ESSENTIAL OILS PROPERTIES F-L
Below is a list of essential oils and some of the applications that they are commonly used for. Also listed are some appropriate cautions relating to particular oils - PLEASE read them and take note of any cautions that they may have. NEVER use essential oils undiluted for applications to the skin! Always dilute first in a carrier oil for massage or in water for bathing use. Remember that a little goes a long way and more IS NOT better. Always use the minimum amount possible. They are for external use only and should be kept safely away from the reach of children. Fir Needle - Steam distilled from the needles of the Fir tree, it has a rich, balsamic scent - the scent of an Evergreen forest. It may be useful as a respiratory tonic or to soothe anxiety.
Frankincense (Boswellia thurifera) - Steam distilled from the resin, Frankincense has a warm, spicy, balsamic aroma. We offer two varieties, Boswellia carteri which is what most people are familiar with and Boswellia frereana. Boswellia frereana has a gentler, slightly sweet aroma. Frankincense is calming, grounding, quiets the mind and is often used to enhance meditation. It is also said to have a restorative effect on mature and dry skin.
Geranium, Egyptian (Pelargonium graveolens) - Steam distilled from the leaf, yhis herbaceous, slightly rose scent is believed to have balancing and calming effects. It may be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety and is often used for irritability associated with PMS. Many believe that its restorative and balancing properties make it useful for skin care for all skin types, especially mature skin.
Ginger (Zinginer officinale) - Steam distilled from the root, the scent is warm and spicy. Inhaling the scent is said to be stimulating and helpful in clearing your head. While fresh ginger root is often used as a digestive aid for upset stomach, we cannot recommend taking this oil internally. Used in a compress, Ginger oil is believed to be helpful to find relief from aches and pains.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) - Has a fresh, citrus scent. It is refreshing and energizing and can be used as a natural air freshener with disinfecting properties. Thought to be beneficial as an anti-depressant, as it may help relieve anxiety as well as stimulating detoxification of the body. Grapefruit may also be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with PMS. Causes sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct exposure to the sun after direct application to the skin.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) - Steam distilled from the flowering tops of the plant commonly known as Immortelle, it has a unique scent that's difficult to describe - somewhat tea-like, but not quite. It is believed to be exceptional in skin care with regards to bruises and scarring. Many people have claimed great success in treating scars and bruises by mixing Helichrysum with Rosehip Seed Oil.
Juniperberry (Juniperus communis) - Steam distilled from the berries or a combination of berries and twigs. The scent is sweet and balsamic (similar to Gin) and the oil has antiseptic qualities. May cause irritation of sensitive skin. Should be avoided by those with kidney disease.
Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) - Sweet, crisp scent. It is relaxing and soothing and can be helpful in reducing stress. Many individuals use lavender to promote a blissful sleep. Powerful, yet mild antiseptic, it can be used directly on the skin for urgent needs such as bee stings, minor cuts and burns. Lavender is one of the best all around essential oils.
Lemon (Citrus limon) - It has a clean, refreshing and uplifting scent. Used in a diffuser, lemon will purify stale air and act as a disinfectant. Lemon juice has the ability to reduce acidity in the body and is generally beneficial to the digestive system. It also stimulates the white corpuscles in the body which help to fight infection. We do not promote the use of using essential oils internally. Causes sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct exposure to the sun for six hours after direct application to the skin.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuous) - Has a grassy, citrus aroma. It is uplifting and cleansing and it believed to have a sedating effect on the central nervous system. Very effective as a natural insect repellent. Skin irritant! Use highly diluted (1% or less).
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) - Both distilled and cold expressed from the peel. Lime shares most of the same characteristics as lemon including fighting infections, colds, and dyspepsia. Expressed lime causes sensitivity to sunlight, avoid exposure to the sun for six hours after direct application to the skin. Distilled lime does not contain phototoxic properties although it doesn't have the fresh lime scent that distilled lime does.
Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) - Steam distilled from the berries, this oil has a fresh lemony, slightly floral uplifting scent similar to lemongrass but not as sharp. It has a high citral content and works well as an air freshener. It can also be used as a fixative with other more volatile citrus oils. Possible sensitization risk in some individuals.
