Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oil is well known for it's wonderful health properties, whereas basil infused oil which is also health giving is mainly known for it's culinary uses. The essential oil is extracted from the sweet basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) by steam distillation. It is also known as tulsi essential oil. Basil essential oil is a golden yellow oil with a warm, sweet and spicy aroma, and gives a green top note to blends.

Some of the health giving contents in basil essential oil are linalool, methyl chavicol, citronella, eugenol and anythol. The oil is known as a carminative, emmenagogue (promotes and regulates menstruation), antibacterial, antispasmodic, analgesic, digestive, expectorant, galactagogue (increases the flow of breast milk) and tonic.  

Health wise it's historically known uses include relief of muscle pain and rheumatism, headaches and migraine, insect bites, and lung and sinus congestion.  To use it, basil essential oil can be placed in massage oil, in burners, or added to the bath, so that it can give relief to many of these problems. Other benefits include it being energizing, improving concentration and for uplifting spirits.

Warning:  Do not use during pregnancy or when under the age of 16. Always use added to a base oil when applying to the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Basil essential oil is also a wonderful beauty aid as it improves the tone of the skin and gives the hair a shine when added to skin creams and hair conditioners.

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Avocado and Basil Massage Oil

By Christopher Godwin at eHow  

Simple, natural homemade massage oil that should be applied to the skin when slightly damp. This massage oil is good for all skin types  as it does not use oils that may lead to increased oil production in people with typically oily skin. Avocado and basil massage oil will keep for about two months if stored in a cool, dark place between uses.

½ cup cold pressed avocado oil

4 tbsp almond oil

4 tbsp apricot kernel oil

4 tbsp cold pressed olive oil

10 drops basil essential oil

Combine the avocado oil, almond oil and apricot kernel oil in a small saucepan. Cover and heat over low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the stove and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Add the cold pressed olive oil and stir with a wooden spoon or disposable stirrer. Using a clean plastic funnel, transfer the avocado and basil massage oil to a sterilized glass bottle with a pump or tight-fitting top. Add the basil essential oil to the bottle and shake gently. Store the massage oil in a dry, dark place for 24 hours to infuse before first use. Shake gently before first use and all subsequent uses.

Natural Insect Repellent Oil

1/2 cup soybean oil 

15 drops lemongrass essential oil

15 drops rose geranium essential oil

10 drops basil essential oil

Place all ingredients in dark bottle or squeeze bottle.  Shake and leave for one hour. Shake before use. Store in cool dark area. Will keep for +/- 6 months.

Neem Oil

Often described as the most medically useful tree of all time, the Neem tree (Azadirachta indicahas), has been valued by the people of many parts of Asia and Africa for more than 4000 years. The bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, and sap are used.

Neem oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and astringent. It is also known as an excellent natural insecticide and fungicide. It consists primarily of saturated and of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, steriods and is rich in oleic (Omega_9), stearic, palmitic, and linoleic (Omega_6) acids. Neem oil is not used for cooking purposes but is used internally in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine.

Note: Only use neem oil internally on the advice of a qualified practitioner. Although no major problems are reported, pregnant women and babies should not use it externally either, unless they are advised to do so by a qualified practitioner.

An excellent skin care oil. Neem oil adds moisture and elasticity to the skin and is known to heal many skin disorders like acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, head lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, and warts. Mix one teaspoon neem oil to half a cup of carrier oil, like almond, olive, coconut or palm oil. It has been used with excellent results against candida or thrush, without the side effects of many pharmaceuticals, and is good as a mouthwash when having sore gums.

Neem oil is used safely on pets to eradicate fleas, mites and dry skin. Just add a few drops of the oil to a handful of their shampoo when bathing them.

It is also wonderful for eradicating garden pests but is non-toxic to bees, birds and earthworms.. Add a couple of teaspoons to your watering can or spraycan water. Neem oil does not mix with water without an emulsifier, so also add a couple of squirts of liquid soap or shampoo to the water. Then water or spray the infested plants. Also add a couple of drops to you skin lotion to deter mosquitoes when gardening.

Neem oil is great when cleaning house. Add the oil to carpet shampoos and mattress sprays to kill dust mites. Add to liquid hand soap for antibacterial properties. As neem oil has a strong garlicky/sulfur smell you might wish to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil as well, to mask the smell if you do not like it. Lavender or lemongrass are good choices.

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Lepa Mask
From Martha Stewart Whole Living

"Lepa" translates as "medicinal plaster." This mask absorbs impurities. In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons each sandalwood powder, natural clay powder (available at natural-foods stores), a pinch of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon neem oil, and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice. Mix thoroughly and apply all over the face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.


Hand and Foot Treatment
From Martha Stewart Whole Living

To soften rough hands and feet, start by gently massaging them with a loofah or rough hand towel. Next, soak them in a tub of warm water infused with a few drops of sandalwood, rose, neem, or jasmine oils. Use a pumice stone to soften rough areas on the feet. To moisturize, make a solution of 1 teaspoon neem oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, between the toes and fingers, wrists, and palms. Rinse with the juice of one lemon diluted in 1 cup warm water. Dry off with a soft, fluffy towel.


Dandruff and General Hair Mask

Add 1teaspoon of neem oil to 2 tablespoons of warm avocado oil. Apply oil to scalp, and massage into skin. Comb through. Cover hair with plastic bag or cling wrap. Leave on for 1 hour, then shampoo hair.

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Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil has been a favorite of mine for many years for it's many uses. It is the distilled oil from the Blue Gum Tree which is native to Australia and Tasmania.

It is a powerful antiseptic, natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory and can be used in the treatment of coughs, colds, flu, throat infections, cold sores, fevers, sprains, burns and scalds, cuts and grazes, insect bites, and muscular aches and pains. It also increases concentration and reduces stress.

Note: Not suitable for babies and small children or as a massage oil for pregnant women or for those with sensitive skin.

Eucalyptus oil is also useful for animals. Vets use eucalyptus Oil for horses with flu, dogs with distemper, and for animals with parasitic skin affections.

The oil is virtually colorless but becomes yellow as it ages. It has a piercing camphor type aroma so when using with other oils in a burner, use sparingly or it will dominate the other aromas.

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Blend for Colds
From Dreaming Earth Recipes

2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops tea tree oil essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Place in a diffuser/burner.


Blend to Ease Sinuses
From Wiccan Kitchen Recipes

2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil

Boil a pot of water and remove it from the stove. While it is still steaming, add oils, immediately cover the pot and head with a towel and inhale for 3 minutes. Keep Eyes Closed.


Orange-Eucalyptus Bath Salts
By Rebecca Dillon at Article City
Winter colds don't leave you with much to be desired. Lift your spirits, ease muscle aches, and help clear nasal passages with this bath salt blend.

1 cup fine sea salt
1/2 tsp liquid vegetable glycerin
1/2 Cup epsom salts
8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops sweet orange essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. To use, simply add 4 to 6 tablespoons of salts to a hot tub. Keep unused salts sealed in an airtight container.


All-Round Cleaner
From Cleaning Recipes at Alfalfa House

2 tbsps pure soap
3 tbsps washing soda
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
400 mls/1 cup hot water

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into a labelled spray bottle and shake well before use. Suitable for most hard surfaces. Spot test if unsure.


Natural Flea Recipe
From Family Herbal Remedies

This is the natural way of eliminating these unwanted fleas from your home and sleeping place of your pet. It has a natural aroma that is not harmful to Humans, Pets, or Children. Use ¼ tsp. of Eucalyptus Oil in a 8-10 ounce spray pumper bottle. Fill with water. Put the pumper on a fine mist. Spray your house with the mist. Spray the carpet, furniture, car, pet’s beds everywhere. Fleas hate the aroma and run for the door. Do this 3 times a week. It leaves a fine mist that dries almost instantly. Your home will have a very fresh scent. Spraying your pet is also a great idea. It doesn’t hurt them and it helps keep fleas away. Do this recipe all year, but especially do this routine in the summer months when fleas are at there peak. Vacuuming is also important for picking up eggs.


Herbaceous Cuticle Conditioning Oil
From Health and Beauty - All in Your Hands

2 tbsps sesame or jojoba oil
8 drops carrot seed essential oil
7 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
3 drops oregano essential oil

Combine ingredients. Shake well before each use. Rub into nail and toenail cuticles following bath or shower; while these oil helps prevent fungus, the strong scent may be best to use at night. Store unused portion in tightly sealed (preferably glass) container in a cool, dark, dry place for 6-12 months.


Technorati tags: eucalyptus essential+oils flea+recipe homemade+cleaners cold+remedies

Citronella Oil

Essential Citronella oil is distilled from the leaves of the Cymbopogon Nardus plant and should not be mixed up with Citronella lamp oil which is basically a petroleum by-product with a Citronella perfume added. The plant originates from Ceylon and is suitable for growing indoors or outdoors in mild to tropical areas. It grows to around 36 inches/90cm with lavender flowers.

Citronella Oil has a pleasant lemony smell and a fruity taste. It is used for flavor in manufactured goods like beverages, cereals, and sweets, and as a perfume in candles and soaps.

Note that Citronella oil must NEVER be used by pregnant women or young children. Keep out of contact with the eyes. It can cause irritation on sensitive skin, so do a patch test on the skin when using it for the first time. Always dilute Citronella oil by mixing a few drops to 2-3 tablespoons of neutral oil, like almond, grape seed or avocado oil, before applying to the skin. Do not use internally without approval from your doctor or homeopath.

It is a warming, antiseptic oil which can be used externally to relieve PMS, exhaustion, colds, flu, aching muscles and headaches. It can be applied by massage, aromatherapy treatment or by adding a few drops to bath water. It is popular as an mosquito repellent and commonly used by adding it to candles or a burner in the evening. Aromatherapists often blend it with lavender, citrus or geranium oil.

An excellent essential oil to add to your collection.

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Flea Powder Recipe
From EssentialBlend

2 cups baking soda
5 drops citronella essential oil
5 drops pennyroyal essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

To baking soda add essential oils and mix well. Store in a powder sifter. Sprinkle a small amount onto your carpets or put a small amount on your animal bed. Let sit and then vacuum.


Useful Tips for using Essential Citronella Oil
From Sunspirit - see website for more tips.

Cockroaches : Add a few drops of Citronella oil to cotton wool and place in the back of cupboard. An additional drop of Peppermint oil or Lemongrass oil can be added for extra strength.

Flies : Place a handful of dried cloves in a bowl and sprinkle with a few drops of Clove oil and Lavender oil, Citronella oil or Peppermint oil. Recharge with additional oil from time to time.

Mozzies : Add a few drops of Lemongrass oil or Citronella oil to a bowl of steaming water or vapourise in a burner to keep mozzies at a distance. Or add five drops of Lemongrass oil, Peppermint oil, Lavender oil or Citronella oil to a ribbon and hang it from window or doorways.

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Wishing my Jewish readers a wonderful New Year

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Lemongrass Oil

Everyone loves the fresh, uplifting, lemon-scented perfume of lemongrass. You can enjoy it in many ways, dried as a herb or tea, as an essential oil, and fresh or frozen for use in Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese cooking and many other dishes.

See my blog The Vegan Diet for the use of lemongrass in the kitchen and it's nutrative qualities.

Lemongrass is an aromatic grass which is found in the Tropics. The essential oil is extracted from the plant by steam distillation. It is one of the strongest smelling oils and a little goes a long way when adding it to massage oils. One drop to a tablespoon of carrier oil is recommended. Dilute even further if you have very sensitive skin.

A lemongrass and carrier oil massage is excellent as a relaxant after a highly stressed day at the office or to relieve muscular aches and pains after a workout. Also excellent to relieve arthritic pain when massaged into the joints.

A few drops in a footbath is excellent for tired, sweaty feet after a run. To soften hard skin on the feet rub a mixture of cider vinegar, sweet almond oil and lemongrass oil into your skin after your footbath.

Lemongrass oil can be used externally to treat ringworm, athletes foot, dandruff and scabies. Use in your burner as a relaxant and also to give your home a clean, fresh smell.

Lemongrass will also repel those annoying, flying, insects in the evening by using the oil in your burner. Also works to keep your pets bed free of fleas by spraying the bedding with a mixture lavender oil, lemongrass oil and surgical spirits.

Although lemongrass oil is not recommended for a massage if pregnant, lemongrass tea has been drunk for centuries to promote milk flow in nursing mothers. The tea is also excellent for digestion, cramps, headaches and for coughs and colds.

Pick up a bottle of lemongrass essential oil and a packet of tea when next you go shopping.


Water Sprite
From PositiveHealth
Extracted from The Aromatherapy Kitchen by Nicola Jenkins (Search Press 2001)

A tropical blend which should get you going on those cold, grey winter mornings. Lemongrass is great for muscular aches and pains, Coriander will give your immune system a boost and Jasmine regulates hormonal imbalances. This bubble bath smells gorgeous and it can also be used as a perfume. Reduce the dosage of Lemongrass and Jasmine if you have a sensitive skin, as they can sometimes cause an uncomfortable reaction.

3 drops lemongrass
2 drops jasmine
3 drops coriander
1 tbsp bubble bath

Light moisturising and toning for Oily Skin

5 tsps jojoba oil
5 drops bergamot
5 drops cypress
3 drops geranium
2 1/2 tbsps Sunspirit Aloe Gel
10 drops geranium
10 drops lavender
3 drops lemongrass

Apply to face once or twice daily.

Citrus Body Scrub
From MCS-Natural Beauty Recipes

6 tbsps unscented liquid body soap (preferably castile or other detergent-free formula)
6 tbsps grapeseed, jojoba, or sesame oil
1 tbsp sweet almond, kukui nut or macadamia nut oil
1/2 cup fine sea salt
1 tbsp coarse sea salt
1/4 tsp lemongrass essential oil
1/4 tsp tangerine essential oil
4-5 drops neroli or lime essential oil

Combine the soap and oils together in a bowl until well blended. Slowly add in the salts, followed by the essential oils (which should be spread throughout the mixture). Smooth on small handfuls of the scrub onto wet skin (apply to dry skin cautiously for an invigorating treatment); rub with gentle pressure in circular motions. Rinse well or smooth off in bath. Store unused portion in tightly sealed (preferably glass) container in a cool, dark, dry place for 6-12 months.

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