Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Aroma: fresh, spicy, floral, citrus

Traditional Use: Bergamot has been used as a remedy for fever in Italian folk tradition, and has a long history of use in potpourri and perfumes.

Properties:Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary

Benefits: Abscess, acne, anxiety, boils, bronchitis, carbuncles, cold sores, colds, colic, cystitis, depression, eczema, fevers, flatulence, halitosis, herpes, insect bites, intestinal parasites, nervous tension, oily complexion, psoriasis, respiratory tract infections, sore throat, varicose veins. Add bergamot to a massage blend for indigestion; remember to rub the abdomen in a clockwise direction.

Of Interest: Despite the fact that the bergamot fruit is inedible, the oil has many culinary and house hold uses. It is the characteristic flavor of Earl Grey tea, and is used as a fragrance for pipe tobaccos.

Used in: pms relief, passion, focus, uplift, immunity

Cedarwood (Cedrus virginiana)

Aroma: soft, woody, sweet balsamic

Traditional Use: In North America, Virginia Cedarwood has been used for respiratory infections. This oil has also been used as an insect repellant.

Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative

Benefits: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, eczema, insect repellant, nervous tension, oily skin, psoriasis, respiratory congestion, rheumatism, sinusitis, stress. Virginia Cedarwood may be diffused into the air as an insect repellant.

Used in: empower, motivate, calm

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Aroma: strong, warm, sweet herbaceous

Traditional Use: Blue, or German, chamomile has been used for nervous related ailments.

Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrizant, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, fungicidal, hepatic, nerve sedative, stomachic, sudorific, vermifuge, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, arthritis, asthma, broken capillaries, burns, colic, cuts, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, eczema, headache, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, migraine, muscular pain, muscular spasms, nausea, nervous tension, neuralgia, rashes, rheumatism, sensitive skin, sprains, stress related complaints, wounds. When adding blue chamomile to skin preparations take the color of the oil into consideration.

Of Interest: Blue chamomile oil has a higher azulene content then Roman chamomile oil. This constituent also gives the oil its characteristic blue color. The azulene is not present in the fresh flower but is produced during the process of distillation.

Used in: pms relief, headache relief, pain relief, de-stress, sleep

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Aroma: dry, musky, bittersweet floral

Traditional Use: This oil has an extensive history in perfumery. It is considered a fixative, and adds a warming note to a blend.

Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, nervine, sedative, stomachic, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, amenorrhea, boils, constipation, convulsions, cramps, dandruff, depression, dysmenorrhoea, dyspepsia, excessive perspiration, flatulence, infection, inflamed skin, leucorrhoea, migraine, muscular aches and pains, nervous fatigue, oily skin and hair. Clary sage is a good addition to a bath for many reasons. The antispasmodic actions may help with headaches and migraines. This action along with the emmenagogue property support the reproductive system and may relieve painful menstruation, and the nervine and sedative actions will help you relax after a busy day.

Of Interest: The herb derives its name from the Latin clarus, meaning, “clear,” and was nicknamed “clear eyes” during the Middle Ages for its famous ability to clear tired or strained eyes and blurred vision.

Used in: pms relief, menopause, create

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Aroma: fresh, penetrating, woody, camphoraceous

Traditional Use: Eucalyptus is one of the oldest native medicines used in Australia. It is known now for its use in inhalants and vapor rubs, and as a household disinfectant and cleaner.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary

Benefits: Asthma, blisters, bronchitis, bruises, burns, candida, catarrh, chills, colds, cough, cystitis, fever, headache, influenza, insect bites, lack of concentration, measles, mental exhaustion, muscular aches and pains, neuralgia, respiratory infection, rheumatism, sinusitis, skin infections, skin ulcers, slow circulation, sore throats, sprains, throat infections, viral infections, wounds. Eucalyptus is often added to inhalations, oils, and ointments for respiratory infections and congestion. The properties that help with these ailments include antispasmodic, expectorant, decongestant, and antiviral. The antiviral and antibacterial actions of this oil can be taken advantage of by adding it to a disinfectant blend for a diffuser to cleanse the air.

Of Interest: The word eucalyptus is derived from Greek meaning "well covered". This refers to part of the calyx that initially covers the flower.

Used in: pain relief, decongest, immune

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Aroma: fresh, woody, spicy, balsamic with a citrus top note

Traditional Use: Frankincense has a long history as incense. It was burned by the Egyptians and is used in many religious ceremonies. Traditionally it has also been used for skin ailments from acne to wound healing.

Properties: Analgesic, anti-arthritic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, anxiety, asthma, blemishes, bronchitis, colds, coughs, dry skin, flu, nervousness, rheumatism, scars, skin ailments, stress, ulcers, urinary tract infections, wrinkles, wounds. To take advantage of some of the skin healing properties of this oil it may be added to skin creams or toners.

Of Interest: Frankincense has many other names that it is known as. Most commonly you will see it as frankincense, olibanum, or boswellia.

Used in: focus, calm, de-stress, uplift

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Aroma: heavy, sweet, floral

Traditional Use: Throughout history geranium has been known as a powerful wound healer. It has been utilized medicinally and in the fragrance industry.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizant, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, insecticide, regenerative, rubefacient, sedative, styptic, tonic, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, anxiety, broken capillaries, bruises, burns, circulatory disorders, cuts, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, diabetes, diarrhea, eczema, fluid retention, hemorrhoids, herpes, insect bites, lymphatic congestion, menopause, neuralgia, ringworm, shingles, sore throats, stabilize emotions, tonsillitis, ulcers, wounds. The antidepressant and emotional stabilizing effects of this oil can be used in many ways. Diffuse into the air, or make a room spray that you can spray as needed. You can also add the oil to a full, hand, or foot bath.

Of Interest: Geranium leaves can be used in jams and jellies. The oil can be used in baking. A couple of drops may be added while making sugar cookies. The aroma fills the house while you are baking and adds flavor to the cookies.

Used in: pms relief, menopause, motivate, uplift, detox

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Fresh, warm, woody, sweet bright top note


used in: motivate, digest

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): Fresh, tangy citrus


used in: energize, create, detox

Juniper (Juniperus communis): Fresh, green, fruity, balsamic undertone


used in: energize, pain relief, digest

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Sweet, floral, herbaceous


used in: pms relief, headache relief, calm, de-stress, sleep, immunity

Lemon (Citrus limon): Clean, sugary citrus, slightly sour


used in: energize, menopause, uplift, immunity

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus): Heavy, lemony, green


used in: empower, digest, create, detox

Marjoram (Marjorana hortensis): Bright, sweet, balsamic


used in: headache relief, pain relief, calm, breathe, sleep
 
Orange (Citrus sinensis): Sweet, sugary, and citrus


used in: passion, motivate, calm, sleep, create


Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Fresh, very minty, hot, herbaceous


used in: energize, headache relief, focus, breathe, digest

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): strong, fresh, camphor-like and with a woody-balsamic undertone


used in: energize, passion, focus, breathe, create, detox

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Warm, Fresh, spicy-camphoraceous


used in: immunity, breathe

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):  Warm, spicy-herbaceous, powerful


used in: empower, menopause, pain relief, breathe

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): Rich, sweet floral


used in: empower, menopause, de-stress, uplift, sleep