6 "Flower" Oils: Uses and Benefits
This week at Spark Naturals for Valentine's week all "flower oils" are on sale, so I thought I'd go over what they are, their uses, and their benefits. It is always a good idea to know what you are buying, so for this week's blog I am pulling from multiple sources to give you are more complete view of each oil. Here we go!
Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea) is steam distilled from the flower of the plant. It is often found in women's monthly blends such as SN's Harmony, and blends well with Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Geranium. It is not recommended for pregnancy (until enducing labor).
Uses:
~Improves symptoms of Endometreosis, PMS/menopause, and hotflashes
~Enduces labor when applied topically to spine and abdomen
~Increases milk supply when topically applied to breasts
~Reduces symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, and insomnia
Children:
Not recommended for use on children under 12.
Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) orginates from Africa and the flowers are often displayed in Greek restaurants. The oil is steam distilled from it's leaves. Known as the "poor man's rose", it is especially used in beauty and health care for women and blends well with Lavender, Patchouli, and Sandalwood. If you don't have Rose Oil, reach for Geranium! Dilution is recommended for all topical application.
Uses:
~It's pleasant aroma helps ward off negative feelings (when diffused or topically applied) and to decrease body odor (when topically applied under the arms)
~Improves dry or oily hair and skin
~Natural moisturizer when combined with fractionated coconut oil
~Applied to cuts and bruises aids in tissue regeneration
~Supports liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and kidney health
~Improves symptoms of Endometreosis, PMS/Menopause, hormone imbalances, and low libido
~Works well as a sedative/nerve tonic and reduces pain
Children:
Recommended for use on children 2 months and older, diluted in 1 ounce (30ml) sweet almond or fractionated coconut oils. Dilution depends on the age and size of the child. Valerie Ann Worwood listed Geranium as her first choice after the 12 found in her Basic Care Kit, so it is very useful to have on hand.
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) is steam distilled from the plant's flowers and is the most versitile and used oil world-wide. It is found in many calming blends (such as Bliss, LLP Allergy, and Jeddy's blend), and blends well with Clary Sage, Wild Orange, and Frankincense. When in doubt, grab the Lavender! Safe for NEAT (undiluted) application.
Uses:
~Improves high blood pressure, headaches, migraines, and mood
~Promotes skin healing of cuts, blisters, bruises, and burns
~Reduces allergy and hayfever symptoms
~Relieves/heals bee stings and bug bites
~Relaxant for improved sleep, less stress and reduced teeth grinding
Children:
Lavender is safe for children of all ages (newborn-adult); diluting is recommended. It is the first oil listed in Valerie Ann Worwood's Basic Care Kit for children.
Rose (Rosa Damascena) oil is steam distilled from the flower petals, and because it takes soooo many petals to make the oil, it is one of the more expensive oils available. To give you and idea, it takes roughly 12,000 rose blossoms to fill a 5ml bottle, which is about 100 drops. It has powerful antidepressant, sedative, and tonic properties and is found in a variety of blends, and blends particularly well with Geranium, Lavender, and Sandalwood. You can try this and other expensive oils when you get the Exquisite Kit that includes 5/8drams (about 60 drops) of the four most expensive oils on the market for minimal cost. It is safe for NEAT application, but is often diluted to limit drops used.
Uses:
~Increases libido and semen production, and helps regulate ovulation
~Reduces scars and wrinkles
~Excellent for facial skin care
~Improves mood and aids in grief
Children:
Honestly, I had a hard time finding information on using rose oil for children. I will update as I find out more!
Rosewater is a by-product of Rose oil, so it carries many of the same properties, but in a much lesser degree.
Uses:
~Improving skin elasticity
~Make-up remover
~Alleviating dry/sensitive skin
~Linen freshener (similar to febreeze)
Children:
Same as rose, but I would think with its highly "diluted" form it would be considered safe.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) is steam distilled from the plant's leaves. It blends well with Peppermint, Basil, and Lavender. Not recommended for use with pregnancy, epilepsy, or high blood pressure.
Uses:
~Improves memory and focus
~Reduces mental and adrenal fatigue, nervousness, and symptoms of depression
~May help reduce symptoms of Bell's Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis
~Eases tense, tired, and stiff muscles (especially in a bath)
~Used in natural cleaners such as homemade dish detergent and sink scrubs
Children:
Great to diffuse while studying, but careful with applying topically on children under 10.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata) is steam distilled-see the trend?-from the flowers of the Ylang Ylang plant. It blends well with Bergamot, Frankincense, and Sandalwood. Several cultures throughout history have used it as a natural aphrodisiac and is safe for NEAT application.
Uses:
~Improves low libido and impotense
~Assists in balancing hormones, high blood pressure and heartbeat issues
~Stimulates hair growth
~Reduces anxiety, frustrations and fears
~Eases stomach aches and colic
~Improves oily skin
Children:
Ylang Ylang can be diffused after age 2, and applied diluted after age 12.
Well, there you have it! Be sure to check these out on the SN website for these fabulous "flower" oils. And remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable using an oil, DO NOT use it! My motto is "better safe than sorry". Do your research and listen to your instincts.
Happy Valentine's Week!
