Essential Oils

This uplifting oil is valuable for depression, anxiety and skin care. It is mildly antiseptic and so helpful with most aspects of skin care such as acne or oily skin.

It is an effective deodoriser, which makes it an excellent choice for scenting a room. It is good for ridding clothes of persistent underarm odour; simply sprinkle a few drops along the seams.

At times of stress, discretely sniffing a few drops on a tissue will do wonders for your confidence. This is also effective against travel sickness.

Bergamot is safe to use at home. Its light, uplifting fragrance blends well with other essential oils such as bay, lemon, lime, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang oils.

Cedarwood has a pleasant, refreshing, woody smell and is a popular fragrance with men. Some people find its scent exhilarating and very sensuous. It has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Its astringent properties make it an effective oil for skin conditions. It is an excellent decongestant, which is especially useful in treating catarrh.

Cedarwood oil acts as a stimulating tonic on the spirits, whether used in the bath or for a massage. Also it has a composing effect that helps with stress and poor concentration.

It mixes well with eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, jasmine and lemon oils.

Roman chamomile is one of the most useful essential oils. It is anti-inflammatory and thus soothing in its action. Used to treat skin rashes and other problems such as healing infected wounds, cuts, burns, rashes, insect bites, boils and abscesses.

Its sedative effects can benefit those suffering from menstrual or menopausal problems; can also be rubbed into the temples and wrists to ease headaches and migraine. Another excellent remedy for a headache is a cold chamomile compress.

A massage at bedtime helps to counteract sleeplessness as does inhaling chamomile oil in hot steam.

A warm bath containing chamomile oil is a marvellous antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life. It is an excellent oil to use for a steam facial or to mix in with unscented moisturiser to treat sore skin or relieve dryness and fluid retention

Chamomile is a very safe oil for home use. It mixes well with cedarwood, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, jasmine and sandalwood oils.

The oil has a delicious nutty smell, and is excellent for treating exhaustion and may be applied as massage oil or in the bath. Its scent has a euphoric effect, so it is good for tackling phobias, depression and listlessness.

A massage with clary sage oil can relieve PMT and is also effective for other aches. A face and scalp massage is helpful for tension headaches. A scalp massage is also useful for hair loss, dandruff and oily scalp.

It is good for skin conditions such as acne, boils and wrinkles.

It mixes well with patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang oils.

Cypress oil is most helpful with menstrual and menopausal problems and can be used to treat both fluid retention and cellulite. It is a vaso-constrictor and may be good for dealing with varicose and broken veins. Cypress oil is excellent for massaging the abdominal area and relieving discomfort. A bath with a few drops of cypress oil relieves the discomfort of piles. Menstrual problem are best dealt with by means of a hot poultice or an aromatic bath. The astringent properties of this essential oil make it very effective in a foot bath.

The smell of cypress oil is generally regarded as too overpowering to use as a room freshener, but a few drops of oil on the pillow at night will ease breathing and stop coughing, and can be helpful in preventing and stop coughing, and can be helpful in preventing bedwetting.

It mixes well with bay, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, lemon and sandalwood.

Eucalyptus has a distinctive aroma that instantly clears the head. Its decongestant effect has been employed in countless cold and cough remedies. It is a powerful antiseptic and is a warming oil for soothing muscular pains. Steam inhalation or a few drops on the pillow at night can relieve cold and 'flu symptoms and help bronchitis. Heating eucalyptus oil in a vapouriser at night will help to make breathing easier and will disinfect the air. Eucalyptus oil can also be applied as a chest rub, provided it is properly diluted with a carrier oil, or as a hot poultice.

Eucalyptus helps heal sprains, it may be massaged directly on to the affected area, provided that it is properly diluted with a carrier oil first. A hot bath with a few drops of oil may also be helpful.

It is best used on its own, but can be mixed with bay, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, lemon and sandalwood oils.

Frankincense oil is especially useful in dealing with many of the symptoms of distress and panic. It helps restore a normal breathing rate and calms general nervousness. It is an excellent oil to use if you are feeling grumpy and is warming, comforting and rejuvenating. A face, neck and scalp massage provides effective relief for tension headaches. Steam inhalation is helpful for restoring good humour. A warm bath with a few drops of frankincense oil counteracts the effects of nightmares and sudden fears. It is often described as a rejuvenating oil.

It mixes well with cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lime, neroli and patchouli oils.

Physical Conditions: Abscess weeping, Acne scarring, Cold (likes hugging fires for comfort), Cracked and weeping skin, Haemorrhoids, Nosebleeds

Geranium has properties of Geranium Bourbon but is less expensive. This mildly antiseptic, floral scented oil is useful for treating many skin conditions (massaging the neck, shoulders or face is good for mature and dry skin); Geranium has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. Congested pores, oily complexions, acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, blisters and wound healing. Emotionally, it is a balancing oil that works both as a tonic and as a calming influence. It can also be used to discourage mosquitoes, head lice and the spread of ringworm.

Massage with geranium oil is an excellent way of treating sudden changes of mood and alleviating period pains and the misery of PMT.

Geranium is uplifting and is helpful for anxiety, stress relief and menopausal symptoms (especially hot flushes), postnatal depression.

Geranium is also good for cellulite, poor circulation, cystitis, arthritis, sore throats, bruises, broken capillaries and haemorrhoids.

It mixes well with most other essential oils.

Ginger has a warm spicy smell. It is useful for winter ailments such as colds, sore throats, sinusitis, runny noses and irritating coughs. It is warming, stimulating and also antiseptic. Enjoy a therapeutic bath of massage on those long winter nights. A warming footbath improves circulation. Massage eases muscular aches, joint pains, back pain, cramps and cellulite, is also affective for easing sore throats and nasal congestion.

It mixes well with bay, eucalyptus, jasmine, neroli, patchouli and rose oils.

Used as an aphrodisiac, this essential oil is extracted from hand-picked flowers, taking 8,000 blooms to make a gram of oil, sometimes called the "King of Oils".

Jasmine is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, tonic and expectorant. It is also a powerful natural antidepressant and can produce feelings of optimism and euphoria. Jasmine's relaxing aroma is effective in treating PMT and very therapeutic for muscular spasms and all kinds of cramps. It's uplifting properties can overcome many negative feelings used in massage, bathing or inhalation.

It can also be used for easing catarrh, coughs and sore throats and uterine disorders.

This exotic fragrance makes a luxurious and enjoyable massage and used in the bedroom, it is said to have aphrodisiac properties.

It mixes well with cedarwood, geranium, lemon, patchouli, rose, and sandalwood.

Used for toxin elimination, its main qualities are its blood purifying and cleansing properties. Juniper oil is especially effective in treating women's problems, however IT SHOULD NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY. Jasmine's relaxing aroma is effective in treating PMT and menstrual cramps. Massage with juniper oil is excellent for muscular pains and rheumatism, while a brisk rub is helpful for treating cellulite.

Juniper is also effective for skin and hair conditions such as acne, eczema, oily skin, blackheads, greasy hair, dandruff and hair loss.

The best quality juniper oil is distilled from fresh, new berries. Many poorer quality and cheaper oils are extracted from juniper wood or needles, or from berries fermented during gin making, and are adulterated with turpentine.

Juniper oil mixes well with cedarwood, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, neroli and petitgrain oils.

Lavender is one of the most popular oils with a multitude of uses. It is a relaxant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antidepressant, decongestant, detoxifying, diuretic, restorative and is indicated for the immune system. It is excellent for treating infections, insects bites and burns (including sunburns). Lavender is good for certain skin conditions such as Acne, boils, sores, spots, psoriasis, bruises, dermatitis, eczema, athlete's foot, ringworm and scabies.

Headaches, even migraine, respond well to lavender oil and inhaling a few drops on a tissue is a remedy for nausea.

Used in a hot bath, lavender oil alleviates stress and insomnia. Used in a cool or lukewarm bath, it is refreshing and enlivening.

Massage with lavender oil promotes relaxation.

A few drops added to shampoo is effective in treating dandruff and warding off head lice.

Steam inhalation help to easing coughs, colds and congestion.

It mixes well with cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, violet and ylang ylang oils.

Psychological conditions:

Fear (Following a fright. Of failure. Of people. Stagefright), Hysteria, Hyperactivity, Impotence, Insomnia, Insecurity, Irrationality, Irritability, Mood swings, Negative thoughts, Nerves (worry about the future), Overwork, Paranoia, Relaxation, Restlessness (Active mind. Apprehension), Panic attacks,Stage fright, Too extrovert/introvert, Worry.

It has a tangy, citrus scent that is a refreshing and invigorating and is a good pick me up first thing in the morning. It is antiseptic and strongly astringent an has a reputation for treating warts,corns and verrucas. A hot poultice prepared with a few drops of lemon oil performs wonders for tired aching feet. A few drop on a tissue clears the head. A hot citrusy bath on a cold winter night stimulates the circulation. Massage with lemon oil will leave you feeling energised and is also a good treatment for cellulite.

Its fresh, clean smell makes lemon ideal to use around the house. It is strongly astringent, so should be used in moderation. The oil has a tendency to oxidise, so store it in a dark bottle in a cool place. Lemon oil is very strong, so it does not mix well with many other essential oils.

The essential oil has a warm, citrus smell that is less sharp than lemon oil. It is a excellent choice for treating eruptions and can also heal areas of inflammation. It can be used for stimulating aromatic shower. Mix with a carrier oil as for massage and rub into your skin before getting under the water. It is ideal for adding to baths as it will boost circulation and help control excessive perspiration.

Its deodorising properties also make it a useful room freshener. Lemongrass oil is an effective insect repellent. Its advantage over citronella is that it does not smell so strongly.

You can apply it diluted in a carrier oil to your skin or put a few drops of lemongrass oil inside the rubbish bin as a double benefit: it deodorises and keeps away flies and wasps.

It mixes well with frankincense, geranium and jasmine oils.

Myrrh has a rich and spicy aroma is helpful in alleviating stress. A few drops of myrrh oil in a warm bath provide a wonderful morale-boost.

It is a good expectorant, so a hot bath or steam inhalation are effective ways of relieving respiratory disorders (such as bronchitis) and catarrh. Massage improves circulation, eases arthritis, muscle and joint aches and pains.

Properly diluted with a carrier oil, it is excellent for massaging dry or ageing skin and a facial massage can help combat wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

Neroli or Orange Blossom is a combination of a bitter and flowery fragrant aroma. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic and antifungal, as well as a stimulant and tonic. It is the number one oil for stress and shock. If you are about to face a stressful situation, a couple of drops on a tissue, which can be inhaled from time to time, which can help you through a difficult period.

Neroli can ease digestive problems such as colic, colitis and flatulence, and helps to relieve PMS, menopausal problems, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other stomach upsets, palpitations, high blood pressure and insomnia.

It is beneficial to the skin problems such as acne, eczema, greasy skin, excessive perspiration, scars and stretch marks or for rejuvenating mature skin.

Neroli can be used for just about any massage. Neroli is a sensuous smell perfect for scenting rooms.

The fruity smelling essential oil is cheering and refreshing. It calms, but without sending you to sleep. It is an excellent oil for reviving the spirits and dealing with lack of energy.

An orange oil massage is an excellent pick-me-up at the end of a working day before a busy evening and has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. A warm bath with orange oil will have a similar effect.

A time-saving refresher when you are rushing from one appointment to another is to relax with a cold orange oil compress, preferably lying down with your feet raised.

A facial massage, moisturising treatment or steam facial using orange oil will benefit a dull complexion and help smooth away wrinkles. It also makes an excellent body moisturiser, but should be used in moderation.

The fragrance is sweet, earthy and very persistent. Widely used for skin and hair care, including treatment of acne, eczema, dermatitis, ageing skin, cracked and chapped skin, open pores, healing wounds and scars, stretch marks, dandruff and greasy hair. Steam facials, hot poultices, cold compresses and aromatic baths are all effective.

Applied neat or diluted to the skin acts as an anti-fungal treatment for athlete's foot and can be used as an insect repellent.

Used in massage or added to bathwater or a vapouriser the oil is particularly useful for relieving emotional and stress-related problems, such as depression and nervous exhaustion, calming fevers and apprehension.

It mixes well with frankincense, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang oils.

The essential oil is refreshing and cooling, so it is excellent for treating all kinds of aches and pains, sore skin, insect bites and menopausal hot flushes. Its strong menthol smell is stimulating and it is helpful for overcoming fatigue, headaches, PMT and nausea.

Irritated skin can be soothed by soaking in a bath with peppermint oil. Use only one or two drops as the oil is very potent. Equally, a cold compress may be applied to the affected area. It is a natural and effective painkiller, so baths, hot poultices and cold compresses are also helpful in treating various aches and pains. It is an ideal oil for a foot bath or foot massage.

One of the best ways to use peppermint oil is to put a few drops on a tissue to inhale when you are suffering from a cold, a headache or any sort of nausea.

Peppermint is also an excellent oil to use for purifying around the home, it works well as a room freshener. It is particularly potent and should always be used well diluted and in moderation.

It mixes well with cederwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lemon, patchouli, rose and sandalwood oils.