Properties and uses of Natural Essential Oils

20) Cedar Deodara - Transformative Certainty

Latin name: Cedrus Deodara. Family name: Pinaceae. There are several varieties of cedar; the Cedar is one of the most beneficial for aromatherapy. The oil is distilled from the wood and is imported from India, North Africa. It has a woody aroma. Atlas cedar was believed to have been used extensively by the Egyptians in cosmetics, perfume and medicine. Some traditional uses: to relax tense muscles, calm emotions, help breathing, for enhancing meditation, easing pain, repelling insects, for hair loss. Cedar should be avoided during pregnancy. Emotional profile: for relief of irrationality, worry, fear and mental obsession. Blends with: bergamot, cypress, ylang ylang, rosemary, juniper, vetiver, neroli, clary sage, and frankincense.

21) CELERY, SMALLAGE (Apium graveolens) (Umbelliferae)

More familiar as a vegetable than as a medicine, celery find its main use in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout. Containing apiol, the seeds are also used as a urinary antiseptic. Celery is a good cleansing, diuretic herb, and the seeds are used specifically for arthritic complaints where there is an accumulation of waste products. The seeds also have a reputation as a carminative with a mild tranquilizing effect. The stems are less significant medicinally.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, diuretic, urinary antiseptic.

22) CHAMOMILE, GERMA (. Matricaria recutita)(Compositae)

Chamomile grows wild in Europe and west Asia. Related species are found in North America and Africa. Its flowers help to ease indigestion, nervousness, depressions and headaches, being ideal for emotion related problems such as peptic ulcers, colitis, spastic colon and nervous indigestion. Chamomile's essential oil have anti-inflammatory,anti-spasmodic and anti-microbial activity. It is an excellent herb for many digestive disorders and for nervous tension and irritability. Externally, it is used for sore skin and eczema. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a close relation, used in a similar way.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, relaxant, carminative, bitter, nervine.

23) CINNAMON (Cinnamomum verum syn. C. zeylanicum) (Lauraceae)

Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, growing in tropical forest and being extensively cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world. Cinnamon has a long history of use in India and was first used medicinally in Egypt and parts of Europe from about 500 BC. The infusion or powder is used for stomach pains and cramps. Traditionally, the herb was taken for colds, flu and digestive problems, and it is still used in much the same way today.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Warming stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-viral.

24) CLOVE (Eugenia caryophyllata syn. Syzgium aromaticum) (Myrtaceae)

Clove trees are original from Indonesia. The dried flower buds, clove, are extensively used as spice. The buds, leaves and stems are used for the extractions of clove's oil. Both the oil and the flower buds have been valued as a herbal medicine for a long time. The oil contains eugenol, a strong anaesthetic and atiseptic substance. Cloves are also well known for their antispasmodic and stimulative properties.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, mind and body stimulant, analgesic, antibacterial, carminative.

25) Chamomile Roman - Calm Acceptance

Latin name: Anthemis nobilis. Family name: Compositae. The oil is distilled from the flowers grown in the USA. It has a sweet and fruity aroma. Chamomile was a sacred herb of the Saxons. Some traditional uses: to relieve muscular pain, as a sedative, ease anxiety and nervous tension, to help with sleeplessness. Roman Chamomile should be avoided during early pregnancy. Emotional profile: to relieve anger, hysteria, fear, spirit disconnection, grief, worry. Blends with: bergamot, cypress, jasmine, juniper, neroli, frankincense, clary sage, vetiver, rosemary and ylang ylang.