A Brief Outline of Essential Oil Properties
Arnica – Arnica montana
Relieves pain and inflammation, clears fungal and bacterial infections. It is very effective in healing bruising, muscle strains and sprains, swelling and cramps.
Basil – Basilicum occumin
Helps clear the head, relieve intellectual fatigue and gives the mind strength and clarity. Assists blood circulation & respiratory problems. Antispasmodic & emmenagogue.
Benzoin – Styrax benzoin
Used for healing many kinds of skin lesions, cracked and chapped hands and chilblains. It is one of the ingredients in Friar’s Balsam. Mentioned in the Bible.
Bergamot – Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
Has anti-depressant qualities and helps regulate appetite. It helps ease muscular cramps, relieves muscular aches & pains. Useful in relieving colic & flatulence.
Cedarwood – Juniperus virginiana
Diuretic, circulatory stimulant, helps relieve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and congestion. Its expectorant properties help ease bronchitis and coughs. Sedative.
Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens
According to Holmes “Cypress is the only essential oil which is a true venous blood decongestant as well as an astringent. It has a restorative effect on the veins…”
Fennel, Sweet – Foeniculum vulgare
Diuretic and lymphatic decongestant, assisting the body to eliminate toxins. Helps regulate the menstrual cycle and may be used during menopause to reduce symptoms.
Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
Traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and catarrhal conditions. Used in skin care for mature skin, wrinkles, scars and wounds.
Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
Assists poor circulation, cellulite, muscle tone, bruises, broken capillaries and wounds. A lymphatic stimulant helps relieve congestion, fluid retention and swollen ankles.
Ginger – Zingiber officinale
Indicated for painful digestion, dyspepsia & flatulence. Stimulates the digestive process. Arouses dormant senses and aids in balancing & strengthening.
Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
Assists healing of bruises & wounds. Promotes tissue regeneration & prevents scarring on damaged or injured skin. Good for relief of muscular aches and pains.
Lemon – Citrus limon
Temporary pain relief from arthritis and rheumatism. Aids poor circulation. Stimulates white blood corpuscles. Used for treating warts. A mild detoxifier useful for cellulite.
Lemongrass – Cymbopogon flexuosus
Excellent for aching muscles – relieves pain and helps make them more supple. Assists in recovery from illness, stimulates glandular secretions & digestion. Uplifting.
Lime – Citrus aurantifolia
Considered a digestive tonic and a lymphatic stimulant. Ideal for fatigue and a tired mind. Antimicrobial properties – recommended for throat infections and influenza.
Marjoram, Sweet – Origanum majorana
An analgesic (pain relief) for muscular aches and pains associated with arthritis, lumbago, sprains, & rheumatism. Helps ease menstrual cramps. Has the ability to strengthen and relax the nerves.
Neroli – Citrus aurantium var. amara
Regarded as one of the most effective sedative and antidepressant remedies. Good for shock and grief. Cleanses the blood and helps with poor circulation. Helps encourage the formation of new skin cells.
Orange – Citrus seninsis
Assists with calming palpitations, helps build muscle tone and reduces water retention. Used in the treatment of constipation, irritable bowel & chronic diarrhoea.
Patchouli – Pogostemom cablin
Beneficial for alleviating depression and anxiety. In skin care it is used for regenerating, disinfecting, moistening and cooling the tissues. Good for parasitic skin infections.
Petitgrain – Citrus aurantium subsp. amara
Digestive aid. Helps to prevent excessive perspiration & tones the skin. Properties similar to Neroli. Used for rapid heartbeat, stabilising nervous system & insomnia.
Pine Needle – Pinus sylvestris
Eases muscular cramps. Aids poor circulation, good for gout. Helps respiratory problems & diseases of mucous membrane. Helps fatigue & nervous exhaustion.
Rose – Rose damascena
Rose has a profound psychological effect. It is used as a sedative for the nerves and for the treatment of palpitations, irritability or insomnia. Excellent emollient, softening and hydrating properties for the skin.
Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis
Temporary relief of pain associated with muscles, neuralgia and rheumatism. Assists circulation, respiratory problems and tired, stiff, overworked muscles. Brain stimulant.
Rosewood – Aniba rosaeodora
Has uplifting and enlivening properties. Recommended for alleviating headaches and anxiety. Beneficial for treating acne, dermatitis, sensitive, aged and damaged skin. Has antimicrobial properties.
Sage – Salvia officinalis
Diuretic Tonic, Stimulant. Aids in stimulating digestion and has a restorative effect on the whole body. General stimulant. Activates the adrenal cortex & regulates nerves.
Sandalwood – Santalum album
Eases muscular and intestinal spasms. Skin moisturiser for dry & cracked skin. Reduces inflammation and itching. Aids in regeneration of skin cells by increasing rate at which they reproduce.
Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides
Temporary pain relief for joints & muscles. Has an effect on hormone secretions of oestrogen and progesterone. Good for exhaustion and insomnia. Helps weak skin.
Ylang Ylang – Cananga odorata var. genuina
Known for its ability to slow down over-rapid breathing & heart rate. Good for mood swings and used as an aphrodisiac. Beneficial in softening skin and regulating moisture balance.