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Bergamot
Botanical Name:
Citrus bergamia
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Made from a small
green orange from the Bergamia tree and has a citrus overtone to its scent.
Bergamot has long been used to create prosperity and to promote a positive
attitude within an individual.
The scent helps to clarify objectives and has
uplifting effects on the mind.
Good for treating depression,
anxiety, nervous tension and post menstrual tension.
Actions include analgesic,
antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, nervine, carminative, sedative
and tonic.
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Black Pepper
Botanical Name:
Piper nigrum
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Offers a woody dry
scent that helps to comfort a "cold" person. Great for massaging in to
sore, tired and overworked muscles, helps to alleviate muscle cramps and
spasms.
Helps to treat indigestion,
constipation, diarrhoea, stimulates appetite and also regularly used
to increase blood circulation around the body.
Good for arthritic and rheumatic
complaints. Known to be warming and stimulating to the nervous system.
Caution:
If using in massage oil be sure to very small quantity in blend as
it may cause skin irritation.
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Boronia
Botanical Name:
Boronia megastigma
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An Australian
Wildflower that has a magical gentle sweet flowery fragrance. Middle note
properties. Soft and relaxing to the nervous system.
Mentally can have a deep effect on
emotion, helps to center the mind, good for confusion, conflict,
bereavement, frustration and insomnia. Similar to the properties of Rose
otto as it is also a highly fragranced oil.
Brononia oil is cooling and
soothing to the skin, be careful not to use too much as it may over
stimulate the senses and cause nausea.
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Cedarwood
Botanical Name:
Cedrus atlantica
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Cedarwood was used
by the ancient Egyptians in mummification and to make coffins. It was
regarded an important ingredient in their medicine, cosmetics and
perfumery.
Solomon's temple was made exclusively of cedarwood.
The fragrance is quite masculine
and has mild woody overtones, good for stabilising energies, is an adrenal
regulator, aphrodisiac and has mucolytic properties.
Cedarwood is also very
grounding, protective, rejuvinating, tonic and antifungal. Used for oily
skin, acne, dermatitis and psoriasis. Good as a hair tonic.
Caution:
Best to avoid during pregnancy due to abortifacient properties
however there is very little evidence to support this claim.
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Chamomile
Botanical Name:
chamomillia matricaria
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Chamomile is one of
the oldest herbs known for medicinal properties. A safe herb effective for
a wide range of complaints. Has a fruity, herbaceous apple like
aroma. Very
soothing and calming oil, good for insomnia calms anxiety, tension, anger
and fear.
The scent stimulates gastric
juice secretion and is helpful in conditions of dyspepsia, flatulence,
diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
A very good anti inflammatory
and antiallergic oil that improves immunity and also has healing properties
that act on scars. A safe oil good to use on a restless child.
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Cinnamon
Botanical Name:
Cinnamonium zeylanicum
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Considered by the
ancients to be a very important aromatic spice. A warming spicy oil
that stimulates circulation and digestion as well as soothing nausea.
This oil has a strong aroma and
should be used sparingly.
Cinnamon oil is also a strong
antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Helps to regulate blood sugars and
may be useful in diabetes.
Caution
should be taken using this oil in pregnancy.
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Clary Sage
Botanical Name:
Salvia sclarea
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Clary is derived
from the Latin word "clarus" which means "clear". Has a sweet slightly
nutty scent and is a great oil for balancing hormones and easing pre
menstrual tension and cramps.
Helps soothe digestive problems and is said to help
addicts withdraw from dependency by instilling a sense of balance.
Clary sage oil is
antidepressant, antiseptic, antifungal, antispasmodic, hypotensive,
nervine, sedative and a uterine tonic.
This oil is said to have a very
powerful impact on emotional problems, during menopause can help with hot
flushes, night sweats, dizziness, irritability and sleeplessness.
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Clove Bud
Botanical Name:
Syzygium aromaticum
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Distilled from the
clove flower buds, has a warm spicy scent. This oil was used as a breath
freshener as well as for the relief of toothache.
Has a very powerful antiseptic
action which makes it beneficial in the use against all kinds of
infections. Clove bud oil is a well known toothache remedy as it has a
numbing effect on the gums stopping the pain.
Caution:
This oil is very powerful and is not recommended for use as a massage oil
as it can be highly irritating to the skin.
Highly antibacterial and can be
good to use as a cleaning agent around the home.
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Cypress
Botanical Name:
Cypressus
sempervirens
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Smokey, sweet and
refreshing with woody overtones. The Cypress tree was a symbol of
"everlastingness as well as "grief" to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Trees
are often found in churchyards and cemeteries all over Europe.
Known to be a comforting herb in
the time of loss or grief. Helps to balance the emotions and useful in the
aid of coping with loss of a loved one as well as transitional periods in
life including career changes, moving house or ending of relationships.
Helps to create feelings of security and grounding.
Great oil for relieving excess
of any kind, particularly fluids. Good for varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
Tonic to the circulatory system, eases pre menstrual tension and menopausal
symptoms such as hot flushes and irritability.
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Eucalyptus
Botanical Name:
Eucalyptus plenissima
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Strong, sharp,
clearing fragrance. Australian aboriginals used the leaves to help heal
wounds, largely due to antimicrobial and astringent properties.
Has a very powerful aroma and may
work against some homoeopathic remedies. Good for cleaning the air
and clearing the respiratory tract. Not only makes it easier to breathe but
kills germs and bacteria.
Has long been used for
respiratory tract infections, coughs, catarrh, asthma, helps to sooth
inflammation and loosen mucous.
Also helpful in the use against
muscular aches and pains.
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Fragonia
Botanical Name:
Agonis fragrans
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A relatively new
essential oil, it comes from the flower found in the South West of
Australia. The Fragonia name was chosen and has been trademarked by the
"The Paperbark Co."
Also known as coarse "Agonis" or "coarse Tea Tree" by
the cut flower industry. The scent is sweet and spicy with a slight citrus
note.
Being of the tea tree family the
oil is highly antimicrobial and antifungal. The University of Western
Australia Microbiology Department have confirmed that the oil has a
significant antimicrobial activity against staphylococcus aurous and
staphylococcus epidermidis and E. Coli was killed in just 30 seconds. Safe
to use as a mouth gargle to kill germs and bacteria that cause sore throat.
Fragonia is also hormone
balancing, anti inflammatory, expectorant and immune enhancing. It helps to
balance emotions as well as allowing one to "let go" of emotions creating
peace and harmony in the mind and body.
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Frankincense
Botanical Name:
Boswelia carteri
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The energy of this
oil is heating and drying, the name derives from mediaeval French meaning
"luxuriant incense". It was used as far back as the ancient Egyptians who
used it in their temple rituals to rejuvenate the skin.
Has a warm spicy scent which is
comforting in anxiety states and often used to assist in meditation to
deepen breathing.
Used for respiratory tract
infections and food for fumigating sick rooms. The oil is non toxic, non
irritant and non sensitising.
Good for use in massage oils and
baths as it helps to soften, protect and rejuvenate the skin.
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Botanical Name:
Pelargonium graveolens
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Chinese medicine
uses this herb to cope with excessive moisture in the body. Has a tangy
rich leafy aroma which is long lasting and drying as well as cooling.
Used as an appetite stimulant and
helps guard against travel sickness. This oil is a stimulating general
tonic and is good for stimulating the circulatory system and digestive
system.
Has antidepressant properties as
well as antibacterial, antifungal and deodorant.
May be slightly irritating to
the skin so best used with caution if massaging.
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Ginger
Botanical Name:
Zingiber officinale
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A common spice used
for thousands of years found to be rich and warming. Has a fresh spicy
aroma which helps to overcome mental fatigue and nausea including travel
sickness and morning sickness.
Good for improving circulation and supporting fluid
balance within the body. Has analgesic, anti emetic, stomachic,
antiseptic, anti inflammatory, diaphoretic and rubefacient properties.
Helps with colds and flu, fever,
bronchitis, congestion, excess mucus, as well as tiredness and fatigue.
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Jasmine
Botanical Name:
Jasmin officinalis
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Known as the "king
of essential oils" and has long been used in love potions for its
aphrodisiac properties. Has a warm sweet floral scent that is uplifting and
revitalising. Can
be used as an effective hormone balancer, nervine, antidepressant and
aphrodisiac. The scent is said to help bonding between a mother and
baby as well as promoting the flow of breast milk.
A deeply relaxing oil helps with
sexual problems such as impotence and frigidity.
It is also an excellent skin
tonic and increases elasticity of the skin and can be helpful in softening
stretch marks. These properties make it great to be used in a massage blend
or skin cream.
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Juniper Berry
Botanical Name:
Juniperus communis
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Refreshing, woody
invigorating oil that contains astringing and diuretic properties. Once
used in antiquity to keep away evil spirits and as a disinfectant during
times of plague. Egyptians used this oil in their embalming process.
Juniper is good for stimulating the
nerves and cleanses the mind of negative emotions accumulated from others.
Helps to purify the atmosphere by killing airborne microbes and bacteria.
Helps regulate menstrual flow,
stimulates kidneys and useful for congestive skin states and unblocks
pores, eases acne, dermatitis and swellings.
Regulates appetite which can be
helpful in weight loss and helps to eliminate uric acid which may be useful
in arthritic conditions.
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Lavender
Botanical Name:
Lavendula angustifolia
and officinalis (french)
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There are a few
different types of lavender which may be used in essential oils, ranging
from top to middle note aromas. All scents though slightly different, have
a sweet floral refreshing fragrance and is one of the safest and most
versatile of all the essential oils.
Helps to cleanse and calm emotions, said to take away
tension headaches and pains.
Its properties include,
antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, carminative,
nervine, rubefacient and analgesic.
Great oil for the skin and helps
in cases of acne, alopecia, insect bites, boils, dermatitis, fungal
infections, inflammation, psoriasis, scars and sunburn. Good in the use of
massage blends and creams.
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Lemon
Botanical Name:
Citrus limomum
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This oil was once
used by sailors to combat scurvy on ships. Penetrating, sharp citrus
fragrance that helps to dispel sluggishness, indecision and lack of humour.
Alkalising to the body, helps to
aid clear thinking and good for use during studies or where long periods of
concentration are required.
Excellent antiseptic and
disinfectant oil, care needs to be taken if using on skin as it may be
irritating and cause photosensitivity.
Lemon oil stimulates white blood
cells, strengthening the immune system, reduces high blood pressure and
thins the blood. Has antiseptic properties that help to relieve sore
throats, coughs and colds.
Being an appetite stimulant,
helps improve digestion and helps to cleanse and clean the body.
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Lemongrass
Botanical Name:
Cymbopogan flexuosus
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Strong sweet lemon
scented aroma which is cooling and moisturising. Traditionally used
in Indian medicine for infectious illnesses and to reduce fevers.
Stimulating and refreshing for the
mind, helpful for mental fatigue and loss of concentration.
Good tonic for convalescence,
stimulates glandular secretions and improves digestion. Has a tonic effect
on muscles and relieves pain by eliminating lactic acid and stimulates
circulation.
This fragrance is best used in
the morning and early afternoon as it may over-stimulate the mind if used
late in the day making sleep more difficult and may even cause tempers to
fray if used towards bedtime.
Can cause photosensitivity and
irritation to the skin so use only in very small concentrations if using in
the bath or in a massage blend.
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Myrrh
Botanical Name:
Commiphora myrrha
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Myrrh is the resin
secreted from the tree either naturally or when the bark is cut and is
closely related to Frankincense. This was another ingredient used in
embalming by the Egyptians. Has an intense musky balsamic fragrance
and is effective in easing mucus in the lungs.
Works well for problems like
asthma, bronchitis, colds, catarrh, pharyngitis and coughs. Well known
remedy for all mouth and gum diseases as well as halitosis used as a mouth
gargle.
Myrrh is known to have strong
healing properties, is said to invigorate the immune system to speed
recovery from disease.
The essential oil has a cooling
action and can help reduce inflammation of skin. It contains skin
preserving properties and is said to slow degeneration through aging.
Helps to control weeping wounds
and may be effective with treating eczema and fungal infections of the
feet.
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Nutmeg
Botanical Name:
Myristica fragrans
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Used by the Chinese
dating back to the fifth century and one of several fumigant aromatics used
in the streets of Rome. A rich spicy warming oil that is very stimulating
to the mind and body.
Traditionally used as a flavouring in foods and drinks
as well as in hair and skin lotions. Nutmeg has been recognised to
induce hallucinations when used in excess and can be very dangerous, this
is due to one of its constituents myristicin which is psychotropic.
Good to used if studying or if
wanting to stay awake for long periods. Stimulating to the nervous system
in moderation.
A powerful oil that should be
used with care, excessive amounts can create nervous disturbances.
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Orange
Botanical Name:
Origanum vulgare
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A strong sweet
flavoursome citrus fragrance that enhances feeling of well being.
Considered to be the "golden apple" referred to in Greek mythology.
Acts as a mild sedative, has a
delicious scent that enhances appetite and improves digestion. Makes a
delightful room air freshener good for bathrooms and floors as well.
Its actions include a gentle
balancing oil that helps to release nervous tension and relieve stress.
Caution:
May cause photosensitivity and skin irritation if used in a massage blend.
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Patchouli
Botanical Name:
Pogostemon cablin
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Gives a strong
musky sweet masculine aroma it was often used to perfume linen and
clothing. It was used to keep moths away from clothing and was a very
popular scent during the 1960's.
This is a sensual masculine oil which is renowned as
an aphrodisiac. Stimulating and pungent only very little is needed as the
aroma can quickly become overpowering if too much is used.
Helps to curb appetite and may
be useful in weight loss. It has a diuretic action which can help in cases
of water retention and cellulite. Good to use on dry unhealthy skin it is
non toxic, non irritant and non sensitising.
Its properties include
antidepressant, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, aphrodisiac,
astringent and fungicidal.
Noted to be good for balancing
male and female hormones and useful in cases of hormonal acne.
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Peppermint
Botanical Name:
Mentha x peperita
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Peppermint is very
cooling and moisturising give out a minty sweet fresh fragrance. Is a
powerful scent and best used sparingly and needs to be kept away from eyes
and sensitive skin.
May affect some homoeopathic remedies so best used
away from these medicines. Aids concentration and memory helps the brain
think clearly. Excellent for mental fatigue and depression.
Great for digestive disorders,
including colic, heartburn, flatulence, bloating and diarrhoea. Eases
headaches, migraines and toothache.
Good to use in reflexology and
or for foot massage and can relieve itching, fungal infections,
inflammation, dermatitis, ringworm and pruritus.
It is a cooling oil as well as
warming and helps relieve pain of sore muscles. Known to soften skin
and will treat oily skin and hair.
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Rose Otto
Botanical Name:
Rosa damascena
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Very rich deep
floral scent with honey overtones. Considered to be the "queen of essential
oils", and the rose was a symbol of mystical and divine love. This
best Rose Otto oil is from Bulgaria and it takes around thirty roses to
make just one drop of the oil, hence this is why it is very expensive.
Often used in expensive perfumes of the world.
A beautiful feminine scent and very
antiseptic as well as being the least toxic of all essential oils.
A great antidepressant, creating
a sense of comfort in times of emotional turmoil. It is said to warm
the heart and boost confidence as well as calming the hyperactive
personality.
Its properties include
analgesic, anticonflict, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, antiseptic,
antiviral, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, sedative and
carminative.
Wonderful in skin lotions and
creams, particularly good for mature, dry and sensitive skin. The oil's
constricting action on the capillaries help to reduce broken thread veins
and helps with inflammation, dermatitis, eczema and acne.
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Rosemary
Botanical Name:
Rosemarinus officinalis
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Rosemary has a strong penetrating woody
herbaceous scent and
is well known for "rememberance". The name means "dew of the sea" from the
Latin words "ros maris".
Rosemary was often used to ward
off evil spirits and was burned along with Juniper in French hospitals to
purify the air and prevent infection. It was also presented to wedding
guests as a symbol of "love and loyalty".
This oil is great for energising
the brain and reviving the scenses. Good for lethargy and mental fatigue
often used by students to help in examinations. Believed to trigger the
memory keep the mind alert and help recall answers.
Used to clear headaches and some
research has shown it to be as effective as paracetamol for headaches and
migraines. Relieves pain without sedating, relieves rheumatic pain, helps
to normalise low blood pressure and strengthens the lungs to aid with
colds, asthma and bronchitis.
On the skin Rosemary oil has a
rejuvenating and rubefacient effect and helps tone sagging skin. Rosemary
Verbonone is best for skin rejuvenation and is often more expensive.
Great to use in massage blends as well as skin and hair lotions and is
known to kill head lice.
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Tea Tree
Botanical Name:
Melaleuca alternifolia
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Found only in
Australia and as there are many varieties of Melaleuca it is important to
ensure the oil is in alternifolia. This species has constituents many times
stronger than carbolic acid which was the main antibacterial agent used in
the early 1900's. Aboriginals have used tea tree oil for thousands of years
to treat cuts and wounds.
Also noted as a strong deodorant as it has been seen
to eliminate and immediately clear away any foul smell from wounds or
abscess. Tea tree contains a least forty eight organic compounds, some of
which are not found anywhere else in nature.
Great for cleaning and
disinfecting areas, can be used in air conditioning vents to help sanitise
the air. Tea tree inhibits the growth of mould, fungi and bacteria
therefore is a perfect natural cleaning agent for bathrooms and kitchens.
Helps the immune system by
fighting off infectious diseases and burning this oil can help prevent the
spread of colds and influenza. Safe to use as a mouth gargle mixed with
water kills germs of a sore throat. It also has a strong antiviral action
and can be used on insect bites and to dry out acne on the skin.
Good for ringworm, warts, tinea,
herpes, athletes foot and helpful with dandruff.
Caution is also needed as it may be irritating to the skin.
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Thyme
Botanical Name:
Thymus vulgaris
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This essential oil
was first isolated in Germany in the early eighteenth century and used for
its powerful antiseptic actions. Thyme has a warming sweet but powerful
aroma. Known for
its powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial actions, Thyme is
strengthening and invigorating for all kinds of physical and mental
debility.
Actions of this oil include
antioxidant, antibacterial, counter irritant, fungicidal, insecticide and
rubefacient.
One of the best oils for
cleaning surfaces and killing germs with, perfect for use in the bathroom,
toilet and kitchen.
Caution
should be taken around skin as it may cause irritation and best not used in
a bath or massage oil.
Can be used in a diluted form on
the scalp as it is known to kill head lice.
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Wintergreen
Botanical Name:
Gaultheria procumbens
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The oil has a very
strong minty fresh and warming aroma and the herb leaves were once chewed
by the American Indians to improve lung capacity as well as to prevent
tooth decay. The
scent is very strong and very effective for enhancing respiration
especially in condition of bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory
diseases. Helps to open the airways as well as being antibacterial to kill
germs that cause disease.
Wintergreen essential oil is
made up almost entirely of Methyl Salicylate, which is a cofactor of the
medication "Aspirin" and therefore should not be used by anyone with an
allergy to Aspirin.
Having good analgesic actions as
well as antiinflammatory, astringent and stimulant actions it is a great
oil to use in massage blends for aching, strained, overworked and sore
muscles. Caution the oil should be diluted
significantly if using on the skin.
A very warming and invigorating
oil for the scenses and relaxes an unsettled mind.
Caution: A wonderful oil but should always be kept out of reach of
children as you would "Aspirin".
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Ylang Ylang
Botanical Name:
Cananga odorata
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This essential oil
has spicy exotic and
intoxicatingly sweet fragrance - Pronounced "alang-alang" the name means
"flower of flowers" and known as "the perfume tree".
Ylang Ylang's sweet scent pacifies
the mind and sedates the nervous system. Helps to calm the individual to
dispel anger creating a feeling of peace as well as dissipating jealousy
and frustration.
Said to be an aphrodisiac and a
powerful stimulant and euphoric fragrance. Helps to promote confidence and
sensuality. Very calming to the mind helping to ease panic attacks
and improve low self esteem.
Actions include aphrodisiac,
antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, adrenal stimulant, euphoric,
hypotensive, nervine and sedative.
Good for the cardiovascular
system as it regulates the heart beat treating palpitations as well as
lowering high blood pressure.
Regulates adrenal flow and said
to balance the hormones and can be helpful with reproductive problems.
Has a balancing action on skin
and is useful for both oily and dry skins and is said to help with hair
growth. Use sparingly in massage blends as it may irritate sensitive skin.
Caution:
As the oil has a very strong scent large quantities are not recommended as
it may cause headaches and nausea.
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