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R-Z Of Essential Oils

Rose (Rosa damascena)

Properties - Antidepressant, aphrodisiac, liver tonic, menstrual regulator, rejuvenator and a sedative.
Good For - Rose oil is reputed to have an affinity with the female reproductive system, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate PMS or post-natal depression. It is also a powerful antiseptic against viruses and bacteria, and regulates the appetite and prevents and relieves, digestive spasms, constipation and nausea . Effective on dry skin.
Blends Well With - Frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli and sandalwood.
Mood - Uplifting.
How To Use - Inhalation, cream and in the bath.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

Properties - Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, soothes nerves, stimulant and a tonic.
Good For - Because of its stimulating qualities rosemary oil may be used to combat mental and physical fatigue. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for 'depressive states with general debility and indications of cardiovascular weakness'
Blends Well With - basil, lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and sandalwood.
Mood - Invigorating.
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - Avoid in pregnancy or if epileptic

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Good For - Fever, appetite stimulant and easing joint pain.
Blends Well With -
Mood - Astringent, cooling.
How To Use - Inhalation and massage
Cautions - Use with care, contains thujone which is an oral toxin. Do not use if pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure. A milder alternative is Clary Sage

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Properties - Anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, relaxing, respiratory clearing, sensual and soothing.
Good For - The fragrance of sandalwood oil can help lift depression and banish feelings of anxiety and lack of sexual desire. It is also effective for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, dry coughs and sore throats. Sandalwood encourages skin rejuvenation and has been used for wound healing, dry or chapped skin, acne and psoriasis
Blends Well With - Bergamot, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, rose and ylang ylang.
Mood - Relaxing, soothing and sensual.
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - None

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Properties - Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulant, stimulating.
Good For - Tea tree essential oil can be used for a wide range of skin problems, such as athletes foot, acne, burns, cold sores, dandruff, insect bites warts and infected wounds. Has also been used for colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses such as chicken pox
Blends Well With - Clary sage, clove, lavender, nutmeg, rosemary and ylang ylang.
Mood - Cleansing
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, compress and bath.
Cautions - May irritate sensitive skin.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Properties - Antidepressant, antibacterial, diuretic and warming.
Good For - Thyme essential oil is an antiseptic and antibiotic, disinfectant and strong germicidal, it is valuable for all infections, especially gastric and bladder infections. Its anti-rheumatic and anti-toxic properties are beneficial in treating arthritis, gout and cellulite. Thyme stimulates the immune system to effectively fight off colds, flu and catarrh
Blends Well With - Bergamot, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, rosemary, sage and tea tree.
Mood - Uplifting
How To Use - Bath and Inhalation
Cautions - Avoid during pregnancy. Use in small doses.

Vetivert

Properties - Calming therefore useful in cases of anxiety, shocks, stress and tension
Good For - Used to to ease aches and pains, cramp and stiffness
Mood - Relaxing
How To Use - Inhalation, bath and massage
Cautions - None

Ylang Ylang (Canaga odorata)

Good For - Used to slow fast breathing (hyperpnea) and for palpitations of the heart, tachycardia, and to lower blood pressure. Reported to balance the hormone, stimulate the thymus gland, and is used for the reproductive system as a tonic for the uterus and to provide a feeling of warmth and togetherness. Also used to balance diabetes. Ylang Ylang is reported to be beneficial in firming the breasts. It is renowned for its aphrodisiac and antidepressant qualities, and as such is used for impotence and frigidity. It provides an antiseptic action to the intestines to aid in infection and diarrhoea. Ylang Ylang balances sebum production and therefore finds application for both oily and dry skin. It was used by the native population of Comoros to stimulate the scalp promoting a more luxurious hair growth. It is also used for acne, insect bites and as a fragrance.
Blends Well With -
Mood - Calming and sensual
How To Use - Inhalation, creams, bath and massage.
Cautions - avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin, use very highly diluted