The clary sage plant is native to Southern Europe, but it grows in the US, Russia, Morocco, England, and Central Europe. The plant has large heavy green leaves with a hint of purple, and the plant produces small flowers that are either blue or purple. The essential oil is obtained by processing the leaves and flowers using the steam distillation method. The essential oil may have a yellow-green appearance, but it can be clear with a nutty-herbaceous as well as sweet scent.

The composition of clary sage oil is unique since it has a high content of esters like lavender and petitgrain. Seventy-five percent of the ester is linalyl acetate. Esters are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and they compliment rather than impede the nervous system. One of the most unique qualities of clary sage is that it blends well with other oils like cedarwood, bergamot, lavender, geranium, sandalwood, roman chamomile, jasmine, orange, rosewood, neroli, and ylang-ylang.

The essential oils that result from various clary sage combinations produce some powerful aromatherapy treatments that help alleviate an assortment of physical and mental aliments. The rich portions of linalyl acetate as well as other photochemicals like diterpene, sclareol, myrcene, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid, make the oil an excellent fragrant compound.

The calming parasympathetic nervous system reaction to clary sage, especially when it is diluted in a warm bath, has been well documented in cultures around the world. This versatile aromatherapy oil has a compound similar to estrogen in its chemical components so it balances hormone secretion, and that has a positive effect on the hair growth cycle. Clary sage oil helps reduce excess hair oil, and it stimulates dormant hair follicles so they return to the anagen (growing) stage in the hair growth cycle.

Clary sage oil is also used as an antiseptic for surgical incisions, wounds, and post natal injuries. It is also a depurative agent that helps remove toxins from the blood through sweating. The oil is classified as an oral toxin so it should be used with care It should not be used during pregnancy since it contains camphene and camphor. But, this powerful oil has the ability to help heal a variety of skin, hair, respiratory, and mental issues when it is used responsibly.

                          

The familiar edible root, which is unmistakably orange, was actually developed by the Dutch during the 17th century. The wild flower that Western’s call Queen Anne’s lace, which decorates bouquets and fills fields with specs of tiny white flowers, was brought to America by English settlers. The leaves are finely detailed and the flowers appear in tiny cluster with a purple floret in the center.

Carrot seed oil may be the most underrated essential oil in aromatherapy, but there’s nothing but wellness surrounding this powerful detoxifier and skin rejuvenator. The soft earthy smell initiates the stress relieving characteristics in the oil, and when the oil is applied to the skin epidermal cells are stimulated, which keeps wrinkles in check. The oil is known for its ability to alleviate skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, weeping sores, and boils.

The therapeutic properties of this essential oil are antiseptic, diuretic, carminative, depurative, hepatic, stimulant, vermifuge, and tonic. The oil has a detoxifying effect on the liver so it fights jaundice while cleaning the digestive system as well as all other essential systems in the body.

Carrot seed oil strengthens the mucous membranes, and can help alleviate arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and edema symptoms. This essential oil is well known for revitalizing the skin. Rashes, eczema, and dermatitis are treated with carrot seed oil and the results are well documented.

The oil is an essential ingredient in vapor therapy, which boosts the respiratory system. When the oil is massaged into the skin or diluted in a bath it relieves muscle pain and increases the production of red blood cells. When carrot seed oil is blended with bergamot, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, cedarwood, geranium, and other citrus and spicy oils the results range from complete body detoxification to relieving fluid retention, which helps anorexia sufferers.

Essential carrot oil is non-toxic, but should be avoided during pregnancy. It’s a natural skin toner and tanning agent so it is the perfect anti-aging oil as well as an anti-wrinkle agent. Even though it is not promoted as a “Fountain of Youth,” the Romans and Greeks thought it was, and that thought is still in the minds of people around the world.

                          

Ancient medical documents dating back to 1500 B.C. list frankincense, as well as myrrh, as remedies for certain illnesses. Frankincense oil held a regal position next to gold in that society (although it was not obtained in the same way we do modern distillation); it was used to treat skin blemishes and wrinkles, as well as viral infections and depression.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is closely related to myrrh (Commiphora myrrha); both are species of balsams. Boswellia carteri, also known as olibanum, originated in the Middle East and Africa. The resin is harvested from these small knotted balsam trees, and then distilled to produce an essential oil.

The use of frankincense is well documented during biblical times to treat a number of physical, as well as spiritual issues, and new research is exploring the ability of frankincense oil to stimulate human growth hormone (HGH) production in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland slows down the production of HGH after the age of thirty, so the body begins to show signs of aging.

Facial lines and creases, as well as sags and wrinkles begin to surface as HGH production slows down, but when frankincense oil is used, wrinkles seem to disappear. Compounds known as sesquiterpenes are found in frankincense oil, and they fortify the limbic system, so the key glands that secrete the hormones responsible for not only the aging process, but for the health of the cells in all organs in the body are stimulated. Reducing wrinkles is one of frankincense oil’s strong points; all the better if it is a function of restored hormone functions in the body.

                          

The Chinese used it to boost the heart muscle, and the Indians made tea from the leaves in order to settle the stomach. The name comes from the Gingi region of India where the plant was first grown.

Ginger oil is extracted from the unpeeled roots of the ginger plant by steam distillation. The essential oil from the roots has a number of interesting chemical components that include: linalool, nerol, a-pinene, camphene, geranial, b-pinene, cineole, borneol, y-terpineol, neral, geraniol, zingiberene, b-bisabolene and geranyl acetate. These chemicals give ginger oil the ability to treat colds and the flu as well as arthritis and rheumatoid pain. The oil is also used on the skin to heal bruises.

The chemical compounds in ginger oil produce interesting properties so it is used as an antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, antispasmodic agent and carminative agent, as well as a analgesic, cephalic, febrifuge, rubefacient, expectorant, stomachic, tonic and sudorific agent.

Ginger oil has been used to treat arthritis for years, especially when it is combined with eugenol. When ginger oil and eugenol are used together, the anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic properties produce potent results; arthritis as well as rheumatism sufferers get relief, especially when ginger oil is applied during aromatherapy.

A ginger oil massage is also effective in relieving muscle aches, poor circulation, nausea, and digestive issues. Hot compresses will also make a difference, and a diluted bath with the oil from ginger does relieve flu and cold symptoms when it is combined with a wellness regime.

The other important factor that helps essential ginger oil maintain its status as a rock star among aromatherapy oils is its ability to blend with other oils like frankincense, bergamot, neroli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang and rose.

New homeopathic studies show that daily ginger oil compresses on affected joints, ligaments, and muscles will substantially ease the pain associated with arthritis as well as the pain that develops from ligament and muscle sprains. Abdomen compresses are recommended two times a week to compliment the daily compresses.

These studies point out the importance of combining an aromatherapy regime with a macrobiotic diet in order to get relief from degenerative joint issues as the body ages. The bottom line when it comes to ginger oil therapy is to use it regularly, and compliment the regime with a common sense approach to wellness.

                          

The Greeks say the name comes from a Turkish work that means “the lord’s pear,” but the Italians say the name comes from the town where the bergamot was first sold, which is Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy. Bergamot oil got its reputation from the perfume and toiletry industry, but the fruit has been used for years in Earl Gray Tea. The essential oil is composed of several chemical constituents like limonene, linalool, a-bergaptene, myrcene, b-bisabolene, linalyl acetate, neryl acetate, nerol, geraniol, a-terpineol, and geraniol acetate.

The bergamot’s skin plays an important part in aromatherapy oil treatments while the juice and the pulp are used for culinary purposes. The oil is a powerful analgesic and has antibiotic as well as antiseptic qualities. Bergamot oil can be a quick pick-me-up when minor depression, stress, and tension develop after a long day of tedious work, or when a major event spoils positive expectations.

When bergamot is used in burners it helps relieve respiratory issues, and when the oil is blended into a cream it’s used for cuts, acne, cold sores, psoriasis, and chicken pox. Bergamot is photosensitive so when the essential massage oil is used the sun should be avoided. Ingesting too much bergamot in tea can block potassium absorption so caution and common sense rule when bergamot is present in a drink.

The therapeutic properties of the oil include antiseptic, antibiotic, stomachic, calmative, antidepressant, digestive anti-spasmodic, cicatrisant, deodorant, vermifuge, vulnerary as well as febrifuge, and analgesic. Bergamot oil is used to treat fear, hysteria, tension, stress, and anorexia, plus all types of skin infections, depression, and hair loss.

Bergamot oil has a powerful effect on the stomach, spleen, and liver, plus it has a positive effect on the urinary track, which helps control urinary infections and inflammation like cystitis. Bergamot blends well with other essential oils like geranium, clary sage, rosemary, cypress, frankincense, black pepper, mandarin, , orange, jasmine, sandalwood, nutmeg, vetiver, and ylang-ylang.

Oily skin conditions as well as compulsive eating, postnatal depression, anxiety, SAD, PMS, and the general feeling of being fed-up with life can be treated with a bergamot massage or bath, and the bergamot vapor can relieve respiratory issues as well as depression issues.

Bergamot oil is still a faithful companion thanks to its sweet, fruity, and spicy floral quality. It’s the Lord’s Prayer for millions of depression and hair loss sufferers.

                          

Herpes is known as a viral infection for which there is said to be no actual cure. Skin lesions provide a visible reminder of the ailment, and for some they occur more often than others. Of course, when an outbreak does occur, it is painful and also rather unsightly. Adding insult to injury, these outbreaks usually happen when someone is stressed, which is perfectly understandable considering the impact of stress in our daily lives.

Ravensara oil offers topical relief while concurrently dealing with the viruses. Some people can use the oil ‘neat’ or undiluted as a spot treatment in smaller areas, such as for a cold sore; however, it is frequently mixed with a carrier oil or another non-sensitizing essential oil as a base. Either way, it can greatly decrease the amount of visible skin lesions and shorten the duration of any outbreak. Of course, using ravensara oil for cold sores, shingles, and herpes-related outbreaks may introduce the substance to highly sensitive skin areas, so a patch test is recommended before extensive use.

Although unlikely, be mindful of the potential for a possible skin irritation. Since the application of the essential oils is frequently very close to mucous membranes, there is a chance that over-mixing the essential oil results in too strong a substance that might lead to skin irritations. Experiment with different concentrations until finding the one that works just right for you.

                          

When allspice berries are steam distilled, very light and very heavy chemicals emerge. Those chemicals are combined to produce allspice berry oil. Leaves and stems are also used to produce allspice oil, but the berry distillation process produces better oil. The end product doesn’t contain as much eugenol so it’s kinder to sensitive skin.

The initial harvest of green allspice fruit takes place when the trees are eight years old. Ripe fruit loses its scent so there is a time element involved in producing quality allspice essential oil from the soon to be ripe fruit. Essential allspice berry oil can be combined with leaf and stem oil as well as cloves. This mixture produces a fiery oil, and it should be used with care.

For centuries allspice berry oil has been used to treat insect bites, headaches, colds, muscle distress, and sinus issues. It’s well known for its antioxidant value so long term users stand behind the claims that the oil reduces the signs of aging. Allspice berry oil is used to improve vision, to stop hair loss, improve hearing, and to relieve nervousness and mild anxiety. The analgesic and anesthetic properties of allspice berry oil as well as the warming, cheering, and comforting effects of the oil make it a rock star in the aromatherapy world.

The warm, spicy-sweet aroma, and balsamic body note cultivate a scent of pepper, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. Allspice berry oil is frequently combined with lavender, ginger, geranium, yiang-yiang, neroli, and patchouli to enhance healing properties, improve sleep patterns and to bring a sense of euphoria to each moment in the now.

The possible cancer preventing as well as the carcinogenic inhibiting qualities of the oil, plus the antibacterial, digestion, and circulation benefits of the allspice essential oil puts it in a unique class of aromatherapy oils that have an impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the human psyche.

Allspice berry oil is used in mist spray form as well as a massage oil, and an inhaler. Steam inhalation and a bath additive are also popular ways to use this versatile oil that can reduce cellulite, relax the body, relieve cold symptoms, and reduce annoying flatulence.

In this modern age, allspice berry oil tops the list of natural aromatherapy essential oils that can help the cells regenerate without frustrating side effects.

                          

Almost three thousand tons of eucalyptus oil is produced every year by China, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Spain, and Portugal. These countries generally produce three types of oil depending on the end use, but the most popular oil of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is the cineole-based version which has a spicy, as well as camphor like smell, and cooling effect. The medicinal uses of this naturally fragrant oil are well known and the fortification it provides to the immune system is considered a vital element in aromatherapy applications.

Eucalyptus oil has the ability to affect monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that are an important aspect of the human immune system. Monocytes have two main functions: First, they help initiate the defense systems when free radicals attach themselves to cells and begin to damage them, and second, they respond to inflammation and infection in the tissue, so the immune system can identify and divide the cells, and then regenerate new cell growth.

A fortified immune system is the foundation for an active lifestyle, as well as for an extended life cycle, so take a hint from the happy, healthy Koala bear and make the benefits of pure eucalyptus oil a part of your daily life!

                          

Most people in the US aren’t familiar with this incredible oil, but other parts of the world are familiar with helichrysum oil and its ability to relieve mental exhaustion, stress, and mild depression, plus it stimulates the right sphere of the brain, which enhances artistic and creative expression. The strong fruity/straw scent, light yellow to red color and thin texture of this aromatic herb make it a low key, but highly effective solution for stomach spasms, allergies, and excess water retention.

This essential oil can help heal stretch marks, skin blemishes, and scars due to wounds, boils, and rashes. Muscle aches and pains as well as digestive issues are relieved when the oil is diluted in a bath or inhaled during aromatherapy. A few drops of helichrysum oil and rose hip oil can banish acne and heal wounds with minimal scarring. Some loyal users claim it reduces signs of aging by keeping the skin smooth and wrinkle free.

One of the main constituents of this essential oil is neryl acetate, which acts as a muscle relaxant as well as an anti-spasmodic agent. Neryl acetate works in tandem with the eugenol, linalool, and limonene to produce skin healing as well as internal organ regeneration.

A few drops of the oil on burns as soon after the incident as possible will speed up the healing process, and when impact injuries manifest, apply the oil as quickly as possible to reduce swelling and reduce the healing time. Helichrysum oil is the only essential oil that contains di-ketones, which play a major role in scar tissue reduction and skin healing.

Some wounds heal with no scarring especially when helichrysum oil is combined with sea buckthorn oil or rosemary verbenone oil. Calendula oil also has excellent wound healing properties and can be combined with helichrysum oil as well.

The subconscious benefits of this wonder oil should not be discounted. Helichrysum oil is an effective energy releaser, which means it has an impact on emotional blockage. It can restore emotional freedom and stability when those elements are buried in stressful thoughts and perceptions.

                          

The angelica plant is native to countries in colder climates like Russia, Lithuania, and Norway. Even the inhabitants of Iceland have had a close relationship with the angelica plant through the years. In Lapland the plant was considered inspirational, and in Norway it was used to make bread. The French developed liquor from the plant.

Angelica oil is well known for relieving joint pain, indigestion, flatulence, bronchitis, and some reproductive issues in women. Modern herbalists continue to rely on angelica oil to relieve muscle aches, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and stomach aliments.

This essential oil is also used in lotions, soaps, and perfumes, but the aromatherapy value of angelica oil, especially when it is combined with sandalwood, myrrh, cedar wood, and frankincense continues to increase as more people become aware of its healing qualities.

The fragrance of angelica oil is known to produce a sense of well being. Negative feelings and emotions are released, especially when a traumatic event disrupts normal life experiences. This essential oil is used to connect the physical consciousness with the spiritual consciousness in some cultures, and that practice s growing in popularity due to the history of the plant and the oil. Some cultures even call it “The Holy Ghost Oil.”

The Chinese use angelica oil to promote fertility, and it is currently listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a remedy for bronchitis, and a catalyst to increase circulation. Other studies show that the oil has a positive effect on the adrenal glands. It can be also used as a nervine tonic when it is blended into the solar plexus. The carminative effect of angelica oil strengthens the digestive system, and rebuilds body strength when a chronic illness depletes body energy.

It’s always best to test a small amount of angelica oil for skin sensitivity. It may be phototoxic so the ultra-violet rays of the sun should be avoided when it’s applied to exposed skin. The internal use of angelica oil may also interfere with anticoagulant drugs. Aromatherapists rely on the oil as an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, and depurative that can ease the discomfort of internal as well as eternal issues. The essential oil from the root of the angelica plant is non-toxic and a valuable remedy. It has effectively earned the title: “The Oil of Angels” in the Western World.