Essential oils can be used in two basic ways. The first is by rubbing the oil on the skin, the second is through inhalation of the scent. For a body massage, try 20-30 drops in a non-scented oil, such as vegetable or canola. For the bath, just add 5-10 drops to a steaming tub. For air diffusers, use 5 drops, or follow the manufacturer's advice. When purchasing essential oils, look for brands that come in dark brown glass bottles that have a dropper top, or droppers available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Basil (0cimum basilicum) - Inhaled: is a stimulant, helps sharpen senses, and helps ease headaches. On skin: a good skin toner. This does not need to be mixed with vegetable oil. Warning: Basil essential oil may irritate sensitive skin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) - Inhaled: helps clear breathing passages. Use during a cold or flu. On skin: Use on burns or infected wounds. Warning: Eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for people with high blood pressure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - Inhaled: decreases appetite, aids digestion. On skin: a good toner, eases wrinkles. Warning: not recommended during pregnancy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) - Inhaled: clears lungs, stimulates the immune system. On skin: good for aging skin. Eases sores and inflammations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Geranium (Pelargonium gravolens) - Inhaled: reduces stress. On skin: A good cleanser, improves skin circulation. Warning: Do not use during pregnancy. May irritate sensitive skin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ginger (Zingiber offcinalis) - Inhaled: Eases digestion. Causes sweating during fevers. On skin: Helps ease bruises. Warning: May irritate sensitive skin. Mix with vegetable oil if this is the case. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) - Inhaled: relaxing. relieves headaches, lowers blood pressure. On skin: Aids in wound recovery, good for acne, burns and wounds. Warning: Not recommended for people with low blood pressure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) - Inhaled: causes loss of appetite. Deodorizes. On skin: Good for aged cracked skin. Anti-inflammatory anti-fungal. Good for athlete's foot. Warning: in low doses, may act as a sedative. Acts as a stimulant at higher doses. Many find patchouli to be an unpleasant odor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - Inhaled: good for easing stomach ailments. Ease headaches. On skin: Relives itching of sunburn. Use on greasy hair. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis - Inhaled: Good general tonic. Eases headaches. On skin: Good astringent. Use in shampoo to get rid of dandruff. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sandalwood (Santalum album) - Inhaled: aids sleep, releases anxiety. (often used as an aphrodesiac) On skin: relieves itching and inflammation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - Inhaled: helps relieve sinusitus. On skin: anti-inflammatory. Use on burns, sores, warts, athlete's foot. Rub into scalp to relieve dandruff. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) - Inhaled: sedative. Good for high blood pressure and insomnia. On skin: Rub on scalp to stimulate hair growth. Sweet scent, use as perfume. ------------------------------------------------------------------------