Properties and Uses of Various Common Essential Oils

The properties of the essential oils are:

Anise star: carminative, stomachic, stimulant and diuretic properties. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism.

Basil: Prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to strengthen compassion, faith and bring clarity. Basil clears the sinuses, promotes digestion and stimulates circulation, especially in the respiratory system.

Cinnamon leaf: Cinnamon Leaf is believed to have the following properties: as a stimulant, as an antiseptic (as with cinnamon bark), as an antibiotic, as an astringent, as a carminative, as an emmenagogue, and as a natural insecticide and antispasmodic.

Clary sage: Clary sage is viewed by aromatherapists as an antidepressant, and antispasmodic, deodorant, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic and uterine. It is well known for providing a euphoric action, for balancing uterine issues, and as an agent to clean greasy hair. There is also some documentation of its effectiveness in helping to relax the spasms of asthma.

Eucalyptus radiata: Eucalyptus essential oil is fantastic on skin ailments (Burns, blisters, wounds, insect bites, lice, and skin infections), as well as to combat the effects of colds and the flu. There is also a history of Eucalyptus essential oil being applied to sore muscles and joints.

Fir needle: Fir Needle essential oil has a fresh, woody, earthy, sweet scent that is much like the outdoors. Many compare it to the smell of the Great Canadian Outdoors.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit Pink essential oil is believed by aromatherapists to be a spiritual up-lifter, and to ease muscle fatigue and stiffness.

Lemon, cold pressed: Lemon has been historically recognized as a cleanser. It is recognized as being antiseptic, and as having refreshing and cooling properties. Research has also shown lemon essential oil to enhance the ability to concentrate.

Lemongrass: Lemongrass is known for its invigorating and antiseptic properties. An excellent anti-depressant, Lemongrass tones and fortifies the nervous system and can be used in bath for soothing muscular nerves and pain. Lemongrass shares similar properties with citronella and has a great reputation for keeping insects away.

Lime, cold pressed: Lime essential oil has a crisp, refreshing citrus scent that has been used by aromatherapists for its uplifting and revitalizing properties.

Orange, sweet: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant (nervous), tonic (cardiac, circulatory). It has also been applied to combat colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, the flu, gums, slow digestion, and stress.

Patchouli, dark: Patchouli is recognized by aromatherapists as being effective for combating nervous disorders. The specific properties include use as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, antimicrobal, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, nerving, prophylactic, stimulating and tonic agent.

Peppermint, Japanese: Peppermint Japanese is viewed as an antispasmodic and antimicrobic agent. Of course, most people will associate it with being a flavoring or scenting agent in foods, beverages, skin and hair care products (where it has a cooling effect by constricting capillaries and helping with bruises and sore joints), as well as soaps and candles. This is largely due to it's menthol content - typically 85%.

Peppermint: The familiar aroma of Mentha piperita is known for both its warming and cooling properties. Friendly to the sinuses, peppermint is also useful to the muscular system, especially for women during monthly cycles or menopause. Very fresh and clean smelling. Refreshing, mental stimulant, energizing, used to enhance well-being of digestive and respiratory system. Good nerve tonic that helps with mental fatigue and nervous stress.

Petitgrain: Petitgrain, the essential oil distilled from the twigs of the orange tree, is believed to have uplifting properties. Aromatherapists have long used it to calm anger and stress.

Rosemary, French: It is goof for improving memory and focus though not a mental stimulant per se, so it can be used in the evening. This essential oil balances intense emotions and controls mood swings. It lifts spirits and counters depression. It assists in managing stress and overcoming stress-related disorders and nervous

Tangerine: Tangerine essential oil, like most of the citrus family, can be depended upon for refreshing and rejuvenating characteristics. Its aroma clears the mind and can help to eliminate emotional confusion. Aromatherapists also consider it to be very comforting, soothing and warming. Users may also see Tangerine used in perfumes, soaps, and as an antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, sedative, stimulant (digestive and lymphatic), and tonic agent.

Tea tree: Tea Tree essential oil is best known as a very powerful immune stimulant. It can help to fight all three categories of infectious organisms (Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses), and there is evidence that Tea Tree oil massage prior to an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post-operative shock, Used in vapor therapy, Tea Tree oil can help with colds, measles, sinusitis and viral infections.