Latin name: Myristica fragrans. Family: Myristicaceae. Distilled from the nutmeg seed and imported from East Indies. It has a spicy, nutmeg fragrance. Some traditional uses: for warming muscles, easing muscle aches and pains, to invigorate or stimulate the mind, an aphrodisiac, to stimulate heart and circulation, for relieving nervous fatigue. Avoid during pregnancy and use with care (can be moderately toxic if over-used). Emotional profile: For focus, relieving grief, guilt, agitation, to improve self-image. Blends with coriander, bay leaf, petitgrain, lime, orange, geranium, rosemary and clary sage.

The olive was probably first cultivated in Crete in around 3500 BC. The leaves have been used since those times to clean wounds. Olive leaves lower blood pressure and help to improve the function of the circulatory system. They are also mildly diuretic and may be used to treat conditions such as cystitis. Possessing some ability to lower blood sugar levels, the leaves have been taken for diabetes. The oil is nourishing and improves the balance of fats within the blood. It is traditionally taken with lemon juice in teaspoonful doses to treat gallstones. The oil has a generally protective action on the digestive tract and is useful for dry skin. Externally, it is a good, although sticky, carrier oil for essential oils.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Digestive, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.

Latin name: Cymbopogon martini. Family name: Graminacaea. Palmarosa oil is distilled from the tops of the plants and is imported from Nepal. It has a flora-rose grassy scent. Palmarosa is used today in Ayurvedic medicine. Some traditional uses: to stimulate cellular regeneration and moisturize skin, for nervous exhaustion and stress conditions, to calm and uplift. Emotional profile: for irritability, apathy and tension. Blends with: geranium, florals, cedarwood and sandalwood.

55) PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum) (Umbelliferae)

Parsley is probably native from northern and central Europe and western Asia. It was known in ancient Greece and Rome - but more as a diuretic, digestive tonic and stimulant of the menstrual flow than as a salad herb. Parsley leaves, seed and root treat urinary tract infections and help eliminate kidney stones. It also stimulates appetite and increases blood flow to digestive organs, as well as reduces fevers. Parsley was introduced into Britain in 1548. Parsley has the unusual ability of masking strong odors, that of garlic in particular (which is one of reason for the herb's frequent use as a garnish in cookery). Parsley root is more commonly prescribed than the seeds or leaves in herbal medicine. It is taken as a treatment for flatulence, cystitis and rheumatic conditions. Parsley is also valued as a promoter of menstruation, being helpful both in stimulating a delayed period and in relieving menstrual pain.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Digestive, diuretic.