E- L Of Essential Oils
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Properties - Cleansing, stimulating, antiseptic, expectorant, antiviral, anti-bacterial and insecticidal. Eucalyptus essential oil is a very powerful antiseptic and decongestant and has strong disinfectant properties, used commercially today in embrocations and lozenges.
Good For - Eucalyptus oil is useful in treating inflammations, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains and fibrositis. it works well as a decongestant and as an antiseptic.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, lavender, lemon, marjoram, pine, thyme and tea tree.
Mood - Refreshing and invigorating
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams.
Cautions - Use low concentrations when you are in contact with the sun. Avoid in pregnancy.
Fennel ( Foeniculum Vulgare)
Properties - Anti-spasmodic, expectorant, digestive, diuretic and detoxifying.
Good For - Constipation and menstrual symptoms.
Blends Well With - Basil, geranium, juniper, lemon and rosemary.
Mood - Energising
How To Use - Inhalation, massage and skincare.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy or if you suffer from epilepsy.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Properties - Purifying, warming, antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Good For - Frankincense is an expensive essential oil but it is also an important healer. It rejuvenates skin, so it is used on mature and ageing complexions and to fade old scars and to reduce inflammation. Its antiseptic qualities are useful in fighting bacterial and fungal skin infections. The oil works in two ways, it first numbs the nerve endings to reduce pain then boosts the body?s immune system, to accelerate the healing process.
Blends Well With - All citrus oils, basil, black pepper, geranium, lavender, patchouli and sandalwood.
Mood - Comforting
How To Use - Inhalation and bath
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Properties - Balancing, calming, diuretic, soothing and uplifting.
Good For - Used with pre-menstrual tension and menopausal problems. Said to be helpful with inflammation and congestion of the breasts. Is also used for circulatory problems including sluggishness, and phlebitis. Reportedly aids sore throats, tonsillitis, asthma, and excess mucus.
Skin: Geranium is known for its beneficial use on the skin. It is considered useful on all skin types. First, it is antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, aiding such conditions as ringworm, and general infections, however it is reportedly useful with acne, burns, bruises, shingles, herpes, eczema, and dermatitis as well. Second, it is considered to normalise sebaceous gland activity and sebum secretion, benefiting congested skin as well as dry skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose and sandalwood.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and cream.
Cautions - Can irritate very sensitive skin. Do not use if you are pregnant.
Ginger ( Zingiber officinale)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant and carminative.
Good For - Warming, muscle aches and stomach upset.
Blends Well With - Bay, caraway, cardamom, cedarwood, citrus oils, coriander, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, juniper and rosemary.
Mood - Warming and comforting
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and cream.
Cautions - Avoid using in the Bath, can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. May irritate sensitive skin.
Grapefruit ( Citrus Paradisi)
Properties - Antiseptic, anti-toxic, stimulant, digestive tonic and diuretic.
Good For - Helps to relieve the symptoms of Anxiety and depression.
Blends Well With - Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - Uplifting
How To Use - Inhalation and bath.
Cautions - Avoid exposure to sunlight.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Properties - Antidepressant, emollient, mild analgesic, sedative, soothing, uplifting and a uterine tonic.
Good For - The scent of jasmine sedates the nervous system, so it is good for frayed nerves, headaches, insomnia and depression and for taking the emotional edge off PMS and menopause. The aroma can also sharpen mental awareness and stimulate brain waves. Jasmine works very well if you suffer from period pains.
Blends Well With - Clary sage, frankincense, geranium, melissa, neroli, orange, rose and sandalwood.
Mood - Energising and uplifting
How To Use - Inhalation, compress and bath.
Cautions - Do not use if you are pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Properties - Astringent, diuretic, purifying, stimulating and uplifting.
Good For - Juniperberry essential oil has been used to treat urinary infections, for respiratory problems as well as gastro-intestinal infections and worms. It has been known to treat rheumatism pain and cystitis. Berries and extracts are used in diuretic and laxative preparations, also veterinary preventatives of ticks and fleas
Blends Well With - Benzoin, cypress, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lemongrass, melissa, rosemary and sandalwood.
Mood - Purifying and cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams.
Cautions - May over stimulate the kidneys. Do not use if pregnant.
Lavender (Lavendula vera)
Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, balancing diuretic, sedative, skin rejuvenating and stress relieving.
Good For - Lavender essential oil is probably the safest of all essential oils and the most antiseptic
This anti-viral and anti-fungal essential oil treats lung, sinus, vaginal and skin infections, reduces inflammation and relieves muscle pain and headaches. It hastens the healing of skin cells, so it is used on burns, sun-damaged skin, wounds and rashes. Lavender can also act as a sedative and antidepressant and can reduce the stress that causes asthma flare-ups
Blends Well With - Bergamot. geranium, neroli, peppermint, rosemary sandalwood and thyme.
Mood - Soothing
How To Use - Inhalation, compress, bath and creams.
Cautions - Avoid during the first three months of pregnancy.
Lemon (Citrus Limonium)
Properties - Uplifting, detoxifying, purifying, antiseptic, astringent, immunostimulant and antacid.
Good For - Respiration, circulation and toning.
Blends Well With - Benzoin, cardamom, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Mood - Invigorating and cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, skincare and massage,
Cautions - Skin irritant. Avoid using prior to exposure to the sun.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Properties - Sedative, antidepressant and insecticidal.
Good For - Lemongrass oil is said to be calming and balancing to the nervous system and may increase your powers of concentration. In addition it is reported to stimulate digestion and milk production in nursing mothers. Aids recovery from illness. Stimulates glandular secretions, liver, digestion, and appetite.
Blends Well With - basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli and rosemary.
Mood - Relaxing
How To Use - Massage and bath.
Cautions - Use in low dilutions. Avoid if you are prone to skin allergy. May irritate sensitive skin.
Lime (Citrus Aurantiifolia)
Properties - Astringent, anti-inflammatory, uplifting, antiseptic and refreshing.
Good For - Can be used for cellulite, high blood pressure, nosebleeds and asthma. Lime oil can be useful to cool fevers associated with colds, sore throats and flu and aids the immune system. Eases coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis. Lime oil can be used to stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression.It has previously been use to treat those suffering with arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, and in cases of obesity and cellulite.
Blends Well With - Citronella, clary sage, lavender and neroli.
Cautions - Avoid before exposure to sunlight.
