Directory of Essential Oils
Properties and Uses of Pure Essential Oils
Name of Essential Oils
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Properties and Uses
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Cautions
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Aniseed
(Pimpinella anisum)
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Aniseed oil is used to treat colds and
flu. This warm, spicy essential oil is often used to ease the
discomfort of introverted and fearful people, while aiding the
digestion, boosting the lungs, calms menstrual pains & easing
migraines. It is being researched for the treatment of bird flu as
well. Blends well with cardamom, cedarwood, coriander, fennel,
mandarin, petitgrain and rosewood.
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May cause irritation on sensitive areas
of skin if over-used. Avoid during pregnancy.
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Basil
(Ocimum Basilicum)
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Help concentration. Good for migraine,
anxiety, and tiredness. Useful for muscular aches and pains, coughs,
sinusitis, flatulence, irregular periods, and infectious diseases.
Excellent in stimulates the skin, cleansing sluggish and congested
pores. Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, and Geranium.
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Perfectly safe for home use. Avoid
during pregnancy.
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Benzoin Resin
(Styrax Benzoin)
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Anti-oxidant, helpful for people who
are suffering from nightmare and mild depression. Tonic for lungs
and beneficial for respiratory disorders. Excellent for dry and
cracked skin. Blends well with Bergamot, Coriander, Cypress,
Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Lavender, Myrrh, Sweet Orange,
Rose, and Sandalwood.
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Bergamot FCF
(Citrus Bergamia)
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Used mainly for stress, depression and
anxiety. It has uplift effect. Helpful as preventative for cystitis
and illness. Excellent for skin care, helping with psoriasis, acne,
eczema and varicose ulcers. Blends well with coriander, Cypress,
Eucalyptus, Neroli, Juniper Berry, Lavender, and Marjoram.
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Photosensitive. Keep out of the sun.
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Chamomile Roman
(Anthemis Nobilis)
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Useful for stress, sleeplessness and
headaches. Beneficial for menstrual and menopause problem, arthritis
and nerve pain. Good for acne, sensitive, dry and itchy skin. Deep
cleansing and improve skin's suppleness. Blends well with Lavender,
Geranium, Jamine, Neroli, Ylang-ylang, Marjoram, Rose, Patchouli,
Palmarosa, Benzoin, and Bergamot.
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Avoid in early pregnancy.
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Cardamon
(Elettaria Cardamomum)
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Powerful relaxing oil. Warming to the
mind, good for mental fatigue, nervous strain, eases stomach cramps,
colic, indigestive, flatulence and heartburn.
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Cedarwood
(Juniperus Virginiana)
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Good for nervous tension and stress
related disorders. Helps with bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis,
arthritis, rheumatism. Good for acne, eczema, psoriasis, oily skin,
dandruff and greasy hair. Insect repellent, e.g. lice and mosquito.
Blends well with Lemon, Cypress, Benzoin, Bergamot, Frankincense,
Neroli, Lavender, Rosemary, and Juniper Berry.
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Used in moderation. Avoid during
pregnancy.
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Citronella
(Cymbopogon Nardus)
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Increases mental alertness. Effective
for rheumatic problems, sprains and muscular aches. Excellent
insect-repellent, especially mosquitoes.
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Can caused skin sensitization.
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Clary Sage
(Salvia Sclarea)
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Excellent for depression, panicky
states, relaxing muscles, relieves headaches and migraine. Good for
menstrual disorders, cramp, pre-menstrual syndrome and high blood
pressure. Blends well with Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense,
Geranium, Lime, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Juniper Berry, and Lavender.
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Avoid with history of low blood
pressure, estrogen-dependant cancer and in early pregnancy.
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Clove
(E.Caryophyllata)
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Very helpful for low immunity. Good for
rheumatoid arthritis, prevention of diseases, cystitis, diarrhea and
sinusitis. It has hormonal qualities, so is useful for thyroid
imbalance. Excellent for infected acne. Blends well with Basil,
Benzoin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Nutmeg, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, and
Rosemary.
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Irritant to the skin in high dosage
levels, max dilution 1%.
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Coriander
(Coriandrum Sativum)
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Helps with migraine, nervous
exhaustion, and neuralgia. Useful for flatulence, muscular aches and
pains, eliminated toxins and promote blood circulation. Tonic for
immune system.
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Cypress
(Cupressus Sempervirens)
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Very effective to calm over-active
mind, stress related conditions and promote deep-sleep. Good for
menstrual and menopause problem, blood circulation, cellulite and
persistent cough. Improve skin tone and eliminate toxins. Slight
astringent, so good for oily skin. Blends well with Pine, Benzoin,
Bergamot, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary.
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Avoid in pregnancy.
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Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus Globulus)
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Stimulant, excellent for treating
respiratory tract, colds, fever, flu, coughs and sinus. Soothes
muscular aches, rheumatism, and arthritis. Blend well with Benzoin,
Coriander, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Lavender, Lemongrass, Pine, and
Thyme.
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Contraindicated for very young children
and babies because of its high cineole content.
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Fennel, Sweet
(Foeniculum Vulgare)
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Excellent body cleanser, ridding the
system of toxins. Helpful in reducing diets, cellulite, constipation
and flatulence. Good for PMT, irregular periods, menopausal problems
and low sexual response. Helps cleanse and tone skin (dull and
mature). Blends well with Basil, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon,
Rosemary, and Sandalwood.
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Not recommended for young children.
Avoid in pregnancy. Do not use if epileptic. Avoid in alcoholism and
liver disease, and if taking paracetamol owing to the anethole
(toxic) content.
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Frankincense
(Boswellia Thurifera)
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Excellent for tiredness, negative
moods, lack of confidence and stress-related condition. Useful for
asthma and rheumatoid. Ability to slow down, deepen the breath and
has a calming effect, which is very conducive to meditation and
yoga. Good for dry and mature skin, to deter fine lines and
wrinkles. Blends well with Geranium, Lavender, basil, Pine,
Sandalwood, Orange, Grapefruit and Bergamot
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Geranium
(Pelargonium Graveolens)
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Excellent for stress,
menstrual/menopausal problems and mood swings. Revitalizes the body
and regulates hormonal balance. Good for oily/congested, mature skin
and any skin problems. Blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood,
Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Lavender and Palmarosa.
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May cause skin sensitization in
hypersensitive individuals. Avoid in pregnancy.
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Ginger
(Zingiber Officinale)
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Good for nervous exhaustion, migraine,
relieve a tight muscles and chesty cough. Excellent to boost the
blood circulation, rheumatism, flatulence, indigestion, and loss of
appetite. Blends well with Sandalwood, Vetivert, Patchouli,
Frankincense, Rosewood, Cedarwood, Coriander, Rose, Lime, Neroli and
Orange.
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May cause skin sensitization if used in
bath tub.
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Grapefruit
(Citrus Paradisi)
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Excellent for insomnia, depression,
headaches and performance stress. Good for cellulite, water
retention, congested and oily skin, tones the skin and tissues.
Promote hair growth. Blends well with Cedarwood, Frankincense,
Geranium, Basil, Palmarosa, Rosewood and Ylang-ylang.
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Photosensitive. Keep out of the sun.
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Juniper Berry
(Juniperus Communis)
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Calming effect for over-stressed. Best
for menstrual problem and slow circulation. Very strong diuretic,
eliminates uric acid, detoxifies and cleanses the body, valuable in
cystitis, cellulite and fluid retention. Useful for arthritis,
rheumatism and gout. A toning effect on greasy skins for acne,
blocked pores, eczema, psoriasis and swellings. Blends well with
Sandalwood, Rosemary, lemongrass, Orange, Grapefruit, Geranium,
Frankincense, Cypress, and Bergamot.
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Non-toxic or sensitizing, but may be
slightly irritating, if hypersensitive skin. Avoid during pregnancy
and those with kidney disease.
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Lavender
(Lavandula Angustifolia)
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True lavender is the most versatile of
all the oils. Excellent for tension, tiredness/depression, migraine
and insomnia. Good for any skin problems. Because it is so gentle,
it may be applied undiluted to cut, burnt skin/insect bites. Blends
well with most of the oils.
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Avoid in early pregnancy.
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Lemon
(Citrus Limon)
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Useful for clearing the head, ease
anxiety/depression, flu/cold and digestive aid. Assists purification
of the blood and lymphatic system. Counteracts acidity, cholesterol
build-up in the body and treating cellulite. Good for acne/greasy
skin. Blends well with Fennel, Nutmeg, Frankincense, Ginger, Juniper
Berry, Sandalwood, Neroli, Benzoin, Eucalyptus, and Lavender.
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Photosensitive. Keep out of the sun.
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Lemon Verbena
(Lippia citriodora)
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In the digestive system, lemon verbena
oil helps with cramps, indigestion and liver congestion and is
helpful to restore the liver after a binge and when suffering from a
hangover. The stimulant action on the digestive system helps to
digest fats and the excellent action on the liver helps in cases of
cirrhosis, as well as alcoholism. It soothes the respiratory tract
and calms heart palpitations. Lemon verbena oil helps to banish
depression and relaxes as well as refreshes the body and mind, while
uplifting the spirits, promoting stress control and at the same time
softening the skin and reducing puffiness. Blends well with Lemon,
lavender, Neroli and Palmarosa.
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This oil is phototoxic and causes skin
discoloration when exposed to bright sunlight.
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Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon Citratus)
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Most useful for headaches, poor
circulation and open pores skin. With its deodorizing and antiseptic
properties, it is good for athlete's foot and excessive
perspiration. Excellent insect repellent - most flying insects.
Blends well with Basil, Cedarwood, Coriander, Jasmine, Geranium,
Lavender, Neroli, Palmarosa, Rosemary and Tea tree.
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Avoid during pregnancy.
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Lime
(Citrus Aurantifolia)
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Relieves anxiety and depression. Useful
for poor circulation, cellulite, breathing problems, fever,
rheumatism, arthritis or infection. Good for greasy skin. Blends
well with Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Nutmeg, Rose, Ylang-ylang and
Bergamot.
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Photosensitive. Keep out of the sun.
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Mandarin, Wild
(Citrus Reticulata)
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Good for stress, insomnia,
irritability, restlessness, nervous tension and fluid retention.
Useful for stretch marks, oily and congested skin. Blends well with
Basil, Coriander, Marjoram, Neroli, Rose, and Lavender.
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Marjoram, Sweet
(Origanum Marjorana)
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Excellent for headaches, insomnia and
tension. Useful for sinusitis, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, and
bacterial infections. Warming and cleansing for muscles. blends well
with Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress, Lavender, mandarin, Rosemary,
Ylang-ylang, and Nutmeg.
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Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use on
young children.
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May Chang
(Litsea Cubeba)
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Uplifting and stimulating. Tonic for
the heart and respiratory system. Beneficial effect on coronary
heart diseases. Balancing action on oily skin and hair.
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Do not use on diseased, damaged,
hypersensitive skin, and for children under 2 years old.
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Melissa
(Blend of Compounds)
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A fine blend with Citronella,
Lemongrass and May Chang, which good for insomnia, calming effect.
Useful for digestive problem such as stomach cramp, nausea and
morning sickness. Excellent insect repellent.
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Myrrh
(Commiphora Myrrha)
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Aids respiratory problems such as
bronchitis, cold, sore throat and any chest and nasal congestion.
Stimulates digestion. Excellent for healing skin, for eczema, mature
complexions. Rejuvenates aged skin. blends well with Frankincense,
Sandalwood, Cypress, Lavender, Clove, Geranium and Patchouli.
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Avoid in early pregnancy.
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Neroli
(Citrus Aurantium)
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Relaxing, powerful aid any kind of
stress, tension, over-excitement, anxiety, insomnia and fear. Gently
and relaxing aphrodisiac. Promoting deep and restful sleep.
Excellent for improving dry/ mature complexions. An ideal and safe
oil to use during pregnancy.
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Nutmeg
(Myristica Fragrans)
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Excellent for frigidity, impotence,
nervous fatigue and insomnia. Good for nausea, vomiting, flatulence,
muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, and arthritis. As a heart
stimulant.
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Orange, Sweet
(Citrus Sinensis)
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Excellent for calming children.
Sedative, warming properties make it helpful for depression and
nervous tension. Good for colds, flu, fluid retention and obesity.
Has a calming effect on the stomach, aiding constipation and
indigestion. use it for sun exposed skin, wrinkles, and a dull
sallow complex. Blends well with Coriander, Clove, Cypress,
Frankincense, Geranium, Neroli, Juniper Berry, Nutmeg, Petitgrain,
Rosewood, and Rose.
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Photosensitive. Keep out of the sun.
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Palmarosa
(Cymbopogon Martini)
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Clears the mind. Nervous exhaustion and
stress related conditions. Digestive atonia, anorexia and intestinal
infection. Antiseptic, hydrating and soothing for the skin.
Vitalizes and regenrates skin cells. Beneficial for acne and other
skin problems e.g. scars and wrinkles. Blends well with Geranium,
Rosewood, Ylang-ylang, and floral oils.
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Patchouli
(Pogostemon Cablin)
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Useful for tiredness, depression and
calms stress. It is a heady and sensual oil. Regenerates skin cells,
so is useful for aged skin, cracked skin, acne, dandruff, eczema and
other skin problems. Blends well with Bergamot, Clary, Sage,
Frankincense, Ginger Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass, Neroli, Pine
and Myrrh.
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Peppermint
(Mentha Piperita)
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Refreshing, stimulates the minds and
aids concentration. Excellent for motion sickness, headaches, mental
fatigue, PMT/menopausal hot flushes. Highly beneficial for digestive
disorders, relieve muscle, fever, colds and flu. Wonderful for
treating open pores and deep cleansing for the skin. It is dislike
by ants. It blends well with Benzoin, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Pine,
Marjoram, Rosemary, and Lemon.
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Contraindicated for babies and young
children. Can cause skin irritation. Do not use if taking
homeopathic remedies.
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Petitgrain
(Citrus Aurantium)
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Very effective in treating insomnia,
mental fatigue and stimulates the digestive processes. Sedative of
the nervous system. Tonic effect on the skin, which could help clear
up skin blemishes such as pimples and acne. Very effective in
treating dandruff and oily hair. Blends well with Bergamot,
Cedarwood, Nutmeg, Sweet Orange and Rosemary.
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Pine Needle
(Pinus Sylvestris)
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Very strong germ-killer. Excellent for
any viral infections such as sinusitis, catarrh, asthma, coughs,
colds and flu. Uplifting for nervous exhaustion and mental fatigue.
Helps with poor circulation. Blends well with Cedarwood, Clove,
Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme and Tea Tree.
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Rose Otto
(Rosa Damascena)
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Gentle aphrodisiac, aiding impotence
and frigidity. Relives tension, depression, postnatal depression,
sadness and grief. Regulates the female reproductive system, and is
especially beneficial for the uterus. Powerful tonic effect upon the
circulation, nervous system and digestion. Aids regeneration of skin
cells, so is excellent for skin problems and general skin care.
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Rosemary
(Rosmarinus Officinalis)
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Good for physical and mental fatigue.
Useful for headache, breathing problem, poor circulation, low blood
pressure, muscular aches and pains, and rheumatic problems. Very
effective in treating dandruff and hair loss. Blends well with
Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit,
Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Peppermint, and Sweet Orange.
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Perfectly safe for home use. Do not use
if epileptic with high blood pressure and during pregnancy.
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Rosewood
(Aniba Rosaedora)
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Good for frigidity, headache, and
stress-related condition. It is intimate, deeply relaxing oil.
Excellent for any skin problems, from acne, scars, wrinkles to dull
and dry complexions. Suitable for general skin, as well as sensitive
skin. Blend well with Geranium, Rose, Frankincense, Sandalwood,
Rosemary and Vetivert.
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Sandalwood Amyris
(Amyris Balsamifera)
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Relaxing and calming, easing
depression, stress, emotional problem, insomnia and fear. Promotes
deep, and peaceful meditations. Beneficial for urinary infections.
Soothes sore throats, ease laryngitis and bronchitis. Excellent
moisture for dry and cracked skin. Blends well with Cypress, Lemon,
Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Myrrh, Neroli, Lavender, Rose and
Ylang-ylang.
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Spearmint
(Mentha Spicata)
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Good for treating respiratory tract,
colds, fever, flu, coughs, sinus, catarrhal conditions, especially
adapted to children's maladies. Beneficial for colic, dyspepsia,
headache, migraine and stress. Is good to wash the heads of young
children with, against all manner of breakings our, sores or scabs.
Blends well with Basil and Eucalyptus.
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Tea Tree
(Melaleuca Alternifolia)
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Beneficial for the respiratory system,
easing colds, flu, asthma and bronchitis. Very effective in treating
acne, stings, burn, cut, yeast & fungal infections. Useful for
urinary tract such as cystitis. As an insect repellent, especially
ants, fleas. Space cleansing and antiseptic. Blends well with
Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange and Rosemary.
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May cause irritation on sensitive areas
of skin if over-used.
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Thyme, White
(Thymus Vulgaris)
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Most useful for tension, fatigue,
anxiety, headaches, and insomnia, coughs, colds, breathing problem,
rheumatic aches and pains. Excellent for skin irritations and scalp
problem. It is disliked by most frying/hopping/crawling insects.
Blends well with Lemon, Juniper Berry, Mandarin, Bergamot, Rosemary,
Chamomile, Tea tree, and Cedarwook
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Avoid during pregnancy.
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Vetivert
(Veteiveria Zizanoides)
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Useful for debility, depression,
insomnia and nervous tension. Good for infrequent/loss of periods
and diabetes. Excellent for general skin infections, cuts, acne, and
oily skin. Blends well with Geranium, Rose, Grapefruit, Lavender,
Patchouli, Rosewood, Ylang-ylang and others.
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Ylang-Ylang
(Cananga Odorata)
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Powerful for calming tension, lifting
negative moods and increasing sensuality. Good for high blood
pressure, pre-menstrual syndrome. Stimulates hair growth and
balancing oily hair. Blends well with Bergamot, Grapefruit,
Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, and Sweet Orange.
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Slight risk of skin sensitization.
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