Essential Oils are highly concentrated distilled plant essences. They are very aromatic, and have a wide variety of applications. They are sometimes used medicinally for treating specific ailments. In addition to treating physical conditions, these oils can effect us mentally and emotionally as well.

As Phyllis Balch points out in Prescription for Herbal Healing, "The inhalation of certain essential oils has been associated with the release of brain chemicals that stimulate various emotions. For example, lavender oil has the ability to evoke and increase the release of serotonin, thus producing a calming effect on the body."

Some Common Essential Oils & Their Properties

BERGAMOT Balancing. Used to lift depression.

CEDARWOOD Antaseptic, astringent, expectorant, sedative. Used to balance the function of sweat glands, ease bronchial problems and to control mold & mildew.

CHAMOMILE Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. Used for headaches, in warm baths, added to hair rinses, and in massage oils.

CLARY SAGE Popular antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac. Used in skin and hair products and to counter insomnia. (Avoid in early months of pregnancy.)

CYPRESS Astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic. Used to repell fleas, reduce coughing, and for excessive perspiration.

EUCALYPTUS Antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, disinfectant, expectorant. Has a balancing, normalizing effect. Used to reduce fever, ease sore muscles, repell insects, treat bites and stings.

GERANIUM Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative, expectorant. Used for bronchitis, cleansing and purifying the environment, promotes cell regeneration.

HYSSOP Antiseptic, tonic. Used for cleansing and detoxifying, stimulating respiratory system, and clearing congestion from lungs. (Avoid if you have any type of seizure disorder.)

JASMINE Antidepressant, antiseptic, and sedative. Used for anxiety, emotional imabalance, frigidity and impotence. Good for the skin and scalp.

JUNIPER Antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, and internal cleanser. Used to rid the system of toxins and parasities, reduce spasms, and cellulite. (Not for use during pregnancy. or if you have kidney problems.)

LAVENDER Antiseptic. Used to calm and normalize the body, improve immune system, fight bacteria and fungul infection, ease depression, and reduce inflammation. Also useful in treating acne, burns, eczema, sleep disorders, and stress.

PATCHOULI Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antifungal. A popular scent used in personal fragrances and bathy and body products.

PEPPERMINT Antiseptic, antispasmodic, mental stimulant. Used to treat hadaches, congestion, fatigue, fever, indigestion, sore muscles, sinus and stomach problems. Popular in bath and oral care products.

PINE Antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, restorative and stimulant.

ROSE Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, mild sedative. Used for female complaints, impotence, insomnia, and nervous tension. Popular in skin care products.

ROSEMARY Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent. Used for cellulite, enhancing circulation, dandruff, hair loss, memory problems, headache, and muscle soreness.

ROSEWOOD Antiseptic, regenerative. Used for anxiety, cellular regeneration, depression, headaches, nausea, PMS, and tension.

SANDALWOOD Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac. Used for bronchitis, nervosness, dry skin, and for soothing the mind.

THYME Antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant. Added to bath for a calming effect, and to ease congestion.

YARROW Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. Used to lower blood pressure and improve digestion. Has similar functions as chamomile.

YLANG YLANG Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative. Used to lift mood, ease anxiety, normalize heartbeat, and lower blood pressure.

Buying Essential Oils

When purchasing essential oils, make certain they are 100% pure botanical extracts, not chemical reproductions.

Pure essential oils are extracted directly from various parts of certain plants. Oils are obtained in a variety of ways, including distillation, solvent extraction, expressing, carbon dioxide extraction, and enfleurage, where an odorless oil is used to extract essential oils from flower petals.

Buy in Small Quantities Oils will deteriorate in partially filled bottles.

Read Labels Make sure the label says "pure essential oil".

Suggested Dillution Ratios

BATHS Add 8 - 10 drops to a warm bath.

BODY LOTION Add 25 drops to 8 oz. of unscented lotion.

CARPET FRESHENER Add 25 drops of essetial oil to 16 oz. water.

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING Add 25 drops of essential oil to 2 gallons of water.

FACIAL OIL Add 10 drops essential oil to 1 oz. of jojoba oil.

SHAMPOO Add 10-12 drops to 16 oz of unscented shampoo.

HAIR CONDITIONER Add several drops to a 6 oz bottle of conditioner.

HAIR RINSE Add 10 drops to 2 cups of water.

PERFUME Add 10-12 drops to 1/2 oz of jojoba oil.

MASSAGE OIL Add 25 drops to 2 oz of your favorite massage oil - almond, apricot, grape seed, jojoba or olive oil.

The Big Three
Tea Tree Oil, Neem Oil , and Oregano Oil
These 3 oils are so powerful and comprehensive in their actions that they deserve a bit more treatment.