Top Ten Essential Oils

Here is a list of the ten essential, 'essential' oils to keep around if you are 'smelling to get well', with aromatherapy, and also some simple recipes to help you use them.

Eucalyptus- (Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus radiate), is great for treating respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and asthma. It also helps to boost the immune system, and relieve muscle tension.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata), will help you relax and will relieve your muscle tension. It is also recommended as an anti-depressant.

Geranium, (Pelargonium graveolens), helps to balance hormones in women, and is also good for balancing oils in the skin. Geranium can be both relaxing and uplifting, as well as an antidepressant.

Peppermint, (Mentha piperita), is beneficial for treating headaches, and clearing blocked sinuses. It is also excellent for treating digestive disorders such as slow digestion, indigestion, and flatulence.

Lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia), is one of the most relaxing oils. Keep it in the kitchen because it is great for treating wounds, burns, and can be applied directly to your skin. It also helps fade scar tissue.

Lemon, (Citrus limon), will uplift you with its zesty aroma, yet at the same time you will find it relaxing. Lemon oil is also good for treating wounds, infections, and can be added to water for cleaning and deodorizing around the home, particularly if you have pets.

Clary Sage, (Salvia sclarea), can prevent greasy hair and dandruff. It is also useful for soothing tension and stress and easing menstrual cramps.

Tea Tree, (Melaleuca alternifolia,) is natural anti fungal oil, good for treating all sorts of fungal infections including vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm. Tea Tree Oil also has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat acne.

Roman Chamomile, (Anthemus nobilis), is very relaxing, and can help with sleeplessness and anxiety. It also relieves for muscle aches and tension.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is stimulating and uplifting oil. You can use it for stimulating mental activity and helping clarity of thought. It also stimulates the immune system and the digestive system. Mixed with carrier oil, it is very good for muscle aches and tension.

Essential Oil Recipes

Gentle Body Wash

Adding the following essential oil blend to you bath or as a face wash will have significant effects to your skin; peppermint cleanses and refreshes, it is also excellent for soothing acne or other itchy skin irritations, chamomile is very gentle and soothing so can be used on sensitive skin. It also helps to heal dry and broken skin. Add 2-3 drops of each oil to one cup of sweet almond oil.

A Sensual Massage Oil

This massage oil will leave you feeling relaxed and reinvigorated. Add a 3-4 drops of the following essential oils to one cup of sweet almond oil and 2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil: rosemary, lavender, ylang ylang, geranium. To fix the oil so it is longer lasting try adding grapefruit seed extract.

Sinus Recipe

Boil two cups of water and while the water is still steaming, add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops tea tree, 2 drops eucalyptus. Cover bowl and head with towel and inhale for at least 3 minutes. Be sure to keep your eyes closed.

Cough Recipe

Add 2 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops lavender to 4 teaspoons of sweet almond oil, (this will make enough applications to last you throughout the day), and rub into your throat and chest.