1. Bergamot

Bergamot is a member of the citrus family, and the oil is extracted by pressing the peel of the fruit. It is a powerful antiseptic and an appetite stimulant. It must not be used neat on the skin because it can cause pigmentation marks.

Bergamot essential oil is helpful for:

1. Cold sores: Blend into a carrier oil and apply to the cold sore with a cotton bud every few hours.
2. Cystitis: Add to the bathwater and soak in it for 15 minutes.
3. Oily, spotty skin: Blend into a carrier oil (wheatgerm oil is good) and massage into the affected area. You can also steam your face with bergamot mixed with boiling water.
4. Psoriasis: Blend into a carrier oil (evening primrose oil is helpful for psoriasis) and massage into the affected area, or add to the bathwater.

2. Clary sage

The clary sage oil is produced from the flowers and leaves of the plant. It is used to make eau-de-cologne and is very soothing used as an aftershave.

Clary sage essential oil is helpful for:

1. Depression: Add to your bath, or use in a burner or vaporizer.
2. Inflamed skin: Particularly good for shaving rashes and inflamed skin.
3. Irregular, painful periods: Mix into a carrier oil and massage into the lower back and lower abdomen for several days prior to and during, your period.
4. Sore throat: Mix into a carrier oil and rub into the chest and throat three or four times a day, or inhale.

3. Fennel

There are two types of fennel, sweet and bitter. Essential oil is extracted from the seeds, roots and leaves by steam distillation. Florence fennel is a popular vegetable often eaten with fish. It has a slightly aniseed flavor and looks rather like a very thick celery. Fennel essential oil has the same aniseed scent as the root.

Fennel essential oil is helpful for:

1. Flatulence: It is used to make gripe water.
2. Fluid retention: Add to the bathwater
3. Hiccoughs: Inhale neat from the bottle, or in steam
4. Nausea and vomiting: Add a carrier oil and massage into the stomach

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Know natural Home remedies for common diseases. Also read the benefits of anti-aging herb Shilajit and stress relieving herb Ashwagandha.

We can surely waste a lot of time in the drug store searching for the perfect remedy. Reading label after label and hoping we don’t suffer any funky side effects. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to use natural medicine for almost all of your health concerns without the fear of side effects? Well you can. The solution is therapeutic grade essential oils.

Essential oils have been used as medicine for thousands of years. And today, the rediscovery of true, medicinal aromatherapy is affecting thousands of people in profound ways. I am one of those fortunate people who have experienced, first hand, the medicinal benefits of essential oils. And I will never be without them!

Please know that I’m not suggesting you stop any prescription medications you might be taking. Those are very important for your health. Always consult with your doctor before stopping or lowering your dose.

Here are 3 easy natural remedies for some all-to-common ailments using pure therapeutic grade essential oils:

1. For Fevers: Rub 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil on each foot. This has worked for me and many people I know, and it’s especially good for children. For children under 2, dilute 1 part essential oil with 10 parts organic vegetable oil.

Peppermint essential oil is also great for upset stomachs, headaches, stuffy noses, indigestion, improving concentration and healing insect bites. One bottle of peppermint essential oil could easily replace at least 6 different medications in your medicine cabinet.

2. For Allergies: Rub a drop or two of Lavender essential oil on your cheeks and under your nose to help clear allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, stuffy nose and watery eyes.

Lavender essential oil is a natural antihistamine and it’s also a great stress-reliever. It helps to calm the body and mind when inhaled. It also cleanses cuts and wounds, prevents scaring from burns and helps heal sunburn. Having a bottle of lavender essential oil on hand can replace quite a few common medications.

3. For Joint Pain: Rub a few drops of an essential oil blend called PanAway on sore joints, as needed. This blend has helped me with back pain more times than I can count!

PanAway essential oil blend contains wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and peppermint (Mentha piperita.) This blend is also helpful to relieve muscle soreness associated with exercising. By using PanAway, you’re able to replace over-the-counter muscle rubs and even common pain reliever pills.

The beauty of using therapeutic grade essential oils is that you are able to get the same results as if you were using common medications, but without the side effects. Please remember that when you are using essential oils as medicine, ONLY use therapeutic grade.

© 2008 Christa McCourt

I. Definition
Essential oils are also known as volatile or ethereal oil, it is extracted from plant material such as bars leaves, and roots and carries a distinctive scent. Essential oil has been used by herbalists in alternative medicine because of its curative effects.

II. How it works
The most popular or common way that the mixture of essential oils are usually used is through massage. Put enough dilute mixture of essential oil to cover your abdominal area and gently massage the abdominal area until the oil is fully absorbed into the skin. With warm hands and a gentle touch on the abdomen, it can help to relax muscles tensions and relieve anxiety and pain. Essential dilute massage oil commonly is used in aromatherapy and it is believed that the oils does enter the skin during massage.

III. Safety
a) Please consult with your doctor before taking any dilute blend of essential oils orally.
b) Do not come in contact with the sun after applying photo sensitive essential oils.
c) If you take any medicine, please talk to your doctor before using essential oil.
d) Keep your essential oil in a safe place and out of reach of children.
e) Store the essential oil in a cool and dry place, and avoid sun light every time after use.
Specific mixtures of essential oil is used to cure specific conditions, please read the direction of use and how to use it before applying. It is best to consult the store herbalist or pharmacist for safety purposes. Overuse or applying the wrong kind of mixture of essential oil will cause opposite effects, according to Chinese practitioners.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information or insurance advices, please follow my article series of the above subject at my home page at:
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

To read the series of endometriosis visit:
http://endometriosisa.blogspot.com

Essential oils are concentrated and must be diluted by mixing up with carrier oils such sweet almond, apricot kernel, grape seed and jojoba, before application. Only a few pure essential oils like lavender and tea tree can be applied directly to the skin.

Massaging the oil onto the body is the most common method of getting the benefit of aromatherapy oils, since skin is the largest absorption organ that you have.

Presenting the list of commonly used essential oils –

Bergamot – Originally from Italy, it is obtained from the rind of the bitter orange. It is pale green in colour, with sharp, orangey and refreshing fragrance. It is happy uplifting oil, works well against tensions, headaches and anxiety either through massage or a diffuser. Recommended for vaginal itching and cystitis. If you are using this oil, avoid sun for at least 3 days after that.

Chamomile – The oil for women and children. Roman and German chamomile are used widely in world of aromatherapy. Roman chamomile is soothing and calming oil. Relieves cramps, spasms and shock. Good pain killer for dull aching pains. German chamomile is great oil for children. Soothes child’s colic or stomach upsets, alleviates nappy rashes and skin irritations.

Eucalyptus – quite versatile oil with origins in Australia. Used to fend off infectious illnesses, like flu, measles help bring down fever and relieve a bad cold. It is also an effective insect repellent.

Geranium – Sweet feminine aroma akin to rose, Geranium essential oil is extracted from Pelargonium. Avoid using Geranium essential oil during pregnancy. Good oil to use when one is irritable and depressed, especially during PMS. 4 drops of oil in your bath work as a great stress buster. Also acts as a remarkable insect repellent.

Jasmine – Reputed to be aphrodisiac oil, Jasmine has a very sexy and beautiful fragrance. Jasmine essential oil when massaged on the abdomen during the later stages of labour strengthens uterine contractions and relieves pain. Used in skin care for dry skin. Leaves a warm feeling after massage with jasmine oil. Comforts and helps a person to be more confident.

Lavender – This oil calms, soothes the skin, balances oil production, helps to heal blemishes, stimulates circulation to skin, reduces inflammation of acne and soothes nervous system.

Lemon – The uplifting and cheerful fragrance of fresh lemons is obtained by pressing the outer rind of the lemon fruit. A rich source of vitamins A, B and C. Helps to stimulate body’s immune system to fight disease.

Mandarin – Mandarin essential oil is extracted from the peel of mandarin oranges. Mild, sweet and fruity, it is essentially children’s oil. The anthranilic acid in the oil is good stress buster for kids.

Neroli – Obtained from the flowers of bitter orange tree, Neroli’s fragrance is bitter sweet and refreshingly beautiful. A gentle sedative rejuvenates the skin and relieves anxiety. Also said to be an aphrodisiac. Stimulates the growth of healthy new cells.

Niaouli – is spicy pleasant oil. Useful for sore throats, cough, runny nose, cystitis, general skin problems and hemorrhoids. Should not be used for children under 10 years old or by pregnant women. Used to clean minor wounds and burns, due to its antiseptic properties.

Palmarosa – It is antibacterial, balancing and regenerating with scent similar to geranium. Recommended for acne, make a great preshampoo hair conditioner. Good oil to diffuse during flu epidemics.

Peppermint – Smelling of fresh mint, often added to cosmetics and skin care products for acne or oily skin. Refreshing and stimulating oil, peppermint herb is well known for indigestion. Can cause insomnia, should not be used on babies or young children and can irritate sensitive skin.

Rose – Rose oil is all time favourite oil with its beautiful and soothing fragrance. Considered to be women’s oil and aphrodisiac. Tones the womb, overcomes problems with female reproduction system. Women should rose oil in first 5 months of pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage. The anti depressant qualities of the oil relax the person, relive stress and overcome depression. Can be used for all skin types, especially beneficial for mature skin.

Tea Tree – Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Heals blemishes without any side effects such as dryness, itching, stinging, burning or redness. Restores energy depleted by everyday stress, reduce or alleviate mental fatigue and exhaustion. Irritating to highly sensitive skin.

Medical aromatherapists understand the efficacy of essential oils for particular conditions; the oils are not considered a natural cure-all, but each plant offers chemical compounds with clear specificity of effects. Beyond the effects of each chemical compound within an oil, some oils efficacy is a clear synergy of the particular chemical makeup. Individual chemicals within essential oils are well-known antivirals, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, expectorants, mucolytics, anti-tumorials…and the list goes on. Some essential oils will contain synergies of these compounds; oils suggested for colds will contain components that are antibacterial, antiviral, and mucolytic (cleanses breathing passages) all in one essential oil. And what does this offer for the injured athlete? The possibility of speedier return to training and competition with Helichrysum italicum essential oil, which contains a synergy of compounds which can act to support healing of a great variety of common injuries.

The physiological basis of many sports injuries, both chronic – from overuse – and acute, from impacts, twists and strains, have many similarities. There is usually some cells that have suffered structural damage – some enough that the cells will die and need to be re-grown. There is typically inflammation, which can be a means of the cells protecting themselves, or a result of fluid leakage into the intracellular space. This fluid can be blood from damaged capillaries, and appear as bruising; either way swelling will prevent proper perfusion – or nutrient and waste exchange – at the damaged site. This can lead to secondary damage – where cells around the originally damaged tendon, ligament or muscle cells are also becoming damaged by lack of oxygenation or nutrient supply. Further damage can occur through the over-production of free-radicals under such conditions. One can imagine the phenomenon of ice being applied immediately after an injury leading to a significantly shorter (and less painful) recovery – a long wait increases the possibility of secondary damage. The ice prevents the secondary damage associated with swelling and oxidation from occurring.

Now for a look at the synergistic actions of Helichrysum Italicum essential oil (there are several types of Helichrysum essential oil available – it is the Italicum, also known as Everlasting or Immortele, that has these particular properties. It is more rare, and more costly than other types of Helichrysum, but worth the extra cost). Helichrysum has a high percentage of anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenes – nearly 50% of it’s makeup. Another 40% is made up of Esters with marked relaxing effects on tissues – relieving tension in injured areas and allowing natural perfusion to take place. The third major component is a di-ketone, which signals tissues to regenerate. These di-ketones are rare, and Helichrysum Italicum contains the highest known percentage.

It is the synergistic activity of these components working together on an injured area that can have a pronounced effect on healing common sports-related injuries. One professional athlete recently relayed an account of his use of the oil – after lack of success in treating achilles tendonitis, he was sure he was going to have to drop out of an important upcoming event. He had been taking MSM, using topical Dimethylsulfoxide, consuming oral anti-infamies, and attempting to address the imbalance which had caused the injury in the first place – all to no avail. After learning about Helichrysum, he decided it was worth a try, and after three days of regular application to the tendon, the pain was gone and he was able to continue his training at maximum capacity!

While this is only one case, it is interesting that relief was found so quickly, and to a chronic injury that was otherwise difficult to treat. The scientific medical aromatherapy literature describes usage for acute injuries (such as recently twisted ankles, wrists, or areas bruised from impact) more frequently. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Advanced Aromatherapy, “Everlasting oil is certainly one of the most astounding essential oils. Its very unique chemical composition along with (all) essential oil’s ability to penetrate into tissue and the circulatory system permit some spectacular treatments. Used for bruises, sprains, and twisted ankles – usually accompanied by swelling and subsequent hemorrhages – this oil proves practically to be a wonder cure.” He goes on to mention that the earlier the application of the oil following an acute injury, the more pronounced the heaing effect.

If you decide to try the oil for yourself, be sure of your source, and that the variety is correct one discussed here. The oil is appropriate for range of injuries – minor to major – though of course it is not a substitute for proper medical attention in any way. Using the oil in conduction with a prescribed therapy should be discussed with your doctor. The literature does state that the oil is very well tolerated, and can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. An application of a thin film a few times a day, as soon as chronic pain is noted, or an acute injury occurs, is best. The oil can be used on broken or damaged skin – in fact, it is included in formulas to reduce scar formation along with Rosehipseed and Hazelnut oils (a 5% dilution of Helichrysum in a 50/50 blend of these two base oils can be used to support wound healing). As with any therapy, be aware of how you’re body is responding to treatment, and consult a medical professional with any questions or concerns about it’s use. In summary, Helichrysum italicum essential oil is a gentle, topical treatment which may speed healing for many common sport-related injuries. It is regarded as a very safe oil and is worth a try if you are in need of such support.

Essential oil has got therapeutic benefits in full and every particular essential oil has got its particular benefit for a particular reason. So, blends of essential oils are not merely a blend and as it has got healing impact, it has to be carefully chosen and the blend ought to be perfect. Each essential oil in the blends is to be chosen in a fashion that the harmony is maintained. There are particular essential oils that get well through the blend with others. Therefore, they are to be chosen with gentle care. The aroma and fragrance of an essential oil has to go well in the blends with another well.

There are, obviously, groups of essential blends to make your task smoother. They are generally categorized according to their aroma as well as the fragrance. There are types like floral (jasmine, lavender etc), spicy (cinnamon, clove etc), citrus (orange, lemon etc), woodsy (cedar etc), herbaceous (basil, rosemary etc), mint (spearmint, peppermint), oriental (patchouli etc), medicinal (tea tree, eucalyptus etc) and earthy.

However, it is also seen some categories of essential oil get nice blends with other particular groups of essential oil. Well, it also depends on the creativity as well as the experimental gray matter of the person who uses them or blends them. The blends of essential oil that may go well are like:

•Woodsy gets well blended with almost any other essential oil and.

•Spicy blends better with floral, oriental and citrus etc.

Well, you can use good blends of essential oil through a number of means according to your purpose and choice and modes of healing or relieving the stress. You can absorb essential oil blends massage, inhalation or ingestion or way alike, as you choose or feel the need.

Essential oil blends, if matched well, are of immense importance to make a rejuvenated, stress-free life ahead. It boosts your energy level only to make your approach to the life a positive one.

Essential oils are perfect for cleaning places like your bathroom or your kitchen. One of the other benefits of using essential oils as cleaners and disinfectants are that you benefit from inhaling essential oils as a well. They are also not as harmful as many of the caustic chemicals that are found in home cleaners.

Instead of purchasing expensive Glade Plug-ins or other types of air fresheners or air scents for your home, boiling water and then adding your favorite essential oil, will allow you to fill your home with your favorite scent. It is also much cheaper and more environmentally safe. Creating your own air fresheners with your favorite scents allows you to change the smells in your house according to your mood and liking, without spending a ton of money.

Some essential oils are also effective for treating minor cuts, skin irritations, and even for sore muscles. Adding a few drops of essential oil of to your bath or diluting it with a carrier oil and then adding it to your skin, will help you remedy some of these minor conditions. Tea tree oil is now found in many over-the-counter treatments for skin irritations and cuts. Adding tea tree oil to a skin rash, small scrapes and even pimples, can help those areas heal.

Some essential oils work well to heal minor illnesses. Individuals who have problems with stuffy nose or congestion, may want to inhale peppermint oil may help to clear the nose and the sinuses. Essential oils are also very good for helping individuals relax, treating mild cases of depression and even for healing chronic headaches.

These are just a few common household uses for essential oils. Using essential oils in the above manners can help promote healing, relaxation while also providing a much safer way to cleanse and disinfect one’s bathroom, kitchen and other rooms in the house, without harsh or poisonous chemicals. Using essential oils is also less expensive and safer and then over-the-counter cleaners. The large amount of chemicals that are used to make these cleansers are believed to have long term health risks, including cancer.

The medicinal value or importance of natural herbs should not only be the most important thing to us. In order to fully understand these values or importance, it is essential to know what they mean. If you have experienced the feeling of any scent or fragrance changing your mood, then you will easily find a place to harbor what I am trying to say. Just like taking a walk out of a stale atmosphere into some fresh air for a revitalization of your body and mind, so too does the fragrance of some essential plants bring out the vigor in you.

To better explain the meaning of these essential oils, one can begin by simply attributing them as products from plants or from parts of plants. These products are a bit moist and are more of an actual representation of the plants from which they are taken from. Essential oils can exist in more than a hundred components and their accessibility is determined by their cost and value. The essential thing about these oils is that they provide both bodily and mental relieve to man.

The above should not limit the true meaning of essential oils to just explaining them as wholesome and natural products from plants or from parts of the plants. The meaning could also be explained according to their usage. The truth about essential oils is that they are multipurpose in usage. There are mostly prescribed for external use. The main difference between essential oils and perfumes is that perfumes are mixed with compounds to give a synthetic scent. But essential oils are natural oils and they are often mixed with other natural oils. A good example of pure and natural essential oil is lavender and sandalwood.

Essential oil is utilized depending on the temperament of the illness. It can either be rubbed on the surface or it can be inhaled. When rubbed, it calms down and cures the ailment in the affected regions. When inhaled, it lessens any clogging or obstructions within the body. The properties of the oil have also been known to act as remedy to mental stress and for general nourishment of the body. These oils are also essential as washing/cleaning agents and as insecticide within the house.

From the explanation of what essential oil is all about, it can be seen that the healing powers of it can only be realized once the product is taken under strict adherence to prescriptions; else they can result to further complications in the body. You must equally know that the mode of usage is another important feature towards a better explanation of it.

1. Juniper

Juniper oil has been used for hundreds of years as a household disinfectant.

Juniper essential oil is helpful for:

1. Acne: Mix four drops of juniper oil with 2 tsp (10 ml) of carrier oil and gently massage the face and neck (and shoulders if acne is present there).

2. Cystitis and Period pain: Blend into a carrier oil and rub the lower abdomen at regular intervals. Also add five or six drops to your bathwater and soak for at least fifteen minutes.

3. Muscular/rheumatic pain: Use for massage or in the bath

4. Poor blood circulation: Juniper is stimulating oil. Use in the bath, or in carrier oil, daily to improve circulation.

5. Stress and anxiety: Use for massage, in the bath or in a vaporizer.

2. Jasmine

The essential oil is extracted from the flower of the jasmine bush. This oil has a beautiful, exotic aroma and is really helpful in cases of extreme nervous anxiety and stress. It is one of the most expensive oils and is often used in the manufacture of perfumes.

Jasmine essential oil is helpful for:

1. Dry, sensitive, mature skin: Use in carrier oil for massage or add a couple of drops to rosewater and use as a freshener.

2. Nervous exhaustion: Use in carrier oil for massage or inhale.

3. Period pain: Use in carrier oil and massage the lower abdomen and back at regular intervals.

3. Lemon

It takes 3000 lemons to produce 2 pounds (1 kg) of essential oil. It is extracted by pressing the rind of the fruit.

Lemon essential oil is helpful for:

1. Bites and stings: Dab neat oil on to the bite or sting.

2. Catarrh/colds: Mix in carrier oil and massage the face and head, or inhale.

3. Chilblains: Mix into carrier oil and gently rub the affected areas three to four times a day. Or use in a footbath, soaking the feet for fifteen minutes.

4. Cold sores: Dab with a cotton bud which has been soaked in 2 tsp (10 ml) of boiled water to which 5 drops of oil have been added.

5. Mouth ulcers: Dab on the neat oil, or make a gargle adding five drops to a medium size glass of water.

6. Warts: Dab with a cotton bud soaked in neat essential oil several times a day.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Know natural Home remedies for common diseases. Also read the benefits of anti-aging herb Shilajit and stress relieving herb Ashwagandha.

All of the aromatherapy essential oils are highly concentrated. Only use them as directed. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Never mix aromatherapy essential oils without having a proper recipe to go from. Some of these oils don’t mix well together. If you are using a recipe, only add the amount of each essential oil as outlined.

Carrier oils are base oils. They are commonly used to dilute other oils before they are applied to the skin. You should always by natural carrier oils as they will stay good longer. Many products offers carrier oils with vitamin E added. You don’t want to use them. Most carrier oils are clear or a very light yellow color. The most common carrier aromatherapy essential oils are sweet almond and grape seed.

The most commonly used aromatherapy essential oils are those that improve your emotional state. This is a great way to balance your mental state. However, you need to understand this isn’t a permanent solution for dealing with your issues. Aromatherapy essential oils can help relieve stress, fatigue, and calm the nerves. Lavender and Sweet Orange are the best aromatherapy essential oils to use for your emotional health.

There are some aromatherapy essential oils out there that you should avoid using. They are very potent and should only be used by an expert in aromatherapy. These oils include Ajowan, Melilotus, Bitter Almond, Mugwort, Sweet Birch, Calamus, Worm Seed, Worm Wood, and Jaborandi. These aromatherapy essential oils are on the market so be careful.

In addition, you should never apply aromatherapy essential oils directly to your skin. In rare cases, these oils can cause a rash to develop. You should discontinue using it and see a doctor if the rash doesn’t go away within 24 hours. Pregnant women and those who suffer from seizures should be careful when using aromatherapy essential oils. Remember that all aromatherapy essential oils are highly flammable.

Are you looking for a great gift for someone? Maybe a way to pamper yourself? Enroll them or yourself in the Aromatherapy Scent of the Month Club. Each month you will get a new scent to try along with a small candle and information on the scent. This definitely gives you something more than bills to watch for in the mail each month!

Aromatherapy essential oils are a great product to improve your physical and mental well being if you use them properly. They are broken down into categories. If you plan to use many different aromatherapy essential oils, you should consider buying a reference book to tell you about each one and its uses. There are many wonder benefits from the use of aromatherapy essential oils.