Ten Useful Essential Oils     Common name: German Chamomile, Blue Chamomile Latin name: Matricaria chamomilla parts used: flowers   :one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories :harmonizing, anti-stress :safe to use (diluted properly) with children and pregnant women :eases all manner of inflammation and pain :anti-spasmodic :anti-histamine :hydrating :liver-regenerating     Common name: Eucalyptus Latin name: Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus smithii parts used: leaves   :although Eucalyptus globulus is the most readily identifiable Eucalyptus variety, Eucalyptus radiata can be used more freely as it is as effective for respiratory and rheumatic conditions while being a little less caustic than the globulus variety. :respiratory aid; add 2 drops to a bowl of steaming water and inhale (not too closely) to relieve sinusitis, dry throat and cold symptoms :add 2-7 drops to a tablespoon of oil and massage over chest and back to relieve coughing and phlegmatic conditions :add 7-12 drops to a tablespoon of oil and apply to achy joints :a powerful disinfectant, either  diffused or mixed with water and sprayed on  surfaces :Eucalyptus smithii is very mild and can be used with children and pregnant women at appropriate dilutions and may even be applied neat to stiff, painful joints and achy chests to relieve coughing and open sinuses     Common name: Geranium Latin name: Pelargonium asperum parts used: tops and flowers   :powerful antifungal :sedative and uplifting, calming to the mind and emotions :relieves congestion in the body :eases PMS and menopausal symptoms :harmonizing :antiseptic and astringent     Common Name:  Ginger Latin Name:  Zingiber offciinalis parts used: rhizome   :tones and soothes the digestive system, promoting secretion of gastric juices; helpful with loss of appetite, nausea, flatulence, and travel sickness.  :analgesic properties relieve muscular pain, arthritic and rheumatic discomfort :immune stimulant :warming effect stimulates blood circulation :add 7 drops to a tablespoon of vegetable oil or natural lotion  and massage into the abdomen to relieve digestive discomfort.     Common name: Lavender Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia parts used: flowering tops   :often called a ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ :nervous system relaxant :balances mind and emotions :speeds wound healing and promotes tissue regeneration :anti-viral :a few drops can be applied undiluted to cuts, scrapes, burns and insect bites to heal and calm the skin and relieve pain and itching :add 7 drops to a tablespoon of vegetable oil or lotion for a relaxing massage or to help sleep peacefully :diffuse into a room for stress-reduction     Common name:  Peppermint Latin Name:  Mentha piperita parts used: leaves and flowering tops   :soothing and antispasmodic; relieves acidity, heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. :antiseptic properties make this oil effective in reducing mucus and reliving coughs, through infections, flu, asthma, and bronchitis.  A few drops may be added to inhalations, baths or massage oil. :used in compresses, the oil is helpful for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. :analgesic properties make it an excellent choice for relieving headaches, muscular discomfort, neuralgia, and toothache. :excellent for mental fatigue and depression; 2 drops placed on a tissue may be inhaled to combat fatigue.     Common name: Ravensara Latin name: Ravensara aromatica parts used: leaves   :strongly anti-viral and neurotonic, making it the number one choice for combating the flu, at first sign of symptoms massage 7  drops per tablespoon of oil all over body every 2-4 hours and diffuse into environment, or put 2 drops in a bowl of warm water and inhale :good for herpes, shingles, chronic fatigue :immune-stimulant     Common name:  Rosemary Latin Name:  Rosemarinus officinalis parts used:  leaves and flowering tops   verbanon type stimulates regeneration of skin cells, circulation, and elimination of waste products (detoxification). :central nervous system stimulant :strengthens mental awareness :extremely antiseptic, anti-infectious (effective against bacterial diarrhea), anti-fungal, and mucolytic. :best used to treat respiratory conditions with steam inhalation, diffusion, or topical application via massage (diluted in carrier oil); treatment for lung infections and sinusitis. :analgesic properties help with muscular and rheumatoid pain and discomfort. :2 drops of oil can  be added to a bowl of steaming water and inhaled to relieve congestion; 7 drops per tablespoon of vegetable oil may be massaged into sore and tired muscles.     Common Name:  Tea tree Latin Name: Melaleuca alternifolia parts used:  leaves   :often referred to as the ‘first aid kit in a bottle’ :most reputed function is its ability to help the immune system fight off infectious disease; activates  white corpuscles to create a defense against invading organisms, hence shortening the duration of many illnesses. :broad spectrum antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic :exceptionally powerful antiseptic, known to be many times stronger than  carbolic acid, or phenol (chemical disinfectant) :known to be as affective as benzoil peroxide in the treatment of acne. :repels insects :can be used undiluted on blemishes, cuts, abrasions, and insect bites. :use in a 2-5% dilution for open wounds :oil can be diffused to disinfect the environment. :apply in a 2-5% oil blend to help assist the healing of athlete’s foot :used in the treatment of warts, ringworm, and herpes     Common name:  Ylang-ylang Latin name:  Cananga odorata parts used:  flowers   :particularly useful with rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and rapid breathing (hyperpnoea) :sedative properties lower high blood pressure :used for excitable conditions regulating adrenaline flow and relaxing the nervous system; eases feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, and panic :has a balancing effect on sebum, making it effective on both oily and dry skin types :mix a few drops into bath salts or vegetable oil and add to tub water for a relaxing bath :the oil can also be added to a diffuser and inhaled to help release tension and encourage peaceful sleep