Table of Contents Back Issues Homepage March 5, 2001       Healing attributes of some essential oils By Debra Mauldin       Subscribe to our free e-newsletter!       Since the beginning of civilization, people have been aware of the effects of scent on the body, mind, and emotion. Flowers were used to attract love, food, and protection. Fragrant plants were worn to heal the body. Not only are flowers fun to grow, lovely to look at, and wonderful to smell, but their essential oils provide us with a variety of attributes. following are some of the most commonly used essential oils from flowers, their uses, and properties. CHAMOMILE Anthemis nobilis Matricaria chamomilla Ormenis multicaulis The chamomiles are herbaceous plants with daisy-like flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers. It has a warm, fruity scent. Chamomile is associated with the Sun and the element Water. Roman Chamomile was used by ancient Egyptians, Moors, and was one of the Saxon's Nine Sacred Herbs. Chamomile is a very gentle healing oil. It is safe for children, but should not be used during pregnancy. (It's a uterine stimulant!) Simply inhaling the oil can help to improve the appetite, dispel emotional distress, tension and fear, free the mind from worry, and promote a peaceful sleep. Used as a massage or bath oil, chamomile essential oil will reduce fluid retention, ease painful menstruation cramps, relieve muscular aches and pains, help painful arthritic joints, and relax the body. It is good for dry, sensitive, or red skin. Use for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes, and itching. Use Chamomile in prosperity charms. Wash your face and hair with Chamomile to attract a lover. Also useful for meditation, banishing nightmares, determination, protection, and purification. GERANIUM Pelargonium graveolens Geranium Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of this shrub with small, pink flowers. It has a fresh, sweet, rose-like aroma. Geranium is associated with Venus and water. Mexican Curanderos use Geranium to cleanse and heal patients. Inhalation therapy will serve to calm and refresh the psyche. Essential oil of Geranium works as a mood adjuster; lifting depression, and helping us to gain control of our emotions. Used as a massage or bath oil, it balances hormones, relieves premenstrual tension, and aids in the treatment of cellulite. Geranium is useful for all skin conditions and types. Use Geranium in charms for love, to increase fertility, and to strengthen health. LAVENDER Lavendula officinalis This shrub has beautiful, blue-violet flowers on long spikes. The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers, and has a fresh, floral scent. It is associated with Mercury and air. Lavender and rosemary were worn together, in the Renaissance, to preserve a woman's chastity. Lavender essential oil is the most versatile and useful essential oil for therapeutic purposes. Its antiseptic properties make it useful in inhalation, massage, or bath for treating colds, influenza, and bronchitis. It eases migraines, nervous tension, insomnia, panic, and is particularly good for depression. Used as a massage or bath oil, it helps to treat high blood pressure, eases muscular aches and pains, and relieves joint pains. Lavender benefits all skin types. It is useful for inflammation, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils, sunburn, and insect bites or stings. Lavender is used in charms to attract lovers. It is a good oil to use in healing or purification baths. Lavender is also useful to induce sleep and brings clarity and focus for visualizations. ROSEMARY Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of this small shrub with pale, blue flowers. The oil has a refreshing, camphorous scent. Rosemary is associated with the sun and fire. It is one of the earliest plants used for food, medicine, and magic. The plant was used in the Middle Ages to drive away evil spirits and to protect against the plague. Rosemary is an important ingredient in 'Hungary Water' and in Eau de Cologne. When inhaled, the essential oil helps colds, influenza, cough, headaches, and mental fatigue. Used as a massage or bath oil it alleviates water retention, promotes circulation, eases menstrual cramps, and is especially good for tired, stiff, over-worked muscles. Rosemary stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. It is excellent for dandruff, oily hair, and hair loss. Rosemary has powerful purifying vibrations. Use in protection charms. Rosemary also aids memory and learning. When using any essential oil as a massage or bath oil, first dilute the oil in a vegetable oil, (1 drop essential oil to 1/2 tsp. Carrier oil). For inhalation therapy, you may use an Aroma Lamp, Diffuser, Light Ring, or simply place a drop of oil onto a clean cotton ball. Debra Mauldin is a Certified Aromatherapist. Visit her website at http://www.touchoflove.com 1-877-972-5683 Debra@touchoflove.com References: Francesca Watson, Aromatherapy Blends & Remedies (Thorsons, An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1995 Scott Cunningham, Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs ( Llewellyn Publications 1997)