CHAMOMILE - BLUE (Matricaria chamomilla) Sedative and Nerve Tonic Action: Less Stress

The essential oil is prepared by steam distillation from either the flower or the entire plant yielding an oil with a sweet, fresh and herbal character. Its use is largely for the treatment of psychological problems especially depression and the less severe feeling of melancholy. The oil has a claming, tension relieving effect. There is a large history of the oils use for childhood problems such as teething and colic, where the oil lends relaxing properties. Its action on decreasing anxiety and depression may be due to the actions on the central nervous system or may act peripherally on underlying conditions (such as gastrointestinal properties). Azulen found in the German Action of the oil (which lends a blue color) has been shown to have potent anti-fever properties, and may also be anti inflammatory.

CLARY SAGE (Salvia scalrea) Nerve Tonic Action: Less Stress

The oil is extracted from the dried plant through steam distillation yielding a fresh, strong and spicy scent. The oil is toxic if taken orally. While not extensively studied, there are anecdotal stories of the oil being useful in the treatment of hot flashes due to menopause. There are also anecdotes of the oil's diuretic properties and thus it may be useful in the treatment of water retention, especially those that are due to hormonal causes. Thought to be euphoric, calms anxiety, tension and stress; inspires a sense of well being.

CLOVE (Eugenia caryophyllata) Stimulant Action: Sensual Harmony

The oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves of the plant yielding a spicy, warm and sweet fragrance. Clove oil has been traditionally used as a remedy for toothaches and can be used as a disinfectant when diluted to 1 percent. Its disinfectant properties make it an excellent mouthwash. It is also an excellent insect repellent which can be added to suntan lotion. Its actions on the central nervous system include a calming and warming effect that can be administered when taken as a tea.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) Stimulant Action: Muscle Relaxant

The oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and branches, yielding a fragrance that is camphor and lemony-like. The high content of citral and citronellol account for the strong antibacterial properties of this oil. A 2 percent solution of the oil will kill up to 70% of staphylococcus sp. in a room. Thus, the oil has been used as a hospital disinfectant, to treat bronchial infections through inhalation, to treat gingivitis by gargling, and other conditions. In fact, the oil was used to treat malaria ( the oil is also effective as an insect repellent). Topically, the oil has been used to treat wounds and prevent infection. The cool odor also acts to stimulate and refresh the psyche. Other uses for the oil include as a deodorant, for skin care (especially acne), and as a liniment for muscle pain.

JASMINE (Jasminium officianalis) Stimulant Action: Revitalizes Mind and Body

This essential oil is extracted from the plant's blossom using a solvent - extraction method. The oil is expensive due to the difficulty harvesting and extracting the oil. Jasmine's effect on psychosomatic illnesses have long been known - its intense sweet, honey-like odor has strong uplifting qualities that may aid in the treatment of depression. Indian folklore also speaks of the strong aphrodisiac qualities of the oil. The oil is also used for relaxing massages during pregnancy. Topically, the oil aids the treatment of dry, and irritated skin. it is important not to take this oil internally. The main constituents of the essential oil are benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and d-linalool, as well as many others.

LAVENDER (Lavandula officinalis) Sedative and Nerve Tonic Action: Less Stress

The oil has a clean, fresh fragrance (from lavare (Latin) "to wash") and has been used for a long time to disinfect hospital rooms in Europe. The oil's antiseptic and analgesic properties have been well documented and the oil is commonly used for the treatment of insect bites, burns, wounds, muscle pain, neuritis, leg ulcers and other conditions. There are some reports of the oils use in the treatment of headaches and when taken internally for urinary tract infections. As an inhalant, lavender has been used for the treatment of bronchitis, influenza and common colds. As a topical agent, lavender has seen usage for the treatment of acne and eczema. The fresh scent has also been shown to be effective in decreasing stress, anger and nervousness. The major ingredient in the oil is linalyl acetate (35 to 60%), although the oil is extremely complex and all of the chemical constituents have yet to be uncovered.

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) Stimulant Action: Revitalizes Mind and Body, Muscle Relaxant, Sleep

This essential oil is distilled from the tropical grass. Its fragrance is cool, fresh and stimulating in quality. Much research has focused on the oils main component, citral which has clearly been shown to have antiseptic properties. The oil has been used as a hospital disinfectant. Other uses for this oil take advantage of its highly refreshing and stimulating scent; namely use as a stimulant to combat exhaustion. There are some dermatological applications for the oil, including as an astringent and for the treatment of acne. The oil may also possess diuretic properties.

ORANGE (Citrus aurantium) Sedative Action: Sleep

This oil is derived from cold pressing of the skin of the fruit. The oil is high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C and has a light , fresh and fruity scent. The major constituents are d-limonne, linalool, terpineol and others. This oil has been used for numerous purposes, including as a treatment for dry skin, and callous skin; as a disinfectant and as an antpyretic (fever-reducing). The oil is believed to have effects on the central nervous system including the ability to relax and comfort (this can be seen in children who are exposed to the oil). Thus, the oil is useful in the treatment of anxiety states and for depression.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita) Stimulant Action: Muscle Relaxant

The oil is derived by distillation of the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. The principal constituents are menthol (30-70%), terpenes (limonene, etc.), menthone and tannin. This well known scent has powerful psychological effects, namely stimulating and refreshing the central nervous system. It is therefore an excellant oil for fatigue and emotional stress. Other uses for the oil include as a weak antiseptic, as a mosquito repellent, to relieve toothaches and migraine headaches and as a mouthwash and in toothpaste's.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officianiles) Stimulant - Nerve Tonic Action: Revitalizes Mind and Body

This Essential Oil is produced by steam distillation of the flowering plant. Its use dates back to Ancient Egypt where it was used for "ritual cleansing". In Ancient Greece and Rome, the plant was used to enhance memory during studying. It is still believed today that the fresh, woody and strong odor of Rosemary aids concentration and is a central nervous system stimulant. The oil has mild antiseptic properties and can be used as a disinfectant (probably due to the presence of camphor in the oil). Other uses for the essential oil include treatment of oily skin and acne and as a circulatory system stimulant (for treatment of cold feet for example). It is important that pregnant women or epileptics not use this oil.

SANDALWOOD (Santalum album) Sedative Action: Sensual Harmony

The oil is produced by distillation of the crushed wood of the tree (an evergreen). The fragrance is sweet and woody in character. Grown primarily in India. Its major constituents include santanol, borneol, isovaleraldehyde and others. Much historical use of this oil is as an aphrodisiac and in fact, many believe that the odor of sandalwood is similar to the male hormone androsterone. The oil has only weak antiseptic properties and is rarely used for this purpose. More often the oil is used for its calming influence in conditions characterized by anxiety, stress and nervousness. It also has some utility in the treatment of dry skin and acne.

VETIVER Sedative Action: Sensual Harmony

The oil is produced by distillation of the roots of this tropical grass. The fragrance is earthy, heavy and woody. Many have described a renewed sense of energy after the use of this oil, but describe this energy as being balanced and controlled. Thus, it has found use in the treatment of exhaustion and severe nervousness. The oil is also an excellent insect repellent, especially for moths. Dermalogically, the oil may reduce stretch marks associated with pregnancy. The oil also has seen usage in the treatment of post-partum depression.

YLANG YLANG (Canangium odoratum) Stimulant Action: Sensual Harmony

Produced by steam distillation of the blossoms; yielding an oil with a sweet and exotic fragrance. Grown in the Philippines, Comoro Islands, Madagascar and Haiti. The major constituents of the oil are linalool (approx. 32 %), geraniol, eugenol, salicylate and numerous other alcohol's and esters. Its use has been best documented for three purposes: (1) as a relaxing agent, to lessen tension (including having the physical effects of lowering blood pressure and heart rate and reducing muscle tension, especially on the face). (2) as a skin lotion particularly for oily skin, and (3) for hair care, especially for split ends. Possible clinical situations where the oil may have some utility include: tension, depression, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety attacks and other similar cases.