You would think essential oils are the panacea of all human woes from gout to depression. Coming from a scientific background I tend to be highly skeptical. However, that doesn’t mean I’m closed minded. Simply because the evidence of a benefit isn’t presented doesn’t necessarily mean the benefit doesn’t exist. It just hasn’t been proven. So, when you read on, realize that much of what is presented here are “supposed” benefits.
1. Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea: Calms, sleep aid, balances hormones and treats muscle aches and pain.
- Precautions: Avoid if pregnant. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using.
- Blends: Clary sage blends well with citrus essential oils, lavender, geranium, sandal wood, jasmine, frankincense and many others.
2. Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus radiata: Muscle relaxant, immune booster, respiratory aid including those caused by coughs, colds and asthma.
- Precautions: Should be avoided if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Blends: Eucalyptus oil blends well with many essential oils including thyme, rosemary, lavender, cedar wood and frankincense essential oils.
3. Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens : Calming and uplifting, antidepressant, balances skin, balances hormones in women.
- Precautions: Avoid if pregnant.
- Blends: Geranium blends well with many other essential oils including bergamot, lavender, citrus oils, jasmine and rosemary.
4. Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia: Calming, skin care, wounds and burns.
- Precautions: May be a strong allergen. A few cases of photosensitivity have been reported.
- Blends: Almost all essential oils blend well with lavender including Clary sage, citrus oils, sandalwood, geranium, ylang ylang and tea tree.
5. Lemon, Citrus limon : Excellent mood enhancer and relaxant. Sometimes it is used to treat wounds and infections.
- Precautions: May be irritating to skin. Causes photosensitivity so avoid if going into sun.
- Blend: Lemon blends well with many essential oils including lavender, rose, sandalwood, geranium, ylang ylang and tea tree.
6. Peppermint, Mentha piperita: Indigestion, upset stomach, headaches, muscle aches, flatulence.
- Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy and do not use on children under 7.
- Blend: Peppermint may be blended with numerous essential oils including eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary.
7. Roman Chamomile, Anthemus nobilis : Calming, relieves muscle tension and soreness, heals wounds and infections.
- Precautions: Should not be used by those allergic to ragweed. Should not be used if pregnant.
- Blends: Roman Chamomile blends well with clary sage, lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine, bergamot, jasmine, rose, citrus oils, tea tree and geranium.
8. Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis: Excellent mood booster, stimulates immune and digestive systems, muscle relaxant.
- Precautions: Occasional allergic reactions. Avoid if pregnant, have high blood pressure or have epilepsy.
- Blends: Rosemary blends well with many essential oils including lavender, cedarwood, frankincense, thyme and others.
9. Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia : Antifungal, antibacterial and immune system booster.
- Precautions: make certain the oil is fresh can have toxic effects when oxidized. Some people have become sensitized to tea tree oil. It should not be used around eyes. It should not be used as an antiseptic for deep wounds.
- Blends: Tea tree oil blends with many essential oils including Clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon and rosemary.
10. Ylang ylang, Cananga odorata: Fragrant used in perfumes, muscle relaxant, mood booster.
- Precautions: Users should test for allergy. If too concentrated, it may cause headache and nausea.
- Blends well with sandalwood, lavender, grapefruit and bergamot.
In coming posts, each essential oil will be presented to you with the latest scientific bases for therapeutic claims. We will also present you with detailed information on how to use essential oils. We here at SpaFromScratch sincerely hope you benefit from the information we provide.
Now go have fun and relax.
Related articles:
Clary Sage Essential Oil – What You Need to Know [1]
Thieves’ Oil Recipe – Research Says It Really Works [2]
Why Use Geranium Essential Oil [3]
Lavender Essential Oil – What You Need to Know [4]
German and Roman Chamomile Essential Oils – What’s the Difference? [5]