Balsam Copaiba is a good anti-inflammatory oil. The research on this oil shows that it has been found most beneficial in chronic mucous congestion, bronchitis, irritable conditions of the bladder, skin conditions and chronic diarrhea. I have personally seen it be effective for inflammation, fungal conditions and relieving pain.

Basil is excellent for soothing a chest cold with a spasmodic cough. It is a very effective antispasmodic, and can stop coughing for several hours after each application to the chest. I also like to rub a cream with sweet Basil on my neck to get rid of a headache. It can be used on its own or blended with Lavender. It seems to work best if the headache is stress or tension related. It is also a good digestive aid and can be added to a blend for gas or cramping after eating. Basil is also used for muscle pains and cramping.

Bergamot works well in massage oils to reduce tension and soothe painfully tight muscles. It offers an antiviral effect and stimulates the immune system. It is a powerful antispasmodic and can be effective in reducing and eliminating abdominal cramps and spastic coughing. Bergamot is also an effective aid for digestion. Great for restless leg syndrome. Bergamot offers an emotionally uplifting effect to combat stress and depression and is calming for the nervous system. It is one of the most valuable oils I have used to support emotional health and well-being. Try using it in a diffuser, especially for depression, as it offers a light, uplifting and lovely aroma to the room.

Cedarwood is traditionally considered a male fragrance and is often used in cosmetic products for men. Its sweet, woody aroma is often incorporated into blends as a base note, giving strength and stability to the aroma. It appears to offer these same properties on a mental/emotional level as well. Cedarwood is great to blend into a cream for the chest to relieve congestion and suppress coughing. It has a stimulating effect on the respiratory system and is especially useful when an infection is present. Its astringent and antiseptic qualities make it useful in skin care, especially for acne. It can also be used for itchy skin and for nourishing the hair.

Clove is a great oil to add to blends for any cold, painful, constrictive situation. It offers warming effects, reduces pain, and is strengthening for the body overall. Clove is a wonderful digestive oil and can be added to blends that are massaged into the abdomen to assist digestion. Very strong oil for cold and flu prevention. Use at a 1% dilution, 5-6 drops per ounce of carrier oil or lotion. Combine with other oils such as Ravintsara, Pine, Sandalwood, Lavender and Ginger when a cold is coming on. Clove has a strong character and can be used to emotionally support someone who is feeling weak and in need of more energy. Its spicy, warm aroma lends itself to an uplifting effect when used in a blend.

Coriander oil is known to be refreshing and uplifting for the mind. It can help reduce mental fatigue—especially when blended with other uplifting oils such as Orange and Rosemary. Coriander has been used for headaches, muscle tension and exhaustion. Coriander is warming and great for reducing pain from rheumatism, arthritis and muscle spasms. The aroma of Coriander essential oil is just like the fresh cilantro herb, bright, lemony, and vibrant. It is beautiful when added to a massage oil, bath or natural perfume. We have blended it with Bergamot and Balsam fir to create a wonderful oil for muscle pain and stiffness.

There have been great results using Cypress to relieve the swelling and pain of varicose veins, especially with a little Lemon oil added to the blend. Cypress is astringent and therefore useful for areas of excess fluid. Try adding it to skin care blends for oily skin; it is great to use with a clay mask. It can be great for stopping sweaty feet! When spasmodic coughing is the concern, smelling a few drops of the oil on a tissue can calm the lungs and can also stop an asthma attack in the beginning stages. Cypress can be used in a diffuser to bring a lovely, woodsy aroma to the room. Often used in blends for menstrual symptoms and to reduce cramps. Great for restless leg syndrome.

Elemi oil is made from a large tropical tree from the Philippines. The tree is closely related to Frankincense and Myrrh and exudes a natural yellow resin. It is only when the tree sprouts leaves that the resin is produced. The resin solidifies on contact with the air and is then distilled to produce an exotic, beautiful essential oil.Elemi has a long history of use in skin care and for respiratory complaints. It is used to reduce mucus, heal respiratory concerns, and is very calming for a cough. It is effective for chest infections, especially where there is a lot of mucus. If used in steam inhalation or inhaler it can be beneficial for reducing mucus and for sinus infections.

Eucalyptus Citriodora is called lemon-scented eucalyptus, as it has a lemon scent. It is a calming oil, great to get rid of fungus, and very antiseptic. It is also a great anti-inflammatory. It is the main ingredient in many natural bug repellents. Combined with Patchouli and Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) it is very effective.

This is a very unique Eucalyptus oil that I love having in my collection of essential oils. It is especially good for reducing thick mucus, great for that cold or flu that you just can't get rid of and the congestion that is driving you crazy! You can steam with it, or put it into a chest rub, cream or oil. It has a lovely aroma, is great to use with kids and adults, and is deeply effective. Also great for getting rid of headaches when combined with Frankincense.

Frankincense has classically been used as incense and to deepen meditation. I often add Frankincense to skin care products for dry, aging skin and to reduce scar tissue. It blends well with Rose and Lavender for skin care blends. It has been found that people who suffer from asthma or ongoing respiratory conditions can benefit from using Frankincense on a regular basis in many forms: in oil or cream on their chest, as an addition to shampoo, inhaled from a tissue or a diffuser, or in a bath or foot soak. Frankincense is excellent for headaches and tension in the neck muscles. Use for any muscle pain or trauma. The oil has a resinous, rich aroma. Frankincense can aid in calming the lungs and the emotions, and it’s great for restless leg syndrome.

Geranium has a lovely aroma for diffusing in the air in small quantities. The floral, rosy scent is uplifting and fresh. This species of Geranium emphasizes the more earthy, woodsy tones of the oil, while the Pelargonium x asperum emphasizes the more floral qualities of the oil. Geranium has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. I like to use it with women who are bloated prior to or during their menstrual cycle. It can be very useful in reducing edema and fluid retention through its regulating action. For swollen ankles Geranium can be used in a bath, blended into a cream or oil, or added to a cool foot soak. Try adding a bit of Grapefruit to the Geranium to enhance the therapeutic effects. Try adding one drop to a small handful of shampoo before washing your hair. It is known to balance the production of sebum and is used for hair or skin that has excess oil or excess dryness. It can also bring health to skin and hair that is oily with dry patches or dry with oily patches. Geranium’s regulating action can help with PMS, mood swings, and balancing the menstrual cycle.

For healing any injury to muscle, tendon or ligament, I find German Chamomile to be one of the most powerful oils available, especially in combination with Helichrysum. Its anti-inflammatory and cooling action is a highly effective relief to pain and heat. German Chamomile is especially great in a bath after a stressful day, to soothe the nervous system and support sleep. It has a calming effect and is nourishing to the skin as well. The oil has a bittersweet, deep aroma and beautiful dark blue color. German Chamomile is also very effective when used to treat superficial inflammations such as rashes, insect bites, and burns.

Ginger is used in any condition where the body is not dealing well with internal or external moisture. Diarrhea and excess mucus are examples of inability to deal with internal moisture. Rheumatism, along with many other winter health concerns, is aggravated by external damp conditions. The warming properties of Ginger are called for in these situations. Try adding a few drops of Ginger to your blends in the winter. It offers that spicy, warming, soothing sensation that is so needed at this time of year. Ginger stimulates more circulation to the areas on which it is used. Its antispasmodic properties bring relaxation and calming to an otherwise contracted situation. When the stress of contraction is relieved, the opportunity for healing arises. Good for nausea caused by traveling, pregnancy, and chemotherapy.

Although it is often used for its wonderful diuretic and astringent properties, I love Grapefruit most for its sparkling aroma. The scent adds such sunshine to whatever space it is diffusing in. Great for making a room spray or adding to dried flowers in a bowl. Use freely in a diffuser. Sometimes I will add other citrus oils like Lime and Orange for a more expansive scent. The smell brings freshness and is a great choice any time of year. Grapefruit is a great deodorizer.

Helichrysum Bracteiferum is characterized by its pronounced anti-inflammatory action. Helichrysum Bracteiferum is known more for healing infections, getting rid of headaches, reducing inflammation and boasting the immune system and less specifically for wound healing.

Hemlock provides a very strong antispasmodic effect, perfect for spastic coughs and tightness in the lungs and chest. Excellent expectorant and mucolytic, used to support the immune and respiratory systems. Hemlock is great combined with peppermint for thicker mucus. Good adrenal gland tonic.

Ho Wood has a similar nature to Rosewood and is considered both emotionally uplifting and calming to the mind. Due to its high % of linalol the oils is thought to be deeply nourishing and supportive to the immune system. We use this oil for healing from an infection, cold or flu, as well as for assisting in sleep. Ho Wood is a deep sedative. Ho Wood offers the immune system a boost. I use it as a regular part of my preventative health care and feel blessed to have this oil in my life. My favorites uses for Ho Wood are in a bath, cream, massage oil, and in shampoo. When I am traveling I will put a few drops on a cotton ball, put it in a plastic bag, and open it up every few hours to smell its woodsy, lightly floral aroma. Ho Wood is also a great oil for reducing inflammation, spasms and pain in muscles and joints. It has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect and when combined with oils such as Helichrysum, Lavender and Black Spruce, it makes a wonderful massage oil. Great for insomnia!

Juniper Berry\'s detoxifying effects are outstanding. I use the oil frequently in massage oils and baths. If your client is an athlete or has done some extensive physical activity, a Juniper Berry bath with sea salts is just the thing. Juniper Berry is also used widely for edema, lymph congestion, bloating, varicose veins, and fluid retention. We have used Juniper Berry for treating acne with good results. It is very astringent, and due to its antiseptic qualities it will help cleanse and heal the infected areas. You can also put it in my homemade cleaning products along with Pine and Lemon. It is great for bathrooms, floors, and kitchens and you increase your immune system\'s health as you clean, unlike using chemical cleaners that are toxic to your system.

Lavender has an outstanding balancing and healing effect on the nervous system. Considering that so many illnesses are stress related, Lavender holds a special place in both preventative health care and in the treatment of tension-related illnesses. It offers a soothing and antispasmodic effect that can assist tight muscles, digestive problems, spasmodic coughs, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and tension headaches. Great for restless leg syndrome. Lavender's anti-inflammatory, skin-healing properties will help heal burns, bug bites, wounds, bee stings, rashes, acne, and skin irritations or infections. Use a few drops of Lavender in any blend for reducing emotional tension, unwinding physical pain, and for any sudden skin problems.

Lemongrass is especially known for its analgesic and anti-fungal properties. Lemongrass is also considered a powerful analgesic and is used to assist the healing of any injury to muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone. It is cooling and lovely to use in a blend for hot and inflamed situations. I enjoy using it in the summer months in my massage oils. I add just a few drops to my blend for a refreshing, emotionally uplifting and cooling effect. It has a dry, citrus aroma that is stimulating and refreshing. Lemongrass is outstanding in a blend for dealing with fungus. When blending with lemongrass it is useful to add a skin nourishing oil to the blend such as Sandalwood or Patchouli (which also help care for the area of fungus) to neutralize the potentially skin irritating effects of the Lemongrass.

Myrrh is one of the oldest essential oils known, dating back almost 4,000 years, used by the ancient Egyptians. Today it is also known for its use in religious ceremonies, skin healing, and protection against wrinkles. Excellent to use for bedsores, wounds, and hemorrhoids. It has a warm, resinous, unique aroma. Myrrh has been used for many kinds of skin issue: athlete’s foot, slow healing wounds or fungus, eczema, and mature skin are a few examples where Myrrh has been of great assistance. It has a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Myrrh is great to add to your respiratory blends for coughs, congestion, colds, and the flu.

Nutmeg is most useful as a digestive tonic and stimulant. The spice is traditionally added to food to support digestion and to reduce gas after eating a heavy meal and for nausea. It can be useful for reducing diarrhea. The oil is helpful to reduce the swelling and pain in arthritis and rheumatism. I like to add it into a cream or oil (at no more then 1%-5-6 drops of Nutmeg in one oz. of carrier oil) to help reduce the pain in swollen joints and muscles.

Patchouli is an excellent insect repellent both applied on the body and used as incense. The oil is used as a perfume and a deodorant, and in the past was used to scent clothes and keep away moths. Research shows the oil’s antibacterial effects are strong. Patchouli can be used in blends to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also be used in blends for skin conditions such as dryness, inflammation, scars, sores, eczema, and wounds. It is moisturizing and cooling for the skin. Its sedative action makes it a great oil to use at night in a bath.

Rosewood has a similar nature to Ho Wood and is considered both emotionally uplifting and calming to the mind. Due to its high % of linalol the oils is thought to be deeply nourishing and supportive to the immune system. We use this oil for healing from an infection, cold or flu, as well as for assisting in sleep. Rosewood is a deep sedative. Rosewood offers the immune system a boost. I use it as a regular part of my preventative health care and feel blessed to have this oil in my life. My favorites uses for Rosewood are in a bath, cream, massage oil, and in shampoo. When I am traveling I will put a few drops on a cotton ball, put it in a plastic bag, and open it up every few hours to smell its woodsy, lightly floral aroma. Rosewood can be blended with Lavender to relieve a headache. Put both oils into a carrier oil (St. John's Wort is my favorite for a headache) and rub on the back of your neck and on your throat as soon as the headache begins. It is also known for its skin-healing ability (antibacterial and antifungal). I like to steam my face with a drop of Rosewood in a bowl of hot water. Use the same technique for a sinus steam and let your skin soak up the Rosewood. It has a wonderful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-spasmodic action and is used for colds and flu, especially when there is muscle pain as well, and a heavy cough. Great for insomnia!

Sandalwood has been used for centuries as incense. Its aroma has a way of quieting the mind and settling the breath. I go through phases of using it daily and always appreciate the calm it brings to me. I like to put it in unscented liquid soap and in foot massage creams to experience the soothing, strengthening, and grounding effects. It has a woody, balsamic, sweet aroma. One outstanding effect of Sandalwood is its affinity for the throat. If I feel a sore throat coming on, I will put a drop under my chin and on my neck and the sore throat will often clear it up within a few hours. If you feel a cold coming on, use the Sandalwood, and try a few steams with Eucalyptus, Ravintsara and Pine. Then try a hot bath with Rosewood and Roman Chamomile. This ritual can prevent a cold from settling in. Sandalwood is also used as a moisturizer and antiseptic for skin concerns. You can put a bit of it on a warm cloth and use that as a compress for dry or dehydrated skin.

Tea Tree is often used in a steam for its decongestive, anti-infectious and expectorant properties. This is a valuable oil to have in your essential oil medicine chest. Try putting a dab of Tea Tree or Lavender on a pimple or infected spot of acne. It will help to clear it up. It has a medicinal, strong aroma. Tea Tree is widely used for fungal infections and I have seen it work best in combination with other antifungal oils. (Eucalyptus Citriodora, Geranium, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Rosewood, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Spikenard, and Palmarosa are other antifungal oils.)

Tumeric is warming and analgesic for rheumatism and any painful, cold joint condition. It is also a wonderful digestive aid, and reduces excess fluid. Calming for the nervous system, turmeric offers us a warm and calming support for reducing pain and a great anti-inflammatory oil. Tumeric rhizome is a source of orange and yellow dyes for silk and wool, traditional coloring for the robes of Buddhist monks. The oil can stain light colored clothing so be sure to dilute it well.

White Pine offers an analgesic effect, especially when combined with Lemongrass and Norway Pine. Excellent oil for reducing the congestion of a cold or flu, and for supporting sleep when the body is aching and tired. This is a nice, soft oil, great for kids, gentle and very effective.

The floral, sweet scent of Ylang Ylang is amazing. It is known for its unique relationship to the heart and its ability to slow a rapid heart beat. I have had great results with this oil. It can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of shock and trauma. Ylang Ylang is a strong sedative and antispasmodic. Try adding into your massage oils. It can be used in a bath to help alleviate insomnia and reduce tension. It can be added to cream as a beautiful moisturizing agent and is generally good in skin care blends. You only need a drop or two in 1 oz. of carrier. One drop in your bath is plenty given the powerful sweet, floral aroma. Good results reducing anxiety!