Properties and uses of Natural Essential Oils

76) VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis )(Valerianaceae)

Valerian is native to Europe and western Asia. The medicinal properties of valerian were well known at least since Roman times. Valerian root is a general tranquilizer used for relieving nervous tension, insomnia and headaches. Valerian decreases muscular spasm, being useful in cases of nervous digestion, bowel syndrome, stomach and menstrual cramps. Valerian helps relieve stress and has become an increasingly popular remedy in recent decades. It is a safe, non-addictive relaxant that reduces nervous tension and anxiety and promotes restful sleep.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Sedative, relaxant, relieves muscle spasm, relieves anxiety, lowers blood pressure.

77) Vetiver - Earth Connection

Latin name: Vetiveria zizanioides. Family name: Graminacaea. Vetiver is distilled from the rootlets and is imported from Haiti. It has a heavy, woodsy, earthy-sweet scent. Some traditional uses: for muscular aches, to increase circulation, to relieve melancholy and nervous tension, for restful sleep. Emotional profile: for fears, obsessions, scattered thoughts, anger and hurt, unworthiness, neurotic behavior, addiction. Blends with: sandalwood, ylang ylang, clary sage, lavender, patchouli, jasmine and rose.

78) WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium) (Compositae)

Native to Europe, wormwood was called absintium by the Romans, what means "bitter". Wormwood leave's primary uses is to stimulate the gallbladder, help prevent and release stones, and to adjust digestive malfunctions. It also increases bile secretion and is useful in expelling intestinal worms. It is taken in small doses and sipped, the intensely bitter taste playing an important part in its therapeutic effect. In the past, wormwood was one of the main flavorings of vermouth (whose name derives from the German for wormwood).

MAIN PROPERTIES: Aromatic bitter, stimulates secretion of bile, anti-inflammatory, eliminates worms, eases stomach pains, mild antidepressant.

79) WILD THYME (Thymus serpyllum) (Labiatae)

Thyme is native to the west Mediterranean to southwest Italy. Like its close relative thyme (Thymus vulgaris), wild thyme is strongly antiseptic and anti-fungal. It may be taken as an infusion or syrup to treat flu and colds, sore throats, coughs, whooping cough, chest infections, and bronchitis. Wild thyme has anti-catarrhal properties and helps clear a stuffy nose, sinusitis, ear congestion and related complaints. It has been used to expel thread worms and roundworms in children, and is used to settle wind and colic. Wild thyme's antispasmodic action makes it useful and is used to settle wind and colic. Wild thyme is also used in herbal baths and pillows.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, anti-fungal, antispasmodic.

80) YARROW (Achillea millefolium )(Compositae)

Yarrow is a native European plant, with a long history as a wound healer. In classical times, it was known as herba militaris, being used to staunch war wounds. It has long been taken as a strengthening bitter tonic and all kinds of bitter drinks have been made from it. Yarrow helps recovery from colds and flu and is beneficial for hay fever. It is also helpful for menstrual problems and circulatory disorders.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antispasmodic, astringent, bitter tonic, increases sweating, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever, mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic.

81) YLANG –YLANG (Canananga odorata syn. Canangium odoratum) (Annonaceae)

Ylang-ylang is native to Indonesia and the Philippines. The flowers are a traditional adornment in the Far East. Their scent is thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. The flowers and essential oil are sedative and antiseptic. The oil has a soothing effect, and its main therapeutic uses are to slow an excessively fast heart rate and to lower blood pressure. With its reputation as an aphrodisiac, ylang-ylang may be helpful in treating impotence.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, aromatic, regulates blood pressure