Essential Oil Medicine Cabinet
Anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum) are members of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family As an essential oil, it promotes relaxation and sleep and curbs sugar and chocolate craving.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. Smelling essential oil of basil helps one gain a second wind when fatigued.
Bay (Laurus nobilis) is a member of the Lauraceae (Laurel) Family. Use bay to improve concentration, improve memory and inspire confidence.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. The essential oil is inhaled to relieve anxiety, depression, and compulsive behavior, as well as to aid withdrawal from sugar, food, alcohol, cocaine, stimulant and sedative addiction. It encourages the release of feelings that are pent up.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), a member of the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) Family. It improves concentration, over thinking and worry.
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica is a member of the Pinaceae (Pine) Family. It helps promote strength during times of crisis, boosting confidence and willpower.
Chamomile (German) (Matricaria recutita) is a member of the Asteraceae (Daisy) Family. Its essential oil eases stress, depression, insomnia, and resentment. It is said to help one let go of fixed expectations and promotes a sunnier disposition.
Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomon cassia, C. zeylanicum) is a member of the Lauraceae (Laurel) Family. The smell of cinnamon is pleasant, stimulates the senses, and yet calms the nerves.
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. It arouses the emotions, eases depression, and helps one feel more grounded in the body. Clary sage helps relieve muscle tension and cramps as well as hormonally related concerns of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
Cloves (Eugenia aromatica) are a member of the Myrtaceae (Eucalyptus) Family. It stimulates the thalamus in the brain to release encephalin, a neurochemical that promotes a sense of euphoria and also gives pain relief.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family. Coriander is used in lotions and as a bath herb for sore muscles and joints. The essential oil is motivating, a gentle stimulant, and helps relieve depression and stress. It has long been used in love potions and as an aphrodisiac.
Cypress (Cupressus semipervins) is a member of the Cupressaceae (Cypress) Family. The essential oil is used for its sedative properties and helps suppressed feelings to surface and be liberated
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a member of the Myrataceae (Eucalyptus) Family. It can be inhaled as a decongestant, helping people to feel less constricted emotionally and to prevent fainting
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family. Smelling it naturally stabilizes blood sugar levels. It promotes confidence, self-expression and creativity.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is a member of the Burseraceae (Frankincense) Family. Consider it an aid in prayer, meditation and spiritual self-discipline.
Geranium (Geranium and Pelargonium species) is a member of the Geraniaceae (Geranium) Family. The root and leaves are powerful astringents and anti-inflammatory agents. The essential oils are used to calm anxiety, lift depression, reduce stress and fatigue, and stimulate sensuality. Geranium helps one feel at ease, improves relationships and aids in resolving passive-aggressive issues. Geranium helps calm anxiety and relieves nervous exhaustion due to overwork and stress.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a Zingiberaceae (Ginger) Family member. It's stimulating fragrance helps open the heart and is aphrodisiac. It improves depression and promotes motivation.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. The essential oil helps to prevent overeating as a way to delay dealing with difficult emotions. Cleansing and clarifying, grapefruit helps clear feelings of frustration, anger and self-blame, helping one be more realistic and feel lighter and satisfied.
Jasmine (Jasminum species) is a member of the Oleaceae (Olive) Family. Many consider the aroma of jasmine to foster feelings of love, confidence, compassion, receptivity, compassion, physical and emotional well-being. The essential oil has a chemical structure similar to human sweat, and helps stimulate dopamine production. It relieves stress move emotional blocks, calms fear, anxiety, and is mildly euphoric.
Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a member of the Cupressaceae (Cypress) Family. It helps one break through psychological stagnation, let go of worry and fear of failure.
Lavender (Lavendula species) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint)
Family. It is an excellent bath herb that helps to lift the spirits after a difficult day. It helps release pent up feelings, ease frustration and irritability. Lavender is of benefit to almost any condition and stimulates serotonin production. Calming, soothing, it helps relieve anxiety, fear, insomnia, and stress. Think of lavender as the “rescue remedy” of essential oils.
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family.
Lemon essential oil is antidepressant and emotionally cleansing. It helps relieve irritability and insomnia. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is used for the same uses as lemon. It is uplifting, energizing, helping to dispel worry and clearing to emotional confusion.
Lemon balm/ aka Melissa (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. The essential oil calms the spirit, nervous agitation, insomnia, restlessness and stress. It promotes clarity.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a member of the Poaceae (Grass) Family. The essential oil is also considered an antidepressant and helps promote mental alertness.
Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) is a member of Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. It helps relieve obsessive thinking, obsessive behavior and promotes self-nurturing. It encourages a sense of peace and calms the feeling of neediness.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is a member of the Burseraceae (Frankincense) Family. It is used as an essential oil for worry and mental distraction.
Neroli (Citrus bigaradia, C. aurantium) is a member of the Rutaceae (Rue) Family. Neroli oil, from orange blossoms, is sweet and cooling, relieves anxiety, stress, grief, and is an antidepressant. Neroli promotes strength and comfort, helps one release repressed emotions.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), a member of the Myristacaceae (Nutmeg) Family. It invigorates the brain, calms and strengthens the nerves and has long been considered an aphrodisiac.
Orange (Citrus species) is a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. Orange oil is anti-inflammatory and sedative. It eases tension and frustration, promoting more positive feelings.
Patchouli leaves (Pogostemon patchouli, P. cablin) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. Patchouli calms anxiety, lifts the spirits, stimulates the nervous system, improves clarity, and attracts sexual love.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a very aromatic member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. It is a cooling and stimulating awakening mental activity and relieving fatigue. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a lower menthol content, and thus less medicinal smelling, and somewhat sweeter and lighter.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium), a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family is derived from orange leaves. It is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s neroli” On an emotional level, it is used to calm panic and anxiety.
Pine (Pinus species) is a member of the Pinaceae (Pine) Family. It promotes confidence and feeling of positivity.
Rose (Rosa gallica officinalis, R. damascena, R. centifolia), is a member of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family. Rose is associated with physical and spiritual love and a supreme heart opener. It helps heal grief from emotional trauma. Rose helps one feel happier, relieves anger, depression, jealousy and relationship conflicts. Good for anyone who feels distanced from his or her emotional center.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. Inhalations of essential oil of rosemary are used to improve memory, Alzheimer’s disease, calm anxiety, promote confidence and prevent fainting.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. The leaves and flowers are antibacterial, astringent, antiseptic
The dried herb is burned as incense for purification of negative energy.
“Eating a few sage leaves a day will keep old age away.” Ancient saying
Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a member of the Santalaceae (Sandalwood) Family. Its essential oil is massaged into forehead for its calming effects and to enhance meditation. The oil is used for inhalations to uplift depression and improve fatigue and coughs. Sandalwood trees take at least twenty-five years to grow. In order for the essential oil to be made, the tree needs to be cut down which is contributing to the decimation of sandalwood trees and the high cost. Either leave this herb alone or only use sustainably harvested products.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a member of the Myrtaceae (Eucalyptus) Family. Tea tree oil stimulates the nerves, and helps lift depression,
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. Thyme is uplifting and invigorating.
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis) Family. Considered an antidepressant and aphrodisiac, tuberose strengthens and evokes the emotions.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is a member of the Orchidaceae (Orchid) Family. Vanilla calms, appeases anger, and irritability. It is believed that the smell of vanilla may stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, causing feelings of arousal and satisfaction.
Vetivert (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a member of the Poaceae (Grass) Family Its scent is uplifting, yet calming to an overactive mind.
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) is a member of the Annonaceae (Custard Apple) Family. Ylang ylang has long been used to calm anger, anxiety, depression, fear, frigidity, improve self-esteem and stress. It helps foster a state of peacefulness.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a member of the Ericaceae (Heath) Family. The leaves and essential oil are both used for their analgesic, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent and stimulant properties.
Some essential oils that can help lift one's spirits from the depths of depression include basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rose geranium, rosemary, rosewood, sandalwood, spruce, tangerine, thyme, vetiver, ylang ylang and wintergreen.
Most essential oils are too strong to use alone. They should be diluted in a carrier oil- look for good quality, cold pressed oils. Some favorites are almond, grapeseed, and apricot kernel oil because they are light and don't have a strong smell, lending themselves well for blending. Jasmine helps one feel more alert, improving performance and is said to correlate to increase beta waves in the frontal cortex.
Here are a few simple methods to get started with the benefits of Aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy Inhaler
To make an aromatherapy nasal inhaler adds 5 drops essential oil (basil, lavender, rosemary or eucalyptus are all excellent) to 1/4 teaspoon Celtic sea salt. Place the ingredients in a small glass vial with a lid. Open and inhale as often as needed.
Bath: Add two to eight drops of essential oil to a hot bath after filling. Mix well before entering tub so the oil doesn't stick to one part of your body. Essential oils can also be mixed into a carrier oil to disperse then added to the bath. Should too much oil be added and the skin burns, wash off and apply vegetable oil directly to the skin.
Massage Oil- Mix one ounce of your favorite carrier with 12 drops total of birch, rosemary, juniper, or lavender oil. Or use 25 drops of essential oil in one-half cup of oil.
Room Mister: To use these scents in your home, try a putting 20 drops of essential oil into a Tablespoon of brandy. Fill a mister with 8 ounces of water as a room spray or simply put a few drops of an essential oil in a humidifier, on a radiator or in a pot of water on top of the stove.
Tissue: Place several drops essential oil on a tissue and take deep inhalations.
Aromatherapy doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as smelling the flowers.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
- Albert Einstein
The info below is also given in each of the chapter (eg. Addiction, Anxiety, Anger, etc, so may be excluded here.)
Addiction: Anise, Basil, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel and/or rosemary.
Anger: basil, cardamom, chamomile, coriander, frankincense, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, pine, rose, and ylang/ylang.
Anxiety: Inhale the aroma deeply when feeling anxious Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lavender, marjoram, melissa, myrrh, neroli, orange, petigrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, and ylang ylang.
Creativity: clary sage, neroli, rose
Depression: Basil, bergamot, cedar wood, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender. Lemon, lime, neroli, peppermint, pettigrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, spruce, vetiver and ylang ylang.
Fainting: lavender, peppermint or rosemary.
Fatigue: Basil, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, eucalyptus, cypress, fennel, geranium, lemon, orange, peppermint, pine, rosemary.
Fear: Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, coriander, cypress, clary sage, fennel, frankincense, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon balm (Melissa), lemongrass, neroli, orange, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, thyme, vanilla, vetivert and ylang ylang.
Grief: Add some essential oils such as cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, jasmine, marjoram, melissa, neroli, orange, patchouli, rose, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, or ylang-ylang. Apply some rose oil gently over the solar plexus to dispel grief and bring comfort. Melissa oil is good for heartbreak over a love relationship.
Insomnia: bergamot, chamomile, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, frankincense, lavender, lemon, lemon balm, marjoram, myrrh, neroli, nutmeg, orange, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang.
Joy promoting oils: Basil, bergamot, neroli, orange and rose
Overeating: Anise, cinnamon, fennel, grapefruit
Memory and Intelligence: Basil, bay, eucalyptus, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemon grass, lime, orange, peppermint and rosemary.
Nightmares: Anise, fennel, marjoram, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary
Pain: chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, peppermint, rosemary and wintergreen.
Schizophrenia include Lavender, Lemon Balm, Melissa, Orange.
Stress: Essential oils that relieve stress include anise, basil, bay leaf, bergamot, cardamom, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, fennel, frankincense, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, melissa, neroli, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, pine, rose, sage, sandalwood, spearmint, thyme and ylang-ylang.
Worry: Clary sage, jasmine and ylang ylang.