutic Effect: Labdanum Oil contains terpenes, phenol, eugenol, and acetic and formic acids, all of which contribute to its antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, sedative and anti-inflammatory qualities. In addition, the oil stimulates the flow of blood, which helps reduce swelling.

For Oily Skin and Acne: Try this toner if you have oily or acne skin. Blend 2 drops of Labdanum Oil and 1 drop of Rose-Otto Oil with 2 ounces of Witch Hazel. Apply to your face every day to stabilize the oil production and moisture content of your skin.

For Menstrual Pain: Added to a warm bath, this mixture eases menstrual pain and helps relax the abdomen. Blend 3 drops each of Clary Sage and Labdanum Oil and add to bathwater. Soak 20 minutes; then rest in bed.

To Warm Your Feet: Labdanum Oil helps promote blood circulation, which can warm cold feet and alleviate chills. Add 2 drops each of Labdanum Oil and Rosemary Oil to 2 gallons of water. Mix well and submerge your feet for a relaxing soak.

To Condition Your Skin: To strengthen and condition your skin’s connective tissue, combine 2 drops each of Labdanum Oil and Rose-Geranium Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Oil, 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Regular massages with the oil mixture can help to prevent the development of unsightly spider veins.

As a Perfume Fixative: A great fixative for perfumes, Labdanum Oil helps round off fragrances that are either too heavy or too floral. The oil also blends very well with Citrus, Rose, and Mimosa Oils for a subtle, earthy aroma.

Extra Tip: Pure Labdanum Oil has a rather unusual and clingy aroma. However, when it’s diluted in lotion, alcohol, or other suitable base oils, it emits a subtle and flowery fragrance.

Applications

• For poorly healing and infected wounds, Labdanum Oil will help stop the growth of bacteria and speed the regeneration of the tissue. Mix 2 drops of Labdanum Oil with 1 ounce of Witch Hazel. Dip a clean piece of gauze into the solution, apply to the affected areas, and secure it in place. Change the compress twice daily until the wound is completely healed.

• A sitz bath with Labdanum Oil relieves bladder inflammation and supports the body’s natural resistance to infection. Combine 3 drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Blend the mixture into a half-full bathtub. Bathe for about 10 minutes; then cover your body with a blanket and rest in bed for one hour.

• The cleansing action of Labdanum Oil helps to stimulate the flow of lymph and blood. This is particularly effective for preventing the development of cellulite. Dry-brush your skin, then mix 4 drops of Cypress Oil and 3 drops of Labdanum Oil in 4 tablespoons of sea salt. Add the blend to the bathwater. While soaking, gently massage your skin under the water.

Take Care! Since Labdanum Oil can promote menstruation, it should never be used during pregnancy. Also, as with all essential oils, do not use Labdanum Oil internally. Accidental ingestion could lead to feelings of dizziness and nausea or even a toxic overdose. Always check the label to make sure you buy pure oil.

Lavender Oil

Although now cultivated primarily in Provence, in the south of France, Lavender is native to the Mediterranean. It grows in open fields and on mountain slopes, giving off an intense, spicy aroma when it blooms. The most potent medicinal form of Lavender is the oil, which contains a high concentration of active ingredients. The finest oil distilled from Lavandula officinallis, a variety of Lavender that grows only at altitudes above 3,000 feet and is particularly resistant to heat and cold. The herb’s flower buds are harvested by hand at midday, when the oil content is highest; the essential oil is then extracted using steam distillation. Lavender Oil has many uses. It is a powerful antiseptic containing more that 200 compounds that are active against fungi, viruses, and other microbes. The oil is also valued for its ability to balance the emotions. It restores vitality in people suffering from nervous exhaustion and also has a calming effect on people who have trouble sleeping.

Lavender Oil

• Is antibiotic

• Soothes headaches

• Helps heal wounds

• Repels insects

To Purify Indoor Air

Place this mixture of essential oils in a simmer pot to help freshen the air. The oils have a powerful cleansing action. The fresh scent also exerts an uplifting effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Lavender combines particularly well with citrus oils.

4 drops Lavender

2 drops Bergamot

2 drops Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: The best-known active components in Lavender Oil are geraniol, cineole, and coumarin. These ingredients have a strong cleansing and germicidal effect and are believed to be particularly valuable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain. Lavender also brings swift relief from digestive problems and various skin irritations.

For the breasts: Lavender Oil can be rubbed onto the breasts to help tone and tighten the skin. Add 2 drops of the oil to 3 tablespoons of a base oil, such as Sweet Almond, and apply to breasts daily.

For skin irritations: Lavender water promotes good circulation in the skin and prevents infections of the sebaceous glands. For a facial lotion, add 3 drops of Lavender Oil to 1 quart of distilled water; dab on daily.

For insomnia: Lavender Oil has a calming effect and can be used to induce sleep when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Put a few drops of Lavender Oil on an aromatherapy stone (available at most herbal stores) and place it in your bedroom. Its soothing effects will help you sleep soundly through the night.

For nerve pain: Lavender Oil helps to relieve pain and inflammation due to neuralgia. Mix 10 drops of the oil with 2 tablespoons of St. John’s Wort Oil and gently rub it into the affected areas for pain relief.

For sunburn relief: Add 10 drops of Lavender Oil to 4 ounces of water. Store the liquid in a plastic spray bottle and take it with you to the beach to spritz on sunburned skin as needed.

Take Care! Lavender Oil is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use “neat,” or undiluted, on the skin. Keep a small bottle in your kitchen cabinet to treat first-degree burns. One to two drops directly on the burn will relieve pain and reduce the risk of blisters.

Extra Tip: For an aromatic Lavender bath, use a natural emulsifier to help the oil blend well with the bathwater. Mix 5 drops of Lavender Oil with 1 cup of heavy cream or 1 teaspoon of honey and add it to the tub.

Applications

Steam Inhalation: Try inhaling fragrant steam to treat colds, sinus problems, or coughs. Add 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head and hold your face over the bowl. Breathe in deeply, keeping your eyes closed.

Dry Inhalation: Put 1 to 3 drops of essential oil on a handkerchief and hold it under your nose. Breathe deeply.

Healing Compress: A hot, damp compress can soothe abdominal cramps, and a cold one can relieve fevers, headaches, or sunburn. Add 5 drops of essential oil to ½ cup of cold or hot water. Dip a cloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it where necessary.

Humidifiers: To fight the symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and asthma, add a few drops of Lavender essential oil to a humidifier or vaporizer.

Herbal Sauna: Use essential oils in the sauna to aid the lungs and help strengthen the immune system. Add 5 drops of an essential oil, such as Tea Tree, to 1 cup of water and pour over the heated sauna stones.

Applications: External use

• For middle ear infections, saturate a cotton ball in Olive Oil, drip 5 drops of Lavender Oil onto it an place it on the outer part of the affected ear. The Lavender Oil will help relieve the pain and inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies ear infections.

• Lavender essential oil can also be used externally to alleviate stomach aches, cramping or colic. Combine 30 drops of Lavender Oil, 10 drops of Chamomile Oil, and 3½ ounces of cold pressed Olive Oil in a bottle and shake vigorously. Massage this essential oil mixture gently onto the abdomen for 10 minutes, using broad circular movements. Rest for a brief period, and then apply a hot-water bottle to the affected area for 30 minutes.

Applications: Around the house

• Add several drops of Lavender Oil to the washer’s final rinse cycle, or scent a cloth with a few drops of Lavender Oil and throw it in the dryer to freshen a load of newly laundered clothes.

• Place a handful of Lavender buds in an old sock, knot it, and store it in a drawer with your linens.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass is a type of tropical grass that’s native to Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India. Used in the cuisines of India and Asia, Lemongrass has long been an important part of Ayurvedic, or traditional Indian medicine. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the harvested leaves, which are left on the ground for a few days to further increase their oil content. While there are many species of Lemongrass, only Cymbopogon citratus originally from western India, and Cymnopogon flexuosus, from eastern India are used to make essential oil. The oil is cooling, stimulating, and refreshing to both the body and the mind. Its powerfully astringent, antibacterial, and analgesic properties make it a useful remedy for muscle pain, bruises, skin conditions, and respiratory infections. In addition, Lemongrass Oil is an effective insecticide that can repel mosquitoes. It may also relieve depression and fatigue and improve mental concentration.

As a Room Freshener

The fresh, citrus-like fragrance of Lemongrass Oil can dispel stale air, cigarette smoke, pet odors, and unpleasant kitchen scents. The following blend in an aromatherapy lamp helps to purify and improve the air quality in any room of your house that needs deodorizing. Use it to prepare the house for company or festive occasions.

4 drops Lemongrass

2 drops Lime

2 drops Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: The most important components of Lemongrass Oil are citral, geraniol, linalool, and limonene, which give the oil its refreshing and invigorating effect. These substances also have analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, insecticidal, and astringent properties, as well as a sedative action on the nervous system.

For Cellulite: Mix 2 drops of Lemongrass Oil in 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend onto areas with cellulite deposits, such as the thighs, hips, and buttocks. The oil stimulates blood circulation to the area while it removes any excess toxins and lymph fluid.

For Fatigue and Depression: A warm bath with Lemongrass Oil refreshes the whole body and helps relieve fatigue and depression after a strenuous day or a poor night’s sleep. It also helps revive those with jet lag after a long trip.

For Skin Blemishes and Acne: A toner that contains 1 drop of Lemongrass Oil in 2 ounces of Witch Hazel firms the skin. The oil’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce blemishes and acne. Shake well before each use.

As an Insect Repellent: A blend with 2 drops each of Lemongrass and Cedarwood Oils, as well as 3 drops each of Lavender and Geranium Oils, repels insects. Place a few drops of the blend on cotton balls and bring outdoors. Or burn it in an aromatherapy lamp in the bedroom to repel pesky mosquitoes. Add the mix to 1 ounce of vodka and spray throughout the house.

For Better Concentration: To boost concentration, put 1 drop each of Lemongrass and Rosemary Oils on a handkerchief. Deeply inhale the scent, avoiding skin contact.

Extra Tip: A blend of 3 tablespoons of Apricot Oil and 10 drops of Lemongrass Oil makes a great furniture polish. It is effective and completely nontoxic to both people and animals.

Take Care! Because of its high citral content, Lemongrass Oil may increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid being in the Sun for six hours after using Lemongrass Oil. Also, if you have sensitive skin, you could experience an irritation or allergic reaction. Always dilute Lemongrass Oil before applying it to the skin. If you have glaucoma, don’t use this oil at all.

Applications

• Inhalations of Lemongrass, Tea Tree, and Frankincense Oils help alleviate respiratory congestion and swollen nasal membranes, allowing you to breathe easier. Add 2 drops of each oil to a bowl of boiling water. Drape a towel over your head and bend over the bowl. Close your eyes and inhale the rising vapors.

• Antiseptic Lemongrass Oil helps ease the symptoms of bladder infections. Combine 5 drops of Lemongrass and 3 drops of Tea Tree Oils in 3 tablespoons of cream. Add the mixture to a warm, half-filled bath. Soak for 30 minutes and then rest for one hour.

• Lemongrass Oil is safe to use on pets. To deter lice, scabies, fleas, and ticks, blend 2 drops each of Lemongrass, Lavender, Geranium, and Cedarwood Oils in 1 ounce of alcohol, such as vodka. Add it to the mister and spray on pets, being careful to avoid their eyes.

• For minor muscle aches and pains, blend 3 drops each of Lemongrass and Rosemary Oils in 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Use the blend to massage sore muscles and aching joints.

• Lemongrass Oil is renowned for its calming effect on the nervous system. It also helps people who react to stress with indigestion and abdominal cramps. Burn it in an aromatherapy lamp or put 2–3 drops on a cloth and inhale.

Longleaf Pine Oil

In Colonial times, magnificent, thick forests of longleaf pine grew throughout the southeastern United States. Thousands of the trees were appropriated by the King of England, who set them aside for the Royal Navy’s exclusive use. Lumber from longleaf pine trees was considered the best grade of southern yellow pine; it was in great demand for flooring and construction. Although these majestic trees are not as plentiful now as they were then, they are still found in temperate coastal climates, where they can reach a height of 100 feet. Longleaf pines are named for their aromatic, fresh-smelling needles, which are between 10 and 15 inches in length. Longleaf Pine Oil is similarly scented. Its strong, balsamic fragrance is often effective in clearing bronchial passages and treating respiratory-tract ailments. It can also alleviate pain from arthritis, muscle soreness, and rheumatism, as well as stimulate circulation and even inhibit swelling. In addition, Longleaf Pine Oil acts to invigorate the senses, providing relief from fatigue.

To Relieve Asthma

Anyone who has a breathing problem, such as asthma, can benefit from the fresh, clean scent of Longleaf Pine Oil. Use the following blend in an aromatherapy lamp to help make breathing easier:

2 drops Longleaf Pine

1 drop Eucalyptus

1 drop Hyssop

Therapeutic Effect: Longleaf Pine Oil has potent antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, and stimulant properties. Massages, compresses, and baths with the oil can boost blood circulation and ease neuralgia and the discomfort associated with muscle and joint conditions. Inhalations of Longleaf Pine Oil help to clear congested bronchial passages. The oil can also counteract effects of fatigue and stress.

For a Fresh, Masculine Scent: The scent of Longleaf Pine Oil gives men’s cologne a clean, masculine note. Add 2 drops of the oil to ¼ cup of Witch Hazel or a dollop of shaving cream for a refreshing scent.

To Protect Your Clothes: To help prevent moths from ruining your wool sweaters, drip about 10 drops of Longleaf Pine Oil onto a few small pieces of untreated wood. Place the wood in your closets and drawers.

To Freshen the Air: Longleaf Pine Oil can help eliminate cigarette smoke and stale air. Add 4 drops of the oil to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake it well and mist into the air, avoiding furniture.

For Fatigue: The fresh, balsamic scent of Longleaf Pine Oil can stimulate the circulation and help revive you when you’re feeling tired and weak. Place a few drops of the oil on a handkerchief and inhale the scent deeply.

Before or After Exercise: A massage oil with Longleaf Pine Oil helps prevent pulled or strained muscles before or after a workout. Mix 3 drops each of Longleaf Pine, Juniper-Berry, and Rosemary Oils with 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil.

Extra Tip: Carry a tiny bottle of Longleaf Pine Oil and take a whiff of its fresh, clean scent whenever you feel stressed, depressed, or claustrophobic.

Take Care! Longleaf Pine Oil may cause skin irritation and sensitivity; it should be diluted before use. Be careful when using the oil in inhalations and saunas. Always keep your eyes closed, as the vapors can irritate your eyes and the surrounding mucous membranes. Keep all essential oils away from small children and pets; don’t use them internally either.

Applications

• Cooling compresses containing Longleaf Pine Oil can ease pain from rheumatism, arthritis, and pulled muscles. Mix 3 drops of Longleaf Pine Oil, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 2 drops each of Roman-Chamomile and Lavender Oil, with 1 quart of cold water. Slip a clean, folded cloth into the solution; wring out the excess liquid. Place it on the affected area and cover with a towel. Repeat after 15 minutes.

• People with inflamed skin or a fever may find a skin wash with Longleaf Pine Oil to be helpful. Add 1 drop each of Longleaf Pine and Peppermint Oils and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups cold water. Use this skin wash solution up to 3 times a day.

• This invigorating blend perks up your senses and dispels fatigue: In a pot, mix 6 drops of Longleaf Pine Oil with 3 drops of Cinnamon-Bark, Rosemary, and Fir Oils in 1 quart of water. Simmer the blend on the stove or add the oils to an aromatherapy lamp.

• An inhalation containing some Longleaf Pine Oil can loosen mucus and clear the respiratory passages. Pour 1 quart of water into a bowl and add 2 drops of Longleaf Pine Oil. Then cover your head with a towel. Bend over the bowl, draping the towel over you, and take several, slow deep breaths.

Mandarin Oil

A member of the orange family, the mandarin tree, Citrus nobilis, originated in China. It was named for the Mandarins, the high officials of the former Chinese empire. Today, the mandarin tree is most commonly found in southern Europe, South America, and Japan. Its fruit is known to some as the tangerine orange. Pressed from the peels, Mandarin Oil emits a flowery, sweet aroma, which is especially popular with children. To produce an oil free of contaminants. The fruit should come from certified organic groves. The oil is believed to improve mood and relieve anxiety. Its gentle action is safe for pregnant women, children, and aging adults. Add it to bathwater, massage oil, or household cleaning solutions.

For Mental Strain

Put this mixture in an aromatherapy lamp on your desk top help relieve exhaustion and stress in the workplace:

5 drops Mandarin

3 drops Bergamot

Therapeutic Effect: It is mandarin’s tart, fresh aroma that makes the oil useful for combating depression and sadness. It is considered to be an antiseptic as well as an antispasmodic; it is also helpful for relieving gas. Its properties enable it to ease distress, and it can even act as a gentle sedative.

For Grooming and Well-Being: Not only is an aromatherapy bath relaxing, but it also can relieve muscle cramps. Dissolve 10 drops of pure Mandarin Oil and 5 drops of Geranium Oil in about 1 cup of milk, and add the mixture to a warm bath.

During Pregnancy: To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, rub your breasts and abdomen everyday with a massage oil made of ½ cup Sweet Almond Oil and 50 drops of Mandarin Oil.

At the Hospital: Lighten the sober, sterile atmosphere of a hospital with a few drops of Mandarin Oil. The aroma of mandarin can improve the mood of patients and chase away the septic odor common in hospital rooms. Drizzle some oil on a handkerchief, tissue, or cotton pad, and place it under the patient’s pillow.

Mandarin Massage oil: For a relaxing massage, mix 1 tablespoon of any base oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil, with 2 drops of Mandarin, 2 drops of Bergamot, and 1 drop Rose-Otto Oil. This light, tangy blend is fresh, fragrant, and delightful to the senses. Massage it into tense muscles. Both the person receiving the massage and the person giving it will enjoy mandarin’s uplifting effects. Rest the muscles for about 30 minutes after the massage.

Home Hint: Mandarin Oil can be used as a natural cleaner around the house. Simply add a few drops of Mandarin Oil to water, moisten a clean cloth with the mixture, and wipe down children’s rooms and school bags.

Mood Lifting: Mandarin Oil can help lift the oppressive feelings of anxiety and depression.

Take Care! Mandarin Oil is slightly yellow and leaves a residue in the aromatherapy lamp. If you apply Mandarin Oil to your skin, be sure to avoid any exposure to the Sun—or even ultraviolet radiation—for six hours after application. Skin that has been treated with Mandarin Oil can develop stubborn brown spots when exposed to the rays of the sun.

Applications: External Use

• Some women suffering from PMS have found that Mandarin Oil eases their distress prior to and during menstruation. Place a few drops on a handkerchief or tissue and tuck into your pocket or purse. Pull it out when you’re feeling tense or blue. Also consider using Mandarin Oil in household cleaning solutions for an added lift during stressful times.

• Combat rough skin on the legs and buttocks with a daily massage using the following formula: Add 10 drops each of Mandarin Oil, Geranium Oil, Juniper Oil, and Cypress Oil to about ½ cup of Sweet Almond Oil. Before the massage, stimulate blood flow to the skin by brushing legs and buttocks in a circular motion with a skin brush.

• To purify the skin, add 15 drops of Mandarin Oil to about ½ cup of face lotion. Apply the lotion twice daily, in the morning and in the evening after washing.

• For a room spray, put ½ cup spring water in a spray bottle with 10 drops of Mandarin Oil, 5 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 drops of Clary Sage Oil. Spritz around a room or on drapes for a pleasing scent. Shake the bottle while spraying and be careful to not spray on woodwork.

Marjoram Oil

The bushy perennial herb marjoram, or Origanum majorana, grows in the dry and sunny regions of the eastern Mediterranean. The plant has long been used for its culinary and medicinal value. Marjoram essential oil, extracted from the leaves and flowering tops by a process of steam distillation, also has therapeutic benefits. A thick, pale-yellow liquid, Marjoram Oil has a warm, herbaceous, slightly spicy scent that many people find comforting. The oil is often used to treat muscle and joint pain due to overexertion, rheumatism, and arthritis. Inhalations with the oil help alleviate respiratory ailments, such as congestion, coughs, and sinusitis, as well. When Marjoram Oil is applied to the lower abdomen, it can relieve indigestion and soothe menstrual cramps. Marjoram Oil also has beneficial effects on the hair and scalp; it helps condition the hair, promotes blood circulation to the scalp and supports healthy growth. On an emotional level, the oil is especially valuable during the grieving process, as it can comfort and relax both the body and the mind.

For Exhaustion and Nervous Tension

Marjoram Oil’s sweetly spicy aroma strengthens the whole body. The following blend in an aromatherapy lamp helps relieve physical and mental exhaustion, nervous tension, and poor concentration:

3 drops Marjoram

2 drops Lime

2 drops Peppermint

1 drop Basil

Therapeutic Effect: The primary components of Marjoram Oil are original, geraniol, linalool, and terpinine, which have relaxing and balancing effects on the body and the mind. The oil soothes muscle and joint pain and promotes circulation. Inhalations of Marjoram Oil relive respiratory ailments and asthma as well.

For Headaches: Cool compresses made with Marjoram Oil can help relieve headaches. Add 2 drops of oil to a large bowl of cool water. Mix well. Dip a cotton cloth in the mixture, wring out the excess, and apply it to your forehead. Place another cool compress on the back of your neck to enhance the effect.

For Peaceful Sleep: To promote restful sleep, add 5 drops each of Marjoram Oil, Lavender Oil, and Cedarwood Oil to an aromatherapy lamp and let it burn for one hour.

For Sinusitis: Place 2 drops of Marjoram Oil on a handkerchief and inhale the scent deeply to clear your sinuses and ease breathing.

For Menstrual Pain: To ease menstrual pain, add 3 drops of Marjoram Oil and 2 drops of Clary Sage Oil to a half-full bath. This promotes circulation, relieves cramps in the lower abdomen and helps facilitate menstrual flow. Soak for about 20 minutes. Then rest in bed with a hot-water bottle on your abdomen.

For Muscle Cramps: To prevent muscle soreness and cramps after a workout, make a massage oil. Combine 2 drops each of Marjoram Oil, Cajeput Oil, and Rosemary Oil with 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend into your muscles as often as needed. It also helps reduce pain caused by strains and sprains.

Applications

• To relieve rheumatic pain and swelling in the joints, combine 6 drops of Marjoram Oil and 3 drops of Ginger Oil with 2 tablespoons of whole milk. Add to a warm bath. Soak for about 20 minutes; then rest for one hour. Cover up warmly to prevent stressing your circulatory system.

• Marjoram Oil helps promote expectoration and can calm stubborn coughs. Mix 5 drops of Marjoram Oil and 2 drops each of Cajeput and Roman-Chamomile Oils with 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend onto your chest and back several times each day until the symptoms subside.

• Marjoram Oil has a comforting and relaxing property that is particularly helpful for people who are grieving. Blend 1 drop each of Marjoram, Lemon Balm, and Rose-Otto Oils and mix with bath salts. Add to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Or put the oils on a handkerchief; inhale the aroma as needed.

• Hair treatments with Marjoram Oil condition the hair and boost healthy growth. Mix 6 drops of Rosemary and 3 drops each of Marjoram and Sandalwood Oils with 3 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil. Apply to dry hair; leave on overnight. Shampoo and style as usual.

Take Care! Since Marjoram Oil may stimulate contraction and promote blood flow, it should never be used during pregnancy. Also, the oil can sometimes dull the senses, so it should be used only for short periods of time. Always dilute the oil well before applying it to the skin, since it may cause irritation in susceptible individuals. As with all essential oils, don’t take Marjoram Oil internally.

Myrrh Oil

Myrrh has a long and interesting history. It has been used since antiquity as an ingredient in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, and even embalming formulas. Valued as a scarce commodity along ancient trade routes, the herb was one of the costliest items in the world. As such, myrrh—along with frankincense and gold—was said to have been given to Jesus at his birth. The plant’s aromatic essential oil has long been prized, as well. Extracted by steam distillation from the resin of the thorny shrub Commiphora myrrha, the oil has astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Myrrh Oil helps treat arthritis, gum inflammations, wounds, hemorrhoids, and infections. Its expectorant action loosens mucus and eases congestion due to bronchitis, colds, and coughs. Cosmetically, Myrrh Oil heals rough, chapped skin, and firms the tissue to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. It is particularly effective for alleviating eczema and fungal infections, including athlete’s foot. On an emotional level, Myrrh Oil boosts motivation and promotes mental clarity.

For Inner Peace and Serenity

The sweet, smoky aroma of Myrrh Oil soothes the nerves and creates a deep feeling of serenity. Myrrh Oil also clears the mind and has a stimulating yet relaxing effect on the body. Burn the following essential-oil blend in an aromatherapy lamp to counteract overwrought nerves after a long and stressful day.

3 drops Myrrh

2 drops Benzoin

1 drop Sandalwood

Therapeutic Effect: Myrrh Oil contains the terpenes, limonene, pinene, sesquiterpenes, cinnamon aldehyde, and coumarin aldehyde, all of which provide anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The oil has antifungal and antiseptic qualities as well. As a result, Myrrh Oil helps relieve pain and swelling, tones tissues, heals wounds, prevents infection, and promotes expectoration.

For Rejuvenation: After a stressful event or an extended illness, spicy Myrrh Oil revitalizes both body and mind. Combine 3 drops each of Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Myrrh Oils and burn them in an aromatherapy lamp.

For Mature Skin: A steam facial with Myrrh Oil stimulates and firms the skin. Add 2 drops of Myrrh and Frankincense Oils and 1 drop of Lavender Oil to a bowl of warm water. Put a towel over your head and bend over the bowl for five minutes and then splash your face with cool water.

For a Disinfectant: The disinfectant components in Myrrh Oil combat germs in sickrooms. Combine 3 drops each of Myrrh, Ravensara, and Thyme Oils in an aromatherapy lamp to reduce the risk of spreading an infection.

For Menstrual Complaints: A bath with Myrrh Oil soothes menstrual pain and tension. Blend 3 drops of Myrrh and 2 drops of Jasmine Oils; add to a bath and soak for 20 minutes.

For Scars: Mix 2 drops of Myrrh Oil with 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage into scars to soften them and promote healing.

For Dry Skin: Blend 3 drops of Myrrh Oil in 2 ounces of facial cream and apply each night to help nourish and protect sensitive, dry skin.

Take Care! Since Myrrh Oil promotes menstruation, it should never be used during pregnancy, as it can cause breakthrough bleeding and possibly miscarriage. While the oil shouldn’t be used internally, myrrh tincture is readily available and safe for internal use.

Applications

• For wounds, add a few drops of Myrrh Oil to a sterile gauze pad. Put the compress on the wound and fasten in place to prevent infection and speed healing.

• Myrrh Oil treats athlete’s foot. Blend 3 tablespoons of distilled water, 1 teaspoon of vinegar, and 8 drops of Myrrh Oil. Add the mixture to a spray bottle. Be sure to shake well before using. After showering, thoroughly spray your feet and between your toes.

• Mix a few drops of Myrrh Oil in a glass of warm water to freshen your breath and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use it to rinse your mouth each morning after brushing your teeth; spit out. Or add a drop to your toothbrush.

• To ease congestion due to colds and bronchitis, add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water. Put a towel over your head and bend over the bowl; inhale the vapors. Keep your eyes closed.

• Myrrh Oil is a helpful remedy for gum inflammations and mouth ulcers. Add 2 drops of Myrrh Oil to ½ cup of water and use it as a gargle. Spit out the mixture. You can also dab mouth ulcers with Myrrh Oil using a cotton pad.

• For whooping cough, combine 2 drops of Myrrh Oil with 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage your chest with the oils to loosen mucus, promote expectoration, and alleviate the urge to cough.

Myrtle Oil

In late spring, Myrtle’s beautiful flowers, with their slender, delicate stamens bursting from the centers, start to bloom, sprinkling the bush with fragrant white clusters. A native of the Mediterranean, the attractive plant has been a symbol of innocence for many centuries. In fact, Aphrodite—the Greek goddess of beauty and love—apparently found refuge in a Myrtle bush after she was created as a beautiful nude woman. This association with purity and chaste beauty becomes more apparent when one smells the clean, uplifting fragrance of Myrtle and the oil extracted from its flowers. The scent of Myrtle Oil can have a clarifying, strengthening effect on the senses, helping to allay fear. The oil is also valuable for treating acute and chronic chest and lung ailments, such as bronchitis, sinus infections, colds, and coughs. In addition, Myrtle Oil acts an antiseptic, an astringent, and a deodorant and helps both ease and eliminate infections of the urinary tract and skin.

To Ease Breathing

Myrtle Oil’s fresh, herbal scent facilitates breathing. It relaxes and strengthens the body and mind. Try this blend in an aromatherapy lamp to create a gentle, soothing mood when you are feeling tense or fearful.

3 drops Myrtle

2 drops Siberian-Fir

1 drop Lemongrass

Therapeutic Effect: The components myrtenol, geraniol, and pinene are responsible for Myrtle Oil’s antibacterial, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help treat many respiratory problems when added to inhalations and rubs. Baths with a little Myrtle Oil may ease bladder inflammations and the pain from hemorrhoids. The fresh scent also banishes fatigue.

For Muscle Cramps: Massage oil containing Myrtle Oil can promote blood flow through the tissues, creating a warming effect, and helping prevent cramps that may occur after exercise. Mix 5 drops of Myrtle Oil and 3 drops of Rosemary Oil with 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Use to massage your muscles.

To Firm the Skin: Myrtle Oil can help stimulate connective tissue, firming and toning the skin. Add 5 drops to your bathwater.

To Ease Head Colds: Inhaling Myrtle Oil may alleviate the discomfort caused by a stuffy nose and even help prevent colds from getting worse. Several times a day, place a few drops of the oil on your sleeve or a handkerchief and inhale the scent deeply.

To Freshen the Air: Antibacterial Myrtle Oil helps to clear the air, especially in sickrooms. Add 3 drops each of Myrtle, Lemon, and Thyme Oils to an aromatherapy lamp.

To Heal Pimples: A toner with Myrtle Oil may help heal acne. Mix 2 drops of Myrtle Oil and 1 drop of Lavender Oil with 1 ounce of Witch Hazel. Apply as needed.

Extra Tip: The next time you go to a sauna, add about 4–6 drops of Myrtle Oil to a wet towel and take it with you. The fresh scent will help to enhance the relaxing effect and make breathing easier.

Applications

• Inhalations with Myrtle Oil are anti-inflammatory and relieve symptoms caused by infections. For frontal or paranasal sinus inflammations accompanied by pus, add 4 drops of Myrtle Oil to 4 cups of hot water and inhale the vapors for a few minutes. Repeat several times daily.

• To treat painful ear inflammations, mix 3 drops of Myrtle Oil and 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil. Place 3–4 drops in each ear canals, and then put a cap or headband to keep them in place. Leave the cotton in your ears overnight.

• For relief from the itching and swelling of hemorrhoids, blend 3 drops of Myrtle Oil and 2 drops of Cypress Oil with 1 ounce of Witch Hazel cream, which is available in many pharmacies. Apply to the rectal area as needed.

• Myrtle Oil may help infections of the bladder and urinary tract. Add 4 drops of Myrtle Oil to warm bathwater, mixing it well, before you take a bath.

• A chest massage oil containing Myrtle Oil can help relieve discomfort associated with asthma, flu, colds, and coughs. Mix 3 drops each of Myrtle and Frankincense Oils with 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil and apply to the chest area as needed.

Take Care! Do not apply undiluted essential oil of Myrtle, or any essential oil, directly to your skin. It can cause an allergic reaction, skin irritation, and reddening, even in those who have normal skin. Pregnant women and epileptics should check with an aromatherapist before using Myrtle Oil.

Niaouli Oil

The essential oil of niaouli is extracted and distilled from the fresh leaves of evergreen trees. A member of the Myrtle family, niaouli, or Melaleuca viridiflora, is a close relative of the Cajeput tree. Originally from Australia, the niaouli is now cultivated in Malaysia and the Philippines. The tree’s colorless to pale yellow oil has a fresh, camphor-like aroma that aids concentration. It can blend well with such essential oils as Eucalyptus, Ocean-Pine, Orange, Hyssop, Lemon, and Myrtle. The oil’s wound-healing and antiseptic qualities, which were first discovered by the Australian Aborigines, are similar to Tea Tree Oil. Niaouli Oil is now used as a remedy for many infections of the reproductive and respiratory systems, such as vaginitis, yeast infections, colds, flu, and bronchitis. Niaouli is also an expectorant that thins mucus and helps to alleviate coughs. As an effective anti-inflammatory, the oil can relieve swollen membranes that accompany many types of ailments. It is also helpful as a treatment for athlete’s foot, burns, and ear infections.

For Concentration and Mental Clarity

The slightly pungent scent of Niaouli Oil helps to clear the mind and enhance ordered, logical thinking. This blend in an aromatherapy lamp also helps you to maintain your cool in stressful situations.

4 drops Niaouli

2 drops Lime

1 drop Eucalyptus

Therapeutic Effect: The main components in Niaouli Oil are cineol, pinene, terpineol, and limonene, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties that reduce swelling, help to heal infections and relieve coughs. Niaouli Oil also stimulates the immune system, which accelerates recovery from illness. Applied topically, niaouli helps tissue regenerate from burns and wounds.

For Antiviral Protection: The antiviral properties of the oil can protect the body by reducing the risk of infection by viruses, it can also treat flu and colds. Mix 5 drops each of Niaouli, Thyme, and Lemon Oils in an aromatherapy lamp for a disinfecting blend.

For Fresh Breath: For a mouthwash to freshen your breath and protect you from infections, including the herpes virus, blend 1 drop of Niaouli Oil with 4 ounces water. Shake it, and gargle.

For Coughs and Bronchitis: Niaouli’s expectorant effect is useful in treating coughs and bronchitis. Add 2 drops each of Niaouli, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus Oils to a hot bath or an aromatherapy lamp. Or add them to 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil then massage your chest with the mixture.

For Insect Bites: Niaouli Oil relieves the itch of insect bites and helps reduce swelling. The bites heal faster, while the oil’s skin softeners counteract scars. Mix 2 drops of Niaouli Oil in 2 tablespoons Witch Hazel, and apply to the affected areas.

For a Skin Moisturizer: For moisturizing body oil, mix 5 drops Niaouli Oil, 10 drops of Lavender Oil, and 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. This mixture strengthens resistance to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and keeps the skin from drying out.

Take Care! The pungent and spicy aroma of the essential oil of Niaouli can irritate the delicate conjunctival mucous membranes of the eyes. When you are using the oil externally, especially while you are inhaling it, always keep your eyes closed to help protect them from the rising vapors.

Extra Tip: Niaouli Oil helps to relieve dizziness by stimulating circulation—refreshing the body and mind. Dab a few drops of the oil on a handkerchief, hold it to your nose, and deeply inhale the scent.

Applications

• Inhalations with Niaouli Oil and Lemon Oil help to reduce mucus and clear nasal congestion. Put 3 drops of Niaouli Oil and 2 drops of Lemon Oil in 2 quart of very hot water. Inhale vapors deeply for 10. Repeat as needed.

• A vaginal douche of Niaouli Oil helps to relieve vaginitis and yeast infections. Add 1 drop each of Niaouli Oil and Tea Tree Oils and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a vaginal douche bottle that is filled with warm water. Mix it well, and use it to moisten the inside of the vagina. This works best when used at bedtime.

• For a topical salve for cuts and burns, add 2 drops Niaouli Oil, 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil, and 5 drops of Lavender Oil to 2 ounces each of Witch Hazel and purified water. Mix and apply. Or, add the oils to a base of unscented mineral-oil lotion and apply to cuts and burns.

Orange Oil

The essential oil of orange can be recognized by a fresh, sweet, citrusy aroma, just like the orange itself. The orange tree, Citrus aurantium, yields petigrain oil from its foliage, Neroli Oil from its flowers, and Orange Oil from its fruit. The oil improves the mood, calms anxiety, and lifts the spirit. It also stimulates circulation and aids digestion. As a cosmetic, Orange Oil can help maintain healthy, youthful skin, helping to boost collagen production, and reduce skin puffiness and blemishes. Orange Oil also works in harmony with other essential oils—cinnamon and flowery scents, such as Ylang-Ylang, to name a few. As a room freshener, these blends may induce a positive outlook and reduce everyday tension. Even furniture can benefit from Orange Oil. A few drops added to Linseed Oil will make a gentle wood protectant. Not even culinary use escapes this versatile oil. Orange extract—the familiar, delicious dessert flavoring—is derived from Orange Oil. Orange Oil is surprisingly inexpensive; because of its many uses, orange is a good choice when deciding which oils to buy.

For Fatigue and Exhaustion

Use a blend of Orange, Lime, and Lemongrass Oils in an aromatherapy lamp to dispel fatigue and exhaustion and instantly freshen a room. This blend will help create a cheerful and sunny mood:

5 drops Orange

3 drops Lime

2 drops Lemongrass

Therapeutic Effect: Orange Oil has a refreshing and invigorating effect on the body and psyche. The primary components are limonene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, terpineol, and vitamin C. Because of its regenerative and mildly firming properties, Orange Oil is frequently found as an ingredient in many cosmetics and is even thought to reduce cellulite.

As a Food Additive: An extract from Orange Oil diluted with alcohol is sold in stores for use as a food flavoring. Add 2 drops of Orange Oil to food—such as cream, for instance—for flavoring and to stimulate digestion. Add the oil just before beating and then use as you normally would. This makes even very rich cakes easily digestible.

For Circulation Disorders: Orange and Rosemary Oils, when mixed together, have an invigorating effect and may improve circulation. Try a hot and then cold shower, adding both essential oils to your regular unscented shower gel.

For a Gentle Massage: Add 8 drops of Orange Oil and 4 drops of Geranium Oil to 1 ounce of lotion or vegetable oil. The skin-softening and soothing properties of Orange Oil provide the skin with greater elasticity and help protect it against drying.

For Firm Skin: A mixture of Orange and Bergamot oils acts as a tonic for the skin, smoothing small wrinkles, and keeping the skin fresh and youthful looking. Add 5 drops of Orange Oil and 3 drops of Bergamot Oil to 2 ounces of water in a spritzer bottle; spray your body daily.

Extra Tip: Used in a massage or aromatherapy lamp, the fresh scent of Orange Oil is a good remedy for nausea during pregnancy, and it has no side effects.

Applications: External Use

• To help reduce cellulite, massage the area each day with a blend of 15 drops of Orange Oil, 4 drops of Geranium Oil, 4 drops of Cinnamon Oil, and 3 tablespoons of Sunflower Oil. A brush massage with soft natural bristles beforehand will increase circulation, intensifying the effect.

• Mouthwash containing Orange Oil supports the healing process in cases of inflamed gums and periodontal disease. Add 3 drops of Orange Oil and ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and stir it well. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with this mixture after brushing your teeth. The mouthwash also fights sore throats and coughs.

Applications: Internal Use

• As a food flavoring, Orange Oil may help to increase the appetite and stimulate digestion: Add 1 drop of Orange Oil to puddings or cheesecakes or put it in a yogurt dressing for fruit salad. You can also place a drop of Orange Oil in 1 teaspoon of honey and take the mixture once daily before meals to improve digestion.

Take Care! Orange Oil may irritate the skin and cause a phototoxic effect. This can lead to sunburn and cause brown pigment spots to form on the skin that may last for years. Avoid using Orange Oil or skin-care products that contain Orange Oil whenever you’re going to be exposed to the Sun. In addition, the pale yellow pigment in the oil leaves spots on textiles that are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

Oregano Oil

Native to the entire Mediterranean area, oregano is a sweet, minty herb long valued for its myriad culinary and medicinal uses. In fact, the ancient Egyptians used oregano as a preservative for food and as an antidote to poison. The essential oil is extracted from the flowering plant, Oregano vulgare, a member of the mint family. The resulting pale-yellow oil has a potent camphoraceous, spicy aroma that strengthens the body and mind. Oregano Oil is considered one of the most antiseptic essential oils; it can treat parasites, digestive problems, and infections, as well as respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, colds, and flu. When applied topically, Oregano Oil relieves eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin conditions and may help to reduce the formation of cellulite. Steam inhalations with the oil help loosen phlegm, promote expectoration, and quiet coughs. Massages with Oregano Oil soothe menstrual pain and muscle cramps as well. On an emotional level, Oregano Oil relieves fatigue, improves concentration, and helps ease depression.

For Renewed Energy and Increased Focus

The powerful, spicy aroma of Oregano Oil relieves weakness and improves circulation. The following mixture in your aromatherapy lamp provides fresh energy and stimulates both the body and the mind:

3 drops Oregano

2 drops Peruvian Balsam

1 drop Basil

Therapeutic Effect: Oregano Oil contains thymol, carvacrol, cymene, terpinine, and menthene, which have expectorant, antiseptic, and antiviral effects. These properties help ease respiratory congestion, colds, bronchitis, and flu symptoms. The oil is also a mild laxative and thus relieves constipation. Oregano Oil boosts circulation as well, alleviating rheumatism, menstrual pain, and muscle cramps.

For Cellulite: A massage oil with 1 drop of Oregano Oil with 2 drops each of Rosemary and Orange Oils mixed in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil reduces the formation of cellulite. Oregano Oil promotes blood flow while it drains toxins from the tissues. This reduces buildup of water, toxins, and fats beneath the skin, which helps loosen the appearance of cellulite.

For Asthma: Blend 1 drop of Oregano Oil and 2 drops each of Frankincense and Eucalyptus Oils, and add to a bowl of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and inhale the vapors. This eases coughing, loosens mucus, and relaxes the bronchial tubes to restore easy breathing.

For Menstrual Pain: Since Oregano Oil increases circulation, it eases menstrual pain. Add 1 drop of Clary Sage Oil to warm bathwater. Soak for 20 minutes to relax muscles and soothe cramps.

For Headaches: Oregano Oil’s camphoraceous, pungent aroma helps relieve pressure headaches. Apply 2–3 drops of the oil to a cloth and inhale the scent deeply and calmly. However, be sure to avoid direct skin contact with the oil by holding the cloth away from your nose.

Extra Tip: For a massage oil for strained muscles, mix 1 drop of Oregano Oil and 2 drops each of Lavender and Roman-Chamomile Oils in 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil. Massage the blend into the affected muscles.

Applications

• Oregano Oil is an antiparasitic and can help get rid of head lice. Mix 5 drops of Oregano Oil in 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp several times each day to alleviate itching, prevent infection, and eliminate the lice.

• Make a household disinfectant spray by blending 2 drops each of Oregano, Thyme, and Lavender Oils, 5 drops of Lemon Oil, 1 cup of warm water, and ½ cup of vodka. Add the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray the areas of the house where the germs tend to accumulate, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Don’t spray near furniture, however, as it can discolor fabric and wood.

• During a fasting regimen, warm “liver wraps” with Oregano Oil can assist the detoxification process. Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 quart of warm water, and 1 drop of Oregano Oil. Dip a cloth in the mixture and place it below the rib cage on the right side of your body (the liver is located below this area). Next, put a hot-water bottle over the compress and cover it with a towel. Cover up with blankets and rest in bed for about an hour.

Take Care! Oregano Oil may irritate the skin and the mucous membranes, so dilute it before use. In addition, carvacrol, one of the oil’s components, is slightly toxic, so the oil should be used in small doses. Since it can stimulate uterine bleeding, Oregano Oil shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. Also, insist on pure Oregano Oil, as it is often confused with Marjoram Oil.

Palmarosa Oil

Although Palmarosa Oil is not among the most popular oils used in the United States, in Asia (where palmarosa grass grows wild and freely) the oil is highly regarded for its harmonizing effect on both the body and soul. It takes more than 154 pounds of dried, sweet grass to yield roughly 1 quart of yellow essential Palmarosa Oil, extracted through steam distillation. The oil’s delicate scent is somewhat Rose-like, thanks to its high geraniol concentration. This aroma seems to have a calming effect, particularly in times of stress and anger. Applied topically, the oil is a good nutrient for your skin. It stimulates cell growth and regulates sebum production, supporting the regeneration of damaged tissue. Because palmarosa has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, it is beneficial for oily skin and acne. Palmarosa Oil blends well with other oils and is a good moisturizer, especially for mature skin. The oil is also used often in Ayurvedic medicine; its antispasmodic properties help to promote muscle relaxation, as well as reduce muscle pain.

To Calm Nerves

To enhance the relaxing and antispasmodic properties of Palmarosa Oil, put this mixture in a simmer pot or diffuser. At the same time, the blend will perfume your room, awakening your mind with a stimulating, yet very delicate fragrance.

6 drops Palmarosa

2 drops Lemon Balm

2 drops Sandalwood

Therapeutic Effect: Palmarosa Oil is good for both oily and dry, sensitive skin. Its main constituents are geraniol and limonene with citronellal, farnesol, and dipentene. Geraniol balances the oil and moisture levels in the skin. Limonene’s gently invigorating properties help to ease muscle cramps and prevent the pain that can be caused by nervous tension.

For Neck Pain: Hot compresses made with Palmarosa Oil can ease pain that results from neck tension. Fill a small bowl with hot water, put 5 drops of Palmarosa oil on the water’s surface. Touch the surface lightly with a cloth to absorb the oil, then fold the compress with the oil side in, to prevent any direct skin contact, and apply. If necessary, repeat 3–4 times.

Relaxing Bath: After a trying day, rejuvenate in a warm aromatherapy bath. Mix 5 drops of Palmarosa Oil, 3 drops of Bergamot Oil, and 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil; add to bathwater.

Natural Remedy For Pimples: The balancing effect of this essential oil helps regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, easing skin disorders. Mix 5 drops of Palmarosa Oil into 1 ounce of your favorite face lotion. Make this lotion part of your daily routine, applying it to cleansed skin.

Emotional Consolation: Palmarosa Oil is an excellent soothing agent for anyone suffering from loss or the trauma of grieving. Put 5 drops of Palmarosa Oil with 3 drops of Lemon Balm Oil and 3 drops of Rose-Otto Oil in an aromatherapy lamp. For a quick pick-me-up, dab on a handkerchief and inhale.

Extra Tip: Palmarosa Oil has a light, citrus-floral aroma associated with love and healing. In a diffuser, its scent improves clarity of mind and can help you relax physically, as well as stimulate your mind.

Take Care! If you experience chronic tiredness or low blood pressure, this may not be the best choice for you. It may further lower blood pressure and could have a negative effect on the body. In some cases, even though this is a very mild oil, those who use it experience a decline in their performance and a lack of focus.

Applications: External Use

• Palmarosa is an effective oil for preventing scar formation. It helps strengthen the skin and stimulates the formation of new tissue, so developing scars are less dense. Mix 15 drops of Palmarosa Oil with approximately 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil and massage it into the affected area several times a day. This mixture can be especially beneficial for healing wounds and surgical scars.

• Massaging with Palmarosa Oil helps soothe muscle tension and ease pain. Mix 5 drops of Roman Chamomile Oil, 10 drops of Lavender essential oil, 20 drops of Palmarosa Oil, and ½ cup of Sweet Almond Oil. Blend the oils and massage the mixture into the affected areas of the body to help reduce muscle pain.

• For a gentle skin oil, mix 10 drops of Palmarosa Oil with 5 drops each of Sandalwood, Lavender, and Geranium Oils. Blend into ¼ cup of Sweet Almond Oil. This soothing blend helps to heal dry, sensitive skin and protects it from damage and inflammation. For best results, massage this oil blend into your skin just after a bath or shower—while your skin is still wet, to seal in moisture. Make a double batch of the oil if you plan to use it often.

Patchouli Oil

Patchouli Oil has as many uses as it has characteristics scents—musty and exotic, spicy and sweet, earthy and sensuous—all of which will improve with age. Native to Southeast Asia, the herb and its distilled essential oil are prized for their wide range of effects. Specifically, the herb, which is believed to kill fungi, has been effective against athlete’s foot, while the essential oil’s therapeutic properties have made it a favored skin-care aid in bath products, massage oils, and creams. The herb is also found in perfumes, where, some say, it is useful as an aphrodisiac. In aromatherapy, Patchouli Oil can be either stimulating or calming: the amount used controls the effects, which include lifting depression, calming anxiety, and relieving premenstrual complaints and menopausal symptoms. Patchouli, with its pungent aroma, was popular in the 1960s among the peace and love generation. When combined with other oils, such as Bergamot, Neroli or Rose Geranium, Patchouli becomes less overpowering. Used alone, it can be very a effective insect repellent.

For Exotic Dreams

The potent bouquet of scents in Patchouli Oil is believed to stimulate the reaming brain, opening the door to sweet and exotic visions. In combination with Ylang-Ylang Oil, it helps to drive away depression, lift your mood, and encourage your imagination to take flight. Blend the following oils and let the mixture evaporate in an aromatherapy lamp in the evening before going to bed.

5 drops Patchouli

4 drops Ylang-Ylang

4 drops Lavender

Therapeutic Effect: The main component is patchoulene, a particularly calming and relaxing substance. Patchoulene, similar to chamazulene found in chamomile, is anti-inflammatory and helps heal wounds, supporting the regeneration of injured tissue and keeping the skin toned. Patchouli is also antiviral and antifungal, so it’s beneficial for ringworm, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections. In an aromatherapy lamp, Patchouli Oil combats stress, lethargy, and mental and emotional fatigue.

For Well-Being: Patchouli Oil can be mentally energizing and yet not overstimulating physically. It is believed to release the neurotransmitters that control your mood and general well-being. Patchouli Oil blends well with Vanilla-Absolute Oil for enhancing your mood. The warmth of a bath scented with these oils is calming, restorative, and energizing at the same time.

For Good “Grounding”: With its woodsy, earthy scent, it’s no wonder Patchouli Oil has a reputation for keeping us centered, focused, and in touch with our feelings. To help keep your feet firmly planted on the proverbial ground, rub them daily with a simple mixture of Sunflower and Patchouli Oils. Blend 2 teaspoons of Sunflower Oil (or other carrier oil) with 5 drops of Patchouli Oil for a healing massage.

For Sore Skin: A body oil combining Jojoba or any other carrier oil with Patchouli Oil provides natural relief for stressed or chafed, cracked, sore skin. Gently massage the oil mixture into your skin twice a day.

Take Care! Like other essential oils, Patchouli Oil should not be taken internally—the highly concentrated plant material could cause serious injury unless prescribed by a professional health-care provider. Combine the oils with a carrier oil for direct use on the skin. Whenever you purchase essential oils, check the labels for the addition of other substances—only pure oils give you the best therapeutic results.

Extra Tip: A sachet with a drop of potent, earthy Patchouli Oil prevents clothing from becoming moth-eaten and repels other insects as well.

Skin Care Applications

• The patchoulene contained in the oil helps care for damaged skin by reducing scarring and promoting the regeneration of the affected tissue. Skin-care oil containing Patchouli Oil may be especially helpful for eczema and allergic skin reactions. Mix 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil with 10 drops of Patchouli Oil, and gently apply the mixture to the affected areas 2 to 3 times daily.

• Toners made with Patchouli Oil help firm and tighten dry, tired, slack skin on the face. Add 3 drops of Patchouli Oil and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of warm water; moisten a cotton pad or ball in the liquid, and generously apply to your face in the morning and in the evening after cleansing. Leave the mixture on to air-dry.

• For a spirit-reviving blend, combine 10 drops of Bergamot, 5 drops of Patchouli, and 2 drops of Rose-Absolute Oils in a 1-ounce bottle. Add the blend to a bath or combine a drop with a few drops of water in your hands and lace through your hair. Vary amounts of the oils if you prefer a stronger scent.

Peppermint Oil

Essential oil of Peppermint, which is distilled from the leaves of the peppermint plant, has become one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy. The plant has been popular for its pungent flavor and its curative powers since the seventeenth century, when it may have been brought from the Orient by way of North Africa. In all of its uses, Peppermint Oil is refreshing to the mind, body, and spirit. The distinctive scent of Peppermint Oil can improve a person’s concentration and focus. The way this works is that the scent actually triggers the hippocampus, a part of the brain linked to memory. The oil relieves not only mental fatigue but also nausea and dizziness. As a healing oil, Peppermint is both antiseptic and anesthetic because of its high proportion of menthol. Thus, the essential oil, when inhaled, is extremely effective for fighting respiratory infections, from colds to bronchitis and sinusitis. When diluted and applied to the skin, the oil soothes and cools. The oil is particularly useful with older children.

Peppermint Oil

• Soothes respiratory infections

• Aids circulation

• Fights inflammation

• Relieves flatulence and indigestion

For Fatigue

If your mind is overtaxed and fatigued, you are likely to have trouble focusing and remembering. The good news is that you can reenergize your mind and memory by simply inhaling the fresh, pure scent of Peppermint Oil in an aromatherapy lamp. Combine Peppermint Oil for the greatest benefits.

8 drops of Peppermint

5 drops of Lemon

Therapeutic Effect: Peppermint Oil has cooling, fever-reducing, and antiseptic properties, largely due to high levels of menthol, which is an antibacterial and anesthetic. The oil helps cure colds, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It also aids healthy digestion by increasing digestive, liver, and gallbladder secretions and relaxes cramped intestinal muscles. Plus, the scent clears the mind and eases mental tension.

For Opening Nasal Passages: The high menthol content of Peppermint Oil reduces inflammation in the nasal passages during a cold, opening them up, and improving breathing.

For Focusing the Mind: Whenever you are weary and tense at the end of a taxing day, Peppermint Oil is a remedy that will revitalize you. It clears your thoughts and allows you to breathe deeply and freely again.

For Headaches: Mix a base oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil, with Peppermint Oil and rub a few drops on your forehead and the nape of your neck. This can rapidly alleviate the pain of a headache and migraine.

For a Cleansing Sauna: Regular visits to a sauna stimulate the body’s own defenses. You can increase the detoxifying, fortifying effect of a sauna by adding a few drops of Peppermint Oil to the water poured on the sauna coals.

For Fresh Breath: Peppermint Oil is an excellent natural alternative to mouthwash. It has a disinfectant effect, inhibits infection, and prevents cavities and gum disease, while combating bad breath at the same time.

Extra Tip: For motion sickness and nausea, place a few drops of Peppermint Oil on a cloth. Hold the cloth in front of your mouth and nose, and breathe in deeply for a few seconds.

Take Care! Do not treat children with Peppermint Oil, since the high menthol content can irritate sensitive mucosa. If you have chills, avoid Peppermint Oil, because of its intense cooling properties. Keep your eyes tightly shut when inhaling Peppermint Oil, as the vapors can irritate them. The oil may also irritate sensitive skin, Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using the oil altogether.

Applications: Packs and Compresses

• Cold packs with Peppermint Oil can reduce a fever. Mix 8 drops of Peppermint Oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar in 1 quart of cool water. Soak 2 packs in the mixture, wring them out, and place them on the calves of your legs. Replace as often as necessary until the fever abates.

• A compress with Peppermint Oil relieves the symptoms of a sinus infection. Mix 5 drops of Peppermint Oil in 2 cups of warm water. Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose and over your cheekbones. Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed.

Applications: Beauty Benefits

• Peppermint Oil can help keep skin looking and feeling healthy. This oil reduces oiliness that can produce skin blemishes. It is also known to help minimize the redness of broken capillaries by constricting the vessel walls. Mix the essential oil with a base oil before applying.

• For a cool, refreshing bath, add 2–4 drops of Peppermint Oil to a tub of tepid water.

Petitgrain Oil

Petitgrain Oil, like Neroli Oil, is derived from the bitter-orange tree, or Citrus aurantium. Petitgrain Oil, however, comes from the leaves and stems, while Neroli Oil is from the blossoms. Historically, the oil was distilled from the tree’s unripe fruit, hence its French name petit grain, or “little grain.” While their fragrances are similar, petitgrain’s aroma is stronger and more pungent than Neroli’s scent. Petitgrain is also frequently substituted for its more expensive cousin. The oil is often used to scent cosmetics, soaps, aftershaves, and colognes and to flavor candies, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and desserts. The oil’s antibacterial properties help alleviate numerous skin conditions, such as acne, dry skin, and blemishes. The oil also eases headaches, muscle tension and abdominal pain. On an emotional level, the refreshing, relaxing scent of petitgrain is very effective for treating depression, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, stress, and mood swings.

For a Refreshing Pick-Me-Up

Petitgrain Oil’s relaxing and antidepressant effect is at its strongest when it is used in an aromatherapy lamp. If you’re tired and worn out, allow the following blend to evaporate in your aromatherapy lamp:

4 drops Petitgrain

3 drops Bergamot

2 drops Grapefruit

Therapeutic Effect: Petitgrain Oil moisturizes the skin to help it maintain softness and elasticity. The oil’s antibacterial property protects acne-prone skin from becoming infected and helps pimples heal faster. The refreshing scent can offer relief from depression. It contains linalyl acetate, linalool, geranyl acetate, farnesol, geraniol, terpineol, Nerolidol, limonene, and nerol.

For Depression: The mood-brightening effect of Petitgrain Oil helps drive off depression and dark thoughts. Blend 5 drops of Geranium, 3 drops of Petitgrain Oil, and 1 drop each of Jasmine and Rose-Otto Oils. Burn the mixture in your aromatherapy lamp to renew your sense of optimism.

For Migraines: Petitgrain Oil’s relaxing effect can help relieve migraines or headaches caused by nerves. Place 2 drops of Petitgrain Oil on a handkerchief and inhale the scent deeply.

For Natural Skin Care: A skin-care oil with Petitgrain Oil keeps dry, sensitive skin soft. The oil nourishes tissue to protect against reddening and dry lines. Blend 5 drops of Petitgrain Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Oil, 2 drops each of Sandalwood and Frankincense Oils, and 1 drop of Neroli Oil in 2 ounces of Sweet Almond or Olive Oil. Wash your face and apply the mixture with the tips of your fingers.

For Restlessness: A warm bath with Petitgrain Oil can have a soothing effect if you have difficulty falling asleep due to nervousness. The following blend can help to promote relaxation and peace of mind, encouraging a deep, restorative sleep. Mix 2 drops each of Petitgrain and Lavender Oils with 1 drop each of Ylang-Ylang and Chamomile Oils, add this combination to warm bathwater, and soak 20 minutes before bedtime.

Extra Tip: Petitgrain Oil often replaces expensive Neroli Oil in hair tonics, perfumes, and both facial and body lotions. Add 3 drops of Petitgrain Oil to enhance a hair rinse or conditioner.

Applications

• Following physical exertion, add Petitgrain Oil and 3 drops of Rosemary Oil to a warm bath. Soak for at least 15–20 minutes. Wrap yourself warmly and rest in bed for one hour.

• A deodorant spray using Petitgrain Oil is refreshing and helps protect against unpleasant odor. Mix 5 drops of Petitgrain Oil and 2 drops of Clary Sage Oil in 3 tablespoons of orange-blossom water. Store the mixture in a spray bottle. Shake the blend thoroughly before each use and spray it onto your skin after bathing or showering. Keep the bottle in a dry, cool place.

• Add Petitgrain Oil to a facial mask to regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands and relieve oily skin and pimples. Combine 1 drop of Petitgrain Oil with 1 tablespoon of Witch Hazel extract and stir it into 1 tablespoon of facial clay or ground oats. Apply the mask to oily areas of your face and allow to dry. Keep it in place for 5 minutes and rinse off. For severe acne, apply the mask everyday.

Take Care! When buying Petitgrain Oil, make sure it has been extracted from the bitter-orange tree by checking the Latin name. Impure Petitgrain Oil may be distilled from other types of citrus, such as Sweet Orange or Lemon.

Pine-Needle Oil

Also known as Scotch and Norwegian pine, Pinus sylvertris originated in northern Europe, the eastern United States, and the Baltic. This majestic, aromatic tree can grow to a height of 130 feet and bears brown cones, yellow-orange flowers, and blue-green candles. Pine is cultivated for tar, wood, cellulose, turpentine, pitch, and essential oil, which is extracted from the needles by steam distillation. The oil’s many healing properties have been recognized ever since people discovered the fresh, invigorating scent released by pine needles crushed underfoot when stepped on in a forest. Pine-Needle Oil’s crisp woodsy aroma can, in fact, clear the sinuses and help relieve bronchitis, colds, sore throats, and flu. It cools fevers, eases congestion, stimulates blood circulation, and soothes sore muscles and joints that accompany sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism. Pine-Needle Oil also has antifungal and antiseptic properties that fight infection and help boost the immune system. It can restore both emotional and physical strength, and relieve general malaise and fatigue.

To Ease Breathing

Pine-Needle Oil helps open the respiratory passages and promotes expectoration. The oil also relieves swollen nasal mucosa. The following blend in an aromatherapy lamp will help you to breathe freely again.

3 drops Pine-Needle

2 drops Peppermint

2 drops Eucalyptus

Therapeutic Effect: The primary components in Pine-Needle Oil are sylvestrene, pinene, pumilone, dipentene, cadinene, and bornyl acetate. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, expectorant, diuretic, analgesic, decongestant, insecticidal, and antibacterial properties that are effective in treating respiratory and bladder infections, skin conditions, fever, and muscle spasms.

For Relieving Pain: A warm bath containing Pine-Needle Oil helps stimulate the circulation and alleviates pain associated with arthritis, gout, and rheumatisms. Add 3 drops each of Pine-Needle. Roman-Chamomile, and Lavender Oils to warm bathwater and soak.

For Boosting Immunity: To boost the immune system and help fight infections, add 3 drops each of Pine-Needle, Lemon, and Tea Tree Oils to a pot of hot water. Put a towel over your head and lean over the pot to let your lungs and skin absorb the rising steam.

For a Deep, Restorative Sleep: Pine-Needle Oil’s fresh scent dispels nervous tension and insomnia. Put a few drops of Pine-Needle Oil on your pillow before going to bed. You’ll wake up refreshed and invigorated the next morning.

For Foot Odor: A daily warm footbath with 3 drops of Pine-Needle Oil in 2 gallons of water regulates the production of sweat and prevents unpleasant foot odor. The oil also promotes blood circulation in the feet.

For Insect Bites: Pine-Needle Oil is a natural insect repellent that protects you from bug bites. During mosquito or black fly season, place a few drops of oil in a cloth and keep it near you, or take aromatherapy lamp outside.

Take Care! The penetrating aroma of Pine-Needle Oil can be irritating to the eyes, so keep them closed during inhalations to protect them from rising steam. Pine-Needle Oil can also irritate the skin. Handle with caution, and always mix well when creating an oil blend.

Extra Tip: Pine-Needle and Rosemary Oils improve concentration. Place 2 drops of each on a cloth, avoiding direct contact with the skin, and inhale.

Applications

• To promote better circulation: Massages with Pine-Needle and Rosemary Oils to relieve muscular pain after athletic exertion. Mix 4 drops of Pine-Needle and 3 drops of Rosemary Oils in 1 ounce of Olive Oil, and then massage the muscles with firm kneading motions.

• For the flu: Inhalations with Pine-Needle Oil can provide some relief when you are weakened by an infection. Add 3 drops of Pine-Needle Oil and 2 drops of Chamomile Oil to a pot with 1 quart of warm water. Cover your head with a towel as you inhale the rising steam slowly and deeply. Keep your eyes closed. Note: For a severe case of the flu, do this twice a day.

• To clean the home: Blend 5–10 drops of Pine-Needle Oil with 2 gallons of water. You can also add a cleaning soap if you wish. Use this mixture with a cloth or in a spray bottle to help disinfect your home and leave a fresh scent. Or, mix 5–7 drops of the oil in 2 cups of borax to use as a rug freshener. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

• For holiday cheer: To add some holiday spirit to your home, mix 5 drops each of Pine-Needle and Cinnamon Oils in 1 quart of water, and let it simmer on the stove or in an aromatherapy lamp.

Rosemary Oil

The popular Rosemary bush is native to the coastal Mediterranean region but is cultivated throughout the world. The pungent herb has long been favored for its stimulating, medicinal effects, and ancient healers would often turn to Rosemary for its memory-enhancing qualities. Rosemary is also highly prized for use in aromatherapy and is in high demand. Long thought to be a rejuvenating tonic for both the body and the mind, Rosemary Oil aids mental clarity and stimulates the central nervous system. The spicy essential oil is also often used in bath and body products, such as soaps, shampoos, and bath salts. To produce the oil, the needlelike leaves must be harvested before the plant blossoms, and then dried. More than 200 pounds of leaves are used to produce about a quart of oil by steam distillation.

For Energy and Mental Clarity

The fragrance from Rosemary Oil helps renew energy levels and aids concentration. Use the following oil mixture in an aromatherapy lamp to clear your head and allow you to think clearly again.

3 drops Rosemary

1 drop Peppermint

1 drop Clary Sage

Therapeutic Effect: Rosemary Oil has a strong stimulating and anti-inflammatory effect. The substances contained in Rosemary Oil activate circulation and the nervous system.

For Grooming and General Well-Being: Because Rosemary Oil has a strong warming effect, a body oil containing the extract retains heat after a bath and energizes the circulatory system. The skin absorbs essential oils particularly well after baths or showers.

For Cold Feet: Pamper and warm cold feet with a footbath containing Rosemary Oil for quick and long-lasting results. Mix 9 drops of the oil with the warm water of the footbath. Be sure to mix well so that the oil disperses throughout.

For Cellulite: Adding Rosemary Oil to bathwater is helpful for removing water from tissue and improving circulation, which in turn diminishes the appearance of cellulite. Mix 10 drops of Rosemary Oil with 2–3 tablespoons of whipping cream or base oil as an emulsifier, and add to bathwater. While bathing, massage skin with a loofah to stimulate circulation.

For Hair Loss: Add 2 drops of Rosemary Oil to your shampoo. The oil will stimulate circulation to the scalp, giving it a bit of a “wake-up call” and, at the same time, improving the nutrient supply to the hair roots. The result will healthy and shiny hair.

Take Care! Do not burn your aromatherapy lamp for more than four hours a day. Burning the lamp longer could overstimulate the nerves in the nose, resulting in a painful headache.

Caution! The camphor, thymol, and terpineol in Rosemary Oil are highly stimulating. Pregnant women should not use the herb as either an essential oil or a tea preparation, as either can cause premature labor. Those prone to asthma may be bothered by Rosemary Oil’s strong scent, and the active ingredients can also cause seizures in epileptics. Rosemary Oil may cause skin irritation if nor diluted properly. Keep these precautions in mind when using Rosemary Oil around others.

Applications: External Use

• Clear toxins from the body with a warm Rosemary Oil compress. Mix 4 drops of Rosemary Oil with 2 cups of warm water and then moisten a hand towel with the mixture. To detoxify the body, apply the compress to the liver area; cover with wool cloth.

• To help control minor pain, add 9 drops of Rosemary Oil to 4 teaspoons of Sweet Almond Oil and gently rub the gallbladder area.

• Make a Hair Oil by adding 2 drops of Rosemary, 2 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Clary Sage, and 2 drops of Jasmine-Absolute Oils to ½ ounce of a base oil. Add drop by drop to a wooden hairbrush before brushing. The treatment conditions hair and adds a pleasing scent.

• A natural alternative to coffee or other stimulants, Rosemary Oil can provide a lift during the day simply by adding it to a simmer pot or diffuser.

• For an energizing bath, add 3 drops of Rosemary Oil, 3 drops of Lemon Oil, and 2 drops of Eucalyptus Oil directly into a tub of warm water. Swirl the water until the oils are mixed.

Rosewood Oil

A member of the laurel family, the rosewood tree is native to South American rain forests, and like other species of that threatened region, it has an uncertain future. Plantation-grown trees, however, are harvested for the commercial use of their wood and essential oil. The essential oil of the rosewood tree has a fresh, somewhat flowery, woodsy scent that aromatherapists consider to be calming and harmonizing for both the mood and the body. Rosewood Oil is often used to provide gentle relief for menstrual pains and for cramped or fatigued muscles. Skin-care preparations of all kinds—for minor irritations and wounds, daily health regimens, and dryness—will benefit from the oil, which is soothing and antibacterial. As for the emotional benefits of using Rosewood Oil, it is believed to assuage anxiety, reduce stress, and relieve depression. The balancing power of the oil may even help stabilize mood swings and diminish aggressiveness. Ongoing research will help us further understand the oil’s therapeutic uses.

For Stress

When you find that you are agitated by the hectic pace of life, Rosewood Oil may help relax and soothe you. Let the following mixture evaporate in your diffuser:

8 drops Rosewood

5 drops Lavender

Therapeutic Effect: Among the primary components in Rosewood Oil are linalool and cineole. They are believed to give the oil its calming and balancing properties, which are beneficial for the improvement of emotional states. Because the components are antibacterial, the oil is valuable for relieving most skin irritations and blemishes. It is also considered very effective in toners and massage oils for maintaining the skin’s oil balance and elasticity. In addition, Rosewood Oil seems to ease menstrual complaints.

For Headaches: Rosewood Oil will relieve headaches that are accompanied by nausea and linked to nervousness and tension in the muscles.

For Stretch Marks: A regular massage of the stomach, thighs, and hips with a cream or an oil containing Rosewood Oil will tighten the skin and may even assist in preventing stretch marks.

For Irritability: To help combat irritability—especially when it is related to premenstrual syndrome—add a mixture of sweet cream and 3 drops each of Rosewood Oil and Bergamot Oil to a hot bath. In addition, the bath will guard against infections and stimulate circulation. Avoid sun exposure for up to 12 hours after your bath, as Bergamot Oil is phototoxic (skin may blister or redden).

For Clear, Balanced Skin: After showering or bathing, massage your body with a mixture of Rosewood Oil and Sweet Almond Oil to soothe sensitive skin, help prevent wrinkles, and treat blemishes. It also effectively combats either oily or dry skin. To get optimal results, massage the oil in gently, circling upward from the feet (be sure your skin is still wet).

A Little Lore: Once known as bois de rose, Rosewood Oil was a popular choice of perfume, usually mixed with other scents. It was also believed to be an aphrodisiac that would cure impotence.

Take Care! Taking Rosewood Oil internally is not advised, as it is considered to be poisonous. There are few known dangers when the oil is used externally. Diluted with any base oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil, it will rarely irritate the skin.

Applications

• For nervous skin disorders: Put a few drops of Rosewood Oil on the outer corners of your pillow. When you lie down, you’ll breathe in the relaxing oil, which may have a soothing effect, making it easier to fall asleep.

• For depression and blue moods: Combine 8 drops of fresh, flowery Rosewood Oil with up to 5 drops of fruity, zesty Grapefruit Oil in a diffuser. This will lift your mood and refocus your mind.

• For tired, tense muscles: Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegars and 5 drops of Rosewood Oil to 2 cups of cool water. Rinse sore, tight muscles with the mixture to help freshen tissues and re-tone muscles.

• For menstrual cramps: Gently massage the entire lower body; front and back, with a mixture of ½ cup Sweet Almond Oil and 25 drops Rosewood Oil. Place a covered hot-water bottle on the abdomen and rest. This will relax cramped muscles and may even ease the flow of menstrual blood. Repeat as needed.

• For acne and blemishes: Add 4 drops each of Rosewood and Lavender Oils to ½ cup distilled water. After cleaning your face, dab it with a cotton pad dipped in the solution to clear up acne and prevent blemishes. Shake the solution well with each use; the oil tends to separate out. Label and date the bottle.

Savory Oil

Savory has been a valuable medicinal and culinary herb for at least 2,000 years. The two varieties, summer savory and winter savory, have very similar therapeutic effects. The more common essential oil is made from the summer variety, or Satureja hortensis, but winter savory, or Satureja montana, is considered more potent. Extracted from the stems and leaves by steam distillation, savory has a fresh, herbal, slightly medicinal aroma that revitalizes a sluggish nervous system. In addition, the oil is an effective remedy for many digestive ailments, including bloating, cramps, flatulence, and diarrhea. For respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma, inhalations with Savory loosen mucus and soothe irritated and inflamed bronchial tubes. Furthermore, the oil stimulates circulation, which helps flush toxins from the body and relieves muscle tension and pain. When the oil is applied topically, it has a beneficial effect on fungal infections, insect bites, acne, and inflamed oily skin. On an emotional level, the oil restores energy and relieves apathy and dejection.

For Exhaustion

The refreshing, stimulating fragrance of Savory Oil helps banish fatigue and malaise. Add the following blend to an aromatherapy lamp:

3 drops Savory

2 drops Lemon

2 drops Oregano

Therapeutic Effect: Cymene, thymol, carvacrol, and phenol give the oil its stimulating properties and help to boost blood circulation, which eases muscle pain and tension. The oil’s antiseptic quality helps treat intestinal ailments, respiratory conditions, and skin inflammations. Savory Oil also activates the adrenal glands. In addition, it is believed to be an aphrodisiac.

For Muscle Tension: To stimulate circulation and help alleviate muscle tension, add 2 drops each of Savory, Lavender, and Juniper Oils to 2 tablespoons of milk. Blend well and add to a warm bath.

For Oily Skin and Acne: Savory Oil is antiseptic and regulates the oil production of the sebaceous glands to help heal acne. Add 1 drop of Savory Oil and 2 drops of Lavender Oil to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Cleanse your face with it and rinse off.

For Itchy Insect Bites: Savory Oil alleviates swelling and relieves the itching of insect bites. Mix 1 drop each of Roman-Chamomile, Tea Tree, and Savory Oils with 2 ounces of Witch Hazel extract. Soak a cotton ball in the mix and dab on insect bites. This also protects the skin from infection due to scratching.

For Skin Fungus: To inhibit the growth of fungus and prevent re-infection, blend 1 drop of Savory and 2 drops each of Tea Tree and Lavender Oils in 2 ounces of unscented skin cream. Apply to the affected areas as often as needed until the symptoms have subsided. Wash your hands well after using to prevent spreading the fungal infection to other parts of your body.

Extra Tip: To ease coughs and labored breathing due to bronchitis, blend 2 drops each of Frankincense and Sandalwood Oils, plus 1 drop of Savory Oil, in a bowl of hot water. Deeply inhale the vapors.

Applications

• The antiseptic quality of Savory Oil helps treat inflammations of the mouth and gums. Combine 1 drop of Savory Oil with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and add to a glass of water. Mix well. Rinse your mouth three times a day. Repeat the procedure as needed until the symptoms have totally disappeared.

• For impaired hearing and mild tinnitus, or ringing in your ears, resulting from an ear infection, try the following remedy. Blend 1 drop of Savory Oil in 3 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Mix well and add to a dropper bottle. Put 3–4 drops in each ear canal once a day. Lie down on your side and let the oils soak into each ear. Even if you have symptoms in only one ear, you must treat both ears at the same time.

• For digestive complaints, such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, blend 2 drops each of Savory, Roman-Chamomile, and Lavender Oils with 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Gently massage your abdomen with the mixture in a clockwise motion. Then rest in bed with a hot-water bottle for 20 minutes

• For a quick pick-me-up, put 1–2 drops of Savory Oil in a cloth or on your sleeve and inhale deeply.

Take Care! Always dilute Savory Oil before using, as it may cause skin irritation in certain individuals. In addition, the oil should not be used by pregnant women, as it may cause premature contractions. If you develop any skin irritation while using the summer-Savory Oil variety, don’t use the winter-savory variety since it’s even more potent. Test a patch of skin first for sensitivity.

Tea Tree Oil

Native Australians were the first to discover that the tea tress is a remedy for many different ailments. The Aborigines used its leaves to make a medicinal tea that builds and strengthens the immune system. Today, because of its antiviral properties, Tea Tree Oil occupies a favored position in aromatherapy. It can counteract bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as eliminate parasites. It inhibits inflammation, eases pain, and protects the skin. The oil has also been shown to penetrate outer layers of the skin and attack infections, helping to heal wounds. The essential oil from the Tea Tree leaves—which has a scent similar to camphor—is extracted through steam distillation. It is sold in stores under two names: “Tea Tree Oil” and “melaleuka oil.” It is a popular ingredient in personal-care products, such as soaps and mouthwashes. Keep this versatile oil part of your home medicine chest.

Tea Tree Oil

• Acts as an antiseptic

• Is antiviral

• Is antibacterial

• Is antifungal

• Helps heal acne, sunburns, and even infections

Mosquito Repellent

To keep pesky mosquitoes out of your house in summer, try using Tea Tree Oil in a diffuser or a spray bottle of water (4 quarts of water and 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil). If the medicinal smell of the pure oil is strong for your taste, try the following scent mixtures instead:

3 drops Tea Tree

2 drops Lavender

2 drops Geranium

OR

4 drops Tea Tree

3 drops Bergamot

Therapeutic Effect: More than 50 rare, natural substances have been identified from the essence of Tea Tree leaves. Because Tea Tree kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi, it can heal internal and external infections, including athlete’s foot and fungi that affect the nails. It is also believed that Tea Tree Oil alleviates acne and rashes and helps irritated skin and wounds to heal more quickly, Tea Tree Oil is fungicidal, antiseptic, and safe to use on most delicate parts of the body.

For Skin Care and Comfort: Run a Tea Tree Oil bath to relieve dry-cracked skin or muscle aches and pains.

For Sore Throat Pain: To ease a sore throat and inhibit inflammation, gargle a solution of 3–6 drops of Tea Tree Oil to one glass of water.

For Cold Sores: Once a person is infected with Herpes simplex virus, cold sores often appear on the face and, most frequently, on the lips when the immune system is weakened by infection, stress, or fatigue. To help relieve the discomfort, mix the essential oil with 10 times its volume of carrier oil (base oil, such as Jojoba or calendula), and dab on the affected area as soon as symptoms of a developing cold sore appear.

Extra Tips: For nasty spider bites, a combination of Tea Tree and Lavender Oils applied undiluted (neat) to the skin will help clear up and soothe the bites. To eliminate head lice, add a few drops of the oil on a fine-tooth comb and work well through hair. Tea Tree Oil is also helpful on plants: Gardeners will find that the oil eliminates aphids and ants and kills mildew. Add about 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1 cup of water; spray plants.

Take Care! While Tea Tree Oil is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use undiluted on the skin, never apply it undiluted near the eye. Also, undiluted oils are not recommended for use on pets, small children, the elderly, or babies. (Cats have an extreme reaction to Tea Tree Oil and it should not be used on them.)

Applications: External Use

• Tea Tree Oil can help clear up bronchitis. Put 5 drops of the oil on a damp, warm cloth; place the cloth on the chest and cover it with a dry hand towel. It is best to allow the compress to work overnight.

• For bleeding gums, put some Tea Tree Oil on a cotton swab and dab it on the affected areas. For irritated skin or shingles, mix Tea Tree Oil with Sweet Almond Oil in a 1:9 ratio. Warm the mixture and apply it to the affected skin three times a day.

• Highly antiseptic and antifungal, Tea Tree Oil is considered to be a reliable home remedy for athlete’s foot. After showering, dry between the toes well—use a hair dryer for an extra-thorough job—and apply a couple of drops of undiluted Tea Tree Oil to the affected areas. It is important to only wear socks made of natural materials, such as cotton or wool.

Applications: Hygiene

• In an emergency situation, use pure Tea Tree Oil to disinfect your hands before treating an open wound. It’s also good for cleaning hands following any contact with blood, pus, or vomit.

• With Tea Tree Oil, yeast infections are short-lived. To use, moisten a tampon with 10–15 drops of Tea Tree Oil and insert as directed. For best results, use this Tea Tree Oil treatment daily for 7 days.

Vetiver Oil

Native to the hot, tropical climates of India, vetiver grass is now cultivated in Indonesia, Haiti, Brazil, Angola, and China, as well as its country of origin. It is related to Lemongrass and citronella, with large tufts of long, narrow, aromatic leaves that can reach six feet in length. The plant’s roots are extremely strong and extensive, making the plant useful for areas that are prone to soil erosion and flooding. The roots are also the source of the essential oil of vetiver, which has a deep, earthy scent reminiscent of a damp forest floor soon after a heavy rainfall. This fragrance often triggers contradictory reactions in different people—some feel that it is comforting, but others seem to think it is smelly. Regardless, Vetiver Oil has been shown to have a beneficial effect on health. It stimulates the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, and improves circulation and immunity. The oil also eases muscular cramps. On an emotional level, Vetiver Oil calms nervousness, relieves tension, and helps induce deep, restful sleep.

For Insecurity and Anxiety

The warm, woodsy aroma of Vetiver Oil boosts courage and confidence. Try these oils in an aromatherapy lamp:

4 drops Vetiver

2 drops Lemon

1 drop Basil

Therapeutic Effects: Vetiver Oil has a number of therapeutic effects. It helps to fight infections and alleviates arthritic and rheumatic pain. It is also quite good for treating muscle spasms and strains. When used on the skin, the oil works to help regulate overactive sebaceous glands while replenishing moisture to drier areas. It can prevent stretch marks and speed healing of minor wounds. Vetiver Oil has a calming, soothing effect on the nerves; it may be very helpful for easing the emotional impact of menopause.

To Rehydrate Dry Skin: Added to creams and moisturizers, Vetiver Oil can help nourish dry and mature skin, leaving it ultra soft and smooth. Blend 2 drops each of Vetiver, Frankincense, and Rose-Otto Oils. Thoroughly mix them with about 1 ounce of a light, unscented cream or moisturizer; apply as needed to your body.

For a Stimulating Bath: Add a little Vetiver Oil to your bath to boost the production of your red blood cells, which help to strengthen immunity. Mix 2 drops each of Vetiver and Lavender Oils in a tub full of warm bathwater.

For a Deep, Woodsy Perfume: Vetiver Oil’s unique fragrance is a staple in many perfumes. To make your own scent, mix 2 drops of Vetiver Oil in ½ cup of vodka for a perfume base. Then add 8 drops of either Orange, Sandalwood, Lemon Verbena, Geranium, or Ylang-Ylang Oil. Shake well before using.

To Calm Your Spirits: Insomnia and anxiety can be eased by an inhalation with Vetiver Oil. Add 2 drops each of Vetiver and Lavender Oils and 1 drop of Ylang-Ylang Oil to a bowl of steaming water. Inhale the vapors deeply.

Extra Tip: Since Vetiver Oil is very thick, it may be hard to measure in drops if it is at room temperature. Run hot water over the capped bottle for few minutes before use so it’s easier to measure.

Applications

• A massage oil containing Vetiver Oil can help to alleviate cramps and indigestion. Mix 2 drops of Vetiver Oil and 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil and use this blend to massage your entire abdomen.

• Vetiver Oil’s components help to condition the skin and prevent dryness. It is especially good for a healthy scalp. Blend 5 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil with 5 drops each of Vetiver and Rosemary Oils. Use the oil to thoroughly massage your scalp. Cover your hair with several sheets of regular plastic wrap, and then wrap a towel over the plastic. Leave it on for one hour, so the oil can work into your scalp. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo until the oil is completely rinsed out. For best results, don’t wet your hair before you apply the shampoo.

• A bath with Vetiver Oil alleviates menstrual cramps, as it helps to stimulate circulation and has an antispasmodic effect. Blend 2 drops of Vetiver Oil, 3 drops of Clary Sage Oil, and about 3 drops of heavy cream. Add the mixture to your bathwater.

• Vetiver Oil also repels insects. Mix 3 drops of Vetiver Oil, 2 drops of Patchouli Oil, and 5 drops of Lavender Oil. Sprinkle it over 4 ounces of dried flowers; use them as needed.

Take Care! Because Vetiver Oil has a stimulating effect on the circulation, it can induce contractions in pregnant women. Epileptics should also avoid this essential oil. Do not use Vetiver Oil, or any essential oil, internally. Also, store it well out of the reach of children. In addition, be careful not to let this oil touch your clothing, since it may stain.

Violet Oil

Viola odorata, originally from the Mediterranean region, has long been prized for its medicinal value. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, recommended it for pain of any kind; indeed, violet does contain salicylic acid, which is the precursor of aspirin. Similarly, the plant’s essential oil, which is extracted from the flowers at the height of their bloom, relieves muscle pain, cramps, and headaches. The oil’s antiseptic properties can help treat colds, flu, and bladder inflammations. Violet Oil is especially beneficial in steam inhalations. The oil’s expectorant qualities loosen mucus and stop dry, hacking coughs due to bronchitis and respiratory congestion. Used topically for skin conditions, the oil also soothes eczema, chapping, and dry flaky skin. On an emotional level, Violet Oil’s fine, delicate scent eases nervous tension, depression, insomnia, and overwrought nerves. However, the oil is quite expensive and is often adulterated with other oils, so be sure to check the label for purity and use it sparingly.

An Aromatic Treasure

Violet Oil helps ease sexual dysfunction caused by stress, tension, and depression. Try burning this blend in your aromatherapy lamp to create a soothing, relaxing mood:

2 drops Violet

2 drops Jasmine

1 drop Neroli

Therapeutic Effect: Salicylic acid, violine, eugenol, and odoratine give Violet Oil its pain-relieving and antiseptic properties. Cooling compresses with the oil are effective in treating headaches and bruises. The oil’s ability to promote expectoration and calm dry coughs relieves symptoms caused by colds and flu. Skin creams containing Violet Oil help heal eczema and chapping as well.

To Promote Sensuality: Violet Oil is thought to be an aphrodisiac. Blend 2 drops each of Violet, Clary Sage, and Jasmine Oils in a warm bath to stimulate your senses and promote a relaxing and erotic mood.

For Reddened Skin: Blend 2 drops of Violet Oil in 1 ounce of face cream. Apply to soothe dryness and prevent chapping. The oil’s antiseptic quality may also heal acne outbreaks.

For Pain Relief: The salicylic acid in Violet Oil relieves pain and counteracts muscle cramps. Mix 4 drops of Violet Oil and 3 drops of Lavender Oil into 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the blend onto affected areas as often as needed.

For Bloating: To alleviate painful intestinal bloating and gas, massage your abdomen in clockwise circles with 2 drops of Violet Oil blended with 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil. Then put a hot-water bottle on your stomach and rest in bed. This technique has a mild laxative effect to promote elimination.

For Bladder Inflammations: Violet Oil’s antiseptic property relieves inflammations of the ureters and bladder. Blend 1 drop each of Violet Oil and Lavender Oil in a sitz bath an soak for 20 minutes to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

Extra Tip: Since Violet Oil is so expensive, it is frequently stretched with other oils. To make sure that you buy only pure essential oil, read the label carefully.

Applications

• To help calm coughs and loosen mucus, add 1 drop of Violet Oil to 2 quarts of hot water. Pour into a bowl, drape a towel over your head and bend over the bowl. Inhale the vapors for 2–3 minutes.

• Violet Oil can help heal broken capillaries and stimulates the flow of blood to help alleviate congestion in the fine blood vessels of the skin. Mix 2 drops of Violet and 1 drop of Rose-Otto Oils in 4 ounces of distilled water. Add the blend to a spray bottle. Shake well; apply to your face each morning and evening.

• If you have a raw, painful nipples from nursing, blend 2 drops of Violet Oil and 1 drop of Roman-Chamomile in 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil or Avocado Oil. Gently rub onto breasts several times daily. Wash off before nursing.

• A cooling compress of Violet Oil helps relieve headaches. Blend 1 drop of Violet Oil with 1 quart of cold water. Moisten a compress or a soft washcloth with the solution and place it on your forehead. Then lie down and relax for at least 30 minutes. Breathe calmly and deeply. Repeat as needed.

• To ease depression, anxiety and insomnia, place a few drops of Violet Oil on a cloth and inhale, avoiding direct skin contact.

Take Care! Violet Oil may cause severe nausea and vomiting, so it shouldn’t be used internally. When applying the oil to your skin, do not exceed the recommended dosages and always dilute it first. Apply with light dabs to sensitive skin.

White-Camphor Oil

There are more than 250 species of camphor trees, but only one, Cinnamomum camphora, or White-Camphor, produces useful essential oil. Other types, including brown and yellow camphor, however, contain higher levels of safrole, which is toxic; small amounts of White-Camphor, however, are safe. Extracted from the wood and leaves of trees more than 50 years old, camphor has been used as a tonic in East Asia for two millennia and was once an ingredient in smelling salts. Its powerfully medicinal scent is known, in fact, to stimulate breathing, promote circulation, and strengthen the heartbeat. It can, therefore, be used as an emergency treatment for heart failure or shock, before medicinal help arrives. White-Camphor Oil’s invigorating properties make it useful remedy for colds, flu, and respiratory infections, though it may be too strong for those with asthma. In addition, its antispasmodic and analgesic effects help to relieve muscle and joint pain. It can also lift a depressed mood, alleviate fatigue, rejuvenate the senses, and enhance memory.

For Viral Infections

White-Camphor Oil has strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antispasmodic qualities that make it a great remedy for bronchitis and flu. Add this blend to your aromatherapy lamp to disinfect the air:

3 drops White-Camphor

2 drops Eucalyptus

2 drops Lemon

2 drops Thyme

Therapeutic Effect: White-Camphor Oil contains camphor, azulene, and pinene, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. A small amount of safrole is also present. The oil stimulates the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous system, which can have a beneficial effect on mood, heart rate, breathing, and blood flow.

For Fatigue: The invigorating scent of White-Camphor Oil provides quick relief from exhaustion due to a hectic pace of life. As needed, place a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale deeply, being careful not to touch the oil to the skin.

For Cold Feet: A warm footbath of White-Camphor and Peppermint Oils can stimulate circulation. Add 1 drop of each oil to 1 gallon of warm water. Mix well and soak feet for 10 minutes. Dry feet well and put on warm socks.

For Muscle Strain: Blend 2 drops each of White-Camphor and Lavender Oils and 1 drop of Rosemary Oil in 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Rub the mixture on tender muscles or tendons before working out to help relieve muscle tension and prevent injuries and strains.

For Memory Recall: Memory and the sense of smell are linked in the brain. Add 2 drops each of White-Camphor and Rosemary Oils to an aromatherapy lamp while studying for a test. Add the blend to a small bottle and take it to your exam. Inhale the aroma to help recall the information that was studied.

For Depression: White-Camphor Oil brightens the spirits and invigorates the nervous system. A blend of 2 drops each of White-Camphor, Peppermint, and Lemon Oils in an aromatherapy lamp helps combat depressed moods.

Extra Tip: To help revive a person who has fainted or is in shock, put 2–3 drops of White-Camphor Oil on a handkerchief and hold to the nose, away from skin.

Applications

• For bronchitis and respiratory infections, add 1 drop of White-Camphor Oil to a bowl of warm water. Drape a towel over the head and inhale the vapors, keeping eyes closed.

• The warming effect of White-Camphor Oil enhances blood circulation and gently soothes the joint pain of rheumatism and arthritis. Blend 4 drops of White-Camphor Oil and 3 drops each of Rosemary and Lavender Oils with 2 ounces of sweet cream. Pour this mixture into a warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes. Then rest and keep well covered to promote circulation.

• Make a chest balm for adults to help alleviate coughing. Blend 2 drops of White-Camphor Oil and 3 drops each of Eucalyptus and Thyme Oils in 2 ounces of lotion. This balm strengthens the lungs, has a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract and helps to expectorate mucus.

• You can buy camphor ointment at pharmacies and health-food stores. Apply ointment to calf cramps, bruises, and muscle strains. Or mix the ointment with 3 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil and massage it into the skin to relieve aches.

Take Care! White-Camphor Oil can be toxic when inhaled in large quantities. The oil may also cause allergic reactions and irritation; direct skin contact is not recommended. Do not use White-Camphor Oil during pregnancy or on children younger than 6 years. Since camphor can induce convulsions, it should not be used by epileptics or the elderly. Wash hands thoroughly after each use.

Yarrow Oil

Yarrow, once a sacred plant in ancient China, was valued as the perfect unification of yin and yang energies, since the hard, strong stem is filled with a soft substance. In fact, the 64 wooden sticks in the I-Ching ritual, which is used in China to make key decisions, were made from the yarrow stem. Yarrow’s Latin name, Achillea millefoium, honors Achilles, a Greek hero of the Trojan wars. It’s said he cured his injured Achilles tendon with this powerful plant. Native to both Europe and Asia, this perennial grows to a height of three feet and bears fragrant, feathery leaves with yellow, pink, or white flowers. The oil, which is extracted by steam distillation, is an age-old remedy for fevers, skin irritations, wounds, varicose veins, arthritic pain, digestive problems, nervous tension, and respiratory infections. Vapors from Yarrow Oil are also believed to help balance opposing energies, assist in setting goals and increase a sense of security, making it useful during life transitions. Used during meditation, the oil strengthens mental clarity and supports intuitive energy.

For Skin Conditions

Yarrow Oil helps relieve skin inflammation, blemishes, acne, itching, and sunburn. Like all of the essential oils, Yarrow Oil is soluble in both alcohol and oil and imparts its scent in water. It makes an ideal addition to cosmetics, skin lotions or creams due to its antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. The camphoraceous oil also makes a great toner for skin when added to either lotion or spring water.

5 drops Yarrow

5 drops Lavender

4 ounces spring water

Therapeutic Effect: The flavonoids present in Yarrow Oil dilate the peripheral arteries and induce sweating, while alkaloids help to lower blood pressure. The astringent property of the tannins in Yarrow Oil assist in healing wounds. Cyanidin, azulene, and salicylic acid possess anti-inflammatory effects. Yarrow Oil also contains volatile oils borneol, camphor, isoartemesia ketone, cineole, and terpineol as well as amino acids, lactones, saponins, coumarins, and sterols. In addition, Yarrow Oil possess valuable laxative, analgesic antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, stimulant, and antiseptic effects.

For Acne: Add 3 drops each of Yarrow and Bergamot Oils to a pot of boiling water. Simmer for two minutes; place the pot on a safe surface and lean over it, with a towel draped over your head. Let the vapors clean the pores for as long as possible. Or, prepare a warm compress with 2 drops each of Yarrow, Bergamot, and Chamomile Oils, and apply to affected areas.

For Stretch Marks: To help reduce stretch marks and scars, rub several drops of Yarrow Oil on the affected areas every day.

For Digestive Complaints: For constipation or sluggish digestion, blend a few drops of Yarrow Oil in 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil, and gently massage it into the abdomen. Repeat as needed.

To Support Meditation: Yarrow Oil’s balancing effect on the mind assists meditation and can deepen awareness. To help support a more insightful meditation, put 3–4 drops in a diffuser or on a light bulb ring.

Take Care! Yarrow Oil can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin. It can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. For those with sensitive skin, it’s best to do a patch test to identify sensitivity before using Yarrow Oil.

Applications

• For first aid: Yarrow Oil is a good addition to a first aid kit. It aids in blood clotting and heals minor skin wounds. The oil also helps soothe itching from insect bites. Put 3 drops of Yarrow Oil on a warm compress and apply to cuts as soon as possible after an injury. For bruises, put 5-7 drops of oil on the affected area several times a day. Follow with a cold compress with 10 drops of Yarrow Oil for 10 minutes.

• For fevers, head colds, and sinus discomfort: Yarrow Oil induces sweating to help break fevers. The vapors also rid the body of excess mucus from respiratory infections. Add 3 drops each of Yarrow, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree Oils to a pot of boiling water (don’t use aluminum pot). Place the pot on a safe surface and lean over it, with a towel draped over your head, and deeply in hale the vapors.

• A circulatory stimulant, the oil’s analgesic properties provide pain relief. It eases swelling and expands blood vessels. As a massage for rheumatism and for arthritis: Add 3 drops each of Yarrow, Chamomile, Lavender, and Eucalyptus Oils to 8 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil, and massage it into the shoulders, chest, hips, legs, feet, neck, hands and arms, paying attention to any stiff or inflamed areas.

Ylang-Ylang Oil

The Ylang-Ylang tree, native to the Philippines, can reach heights of over 60 feet. The gently drooping branches bear yellowish white, highly fragrant flowers, which are harvested before sunrise to retain their precious essential oil. About 135 pounds of the blossoms are needed to make 1 quart of essential oil, which is extracted through steam distillation. These blossoms from Ylang-Ylang, or “flower of flowers,” are considered a very special wedding gift in Indonesia. Freshly picked blossoms, with the flowery, sweet fragrance, are strewn on the newlyweds’ bed for their wedding night. The soft scent is believed to enhance erotic moods and intensify emotions. Ylang-Ylang Oil has a relaxing effect, making it useful as an antidepressant. It also eases spasmodic pains, stress levels, and high blood pressure. In addition, Ylang-Ylang Oil is valuable for body care products, as it softens skin and balances moisture.

An Exotic Scent for the Home

The gentle, sweet scent of Ylang-Ylang Oil can help calm nerves and raise spirits. Adding this fragrant blend to an aromatherapy lamp is sure to put you in a relaxed frame of mind.

3 drops Ylang-Ylang

2 drops Orange

2 drops Patchouli

Therapeutic Effects: The main components of Ylang-Ylang Oil include linalool, safrole, geraniol, methylbenzoates, salicylate, and pinene, which give the oil beneficial stimulant properties. The oil helps to encourage the production of mood-lifting endorphins and is helpful in reducing pain, raising spirits, and relieving tension. Ylang-Ylang Oil acts as a skin antiseptic and moisturizer.

To Invigorate the Body: The intense yet relaxing fragrance of Ylang-Ylang Oil is especially suited for use in the bath. The invigorating, sensuous aroma stimulates both the body and mind. Add 3–5 drops to bathwater just before you enter the tub.

For Skin Care: Ylang-Ylang Oil helps balance and moisturize both dry and oily skin. Mix 1 drop each of Ylang-Ylang, Frankincense, and Lavender Oils in 1 tablespoon of cream or Sweet Almond Oil. Massage a small amount into the face. Do not use on inflamed or irritated skin.

For Menstrual Cramps: Painful menstrual cramps can be eased by a warm bath. Add 2 drops each of Ylang-Ylang and Clary Sage Oils to your bathwater just before you enter the tub. The oils help promote menstrual flow and soothe the lower abdomen.

A Breath of the Orient: Many perfumes with a strong Oriental note contain Ylang-Ylang Oil. Combine 2 drops each of Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Patchouli, and Rose Oils with at least 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil for a unique and erotic feminine scent.

For Gentle Relaxation: Ylang-Ylang Oil is wonderful for easing stress after along day at work. Add 1 drop each of Ylang-Ylang and Lavender Oils and 2 drops each of Vanilla and Clary Sage Oils to an aromatherapy lamp for a soothing scent.

Extra Tip: Ylang-Ylang Oil is often considered heavy by itself; blend it with other essences such as Lavender, Jasmine, and Rose Oils.

Applications

• Ylang-Ylang Oil is wonderful for sunburned skin, as it soothes inflammation, eases pain, and supports the formation of new skin tissue. Add 3 drops each of Ylang-Ylang and Lavender Oils, 1 drop of Frankincense Oil, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 quart of cold water. Soak a towel in the solution and apply to affected areas. Replace the compress often to gain the maximum benefit.

• To relax the facial muscles, try using a massage oil consisting of 2 drops Ylang-Ylang Oil, 1½ tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil, and 1 drop each of Sweet Orange and Roman-Chamomile oils. After thoroughly cleansing your skin, apply 1 teaspoon of the blend to your face, neck, and chest, and rub with your fingers in a gentle circular motion. This facial mixture smoothes and conditions your skin and also relaxes with its uplifting, sweet fragrance. However, caution is advised when using this oil during exposure to the Sun.

• Ylang-Ylang Oil can help lower high blood pressure and elevate your spirits. Apply 1 drop to the pillow before you go to sleep, or on your sleeve or handkerchief during the day, for a refreshing and soothing fragrance with a beneficial effect on your mood and your health.

Take Care! Be careful when buying Ylang-Ylang Oil. Select only “complete” Ylang-Ylang Oil for therapeutic purposes at home. This designation refers to the un-separated flower essence, which is diluted for at least 24 hours. Note: Using Ylang-Ylang Oil in high concentrations or over extended periods of time can result in severe headaches, mild nausea, and even some vomiting.

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