MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Cold
Fatigue
Fever
Fleas
Flu
Foot odor
Headache
Indoor air freshener
Insecticide
Insect repellent
Intestinal parasites
Oily skin
MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Cold
Fatigue
Fever
Fleas
Flu
Foot odor
Headache
Indoor air freshener
Insecticide
Insect repellent
Intestinal parasites
Oily skin
Salvia sclarea
While common garden sage is well known for its ability to add flavor to savory dishes, clary sage is best known for its medicinal value. Clary sage essential oil is one of the most important essential oils to keep on hand for menstrual complaints, menopausal symptoms, and treating minor wounds. Its pleasant, nutty fragrance can bring relaxation even during periods of intense stress.
Use in the bath or shower for absorption and aromatherapy benefits
Clary sage essential oil has a deeply relaxing effect and should not be used prior to driving, operating machinery, or doing other tasks that require concentration. Do not use it with alcohol or sedatives. Overuse of clary sage essential oil can cause headaches. Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid clary sage essential oil.
MEDICINAL USES
Acne
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Aphrodisiac
Boil
Calming
Childbirth support
Depression
Digestive ailments
Emotional balance
Flatulence
Insomnia
Irritability
Joint pain
Kidney disease
Menopause support
Menstrual support
Muscle pain and stiffness
PMS
Rash
Sedative
Sore throat
Stress
Wounds
Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata
Highly aromatic and prized for their ability to impart sweet, spicy flavor to foods, cloves have been used for their medicinal qualities throughout history. Like ancient Chinese, Greek, and Roman people who used clove to sweeten their breath and ease toothaches, you can take advantage of this essential oil’s ability to ease dental woes. Its ability to relieve pain, speed healing, and ease respiratory problems are just a few more reasons to make this one of the essential oils you keep on hand for regular use.
Clove essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use. This essential oil irritates the mucus membranes. Those with cancer should avoid clove essential oil. Do not use clove essential oil during pregnancy.
CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL IS A POWERFUL INSECTICIDE. In a 2010 study reported by the medical journal PLOS ONE , clove essential oil was shown to be effective against scabies mites. Nutmeg and ylang-ylang essential oils were studied during the same testing period, with nutmeg showing some efficacy against the mites and ylang-ylang showing very little.
MEDICINAL USES
Aging skin
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Asthma
Bronchitis
Dental health
Diarrhea
Expectorant
Insecticide
Insect repellant
Intestinal parasites
Muscle pain and stiffness
Rheumatism
Scabies
Skin problems
Toothache
Vomiting
Coriandrum sativum
Coriander’s famous flavor has made its way into liqueurs such as Benedictine and Chartreuse. The plant’s seeds, which were used as an aphrodisiac by Egyptians, were found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Coriander essential oil’s aroma is sweet, herbaceous, and slightly spicy, and like many foods containing the herb, it is useful for calming the digestive system. Use it for detoxification, migraine relief, muscle spasms, and more.
Coriander essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use. Overuse of this essential oil may cause stupor.
TREAT IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME NATURALLY WITH CORIANDER. Coriander essential oil has been proven effective against E. coli, bacteria which often play a role in irritable bowel syndrome. In a study reported by the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine , coriander essential oil was shown to be more effective than the antibiotic rifaximin in combating E. coli. Peppermint and lemon balm essential oils were also proven effective, with peppermint showing greater efficacy than lemon balm.
MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Aphrodisiac
Arthritis
Colic
Cramping
Fatigue
Flatulence
Fungicidal
Indigestion
Migraine
Muscle pain and stiffness
Nausea
Rheumatism
Stress
Cupressus sempervirens
With its refreshing, evergreen aroma and its ability to soothe stress, ease tension, and mitigate anger and irritability, cypress essential oil is an excellent choice for your home apothecary. Its ability to promote healing, improve circulation, and relieve cold and flu symptoms makes it even more valuable.
CLEAR YOUR MIND AND GAIN COMFORT FROM CYPRESS. Cypress trees were worshiped as a symbol of Beruth, the Earth goddess, on the island of Cyprus, and were thought to encourage contemplation in China because the roots of the tree look like a seated figure. Similar to this rich history, cypress essential oil is thought to clear and soothe the mind. Cypress trees are forever linked through literature and art with mourning, death, and eternal rest. This is why cypress wood is still used today for coffins and these evergreens are planted in cemeteries in the United States.
MEDICINAL USES
Anger
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Bronchitis
Calming
Cold
Cough
Diaper rash
Diuretic
Emphysema
Expectorant
Fever
Foot odor
Hemorrhoids
Insecticide
Insect repellant
Irritability
Menstrual support
Nosebleed
PMS
Sedative
Stress
Styptic
Varicose veins
Whooping cough
Anethum graveolens
People love dill for its enticing aroma and clean, refreshing flavor. Essential oil made from the herb has some of the same characteristics, with a pleasing, earthy under-tone. Its soothing properties affect body and mind alike, making it an excellent oil to keep on hand.
Do not use dill essential oil during pregnancy. Dill essential oil is phototoxic. Avoid exposing application sites to sunlight for 12 to 24 hours following application.
MEDICINAL USES
Bactericidal
Breastfeeding
Constipation
Disinfectant
Flatulence
Hiccups
Indigestion
Menstrual cramps
Nervousness
Sedative
Wounds
Canarium luzonicum
If you enjoy using frankincense or myrrh essential oils, you are very likely to appreciate elemi essential oil. Like its close relatives, it is sourced from tree resin and is useful for improving skin tone and texture, promoting wound healing, and soothing muscles and mind alike.
Elemi essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use.
MEDICINAL USES
Aging skin
Analgesic
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Bronchitis
Cough
Emotional balance
Expectorant
Fungicidal
Muscle pain and stiffness
Nervousness
Relaxation
Scarring
Skin infection
Stress
Wounds
Eucalyptus globulus, E. radiata
Many people find the fresh, clean scent of eucalyptus essential oil irresistible, but its uplifting fragrance isn’t the only reason to keep it on hand. Eucalyptus essential oil is a key ingredient in nontoxic household cleaners, a go-to remedy for colds and the flu, a wonderful treatment for sore muscles, and much more.
Do not use eucalyptus essential oil internally. Do not combine eucalyptus essential oil with homeopathic remedies. Those with an estrogen-dependent cancer should avoid eucalyptus essential oil.
EASE BRONCHITIS SYMPTOMS WITH EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL. This powerful essential oil contains monoterpenes, which are effective in treating respiratory illnesses; in fact, in one study published in the international journal Arzneimittelforschung now known as Drug Research , bronchitis sufferers who used eucalyptus essential oil did as well as those study participants who were given antibiotics.
MEDICINAL USES
Acne
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Candida
Cold
Cough
Decongestant
Diuretic
Expectorant
Fever
Flu
Intestinal parasites
Migraine
Muscle pain and stiffness
Rheumatism
Sinus infection
Foeniculum vulgare
The popularity of fennel dates back to ancient Romans and Egyptians, who used the licorice-scented herb medicinally for such ailments as earaches and snake bites, and spiritually to impart longevity, courage, and strength. Fennel is a favorite essential oil today for its ability to minimize hunger, ease digestive problems, stimulate estrogen production, and more.
Those with epilepsy or cancer should avoid fennel essential oil. Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid fennel essential oil.
MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antiseptic
Childbirth
Diabetes
Diuretic
Estrogen production
Fluid retention
Intestinal parasites
Kidney stones
Menstrual support
Perimenopause
PMS
Urinary tract infection
Weight-loss support
Abies balsamea, A. alba
If walking in an evergreen forest on a warm day stirs your senses, you are certain to enjoy fir needle essential oil. For many, its fragrance is reminiscent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree—woody, sweet, balsamic, and a little earthy. This useful essential oil is ideal for imparting indoor air with an uplifting fragrance while killing airborne germs. It is prized for its ability to ease muscle pain and stiffness, arthritis, rheumatism, and other body pain.
Fir needle essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use.
MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antimicrobial
Antiseptic
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Cold
Cough
Expectorant
Flu
Muscle pain and stiffness
Rheumatism
Sinus infection
Boswellia carteri
Early Sumerians and Egyptians used frankincense essential oil for incense, stomach ailments, skin care, and cosmetics; today, it continues to be prized for its usefulness. The aroma of frankincense stimulates the brain’s emotional center, soothing and calming the mind. Physically, frankincense essential oil strengthens the immune system, aids in rejuvenating skin and promoting healing, and helps compromised respiratory systems recover. If you are looking for an essential oil with the ability to improve mind and body alike, consider frankincense.
Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid frankincense essential oil.
MEDICINAL USES
Aging skin
Analgesic
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Anxiety
Asthma
Bedsores
Bronchitis
Carbuncles
Cold
Cough
Diaper rash
Diuretic
Emotional balance
Expectorant
Fatigue
Flu
Laryngitis
Menstrual support
Nightmares
Rheumatism
Scars
Sedative
Stretch marks
Wounds
Pelargonium odorantissimum
People appreciate geraniums for their vivid blooms and delightful herbaceous fragrance. Geranium essential oil has a beautiful floral aroma with an underlying hint of mint. Traditionally used to balance the emotions and hormones, stimulate the lymph system, and to help a variety of skin conditions, it is also useful as a natural insect repellent and insecticide.
Geranium essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use. Geranium essential oil has a deeply relaxing effect and should not be used prior to driving, operating machinery, or doing other tasks that require concentration. Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid geranium essential oil.
MEDICINAL USES
Acne
Aging skin
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antiseptic
Anxiety
Bruise
Burn
Cellulite
Circulatory health
Depression
Diuretic
Insecticide
Insect repellant
Intestinal parasites
Lice
Menopause support
PMS
Ringworm
Sedative
Shingles
Skin care
Sore throat
Stress
Styptic
Tonsillitis
Vasoconstrictor
Wounds
Zingiber officinale
Ginger’s sweet, spicy taste makes it a favorite with chefs and bakers everywhere, and its use in herbal medicine is far-reaching. Ginger essential oil offers the concentrated power of ginger, soothing a wide range of digestive maladies, offering relief from pain, and helping alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Ginger essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use. It is also phototoxic. Avoid exposing application sites to sunlight for 12 to 24 hours following application. Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid ginger essential oil.
MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Aphrodisiac
Arthritis
Circulatory health
Cold
Cough
Cramping
Decongestant
Depression
Diarrhea
Diuretic
Expectorant
Fever
Flu
Laxative
Libido
Morning sickness
Motion sickness
Muscle pain and stiffness
Nausea
Seasonal affective disorder
Citrus paradisi
Grapefruit is a refreshing addition to breakfast, and many people find that the scent of the freshly peeled fruit uplifts their spirits. Grapefruit essential oil has an even more powerful effect, stimulating the mind and promoting feelings of happiness. It is often used as a diuretic; however, its usefulness extends to skin and hair care, antiseptic applications, and much more.
Grapefruit essential oil can be a dermal irritant for sensitive individuals. Conduct a patch test before use. It is also phototoxic. Avoid exposing application sites to sunlight for 12 to 24 hours following application.
MEDICINAL USES
Acne
Antibacterial
Antiseptic
Cellulite
Depression
Detoxification
Diuretic
Fatigue
Hangover
Headache
Irritability
Lymph stimulant
Muscle pain and stiffness
Oily hair
Oily skin
Weight-loss support
Helichrysum italicum
Many people find helichrysum’s honey-like fragrance to be cloyingly sweet, but this oil is used more for physical healing than for aromatherapy applications. Its regenerative quality makes it ideal for treating a wide range of injuries and skin conditions, including more severe issues such as sprains and hematomas.
Helichrysum essential oil is generally considered safe.
FADE YOUR SCARS AND STRETCH MARKS WITH HELICHRYSUM. Helichrysum essential oil has a long history stretching back to ancient times when it was used to unlock the possibilities of a spiritual existence by uncluttering the mind. Over the years, the use of this essential oil has evolved to eliminating scars of a physical nature rather than soothing spiritual ones. The University of Nigeria conducted a study that showed that rubbing helichrysum essential oil on stretch marks and scars, even old ones, could fade them significantly.
MEDICINAL USES
Abscess
Acne
Aging skin
Antiallergenic
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Boil
Bruise
Burn
Dermatitis
Diuretic
Eczema
Expectorant
Rash
Scars
Sprains and strains
Stretch marks
Wounds
Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is a fragrant herb that was used by Romans for purification; it is mentioned in the Bible for its ability to soothe chest ailments and the effects of leprosy. In the past, the herb was used to ward off lice, flavor liqueur, and feed honeybees; today, hyssop essential oil continues to offer solutions to a wide range of physical ailments and emotional woes.
Those with epilepsy should avoid hyssop essential oil. Do not use hyssop essential oil internally. Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid hyssop essential oil.
MEDICINAL USES
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Anxiety
Bronchitis
Bruise
Cold
Cough
Dermatitis
Diuretic
Eczema
Emotional balance
Expectorant
Fatigue
Fever
Flu
Intestinal parasites
Lice
Mental alertness
Wounds
Jasminum officinale
The sweet smell of jasmine is unmistakable—and unforgettable. A favorite with many, jasmine essential oil has the ability to alleviate depression, ease respiratory illness, mitigate menstrual problems, and perform a number of other useful functions. While this is one of the more costly essential oils available, its usefulness outweighs its price tag.
Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid jasmine essential oil.
IMPROVE CONCENTRATION WHILE FRESHENING INDOOR AIR NATURALLY. A Japanese study found that mental concentration and accuracy improved when jasmine essential oil was diffused in an office environment, decreasing errors by 33 percent. Lemon essential oil proved even more effective, decreasing mistakes by 54 percent. Lavender essential oil helped, too, decreasing errors by 20 percent.
MEDICINAL USES
Acne
Addiction
Antibacterial
Aphrodisiac
Breastfeeding
Childbirth
Depression
Expectorant
Fatigue
Hepatitis
Impotence
Low testosterone
Menstrual support
Muscle pain and stiffness
Nervousness
PMS
Relaxation
Respiratory ailments
Scarring
Skin care
Stress
Stretch marks
Juniperus communis
Drive through nearly any neighborhood or visit a public park, and you are likely to encounter a juniper tree or two. These fragrant conifers have been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes since ancient times, and they continue to prove useful today. Juniper essential oil is excellent for treating muscle pain and a variety of skin conditions, and its deeply calming fragrance helps evaporate stress.
Those with kidney or liver disease should avoid juniper essential oil. Because it can stimulate menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid juniper essential oil.
SPEED WOUND HEALING WITH JUNIPER.
An exciting study reported in the January 2013 issue of Journal of Medicinal Food
focused on the ability of juniper essential oil to speed wound healing. Both juniperus virginiana
and juniperus occidentalis
were shown to reduce inflammation and help wounds heal faster.
MEDICINAL USES
Acne
Addiction
Analgesic
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antiseptic
Anxiety
Arthritis
Calming
Cellulite
Diuretic
Eczema
Fatigue
Gout
Hangover
Insect repellant
Meditation
Menstrual support
Muscle pain and stiffness
Nervousness
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Sedative
Skin care
Stress
Weight-loss support
Wounds
Lavandula hybrida
Lavandin is sometimes confused for lavender, and for good reason: It is a hybrid plant that was developed by crossing lavender with aspic. Grown largely for the perfume industry, it is not as medicinally valuable as lavender; however, lavandin essential oil is useful for a number of applications, including dermatitis, joint and muscle pain and stiffness, and stress.
Lavandin essential oil is generally considered safe.
RELIEVE ANXIETY BEFORE SURGERY WITH LAVANDIN ESSENTIAL OIL. Lavandin essential oil has been proven to positively affect patients who are experiencing preoperative anxiety, eliminating the need for medications that could negatively impact recovery. A study published in the 2009 Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing shows significantly lower levels of anxiety in patients in a lavandin essential oil group than those patients who received standard medications.
MEDICINAL USES
Analgesic
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Blister
Boil
Circulatory health
Cold
Cough
Dermatitis
Expectorant
Flu
Insect bites
Joint pain
Lice
Muscle pain and stiffness
Relaxation
Scabies
Stress
Vertigo
Wounds