Atlas Cedar

Moroccan Atlas Cedar oil is valued for its ability to gently but persistently stimulate circulation and metabolism. It counteracts the storage of excess moisture and fat in tissue, and stimulates their elimination. When combined with certain oils, it is the strongest weapon against cellulite.

Atlas cedar oils is very useful when a strong stimulating effect is needed that is not too aggressive or irritating. The stimulating power of atlas cedar oils does not manifest itself as quickly as phenol-containing oils, such as thyme or oregano, but its effects are deeper and longer lasting.

This potion supports the adrenals but does not overstimulate the kidneys like coffee can. After your morning shower, apply all over the body, concentrating on the area over the kidneys. The oils are hydrophobic, which means the potion will penetrate the skin faster when it is wet.

Fatigue Potion

30 drops Black Pine
30 drops Pine (common)
15 drops Peppermint
30 drops Atlas Cedar
50 mL Hazelnut Oil

Cinnamon

Cinnamon oil is comprised of cinamic aldehyde, and there is a reason it is used in food as it counteracts enzyme deficiency in the digestive tract.

For any kind of digestive ailment, you can digest 1-2 drops in water, or if that is too sensitive to your mouth, try gelatin capsules. Use for no longer than 14 days.

Cinnamon should NEVER be used externally without a carrier oil. It will burn the skin.

Test your tolerance by placing a small amount of the oil on the inside of the elbow and waiting 24 hours to be sure that no allergic reaction has appeared.

For fungal skin infections, try this potion.

60 drops  Thyme Oil (thymol type)
30 drops  Oregano Oil
30 drops  Cinnamon Oil
15 mL     Hazelnut/Almond Oil

This mixture will most likely get rid of the most stubborn fungus if applied 2x per day for up to 14 days. If clear improvement is not visible after 2 weeks, discontinue use.

Candida Albicans

The random elimination of beneficial bacteria by antibiotics gives organisms such as Candida Albicans (a yeast fungus) free reign to spread. Metabolic waste products of candida inhibit the efficient functioning of the immune system. Often this condition is due to careless antibiotic use. If this is the case, avoid it in the future.

The treatment starts with high dosages of oregano, reducing it on the third and then again on the fourth day, then continues with essential oils with a high terpene alcohol content such as:

Thyme, Linalol type
Tea Tree
Geranium 

Try 5 drops of Oregano in water, (or if you are sensitive to the spicy flavor of oregano oil, you can put the drops in a gel capsule) for two days, 3  drops on the third and 1-2 drops on the fourth day then continue with 1-2 drops per day of the above essential oils for a total of 7-10 days.

Take note, the body often reacts to the oregano treament with a typical "die-off" reaction. Elimination of the dead yeasts is accompanied by nausea and headaches.

Anise

The character of Anise oil is dominated by its 97 percent anethole which gives a strong calming effect on the nervous system.

Anise acts estrogen-like and can used for amenorrhea (irregular periods).

The oil minimizes overexcitement, stabilizing moods, is good for digestion and helps in the recovery over a hangover.

Mandarin Petitgrain

This oil is from the leaves of the mandarin tree and is mostly composed of esters (methyl anthranilate), which means it is very stress-relieving.

In the plant world, esters are almost always strongly aromatic, often with a distinctive, fruity note. In aromatherapy, oils with a high ester content are used for their balancing and antispasmodic effects. Mandarin Petitgrain has esters of acids with seven carbon atoms which has the strongest antispasmodic effect.

It's so effective that even small amounts (1 to 5 percent in a mixture) added to other calming oils will intensively strengthen the sedative effect of the composition.

Here's a Potion for Stress and Anxiety.

30 drops Mandarin
30 drops Mandarin Petitgrain
30 drops Lemon Verbena

Rub 1 or 2 drops of this mixture on the temples and above the solar plexus as often as necessary.

Fungal Potion for Toenails

Although Tea Tree is touted as the cure for fungus, sometimes it is not effective against fungus which has worked its way under the toenails. This potion is a powerful antidote for the most stubborn fungus.

60 drops  Thyme Oil (thymol type)
30 drops  Oregano Oil
30 drops  Cinnamon Oil
15 mL     Hazelnut/Almond Oil

Apply twice a day for up to 14 days. Take care to concentrate the oil on the toenails and avoid the healthy skin on the feet if any irritation occurs. Do not continue if clear improvement is not visible after two weeks.

Spikenard

Spikenard oil consists primarily of sedative components as it contains only sesquiterpenoids, such as valeranol, valernal, and especially valeranone.

If you are wondering what it is so effective about sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, so is science. Essential oil analysis (corporate and academic) have concentrated finding unusual and powerful odorants and the complex sesquiterpenoid mixture has yet to become a priority. Regardless, interesting and complex sesquiterpene molecules are newly discovered all the time, often in extracts from Amazonian plants, by researchers exploring effective anticancer or anti-HIV agents.

The beauty of essential oils is that you don't need to understand the pharmacology to benefit from the positive effects.

Spikenard rubbed over the heart or the solar plexus will bring a distinct sedative effect. The oil has an affinity to the skin so is absorbed easily. Rubbing the oil into the scalp can solve the toughest dandruff problem.

For extreme stress, here's a Potion that immediately reduces tension. Apply to the wrists, elbows and temples and above the solar plexus. One application should have the desired peaceful effect.

15 drops Spikenard
15 drops Roman Chamomile
15 drops Clary Sage
15 drops Mandarin Petitgrain
10 mL Hazelnut Oil

This Potion is especially effective for neck and shoulder massage.

Bay Laurel for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Apply Bay Laurel directly (neat) to swollen neck lymph nodes and in about 15 minutes the swelling will subside substantially.

Incredible? Yes, and what do you think is the ingredient that makes chicken soup work?

The bay laurel leaf is a potent healer. The essential oil contains elements of nearly all of the twelve main chemical groups, which explains the wide spectrum of positive effects.

Beside the lymph nodes, rubbing Bay Laurel on the solar plexus is a pleasant and relaxing experience that brings a blissful mood.

Bruises, Sprains and Sports Injuries

For bruises, sprains and twisted ankles with swelling, Helichrysum or Everlasting oil is a wonder cure.

Its very unique chemical composition combined with the essential oil's general ability to penetrate into tissue and the circulatory system does not just minimize swelling and bruising.

Applied directly to the injury either in pure form or diluted with a base oil, takes away the acute pain and prevents severe swelling and bruising.

Healing Scars: New and Old

15 drops  Helichrysum/Everlasting Oil
15 drops  Sage Oil
15 mL     (1 Tablespoon  Rose Hip Seed Oil
85 mL     (6 Tablespoons) Hazelnut Oil

Small, recent wounds treated twice a day for about 10 days will heal without complications.

For treatment of old, unsightly scars, application is recommended over a period of 3 to 6 months.

Verrucas and Warts

Verrucas are foot warts that grow inside instead of out. There is a telltale black spot in the middle of the verruca and they can be quite painful. Warts are little lumps that usually grow on the hands and fingers.

For both, use this simple potion that should be used 3x a day. Put on with Q-tip, taking care not to get surrounding skin then put on socks if you're dealing with verrucas.

After 3-4 weeks it should be gone, if not much improved. Since warts are viruses, this potion will cure it, so you should not experience reccurence.

You can use this potion singly, or mix with 2 teaspoons cider vinegar. If treating a child under 12 years-old, it is crucial that the potion is diluted with cider vinegar.

10 drops Lemon
5 drops Cypress

You can substitute Lavender for Cypress.

Ravensare to Treat Mono and Flu

Ravensare has strong antiviral effects as well as being a nerve tonic.

It works wonders with acute cases of the flu, raising overall energy and creating a happy mood.

Ravensare is best suited for treating mononucleosis and for relieving insomnia.

For treatment of acute flu and mono, Ravensare is best taken internally.
1 drop every 2 hours in a glass of water, or applied externally.

Reducing Hypertension

Rubbing Vetiver on the feet every night is very relaxing. Vetiver is a tonic for arteries and veins and strengthens circulation and a weakened immune system.

Try this massage once a day, always moving in the direction of the heart–from foot to thigh.

Massage:
5 drops Lavender
10 drops Marjoram
15 drops Geranium
Diluted in 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Once a week, bathe in this formula.

Bath:
15 drops Majoram
5 drops Lavender
10 drops Geranium
Blend together and use 4 drops per bath.

Rosemary Strengthens Hair

As a simple measure to strengthen hair, add 1 drop of Rosemary to a cold water rinse when you have finished washing your hair.

There's no reason to wash out the Rosemary–it will give your hair a nice shine. The cold water stimulates the blood capillaries, causing them to contract which stimulates the movement of nutrients from the blood and into the hair follicle, which feeds the hair.

Gums

Sore gums can be instantly relieved with MQV/Niaouli by rubbing this essential oil directly on the gums.

If you want to strengthen and heal your gums, here's a "mouthwash" that will keep them healthy.

2 drops Myrrh
1 Tablespoon Vodka
Mix well and bottle. Add only 2 drops of this to each glass of water you use to rinse the mouth.

Easy Appetite Suppressant

You can use Lavender, which normalizes blood sugar output by the liver. One or two drops taken in water fifteen minutes before a meal reduces appetite.

Balding

This treatment will prevent hair from falling out, strengthen and make thicker the hair you still have and–in the cases where the hair follicle is still productive–bring back vellum or fluffy, downy hair.

Balding Blend:
3 drops Rosemary
4 drops Geranium
5 drops Lavender
4 drops Cypress
2 drops Cinnamon
2 drops Juniper

Every night take one drop from the Blend and mix it with 1/4 teaspoon of water and rub into scalp. Don't rub too hard. Have patience. It takes at least 4 months to see results. Also, using small amounts of Jojoba Oil instead of hair products every day will stimulate growth and give nutrients to the hair.

Swine Flu

Put Eucalyptus Globus on chest and feet and apply Bay Laurel to lymph nodes. For headache, rub Melissa on temples.
Apply these oils whenever needed. Eucalyptus Globus is excellent for battling a cough. Doing this early will help with no congestion.

Most importantly, take 2 drops of Oregano in a glass of water every day. I can't praise Oregano high enough. I swear, it kills everything.

Get lots of rest.

The Power of Provence

There is a reason there are a variety of different chemotypes from the Provence region. Where and when plants are harvested make a big difference to the essential oil composition.

When you think about it, it makes sense.

We live on a planet. This is an important reminder because we forget.

When light reaches planet Earth, the spectral composition changes with altitude.

Photosynthetic machinery in plants react gingerly to the slight variation in the composition of light in different elevations.

In Provence, wild essential oil plants are collected with attention to altitude. Thyme oils from sea level tend to contain high concentrations of phenols. Thyme harvested from higher altitudes contain high concentrations of terpene alcohols. Same with Lavender. Lavender harvested at sea level has a different composition to that harvested at high altitudes, like Spike Lavender. Because of altitude, Spike Lavender has a camphor and cineole content–which makes it very useful for colds.

Applying Thyme (linalool) and Spike Lavender to the soles of the feet will reach the lower bronchial capillaries in their original state.

Your Bacteria is Your Own

As humans we share many common traits. Body, blood and brain. Of course we notice differences between us; body shapes, blood types and IQ are not the same in everyone.

This is true with bacteria.

Every individual has his or her own unique set of bacteria and the streptococcus in person A will not be identical to a streptococcus in person B.

The more serious and chronic a case, the more exceptional and unexpected are the essential oils that turn out to be effective.

Where antibiotics inflict extensive damage on human bacterial flora, essential oils respect the integrity of "friendly" bacteria, which is a necessary condition for true and lasting healing.

The effects of essential oils are in every case multifaceted and deep, and principally different from the one-dimensional and often harmful effects of antibiotics.

Flu Season Arsenal

Forget the flu shot. To prepare for flu season, you need to strengthen your immunity so that your body goes, "Feh" when confronted with the influenza virus.

Defend your health before the season starts with this application. After every shower, rub 15 drops of MQV all over the body. Do this every day and you will not only feel great, but at the same time you are creating an armor against infection.

If the flu does break through, the heavy-weight in aroma artillery is Oregano. Treat acute conditions, whether gastrointestinal or bronchial, with a drop in a glass of water each day, for up to 10 days. In addition, put Bay Laurel and/or Rock Rose directly on swollen lymph nodes as needed. Drinking water with a drop of Lemon will purify it as well as aid in mucus drainage. Rubbing Geranium, Rosemary Verbone, Ravensare or Eucalyptus Globus on the feet will help eliminate remaining pathogens.

Careful of the Kidneys

One of the most well-known toxic effects is juniper oil's irritation of the kidney. Juniper oil contains monoterpenes, which can over stimulate the kidneys. Since the stimulating effect is linked to kidney-tissue damage, therapeutic use of juniper oil should be undertaken with caution.

The kidneys have a better tolerance for oils with a high terpene alcohol or ester content such as lavender, clary sage, or tea tree, and these oils can be used with frequency and are especially effective when applied right after showering.

Oil of Chaste Berry

It seems rather ironical that the essential oil of chaste berry, Vitex agnus castus, is highly effective in treating PMS complaints.

Vitex essential oil equilibrates the imbalances of insufficient progestrone and excessive estrogen towards the end of the cycle. Research is currently seeking an active ingredient to how Vitex increases progesterone through unknown mechanisms. Some consider Vitex interacts directly with the hypothalamus.

In studies, individuals experienced dramatic changes over time, which suggests that Vitex interacts with hormone status.

To ease PMS complaints, use one drop per day, either on the wrists or orally.

Can You Switch Over?

If you relied on allopathic (conventional) medicine your whole life and have manifest diseases, you cannot just switch over to alternative therapies and expect a miracle.

Healing ourselves is often about changing our minds. Old patterns are deeply ingrained and allopathic drugs may have created dependency. It would be unwise and irresponsible to simply quit conventional treatment all of a sudden.

Change can be made gradually by introducing oils in combination with medication. Many times, people experience drastic improvement because their vital functions have been depressed for so long.

Healing the body from the inside-out takes time and eventually consistent use of essential oils will restore immunity and vitality to the point where medications are no longer needed.

Stress-Less

It's true that simply smelling an essential oil's aroma can be relaxing.

Smelling Green myrtle and Clary Sage creates instant relaxation and even euphoria for some sensitive people. A friend of mine experiences strong tinnitus that is painful. I put some Clary Sage on the rims of her ears. In just a few minutes, the ringing was gone.

The phenylpropane esters, especially estrogole (methyl chavicol) stabilizes the sympathetic nervous system. Culinary usage of Tarragon, Basil and the traditional use of anise-flavored liquors like Pernod, Ouzo and Absinthe all work through the digestive organs to achieve the calming effect.

The antispasmodic effect is good for all tension, whether mentally-related stress, muscle soreness or premenstrual cramping.

Hydrosol for the Eyes

Myrtle water is an important hydrosol because it can be used on the eyes.

Normally, essential oils irritate eyes. When they do, daub a paper towel with a fatty oil like olive or almond and wipe the eyes. The oil will draw the lipophilic essential oil from the eye better than water.

Myrtle hydrosol solves all kinds of inflammation in the eyes, from conjunctivitis to hay fever to any allergic reaction, you can spray directly into the eyes for relief.

How Essential Oils Heal

Essential Oils have evolved through natural selection to protect the host organism from viral infection.

The synthetic pathways of the cell have existed since the beginning of evolution. The specific composition of an Essential Oil is a consequence of evolutionary development. The molecular constituents work on the body's physiological receptors and messenger system. These are our systems of health equilibrium.

Aromatherapy revitalizes chemical communication between human and plant, restoring immunity and "resetting" the communication functions of the biological system. Thus, "curing" the dis-ease.

Shake off a Cold

It's easy.

First sign of scratchy throat or extra mucus, take 1 drop of Oregano in a glass of water.
Oregano has a very strong, spicy flavor, so if you're sensitive, put 1-2 drops in a gel capsule.

Use Bay Laurel directly on swollen lymph nodes.

Do this regimen once a day for 5-7 days, or until you feel better and forget to take your oils.

For extra immunity, put 5 drops of MQV/Niaouli on your feet then put on socks before bed.

I guarantee you will shake off that cold instead of suffering from symptoms.

Using Essential Oils Can Cause Happiness

We experience higher levels of interaction: happy feeling and spiritual receptivity do exist. It has not entered into the scientific concern that liver enzymes do–but the methodology for study needs to be different too.

Since essential oils are unpatentable, those scientific studies will not surface. Science has become a corporate game where isolated ingredients are sought after for profit. This is the reason Aromatherapy has become anecdotal. Although double blind studies confirmed that imbalances such as cramps, nervousness, anxiety, headaches, migraines, heart palpitations and heat flashes could all be successfully treated with essential oils. This kind of suffering is usually stress-related and it is well-known that stress has caused many of our "civilization" diseases.

The aroma of essential oils is part of their healing that can lead to feelings of calm, relaxing happiness and upliftment. Emotions are an authentic part of the healing process.

Cold Sore Treatment

At the first sign, put Melissa directly on lip with a Q-tip. If you don't have this oil, try Hyssop (decumbens). If you don't have that, try Geranium. And if you have several oils, try this blend.

Cold Sore Blend
1 part Geranium
1 part Melissa
1 part Lavender
10 parts Tea Tree

After applying undiluted several times a day, the swelling will disappear.

After it dries up, add Kukui Nut Oil (or you can substitute Almond) to the blend to moisturize.

Catch it early and it will be gone in two days.

Antiviral Explained

Viruses attach to the same receptors as neuro peptides. This suggests that a virus, which fits a given receptor, will have an easier or harder time invading the cell, depending on how much natural peptide for that receptor is available to bind.

Since essential oils are highly active on and in membranes, it is reasonable to expect that similar mechanisms may contribute to the antiviral effects of oils. In other words, essential oils known to have antiviral effects may block the sites through which viruses gain access to the cell.

This can explain the incredible antiviral affects essential oils have shown and gives legitimacy to practice of using small amounts of oil to fight infection.

Shingles

When it comes to treating shingles, aromatherapy has no competition.

If you've had chicken pox as a child, you could have a reoccurence as an adult and it's called Shingles. It's a painful condition and this recipe is the best remedy.

At the first sign, apply equal amounts of Calophyllum and Ravensare directly to the affected area several times a day.

Repeated treatments using essential oils will cause relapses to appear less frequently and ultimately disappear entirely.

Calophyllum is not an essential oil but an aromatic fatty oil. It is produced by pressing the fruit of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree. It has a blue-green color and an aroma similar to loveage.

People on the coasts of the Indian Ocean use Calophyllum oil as a panacea due to its phagocytosis-stimulating qualities. Phagocytosis is a function of our immune system which serves to eliminate unwanted substances. In other words, Phagocytosis takes the trash out.

Ravensare actually comes from the leaves of Cinnamonum camphora and is used to treat viral infections and is an excellent nerve tonic. It works wonders in cases of acute flu*, mononucleosis, relieving insomnia, raising overall energy and creating an optimistic mood.

*For the treatment of acute flu, Ravensare is best taken internally.
1 drop every two hours.

Phenylpropanes are a Big Deal

Phenylpropanes are byproducts of the amino acid metabolism, which is essential for the production of proteins. In a sequence of reactions and rearrangements, the amino acid phenylalanine is transformed into cinnamic acid and from there to all commonly encountered phenylpropanoids.

The Shikimate pathway is the biosynthetic route to amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. This pathway is only found in microorganisms and plants. Thus, it is essential to the diets of animals, including humans.

What's the big deal?

All phenylpropanes are formed by the enzyme PAL (L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase) which is the enzyme at the branch between primary and secondary metabolism. In other words, PAL is a core enzyme in the response to outside stresses. PAL activity increases in plants in response to various stimuli (sunshine) and/or stresses (predators, disease). As PAL activity increases in response to infection, the enzyme activity of defense occurs in a very confined area around the infection.

An Essential Oil's immunity quality is defined by its molecular constituents. For example, anethole, methyl chavicol, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol and methyl eugenol, to name only a few, are all derived from phenylalanine and cinnamic acid. Cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamon bark oil and cassia oil), although irritating to the skin, has incredibly strong antiseptic properties. Likewise, eugenol, the main component of Clove oil, has strong antiseptic qualities, with a broad spectrum of action against bacteria and is antiviral and strengthening.

The constituents of Essential Oils have biological functions that aid in the life force of organisms. It no less than their biological function that is the secret to how Essential Oils battle bacteria and viral infections.

Rock Rose

Rock Rose Cistus landaniferus has an amazing range of therapeutic properties.

Combined with Bay laurel on lymph nodes can aid in any lymphatic drainage (mucus relieving).

Cistus hydrosol combined with Mytle hydrosol combats the symptoms of hay fever, especially itchy red eyes.

Put Rock Rose directly on a bleeding cut and it will help slow and stop the bleeding. It's a great oil to put in an after shave lotion.

Finally, this recipe includes Cistus for wrinkles around the eyes.

15 drops Green Myrtle
15 drops Cistus/Rock Rose
20mL Rose hip seed oil
200mL Hazelnut oil

The oil of Rock Rose is produced in hot, sun-drenched regions. It is used for its astringent and tightening qualities. Rock Rose is the fastest-acting oil to stop bleeding from open wounds and its masculine scent adds to an after shave oil that closes small cuts after shaving.

Photosensitization in Oils

Some essential oils put on the skin can cause rashes and blistering when exposed to light or ultraviolet light. Oils that contain courmarin or furocourmarin content can cause this photosensitization.

Citrus oils contain these molecules and should be checked for potential irritant qualities (on the back of the wrist or inside of elbow). Essential oils such as Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin and Orange are photosensitizing and should not be used before exposure to sunlight.

Functional Group: Esters

Functional groups are groups of atoms found within molecules that are involved in the chemical reactions characteristic of those molecules. The bond between carbon and oxygen is polar, which makes it chemically more reactive and distinguishes the structural characteristics of the essential oil molecule. Among the oxygen-containing function groups are Esters, which are fungicidal, sedating, and very aromatically pleasing.

Oils with a high ester content are used for their balancing and antispasmodic effects. Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender, Clary Sage, Rosemary (verbone) as well as Bay Laurel and Cardamom are known for their high ester content.

There is No Isolated Active Ingredient

Essential oils possess Emergent Properties of whole organisms and interact with humans in ways not available to synthetic drugs, which do not share with us common evolutionary development.

In biological terms, when individual components in an environment come together to create distinct collective and interactive properties and functions (cells, organs) the results are called Emergent Properties (complete organisms). The systems they form are irreducible, since they cannot be fully comprehended simply by knowing the components of the lower levels. For example, it has been said that consciousness is an emergent property of the brain.

Genuine and authentic essential oils work synergistically on the whole organism on all planes of consciousness: material, vital, mental, psychosocial and spiritual. The large number (sometimes hundreds) of constituents exert a combined effect on human physiology which is practically impossible to access with a synthetic, isolated active ingredient. The idea of one active ingredient belongs to the reductionist pharmacology of allopathic medicine.

How Much Oil To Use

There is a big difference between what is manufactured and what essentials oils are. The molecules of essential oils are so small, they can easily penetrate the skin and some can even pass the blood to brain barrier. Because of this concentrated power, it is the antithesis of most products. A little bit goes a very long way.

Instead of a palm full of oil, use only 5-7 drops, like a nickel-size worth. Leaving heavy oil on the face harms more than heals because the excess oil actually drags down the skin. You don't want your face to be shiny with oil, just glowy from absorption.

Bliss Out

My first teacher in aromatherapy was a man I met in Portland. He was playing guitar at a campfire outside of town and called himself Bhima. Ends up he had a shop selling essential oils in Northwest Portland and his real name is Carleton, but got his name from spending 12 years in a commune.

Bhima/Carleton taught me that smelling essential oils can get you real "blissed out." I used to joke about this hippy ideal, but experience has proved it fundamental truth. Last night, I put Marc's allergy treatment on his feet, then Cardamon on his belly, MQV on his chest and finished with Ylang Ylang on his throat and ears. He sat there staring for a few minutes with a lazy smile and all he could muster was "blissed out."

Then he jumped up and played his bass guitar for an hour. He said he felt warmly energized with a very clear lucidity. I think we must remember that all drugs (including pharmaceuticals) come from plants and that essential oils do their work naturally while leaving the body free of toxins. And the nature of healing is often psychological. We describe health as feeling good. Euphoria is not a bad side effect.

Why Unadulterated Essential Oils Are Best

Unadulterated essential oils possess not only their active ingredients, but also secondary plant metabolites and trace compounds which aid in the healing properties. Different botantical regions offer different environmental conditions: soil, climate, altitude are among the factors that affect the plant and its metabolic constituents. Even the way the plant is harvested and distilled can affect the qualities of the oil.

These factors attribute to oils variations or “chemotypes.” Rosemary is a good example of the variety of chemical compositions. Rosemary has three types. Rosemary camphor is excellent for muscle cramps while Rosemary cineole type is suited for catarrhal (lots o' mucus) conditions and as a component in diffusor blends. Rosemary verbone's regenerating qualities make it indispensable for skin care.

After Party: The Liver

For the after of any party, you need to consider your liver. The liver is the body's literal filter of toxins. If you're feeling sluggish after festivities, these oils will help.

The liver stimulating sesquiterpene alcohols found in Carrot Seed Oil and Greenland Moss can be administered with syrup or a capsule and taken with food. Also one or two drops of Peppermint and Thyme can be taken orally, as well as Lavender, which normalizes blood sugar output by the liver.

Allergy Treatment

Here's a nightly oil to rub on the feet when affected by allergies.
The only side effect is bliss (seriously).
Allergy Blend
2 Drops Tanneceum Annuum (Morrocan Chamomile)
15 Drops Lavender (Fine)
Put the mixture in the palm, slightly mixing it, then rub on feet and put on socks.

Cypress

When a sore throat flares, I reach for Cypress oil. Not only does it numb the pain, but it can prevent a more acute infection like bronchitis.

Take one drop and allow it to linger in the back of the mouth, so the oil can penetrate the membranes of the mouth and throat. Application should be frequent at first, approximately every 15 minutes (or as needed), with later intervals more widely spaced.

Some people find Cypress irritating. If that's the case, try substituting Thyme linalool or Thyme thujanol.

German Chamomile

German chamomile oil contains chamazulene, which has strong anti-inflammatory effects, while Roman chamomile oil is primarily an antispasmodic. Another difference is Bisabolol, a natural sesquiterpene alcohol, which is the strongest anti-inflammatory substance in German chamomile. The effect of this alcohol is even stronger than chamazulene and is also anti-allergenic and stimulates the liver and glandular secretions. German Chamomile’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic effects are complemented by its ability to detoxify endotoxins produced by pathogenic bacteria during infectious processes. German Chamomile is most effective for burns, any kind of inflammation and during the acute stage of infections.

How You Can Bypass The Liver Through The Feet

Massaging oils into the feet prevents immediate absorption into the liver. Instead of being processed by the liver, the oils reach the lower bronchial capillaries via the circulator system and the entire organism unprocessed. Bronchial conditions respond well to this treatment, as do allergies and it is the best method for children.

Hydrosols

One of my questions from my International Aromatherapy Certificate test was about hydrosols.
Hydrosols look like watered-down versions of essential oils. They are more complex than you think.

What are hydrosols? Do they contain more terpene hydrocarbon or terpene alcohol components and why?
Hydrosols are more than the byproduct of the distilling process. They are very similar in composition to their parent essential oils but are milder and less irritating. Due to this gentler quality and the fact that terpene alcohol components are hydrophilic (water-loving and so would remain in the hydrosol), hydrosols contain more terpene alcohol than terpene hydrocarbons components.

Hydrosols can help in alleviating allergies (Myrtle) and can be used spritzed over the face as an instant relaxant (Lavender) or as an inexpensive way to experience expensive oils (Rose). I use Rose Hydrosol before I put on my face lotion, which makes the oils absorb faster.

Oregano

This oil has incredible antiviral strength, capable of taking down Candida albicans and acute bacterial infections of the bronchi and gastrointestinal tract. When a strong response to a bacterial infection is needed, taking up to ten dosages of 50 mg of Oregano will solve it. 1-2 drops in a glass of water is considered a dose. (Because its phenols can cause varying degrees of skin irritation, it should only be used internally.)

At first sign of any kind of illness, fatigue or mucus-related, a drop of Oregano in 8oz of water once a day until you forget to take it. Oregano's effects are powerful and you will notice results right away. If the taste is too strong, put the drops in a gel capsule. It's important to note that Oregano therapy is of short duration, no longer than a week of usage is necessary. Consider adding more of the fresh herb to your diet as a gentle inhibitor against infection.

Healthy Gums Potion

After brushing, a mixture of myrrh with alcohol as a mouthwash helps prevent gingivitis. Myrrh's antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties are excellent in keeping the mouth healthy.

2 drops          Myrrh
1 Tablespoon Vodka

Use 2 drops of this potion to each glass of water you use to rinse the mouth.

Rubbing MQV (Niaouli) on the gums strengthens them, diminishing inflammation and the oil's antiseptic qualities protect the mouth and throat. MQV can also be used on dental floss to cleanse the spaces between the teeth.

MQV

Also known as Niaouli, it is one of the most important anti-allergenics in the aromatherapy arsenal. With its brisk herbaceous scent, applying MQV right after a shower will clear sloggy sinuses when rubbed over the chest.

MQV has a high content of sesquiterpene alcohols with fifteen carbon atoms. This configuration has the effect of tonifying muscles and nerves, reducing congestion in the veins as well as in the lymphatic system and has antimicrobial qualities.

During flu season, liberally rub (5-20 drops) all over the body along the energy merdians with a loofah, right after a hot shower. Not only will you feel its namesake, "Life Force," the oil also stimulates the defense mechanisms of the body, making it a much better prevention from flu than a shot.

Geranium

I wear this everyday. Always around the curve of my ears, where it penetrates the fastest. I never wear perfume or a blend, just Geranium and people swoon over the smell. While I enjoy the herbaceous florid scent (citronellol content, same as in rose oil), it's mostly for the mood stabilizing properties that I wear it.

Geranium is the oil for women. Due to its tonifying effect of the terpene alcohol combined with the soothing influence of the esters, it's good for mood, PMS, and has the ability to be exactly what you need. One person may experience Geranium as antiseptic, another as calming while a third as a stimulant.