| Essential oils that I know and love... |
| Over the years I have worked with a lot of different essential oils. Of all my oils I feel the following 12 are the most valuable. By combining these 12 into various formulas you are capable of making hundreds of different useful combinations. What follows is a little bit about each one. Just the basics to get you started in the right direction. For a more detailed look there is now a wonderful book out, 'Aromatherapy Through the Seasons' which, amazingly enough, features these 12. Do check it out, it's a great addition to any collection. Following the oil descriptions are some of hteir magickal properties. For more comprehensive descriptions check out Cunningham's Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews (some of the oils here are in the book). Lavender (lavendula angustifolia): Perhaps the most versatile, useful oil there is. Lavender blends well with any of the other oils, provides balance to an unsettled blend and is one of the few oils you can use neat (undiluted). When in doubt, use lavender! Fantastic for bug bites, bee stings, cuts, scrapes, burns (sun and other types), headaches and for providing a sense of calm. Lavender's scent is fresh and crisp, but not overpowering. The best to use is true lavender and not one of the inferior lavendins. A welcome addition to any formula, whether it be for household cleansing, calming a sick child or a healing salve. Keep a bottle close to the stove for immediate application when burned. Magickal uses: love, serenity, peace, higher consciousness, balance, healing Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.): Eucalyptus has long been an ingredient in cold remedies, and for good reason. It provides wonderful relief for a congested state. It's strong antiseptic properties make it an essential ingredient in mouthwashes, antiseptic sprays and household cleansers. Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory & analgesic properties as well, making it useful for muscle strain, flu-related aches and sprains. It's fragrance is powerful, but not overpowering. There are many varieties of eucalyptus to choose from, each with it's own unique scent and properties. Magickal uses: healing, banishing, purification Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel is used primarily in remedies for overindulgence. Whether it's from food or too much alcohol, fennel provides much needed relief. It helps ease the symptoms of PMS, primarly the cramping associated with it. A valuble oil for nursing mothers, it helps increase milk production. Gentle enough to be used for relieving a baby's gassiness by simply rubbing it upon their tummy (diluted into a carrier oil). Also valuable in facial blends, it helps tone and strengthen the skin. It will also help reduce wrinkles if used regularly. Added to a bath it provides a sense of peace. Fennel's fragrance is reminiscent of licorice. Magickal uses: purification, balance, rituals for Menarche, Mothering and Croning Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Geranium is one of my all time favorites. It balances out and enhances any blend due to it's adaptive qualities. It can mimic the scent of other oils while still maintaining it's own personality. It provides deep healing to damaged skin, balances excessive or insufficient hormonal conditions, soothes irritated flesh, and promotes a sense of overall well being. Egyptian Geranium is the best by far. It has superior healing capabilities and it's scent is pure and refreshing. Some may find geramium's heady fragrance overpowering, but if used sparingly it will outshine all the other scents. Magickal uses: balance, emotional healing, protection, women's rites Lemon (Citrus limon): Lemon is vibrant, refreshing, purifying and stimulating. It's presence in a blend adds zest and rejuvenation. Perfect in a blend formulated for study, concentration or as a pick me up. A nice addition to your laundry water, it adds a fresh, clean smell as well as helping to stave off bacteria. Combined with eucalyptus it provides relief from colds and flus. It can even be used in a homemade furniture polish. Lemon is as versatile as all the rest of the oils listed here. It's fragance is sunny, invigorating and tangy. Magickal uses: Full moon rites, purification, healing, Solar rites Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Tea Tree oil has become very popular over the past 10 years. There's even a company who's entire product line and name is based upon this healing plant. It's antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties make this oil a strong germ fighter. It's an especially valuable oil for winter time use when viruses and bacteria are at their highest. Tea tree has many uses in all areas of the house, but is especially effective in the kitchen and bathroom where bacteria tend to thrive. A simple wash made with hot water and some tea tree oil goes a long way towards keeping things sanitary. All manner of fungus, from jock itch to athlete's foot, are no match for this oil. Especially if combined with black walnut oil, which is one of the strongest antifungals known. It helps dandruff, coughs, cuts & scrapes, bug bites, bee stings, irritated skin and provides deep tissue healing. Tea Tree's fragrance is spicy, fresh and somewhat medicinal. Magickal uses: cleansing, banishing, healing, protection Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Peppermint is one of the best oils for gastrointestinal upsets. It is useful for combating nausea, flatulence, indigestion, stomach cramps and vomiting. One drop placed in a glass of tepid water is all you need. Sip slowly! It may also be mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed over the stomach area to soothe distress. Valuable for motion sickness, fevers, headaches, flu and for soothing sore, aching feet. It has wonderful anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic properties, which make it valuable in all areas of healing and cleansing. On an emotional level peppermint is good for sharpening focus, concentration and increasing memory function. It's fragrance is strong, invigorating and, well, minty. NOTE: Peppermint is not compatable with homeopathic treatments. Magickal uses: purification, focusing intent, increasing power, banishing |
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