Healing Garden Glossary

Basil Ocimum basilicum – Helps clarify thought processes. Aids memory. Nerve Tonic. Grapefruit Citrus paradisi – Uplifting and reviving. Astringent. Lymphatic stimulant. Cellulite. Caution: Photosensitiser
Bay Pimenta racimosa – Great in Pot Pouris and at Christmas time.

Jasmine Jasminum officinalis – Euphoric anti-depressant. Aids labour contractions and post natal recovery.

Bergamot Citrus bergamia – Uplifting anti-depressant. A ray of sunshine in winter. Use for acne, herpes, eczema and urinary infections.
Caution: Photo Toxic

 Lavender Lavandula angustifolia/vera/officinalis – Calming, soothing, both physically and emotionally. Speeds burn healing. Helps eczema. Encourages healthy new skin. Cell growth. Headache and insomnia. Local pain reliever. Muscular aches. Antiseptic. The most useful of all Essential Oils.

Black Pepper Piper nigrum – Very warming. Use for muscular pain and stiffness. Use at 50% or less dilution.

Lemon Citrus limonum – immune enhancing, promotes formation of white blood cells. Liver detoxifier. Plantar’s warts. Uplifting and refreshing.
Cajeput Melaleuca leuacadendron – Upper Respiratory tract infections. Gentler scent than Eucalyptus. Acne. Marjoram Organum marjorana – Warming and comforting. Good for muscular, digestive or menstrual pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Roman Chamomile Athemis nobilus – Anti-inflammatory, pain relieving. Calming anti-depressant. Dry or irritated skin, headaches, migraines, teething.

 Myrrh Commiphora myrrh – Useful for slow healing wounds. Mix with alcohol for mouth ulcers. Has grounding qualities.
Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum – Extracted from the leaf. Traveler’s diarrhea. Use in diffusers & for fragrancing. Not for use on skin.

Neroli Citrus aurantium – Useful for depression and anxiety. Insomnia. Exquisite fragrance. Stimulates new cell growth.
Clary Sage Salvia sclarea – PMS symptoms, mood swings cramps. Relaxing, anti-depressant. euphoric. Use in low dilutions. Avoid use with alcohol. Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli – A modern tradition. Grounding, sensual. Dry skin.
Clove Bud Lugenia caryophyllata – Has an affinity for respiratory tract and digestive tract. Toothache. Use in low dilutions. Not for use on skin. Peppermint Mentha piperita – Traditional digestive remedy. For headaches and clear thinking.
Coriander Coriandrum sativum – Balances all aspects of the digestive tract. Warming and soothing. Pine Pinus sylvestris – Lung strengthener, arthritic pain. Chronic tiredness. Air purifier.

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus – Great affinity for the respiratory tract, cold, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis. Decongestant. Pain relieving.

Rose Rosa damascena – Strong affinity for female reproductive tract. Uterine tonic, menstrual balancer. Aids emotional and physical heart. Grief, loss, shock. Anxiety, depression. For dry , sensitive or mature skin, broken capillaries.
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare – Stimulates digestion and digestive tonic. Diuretic, regulates menstrual cycle. Detoxifying. Rosemary Rosemarinus officinalis – Very stimulating, especially to the brain and circulatory system. Pain relieving for muscles, strains, arthritis.
Frankincense Boswellia carteri – An ancient scent, important in spiritual practices. Slows and deepens breathing. Useful for asthma. Wrinkle and older skin. Sandalwood Santalum album – The ancient scent of India, now in short supply. Grounding and centering. Helps still the mind for deep meditation.
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens – Adrenal balancer, PMS mood swings and diuretic. Regulates menstrual cycle. Brightening anti-depressant. For oily skin. Tea Tree Melalueca alternifolia – Antiseptic, anti-viral. Plantar’s warts, athletes foot, herpes. For respiratory tract infections: use 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil in a glass of water as a mouthwash/gargle.
Use in hair shampoo to treat for head lice. “The medicine cabinet in a bottle.”
Ginger Zingiber officinalis – Very warming. For sore achy muscles, colds and flu. Digestive stimulant.