The Egyptians believed that your nose was the portal to you soul. The power of aromatherapy lies in the fact that essential oils not only have chemical structures that allow them to heal your body, but that they possess unrivaled aromas with the ability to alter your emotions, move your spirit and act as beauty aids in skin and hair care.

We all have opinions of what makes a basic oil foundation when setting up our essential oil inventory. When I began building my essential oils collection, I did not purchase what some would consider the basic scents. I followed my nose and had a unique beginning and collection.

As you build your collection of essential oils, you'll begin a wonderful adventure into the world of aroma and the sense of smell. Here are the four essential oils that drew me into the world of scents.

The Basics

Roman Chamomile

This oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flower heads. True Roman Chamomile can be recognized by its pale blue tint. Its scent is fruity, similar to that of a ripe apple and spicy.

Roman Chamomile is one of the few essential oils that reduce the effects of allergies. It is said to relieve systems of menopause and treats numerous skin disorders.

Emotionally, chamomile brings about calmness and ease. Avoid using chamomile in the first trimester of pregnancy. Always use it in low dilution.

Eucalyptus

The eucalyptus is one of the world’s tallest trees. Medically, it was first used by the aboriginal people of Australia, primarily to treat wounds.

Eucalyptus helps to support the respiratory system- the renewal of oxygen to the lungs. It relieves asthma, bronchitis and sinus and throat infection and in general strengthens our immune system.

Always dilute eucalyptus when using it on your skin. Avoid altogether if you have a history of epilepsy or hypertension. Do not take internally, it has been reported to be toxic.

Geranium

The scent of this oil is earthy, sweet and interlaced with a minty rose like flavor. It was used by Native Americans to treat conditions ranging from toothaches to cholera.

Geranium is sometimes called the balancing oil. It is thought to harmonize and balance the emotions. It is used to relieve PMS and symptoms of menopause and it is a vital skin care component when treating dermatitis, and eczema. It also makes a great insect repellent.

Avoid geranium if you are recently pregnant.

Lavender

No basic collection of essential oils should be without lavender. Lavender is considered an anti-allergic and antibiotic oil. It is supportive of all skin types and you can apply it to blisters, bites and burns. Lavender is one of the most effective oils when used for children’s scrapes and bruises.

Avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy and if you have low blood pressure.

As you begin to experiment with essential oils, it's a good idea to study each oil that you have an interest in, in great detail. Consider a basic class given by a trained aromatherapist. As you study the beauty of essential oils, you'll begin to see just how they are used in everything from perfumes, to skin care and  food.

That's it for this week.

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