Lavandula angustifolia – formerly called Lavandula Officinalis is native to Africa, Europe, and Asia
Can be used externally through a diffuser and directly on the skin.
Lavender is one of the most versatile herbs and essential oils in the world. There are many therapeutic uses for the pure essential oil of lavender. It has antibacterial and antiviral qualities which defend the body from various diseases. Naturally, there are 39 different species of lavender, but only one is a therapeutic grade lavender.
Lavender can be used to ease the pain of sore muscles and joints (often in combination with massage), bringing a sense of calm, and relieving minor skin irritations (including acne).
Diffusing lavender into a room at night can aid in providing a better night's sleep. It can also be rubbed on feet to bring a sense of calm before bed. It's calming effect helps to relieve anxiety, emotional stress and depression.
Lavender is known to promote blood flow, and therefore can be used to bring relief to bruised areas. For this reason, it may not be safe to use lavender while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Lavender essential oil is a safe, nontoxic, effective insect repellent and can also be used for bringing relief from insect bites. It helps instantly reduce itching and burning and irritation associated with bug bites.
Lavender helps heal dry skin, from chapped hands in the wintertime to reoccuring eczema and dermatitis. It can also help reduce the effects of allergies and sinusitis, as well as headaches and migraines.
Lavender is used in vaporizers, inhalers and directly on the skin for various respiratory issues including cough, bronchitis, flu, cold, asthma, whooping cough, tonsillitus, and throat infections.
Lavender has been used since Ancient Egypt as well as by the Ancient Greeks and Romans for many purposes.
French scientist, René Gattefossé (1881 - 1950), the father of aromatherapy, first documented the therapeutic uses of lavender when he used it by chance to help heal a burn on his hand. He discovered that lavender essential oil is very soothing to the skin.
Lavender may not be safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Diabetics should avoid the use of lavender. Those with extremely sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction to it. Lavender oil should not be ingested as it can cause serious health problems including blurred vision, burning eyes, trouble breathing, vomitting, nausea, and diarrhea. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus also spelled Cymbopogan
[The lemongrass genus has over fifty different species worldwide, but only two are suitable for utilization as essential oil, Cymbopogan citratus and Cymbopogan flexuosus.]
Lemongrass oil is known for its anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used for topical pain relief and is effective in controlling a fever caused by infection. Other benefits include its use as a muscle and tendon relaxer, to relieve headaches, to treat shock, heartburn, indigestion, acne, athlete’s foot, oily skin, hair loss, scalp conditions, pulled muscles, sprains and sports injuries, arthritis joint pain and to treat wounds. It has been effectively used to treat stress, fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, water retention, insomnia and body odor. Lemongrass oil is also a flea and insect repellant.
Additionally Lemongrass can be used as a cleaning product to reduce bacteria in your home. You can also use it in a diffuser to reduce airborne bacteria and your home will smell fresh and welcoming.
Lemongrass is a tall perennial plant, which flourishes in tropical and subtropical regions, such as in India, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, and Guatemala. This plant grows in dense clumps and has bright-green, sharp-edged leaves, similar to grass. It is believed that lemon grass was being distilled for export from the Philippines as early as the 17th century. It has been a favorite oil in India for hundreds of years. In East India and Sri Lanka it is called “fever tea” and is used to treat ringworm and bruises as well. It is one of the most popular herbs in Brazil and the Caribbean for stress and digestive ailments. The Chinese use lemongrass to teat headaches, stomachaches, colds, and muscle pain.
When used topically on the skin, lemongrass should be combined with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation, 2 drops to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to begin.
Lemongrass oil should be used in a diffuser, with a carrier oil (olive, rice bran, grapeseed, or any unscented natural oil), or can be consumed as lemongrass tea. It is not recommend to take this oil orally without the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Origanum marjorana
The essential oils of Bergamot, Cedar Wood, Chamomile, Cypress, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree blend well with Marjoram Essential Oil.
Marjoram Essential Oil can be used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis, headaches, respiratory infections, sinusitis, insomnia, anxiety, nervous depression, asthma, bronchitis, colds, constipation, flatulence, grief, menstrual difficulties (including PMT) and stress. Marjoram essential oil helps to suppress or control sexual desires for those who are suffering from abnormal and extreme sexual urges.
Marjoram Oil reduces the pain associated with colds, fevers, inflammation, and over-exertion of muscles, toothaches, and headaches. It is helpful in curing nearly all types of spasms. It efficiently relieves spasms in the respiratory system and intestines, and muscular spasms in the limbs. It also helps to cure convulsions, pulled muscles, cramps, and spasmodic cholera. It has a general warming effect on the body’s systems, and it improves circulation to increase blood flow, furthering warming your cells. This feature helps to get rid of coughs and excess phlegm, while simultaneously relieving the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.
Marjoram oil kills bacteria, so it can protect you from food poisoning, typhoid, malaria, colic, and bacterial infections in the colon, skin, digestive system, urinary tract and other parts of the excretory system. It can be effective in curing infections from viruses and ailments associated with them, such as the common cold, influenza, mumps, measles and even pox. The antiseptic properties of marjoram oil make it a good application for both external and internal wounds and protects wounds against becoming septic and developing tetanus.
It inhibits the growth of fungus and helps to cure fungal infections. This property helps cure a number of skin diseases caused by fungal infections. It also helps cure dysentery, which is often caused by dangerous fungal growth.
As a tonic, Marjoram Essential Oil is good for the functioning of your brain. It induces a calming, relaxing and sedative effect on both the mind and body while relieving nervous stress and anxiety. It also generates a happy feeling in cases of anger or sadness. This can be helpful to pacify people who have suffered some sort of shock, trauma, or major setback. It does not let the brain get dull with advanced age, thereby preventing debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Marjoram Essential Oil promotes perspiration and increases the frequency of urination and the quantity of urine, thereby aiding in the removal of toxins, sodium salts and excess water from the body. Increased urination also lowers blood pressure, cleans kidneys and reduces fat. Marjoram Oil helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and brain hemorrhaging. It also helps to clear out the bowels by stimulating the large intestine and relaxing the excretory system as a whole.
Marjoram is native to the Mediterranean region, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. Throughout the ages, Marjoram has been called the “happiness herb”. Origanum comes from the Greek words "oros" and "ganos" meaning "joy of the mountains". It is a popular European herb that was common in many 17th century English country gardens. The ancient Greeks used marjoram in cosmetics, fragrances and medicines. Greek physicians also used it as an antidote to poison. In ancient Egypt, marjoram was used medicinally and to aid those who were grieving. In 16th century Europe, marjoram was used in bags to scent the bath water and was also used for washing.
Dilution is recommended for both topical and internal use. Dilute using a carrier oil before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. Pregnant women should use this oil with caution.
Commiphora Myrrha
Myrrh blends well with Frankincense, Lavender, Palma Rosa, Patchouli, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Thyme Essential Oils.
As a tonic, Myrrh Essential Oil stimulates thoughts, blood circulation, digestion, secretions, nervous activity and excretion. It stimulates the pumping action of the heart, the secretion of digestive juices and bile into the stomach, and it keeps you alert and active by stimulating the brain and the nervous system. Myrrh Oil protects from premature aging and infections. This oil is valued in aromatherapy as a sedative and antidepressant.
Myrrh Essential Oil can prevent ailments resulting from microbial infection, such as fever, food poisoning, cough, cold, mumps, measles, pox and wounds infections. It can be used internally and externally to fight fungal infections as well. It combats viral infections that can cause coughs and colds, relieves congestion and reduces phlegm in the lungs and respiratory tract. It also provides relief from unwanted contractions or spasms and therefore eases cramps, aches, and muscle pain. It relieves flatulence and the associated stomachaches, headaches and chest pains.
As an astringent, Myrrh Oil strengthens gums, contracts the skin, muscles, intestines and other internal organs. It also strengthens the hair roots, preventing hair loss. It can stop hemorrhaging in wounds by making the blood vessels contract, checking the flow of blood. It protects wounds from infections and makes them heal quicker. Myrrh Oil strengthens and activates the immune system and keeps the body protected from infections. Myrrh Oil increases perspiration and keeps your body free from toxins, extra salt and excess water in your body. Sweating also cleans the skin-pores and helps harmful gases like nitrogen escape.
Myrrh Oil stimulates the uterus and has the ability to normalizes menstruation and relieve mood swings and hormonal imbalances. It is good for treating skin ailments, pyorrhea, diarrhea, and skin diseases such as eczema, ringworm, and itches. Additionally, it helps with the fading away of scars.
Myrrh is native to Egypt where in antiquity it was frequently used in incense and perfumes. In ancient Greece it was used for healing wounds. Myrrh has a long history and has been traded in the Middle East and North Africa for more than 5,000 years.
It can have toxic effects if used in excess. It should be avoided by pregnant women since it stimulates the uterus and could result in miscarriage.
Dilution is not required for topical use, inhalation, or for internal use. It is regarded as safe for children.
Myrtus communis is native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
For internal and external use. Use in a diffuser or dilute for both internal and topical use with water and a carrier oil, respectively.
Myrtle essential oil can be used as an astringent in mouthwash for tightening the gums' hold on teeth. If ingested, it contracts the stomach and intestinal muscles. It can also stop hemmoragging and tighten skin, reducing wrinkles.
As an aphrodisiac, myrtle oil lessens the effects of impotency, loss of libido, and other sexual problems and issues. It can also be used as a deodorant and room freshener as it helps to eliminate odors, which can help in the romantic arena too.
Myrtle essential oil can help regulate the thyroid and normalize hormonal levels in the ovaries as well, as documented by a study in France.
In traditional medicine in Turkey, myrtle oil is used to reduce blood glucose levels in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Myrtle oil is an antiseptic, protecting wounds from infection.
Myrtle oil has a calming and sedating effect on the nerves and mind. It is helpful in dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, shaking and vertigo.
Myrtle oil can be used as an expectorant, helping with excess phlegm and congestion. It is effective at bringing healing to chest infections in babies and the elderly, among others.
Ancient Egyptians used myrtle to counter fever and infection. Myrtle was prized it Ancient Greece for its medicinal purposes as also used to honor strong and brave athletes and soldiers. Hippocrates, Pliny and Dioscorides all wrote about its medicinal properties of their day and age. In Biblical times, woman also often wore a garland of myrtle on their heads on their wedding day. Today myrtle is used in cooking in the Mediterranean region.
Do not use near fire, flame, heat or sparks. Do not store at high temperatures. Dilute heavily if you have sensitive skin and be aware of any unusual reactions when using it for the first time.