Essential Oils

Niaouli – Immune system booster (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Related to Tea Tree. Stimulates the mind and clear thinking. Said to increase white blood cells and antibody activity. Helpful in fighting infections/colds and flus/expectorant/decongestant. Aids respiratory conditions such as asthma/bronchitis/chest infections/sinusitis. A beneficial anti-inflammatory for rheumatism. Massage: Use for a chest rub. First aid: 5-6 drops in a bowl of cool pre-boiled water to clean minor wounds, burns, acne.

Nutmeg – Stimulant to body and mind (Myristica fragrance) This familiar smelling oil is a helpful digestive aid in breaking down fats and starchy food. For a digestive aid, add 1 drop of 5ml of carrier oil and apply to abdomen, rubbing gently in a clockwise movement. Also has a history of being used to attract money! Diffuse: With clove and orange for a soothing wintertime scent. May over excite nerves. Use in low dosages. Do not use on children. May cause slight inflammation or other discomfort to the body. Avoid if pregnant.

Orange (sweet) – Zesty and joyful (Citrus cinesis) A happy oil that is known for its anti-depressant qualities. This fragrance cleans the air and has a very calming effect on the stomach. May help lower cholesterol levels. Hair care: Adds lustre to dull skin. Inhalation: Use a few drops on your pillow for insomnia. Skin care: Assists with collagen formation, excellent for cleansing/toning. May have a chemical response to sunlight. May cause slight inflammation or other discomfort to the body.

Palmarosa – Clarifying and uplifting (Cymbopogan martini) An earthy, uplifting fragrance that calms, refreshes and clarifies the mind. Stimulates the appetite, assisting individuals with eating disorders since it has a positive influence on the emotions. Also calming for children. Bath: Soothe your worries away while pampering your dry skin. Skin care: Activates secretion of the skin’s natural nourishment (sebum) providing help for dry skin.

Patchouli – Earthy and anxiety releaser (Pogostemon cablin) Known as ‘hippy juice’, this earthy fragrance may be used to balance and ground the psyche. Sedated in small dosed but sharpens the wits and stimulates the mind in high doses. Relieves water retention. Use sparingly as the oil’s strong fragrance can be overpowering and may cause loss of appetite.

Peppermint – Physically and mentally refreshing (Mentha arvensis) This cooling, minty fragrance is an effective stimulant, alleviating mental fatigue. Helps to relieve anger/hysteria/nervous trembling/travel sickness/nausea/stomach-aches/indigestion. A powerful antiseptic. Use for respiratory disorders such as colds/coughs/asthma/bronchitis/pneumonia. Massage: A stimulating massage for aching feet or to calm indigestion. First aid: Gently massage 1 drop (mixed with 10ml carries oil) onto the temples or sniff directly from the bottle or scented tissue. Very strong aroma-use with caution. Avoid if nursing. May antidote homeopathic remedies. May have a chemical response to sunlight. May cause slight inflammation or other discomfort to the body.

Ravensara – Fights infection, safe for children (Ravensara aromatica) This steam-distilled oil has a scent reminiscent of eucalyptus. It is used to treat flu symptoms and bronchitis. Useful for fighting viral infections and to rid the body of toxins produced during illness. Said to enhance libido. Bath: A few drops in the bath will often avert the flu or help relieve the symptoms of illness more quickly. Avoid if pregnant.

Rose – The queen of flowers (Rosa damascena) Rose is unparalleled in its beauty and scent. As an age old symbol of love, it is not surprising that the oil has a substantial balancing effect on the heart. Rose oil enlivens the spirit! It comforts and refreshes, addressing heartache, sorrow and other psychological pain. A deep loving aphrodisiac. Perfume: 1 drop on the wrist will linger all day. Skin care: It is a great cellular rejuvenator, recommended for wrinkles, dryness eczema and sensitive skin. A powerful essence to be used sparingly. Avoid if pregnant. This product is a 10% dilution in jojoba oil.

Rosemary – Stimulates the mind and senses (Rosmannus officinalis) This fragrance provides mental awareness and clarity. Use when studying and problem solving. It strengthens the nervous system/stabilizes emotions/minimizes mood swings. It is an effective antiseptic. Hair care: Livens up dull hair, promotes healthy hair and helps to reduce hair loss. May antidote homeopathic medication. Avoid in cases of epilepsy, asthma or convulsions. Avoid if pregnant.

Sandalwood – Comforting, grounding and aphrodisiac (Santalum album) This warm spicy fragrance calms and slows the psyche. Sandalwood is an ideal remedy for the hectic, fast paced world we live in. Its grounding qualities encourage openness and understanding. This powerful oil is often used for yoga or meditation. Also considered an aphrodisiac, restoring sensuality in both senses. Avoid if depressed. This product is a 10% dilution in jojoba oil.

Spearmint – The sweet gentle mint (Mentha spicata) Spearmint oil is cleansing and uplifting, and the aroma sharpens the senses. It is better suited for children than peppermint essential oil, and is good fro upset tummies, nausea, headaches and fever (rub a small amount into the temples or stomach). Spearmint oil has traditionally been used for stimulating the mind, supporting digestion and as a decongestant and insect repellent. Do not use on children under 3 years. Mucous membrane irritant. Avoid in cases of epilepsy, asthma or convulsions. Avoid if pregnant.

Spikenard – Healing skin tonic and perfume (Nardostachys jatamansil) This heavy, sweet-woody, spicy oil is said to be one of the most powerful sedatives in aromatherapy. It is a diuretic and helps the body to detoxify, which helps fight cellulite. Beneficial for the menstrual cycle. Skin care: Can help chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis/allergic skin reactions/rashes. Use to restore balance (all skin types) and rejuvenate mature skin. Blend with lavender, patchouli and/or vetivert for a nourishing, revitalizing skin treatment.

Tangerine – Soothing, antiseptic and aids digestion (Citrus reticulata) Soothing to the nervous system and may help relieve stress and tension. Aids digestion by stimulating the flow of bile, thus excellent to assist in burning fats. Helps to purify the blood and reduce inflammation and nervous afflictions. Skin care: Use to prevent and erase stretch marks. A wonderful skin tonic that tones up the body. May have a chemical response to sunlight.

Tea tree – Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree is essential for any first aid kit. This powerful oil kills a number of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Use as a disinfectant/antiseptic remedy. Useful for acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, burns, vaginal thrush, dandruff, herpes, insect bites, chest congestion, rashes, varicose veins, warts, wounds, infections and any viral related skin problems. Bath: To treat urinary and vaginal infections. Skin care: Add 2 drops to 30ml carrier oil and apply to cold sores, athlete’s foot and fungal infections. Neat: Use to heal acne/cuts/scrapes.

Thyme – A strong disinfectant and immune system tonic (Thymus vulgaris) The supportive and fortifying nature of thyme is gently empowering, helping you overcome physical, emotional and mental exhaustion by improving mental clarity and memory. This very potent oil is strongly antiseptic, aids concentration and is effective treatment for coughs/colds/sore throats. Clears the respiratory system of catarrh. Also aids digestion. Cleaner: Mix 5 drops in 60ml of distilled water and use as a disinfectant spray on counter tops. Hair care: May be used as a tonic for the scalp. Use in moderation. May have a chemical response to sunlight. May cause slight inflammation or other discomfort to the body.

Vetivert – The oil of tranquility (Vetiveria zizanioides) This deep earthy fragrance is a panacea for stress and tension. Very grounding, calming, helps balance the central nervous system. Helps with insomnia and exhaustion. Use to clean the aura. Boosts the immune system. Increases blood flow to the muscles and therefore could help with arthritis and rheumatism. Helps with acne.

Wintergreen – Pain relief (Gaultheria Procumbens) Native to North America, where this minty-sweet plant grows wild, Wintergreen has been used for centuries by the Native Americans who used to chew the leaves to aid in respiratory function. In aromatherapy it is commonly used in rubs for arthritis, rheumatism and mild aches and pains. Wintergreen mixes particularly nicely with Oregano, peppermint or spearmint. Contains methyl salicylate. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If swallowed, give water and call physician immediately. In case of contact with eyes or skin, flush thoroughly with water. For eyes, get medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid if pregnant.