Category Archives: Essential Oil Information

Sage-Did You Know

Better Living, Did You Know, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , , ,

SageDid you know sage is the oil of purification? Sage is known for its ability to cleanse energy, and spaces. It also purifies the body, and opens spiritual channels. Sage is a powerful energy cleansing oil. It can send away unwanted or hard to endure energies, and restore harmony, and balance. It plays a role in helping people who have experienced any form of abuse, also feeling a disconnect from their physical body.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a herbaceous spicy aroma. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used the leaves of both species as compresses for the treatment of wounds. The oldest reference is a depiction of Salvia fruticosa on a fresco in Crete, which has been dated at about 1400 BC. The name salvia in fact comes from the latin, salvere, meaning to heal. It has been identified for its ability to strengthen the senses, and vital centers of the body.

Sage was used by herbalists externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. Internally, a tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs; often by gargling. It was also used by herbalists for rheumatism, excessive menstrual bleeding, and to dry up a mother’s milk when nursing was stopped. It is helpful for supporting the respiratory, reproductive, and nervous systems. Sage may help in coping with despair and mental fatigue.

Yarrow-Did You Know?

Better Living, Did You Know, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , , ,

YarrowDid you know yarrow is native to Europe? Now commonly found growing wild in North America (except far north). Yarrow is a familiar plant in meadows and fields, along the sides of country lanes, roadsides, on embankments, and in landfills. Yarrow is a member of the daisy family. In many parts of Europe yarrow was believed to protect against all evil.

The yarrow plant was first used by the Greeks over 3,000 years ago for treating wounds on the skin. The flowers and leaves of yarrow were eaten and also made into a tea. The fresh leaves were used to stop bleeding wounds, treat gastrointestinal problems, fight fevers, lessen menstrual bleeding and better circulation. The fresh leaves were also chewed on to relieve tooth aches. Scientists have credited yarrow for its benefits relating to almost every organ in the body.

Yarrow gives strength and energy to the body and mind. It has been studied for its ability to help circulatory disorders like hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Colic, constipation problems, indigestion and cramps are also influenced by using essential oils. Hypertension, Insomnia and other stress related issues are also dealt with using yarrow oil. Many other people claim it is great for allergies, and asthma.

Nutmeg-Did You Know?

Better Living, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , , ,

NutmegDid You know Nutmeg comes from the fruit of a 50 ft (15 m) tall tropical evergreen tree? Nutmeg is most commonly used as a cooking spice. The tree grows in Indonesia, New Guinea, and the West Indies. The dried nut and essential oil are both used to enhance your health.

Nutmeg is used in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine. It is most popular as a spice in food and drinks, and is also used in cosmetics and soaps. In ancient Greece, and Rome, nutmeg was highly valued and expensive. People were convinced it stimulated the brain. The Arabs have used nutmeg for centuries.

Nutmeg relaxes the muscles, and helps remove gas from the digestive track. It is most commonly used for stomach problems such as discomfort with indigestion. It is also used for chronic nervous disorders, kidney disorders, and to help with nausea, and vomiting. In Chinese medicine, nutmeg is used to treat abdominal pain, diarrhea, inflammation, impotence, liver disease, and vomiting. Some cultures have been know to use nutmeg as an aphrodisiac.

Patchouli-Did You Know?

Better Living, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , , , ,

Patchouli-Did You KnowDid you know Patchouli is the oil of physicality? It supports people in becoming fully present in their physical body. Patchouli gives praise to Yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki, or other exercises that direct the connection of spirit with the body. Patchouli helps us appreciate the greatness of the physical body, and all of its natural designs, and functions.

Patchouli is a member of the mint family. Patchouli is a fragrant plant from South Asia that has a very pleasant and memorable scent. Tradesmen and merchants would often take long trips between India and England by coach in the 1800s. Leaves from the patchouli plant were always included to protect merchandise from moth damage and leaving clothing with the familiar scent letting the buyer know the items being purchased were of the highest quality from Asia.

The Indians that lived centuries ago said the oil improved their mental sharpness and removed that sluggish feeling that can slow the body down later in the day before dinner. Researchers now know the unusual and strong fragrance of the oil helps patchouli produce a balancing effect on the emotions.

Combine patchouli with peppermint and apply to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck to help with headache symptoms. Apply one to two drops to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, or problem skin areas, or add to your favorite moisturizer. Combine with vetiver, and apply to the bottoms of feet to help calm emotions.

Cassia-Did You Know?

Better Living, Did You Know, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , ,

Cassia-Did You KnowDid you you know Cassia is the oil of self assurance? Cassia brings pleased delight, and the ability to do things that might frighten you. It is a delightful remedy for those that show nervousness or have a lack of courage. Cassia helps people with a feeling of doubt or disbelief by replacing these feelings with self assurance. Cassia helps people in self discovery of their authentic self.

Cassia is mentioned three times directly in the Bible, and mentioned over 65 times indirectly. It is a fragrant, aromatic bark and was probably used in a powdered form, and as one of the perfumes at funerals. Cassia, like cinnamon, was used by the Romans. Cassia was recorded in one of the oldest known medical records. It was in the Ebers papyrus an ancient book that contains over 800 recipes.

Cassia is a close relative to Cinnamon, has a strong, spicy aroma that can be used in small quantities to transform any essential oil blend. Cassia has been used for thousands of years to maintain physical health and promote emotional well-being. Cassia has an unmistakable fragrance and calming properties.

Cassia is a “warming” oil that helps promote circulation while maintaining healthy immune function. It can also aid in digestion, lessen nausea, and is a great oil to diffuse during cold months due to its warming properties and spicy scent.

Due to its caustic nature, Cassia should be diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil when applied to the skin and can be very strong when inhaled directly. When diluted, Cassia can help soothe sore, achy joints. Cassia can be used in cooking either as a replacement for Cinnamon in pies and breads, or by itself in many different entrees and desserts.

Carrot Seed-Did You Know?

Better Living, Did You Know, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , ,

Carrot Seed
Did you know that carrot seeds were at one point thought to be a contraceptive? There are many records in history, including Hippocrates, that the seeds were used for birth control. Carrot seed oil is perhaps one of the most under appreciated essential oils. It has been studied for it’s antiseptic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, and vermifuge properties.

Carrot seed oil has well known health benefits. It nourishes, and tightens skin, helps stimulate an appetite, treats ulcers, improves liver and gall bladder issues and Stimulates the lymph system. Carrot seed oil also helps women with breast milk production after childbirth. It eases hiccups, colic, flatulence, and treats kidney stones and jaundice

Carrot seed oil is said to contain a high SPF factor when diluted with a carrier oil. According to a study published in “Pharmacognosy Magazine” in 2009, products containing carrot seed oil have a natural SPF of between 38 and 40. Determining the exact SPF factor of an oil is difficult, especially given that natural oils oxidize which means they lose some of their medicinal properties.

Angelica-Did You Know?

Better Living, Did You Know, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , ,

Angelica The PlantDid you know Angelica is the oil of spiritual opening. Angelica essential oil acts as a spiritual guide. It opens the soul to spirituality by giving support to everyone that is on a path with their True Self, and with their higher power. Angelica assists in healing a wide range of spiritual issues such as lack of faith, feeling spiritually manipulated, or controlled by others, or feeling cut off from Divine love. It encourages a willingness to open the mind, and see spirituality in a new light.

According to one European legend, Angelica was shown in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. This is the reason this plant was named Angelica. All parts of the plant were believed to be effective against evil spirits and witchcraft. It was held in such high regard that it was called ’The Root of the Holy Ghost.’

Angelica is used a lot in the world of herbal medicine. It is useful in the treatment of fevers, colds, coughs, flatulent colic, and other stomach disorders. Externally it is used as a medicinal gargle for sore throats, and mouths and as a medicinal poultice for broken bones, swellings, itching, and rheumatism. It has been studied for antibacterial properties which help to prevent the growth of various bacteria. Angelica should not be taken in large quantities by pregnant women.

Blue Tansy-Did You Know?

Better Living, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , ,

Blue TansyDid you know Blue Tansy is the oil of Inspired Action? Blue Tansy helps those that try to prevent action on what they know to be true. Instead of listening to their conscience they are indecisive and postpone action. Their will becomes paralyzed as they refuse to listen to their inner voice for guidance. Blue Tansy invites people to show their inspiration through action.

The Charlemagne and the Benedictine monks of St. Gall are just a few people of interest who have grown and harvested Blue Tansy for its valuable wellness-promoting properties. The ancient Greeks cultivated Blue Tansy for a variety of wellness practices, as well. The Irish have a history of using Blue Tansy to help with joint discomfort, and would combine it with salts in fragrant, calming hot baths.

Blue Tansy is best used for allergy relief, sore muscles and skin care. It also stimulates the thymus gland so it can help with stimulating your immune system. Blue Tansy has similar properties to the Chamomiles, it has sometimes been called “Blue Chamomile” but that is not correct. Always check the botanical name. Blue Tansy Is good to use for rashes, eczema, and dry skin.

Because Blue Tansy is so strong, use carefully.This oil is a very peaceful oil, works very well for skin care. While the azulene is what makes the oil blue, it also is known for skin care properties. Since it is blue in color, be aware it will change the color of any recipes you put together. Especially if you put it in white or cream colored lotions.

Blue Tansy is generally non-irritating and non-toxic. Nonetheless, the preferred way to use is external. It seems to display its strongest effects if its maximum concentration in a blend does not exceed 5%. Avoid use during pregnancy.