Essential Oils E to J

Plants contain volatile oils as part of their "essence". These essential oils arc extracted from leaves or flowers and have long been used to enhance emotional and physical wellbeing, as aromatherapists do today. You can buy them at health food stores and other suppliers.

Throughout this website you will find suggestions to use particular oils as part of a herbal treatment or preventative measure. The two most common uses of the oils are for massage (diluted in a base oil such as soya or grapeseed oil) and undiluted in a warm bath. Many uses recommended here are for ailments outside the scope of this website.

Note Never take essential oils internally.

Eucalyptus: Colds, flu, catarrh, sinusitis, fevers, bacterial and viral infections, bronchitis, diseases of childhood, e.g. measles and chickenpox. Repelling insects. Urinary infections, fluid retention, cuts and wounds, skin infections, cold sores, burns, shingles. Arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pains.

Fennel: Gout, toxic conditions, inflamed joints, alcoholism, wind, colic, hiccoughs, nausea, indigestion, constipation, excessive appetite. Kidney stones, fluid retention, urinary infections, irregular or painful periods, PMS, poor milk flow, menopausal symptoms. Note Avoid in early pregnancy, in epilepsy and for children under six.

Frankincense: Respiratory infections, catarrh, laryngitis, asthma, fevers. Urinary infections, heavy periods, anxiety, tension, hyperventilation, aging skin. Eczema, scarring, sores, wounds.

Geranium: Depression, urinary and respiratory infections, sore throats. Greasy skin, eczema, menopausal problems, PMS, irregular periods, fluid retention. Anxiety, over-excitement, mood swings, diarrhea, kidney stones, neuralgia, circulatory problems, repelling insects.

Ginger: Catarrh, sinusitis, colds, flu, chest infections, tiredness, depression, low libido. Diarrhea, rheumatism, arthritis, poor circulation, weak digestion, colic, nausea, stomach cramps, period pain, muscular pain and tension, sprains.

Hyssop: Viral infections, chest infections, catarrh, sinusitis, sore throats, bruises, rheumatism,arthritis. Skin problems, mental fatigue, circulatory problems, nervous tension, asthma. Avoid in early pregnancy, and with epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Jasmine: Period pain, pain in childbirth, retained placenta, lowm libido, postnatal weakness or depression, frigidity, tension, anxiety, especially around sexuality, depression, fear, muscle tension. Sensitive, dry skin. Avoid during early pregnancy.

Juniper: Toxic conditions, fluid retention, cystitis, vaginal discharge, scanty or irreuglar periods, piles, acne, poor appetite, rheumatism, gout, arthritis, exhaustion, hangovers, liver problems, obesity, chest infections. Avoid in early pregnancy, and in cases of kidney infection.