*  Aromatherapy oils can have a powerful effect. Some of them are even narcotic in their effect. You must be aware of those oils that can effect pregnancy etc.  If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, in the near future, you should consult an Aromatherapy expert before using Aromatherapy Oils.

*  The uses listed here are standard, well known uses, but are by no means the only uses for the Oils.  If you use Essential Oils effects are generally not immediate, as with most Natural Health Therapies.  Essential Oils should not be used exclusively with the exclusion of Traditional Health in cases of serious illness.  When using Essential Oils for serious illness please also consult a Physician or Traditional Health Care Provider to ensure you are receiving the best care possible.

*  Essential Oils are quite safe and beneficial for most issues, if you would like more detailed information on the many uses of Essential Oils I have included a list of books that I have found quite helpful in my study of Aromatherapy.

*  Essential Oils are not to be ingested or applied directly to the skin.  Oils should be mixed with a carrier oil, (Grapeseed, Holly, Sweet Almond etc) before applying them to the skin.

The Oils - 

Bergamot - Citrus                                                                                                                                                   Properties - Analgesic, Anti-depressant, Antiseptic, Anti-spasmodic, Antitoxic, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Deodorant, Laxative, Parasiticide, Stimulant, Tonic, Vulnerany.                   Used For - esp useful for skin conditions incl:  Acne, Boils, cold sores, eczema, insect repellant and insect bites, psoriasis, varicose ulcers and wounds.  Also useful for Halitosis, mouth infections, sore throat, colds/flu, fever, loss of appetite, Flatulence, anxiety, depression, and other stress related conditions.  This Oil is Phototoxic, and should be avoided before going into direct sunlight.

Black Pepper - Spicy                                                                                                                                              Properties - Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Laxative and Stimulant            Used For - symptoms of the nerves and mind, muscles, circulatory system and the respiratory system.  Very good for chills, arthritis, gout, sciatica, loss of appetite, boils, cuts and as an insect repellent.  Use low concentrations, avoid during pregnancy.

Chamomile - Fruity                                                                                                                                              Properties - Analgesic, Antiallergenic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Sedative.                                                                                                                                                                  Used For - easing anxiety, tension, anger and fear.  Dulls muscular pain, in addition toothache, ear ache and headaches.  soothing to many skin conditions such as burns, blisters, acne, hypersensitive skin, and aging skin.  Should be avoided in the early stages of pregnancy.

Clary Sage - Herbal, Hay like fragrance                                                                                                        Properties - Anticonvulsive, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Deodorant, Sedative, Uterine.                                                                                                                                                                     Used For - Nervous tension and panic, good for menstrual symptoms, positive effect on male and female fertility, digestive issues, useful for over abundance of mucous, ie asthma, tuberculosis and sore throats, May be effective when overcoming addictions, as well as hair growth.  Very Powerful Sedative effect should be taken into account when driving etc.

Eucalyptus - Clear, Sharp "vicks vapour-rub" like scent                                                                         Properties - Strong Antiseptic and Antiviral qualities.  Bactericidal,  Decongestant, Deodorant, Diuretic, Expectorant, Insecticide, Stimulant.                                                                Used For - Aids in concentration and strengthens the nervous system.    Very good for the respiratory system, as well as burns, insect bites and many other skin irritations.  Effective to lower fever, and may be effective for migraine sufferers.  Used in sick houses during plague to clear infection from the air.

Frankincense - Woody, with a hint of lemon                                                                              Properties - Antiseptic, Astringent, Digestive, Sedative, Tonic, Uterine, Vulnerary                         Used For - Anxious and obsessional states of mind.  Helpful in clearing the lungs, ie shortness of breath, asthma, coughs, bronchitis and laryngitis.  Use for heavy menstruation, and as a general tonic for the uterus.  Excellent for aging skin and oily skin.  Also good for skin conditions such as scars, wounds, sores and inflammation.

Geranium - Sweet and Heavy scent                                                                                                     Properties - Analgesic, Anticoagulant, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Astringent, Deodorant, Hypoglycemiant, Insecticide, Tonic, Vasoconstrictor, Vulnerary.                                                          Used For - Tonic to the nervous system, lifts the spirits and is useful for anxiety.  Regulates the hormonal system, ie PMS, menopause, heavy menstruation.  Helps return kidneys and liver, and lymphatic system to normal function and clear built up toxins in the system, also good for clearing addictions.  Balances all skin conditions.  Increases circulation.  A good idea to avoid during pregnancy as it regulates hormone production.

Ginger - Spicy and Sharp.  Warm.                                                                                                   Properties - Analgesic, Antiemetic, Antiseptic, Aperitif, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Expectorant, Laxative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic.                                                                          Used For - Digestive aid, ie cramps, gas, loss of appetite and nausea.  Helpful in sharpening the senses.  Effective in clearing the lungs during colds and flu, and sore throats and tonsillitis.  Effective for muscle aches and pains.  helps decrease frigidity and impotence.  Good for bruising and sores.  Ginger tea or fresh can also be used for morning sickness during the early stages of pregnancy when using a full strength oil is not as advisable.  Ginger can irritate sensitive skin.

Grapefruit - Sweet, Sharp and Refreshing                                                                                     Properties - Antiseptic, Astringent, Bactericide, Diuretic, Disinfectant, Lymphatic and Digestive Stimulant, Tonic.                                                                                                                               Used For - Skin conditions, such as acne and oily skin, also promote hair growth.  Excellent for water retention, obesity and muscle fatigue.  Uplifting to the spirits and useful for infections such as cold and flu.  Should not be used before direct sunlight exposure, as it may cause sunburn.

Jasmine - Sweet, Floral and Exotic.                                                                                                       Properties - Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Expectorant, Sedative, Uterine.                                                                                                                     Used For - Effect on nerves is excellent for depression, boosting feeling of confidence, restoring energy, frigidity, impotence, and premature ejaculation.  Also useful for reducing male infertility by increasing sperm.  May assist in childbirth by hastening and strengthening contractions.  Should not be used during any other time in pregnancy.

Lavender - Floral                                                                                                                                        Properties - Analgesic, Anticonvulsive, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Bactericidal, Decongestant, Deodorant, Diuretic, Fungicide, Insecticide, Nervine, Restorative, Sedative, Stimulant, Vulnerary.                                                                                                                                      Used For - To lower blood pressure and calm heart palpitations. Calming on the mind and body, good for insomnia, lung conditions such as asthma, colds etc.  Excellent for most skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, athlete's foot, boils, eczema, insect bites and stings, lice and scabies.  Excellent insecticide, very good for camping trips etc, bugs, cuts, bruises, trouble sleeping, car sickness, sunburn. Precautions should be taken for people with low blood pressure and pregnant women should avoid.

Lemon - Citrus                                                                                                                                              Properties - Antacid, Anti-rheumatic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Antispasmodic, Antitoxic, Bactericidal, Diuretic, Depurative, Hepatic, Hypotensive, Insecticide, Laxative, Stomachic.                                                                                                                                                          Used For - Tonic for blood flow and blood in general, thus easing pressure on varicose veins, and stimulating production of red and white blood cells to invigorate the immune system and aid in anemic conditions.  Excellent for many skin conditions such as clearing dead skin cells, acne, chilblains, corns, mouth ulcers and warts.  May irritate sensitive skin.

Lime - Citrus                                                                                                                                                      Properties - Antiseptic, Antiviral, Astringent, Bactericidal, Disinfectant, Insecticide, Restorative.                                                                                                                                                          Used For - Similar to Lemon,  very stimulating to the mind, can assist with fever conditions, chough, cold and flu.  This oil may cause photosensitivity, and may irritate sensitive skin.

Myrrh - Musky                                                                                                                                                Properties - anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Deodorant, Disinfectant, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Fungicide, Sedative, Stimulant (digestive, pulmonary), Tonic, Uterine, Vulnerary.                                                                                                                              Used For - Good with lung conditions such as asthma, cough and bronchitis, as well as disorders of the mouth and gums, such as gingivitis and bad breath.  Useful for stimulating appetite, relieving diarrhea and flatulence.  Valuable when dealing with skin conditions such as boils, sore, esp. bedsores, aging skin, wrinkles and scarring.  Avoid this oil during pregnancy.

Peppermint - Strong, Minty, Fresh Fragrance                                                                                    Properties - Analgesic, Anaesthetic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hepatic, Nervine, Stimulant, Stomachic, Vasoconstrictor, Vermifuge.                                                                                                                            Used For - Cooling on both the mind (high energy, heated situations) and on the body, with respect to fever conditions and respiratory conditions, to assist with stopping mucus production and clearing the lungs.  Very helpful with stomach conditions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, halitosis, colic and nausea, including travel sickness.  Can be helpful for conditions such as headaches, migraine, vertigo,  and dizziness.  Removes congestion, in the skin, to help relieve ringworm, scabies, and acne, and it's cooling effects can be helpful with inflammation, and sunburn.  May irritate skin, esp. mucous membranes and around the eyes, not to be used by pregnant and nursing mothers.  Contra-indicated with homeopathic remedies.

Pine - Forest or Christmas tree like fresh scent                                                                                  Properties - Antiseptic, Decongestant, Deodorant, Diuretic, Disinfectant, Expectorant, Restorative, Stimulant, Tonic.                                                                                                                       Used For - Refreshing for a tired mind, very good antiseptic for lung conditions, also helps to strengthen the lungs.  Good for circulation, which can assist with conditions such as rheumatism, gout and sciatica.  May be of some use for male impotence.  Can be irritating on the skin, so small doses should be used.

Rose - Sweet, Floral                                                                                                                                            Properties - Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Bactericidal, Depurative, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Hepatic, Laxative, Sedative, Splenetic, Tonic.                                                                                                                                                                     Used For - Soothing effect on emotions, esp. depression, grief, nerves and stress.  Useful for both female and male reproduction issues, frigidity and impotence.  Good for mature skin, dry or sensitive skin, also a good treatment for broken capillaries.  For conditions of both the lungs and the circulatory system.  Should be avoided during pregnancy.

Rosemary - Clear, "clean", "vicks vapour rub" like scent                                                               Properties - Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Cephalic, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Fungicidal, Hepatic, Nervine, Stimulant, Tonic, Vulnerary.                                                                                                        Used For - Aids in mental lethargy, memory and mental strain, making the user fell more awake and alive.  Helpful for headaches and migraines, pain relieving without being sedative.  May be useful when working with congested inflamed skin conditions.  Because of the highly stimulating action of this oil it is best avoided by people with epilepsy or high blood pressure, and for pregnant mothers.  This oil is contraindicates homeopathic remedies.

Sandalwood - Sweet, Woody                                                                                                                       Properties - Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Bactericidal, Carminative, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Insecticidal, Sedative, Tonic.                                                      Used For - Very relaxing for the mind, which is why it can be helpful for frigidity and impotence.  Useful for chest infections and issues with the throat and lungs.  Balancing for oily and dry skin, very good for mature, ageing skin, acne, boils and infected wounds.  Best avoided during states of depression and pregnancy.  Scent may linger on clothing even after they have been washed.

Tangerine - Citrus                                                                                                                                           Properties - Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Digestive, Sedative, Stomachic, Tonic.    Used For - Stress, and tension.  General digestive issues, such as flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation.  Useful for fluid retention and obesity.

Tea Tree - Clean, Fresh Camphoraceous                                                                                                     Properties - Antibiotic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Bactericidal, Expectorant, Fungicidal, Insecticide, Parasiticide, Stimulant, Sudorific, Vulnerary.                                                   Used For - Very good for the immune system, both the strengthen for future illness, and to help get through current issues quickly.  Very good for skin conditions such as acne, boils, sunburn, herpes and athlete's foot.

Recommended Reading:

The Fragrant Pharmacy - Valerie Ann Worwood

Practical Aromatherapy - Robyn M. Feller

Magical Aromatherapy - Scott Cunningham

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils - Julia Lawless

The Directory of Essential Oils - Wanda Sellar

Aromatherapy Blends and Remedies - Franzesca Watson

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