Basil, Costa Rica,
is similar to tulsi from India where it is used to improve concentration
and relieve congestion in the head. It is anti-infectious
and often the first choice for migraines or where there is neuropathy
or arthritis as well as paralytic conditions. It is used to fight
intestinal parasites and to stimulate the liver and pancreas. It
combines exceptionally well with eucalyptus or lavender essential
oil.
Cinnamon Bark,
Sri Lanka, is often used as a bactericide or for lowering blood sugar. It
is also antifungal and antimicrobial. It is irritating and
should not be used on skin; however, it can be used to purify air
and reduce risks from airborne pathogens. It can also be used
as a flavoring or to relieve abdominal bloating and flatulence. It
combines exceptionally well with orange essential oil.
Clove Bud, Madagascar,
is most commonly used for tooth aches but is very antimicrobial and
antifungal. It is an excellent respiratory and cardiovascular
aid. There is some research suggesting it normalizes thyroid function.
If diluted (1% essential oil), clove oil can be used on the skin
for acne, warts, scars, and parasites. It blends well with basil
and cinnamon as well as lavender.
Eucalyptus, Australia,
is generally used as an inhalant for long-term sinus and respiratory
complaints. Our species, radiata, is gentler than many forms of eucalyptus
and therefore is suitable people who have spasms and other irritations. It
can be used as an antimicrobial for both bacteria and viral infections. It
combines well with lemon but also can be used with peppermint and
lavender.
Fennel,
Italy, has a hint of a licorice taste and aroma and is very popular
in India and parts of Europe. It's delicately aromatic and relaxing. It
is used to detoxify and strengthen the liver, relieve colic and spasms,
promote healthy digestion and assimilation of nutrients, and cleanse
the mouth after eating. Some believe it promotes hormonal balance. The oil is made from the seeds and is non-toxic
and non-irritating.
Frankincense, Boswellia
frereana, Oman, is mainly used to reduce inflammation, but it
can also be applied to scars. It is considered to be so spiritually
elevating that it relieves depression. It improves breathing
and promotes relaxation of a soothing and harmonizing quality. Though
mainly used ritually, recent research has found significant uses
in the treatment of cancer and diseases of the reproductive system
and urinary tract. It is non-irrating and blends well with lavender
and lemon.
Ginger, Zingiber
Officinale, Madagascar, has very specific aromatherapy uses that
are quite different from culinary and other medicinal uses. For
instance, ginger is regarded as an aid to recovering memory. It
is, of course, stimulating, but it is also grounding. It is
anti-inflammatory and has pain relieving properties. Ginger
blends well with frankincense and lemon as well as peppermint and
even tea tree.
Lavender, wild,
France, is one of the best known essential oils. It was added
to bath water in Roman times and is associated with both cleanliness
and deeper forms of hygiene, such as wound care, including serious
abscesses. It
is antispasmodic and soothing and is believed to lower high blood
pressure and relieve headaches. It is non-toxic and non-irritating
and blends well with lemon and peppermint when taken to reduce spasms
and relax nerves.
Lemon, USA, is
considered to be one of the adaptogens. It is antifungal, insecticidal,
antiseptic, and antimicrobial. It is also a vermifuge, decongestant,
febrifuge, and vasoconstrictor. Externally, it can be used
to reduce cellulite, acne, and warts. It can be gargled for
sore throats or taken internally to promote circulation and reduce
the risks of varicose veins, phlebitis, and thrombosis. It is a
pancreatic stimulant and lowers blood sugar. It is non-toxic and non-irritating
unless used in direct sun when some individuals may exhibit signs of phototoxicity. It
combines well with other citrus oils and lavender.
Lemongrass, organic,
Haiti, is often used for skin toning and to balance the central
nervous system, but studies suggest it is one of the better antifungal
oils. It can be used for athlete's foot and makes a good insect
repellent. It is also used to relieve symptoms of jet lag. Tiny
amounts can be taken internally to stimulate digestion and relieve
flatulence. It combines exceptionally well with lemon or tea tree
essential oil.
Oregano, wild,
Turkey, is one of the truly important essential oils. It
is an excellent parasiticide and anti-infective. It supports
immunity in the face of a host of microbes and toxins. It
is very potent and is nearly always used diluted, particularly
when applied externally. It should not be used during pregnancy. It
can be blended with other essential oils or herbal extracts. Try
it with lemon or tea tree.
Peppermint, USA,
is another famous essential oil. It is a neurotonic and chologogue
with signficant antimicrobial action. It is antibacterial and
antiviral as well as antifungal. It is useful in cases of gingivitis,
toothache, nausea, liver congestion, and irritable bowel syndrome. It
enhances immunity and can even be used to reduce risks of epidemics
such as cholera and yellow fever. On the subtle level, peppermint
is believed to increase receptivity and insight and even to promote
the ability to prophesize. Obviously, there is much lore surrounding
peppermint. In moderation, peppermint is nontoxic and even
safe for use during pregnancy. It blends nicely with lemon
and lime or other respiratory oils such as eucalyptus.
Rosemary, Morocco, is stimulating and can be used where there is drowsiness and/or sluggish elimination. It is also antifungal and is often considered for used with candida and is especially indicated where there is pulmonary congestion. Has been shown to be clinically effective against staphylococcus and streptococcus. It should not be used during pregnancy or by people suffering from epilepsy. It blends well with many other oils: basil, ginger, lavender, lemon, and peppermint.
Tea Tree, Australia,
is a very powerful antiseptic and insect repellent. It is analgesic
and sedative. It is said to aid recovery from heart attacks,
but mainly it is used on skin conditions, everything from acne and
athlete's foot to chicken pox and herpes. It is antiseptic to the
urinary tract and promotes flow of urine. It is a mood elevator
and therefore helps combat both fatigue and depression. It
combines well with cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, and peppermint.