Bath : bathing is simple, effective and a pleasant way to use the oils - water has therapeutic powers which enhance the oils. Add 5 to 7 drops of oil to a bath which has already been run and immerse yourself for up to 20 minutes. You can dilute the oils with a carrier oil if you wish. The heat of the water aids the absorption through the skin, whilst you inhale the vapour. Use the same method for facial steaming.
Vapourisation : All essential oils are antiseptic and evaporate easily, so they make very good air-fresheners. Different oils create different atmospheres, for example, relaxing sandalwood or clary sage are good for parties: or peppermint clears your mind when you need to work. Put a few drops in a small bowl of water and place it on a source of warmth or use an aromatic light, light bulb ring or aromastone - all designed to vaporise oils.
Perfumes
; The oils may be used on their own or blended to make natural perfumes.
Try experimenting with different combinations, and mix with a base vegetable
oil or vodka.
| Angelica Root : |
| Aniseed : |
| Basil : Ocimum basilicum : Basil has been used medicinally over the centuries. It is a native od Asia, but grows wild in the Mediterranean. Basil has a sweet, liquorice-like fragrance. It is soothing and uplifting, especially refreshing to the mind in aiding concentration. Basil is very good for tired and overworked muscles and blends well with lavender, bergamot, clary sage and geranium. Do not used during pregnancy. |
| Bay |
| Benzoin : Styrax benzoin : Pure benzoin is a resin and therefore it is diluted to about 35% with a base oil. A warming, soothing and stimulating oil it is used as an inhalation especially during the Winter months. Useful for cracked or chapped skin. |
| Bergamot : Citrus bergamia : With its delicious, fresh and invigourating citrus fragrance, bergamot has an uplifting effect on the emotions. It is very useful in skin care but should never be used undiluted on the skin as irritation may be caused. It is familiar to many people as the flavouring of Earl Grey Tea. Do not use on the skin when going out in the sun, will cause severe burning. |
| Black Pepper : Piper nigrum : From Malaysia, one of the oldest known species. It was used in India 4000 years ago. The oil is light amber in colour and is pungent. It has a warm stimulating effect and is very useful in massage blends for dancers and athletes to prevent muscle stiffness. It blends well with rosemary, marjoram and lavender, but should only be used in small amounts, not more than 3 or 4 drops at a time. Can irritate skin, so use with care. |
| Cajeput |
| Camphor |
| Cardamom |
| Carrot Seed |
| Cedar |
| Celery Seed |
| Chamomile |
| Cinnamon |
| Citronella |
| Clary Sage |
| Clove |
| Corriander |
| Cypress |
| Dill Seed |
| Eucalyptus |
| Fennel |
| Frankincense |
| Geranium |
| Ginger |
| Grapefruit |
| Hyssop |
| Jasmine |
| Juniper |
| Lavender |
| Lemon |
| Lemongrass |
| Lime |
| Mandarin |
| Marjoram |
| Melissa |
| Myrrh |
| Myrtle |
| Neroli |
| Nutmeg |
| Orange |
| Palmarosa |
| Parsley |
| Patchouli |
| Pepper |
| Peppermint |
| Pettigrain |
| Pine |
| Rose |
| Rosemary |
| Sage |
| Sandalwood |
| Tagetes |
| Tea Tree |
| Thyme |
| Valerian |
| Vetivert |
| Yarrow |
| Ylang Ylang |