7) Melissa Oil - What It Is and Why to Use It by Tawne Bachus (Posted: June 30, 2007) Introduction: Melissa Oil is also known as Lemon Balm. In Latin, this essential oil is known as Melissa Officinalis. Melissa can be found growing out of iron-rich soil around the world. However, some of the oldest references to Melissa stem from the Mediterranean region. In fact, the word "Melissa" is Greek for "Honey Bee." Even today, Melissa may be found planted near beehives to assist bees with the production of sweet, rich, delicious honey. The plant physically stands approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall. It has very small white-pink flowers and larger, green leaves. The aroma of fresh Melissa is sweet, radiant, soft and lemon-like. Features/Benefits: As a note, Melissa is typically considered a middle (heart) note or a top (head) note. Middle notes are essential oils that possess flowery or spicy scents and may promote emotional balance. Top notes are essential oils that are refreshing and mentally stimulating. Melissa oil uniquely combines a range of beneficial qualities that encompass the range of these two notes. It is often used by people seeking to assist their minds with anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic, hypertension, stress and insomnia. Physically, it is often used by people seeking to assist their bodies with cold sores, migraine headaches, fevers, upset stomachs, allergies, insect bits, racing heartbeats, eczema, high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis and recurring coughs. For decades, women have found comfort in Melissa oil for irregular menstrual cycles and physical menstrual discomfort. It may also possess extremely strong anti-viral properties as well as mild anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. When feeling overwhelmed, try adding Melissa oil to a warm bath. Melissa mixes well with: Geranium Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, Lemon Oil, basil oil, Roman chamomile oil, rose oil, geranium oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil and ylang-ylang oil. When purchasing Melissa oil, as with any essential oil, it is important to purchase an extremely high quality oil. The cost of pure Melissa oil is driven by the Six to Seven tons of botanical material (flowering tops, leaves and stems) needed to produce one pound of essential oil. Melissa oil that may be purchased for a low price, is often adulterated with cheaper oils or may not contain Melissa oil at all. It is not uncommon for companies to sell a blend of lemongrass and citronella oils as Melissa oil. Unfortunately, these cheaper blends do not contain the same uniquely powerful properties as true Melissa oil. As with so many other things in life, you truly get what you pay for, when purchasing "Melissa" oil. Chemically Speaking: Chemically, Melissa oil is naturally comprised of trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene, caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol. Precautions: Melissa oil is non-toxic. However, it may cause sensitization and irritation and should be used in low dilutions. Pure Melissa oil can be diluted in a carrier oil up to 1 part per 100 or when applied topically for specific therapeutic reasons, it may be more beneficial to dilute at 10 parts per 100. In General, Melissa oil should be avoided during pregnancy and by people with very sensitive skin. Copyright © 2007 Tawne Bachus Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment. Article Source: Tawne Bachus 6) Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils into Home & Daily Use by Michael Douglas (Posted: June 22, 2007) There are numerous ways in which essential oils can be used. I will outline some of the easiest and most effective techniques, but I urge you to be creative and fill your home with essential oils. BATHS Essential oils are simple to use in the bath. Just fill the bath and scatter about six drops of your chosen undiluted oil into the water, agitating it thoroughly. Do not add the essential oil until you have run the bath completely, otherwise the oil will evaporate with the heat of the water and the therapeutic properties will be lost before you climb in! Always disperse the oil - if you inadvertently sit down on neat essential oil of, say, tangerine you will jump up again very quickly! Shut the door to keep the precious aromas in and stay in the bath for at least fifteen minutes to allow the oil to penetrate deeply into your body tissues. If you desire, you may blend your six drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry skin, although carrier oils can leave a greasy ring around the bath. However, special, unscented bath oils, which contain natural dispersing agents, can be purchased. These leave the skin feeling soft but not greasy. Choose any vegetable oil such as sweet almond, wheatgerm, avocado or jojoba. You could mix up enough oil for several baths. Your skin will feel soft, nourished and supple. HYDROTHERAPY BATHS AND JACUZZIS Nowadays some people have their own Jacuzzi or hydrotherapy bath. USe the same number of drops as you would in a normal bath, although if it is a large hydrotherapy bath designed for two or three persons then ten drops may be added. Sprinkle in your essential oils after the bath has been filled. FOOTBATHS AND HANDBATHS Footbaths and handbaths are highly beneficial in situations where it is impractical to enjoy a full aromatherapy bath perhaps if you are elderly or have a disability. Footbaths, in particular, are incredibly relaxing at the end of a long, hard day. They are excellent for foot conditions such as athlete's foot and pain and swelling in the feet. Handbaths help to relieve the pain, stiffness and swelling of arthritis. Add six drops of essential oil to a bowl of hand-hot water just before you immerse your feet or hands and soak for about ten to fifteen minutes. SITZ BATHS AND BIDETS A sitz bath is invaluable in cases of cystitis, haemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, stitches after childbirth, and so on. Sprinkle about four to six drops of pure essential oil into a bowl of hand-hot water and sit in the bowl for about ten minutes. If you are fortunate enough to have a bidet then use the same number of drops. Ensure that the essential oil and water are thoroughly mixed. COMPRESSES Compresses can be used for a variety of disorders such as muscular aches and pains, bruises, rheumatic and arthritic pain, headaches and sprains. You may apply compresses either hot or cold. Alternate hot and cold compresses are invaluable for treating sprains. As a general rule, where there is a fever, acute pain or hot swellings use a cold compress. When treating chronic (long-term) pain use a hot compress. To make a compress, mix approximately six drops of essential oil into a small bowl of water. Soak any piece of absorbent material such as a flannel, piece of sheeting or towelling in the solution ensuring that as much essential oil as possible is absorbed by your fabric. Squeeze out the compress so it does not drip everywhere and apply to the affected area. Wrap cling film around it or secure with a bandage. Leave for about two hours or even overnight. Where there is a fever replace with a new compress when necessary. GARGLES AND MOUTHWASHES Gargles are particularly beneficial for sore throats, respiratory problems and loss of voice. After dental surgery gargling can help to relieve pains and inflammation, reduce blood flow and speed up the healing process. Gargle twice daily, although if the problem is acute then you can gargle every two hours. Put two drops of essential oil into half a glass of water. Stir well, gargle and spit it out. Do not swallow. Stir again and repeat. Antiseptic oils such as tea tree, sage, lemon and thyme are excellent for treating sore throats. Roman chamomile, geranium and sandalwood will also soothe inflammation. Myrrh and tea tree combined are invaluable for treating mouth ulcers. INHALATIONS Inhalation of essential oils works upon the body, mind and spirit. On a physical level there is a strong action on the mucous membranes of the nose, the lungs and the respiratory system in general. Conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, sinusitis and sore throats can all benefit enormously. The inhalation of essential oils has a profound effect on the nervous system helping to relieve insomnia, anxiety and stress-related disorders, and lifting depression and negativity. STEAM INHALATION Add two to four drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl inhaling deeply for one to five minutes. Keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation. If an asthmatic uses this method then just one drop is adequate. Take care with the hot water if there are small children around. HANDKERCHIEF/TISSUE Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on to a handkerchief, paper towel or tissue and take a few deep breaths. This method is particularly effective for relieving nasal congestion and also for stopping panic attacks. Place the handkerchief in your pocket and you can continue to inhale the aroma throughout the day. ROOM SPRAY A room spray is a excellent way of purifying the atmosphere. Add 250 ml of water to a plant spray and add 15-20 drops of essential oil. Shake the bottle well and spray the room. You can even spray carpets and curtains. Do not spray on to polished surfaces. Sprays can also be used to relieve irritation and pain as in chicken-pox, shingles, burns and any infectious skin diseases. VAPORISERS AND DIFFUSERS Electric vaporisers are sometimes used in clinics and hospital settings since they are considered to be safe. Electric diffusers, which do not use heat, are also becoming popular. However, both vaporisers and diffusers particularly can be rather expensive. Therefore, for home use, I recommend a clay vaporiser heated by a night light. These are readily available. Put a few teaspoons of water into the loose bowl on top and sprinkle two to six drops of essential oil into it. Light the night light and the oil will diffuse into the air. PILLOW AND NIGHTWEAR METHOD Place a few drops of essential oil on to a pillow or your nightwear for relief from insomnia and to encourage easier and deeper breathing. If desired, you could put the drops on to a piece of cotton wool and place it inside the pillow case. LIGHT BULB RING Two drops of essential oil can be sprinkled on to a ceramic or metal ring which fits on to a light bulb. Only apply your oils when the lamp is off and the ring is cool ensuring that you do not get any oil on the light bulb itself or on the fitting, as essential oils are inflammable. RADIATOR FRAGRANCER Two to six drops of essential oil can be placed into a ceramic container which fits on to a radiator by means of a magnet. Alternatively, moisten a cotton-wool ball slightly with water, sprinkle the drops of essential oil on to the ball and place it on t he radiator, or even lodge it by the pipe to avoid staining the paint surface. The heat from the radiator will evaporate the essential oil into the room. OPEN FIRE Put one drop of essential oil on each log before lighting the fire. As the logs heat up, the aroma will be released into the room. Cypress, sandalwood and cedarwood are particularly effective. MASSAGE Massage even without essential oils is a powerful therapy. The combination of pure essential oils and massage is even more potent. Massage is one of the most effective and beneficial treatment techniques. Essential oil constituents pass through the skin and they are taken into the bloodstream and can be carried to all the cells of the body. Essential oils are not usually applied in an undiluted form to the skin except for emergencies such as burns, cuts or a sting. They must be blended with a suitable carrier oil in the appropriate dilution. When blending essential oil with a base oil, the essential oil content is usually between 1 per cent and 3 per cent. A massage takes between 10 ml and 20 ml of oil. Since a teaspoon holds approximately 5 ml, a treatment will require only two to four teaspoons of base oil. The following guidelines should help you: - 3 drops of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil - 4-5 drops of essential oil to 15 ml of carrier oil - 6 drops of essential oil to 20 ml of carrier oil - 15 drops of essential oil to 50 ml of carrier oil - 30 drops of essential oil to 100 ml of carrier oil Remember that if you are mixing up a large quantity (e.g. 100 ml) for daily use, then ensure that you add a teaspoon of wheatgerm oil to prolong the life of your blend. CANDLES Add one to two drops of essential oil to the warm wax of a candle, taking care to avoid the wick since essential oils are flammable. OINTMENTS AND CREAMS Sometimes you may prefer to apply a cream to a particular area of the body rather than an oil. It is possible to create some wonderful moisturizers for the face, and they make lovely presents. You can also blend your own hand creams and foot creams to alleviate cracked and chapped skin, redness and irritation, infections, chilblains, and so forth. Some aromatherapy suppliers produce a cream without essential oils to which you can add your own. Ensure that it is non-mineral based, organic and lanolin-free for optimum results. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Douglas 5) Essential Oils Combat CDC Threats by Tawne Bachus (Posted: June 4, 2007) Whoever said, "times, they are a changin'", couldn't have been more correct. And with these changing times, come new threats created by new enemies. Some of these enemies are people, like you and me, but some are not. Some of these new threats are caused by new occupational hazards, new chemical pollutants, bioterrorism, and even seemingly insignificant environmental changes resulting in shifting weather patterns. The number of threats has grown to such a large number that the United States Federal Government has created an agency assigned with the responsibility of monitoring and reporting on these threats in an effort to protect the health and safety of the American public. This agency is a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is known as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The danger of these threats is so real that in 2006, the United States Federal Government budgeted $8.5 billion and dedicated 15,000 staff members to the CDC. Recognizing the wide range of possible threats, the CDC enlists an alphabet soup of staff members, including: behavioral scientists, biologists, chemists, computer scientists, economists , engineers, entomologists, epidemiologists, health care workers, health communicators, nurses, physicians, statisticians, toxicologists and veterinarians, to name a few. Unfortunately, some of these threats go undetected and other threats, though known and watched by the CDC, continue to exist. The CDC categorizes all threats in the following six groups: 1. Bioterrorism Emergencies 2. Chemical Emergencies 3. Radiation Emergencies 4. Mass Casualties 5. Natural Disasters & Severe Weather 6. Recent Outbreaks & Incidents As the late, great Ben Franklin once said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." One inexpensive way to get prepared is to begin stocking your medicine cabinet with Essential Oils. Quite simply, essential oils are oils extracted from plants. Once extracted, these oils contain an extremely rich blend compounds naturally found in the plant, from which they came. When buying essential oils, be absolutely certain that quality oil is being purchased. It is common for some essential oil companies to "cut" or dilute the oil before selling it. This process increases the profit to the company and decreases the therapeutic value to the end user. High quality essential oils have an amazing ability to combat bacteria, viruses and fungus. Each essential oil may contain 80 to over 400 different chemicals. Because of this chemical complexity, an essential oil may have the aggressive ability to destroy a virus, for example, on contact. Additionally, it is this natural complexity that makes it virtually impossible for bacteria and viruses to mutate into strains resistant to certain essential oils. After reviewing the CDC's list of categorical threats, it becomes apparent that a large number of them are driven by bacteria and viruses. Some common essential oils that can be used to fight these threats, are as follows: 1) Wild White Oregano contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-yeast and antiseptic properties. It is also valued as a strong analgesic and anti-rheumatic agent. 2) Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-yeast, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, balsamic, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, expectorant, immune stimulant, vulnerary and respritory-assisting properties. 3) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus & Eucalyptus Radiata) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, prophylactic, vermifuge, vulnerary and respritory-assisting properties. 4) Lavender (Lavendula Vera Officinalis) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic, anticonvulsive, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, and vulnerary properties. It may also be an excellent first aid oil, soothing cuts, bruises and insect bites. 5) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) contains anti-microbial, anti-viral, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.. 6) Bergamont contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. 7) Clove contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic and immune system stimulating properties. It should also be mentioned that essential oils may work on virtually any surface and through the air, attacking airborne threats as well. Some of them may even be swallowed to support a healthy body. Copyright © 2007 Tawne Bachus Disclaimer: This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended for use to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 4) Explaining Aromatherapy by Zena Morris (Posted: May 30, 2007) Associated with CAM – complementary and alternative medicine – aromatherapy involves using plant oils in their volatile form. These volatile plant oils are also alternately called essential oils (EOs). Though aroma may mean fragrance, aromatherapy has nothing to do with the perfume industry. There are two schools of thought about the practice of aromatherapy. One school insists that aromatherapy is only about inhaling fragrances, and that the source of that aroma is of no concern – whether natural or synthetic. The second school is of the opinion that the source of the aromatic compounds should not be synthetic. According to them, the very basis of aromatherapy is herbal, as the essential oils are plant based. However, among the herbalists, there is dispute about aromatherapy being herbal or not. Certain herbal schools teach aromatherapy as part of their courses, whereas others do not. Essential Oils Aromatherapy has essential oils at its very core. Parts of the aromatic plants, such as flowers, leaves, and stems, in addition to their barks, fruits, and also their roots are used to extract the essential oils. These oils are highly volatile and concentrated. Being volatile, the essential oils easily evaporate and do not leave any residue giving any oily feel. Some of the essential oils in use today in aromatherapy are: damask rose, geranium, lavender, lemon grass, mandarin (a shrub or a small tree with flattened globe-like fruit with very sweet aromatic pulp), neroli (an essential oil obtained by distilling orange flowers), palmarosa, Roman chamomile (also known as English chamomile), and sandalwood, among many others. The ancient Egyptians were known to use essential oils extracted from cedar wood, cloves, cinnamon, myrrh, and nutmeg, among others. These extracts were used during the embalming processes. Aromatherapy – Methods Of Use Aromatherapy is quite stimulating and leaves a relaxing effect. It can be applied topically, ingested, as well as inhaled. Here again, different aromatherapists have varying views. Some consider only inhaling to be a part of aromatherapy, whereas there are others who are of the opinion that ingestion and topical application of the essential oils, along with inhalation are all part of aromatherapy. These three methods of use of aromatherapy depend on what is required to be achieved. Many aromatherapists feel that: topical applications of the essential oils are useful for muscular problems, skin problems, as well as for burns; oral applications or ingestion of essential oils are useful for intestinal problems; and inhalation of the oils are beneficial for infections of the respiratory tract. Aromatherapists believe that the essential oils in aromatherapy have both physical, as well as psychological benefits. According to the theory of inhalation in aromatherapy, the fragrances of the essential oils make you relaxed by triggering that part of your brain that controls your emotions. Topical application through the skin, directly affects the problem areas. Aromatherapy is known to positively affect conditions like anxiety, insomnia and stress; asthma; eczema; digestive problems; headaches; menstrual problems, including those of menopause; muscular aches and pains; among many others. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zena_Morris 3) Many Uses for Essential Oils by Dean Novosat (Posted: May 27, 2007) Throughout history, essential oils have been used for many different purposes. They have been used for medicinal purposes, for embalming the dead, for antiseptic purposes, and for cleaning. Essential oils are extracted from plants and plant material so they are 100% natural. And if they are grown in the right conditions, essential oils can also be organic. There are different grades of essential oils depending upon their end use. If an essential oil is to be used for medicinal purposes, it must be of a higher quality than an oil that will be used simply for aromatherapy. Essential oils are extracted from various parts of the plant. Some plants, only the flowers are used. In others, the leaves, and in others, the entire plant can be used in the essential oil. The oils are extracted using various methods. Some common methods of extraction include, expression (basically squeezing the plant under pressure), steam distillation, and soaking in solvent. The methods of extraction can determine the quality of the essential oil. When shopping for essential oil, there are different grades of oil. If you are just trying to add a scent or aroma to a room, you can use a lower quality, and hence, a less expensive oil. If you need an essential oil for medical purposes, you need a higher or therapeutic grade of essential oil. These oils should be clearly marked as “therapeutic” and may contain the seal of a certified testing agency. When storing essential oils, you should keep them in a cool, dark place. Sunlight will destroy the potency of essential oil. It is for this reason that higher-quality oils come in dark amber or cobalt blue bottles. These bottles help keep sunlight away from the essential oil. Before you use essential oil directly on your skin for medicinal or therapeutic purposes, always test a small amount on an inconspicuous area of skin. This way you can find out if you have an allergic reaction to the particular essential oil. Most people will not have any problems with essential oils but it is always prudent to err on the side of safety. If you are sensitive to a particular oil, try a different species of plant, or try a higher-quality oil. Essential oils are a good, natural way to heal many ailments. People have found relief from such things as: insomnia, lack of energy, depression, anxiety, muscle aches, injuries, and much more. Since they are natural, most people can use them without any side effects. Essential oils can also be mixed into special recipes that will help alleviate many symptoms at the same time. These mixtures may contain the essential oils from several different plants so you can get the healing properties of many different essential oils in one mixture. This may be a cost-effective way to use essential oils. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Novosat 2) Essential Oils 101 by Heidi Whitaker (Posted: May 27, 2007) When most people think of essential oils, they think of the term “aromatherapy” – the science that certain scents stimulate certain areas of the brain that cause changes to take place in the body and can especially affect your emotions. Well, all that is true, but if you think that is all essential oils can do, you are really missing the mark. Essential oils can stimulate the part of the brain responsible for emotions. They can also stimulate the release of thyroid hormones, growth hormones, sex hormones, and neurotransmitters by stimulating a part the hypothalamus. Essential oils provide a plant with protection against insects, disease, and the elements. They allow it to adapt to its environment. Scientific research shows that in the human body, these powerful oils stimulate the production hormones, endorphins, antibodies, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. They also have been shown to inhibit nasty critters like bacteria and viruses. Very importantly and often overlooked, essential oils can help the body to get rid of toxins by supporting the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic systems. Essential oils have a chemical structure similar to human cells. This makes them compatible with human protein and easily identified and accepted by the body. When applied to the feet, essential oils can travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes. Diffused in the air, essential oils can increase oxygen and break down toxins in the air. Essential oils have been studied and used for centuries. Modern-day research and use has proven them effective enough that their use is taught in the medical schools of European countries like France and they are even covered under medical insurance. So what is the downside of natural products with all of the benefits I have described? In a word – cost! Therapeutic Grade oil, in other words the grade of oil that can do the things I have mentioned, is expensive. Because essential oils have become so popular, companies are anxious to take short cuts and create cheap versions of these oils. They also use misleading labeling practices like calling something 100% pure, when technically, it only contains 10% pure essential oil. In fact, worldwide, for every 1 ton of pure essential oil produced, there is between 10 and 100 tons of synthetic oil labeled and sold. These synthetic oils are sold much less expensively than the real deal. While they smell good, they don’t have the healing properties that pure essential oils have. No matter how hard they try, chemists can’t mimic God’s handiwork. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Whitaker 1) Headache Relief - Best Essential Oils to Use & Why by KG Stiles (Posted: May 27, 2007) A synergistic blend of essential oils can be more effective for getting the results you desire than any single essential oil. The pure essential oils I recommend you use in a blend for relief of headaches, include: Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lavender. PEPPERMINT ( Mentha piperita ) - Peppermint is a fluid, colorless oil with a distinctly penetrating scent. Peppermint acts as a regulator and has a relaxing or invigorating effect depending on the circumstance for which you are using it. An analgesic (pain reliever) research has shown Peppermint to be effective for relieving both Migraine headache and tension headaches when resulting from weak or poor digestive forces, congestion or sluggish circulation. EUCALYPTUS ( Eucalyptus globulus ) - Refreshing, stimulating and powerful Eucalyptus is a long lasting oil with fluid consistency and one of the most well-known aromas of all the essential oils, along with lavender, rose and mint. Most people can easily recognize any one of these aromas. Eucalyptus stimulates oxygen uptake in the cell tissues and increases circulation. Increased oxygenation in the lungs promotes the cleansing and repair function of the red blood cells. Eucalyptus is the traditional remedy for sinus and tension headaches that are due to congestion. LAVENDER ( Lavendula augustifolia ) - Highly scented Lavender has a distinctly sweet floral-spice aroma that's a little wild and woody. Lavender smells like the color blue to me! I think of the Blue Bird of Happiness when I inhale its lovely and intoxicating scent. The best Lavender oils are distilled at high altitudes. Distilling at high altitude allows lower temperatures and lower pressure for distillation making it possible for the volatile phytochemicals to come through intact in the final product. Lavender oil is an analgesic (pain reliever) and an antispasmodic (calms nervous and muscular spasms and relieves pain), as well as a decongestant (relieves or reduces congestion). A relaxant and a sedative Lavender’s action exerts a soothing, tranquilizing and calming effect on the body, making it effective for relieving nervous tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations. PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free. Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles