Cloverleaf Farm

The heart of aromatherapy is natural essential oils. These extracts are distilled from the leaves, barks, fruit, flowers and resins of the plant. There are more than 1000 essential oils on the market. Essential oils are not to be confused with fragrance oils. Fragrance oils such as Honeysuckle and Lily of the Valley are chemically derived in a lab.

Essential oils have potent healing benefits. They contain up to 300 natural chemical compounds and these are what helps to heal.

An essential oil is up to 100 time stronger than the herb that it came from, so it's best to you only a couple of drops at a time. More does not mean better.

Lavender

If you choose just one essential oil, lavender would be the top pick. Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is like having a medicine chest in a tiny bottle.

Lavender has been shown to relieve depression and anxiety associated with PMS, and menopause. It can be used to treat migraines, insomnia and exhaustion. Use in a massage oil to help sore muscles. Massaged into the abdomen, it can relieve cramps

Clary Sage

Clary sage (Salvia sclerea) has the power to help ease mild depression,and can help relieve post partum depression in some women. It can help to give feelings of happiness and well being.

Problems with PMS? Mix clary sage with a little lavender, chamomile and geranium essential oil, it makes a great belly rub massage oil to ease menstrual cramping. Be sure to dilute it into a carrier oil.

For menopause, it helps to cool those unwanted hot flashes. Used in a spray, it can help to lessen the severity of hot flashes.

Women who have trouble with uterine fibroids, or breast cysts should not use Clary sage essential oil for long. Clary Sage has an estrogen effect on the body, and can cause these symptoms to worsen.

Peppermint, like the citrus family, is a mood and energy lifter. Peppermint can be used with the inhalation method, or put into a bath. You can also sprinkle a couple of drops into a blocked tub as you shower in the morning.

Tea Tree

Due to it's antifungal, antibacterial actions, tea tree can be used to cleanse bites, scrapes and minor wounds. It also is very useful for purifying the skin.

To make a tea tree cleanser, dilute 4-6 drops of tea tree into witch hazel. Cleanse the area well, and bandage if necessary. Tea tree can also be used in making all natural cleaning products around the home.

Rose

Rose helps to dispel fear and tension. It is very helpful in times of anxiety, stress and even grief. It brings a sense of harmony to the wearer.

Rose can be utilized with the inhalation method. It can also be diluted into a carrier oil as a wonderful massage oil. It is very often combined with other relaxing oils.

Rose is very beneficial to sensitive, delicate and aging skin.