Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is defined as "the therapeutic use of essentials oils" or “the use of pure essential oils to enhance the quality of mind, body and spirit”. It is now acknowledged that distinct aromas, be they a favorite foods or the scent of a particular flower, can evoke distant memories and create subtle responses in the brain. There are many ways to infuse the environment with pleasing, "feel good" fragrances - potpourris, incenses, sachets, aromatic waters and room diffusers.

Aromatherapists offer the following cautionary tips when working with essential oils: 
• Essential oils are highly concentrated are seldom applied undiluted to the skin. Before skin application always dilute them in a carrier oil (e.g., sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or  cream). 
• Even when using a non-irritating essential oil or fragrance, it is still advisable to check for irritation by applying small amount on the skin of a hand. If irritation or redness occurs, reduce concentration or avoid it altogether. 
• Before and after working with oils always wash hands and keep away from eyes and face. 

1. Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
This aromatic herb has a musky, peppery or spicy scent, which is soporific (sleep-inducing) and makes one more aware. As for the name, according to a tenth-century French tale, Archangel Raphael revealed the virtues of the herb to a monk in a dream.

2. Aniseed (pimpinella anisum)
The ancient Egyptians used it not only as medicine, but also as a culinary spice. It has a rich, sweet, liquorice-like scent, which is both narcotic and stimulating and helps with stress and fear. 

3. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Named after a small Italian town in Lombardy, this essential oil is perhaps best known for giving Earl Grey tea its unique flavor. Bergamot is uplifting and refreshing, and its citrus/floral scent also soothes nervous tension and stress.  Its bouquet is described as 'delightfully citrus with a slightly spicy overtone'. Bergamot stands by itself or can be blended with lavender, juniper or coriander.

4. Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
For centuries benzoin has been used for medicine and fragrances. The name is Arabic in origin and means ‘incense from Sumatra‘. The odor is comforting, uplifting and warming (stimulates circulation).
 
5. Borneol (Dryobalanops aromatica)
It has been used for ceremonial purposes in the East, and in ancient China for embalming. In the thirteenth century, Marco Polo called it “balsam of disease.”  Its sassafras-like comphoraceous odor stimulates the adrenal cortex and acts as a tonic and antidepressant.

6. Canadian balsam (Abies alsama)
Native Americans used this oleo-resin for ritual purposes. Twigs of Canadian balsam were mixed with cedar and juniper as purifications incense. (All pines are good for deep breathing.)

7. Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
This apple-scented herb was held sacred by the ancient Egyptians, who dedicated it to the sun god Ra. Later, it was dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Virgin Marry. It is inductive to meditation and sleep-states and can be hypnotic in large doses. The oil is relaxing and sedating , and stimulates the immune system.

8. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zelanicum)
This is one of the principal spices in the mummification processes. It was included in the holy ointment of Moses. In China it is considered a nerve tranquilizer and all-cure-medicine.

9. Clary sage (Salvia scleria)
This oil is balancing, relaxing and rejuvenating. It has been said to feed the soul and aids creativity and intuition. The scent brings inner tranquility and counteracts negative energies (e.g., fear).

10. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
This oil has a sweet, spicy and woody scent, and is narcotic in excess. Ancient Egyptians used it as a remedy and in religious ceremonies, and the seeds were found in Tutankhamen and Ramses II tombs. In China, it has been used for more that 5,000 years to promote longevity. In the Bible it was likened to the manna that God provided for the children of Israel.

11. Costus (Saussurea costus)
This oil has been used in India and China as incense. Its woody, musty scent stimulates and grounds.
   
12. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Its Latin name, semprevirens, means ‘lives forever’, but the folk name is ‘tree of death’. The Egyptians used it for coffin-making, and both Egyptians and Romans dedicated this tree to their mortality. There is a legend, which says that Christ’s cross was made from cypress wood. Tibetans consider it sacred and use as a purifying incense. It has a clear, tenacious odor, which calms, relieves stress and helps with a grieving process.

13. Deerstongue (liatris odoratissima)
Also called vanilla leaf, this herb, with its pleasant, vanilla-like fragrance, enhances psychic awareness and makes the senses keen.

14. Dill (anthemun graveoleons)
This scent is helpful for keeping hold of the conscious mind. It sharpens reasoning, heightens clarity and helps dreams to come through.

15. Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)
Used throughout the Arab and Turkish world in ancient times, its name in Arabic means “above and below”. This is a shortened version if the old Kabalistic and alchemical concept “as above, so below,” and refers to the correspondence between the spiritual and earthly realms. It encourages deep peace, combined with full lucidity. It has a light, fresh, lemon-like, somewhat balsamic and spicy odor.

16. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
The Aboriginals of Australia burned the leaves in a form of fumigation by placing the stick in the smoke from the fire. This harsh and comphoraceous odor with a woody undertone has a powerful balancing, clearing and stimulating effect on the whole nervous system.

17. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
This herb has a long history of use as medicine. The early Greek athletes ate the seeds to increase their strength while training for the Olympic games. It is associated with longevity and good luck. The scent stimulates the nervous and glandular system. It has a balancing, cleansing, purifying and revitalizing effect. The anise-like scent has long been believed to protect against evil and ward off ill thoughts of others. It is one of nine sacred herbs of the Anglo-Saxons.

18. Frankincense (Bowellia carterii)
Also known as Olibanum, this is one of the ancient fragrances that have been around since antiquity and are still popular today. This resin has been used as incense in India and China, and in the west by the Catholic Church. It was one of the gifts from the Magi to baby Jesus. When used as a fragrant inhalant, the sweet steam eases, slows and deepens breath, and is conducive to prayer and meditation. Its truly unique aroma is stress-reducing, and its warm, rich and sweet scent is restorative, healing and toning to the nervous system. When burned, it gives off a chemical called trahydrocannabinole, which is consciousness-expanding. In ancient times the value of this spiritually uplifting scent was placed higher than that of gold. It has been used by many cultures to free the sick from evil spirits and purify body and soul. The Jews used it as holy incense, and the Greeks burned it at the altars in temples of Zeus and Demeter. The essential oil has a warm, sweet balsam-like undertone and blends well with mimosa, patchouli, sandalwood, pine and cinnamon. German scientists investigated effects of frankincense odor inhalation and found that it did affect the mind states.

19. Galbanum (Ferula galbanum)
This fragrant, greenish gum resin has warming, healing and seductive effect. The Egyptians used it as incense and for embalming, and the Hebrews as anointing oil.

20. Geranium Rose (Pelargonium graveolens)
This scent has a stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex and brain. As a tonic and up-lifter it helps with melancholy. It stimulates the immune and lymphatic systems and also helps with water retention.

21. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
The ancient Greeks and Romans used ginger in medicines. It warms comforts and uplifts, while sharpening the senses. It is a powerful nerve tonic, which stimulates and grounds. It is good in massage and blended with other essential oils.

22. Hops (Humulus Lupulus)
Hops contain lupulin, a bitter aromatic that is mildly sedative and induces sleep without side effects or headaches. Depresses the higher nerve centers and should not be used by depression sufferers. An easy vine to grow for home supply. Use fresh or recently dried strobiles (flower from the female plant) and replace every few months. The older the strobiles, the more stimulating the effect is (not recommended for insomniacs). However, don’t keep dried strobiles longer than one year.

23. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hyssop has an ancient reputation as a magical herb and its sweet scent has been used to purify sacred places. It was one of the bitter herbs used during the Passover ritual and in early times it was the symbol of baptism and forgiveness of sins. Psalms 51:7 says “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be slain”. It is burned as incense to uplift the mind, clarity and direction. However, Hyssop is not for children, pregnant or nursing women, the frail or those with high blood pressure.

24. Immortelle (Helichrysum angustifolia)
It has a curry-like scent and is valuable as a medicinal plant. It aids detoxification through the lymph glands. It warms and opens and supports deep breathing. It dreams activity or awareness. Good for meditations, imagination and creative arts. Used for message and inhalations.

25. Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Because of its fresh, sweet odor juniper has been used since ancient times. It was used to anoint mummies, and in Nubia, bodies were preserved with salt and juniper (the fifth-century cemetery and Coptic monastery at Thebes). Branches of juniper were burned in Greece to combat epidemics and used as purification incense in Tibet. Native Americans burned dried springs in ritual cleansing ceremonies. In Britain, it was thought that infusion of the berries restores lost youth. It clears away mental and emotional negativity.

26. Labdanum (Cistus ladaniferus)
It was used early as an aromatic and listed as an ingredient in the ancient temple incense of Moses. The ancient Egyptians used it as incense and cosmetics. It is abundant on the isles of Crete and Cyprus where this resinous oil was burned on altars dedicated to Venus. It deeply affects the soul and aids meditation, visualization and spiritual experience. Its floral scent is good for incense and massage.

27. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Numerous varieties of Lavender are all indigenous to the Mediterranean. The plant has a classic, fresh, clean scent, which is comforting, relaxing, sedating and purifying. This calming essence is helpful for stress, anxiety and insomnia. Lavender's floral bouquet blends well with patchouli, clary sage, clove and most citrus and floral oils. For a truly exotic perfume, blend with sandalwood or natural jasmine.

28. Lemongrass (Cymbopoge citratus)
Named so because of its intense lemon scent, it helps with visualization and is known as the scent for physical awareness.

29. Majorarm (Origanum marjorama)
The leaf and stem of this herb exude warm and penetrating scent, which has a sedative and relaxing effect.

30. Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)
Legend says that John the Baptist wore mugwort as a gridle. It was believed to prevent travelers’ fatigue. This easy-to-grow herb enables psychic dreams and awareness. While oil is dangerous, the dried herb can be safely used for inhalations.

31. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
This powerful scent heals, purifies and sooths while uplifting the spirit. It has a hot, bitter and yet musty scent. The Vedas and the Koran mentioned its use in religious ceremonies. It was one of the gifts from the Magi to baby Jesus. The Egyptians burned it everyday as part of their Sun-worship ritual. It has a calming effect on the mind, instilling peace and tranquility. Moses took it with him from Egypt, so important was it to the Jewish rituals. They mixed myrrh with vine to raise their state of consciousness before religious ceremonies. It helps to release emotional blockages from the past.

32. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
It is said that the scent of the Nutmeg Islands is so powerful that birds of paradise that inhabit the isles become intoxicated. In southern India, nutmeg is mixed with betal and snuff and taken as euphoric. It was cultivated in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. According to the Doctrine of Signatures (another version of “as above, so below”) it was used as a remedy for all mental ailments due to the seeds’ resemblance to the human brain. Large quantities are hallucinogenic and excitant to the motor cortex, so use with care. Its potential poisonous and hallucinogenic effects were first recorded in Europe in 1579 by Lobelias. Used in unguents, elixirs and balms, the scent is warming, comforting and elevating to the mind. Its effects include clairvoyance and divination.

33. Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
This plant was named after an Italian princess, who loved its scent. Today, these white blossoms coming from a bitter orange tree are used in bridal bouquets as a symbol of purity. It is very safe, relaxing and soothing for the nerves. It is a blood cleanser with energizing, euphoric and antidepressant effects. 

34. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
The Patchouli herb is native to the Far East and the West Indies. The earthy, Eastern note of its essential oil may have contributed to its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Its strong odor improves with time, and the scent fades to a sweet, rich aroma that creates a long-lasting personal essence. It relieves stress and affects the endocrine glands, and is said to be sedative in small amounts and stimulating in larger. Patchouli blends well with vetiver, sandalwood, lavender and bergamot and is used in baths, vaporizers and massage oils.

35. Rose (Rosa centifolia)
In Hindu tradition, it is blended with the sandalwood to form a scent called attar, for ritual use. It was once depicted at a 4000-year-old palace at Knossos in Crete. It is the first plant matter distilled by Avicenna in his alchemical experiments. It is also the Christian representations of divine love and the symbol used by the Rosicrucian order. St. Domini (1170-1221) was said to have been visited by the Virgin Mary in a mystical vision and received the first rosary made of rose-scented beads. During the Middle Ages, it was grown in monasteries Rose oil is a mild sedative and antidepressant, and helps to increase concentration.

36. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
In Asia, it was grown on tomb so an ancestor’s help and guidance could communicate themselves to the living. The Egyptians used it as a ritual cleaning incense, in old Greece the springs were burned at shrines, while in the Middle Ages it was used as a fumigant to drive away evil spirits. An old French name for it was ‘incensier’   and it was burned in French churches and cathedrals. It uplifts the mind, while also dispelling confusion and giving clarity. It was a remedy for fainting in the ancient world and regarded as a sacred plant, imparting peace to the living and the dead.

37. Sandalwood (Santalum album)
It is one of the oldest known perfume materials, with 4000 years of uninterrupted use. Used in embalming and perfumery all over the East, it also a popular wood for building temples. In India, it was often combined with rose in the famous scent, attar, and used to purify body and soul. In Tantric philosophy, it was recommended for men only, to be used to awaken the kundalini energy and transform one to an enlightened state of mind. It was featured in ancient Chinese texts. In Moslem countries, it was placed with other scents in censers at the feet of the dead, so that the soul could be carried heavenward.

38. Sweet woodruff (Asperula odorata)
Similar results as with the deerstongue-and similar sweet, vanillar scent. Traditionally used in dream pillows. It gives a feeling of peace and happiness. Also aids awareness.

39. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
This herb was used in the embalming rituals in ancient Egypt, Greeks offered it to Venus and other gods as incense and Romans bathed in waters scented with thyme for courage. This was one of the first medicinal plants used in the Mediterranean region. It has relaxing, cleansing and energizing effect and is good for depression. It is said to be a tonic, which acts on emotional, mental and physical levels. It is believed to be a bridge to another dimension enabling one see fairies (or the other world).

40. Vetiver (Vetivoria zizanoides)
This grass is grown in India and known as the ‘oil of tranquility’ and Sanskrit texts refer to it as having been used to anoint brides. It clams, grounds, protects and uplifts. It is sedating to the nervous system, while stimulating to the circulation. Its earthy, smoky odor grounds and assist in deep meditation.

41. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
In ancient China, it was considered a sacred plant. The stems were used to make the fifty sticks of I Ching divination. In Chinese herbalism, it is thought to represent perfect balance between yin and yang energies. In the west, it is associated with divination and magic. It was said the druids used this herb to foretell the weather. In Germany, it was known as an herb of healing. It has a sweet, spicy scent that uplifts the spirit and aids sleep, while lowering blood pressure.

42. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
This heady, floral scent is calming and soothing for the heart chakra, and aids the heart on a physical and emotional level. It also relaxes the central nervous system and is good for panic, anger and stress (regulates adrenaline). This is an intoxicating scent, good against depression and apathy.