N to Q of Aromatherapy Oils
and Their Uses
N
Neroli Or Nerouli, the Orange Blossom flower. It takes around 1,000 pounds of orange blossoms to make just 1 pound of Neroli oil! The oil has a wonderful sweet, floral smell and is used in many off the shelf perfumes. It has a relaxing and calming effect and is beneficial to people who suffer from heart palpitations. It balances both dry and oily skins and can be used to prevent stretch marks. Use it in a burner when older children are studying to prevent stress, esp near exam time! And spray on their wrist to keep the smell with them for the actual exam, they will then stay calm and focussed, increasing their chances of doing well! Blends well with: Frankincense, Sandalwood, Petitgrain, Rose, Lemon, Orange, Lavender, Patchouli, Vetiver.Niaouli From Madagascar, this oil shares some of the antiseptic properties of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Cajeput. Use in a massage to ease sore muscles and joints. It has strong decongestant properties, making it good for head che.st colds. It helps clear the head mentally, since it has a stimulating and uplifting effect. Mix with peppermint to fight a cold when you really want to stay in bed, but can't! Nutmeg Everyone's heard of using nutmeg in cooking, but beware, as an essential oil, this one packs a punch!! Used in excess it over stimulates the brain and heart, can cause hallucinations and possibly convulsions! It's stimulating properties are known to help with treating gout, rheumatism, arthritis, and help with nausea, vomiting, and indigestion; it's anti-inflammatory characteristics make it useful in treating sore joints and muscles. Blends well with: sweeter citrus oils, other spices, Bay, Geranium, Petitgrain, and Ylang Ylang. Cautions: Please avoid during pregnancy. O Orange Or Sweet Orange, this essential oil gives a feeling of happiness and warmth, a great one for winter or for those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Use in a burner to make a lovely fresh smell and you'll find that it will uplift the atmosphere of the room and everyone in it! It deals very well with colds and flu, eliminates toxins and stimulates the lymphatic systemm, while supporting collagen formation in the skin. So a handy one to have! Blends well with: Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Petitgrain, all woods and spices. Cautions: Generally non-toxic, the essential oil is phototoxic and therefore to be avoided in sunlight. P
Palmarosa Sometimes known as Rose Geranium, this is a product of sweet-smelling tropical grass Cymbopogon Martini, and is a very gentle oil; a firm favourite for skincare as it helps to balance the production of sedum, whilst also bringing clarity. Emotionally, it is said to help in the release of anger and grief, and useful in a PMS blend. Blends well with: Geranium, Rose, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli and Sandalwood. Patchouli Instantly reminscent of hippy 60's! It's value is enormous for skincare: helpful in healing cracked or inflamed skin, acne, dermatitis and eczema. It also tones and tightens the skin, and is used in many anti wrinkle blends, while also helping to regulate oily skin and dandruff, and in combating cellulite. Blends well with: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, the sweeter citrus oils, nutmeg and cinnamon leaf.
Peppermint Also known as brandy mint and balm mint, it is one for the first aid kit. It is used for easing migraines; it helps clear congestion in the sinuses; it can ease indigestion (one drop on a sugar cube, or in a spoonful of honey). It clears the brain, helps concentration, is a restorative in cases of mental fatigue, and a mental stimulant. Peppermint is the ideal remedy for all digestive disorders, including nausea and vomiting. It is a great remedy for car or air sickness. Hint: Use on road journeys to keep the driver alert. Blends well with: Black Pepper, Fennel, Ginger, Lemon, Lemongrass, Rosemary. Cautions: Peppermint oil can be an irritant. Use a 1% dilution for massage or other skin applications.Petitgrain From the same tree as Neroli oil, Petitgrain has a floral but woody smell, and has been a staple of the perfume industry for years. A relaxing oil, it helps to calm rapid heartbeat, anxiety, anger and panic and beat insomnia. Blends well with: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary, Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, and citrus oils. Pine Also known as Scoth Pine, and Forest Pine. Years ago Pine was used to stuff mattresses to repel lice and fleas and the ancient Egyptians used pine kernels in their cooking. An invigorating oil, a known stimulant, combine with Eucalyptus for a real winter remedy - that'll really clear the sinuses! Also a common ingredient in cleaning products, combine it with lemon to make your own as it is antiseptic and anti-fungal; it'll clean and disinfect all surfaces, remove all bacteria and leave the house smelling fabulous! Cautions: Pine oil can be irritating to the skin. It should be avoided by those with allergies. To return to the Aromatherapy Bible page click
here.
|
