These beauties were considered sacred messengers in the old Anglo-Saxon belief about the god, Wotan. The fertility power of the geranium petals was an underlying belief, but they were also prominently display in ceremonies to attract prosperity and abundance. Modern research has identified the hormone balancing ability of geranium oil so those old fertility claims may not be as crazy as the medical profession said they were back in the 20th century.

Geranium oil has natural antiviral, antibiotic, anti-fungal, antidepressant, analgesic, antiseptic, and astringent properties and it also have deodorizing capabilities. The oil has cicatrisant properties as well so it is used to reduce the appearance of surgery scars, acne, and minor burns. The regenerative properties of this essential oil make it an excellent choice when wrinkles and flabby skin develop as the body ages. There are 700 different varieties of geraniums, but only ten of them produce the essential oil.

The astringent quality of the oil helps alleviate eczema and psoriasis and the antimicrobial properties help heal cuts, scratches, and other minor abrasions. The oil is also an effective treatment for ringworm. Bruises and even hemorrhoids can be treated with geranium oil since it interacts with cells not only in the skin, but with cells in other organs in the body.

This cellular interaction impacts the hormones so the oil is very effective when it comes to treating excessive hemorrhaging and menstrual problems. Hot flashes disappear since the oil is balancing hormone secretion. The oil also helps support normal liver and kidney functions because of its interaction with the adrenal glands.

The uplifting emotional qualities of geranium oil are also obvious. While the oil is creating a balance between dry and oily skin it is also relieving excess stress and anxiety at the same time. Hormonal messages are sent to brain as well as to the cells in the skin and other organs. A sense of well being permeates the body and mind so tension, depression, fluid retention, eczema, edema, bruises, cellulite, and menstrual irregularities are addressed, especially when the oil is used in an overall wellness program.

Geranium oil can be massaged into the skin or it can be diluted in a bath and blended with bergamot, lavender, citronella, jasmine, clary sage, neroli, and cedarwood to alleviate a plethora of skin issues and balance cellular regeneration.

                          

The New Testament as well as neo-paganism significance has kept myrrh in the minds of billions of people; it has never lost its ability to mystify cultures around the world.

Popular pharmaceutical uses for myrrh include toothpaste, mouthwash, and gargles because of its antiseptic qualities, but myrrh oil does much more than that when its energy moving abilities are recognized.

Myrrh essential oil has a special efficacy when it comes to heart, liver, and spleen functions, and it has the power to purge stagnant blood from the uterus. Over the years myrrh oil has been used in aromatherapy to alleviate arthritic, rheumatic, and circulatory issues and uterine tumors.

One of myrrh’s latest accomplishments is its ability to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, which opens a plethora of doors in terms of treating internal wellbeing. Myrrh oil is used in a variety of medical as well as cosmetic products so the list of internal and external uses for myrrh is a long one, especially when new products are considered.

The Egyptians recently developed an oral drug which contains myrrh that treats parasitic ailments, and in Italy researchers have discovered that myrrh can produce analgesic effects by interacting with opioid receptors.

One of the most important uses for myrrh oil is on older, mature skin. Dehydrated, traumatized, dry, and very distressed skin will react to an aromatherapy oil treatment using myrrh oil. Even chapped heels react to myrrh oil. The oil prevents skin degeneration so after a few treatments the skin is rejuvenated. Myrrh oil interacts with skin cells so the free radicals that destroy the cells are eliminated. Toxins damage skin cells and the result of that damage manifests as dry, chapped skin in some areas, and saggy, wrinkled skin in other areas.

Myrrh oil contains limonene, eugenol, a-pinene, cuminaldehyde, m-cresol, cadinene, heerabolene, formic acid, acetic acid, and other sesquiterpenes and acids. The combination of these chemical compounds gives myrrh oil antiseptic, astringent, anti-microbial, diuretic, antiphlogistic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, balsamic, diuretic, cicatrisant, fungicidal, tonic, and vulnerary therapeutic properties.

Myrrh oil research continues where the ancients left off so it is safe to say that myrrh is still worth as much as gold in terms of health and skin care.

                          

Herpes is known as a viral infection for which there is said to be no actual cure. Skin lesions provide a visible reminder of the ailment, and for some they occur more often than others. Of course, when an outbreak does occur, it is painful and also rather unsightly. Adding insult to injury, these outbreaks usually happen when someone is stressed, which is perfectly understandable considering the impact of stress in our daily lives.

Ravensara oil offers topical relief while concurrently dealing with the viruses. Some people can use the oil ‘neat’ or undiluted as a spot treatment in smaller areas, such as for a cold sore; however, it is frequently mixed with a carrier oil or another non-sensitizing essential oil as a base. Either way, it can greatly decrease the amount of visible skin lesions and shorten the duration of any outbreak. Of course, using ravensara oil for cold sores, shingles, and herpes-related outbreaks may introduce the substance to highly sensitive skin areas, so a patch test is recommended before extensive use.

Although unlikely, be mindful of the potential for a possible skin irritation. Since the application of the essential oils is frequently very close to mucous membranes, there is a chance that over-mixing the essential oil results in too strong a substance that might lead to skin irritations. Experiment with different concentrations until finding the one that works just right for you.

                          

Ancient medical documents dating back to 1500 B.C. list frankincense, as well as myrrh, as remedies for certain illnesses. Frankincense oil held a regal position next to gold in that society (although it was not obtained in the same way we do modern distillation); it was used to treat skin blemishes and wrinkles, as well as viral infections and depression.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is closely related to myrrh (Commiphora myrrha); both are species of balsams. Boswellia carteri, also known as olibanum, originated in the Middle East and Africa. The resin is harvested from these small knotted balsam trees, and then distilled to produce an essential oil.

The use of frankincense is well documented during biblical times to treat a number of physical, as well as spiritual issues, and new research is exploring the ability of frankincense oil to stimulate human growth hormone (HGH) production in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland slows down the production of HGH after the age of thirty, so the body begins to show signs of aging.

Facial lines and creases, as well as sags and wrinkles begin to surface as HGH production slows down, but when frankincense oil is used, wrinkles seem to disappear. Compounds known as sesquiterpenes are found in frankincense oil, and they fortify the limbic system, so the key glands that secrete the hormones responsible for not only the aging process, but for the health of the cells in all organs in the body are stimulated. Reducing wrinkles is one of frankincense oil’s strong points; all the better if it is a function of restored hormone functions in the body.

                          

The angelica plant is native to countries in colder climates like Russia, Lithuania, and Norway. Even the inhabitants of Iceland have had a close relationship with the angelica plant through the years. In Lapland the plant was considered inspirational, and in Norway it was used to make bread. The French developed liquor from the plant.

Angelica oil is well known for relieving joint pain, indigestion, flatulence, bronchitis, and some reproductive issues in women. Modern herbalists continue to rely on angelica oil to relieve muscle aches, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and stomach aliments.

This essential oil is also used in lotions, soaps, and perfumes, but the aromatherapy value of angelica oil, especially when it is combined with sandalwood, myrrh, cedar wood, and frankincense continues to increase as more people become aware of its healing qualities.

The fragrance of angelica oil is known to produce a sense of well being. Negative feelings and emotions are released, especially when a traumatic event disrupts normal life experiences. This essential oil is used to connect the physical consciousness with the spiritual consciousness in some cultures, and that practice s growing in popularity due to the history of the plant and the oil. Some cultures even call it “The Holy Ghost Oil.”

The Chinese use angelica oil to promote fertility, and it is currently listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a remedy for bronchitis, and a catalyst to increase circulation. Other studies show that the oil has a positive effect on the adrenal glands. It can be also used as a nervine tonic when it is blended into the solar plexus. The carminative effect of angelica oil strengthens the digestive system, and rebuilds body strength when a chronic illness depletes body energy.

It’s always best to test a small amount of angelica oil for skin sensitivity. It may be phototoxic so the ultra-violet rays of the sun should be avoided when it’s applied to exposed skin. The internal use of angelica oil may also interfere with anticoagulant drugs. Aromatherapists rely on the oil as an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, and depurative that can ease the discomfort of internal as well as eternal issues. The essential oil from the root of the angelica plant is non-toxic and a valuable remedy. It has effectively earned the title: “The Oil of Angels” in the Western World.

                          

Modern researchers have discovered numerous benefits when oregano oil is used in food recipes because it has the ability to stop the growth of microbes, which can cause several gastrointestinal issues. That ability has made it one of nature’s finest preservative. The mineral and vitamin content of the oil is impressive with iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, boron, magnesium, copper, and manganese being the main minerals, and vitamins C, A, (beta carotene) and niacin enhancing the mineral content.

It’s not just the minerals and vitamins that make oregano oil such an important antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory substance, it’s the oils within the oil that produce some amazing qualities. The carvacrol in oregano oil is effective against salmonella, Escherichia coli, and listeria monocytogenes. The thymol has antiseptic properties, and the terpenes in essential oils are found in several plants and flowers, and those oils have antibacterial properties.

The rosmarinic acid in the essential oil has antihistamine and antioxidant properties, plus it can reduce free radical cell damage, which lowers the risk of cancer and atherosclerosis. The naringin in oregano oil is a powerful antioxidant. It can inhibit cancer cell growth, and the tocopherols like vitamin E found in the oil are incredible antioxidants as well.

All of the chemical compounds in oregano oil help it produce amazing aromatherapy results. This ancient oil helps the internal as well as the external cells function normally. According to Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, oregano oil can help reduce fevers, bronchitis, cramps, childhood diseases like the mumps and measles, and it also helps regulate irregular menstruation. One of the most important uses for oregano oil is to prevent cell damage cause by free radicals, which are the unstable oxygen molecules that steal electrons from other molecules.

The antiviral properties of the oil go hand-in-hand with free radical control. Viruses attack damaged cells and take control and destroy them. The essential oil helps the immune system destroy the viruses so the cells can regenerate and begin to function normally.

                          

Using natural ingredients to combat the ill-effects of stress is both safe and effective. Treating stress with chemicals, such as those found in anti-depressants and over-the-counter medications, can be counterproductive to one’s overall health. Since many medications carry with them warnings of dangerous side effects, it seems only rational to opt for natural alternatives instead. Reducing work-related stress naturally can be better for physical, mental, and emotional health.

There are many ways in which lavender oil can be used to reduce work-related stress. The fragrant, calming vapors of this oil can be inhaled directly or the oil can be added to a hot bath. Most people can apply lavender oil directly on the skin without a carrier oil, but you may find after a patch test that you prefer to dilute the lavender oil with some jojoba or another base oil. The oil from the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) produces a calm, soothing, and sedative effect that can restore balance to the nervous system thereby promoting relaxation and uplifting one’s mood.

                          

The Chinese used it to boost the heart muscle, and the Indians made tea from the leaves in order to settle the stomach. The name comes from the Gingi region of India where the plant was first grown.

Ginger oil is extracted from the unpeeled roots of the ginger plant by steam distillation. The essential oil from the roots has a number of interesting chemical components that include: linalool, nerol, a-pinene, camphene, geranial, b-pinene, cineole, borneol, y-terpineol, neral, geraniol, zingiberene, b-bisabolene and geranyl acetate. These chemicals give ginger oil the ability to treat colds and the flu as well as arthritis and rheumatoid pain. The oil is also used on the skin to heal bruises.

The chemical compounds in ginger oil produce interesting properties so it is used as an antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, antispasmodic agent and carminative agent, as well as a analgesic, cephalic, febrifuge, rubefacient, expectorant, stomachic, tonic and sudorific agent.

Ginger oil has been used to treat arthritis for years, especially when it is combined with eugenol. When ginger oil and eugenol are used together, the anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic properties produce potent results; arthritis as well as rheumatism sufferers get relief, especially when ginger oil is applied during aromatherapy.

A ginger oil massage is also effective in relieving muscle aches, poor circulation, nausea, and digestive issues. Hot compresses will also make a difference, and a diluted bath with the oil from ginger does relieve flu and cold symptoms when it is combined with a wellness regime.

The other important factor that helps essential ginger oil maintain its status as a rock star among aromatherapy oils is its ability to blend with other oils like frankincense, bergamot, neroli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang and rose.

New homeopathic studies show that daily ginger oil compresses on affected joints, ligaments, and muscles will substantially ease the pain associated with arthritis as well as the pain that develops from ligament and muscle sprains. Abdomen compresses are recommended two times a week to compliment the daily compresses.

These studies point out the importance of combining an aromatherapy regime with a macrobiotic diet in order to get relief from degenerative joint issues as the body ages. The bottom line when it comes to ginger oil therapy is to use it regularly, and compliment the regime with a common sense approach to wellness.

                          

When allspice berries are steam distilled, very light and very heavy chemicals emerge. Those chemicals are combined to produce allspice berry oil. Leaves and stems are also used to produce allspice oil, but the berry distillation process produces better oil. The end product doesn’t contain as much eugenol so it’s kinder to sensitive skin.

The initial harvest of green allspice fruit takes place when the trees are eight years old. Ripe fruit loses its scent so there is a time element involved in producing quality allspice essential oil from the soon to be ripe fruit. Essential allspice berry oil can be combined with leaf and stem oil as well as cloves. This mixture produces a fiery oil, and it should be used with care.

For centuries allspice berry oil has been used to treat insect bites, headaches, colds, muscle distress, and sinus issues. It’s well known for its antioxidant value so long term users stand behind the claims that the oil reduces the signs of aging. Allspice berry oil is used to improve vision, to stop hair loss, improve hearing, and to relieve nervousness and mild anxiety. The analgesic and anesthetic properties of allspice berry oil as well as the warming, cheering, and comforting effects of the oil make it a rock star in the aromatherapy world.

The warm, spicy-sweet aroma, and balsamic body note cultivate a scent of pepper, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. Allspice berry oil is frequently combined with lavender, ginger, geranium, yiang-yiang, neroli, and patchouli to enhance healing properties, improve sleep patterns and to bring a sense of euphoria to each moment in the now.

The possible cancer preventing as well as the carcinogenic inhibiting qualities of the oil, plus the antibacterial, digestion, and circulation benefits of the allspice essential oil puts it in a unique class of aromatherapy oils that have an impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the human psyche.

Allspice berry oil is used in mist spray form as well as a massage oil, and an inhaler. Steam inhalation and a bath additive are also popular ways to use this versatile oil that can reduce cellulite, relax the body, relieve cold symptoms, and reduce annoying flatulence.

In this modern age, allspice berry oil tops the list of natural aromatherapy essential oils that can help the cells regenerate without frustrating side effects.

                          

In the past the women in the area worked for long days to extract the oil from the fruit. These argan nuts were hand cracked between rocks and the seeds were roasted. Then the roasted seeds were pounded into a paste-like consistency that was cold pressed so the oil could be obtained. The amount of work it took to obtain the oil made the finished product prohibitively expensive. Now argan oil is processed by machines, but it is still one of the most expensive oils in the world. The Argan tree is listed as an endangered and rare species by UNESCO and that protection makes the oil even more rare and valuable.

The price for argan oil for wellness is high but it’s very worthwhile. The oil from the argan tree is rich in vitamin E as well as other anti-oxidants that regenerate skin cells and eliminate free radicals. Even though the argan tree oil is more expensive than olive oil and other skin oils used for skin ailments it is highly regarded as one of the best and personal care products in the world.

The natural phenol compounds as well as the alpha tocopherols in the oil have recognized anti-aging properties. When the oil passes the skin barrier it has the ability to repair hair follicles. The omega 9 and omega 3 in the oil provide essential nutrition for the hair that alleviates conditions like dandruff, as well as frizzy and unmanageable dry hair.

Even muscles show response to organic argan oil. Muscles tend to stay firm and healthy when the oil is topically applied into different muscle groups. Arthritis as well as other painful conditions can be treated successfully with argan tree oil when the oil permeates the joints and the surrounding tissue.

This amazing oil has no cholesterol so it’s great cooking oil that effectively reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, some physicisans say it’s better than olive oil when it comes to preventing a breakdown in cell activity that can create cancerous growth.

Most people who use it as a skin product notice the nut-like roasted scent, but it disappears once it is immersed into the skin. Women from all over the world proclaim that acne, wrinkles, and reoccurring dry skin disappear quickly so smell is not an issue.

Argan oil is an amazing natural treatment that can alleviate a variety of symptoms without fear of any side effects. It is truly “liquid gold” for rejuvenating damaged cells and stimulating the immune system.