The Greeks say the name comes from a Turkish work that means “the lord’s pear,” but the Italians say the name comes from the town where the bergamot was first sold, which is Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy. Bergamot oil got its reputation from the perfume and toiletry industry, but the fruit has been used for years in Earl Gray Tea. The essential oil is composed of several chemical constituents like limonene, linalool, a-bergaptene, myrcene, b-bisabolene, linalyl acetate, neryl acetate, nerol, geraniol, a-terpineol, and geraniol acetate.

The bergamot’s skin plays an important part in aromatherapy oil treatments while the juice and the pulp are used for culinary purposes. The oil is a powerful analgesic and has antibiotic as well as antiseptic qualities. Bergamot oil can be a quick pick-me-up when minor depression, stress, and tension develop after a long day of tedious work, or when a major event spoils positive expectations.

When bergamot is used in burners it helps relieve respiratory issues, and when the oil is blended into a cream it’s used for cuts, acne, cold sores, psoriasis, and chicken pox. Bergamot is photosensitive so when the essential massage oil is used the sun should be avoided. Ingesting too much bergamot in tea can block potassium absorption so caution and common sense rule when bergamot is present in a drink.

The therapeutic properties of the oil include antiseptic, antibiotic, stomachic, calmative, antidepressant, digestive anti-spasmodic, cicatrisant, deodorant, vermifuge, vulnerary as well as febrifuge, and analgesic. Bergamot oil is used to treat fear, hysteria, tension, stress, and anorexia, plus all types of skin infections, depression, and hair loss.

Bergamot oil has a powerful effect on the stomach, spleen, and liver, plus it has a positive effect on the urinary track, which helps control urinary infections and inflammation like cystitis. Bergamot blends well with other essential oils like geranium, clary sage, rosemary, cypress, frankincense, black pepper, mandarin, , orange, jasmine, sandalwood, nutmeg, vetiver, and ylang-ylang.

Oily skin conditions as well as compulsive eating, postnatal depression, anxiety, SAD, PMS, and the general feeling of being fed-up with life can be treated with a bergamot massage or bath, and the bergamot vapor can relieve respiratory issues as well as depression issues.

Bergamot oil is still a faithful companion thanks to its sweet, fruity, and spicy floral quality. It’s the Lord’s Prayer for millions of depression and hair loss sufferers.

                          

Cinnamon bark oil has always been a highly prized gift; it was given to monarchs and even gods like Apollo to express appreciation. Middlemen kept the source of cinnamon a secret in the Mediterranean region back in the early days because spice trading from Asia was so lucrative. They wanted to protect their monopoly at all costs, and that strategy work for years until the versatility of the oil continued to expand.

Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, but Vietnam, India, and Madagascar also cultivate cinnamon and steam distilled the inner bark to produce the essential oil. The Dutch gained full control of the cinnamon business in Sri Lanka in the late 18th century, but by that time other countries were cultivating the trees so the monopoly that existed for years was rapidly dissolving.

Sri Lanka still produces 90% of the world’s cinnamon. China, India, and Vietnam also produce substantial amounts of the spice, but the species are different, which means there is a distinct difference in quality when the bark of those trees is steam distilled.

The aromatherapy properties of cinnamon oil are well documented. Those properties include antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, digestive, carminative, and stimulant. The oil blends well with other essential oils like bergamot, benzoin, clove, cardamom, frankincense, grapefruit, ginger, lemon, marjoram, mandarin, nutmeg, orange, peru balsam, peppermint, rose, petitgrain, and vanilla.

The effects of cinnamon bark oil as an antiseptic have been overshadowed in recent years by other uses, like covering the disagreeable aroma of other oils as well as for relieving stomach cramps and other digestive issues.

Essential cinnamon oil has powerful antioxidant qualities as well as important antimicrobial properties so the antiseptic uses for the oil continue to amaze people who have not been exposed to any sort of aromatherapy treatments.

Recent research suggests that cinnamon oil impacts cell activity, and an anti-melanoma response results at the cellular level. More research is needed to support recent findings, but the preliminary results suggest a chemopreventive factor in colorectal carcinogenesis.

The oil from Chinese cinnamon is also playing a part in the treatment of type 2 diabetes so cinnamon essential oil continues to help alleviate human issues like bad breath, common cold prevention, and an assortment of antiseptic and antimicrobial issues.

                          

The Chinese used it to boost the heart muscle, and the Indians made tea from the leaves in order to settle the stomach. The name comes from the Gingi region of India where the plant was first grown.

Ginger oil is extracted from the unpeeled roots of the ginger plant by steam distillation. The essential oil from the roots has a number of interesting chemical components that include: linalool, nerol, a-pinene, camphene, geranial, b-pinene, cineole, borneol, y-terpineol, neral, geraniol, zingiberene, b-bisabolene and geranyl acetate. These chemicals give ginger oil the ability to treat colds and the flu as well as arthritis and rheumatoid pain. The oil is also used on the skin to heal bruises.

The chemical compounds in ginger oil produce interesting properties so it is used as an antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, antispasmodic agent and carminative agent, as well as a analgesic, cephalic, febrifuge, rubefacient, expectorant, stomachic, tonic and sudorific agent.

Ginger oil has been used to treat arthritis for years, especially when it is combined with eugenol. When ginger oil and eugenol are used together, the anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic properties produce potent results; arthritis as well as rheumatism sufferers get relief, especially when ginger oil is applied during aromatherapy.

A ginger oil massage is also effective in relieving muscle aches, poor circulation, nausea, and digestive issues. Hot compresses will also make a difference, and a diluted bath with the oil from ginger does relieve flu and cold symptoms when it is combined with a wellness regime.

The other important factor that helps essential ginger oil maintain its status as a rock star among aromatherapy oils is its ability to blend with other oils like frankincense, bergamot, neroli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang and rose.

New homeopathic studies show that daily ginger oil compresses on affected joints, ligaments, and muscles will substantially ease the pain associated with arthritis as well as the pain that develops from ligament and muscle sprains. Abdomen compresses are recommended two times a week to compliment the daily compresses.

These studies point out the importance of combining an aromatherapy regime with a macrobiotic diet in order to get relief from degenerative joint issues as the body ages. The bottom line when it comes to ginger oil therapy is to use it regularly, and compliment the regime with a common sense approach to wellness.

                          

In the past the women of the area would work for twenty long hours producing oil from the fruit. The argan nuts were then hand crushed between stones and then the seeds were roasted. The roasted seeds were ground into a paste-like consistency that was pressed so the oil could be captured. The man hours it took to make the oil made the final product quite expensive. In modern times argan oil is processed with the help of machines, but it is still the most expensive oil in the world. The Argan tree is considered an endangered and rare species by UNESCO and that status makes the oil even more precious.

The cost for argan oil for beauty care is considerable but it’s worth it. The oil from the argan tree is rich in vitamin E as well as other anti-oxidants that support regeneration of skin cells and reduce free radicals. Even though the argan tree oil costs a lot more than olive oil and other vegetable oils used to treat skin ailments it is considered to be one of the best anti-oxidant and personal care products in the marketplace.

The natural compounds as well as the high levels of natural vitamin E in the oil have exceptional anti-aging properties. When the oil penetrates the skin it has the ability to repair hair follicles. The omega 9 and omega 3 in the oil convey essential nutrients for the hair that is effective for conditions like dandruff, as well as frizzy and unmanageable dry hair.

Even muscles respond to organic argan oil. Muscles tend to stay firm and appear to be healthier when the oil is topically applied into different muscle groups. Arthritis as well as other debilitating conditions can be controlled effectively with argan tree oil when the oil saturates the joints and the surrounding muscles.

This natural wonder oil doesn’t contain cholesterol so it’s great cooking oil that potentially reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, some analysts say it’s more efficacious than olive oil when it comes to preventing a breakdown in cell activity that can contribute to cancerous growth.

Most women who use it as a skin emollient notice the nutty toasted smell, but it dissipates once it is absorbed into the skin. Women from all over the world will tell you that acne, wrinkles, and problematic dry skin are reduced dramatically so the scent is not a problem.

Argan oil is an amazing natural remedy that can alleviate a variety of complaints without fear of harmful side effects. It is considered “liquid gold” in regards to correcting unhealthy cells and supporting the immune system.

                          

Fennel oil contains anethole, which explains why the oil is an essential part of aromatherapy. The polymers in fennel act as phytoestrogens so the medicinal uses for fennel oil were established centuries ago. The present Chinese pharmacopoeia promotes fennel for vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia recommends fennel for flatulent dyspepsia, anorexia, and colic in children.

Modern therapeutic applications for fennel oil are based on the past history of the essential oil as well as well established medical reports, phytochemical investigations, and various other studies. The result of those studies has made fennel oil a mainstream component in cough syrups, and carminative component in bowel and stomach remedies. Some people use fennel oil as a diuretic and a treatment for hypertension.

The first society to recognize the slimming attributes of fennel oil was the Greeks. They drank a cup of fennel tea fifteen minutes before eating a meal and notice a definite difference in their appetite. The Greeks decided that fennel oil fine tuned the digestive system so food was turned into energy instead of fat.

That thought process is not an old myth or wives tale. Fennel essential oil does remove blockage that impacts the liver, spleen, gall bladder, kidneys, and stomach. The antimicrobial properties of fennel oil promote weight loss in aromatherapy treatments and it treats gas, bloating, and indigestion at the same time.

The expectorant qualities of the oil thin out excess mucus, which helps treat respiratory issues that reduce the energy level and slow down normal cell regeneration. When energy is not converted to action of some kind it is stored in cells as fat. Fennel oil stimulates those cells and converts the fat back to energy.

In order to be effective in the fat burning process fennel oil impacts the metaphysical portion of the self as well. Fennel essential oil has the ability to enhance personal courage and strength. Those thoughts help the body burn fat.

The metaphysical explanation for this fat burning process is that fennel oil keeps negative energy at bay so positive energy manifests. The body reacts to positive energy by burning fat stored in cells in the stomach, thighs, and legs. Modern medicine is slowly recognizing metaphysical beliefs, and is using modern tools to measure fennel oil effectiveness in weight loss.

                          

These beauties were considered sacred messengers in the old Anglo-Saxon belief about the god, Wotan. The fertility power of the geranium petals was an underlying belief, but they were also prominently display in ceremonies to attract prosperity and abundance. Modern research has identified the hormone balancing ability of geranium oil so those old fertility claims may not be as crazy as the medical profession said they were back in the 20th century.

Geranium oil has natural antiviral, antibiotic, anti-fungal, antidepressant, analgesic, antiseptic, and astringent properties and it also have deodorizing capabilities. The oil has cicatrisant properties as well so it is used to reduce the appearance of surgery scars, acne, and minor burns. The regenerative properties of this essential oil make it an excellent choice when wrinkles and flabby skin develop as the body ages. There are 700 different varieties of geraniums, but only ten of them produce the essential oil.

The astringent quality of the oil helps alleviate eczema and psoriasis and the antimicrobial properties help heal cuts, scratches, and other minor abrasions. The oil is also an effective treatment for ringworm. Bruises and even hemorrhoids can be treated with geranium oil since it interacts with cells not only in the skin, but with cells in other organs in the body.

This cellular interaction impacts the hormones so the oil is very effective when it comes to treating excessive hemorrhaging and menstrual problems. Hot flashes disappear since the oil is balancing hormone secretion. The oil also helps support normal liver and kidney functions because of its interaction with the adrenal glands.

The uplifting emotional qualities of geranium oil are also obvious. While the oil is creating a balance between dry and oily skin it is also relieving excess stress and anxiety at the same time. Hormonal messages are sent to brain as well as to the cells in the skin and other organs. A sense of well being permeates the body and mind so tension, depression, fluid retention, eczema, edema, bruises, cellulite, and menstrual irregularities are addressed, especially when the oil is used in an overall wellness program.

Geranium oil can be massaged into the skin or it can be diluted in a bath and blended with bergamot, lavender, citronella, jasmine, clary sage, neroli, and cedarwood to alleviate a plethora of skin issues and balance cellular regeneration.

                          

The angelica plant is native to countries in colder climates like Russia, Lithuania, and Norway. Even the inhabitants of Iceland have had a close relationship with the angelica plant through the years. In Lapland the plant was considered inspirational, and in Norway it was used to make bread. The French developed liquor from the plant.

Angelica oil is well known for relieving joint pain, indigestion, flatulence, bronchitis, and some reproductive issues in women. Modern herbalists continue to rely on angelica oil to relieve muscle aches, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and stomach aliments.

This essential oil is also used in lotions, soaps, and perfumes, but the aromatherapy value of angelica oil, especially when it is combined with sandalwood, myrrh, cedar wood, and frankincense continues to increase as more people become aware of its healing qualities.

The fragrance of angelica oil is known to produce a sense of well being. Negative feelings and emotions are released, especially when a traumatic event disrupts normal life experiences. This essential oil is used to connect the physical consciousness with the spiritual consciousness in some cultures, and that practice s growing in popularity due to the history of the plant and the oil. Some cultures even call it “The Holy Ghost Oil.”

The Chinese use angelica oil to promote fertility, and it is currently listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a remedy for bronchitis, and a catalyst to increase circulation. Other studies show that the oil has a positive effect on the adrenal glands. It can be also used as a nervine tonic when it is blended into the solar plexus. The carminative effect of angelica oil strengthens the digestive system, and rebuilds body strength when a chronic illness depletes body energy.

It’s always best to test a small amount of angelica oil for skin sensitivity. It may be phototoxic so the ultra-violet rays of the sun should be avoided when it’s applied to exposed skin. The internal use of angelica oil may also interfere with anticoagulant drugs. Aromatherapists rely on the oil as an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, and depurative that can ease the discomfort of internal as well as eternal issues. The essential oil from the root of the angelica plant is non-toxic and a valuable remedy. It has effectively earned the title: “The Oil of Angels” in the Western World.

                          

Almost three thousand tons of eucalyptus oil is produced every year by China, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Spain, and Portugal. These countries generally produce three types of oil depending on the end use, but the most popular oil of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is the cineole-based version which has a spicy, as well as camphor like smell, and cooling effect. The medicinal uses of this naturally fragrant oil are well known and the fortification it provides to the immune system is considered a vital element in aromatherapy applications.

Eucalyptus oil has the ability to affect monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that are an important aspect of the human immune system. Monocytes have two main functions: First, they help initiate the defense systems when free radicals attach themselves to cells and begin to damage them, and second, they respond to inflammation and infection in the tissue, so the immune system can identify and divide the cells, and then regenerate new cell growth.

A fortified immune system is the foundation for an active lifestyle, as well as for an extended life cycle, so take a hint from the happy, healthy Koala bear and make the benefits of pure eucalyptus oil a part of your daily life!

                          

Ancient medical documents dating back to 1500 B.C. list frankincense, as well as myrrh, as remedies for certain illnesses. Frankincense oil held a regal position next to gold in that society (although it was not obtained in the same way we do modern distillation); it was used to treat skin blemishes and wrinkles, as well as viral infections and depression.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is closely related to myrrh (Commiphora myrrha); both are species of balsams. Boswellia carteri, also known as olibanum, originated in the Middle East and Africa. The resin is harvested from these small knotted balsam trees, and then distilled to produce an essential oil.

The use of frankincense is well documented during biblical times to treat a number of physical, as well as spiritual issues, and new research is exploring the ability of frankincense oil to stimulate human growth hormone (HGH) production in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland slows down the production of HGH after the age of thirty, so the body begins to show signs of aging.

Facial lines and creases, as well as sags and wrinkles begin to surface as HGH production slows down, but when frankincense oil is used, wrinkles seem to disappear. Compounds known as sesquiterpenes are found in frankincense oil, and they fortify the limbic system, so the key glands that secrete the hormones responsible for not only the aging process, but for the health of the cells in all organs in the body are stimulated. Reducing wrinkles is one of frankincense oil’s strong points; all the better if it is a function of restored hormone functions in the body.