Properties and uses of Natural Essential Oils

31) DILL (Anethum graveolens syn. Peucedanum graveolens) (Umbelliferae)

An ancient Egyptian remedy in the Ebers papyrus (c. 1500 BC) recommends dill as one of the ingredients in a pain-killing mixture. The Romans knew dill as anethum, which latter became "anise". Dill has always been considered a remedy for the stomach, relieving wind and calming the digestion. Dill's essential oil relieves intestinal spasms and griping and helps to settle colic, hence it is often used in gripe water mixtures. Chewing the seeds improves bad breath. Dill makes a useful addition to cough, cold and flu remedies, and is a mild diuretic. Dill increases milk production, and when taken regularly by nursing mothers, helps to prevent colic in their babies.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Digestive, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diuretic.

32) EUCALYPTUS, BLUE GUM (Eucalyptus globules) (Myrtaceae))

Eucalyptus is native from Australia,India, where it comprises more than 75% of all trees. A traditional aboriginal remedy, eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections. The leaves cool the body and relive fever. Inhaling the vapors of the essential oils heated in water, clears sinus and bronchial congestions. Eucaliptol, one of the substances found in the essential oil, is one of the main constituents of the many existing commercial formulas of chest rubs for colds. The essential oil has also strong anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal action. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, expectorant, stimulates local blood flow, anti-fungal.

33) FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) (Umbelliferae)

Native to the Mediterranean, fennel has spread to surrounding areas, including India. Known to the Greeks and Romans, is was used as food, spice and medicine. The primary use of fennel seeds is to relieve flatulence, but they also settle colic, stimulate the appetite and digestion. Fennel is also diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Like anise (Pimpinella anisum) and caraway (Carum carvi), it has a calming effect on bronchitis and coughs. An infusion of the seeds may be taken as a gargle for sore throats and as a mild expectorant. Fennel increases breast-milk production and the herb is still used as an eye wash for sore eyes and conjunctivitis. Essential oil from the sweet variety is used for its digestive and relaxing properties.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Digestive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory.

34) Frankincense - Liberation

Latin name: Boswellia species. Family name: Burseraceae. Frankincense oil is steam distilled from oleo-gum-resin of the tree and is imported from Africa. It has a spicy, balsamic aroma. Frankincense was known as one of the most precious substances to ancient man and is associated with religious practice. Some traditional uses: to calm, enhance meditation, elevate mind and spirit, help breathing, for psychic cleansing; for care of mature skin and scars. Emotional profile: for healing fears, grief, repressed feelings, self-destruction and dissociation/disconnection. Blends with: sandalwood, pine, vetiver, geranium, lavender, neroli, orange, bergamot, and basil.

35) GARLIC (Allium sativum) (Liliaceae)

Original from Central Asia, garlic is now cultivated worldwide. It was widely known by the ancients, being found in Egyptian tombs and used by Greeks and Romans. Recognized for its pungent odor and taste, garlic is a powerful home medicine for the treatment for a host of health problems. It is one of the most effective anti-biotic plants available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. It counters many infections, including those of the nose, throat and chest. Garlic is also known to reduce cholesterol, helps circulatory disorders, such as high blood pressure, and lower blood sugar levels, making it useful in cases of late-onset diabetes.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Antibiotic, expectorant, diaphoretic, hypotensive, antispasmodic, expels worms.