Therapeutic Properties of
Herbs and Essential Oils

Bergamot

Benefits Provided	Other Information
Sedating to nervous system, but reviving to the spirit.	Blends with lavender, neroli, jasmine, geranium, lemon, chamomile, juniper. Oil should not be put on skin undiluted. Can cause sun sensitivity.
Calendula (Marigold)
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Long considered a detoxifying herb. Helps treat toxicity that underlies many fevers and infections, and skin disorders such as eczema and acne. Cleansing for the liver and gallbladder. Helps reduce menstrual pain and regulate bleeding. Aids in psychic dreams.	Blends with floral, citrus and oakmoss.
Catnip
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Stress-related conditions, nervous headaches, fever and insomnia. Bring about peace and happiness. Very soothing.	May increase menstrual flow. Catnip is a feline aphrodisiac, but a sedative for humans. Used as a popular tea before Chamomile was introduced.
Cedarwood
Benefits Provided	Other Information
It is good for easing colds, flu and bronchitis. Use the essential oil in a diffuser or a steam inhalation bath. This oil can be used for arthritis and rheumatism. Simply add a few drops to the bath or massage the oil directly to affected area. Cedarwood is a natural anti-depressant and a sedative. These calming properties make it good for nervous tension, stress and anxiety.	The dried Cedarwood chips and shavings can be used to repel moths, burned as fire starter or incense, for meditation and as a filler for potpourri blends. It blends well with Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Jasmine, Rosewood, Lavender, Patchouli, Vetiver and Sandalwood.
Chamomile
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Nerve sedative, helps menopausal problems. Eases depression, stress related complaints, insomnia and migraines. Facilitates meditation. Relaxing, and soothing,	Blends with bergamot, sage, oakmoss, jasmine, neroli, rose, geranium and lavender. Chamomile has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years. Chamomile tea is a popular night time beverage.
Elder Flowers
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Use for mild nervous disorders.	Try as a tea or in the bath to soften skin.
Eucalyptus
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Promotes health, purification and healing. Is a stimulant and aids memory. Also rids negative psychic energy. Balancing.	Inhale steam to help bronchitis & asthma. For insect repellent use 1 teaspoon oil to 1/2 pint water. Blends with thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, lemon.
Flaxseed
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Externally, the seeds or husks are soaked and made into a paste to relieve pain, heal wounds and soothe skin rashes.	The shell hull of the flaxseed has a higher concentration of lignans than any other food. Craft Ideas - Great base for eye pillows and microwavable neck wraps. Culinary - Sprinkle on salads, in soups, yogurt, cereals, bread and other baked goods. The nutty taste of ground flaxseeds is pleasant, and can be mixed with water or any fruit or vegetable juice. Use a coffee grinder to grind the tiny seeds.
Geranium
Benefits Provided	Other Information
PMS, menopausal problems. Balances mood swings and hormones. When inhaled is an anti-depressant.	Blends with lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, neroli, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper, bergamot, citrus.
Hibiscus
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Externally, Hibiscus' mucilage properties help it to soften the skin and it can be used for sunburn, gray hair and hair growth. The German Commission E also reports it's use for shingles. Bath - Place 1/4 cup dried flowers in a small muslin bag or large tea ball. Steep while you bathe. Great for softening the skin or soothing sunburn.	Tea - 1-2 teaspoons of dried, Hibiscus flowers. Steep 10 minutes. Great after dinner drink to simulate digestion. Blends well with other herbal teas. Hair Care - Make a paste by grinding the dried herb and combining it with coconut oil. Massage into scalp once a day for a month. For gray hair apply twice daily. Culinary - Great for making wine, jelly, butter and syrup. Use in ice cream, pies, sauces tarts and other desserts.
Hops
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Strong sedative, affects nervous tension, headaches, insomnia. and improves appetite.	Blends with lavender, pine balsam, and citrus.
Lavender Note: Lavender has been named 1999 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association (IHA).
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Relieves headaches, migraines, insomnia, PMS and shock. Promotes peace, love and health. Dispels depression, brings feelings under conscious control. Lavender is soothing, relaxing and balancing.	Lavender is regarded as the most versatile essence. Favorite in the bath of Romans and Greeks. Relieves sore feet. Blends with most oils, especially citrus, floral, clove, pine, geranium, oakmoss, patchouli. Aids in rapid healing.
Lemon Balm
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Lemon Balm has many uses including restoring the nervous system, relieving anxiety attacks, palpitations, phobias and insomnia. It also supports the female reproductive system by regulating menstrual cycle, easing cramping and it's antidepressant properties helps with emotional upsets. Lemon Balm is a great tea for feverish patients suffering from the flu. It increases sweating and helps reduce fever. It has also been found to increase blood circulation and is great for treating colds.	Skin - Use dried Lemon Balm for a lightly astringent facial steam. Rub fresh leaves on the skin to treat cold sores, insect bites and for a natural mosquito repellent, Careful, can attract Bees. Bath - It's antihistaminic abilities make it beneficial to allergy sufferers and those that suffer from upper respiratory difficulty. Make a strong infusion then add to bath water. Also great for purifying baths. Potpourri - A great addition of scent to any potpourri or Tussie Mussies.
Mugwort
Benefits Provided	Other Information
It aids the entire gastrointestinal tract by increasing stomach acid and bile production. This eases gas, bloating and improves digestion. Drink a cup of tea after dinner or before bed. Mugwort is a nervine that can help with spasms including: convulsions, palsy, epilepsy and Parkinsons. It is even good against hysteria. Mugwort is soothing to the skin. Use in the bath for aches and pains including arthritis or rheumatism. Great for skin problems including poison oak. Its antibacterial properties kill not only staphococcus aureus, streptococci, E. coli but many others as well. Mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and the uterus. It is useful for most female disorders including: painful and irregular periods, promoting labor and assisting with expulsion of the afterbirth.	Mugwort is an interesting plant deep with historical references, most dealing with psychic awareness and dreaming. Mugwort is a member of the Sage family and is often used in place of the traditional White Sage in smudge sticks. -Smudging for purification -Use in dream pillows -Use to cleanse crystals and other tools of divination The dried herb can also be smoked as a nicotine-free tobacco.
Oakmoss
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Oatstraw
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Atraditional herbal bath for the treatment of spasms, nervous disorders, joint pain and skin disorders. It is a powerful nerve tonic and is supportive in the treatment of addictions, raw nerve endings and energy deficiency. It nourishes the pancreas, liver and replenishes the adrenal glands. And it reduces cholesterol and improves circulatory functioning. Oatstraw baths are used to soothe flaky, itchy skin and to fight both physical and nervous fatigue. Soaking your entire body in an oatstraw bath helps to wipe off a stressful day, relieve anxiety, and relax the nervous system.	The nourishing benefits of the stems, seeds and flowers do wonders for emotional challenges including stress, exhaustion, depression and a burned out nervous system. Oatstraw is useful for women in every stage of life including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. It is known for its rich vitamin and mineral content including vitamin A and B Complex and it is a natural source of iron, magnesium and calcium (with one cup containing up to 300 mg. of calcium.) It is beneficial against osteoporosis with an ability to regenerate the nervous system which plays an important role in a woman's hormone cycle. It can be used for PMS, thyroid and estrogen deficiency. Also useful for degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis or recurrent and persistent colds.
Patchouli
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Helps frigidity, nervous exhaustion and stress related complaints. Is appeasing, calming and uplifting.	Blends well with sandalwood, oakmoss, geranium, clove, lavender, rose, neroli and bergamot.
Peppermint
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Stimulant that helps headaches, migraines, mental fatigue, nervous stress and fainting. Affects conscious mind and halts negative thoughts.	Do not use at night unless you want to stay up late. Blends with rosemary, lavender, marjoram, lemon, eucalyptus and other mints.
Rosebuds & Petals
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity, headaches, nervous tension. Promotes a feeling of well being. Influences love, peace and happiness. Is an aphrodisiac acting directly upon brain and sexual centers of the body. Help alleviate sexual problems of women, helps psychological impotence in men. Increases sperm count.	Signifies love and romance. Blends with jasmine, orange blossom, geranium, bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, chamomile and clove.
Rosemary
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Helps headaches, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress-related disorders. Clears conscious mind. Promotes mental clarity. Refreshes and stimulates a warm sluggish body, energizes and regenerates. Strengthens and uplifts.	Excellent for skin & hair care. Folklore states Rosemary wards off demons and prevents bad dreams. Blends with lavender, thyme, pine, peppermint and cinnamon. Poor oils have a camphoraceaus note.
Sage
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Modern herbalists recommend sage externally for wounds and insect bites, as a gargle for bleeding gums, sore throat, laryngitis, tonsillitis, and in an infusion to reduce perspiration, terminate milk production, and treat dizziness, depression, menstrual irregularity and intestinal upsets.	And like most culinary spices, sage helps relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic),and therefore, excellent for poor digestion. Sage is also good for reducing sweating, hot flashes and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency. It helps the body adapt to the hormonal changes involved in menopause.
Spearmint
Good for fatigue, headaches, migraines, nervous strain and stress. Is comforting to bereaved and folklore says it gives protection during sleep.	Blends with lavender, jasmine, eucalyptus, basil, rosemary, and peppermint.
Sandalwood
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Eases nervous tension and stress related complaints. Use as a meditative aid, calms the mind, expels bad spirits, Helps impotence, helps clear acne, and is soothing to mucous membrane.	Serves as a fixative in most perfumes. Blends well with rose, violet, clove, lavender, bergamot, geranium, oakmoss, patchouli and jasmine.
St. John's Wort
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Used externally for burns, wounds, sores, bruises and other skin problems. A tea is good for stomachache, uterine cramping, menstrual difficulties and other intestinal problems. Boosts the immune system.	Recent studies confirm the usage of St. John's Wort for depression. Comparing to Prozac without the side effects.
Ylang Ylang
Benefits Provided	Other Information
Eases nervous tension, soothes and inhibits anger born of frustration. Promotes peace, sex, and love. Calms anger and negative emotional states. Inclines to rest, comfort and sleep.	Can produce headaches & nausea after long periods of inhaling. Excellent for hair and skin care. Ylang Ylang is a nerve stimulant and yet soothing and relaxing on a more subtle emotional level.