Post by Willow Dancer on Aug 31, 2007 1:03:29 GMT -5
A list of the basic oils you might want to have on hand
Lavender
Lavender is a delight to use and capable of many important jobs. Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oils.
It is so very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds.
Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring. It also stimulates the immune system and contributes
to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly. Although not known for specifically
as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems to allay
the effects of clinical shock. As a mood tonic and antidepressant,
it helps to deal with the psychological shock of an injury. It also
has a multitude of other qualities which make it truly an indispensable oil.
Tea Tree
The antiseptic action of tea tree is thought to be one hundred
times more powerful than carbolic acid. Yet it is nonpoisonous
to humans! The Aborigines have been using this indigenous Australian tree in their medications for centuries. Today, the
tea tree is the subject of a great deal of international research.
It's impressive antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make its useful in a wide range of conditions. It is used in the treatment of candida and in a wide range of infections, as
well as the treatment of ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete's
foot, toothache, and pyorrhea, to list just a few.
Chamomile
There are several types of chamomile essential oil.
Chamomile German is an excellent variety. Its beautiful
dark blue color, due to it's high azulene content, comes as
a bonus. Another excellent variety, Chamomile Roman, is
particularly good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Beware, though, of Chamomile Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis). This is not a true chamomile and should not be
used as such.
Chamomile is used in the treatment of burns, including sunburn.
It can also bring relief for those who suffer from psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, diarrhea, sprains and strains, nausea, fever,
and all nervous and depressive states. It's analgesic, diuretic, sedative, and calming properties make chamomile an extremely desirable oil. For kicking the tranquilizer habit, it is invaluable. In anorexia nervosa it is extremely helpful. As if this weren't enough, chamomile is used in rejuvenation treatments.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used by many ancient cultures, including
the Egyptians, Chinese, and American Indians. It's has extremely useful, health-promoting properties. It is an excellent digestive.
It aids the respiratory and circulation systems, and it is an anti-inflammatory as well as an antiseptic. These qualities make
it a good oil in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flue, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and fatigue. It even keeps
mice, fleas, and ants away!
Eucalyptus
The distilling of eucalyptus can be traced back to at least 1788.
Two doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden, distilled Eucalyptus piperata for its use in treating chest problems and colic. This was
in Australia where the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are so called because of the extraordinary blue haze that exudes from
the resin of the eucalyptus gum and envelops the entire landscape. In such a powerfully aromatic environment, the medicinal qualities
of this ancient tree would be hard to miss.
Eucalyptus is a marvelously versatile and useful oil. It cools the body in summer and protects it in winter. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing.
Research has proved its antiviral properties as well. It is best known for its effectiveness against coughs and colds. It is
equally effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida, diabetes,
and sunburn. It is also being used in veterinary care and as an insect repellent. There is a wide range of eucalyptus varieties,
any one of which would be useful addition to a "Basic Care Kit".
Geranium
Geranium is one of my favorite oils because it works profoundly
on the emotions and is useful in many medical conditions.
It smells wonderful while it works so hard. The oil is extracted,
not from the familiar brightly colored geranium, but from the
species Pelargonium-Geranium Robert or "lemon plant" which is
very often displayed in abundance in Greek restaurants.
Geranium will make chilblains disappear overnight and brings a radiant glow when used in skin care. More importantly, it is vital component in the treatment of endometriosis. It is very effective
for menopausal problems, diabetes, blood disorders, throat, infections, and as a nerve tonic. It also works well as a sedative.
It is reputed to help in cases of uterine and breast cancer and if nothing else, would certainly help the patient to relax and cope
with the pain. Geranium has many applications, from frostbite to infertility, and its antiseptic and astringent properties contribute
to its general usefulness. Its delightful floral fragrance makes it a pleasure to use, either on its own, or as a contributory oil in
blends.
Rosemary
Rosemary is both a physical and mental stimulant, which makes i
t a good oil to have in the morning bath, while also being excellent in the treatment of all muscular conditions, making it the perfect
oil for a bath after a long tiring day. This antiseptic oil is used in
the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, coughs,
flu and diabetes, among other conditions. It is also very useful
in beauty treatments, being used in hair care, acne, and cellulite remedies. For the sportsman, cook, and gardener, rosemary
is invaluable.
Thyme
There are many types of thyme, some of which can be used
safely in all situations and some which cannot. Thyme has
notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic properties
and should be used with great care. Overuse of it can stimulate
the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Like many good things,
it must be used in moderation. It should never be applied to the skin undiluted.
Thyme is a vital component of the "Basic Care Kit" because of
its powerful antiviral properties. When flu is around, it is a wonderful oil to have on the room diffuser. It assists in the elimination of toxic wastes from the body. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including whooping
cough, warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, fatigue, and acne. It is
also extremely useful in antiseptic powders, hair and skin care regimes, and cooking. Just to make it a perfect all-rounder,
thyme will discourage all manner of parasites and insects
from invading your home.
Lemon
When our adventurous, seafaring ancestors sailed the high
seas, fresh lemons saved them from getting scurvy. For
modern stay-at-homes, the essential oil of lemon is just as
useful as a water purifier. This antiseptic and antibacterial oil
will perform many tasks when used in blends, including treating verrucas, insect bites, and tension headaches. It has a tonic
action on the lymphatic system and stimulating action on the digestive system. It will assist you to slim down, help disperse cellulite, and keep wrinkles at bay. Its contribution to synergy makes it particularly useful in blends, while it is indispensable
as a flavoring agent in cooking.
Clove
Clove oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic. It is a good
oil in the prevention of disease and infection. Being a spice, it
can easily be incorporated into your cooking. It is best known
as a quick cure for toothache although it is equally useful in digestive problems and muscular disorders. It can be used in
the treatment of asthma, nausea, and sinusitis, and as a
sedative. Clove is a powerful oil that has been used for the sterilization of surgical instruments. It should not be used
undiluted on the skin.
Lavender
Lavender is a delight to use and capable of many important jobs. Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oils.
It is so very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds.
Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring. It also stimulates the immune system and contributes
to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly. Although not known for specifically
as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems to allay
the effects of clinical shock. As a mood tonic and antidepressant,
it helps to deal with the psychological shock of an injury. It also
has a multitude of other qualities which make it truly an indispensable oil.
Tea Tree
The antiseptic action of tea tree is thought to be one hundred
times more powerful than carbolic acid. Yet it is nonpoisonous
to humans! The Aborigines have been using this indigenous Australian tree in their medications for centuries. Today, the
tea tree is the subject of a great deal of international research.
It's impressive antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make its useful in a wide range of conditions. It is used in the treatment of candida and in a wide range of infections, as
well as the treatment of ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete's
foot, toothache, and pyorrhea, to list just a few.
Chamomile
There are several types of chamomile essential oil.
Chamomile German is an excellent variety. Its beautiful
dark blue color, due to it's high azulene content, comes as
a bonus. Another excellent variety, Chamomile Roman, is
particularly good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Beware, though, of Chamomile Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis). This is not a true chamomile and should not be
used as such.
Chamomile is used in the treatment of burns, including sunburn.
It can also bring relief for those who suffer from psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, diarrhea, sprains and strains, nausea, fever,
and all nervous and depressive states. It's analgesic, diuretic, sedative, and calming properties make chamomile an extremely desirable oil. For kicking the tranquilizer habit, it is invaluable. In anorexia nervosa it is extremely helpful. As if this weren't enough, chamomile is used in rejuvenation treatments.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used by many ancient cultures, including
the Egyptians, Chinese, and American Indians. It's has extremely useful, health-promoting properties. It is an excellent digestive.
It aids the respiratory and circulation systems, and it is an anti-inflammatory as well as an antiseptic. These qualities make
it a good oil in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flue, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and fatigue. It even keeps
mice, fleas, and ants away!
Eucalyptus
The distilling of eucalyptus can be traced back to at least 1788.
Two doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden, distilled Eucalyptus piperata for its use in treating chest problems and colic. This was
in Australia where the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are so called because of the extraordinary blue haze that exudes from
the resin of the eucalyptus gum and envelops the entire landscape. In such a powerfully aromatic environment, the medicinal qualities
of this ancient tree would be hard to miss.
Eucalyptus is a marvelously versatile and useful oil. It cools the body in summer and protects it in winter. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing.
Research has proved its antiviral properties as well. It is best known for its effectiveness against coughs and colds. It is
equally effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida, diabetes,
and sunburn. It is also being used in veterinary care and as an insect repellent. There is a wide range of eucalyptus varieties,
any one of which would be useful addition to a "Basic Care Kit".
Geranium
Geranium is one of my favorite oils because it works profoundly
on the emotions and is useful in many medical conditions.
It smells wonderful while it works so hard. The oil is extracted,
not from the familiar brightly colored geranium, but from the
species Pelargonium-Geranium Robert or "lemon plant" which is
very often displayed in abundance in Greek restaurants.
Geranium will make chilblains disappear overnight and brings a radiant glow when used in skin care. More importantly, it is vital component in the treatment of endometriosis. It is very effective
for menopausal problems, diabetes, blood disorders, throat, infections, and as a nerve tonic. It also works well as a sedative.
It is reputed to help in cases of uterine and breast cancer and if nothing else, would certainly help the patient to relax and cope
with the pain. Geranium has many applications, from frostbite to infertility, and its antiseptic and astringent properties contribute
to its general usefulness. Its delightful floral fragrance makes it a pleasure to use, either on its own, or as a contributory oil in
blends.
Rosemary
Rosemary is both a physical and mental stimulant, which makes i
t a good oil to have in the morning bath, while also being excellent in the treatment of all muscular conditions, making it the perfect
oil for a bath after a long tiring day. This antiseptic oil is used in
the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, coughs,
flu and diabetes, among other conditions. It is also very useful
in beauty treatments, being used in hair care, acne, and cellulite remedies. For the sportsman, cook, and gardener, rosemary
is invaluable.
Thyme
There are many types of thyme, some of which can be used
safely in all situations and some which cannot. Thyme has
notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic properties
and should be used with great care. Overuse of it can stimulate
the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Like many good things,
it must be used in moderation. It should never be applied to the skin undiluted.
Thyme is a vital component of the "Basic Care Kit" because of
its powerful antiviral properties. When flu is around, it is a wonderful oil to have on the room diffuser. It assists in the elimination of toxic wastes from the body. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including whooping
cough, warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, fatigue, and acne. It is
also extremely useful in antiseptic powders, hair and skin care regimes, and cooking. Just to make it a perfect all-rounder,
thyme will discourage all manner of parasites and insects
from invading your home.
Lemon
When our adventurous, seafaring ancestors sailed the high
seas, fresh lemons saved them from getting scurvy. For
modern stay-at-homes, the essential oil of lemon is just as
useful as a water purifier. This antiseptic and antibacterial oil
will perform many tasks when used in blends, including treating verrucas, insect bites, and tension headaches. It has a tonic
action on the lymphatic system and stimulating action on the digestive system. It will assist you to slim down, help disperse cellulite, and keep wrinkles at bay. Its contribution to synergy makes it particularly useful in blends, while it is indispensable
as a flavoring agent in cooking.
Clove
Clove oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic. It is a good
oil in the prevention of disease and infection. Being a spice, it
can easily be incorporated into your cooking. It is best known
as a quick cure for toothache although it is equally useful in digestive problems and muscular disorders. It can be used in
the treatment of asthma, nausea, and sinusitis, and as a
sedative. Clove is a powerful oil that has been used for the sterilization of surgical instruments. It should not be used
undiluted on the skin.
