There are hundreds of essential oils to choose from, but a basic few, kept on hand, will more than suffice for therapeutic use.
When buying products containing essential oils, go to health-food stores rather than stores that sell cosmetics.
Diffusers are especially made to heat essential oils in order to release their aroma.
COMMON THERAPEUTIC OILS:
Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, and sedative.
Peppermint oil is very useful in treating digestive disorders. Do not use during pregnancy.
Chamomile oil is helpful in treating anxiety, but should never be used by people with low blood pressure.
Geranium oil works mostly on the emotions. Mixed with massage oil, it is used to treat acne, dermatitis, and eczema.
Rosemary oil treats headaches, muscle pain, and dandruff.
THE PURITY TEST:
For effective therapy, only pure essential oils should be used. When dropped on blotting paper, they impregnate it, then evaporate leaving no oily patch.
