Aromatherapy

BLACK PEPPER

Piper nigrum

From Malaysia. It is one of the oldest known spices, being used in India over 4,000 years ago, The oil has a hot stimulating effect. It dilates local blood vessels making it very useful for aches and pains and as aid for digestion.

Physical conditions

Constipation

Flu

Muscle aches

Fever

Sickness, stomach pain

EUCALYPTUS

Eucalyptus globulus

One of the tallest trees in the world, the whole tree exudes an aromatic odour, imparting a healthy atmosphere to the regions where it is grown. Widely used as an inhalant and chest rub, it contains powerful antiseptic properties.

Physical conditions

Asthma

Bronchitis

Catarrh

Colds- flu-like symptoms

Colds-runny nose

Colds- headaches

Congestion-catarrh

Cystitis-temperature with respiratory tract

Sinusitis-headache and relief of sinusitis

GERANIUM

Physical conditions

Change of life

Dermatitis

Eczema-skin sensitive to touch

Hormone balancing

Lice

Periods irregular

PMT

Pregnancy

Skin blotches/ dry/ normal

Attachment

Mood swings

Rigidity

Too extrovert / introvert

GINGER

Zinger officinale

Produced from the root by steam distillation. It should be used in small amounts at all times.

physical conditions

Arthritis

Bilious attack

Cold symptoms

Flu-early stages

Intense cold

Self-acceptance

Self-awareness

LAVENDER

lavandula officinalis

Probably the best known of the essential oils, It is a number one choice for the first aid kit at home.

Physical conditions

Abscess

Acne

Antibiotics

Arthritis-pain

Baldness

Bites

Blisters

Bruises

Burns

Chestiness-dry cough

Chilblains- swollen

Cuts

Cystitis-pain on passing water

Dermatitis

Earache

Eczema-skin cracked and weeping

-sensitive to touch

-burning and hot

Exhaustion

Headache tension or migraine

Hot flushes

Immune system stimulant

Insect bites

Insomnia

Joints-swollen and painful

Migraine

Nausea

Neck-stiff

Nosebleed

Overwork

PMT

Pregnancy

Skin burns-dry

-itchy

-weeping eczema

Sprains

Stings

Sunburn

Nerves-worry about the future

Relaxation

LEMONGRASS

Cymbopogon citrates

The oil has a powerful lemony smell. Often described as resembling lemon sherbet. It is obtained from a wild grass and cultivated mainly for the perfume industry.

Physical conditions

Insect repellent

Muscle aches and pains

Boredom

Lack of interest

Overwork nervous exhaustion

Sulkiness

ORANGE

Citrus aurantium

A warm, cheering oil, Good for those suffering from lack of energy and depression.

Physical conditions

Lack of energy

Selfishness

Stubbornness

PATCHOULI

Pogostemon patchouli

Widely used in Indian traditional medicine, patchouli has a musky, sweet fragrance which is very persistent. Because of this is often used as a base for perfumes. It is useful for healing cracked skin and weeping sores.

Physical conditions

Cracked skin

Sores

Overweight

Apprehension

Clarity

PEPPERMINT

Menthe piperita

Peppermint is used widely in confectionery and medicines. Best known as a remedy for digestive upsets. It makes a good substitute for aspirin. It is also effective against ringworm and scabies. Excellent too for tired feet.

Physical conditions

Aches and pains

Bilious attack

Headache

Itchy skin

Migraine

Nausea

Tinnitus nausea

Travel sickness

Mental stimulant

Studying

ROSEMARY

Rosemarinus officinalis

A penetrating and stimulating oil with many uses. A good oil for its stimulating effect on both mental and physical levels.

Physical conditions

Baldness

Chilblains

Chilliness

Circulation

Colds-frequent sneezing

Constipation

Dandruff with a dry scalp

Exercise

Hangover

Ligaments painful from overexertion

Migraine

Muscle ache

Shivering from cold

Tendons overexertion

Tiredness

Clarity

Disorientation

Lethargy

Indecisiveness

Monday morning feeling

Protection

Sluggishness

TEA TREE

Melaleuca alternifolia

The essential oil has a strong medicinal smell. It has many qualities, being antibacterial, anti-fungal and a powerful immune system stimulant.

physical conditions

Antibiotic

Acne

Candida

Mouth ulcers

Thrush

Veruccae

YLANG YLANG

caning odorata

Ylang ylang means flower of flowers. Its exotic fragrance is warming and helpful for instilling confidence.

Psychological conditions?

Anger

Aphrodisiac

Detachment

Fear of people, failure

Guilt

Jealousy

Impatience

Irrationality

Panic attacks

Secretive

Self confidence

Stubbornness

Suspiciousness

By Christine Westwood

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