Showing posts with label Essential oils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essential oils. Show all posts

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Essential Oils Chart

Black Pepper
Effects: Stimulating
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Warm, Peppery
Combines well with: Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood
Properties: Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant
Uses:
Chilbains, Colds, Constipation, Digestive Problems, Flatulence, Heartburn, Indigestion, Loss of Appetite, Muscle Aches and Pains, Sinus Congestion

Contra-indications: Black Pepper may irritate sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Avoid use during pregnancy.


Chamomile
Effects: Soothing, Relaxing
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Sweet, Herbal, Fruity
Combines well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender
Properties: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Digestive Stimulant
Uses: Acne, Blisters, Boils, Colitis, Depression, Digestive Problems, Flatulence, Gout, Headaches, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Neuralgia, Nervous Tension (anxiety, fear), Rheumatism, Skin Conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)

Contra-indications: Chamomile may cause skin irritation. Not to be used in early pregnancy.

Geranium
Effects: Comforting, Healing
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Floral, Sweet, Earthy
Combines well with: Chamomile, Cypress, Juniper
Properties: Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic
Uses: Burns, Eczema, Edema, Fluid Retention, Neuralgia, PMS Symptoms (including swollen breasts), Poor Circulation, Rheumatism, Tonsillitis

Contra-indications: Geranium may irritate sensitive skin. Avoid use during pregnancy due to antispasmodic properties.

Jasmine
Effects: Soothing, Relaxing
Aroma: Base note
Scent: Warm, Floral
Combines well with: Chamomile, Citrus oils, Rose
Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Expectorant
Uses: Anxiety, Catarrh, Cough, Headache, Lack of Confidence, Laryngitis, Mental Tension, Sensitive or dry skin

Contra-indications: Jasmine is generally agreeable with most, but some allergic reactions can occur. Jasmine should not be used during pregnancy because of its antispasmodic properties.


Lavender
Effects: Calming, Therapeutic
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Floral, Sweet, Woody, Herbal
Combines well with: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium
Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Insecticide, Sedative
Uses: Acne, Anxiety, Bronchitis, Burns, Catarrh, Chilbains, Circulatory Problems, Colds, Dandruff, Eczema, Flu, Headaches, Insect Bites, Insomnia, Muscle Aches and Pains, PMS Symptoms, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Sinusitis, Skin Problems, Sunburn, Tension, Throat Infection, Wounds and Sores

Contra-indications: Lavender should not be used during the early stages of pregnancy. Use Lavender with caution if you have low blood pressure.

Lemongrass
Effects: Refreshing, Toning
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Sweet, Citrus
Combines well with: Basil, Cedarwood, Lavender
Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Diuretic
Uses: Colic, Fatigue, Indigestion, Muscle Aches and Pains, Stimulates Appetite, Stress

Contra-indications: None known

Lime
Effects: Refreshing, Toning
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Sharp, Citrus
Combines well with: Neroli, Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang
Properties: antiseptic, Antiviral, Astringent, Aperitif, Bactericidal, Disinfectant, Febrifuge, Haemostatic, Restorative, Tonic
Uses: Fever, Colds, Sore Throat, Flu, Strengthens immune system, Cough, Brochitis, Sinusitis, Asthma, Refreshes a tired mind, Depression, Arthiritis, Rheumatism, Poor circulation, Obesity, Cellulite, Oily skin, Acne, Herpes, Insect bites, Cuts

Contra-indications:
Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing if the oil is obtained by steam extraction, yet the oil obtained from cold expression can cause photosensitivity in strong sunshine and can irritate the skin.

Neroli
Effects: Relaxing
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Floral, Refreshing
Combines well with: Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood
Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Sedative
Uses: Depression, Digestive Problems, Dry or Sensitive Skin, Flatulence, Headaches, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Nervous Tension, Panic Attacks, Stress

Contra-indications: Neroli has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy.

Orange
Effects: Refreshing, Relaxing
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Fresh, Citrus
Combines well with: Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary
Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Detoxifying, Sedative, Tonic
Uses: Anxiety, Cellulite, Consitpation, Depression, Diarrhoea, Digestive Problems, Dry, Sensitive, or Aging Skin, Flatulence, Indigestion, Insomnia, Muscle Aches and Pains, Nervous Tension, Respiratory Conditions, Stress

Contra-indications: Orange has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy. Orange may irritate sensitive skin (use well diluted). Orange is also a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to prolonged sunlight or tanning beds.

Palmarosa
Effects: Relaxing, Stimulating
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Sweet Floral
Combines well with: Geranium, Bergamot, Lime, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang
Properties: Antiseptic, Antiviral, Bactericide, Cytophylactic, Digestive, Febrifuge, Hydrating
Uses: Nervousness, Anxiety, Counter physical and emotional exhaustion, Stress, Fever, Digestive problems, Releives sore and stiff muscles, Dry/ Oily Skin, Acne, Dermatitis, Scarring, Minor skin infections, Sore tired feet, Athelete's Foot

Contra-indications: None known

Patchouli
Effects: Relaxing
Aroma: Base note
Scent: Sweet, Spicy, Woody
Combines well with: Geranium, Lavender, Neroli
Properties: Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Sedative
Uses: Anxiety, Cellulite, Chapped / Cracked Skin, Depression, Eczema, Increase Libido, PMS Symptoms, Scar Tissue, Water Retention

Contra-indications: None known

Peppermint
Effects: Refreshing, Stimulating
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Stong, Fresh, Menthol
Combines well with: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary
Properties: Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Decongestant, Digestive Aid, Expectorant
Uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Colic, Headaches, Indigestion, Insect Repellant, Migraine, Muscle and Joint Pain, Nausea, Sinusitis, Sore / Tired Feet, Toothaches

Contra-indications: Peppermint has antispasmodic properties therefore use during pregnancy is not advised.

Rosemary
Effects: Refreshing, Stimulating
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Refreshing, Woody, Herbal
Combines well with: Cedarwood, Geranium, Juniper
Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Decongestant, Diuretic, Stimulant
Uses: Burns, Cellulite, Colds, Digestive Problems, Fatigue, Flu, Gout, Liver and Gall Bladder Problems, Oily Skin, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism, Water Retention, Wounds

Contra-indications: Rosemary has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy or if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Tea Tree
Effects: Cleansing, Refreshing
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Fresh, Medicinal
Combines well with: Best to use on it's own
Properties: Antibiotic, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Detoxifying, Insecticide, Stimulant
Uses: Age Spots, Athlete's Foot, Boils, Burns, Catarrh, Colds, Corns, Cystitis, Dandruff, Fungal Infections, Immune System Booster, Itching (from insect bites, chicken pox, etc.), Sunburn, Urinary Tract Infections, Warts

Contra-indications: Tea Tree may irritate sensitive skin.

Ylang Ylang
Effects: Relaxing, Stimulating
Aroma: Base/Middle note
Scent: Heavy, Sweet, Floral, Exotic
Combines well with: Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium
Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Sedative
Uses: Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, Intestinal Problems, Sexual Dysfunction, Stress

Contra-indications: Ylang Ylang may irritate sensitive skin. Do not use on inflammatory skin conditions and dermatitis. Ylang Ylang has a strong aroma and may cause headaches.



Kaffir Lime (Limau Purut) 

Effects: Restoring, Stimulating
Aroma: Top/ Middle note
Scent: Powerful, fresh, pungent green-leafy, lemon-lime/yuzu type of aroma-a very distinct bouquet
Combines well with: Bergamot, Lavender, other Citrus oils
Properties: Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Antiamebic, Antiseptic, Appetizer, Astringent, Antispasmodic, Stimulant, Anti-tumor, Disinfectant
Uses: Anxiety, Cleanser, Doedariser, Insecticide, Flatulence, Hair growth, Anti-dandruff, Conditioning for skin and hair, Respiratory Problems, Stimulates Circulation, Releives Nausea


Contra-indications: A photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to prolonged sunlight or tanning beds. Has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy.

SANDALWOOD
Effects: Warming, Relaxing
Aroma: Base note
Scent: Woody, Sweet, Exotic
Combines well with: Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Diuretic, Sedative
Uses: Anxiety, Bronchitis, Cystitis, Fatigue, Frigidity, Impotence, Immune System Booster, Nervous Tension, Skin Conditions (such as acne, dry skin, eczema), Sore Throat, Stress, Urinary Infections, Water Retention

Contra-indications: Sandalwood has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy or in states of depression (may cause an even lowered mood).


*The information provided on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Should you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering any natural remedy.

Magic in Essential Oils

What magic do essential oils possess?

It can move our souls, bring back memories, calm our minds, and set the stage for romance. Perhaps the secret lies deep in the most ancient core of our brain- the limbic system. It processes our sense of smell, and also controls our "autonomic" nervous system- our breath, our heartbeat. Scent can affect the autonomic nervous system, causing the breath to deepen and slow, which in turn, calms the heart.

Many illnesses begin in the mind, and the benefit of aromatherapy is that it helps ease the unconscious causes of distress. Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils to stimulate both psychological and physical benefits. Essential oils are not perfume or fragrance oils- they are literally the pure "essence" of a plant, and are unadulterated by any artificial or chemical ingredients.

Essential oils have a rich, natural aroma, which can offer either relaxing or stimulating psychological benefits by triggering the brain (perhaps in the same way phermones do, by stimulating the release of subtle hormones.) The components of the oils also enter the lungs, and oils applied to the skin absorb into the bloodstream, providing actual physical benefits. But essential oils must be used with care- they are very concentrated, and in pure form, can irritate the skin.