Properties and uses of Natural Essential Oils

71) TARRAGON (Artemisia dracunculus) (Compositae)

Tarragon is probably native of southern Europe or the steppes of Asia. Historians believe that tarragon reached Europe brought into Spain by invading Mongols. Tarragon is widely used as a herb in cooking. In French, it is sometimes known as herbe au dragon, because of its reputed ability to cure serpent bites. While tarragon stimulates the digestion, it is reputed to be a mild sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. With its mild menstruation-inducing properties, it is taken if periods are delayed. The root has traditionally been applied to aching teeth.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, digestive.

72) TEA TREE (Malaleuca alternifolia )(Myrtaceae)

Tea tree is native to Australia and is now cultivated extensively. Tea tree, and in particular its essential oil, is one of the most important natural antiseptics. Useful for stings, burns, wounds and skin infections of all kinds, the herb merits a place in every medicine chest. Its therapeutic properties were first researched during the 1920s and it is now widely used in Europe and the US, as well as in Australia.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral.

73) THYME (Thymus vulgaris) (Labiatae)

Thyme occurs in the west Mediterranean to the southwest Italy. The herb was known to the Sumerians, used by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Thyme was praised by the herbalist Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) as "a notable strengthener of the lungs". Its main medicinal application is in treating coughs and clearing congestion. Many current formulas for mouth washes and vapor rubs contain thymol, one of the constituents found in thyme. It also improves digestion, destroys intestinal parasites and is an excellent antiseptic and tonic.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, tonic, relieves muscle spasm, expectorant.

74) Tangerine - Free Child

Latin name: Citrus reticulata. Family: Rutaceae. Cold pressed from the tangerine peel and imported from Brazil. It has an sweet, citrus scent. Some traditional uses: for relieving muscle spasms, to soothe and calm nerves, for stress relief and relaxation, to stimulate the liver and increase lymphatic drainage. May cause skin sensitivity to bright sunlight. Emotional profile: to heal inner child issues, for relieving anxiety, obsession with the past, emotional trauma. Blends with: spice oils, nutmeg, clove bud, lemon, neroli, bergamot, lime, orange and grapefruit.

75) TURMERIC (Curcuma longa syn. C. domestica) (Zingiberaceae)

Turmeric is native to India and southern Asia where it is extensively cultivated. Best known for its bright yellow color and spicy taste to lovers of Indian food, its medicinal value is not so well known. However, recent research has confirmed the effects traditionally associated in ancient practices in the treatment of digestive and liver problems. The herb has also been shown to inhibit blood-clotting, relieve inflammatory conditions and help lower cholesterol levels.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Stimulates secretion of bile, anti-inflammatory, eases stomach pain, antioxidant, antibacterial.