If over-the-counter or prescription medications are currently being used to treat headaches and migraines, you may be exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. The chemicals in these medications can cause future health problems. Aromatherapy oils, such as peppermint, can naturally provide headache and migraine relief without potentially harmful long-term effects.

Peppermint oil can be massaged into the forehead, back of jaws, and temples, and users will experience a cooling sensation on contact. Within 30 minutes, individuals should feel relief from their headache or migraine. Everyone’s sensitivity levels are different, but it can be slightly irritating to the skin and it is recommended to use this oil on a patch of skin first to test for any adverse reactions. If no adverse reactions occur, the oil should be safe to use topically for the effective treatment of headaches and migraines.

Some people can be sensitized to topical use of peppermint oil, showing a slight rash from frequently using the straight oil undiluted. If you find that topical use of the oil helps the headache or migraine, but causes a slight skin irritation, then you can still use the oil diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba or olive oil to keep the skin protected.

                          

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.

                          

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 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.

                          

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.

                          

The familiar edible root, which is unmistakably orange, was actually developed by the Dutch during the 17th century. The wild flower that Western’s call Queen Anne’s lace, which decorates bouquets and fills fields with specs of tiny white flowers, was brought to America by English settlers. The leaves are finely detailed and the flowers appear in tiny cluster with a purple floret in the center.

Carrot seed oil may be the most underrated essential oil in aromatherapy, but there’s nothing but wellness surrounding this powerful detoxifier and skin rejuvenator. The soft earthy smell initiates the stress relieving characteristics in the oil, and when the oil is applied to the skin epidermal cells are stimulated, which keeps wrinkles in check. The oil is known for its ability to alleviate skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, weeping sores, and boils.

The therapeutic properties of this essential oil are antiseptic, diuretic, carminative, depurative, hepatic, stimulant, vermifuge, and tonic. The oil has a detoxifying effect on the liver so it fights jaundice while cleaning the digestive system as well as all other essential systems in the body.

Carrot seed oil strengthens the mucous membranes, and can help alleviate arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and edema symptoms. This essential oil is well known for revitalizing the skin. Rashes, eczema, and dermatitis are treated with carrot seed oil and the results are well documented.

The oil is an essential ingredient in vapor therapy, which boosts the respiratory system. When the oil is massaged into the skin or diluted in a bath it relieves muscle pain and increases the production of red blood cells. When carrot seed oil is blended with bergamot, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, cedarwood, geranium, and other citrus and spicy oils the results range from complete body detoxification to relieving fluid retention, which helps anorexia sufferers.

Essential carrot oil is non-toxic, but should be avoided during pregnancy. It’s a natural skin toner and tanning agent so it is the perfect anti-aging oil as well as an anti-wrinkle agent. Even though it is not promoted as a “Fountain of Youth,” the Romans and Greeks thought it was, and that thought is still in the minds of people around the world.

                          

Herpes is known as a viral infection for which there is said to be no actual cure. Skin lesions provide a visible reminder of the ailment, and for some they occur more often than others. Of course, when an outbreak does occur, it is painful and also rather unsightly. Adding insult to injury, these outbreaks usually happen when someone is stressed, which is perfectly understandable considering the impact of stress in our daily lives.

Ravensara oil offers topical relief while concurrently dealing with the viruses. Some people can use the oil ‘neat’ or undiluted as a spot treatment in smaller areas, such as for a cold sore; however, it is frequently mixed with a carrier oil or another non-sensitizing essential oil as a base. Either way, it can greatly decrease the amount of visible skin lesions and shorten the duration of any outbreak. Of course, using ravensara oil for cold sores, shingles, and herpes-related outbreaks may introduce the substance to highly sensitive skin areas, so a patch test is recommended before extensive use.

Although unlikely, be mindful of the potential for a possible skin irritation. Since the application of the essential oils is frequently very close to mucous membranes, there is a chance that over-mixing the essential oil results in too strong a substance that might lead to skin irritations. Experiment with different concentrations until finding the one that works just right for you.

                          

In the past the women of the area would work for twenty long hours to extract the oil from the fruit. These argan nuts were hand cracked between rocks and then the seeds were roasted. Then the roasted seeds were ground into a paste-like consistency that was cold pressed so the oil could be obtained. The amount of work it took to obtain the oil made the final product excessively expensive. Now argan oil is processed by machines, but it is still one of the most expensive oils in the world. The Argan tree is listed as an endangered and rare species by UNESCO and that status makes the oil even more rare and valuable.

The price for argan oil for beauty care is high but it’s very worthwhile. 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 is more expensive than olive oil and other vegetable oils used for skin ailments it is considered as one of the best and personal care products in the marketplace.

The natural compounds as well as the alpha tocopherols 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 provide essential nutrients for the hair that is effective for conditions like dandruff, as well as frizzy and unmanageable dry hair.

Even muscles show response to organic argan oil. Muscles tend to stay firm and healthy when the oil is topically applied into different muscle groups. Arthritis as well as other painful conditions can be controlled effectively with argan tree oil when the oil saturates the joints and the surrounding tissue.

This amazing oil has no 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 nut-like roasted smell, but it disappears once it is immersed into the skin. Women from all over the world will tell you that acne, wrinkles, and reoccurring dry skin disappear quickly so smell is not an issue.

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

                          

Pliny, the Roman author and naturalist, claimed it was an aphrodisiac, and the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed it for headaches, but his contemporaries used it as horse feed during breeding season. In modern aromatherapy, basil oil is used to lift the spirits and cheer the mind, especially when melancholy and sorrow overwhelm active thoughts.

Being a polymorph, basil oil comes in different strengths and is offered in a variety of scents and compositions. Scented oils range from the lemon, clove, and cinnamon and when the green and purple curly lettuce leaf basil plants are turned into oil they yield another type of oil.

There are two varieties that are used to extract large quantities of essential basil oil in this modern aromatherapy era. The first variety is the Exotic basil, which is grown and distilled on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The European type of basil is also used to produce commercial essential oil. It was originally harvested and distilled in Southern France, but is now cultivated in America as well. The constituents that give basil oil its flavor and aroma are methyl chavicol, linalool, and eugenol.

Reunion basil contains camphor but very little linalool. It has a harsh, woody aroma so it’s not used on its own in aromatherapy since those qualities don’t conform to the energizing and refreshing elements found in a sense of well being. Basil oil is often mixed with lavender, geranium, clary sage, and bergamot to give it balance and a more pleasing aroma. Sensitive skin may react to the methyl chavicol so basil oil is often diluted with another carrier like vegetable oil to prevent skin redness.

The basic uses for essential basil oil are to stimulate the adrenal cortex, decrease anxiety, depression, and fatigue and to treat symptoms of bronchitis, indigestion, gout, fever, and colds. It has hot and cold qualities that can pep up circulation or invigorate sluggish skin. When basil is combined with thyme it’s a powerful antiseptic.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used in baths, inhalers, massages, and facial masks. Basil is still popular as a culinary seasoning, but the essential oil of basil is a valuable friend that can help relieve common cold symptoms as well as rejuvenate and promote emotional stability. Basil has been a soul protector as well as a body protector for centuries. It’s no wonder the early Egyptians offered it to the gods.