A Guide To Therapeutic Essential oils

**Nightmare** · 03-25-2006, 12:26 PM

NOTE: The numbers following the list of essential oils correspond with the
numbers in the safety precautions section below.
description of uses.

Oil
Description and General Use
Precaution

BASIL
Eases mental fatigue, headache, stress, stimulates memory, for digestion,
depression.
1,4

BERGAMOT
Very refreshing and great for nervous and depressed emotions, antiseptic.
3,4

BIRCH
Astringent, for sore and stiff muscles and joint pain, arthritis and
rheumatism, and tendonitis.
4

CEDARWOOD
A very calming oil, for oily skin, respiratory problems.
1,4

CLARY SAGE
Relief for PMS. Soothing, relaxing, intoxicant, euphoric oil, depression,
nervousness.
1,2,5

CLOVE BUD
Mental stimulant, energizing, antiseptic, for digestive system, toothache
pain, disinfectant.
4

CYPRESS
Spicy and woodsy, antispasmodic, good for colds, menopause, circulatory
conditions.
1

EUCALYPTUS
Anti-viral, good for respiratory ailments, soothes sore muscles, fevers,
antiseptic
1

FENNEL
Excellent body cleanser, eliminates toxins, PMS, menopause, for digestive
and stomach disorders, decreases appetite, reduces stress.
1,2,4

FIR
Pine scent, antiseptic, good for respiratory and nervous system, refreshing,
comforting, disinfectant.

GERANIUM
Eases stress, for aging skin, antidepressant, clears toxins and wastes,
adrenal and hormone balancer.

GRAPEFRUIT
Anti-depressant, treats PMS, and menopause "hot flashes", helps obesity,
migraines, air refresher.
3

JUNIPER
Diuretic, purifies blood, for back problems, and muscle aches.
1

LAVENDER
The most useful and versatile oil, it is calming and pleasant,
antibacterial, for burns and headaches.

LEMON
Light, refreshing, a diuretic, it detoxes and purifies, it cleans your
environment, antibacterial, antiseptic.
1,4

LEMONGRASS
Stimulates, energizes, for exhaustion, aids recovery, good for digestion and
flatulence.
4

MARJORAM
Sedative, insomnia, warming analgesic for pain in lower back, lowers blood
pressure, comfort for grief.
1

ORANGE
Skin tonic, plumps up aging and dry skin, for anxiety and depression,
calming for stomach.
3,4

PALMAROSA
Uplifting, and fresh scent, antiseptic, hydrating, a cellular regenerative
used for skin problems.
3,4

PATCHOULI
Exotic, earthy, sensual, a rejuvenator, astringent, it curbs appetite.

PEPPERMINT
Stimulating, used for headaches and nausea, very cooling.
1,4,6

PINE
Antiseptic, a good disinfectant, it is stimulating, good for circulation,
for colds, flu, and bronchitis, invigorating.

ROSEMARY
Stimulating, astringent, for muscle aches, used in hair care.
1,2,6

SANDALWOOD
An aphrodisiac, for meditation, and menstrual problems.

SPRUCE, BLACK
Aids respiratory, nervous and glandular systems, stress.

TANGERINE
Calming, for insomnia, nervousness, and stretchmarks, soothes digestion.
3

TEA TREE
Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, strengthens immune system.
4

VETIVER
Calms, balances, for dry, irritated, or mature skin, good for stress.

YLANG YLANG
"Flower of flowers", an aphrodisiac and antidepressant, it eases anger, it
relaxes body, mind, and spirit.
4

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS -
1 - Do not use during pregnancy
2 - Avoid in cases of epilepsy
3 - Photosensitivity, avoid direct sunlight
4 - May irritate sensitive skin
5 - No alcohol, may cause drowsiness
6 - Avoid in cases of high blood pressure

DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY!! Always use oils diluted; 2 or 3 % in a base oil.
Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of the reach of
children. Beware of contra-indications. Check with your medical doctor before
using any essential oils, especially if pregnant. We suggest a patch test for
sensitivity, if irritation develops, discontinue use immediately. Essential oils
are very concentrated so use with extreme care. Follow Aromatherapist's
guidelines for using essential oils. This information if for general information and education only

**Nightmare** · 05-27-2006, 08:48 AM

MAKING YOUR OWN OILS
Carrier Oils (Base Oils)
Base oils are oils that carry essential oils to their destination
and to dilute the essential oils because they are usually too strong
to apply to the body alone. Possible carrier oils include:
Almond, Sweet
Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty.
Texture: Slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin. Absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: Sweet Almond oil is considered to be a good all-purpose carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced.

Apricot Kernel
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca
Aroma: Faint
Texture: Somewhat oily, absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.

Avocado
Botanical Name: Persea americana
Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick, leaves a fatty, almost waxy feel to the skin.
Color: Deep olive green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Aroma: Light and sweet.
Texture: Thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.

Cocoa Butter
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has a chocolaty, "cocoa" aroma. The cocoa aroma is less noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate. Breaks into pieces.
Color: Yellowish tan.
Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams.

Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin, leaves only a trace of oiliness on the skin.
Color: Medium yellow.
Notes: Evening Primrose is also said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly.

Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.
Texture: Thin but leaves a glossy film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear, has an almost unnoticeable tinge of yellow/green.
Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemical solvent remaining. I have heard mixed reports on the shelf-life of grapeseed (some have said it goes rancid rather fast). I usually go through a bottle of grapeseed once each six months and have not discovered any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area.

Hazelnut
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.
Texture: Thin and only leaves a slightly oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: It is said to be a good choice for those with oilier skin.

Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis
Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.
Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.
Color: Yellow.
Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a somewhat pricier oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution (10%) with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.

Kukui
Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana
Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.
Texture: Thin. Absorbs well, leaving only a trace oily feeling on the skin.
Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is a somewhat more pricier oil. It goes rancid rather quickly.

Macadamia Nut
Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Aroma: More fragrant than sweet almond and some of the other nut oils, it is very sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick and leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells somewhat like olives).
Texture: Heavy and rather oily.
Color: Light to medium green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Peanut
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae
Aroma: Like Pecan, it is extremely light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Thick and leaves a very oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is said to be a good choice for inclusion in massage blends. It has been said that it is a good oil to use for those with arthritis.

Pecan
Botanical Name: Carya pecan
Aroma: Extremely light with a hint of a fatty, nutty aroma.
Texture: Medium thickness, leaves a slight oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said that it goes rancid somewhat quickly. I have used only one bottle of Pecan oil and did not discover any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area during my use of the oil over about 4-6 months.

Rose Hip
Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta
Aroma: Mild and perhaps earthy aroma.
Texture: Light and leaves only a hint of oil on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.

Sesame
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum
Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent. May overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Texture: Mildly thick, leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.

Shea Butter
Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii
Aroma: Nutty, fatty.
Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature. Leaves an oily/waxy feeling on the skin.
Color: Off-white/cream.
Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams.

Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Aroma: Faint and sweet.
Texture: Thin and does not leave an oily residue.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined oil.
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before
**********
Approximate Measurements
1 drop = 0.05 ml
1 ml = 20 drops
1 teaspoon = 5 ml
1 teaspoon = 100 drops
1 tablespoon = 15 ml
1 tablespoon = 300 drops
1 ounce = 30 ml
1 ounce = 600 drops
A couple of tips before beginning:
A good place to start is with 2 ounces oil per 2 tablespoons herb or
flower.
Remember a little oil goes a long way.
It is important that you cap the jars tightly or you will have moldy
mixtures.
Remember the darker the bottle, the better your oil will keep.
Add tincture of benzoin to preserve your oils.

Here are two easy ways to make your own oils.
1
You will need:
Mineral Oil (or your choice of oil)
Fresh or dried herbs and/or flowers
Small Jars with a tight fitting lids.
Place the mineral oil(or whatever oil you have decided to use) and
herbs in jars, place cap on tightly. Store it in a dark cool area.
Once a week for 2 weeks, shake the mixture in the jar.
In the third week, use cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Add more
herbs and oil if necesssary and allow to sit for another 2 weeks.
When you have gotten the scent that you wanted strain the herbs out
again, and store the oil in a dark cool place.
2
Pour your oil into your mortar. Add your herb a little at a time,
pressing it into the oil with your pestle. After you have combined
it well, pour it into a bottle. Store the bottle in a dark,
consecrated place for three days. On the fourth day check oil to see
if it has absorbed enough of the scent. When the scent is right for
you it is ready for use in your spellwork.
You can repeat this process of scenting your oil until its as strong
as you desire.
**********
To Make TINCTURE OF BENZOIN
Soak 1 tablespoon of powdered benzoin in 1/4 cup of good quality
vodka or apple cider vinegar for 3 weeks.
Strain and keep in a dark bottle - tightly capped

**Nightmare** · 09-02-2006, 09:46 PM

1. For good smelling towels, sheets, clothes, etc. Place a few drops of your
favorite essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the
clothes dryer while drying. Add 5 drops essential oil to 1/4 cup fabric
softener or water and place in the center cup of the washer.

2. Potpourri which has lost its scent can be revived by adding a few drops
of essential oil.

3. Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air
freshener.

4. Add a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove or in
a potpourri pot.

5. To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two into the hot melted wax as
the candle bums.

6. To dispel household cooking odors, add a few drops of Clove oil to a
simmering pan.

7. For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 1 part Cinnamon, Sage
and Basil oil to 4 parts Sweet Almond or other vegetable oil and use as a
massage oil.

8. Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Rosemary or Lavender oil onto the
back of your neck.

9. To blend your own massage oil, add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential
oil to 1 oz. Sweet Almond or other skin- nourishing vegetable oil.

10. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking soda, mix
very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over the carpets on
your home. Let set for an hour or more, then vacuum.

11. To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or soft
rope with Pennyroyal or Tea Tree oil, roll up in a handkerchief and tie
loosely around the animal's neck.

12. Shoes can be freshened by either dropping a few drops of Geranium
essential oil directly into the shoes or by placing a cotton ball dabbed
with a few drops of Lemon oil into the shoes. Athlete's foot? Tea Tree is
great!

13. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and
place it in your vacuum cleaner bag. Lemon and Pine are nice. Rose Geranium
helps with pet odors.

14. To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a good scent
dabbed on a cotton ball into an inconspicuous comer.

15. Are mice a problem? Place several drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton
ball and place at problem locations.

16. The bathroom is easily scented by placing oil-scented cotton balls in
inconspicuous places, or sprinkle oils directly onto silk or dried flower
arrangements or wreaths.

17. Apply true Lavender oil or Tea Tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes or
scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing.

18. Homemade soaps are pleasant and offer therapeutic effects when scented
with essential oils. Use soaps which contain pure essential oils.

19. Homemade sachets are more fragrant when essential oils are blended with
the flowers and herbs.

20. An essential oil dropped onto a radiator scent ring or light bulb will
not only fill the room with a wonderful fragrance, but will also set a mood
such as calming or uplifting. (Don't put essential oil in the socket.)

21. A few drops of your favorite oil or blend in the rinse water of your
hand washables makes for pleasant results.

22. Anise oil has been used by fishermen for years. Use a drop or two on the
fingertips before baiting up. Anise covers up the human scent that scares
the fish away.

23. Essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Create your own
personal essence! Add 25 drops to 1 oz of perfume alcohol and allow to age
for two weeks before using.

24. To dispel mosquitoes and other picnic pests, drop a few drops of
Citronella oil on the melted wax of a candle or place a few drops on the
Bar-B-Q hot coals.

25. 1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is an effective
means of elimination. Apply the essential oil daily until the wart is gone.

26. Rosemary promotes alertness and stimulates memory. Inhale occasionally
during long car trips and while reading or studying.

27. Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Fill the kitchen area with the aroma
of spices such as Clove, Cinnamon and Vanilla. Simmer a few drops of the
essential oil of Cinnamon, Nutmeg and other spices. Geranium oil sprinkled
throughout the home creates a warm, cheerful and inviting mood. Add Cinnamon

Oil to furniture polish and wipe down the wood.

28. Add essential oils to paper mache. The result is the creation of a
lovely aromatic piece of art.

29. Infuse bookmarks and stationery with essential oils. Place drops of oil
on paper and put them in a plastic bag. Seal it and leave overnight to
infuse the aroma. Send only good news in perfumed letters.

30. Nock pillows, padded and decorative hangers make more memorable gifts
simply by putting a couple of drops of essential oil on them before giving.

31. Overindulge last night? Essential oils of Juniper, Cedarwood,

Grapefruit, Lavender, Carrot, Fennel, Rosemary and Lemon help soften the
effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a total of
6-8 drops in a bath.

32. Essential oils of Vetivert, Cypress, Cedarwood, Frankincense and Myrrh
all make wonderful firewood oil. Drop approximately 2-3 drops of oil or
blend of your choice on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in
before putting the log on the fire.

33. Flies and moths dislike Lavender oil. Sprinkle it on the outside of your
window frames.

34. Place 1 or 2 drops of sleep enhancing oils such as Chamomile, Lavender
or Neroli on your pillow before retiring for restful sleep.

35. When moving into a new home, first use a water spray containing your
favorite essential oils and change the odorous environment to your own. Do
this for several days until it begins to feel like your space.

36. Ideal scents for the bedroom are Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender or
Lemon.

37. One drop of Lemon essential oil on a soft cloth will polish copper with
a gentle buffing.

38. When washing out the fridge, freezer or oven, add 1 drop of Lemon, Lime,
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tangerine or Orange essential oil to the final rinse
water.

39. For bums or scalds, drop Tea Tree oil directly on the effected area.

40. Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in 1/2 glass of water, sip slowly to aid
digestion and relieve upset stomach.

41. Use 1 drop of Chamomile oil on a washcloth wrapped ice cube to relieve
teething pain in children.

42. Six to eight drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bath cools the body in
summer and protects in winter.

43. Add 1 drop Geranium oil to your facial moisturizer to bring out a
radiant glow in your skin.

44. Place 1 or 2 drops of Rosemary on your hair brush before brushing to
promote growth and thickness.

45. When the flu is going around add a few drops of Thyme to your diffuser
or simmer in a pan on the stove.

46. To bring fever down, sponge the body with cool water to which 1 drop
each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lavender oils have been added.

47. The blend of Lavender and Grapefruit oil is good for the office.

Lavender creates a calm tranquil atmosphere while Grapefruit stimulates the
senses and clears up stale air.

48. A blend of Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot alleviates anxiety and
depression. Use in a room diffuser or 6-8 drops of this blend in the bath.

49. A wonderful massage blend for babies is 1 drop Roman Chamomile, 1 drop
Lavender, 1 drop Geranium diluted in 2 Tablespoons Sweet Almond oil.

50. 1 drop Peppermint oil diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil rubbed on the
back of the neck helps to relieve headaches.

**Nightmare** · 07-18-2007, 09:13 PM

The below chart displays essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy without the express administration by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Many should not even be used by a qualified practitioner. Do not assume that an oil is safe to use if it is not on this list.

Ajowan
Trachyspermum copticum
Almond, Bitter
Prunus dulcis var. amara
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Birch, Sweet
Betula lenta
Boldo Leaf
Peumus boldus
Broom, Spanish
Spartium junceum
Calamus
Acorus calamus var. angustatus
Camphor
Cinnamomum camphora
Deertongue
Carphephorus odoratissimus
Garlic
Allium sativum
Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Jaborandi
Pilocarpus jaborandi

Melilotus
Melilotus officinalis
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Mustard
Brassica nigra
Onion
Allium cepa
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wormseed
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before.