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[W563]What Oil Do I Use

by Tawne Bachus, Taw

Melissa can be found growing out of iron-rich soil around the world. However, some of the oldest references to Melissa stem from the Mediterranean region. In fact, the word "Melissa" is Greek for "Honey Bee." Even today, Melissa may be found planted near beehives to assist bees with the production of sweet, rich, delicious honey. The plant physically stands approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall. It has very small white-pink flowers and larger, green leaves. The aroma of fresh Melissa is sweet, radiant, soft and lemon-like. *

Features/Benefits:

As a note, Melissa is typically considered a middle (heart) note or a top (head) note. Middle notes are essential oils that possess flowery or spicy scents and may promote emotional balance. Top notes are essential oils that are refreshing and mentally stimulating. Melissa oil uniquely combines a range of beneficial qualities that encompass the range of these two notes. It is often used by people seeking to assist their minds with anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic, hypertension, stress and insomnia. Physically, it is often used by people seeking to assist their bodies with cold sores, migraine headaches, fevers, upset stomachs, allergies, insect bits, racing heartbeats, eczema, high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis and recurring coughs. For decades, women have found comfort in Melissa oil for irregular menstrual cycles and physical menstrual discomfort. It may also possess extremely strong anti-viral properties as well as mild anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. When feeling overwhelmed, try adding Melissa oil to a warm bath.*

Melissa mixes well with: Geranium Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Oil, Lemon Oil, basil oil, Roman chamomile oil, rose oil, geranium oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil and ylang-ylang oil.*

When purchasing Melissa oil, as with any essential oil, it is important to purchase an extremely high quality oil. The cost of pure Melissa oil is driven by the Six to Seven tons of botanical material (flowering tops, leaves and stems) needed to produce one pound of essential oil. Melissa oil that may be purchased for a low price, is often adulterated with cheaper oils or may not contain Melissa oil at all. It is not uncommon for companies to sell a blend of lemongrass and citronella oils as Melissa oil. Unfortunately, these cheaper blends do not contain the same uniquely powerful properties as true Melissa oil. As with so many other things in life, you truly get what you pay for, when purchasing "Melissa" oil.*

Chemically Speaking:

Chemically, Melissa oil is naturally comprised of trans-ocimene, cis-ocimene, 3-octanone, methyl hepenone, cis-3-hexenol, 3-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, copaene, citronellal, linalool, b-bourbonene, caryophyllene, a-humulene, neral, germacrene-D, geranial, geranyl acetate, d-cadinene, y-cadinene, nerol and geraniol.

Precautions:

Melissa oil is non-toxic. However, it may cause sensitization and irritation and should be used in low dilutions. Pure Melissa oil can be diluted in a carrier oil up to 1 part per 100 or when applied topically for specific therapeutic reasons, it may be more beneficial to dilute at 10 parts per 100. In General, Melissa oil should be avoided during pregnancy and by people with very sensitive skin.*

Copyright ? 2007 Tawne Bachus

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

Neroli oil took its name from Anna Maria de La Tremoille, who was once the Duchess of Bracciano and the Princess of Nerola. She is given credit for introducing this essential oil to Italy's most affluent members of society, in the 17th century. During that period of time, Neroli oil was often used in bath water or as a perfume on stationary and clothing. Its rich, floral scent gained almost instant popularity and was used commercially by J.M. Farina, the famous Italian perfume manufacturer. In 1709, he began selling an essential oil blend of Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Petitgrain, Rosemary and Neroli. He called this magical blend ?Eau de Cologne?, which is still quite well known throughout today's modern world.

Before making its way to Italy, Neroli oil completed a journey spanning several centuries. It is believed that Neroli oil originated in South-East Asia, before traveling to India, Burma and China. Neroli oil was considered a valuable trading item. Because of this, it continued to spread to other regions of the world including Africa, Arabia and Syria. Then, thanks to the Moors, it made its way further north and further west. Neroli oil was eventually carried into the Mediterranean region. And, by the end of the 12th century bitter orange trees were being cultivated in Seville, Spain for the production of this highly sought essential oil.

Like rose oil, this oil's valid expense is driven by the enormous amount of blossoms necessary to produce Neroli essential oil. In fact, 1 ton of orange blossoms are required to produce one quart of Neroli oil. Neroli oil is the extracted essential oil of fragrant blossoms from the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium sub.sp amara). However, before the orange blossoms may be used in the distillation process to produce essential oil, all traces of debris, including green leaves and twigs, must be removed by hand.

Features/Benefits:

Neroli oil is a middle (heart) note. Middle notes are essential oils that possess flowery or spicy scents and may promote emotional balance. Neroli oil is well known for its mentally and physically relaxing properties. Mentally, Neroli oil may be used to calm panic, shock, depression, mental exhaustion or anxiety and may also assist with insomnia. These benefits may be achieved by deeply inhaling the fragrance or by rubbing a drop or two directly onto the solar plexus. Physically, Neroli oil may assist with menstrual cramps by adding it to a bath or by diluting it to 10% in pure apricot oil, which can then be gently massaged into the abdomen. It is also believed that Neroli oil contains anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties, which may make it possible to support intestinal disorders. As well, Neroli oil possesses anti-spasmodic properties that may settle a racing heart and heart palpitations.

Above and beyond the physical benefits just mentioned, Neroli oil might be most respected for its ability to assist the body with healthy skin. For best results Neroli oil should be blended with a hypoallergenic carrier lotion or base cream rather than a carrier oil. When applied regularly to the skin, Neroli oil has been noted to improve varicose veins, skin elasticity and the body's ability to develop new skin cells, while working to soften the skin, wrinkles and scars. Neroli oil may also be able to regulate oiliness, minimize enlarged pores and clear blemishes.

Finally, Neroli oil has a uniquely strong scent that appeals to both men and women, which allows Neroli oil to claim the benefits of an aphrodisiac, providing a combination of physical and mental benefits.

Neroli oil blends well with: Cedarwood oil, Cinnamon oil, Clary Sage oil, Clove oil, Geranium oil, Jasmine oil, Lavender oil, Lemon oil, Myrrh oil, Rose oil, and Sandalwood oil.

Copyright ? 2007 Tawne Bachus

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

Article Source : Health Care In Pa

Tawne Bachus has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health. Tawne Bachus is the current Vice President of Essential Dynamics, Inc., a leading provider of undenatured whey protein, essential oils and other products for essential. Tawne Bachus's top article generates over 1600 views. Bookmark Tawne Bachus to your Favourites.