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M-P Of Essential Oils

Marjoram (Origanum marjorama)

Properties - Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive tonic and a sedative.
Good For - In combinations, marjoram and marjoram oil are used for the stimulation of appetite, to promote digestion, strengthening of the stomach, for acute and chronic gastritis, as an antispasmodic, for flatulence, for colic-like nervous gastrointestinal disorders
A calming, relaxing oil that can ease muscle spasms, stiff joints, coughing, indigestion and menstrual cramps. Inhaling marjoram can help to relieve headaches and migraine. The antiviral and antibacterial properties can help to ward off colds and infections, and its expectorant properties make it a useful oil to include in steam inhalations for chest infections
Blends Well With - Cedarwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, mandarin, nutmeg and ylang ylang.
Mood - Warming
How To Use - Inhalation, compress and bath.
Cautions - Can cause drowsiness. Do not use if pregnant.

Melissa ( )

Properties - Anti-allergenic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and a digestive tonic.
Good For - Respiration, stress and hormonal disorders.
Blends Well With - Basil, chamomile, ginger, juniper, lemon, neroli, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - revitalising
How To Use - Bath
Cautions - may cause skin sensitivity. Do not use if you are pregnant.

Myrrh (Commifora myrrha)

Properties - Stimulating, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sedative, diuretic and carmanative
Good For - Respiratory and menstrual disorders. Myrrh has an excellent soothing, antiseptic effect on sore or inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, wounds, and cracked or chapped skin. It can speed the healing of weepy eczema, and because of its anti-fungal properties can be used as a vaginal wash for thrush or in a footbath for athlete's foot
Blends Well With - Benzoin, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, patchouli, pine, sandalwood and tea tree.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Inhalation and skincare.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Properties - Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, deodorant and digestive,
Good For - Neroli provides a tranquillising action on the sympathetic nervous system, which is why it is effective with stress related problems such as insomnia and depression. It is reportedly effective for neuralgia, headaches, and vertigo as well. Neroli is also a reported aphrodisiac. Again, this is probably due to its ability to reduce anxiety. Coupled with its antispasmodic action, it is useful with pre-menstrual tension and some menopausal symptoms such as irritability and emotional disturbance. Its antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial and emollient properties have been usefully applied to bronchitis, pleurisy, and pulmonary disease plus chronic diarrhoea, colic, colitis gas and spasm.
Skin: Neroli has pronounced protective and regenerative properties for skin cells, improving elasticity and conditions such as thread veins, scar tissue and stretch marks
Blends Well With - Citrus oils, coriander, geranium, jasmine, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - Uplifting and euphoric.
How To Use - Inhalation, massage, compress and bath.
Cautions - Has a short shelf life .

Nutmeg ( Myristica Fragrans)

Properties - Analgesic, antispasmodic and antiseptic.
Good For - Nutmeg oil can stimulate the heart and circulation, activate the mind and revive fainting spells.It is useful on the digestive system for flatulence, nausea, chronic vomiting, bad breath and indigestion; it encourages appetite and averts constipation.Nutmeg oil can be useful with scanty periods, frigidity, and impotence and can aid births by strengthening contractions.Its warming qualities can help with muscular aches and pains, arthritis, gout and especially chronic rheumatism.
Blends Well With - Black Pepper, clove, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, patchouli, rosemary and tea tree.
Mood - Stimulating.
How To Use - Inhalation and bath.
Cautions - Toxic in high doses.

Orange ( )
Properties - Restores balance to dry or oily skin. It maintains healthy youthful skin by promoting the production of collagen. Reduces puffiness and discourages dry wrinkled skin. Stimulates circulation to the skin surface and softens rough skin. Clears blemishes and improves acne-prone skin. It improves cellulite, which is sometimes called orange-peel skin. Good for ageing, dry skin, and dermatitis. Balances the emotions, either relaxing or stimulating as needed. It revitalises and energises when boredom and lethargy set in. It has a warm, happy and light influence that prevents extreme seriousness. It calms the nerves and can combat anxiety and insomnia. Orange oil brightens gloomy feelings, dissipates depressing thoughts and subdues tension and stress, particularly in wintertime or if the stress is related to premenstrual syndrome or menopause.
Good For - Respiratory problems and also as a moisturiser for oily skin. Relaxing and calming your mood. Great on cellulite.
Blends Well With - Frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, ylang-ylang
Mood - Calming
How To Use - Massage, bath and skincare.
Cautions - Avoid applying to skin before sun exposure.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martini)

Properties - Antiseptic, antiviral, circulation stimulant, refreshing, cooling, nervous tonic, tonifying and uplifting.
Good For - Reduces temperature, a digestive tonic, stimulates the appetite, hence making it effective for those suffering from anorexia nervosa. Has been known to ease stiff joints. Helps to reduce wrinkles. Great for dry skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, citronella, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lime, orange, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Cautions - Avoid in early pregnancy.

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin )
Properties - Calming, sedative, antidepressant and digestive tonic.
Good For - Works well as an aphrodisiac and assists in the healing of damaged skin.
Blends Well With - Bergamot, frankincense, geranium, galbanum, ginger, rose, rosewood and sandalwood.
Mood - Soothing and sensual.
How To Use - Skincare and massage
Cautions - None
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Properties - Cooling, detoxifying, antiseptic, deodorising, decongestant, nerve tonic and calmative.
Good For - Digestive disorders and cooling sore feet. Flatulence, prevention of travel/motion sickness. Tones the liver, intestines and nervous system. Peppermint oil is also used as a painkiller, beneficial for toothache, headache and migraines
Blends Well With - Benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, lemon, marjoram, pine, rosemary and sage.
Mood - Refreshing
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)
Properties - Sedative, antidepressant and antispasmodic.
Good For - Anxiety, insomnia and skincare. Petitgrain oil strengthens and tones the nervous system and can be used to soothe many stress-related problems such as nervous exhaustion and insomnia. Gently antiseptic can be used to help control excessive perspiration and acts as a deodorant. As an antispasmodic can help relieve dyspepsia and flatulence
Blends Well With - Bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, lavender, melissa, neroli, orange, rosemary and sandalwood.
Mood - Uplifting and cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, skin and hair care.
Cautions - None.

Pine (Pinus palustris)
Properties - Antiseptic,
Good For - Apart from its renowned antiseptic properties Pine essential oil has also been used to treat arthritis, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, stiffness, asthma and bronchitis .Pine oil encourages the elimination of toxins from the skin, making it useful for clearing dull dry skin as well as acne. It improves oily scalp conditions, dandruff and seborrhea. As an insect repellent, it protects against bug bites. It also reduces excessive perspiration.
Mood - Stimulating
How To Use - Skincare, massage and inhalation.
Cautions - May irritate sensitive skin.