Litsea Cubeba

Litsea Cubeba

Ingredient In ThermaCare Therapeutic Properties hypotensive, astringent, digestive, stomachic, disinfectant, sedative or stimulant—as needed and according to quantity used, much like lavender Affinity For digestive system heart brow chakra nervous system skin Resonance Plant Family Part Utilized physical, emotional Graminae fruit Aromatic Considerations Litsea cubeba has a lovely crisp, lemony scent. It is valued for its calming and antidepressant properties. Application Litsea cubeba can be diffused or diluted and worn on the body. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects Litsea cubeba brings joy and lightness of spirit. It makes one feel young at heart and enthusiastic about life. This essential oil is often used in Inner Child work, where it is calming and soothing. Litsea cubeba is an oil that often appeals to children. Physical Aspects Litsea cubeba is considered useful for high blood pressure and other disorders that have been brought on by nervousness, fear, or stress. Litsea cubeba is useful for indigestion and to dispel gas pains. It is a good oil for treatment of skin disorders such as acne, dermatitis, and oily or discolored skin. Litsea cubeba is useful for controlling excess perspiration. General Information Litsea cubeba is often used in soaps and lotions where it tends to stabilize the higher notes of the other essential oils in the product. Cautions Litsea cubeba should be avoided if pregnant. It can be a skin irritant to people with very sensitive skin.

Lime

	Lime
	Ingredient In Tomorrow, Turmoil, Weightless Therapeutic Properties antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, restorative, tonic Affinity For digestive problems immune function liver and gallbladder meridians respiratory problems lymphatic system solar plexus chakra Resonance Plant Family Part Utilized Processed physical, mental, emotional Rutaceae fruit Aromatic Considerations Lime has a beautiful, fresh, and refreshing fragrance. It is a favorite among essential oils for diffusing. Application Lime is a delightful addition to baths, body lotions, and deodorants. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects Lime essential oil is a perfect choice for the very weary—those who are so weary of trials and troubles that they feel far older than their years on earth would indicate. The lively fragrance of lime is stimulating and refreshing. It can help one overcome exhaustion, depression, apathy, and listlessness. Lime is a good oil for improving memory and concentration. Physical Aspects Lime essential oil is said to soothe broken capillaries, stimulate the muscles around the eyes, brighten a pale, dull complexion by removing dead skin cells, and is capable of tightening skin and connective tissue. Lime is a good oil for digestive difficulties, particularly gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. This oil is recommended for liver deficiencies and liver cleansing in infants and children. Lime stimulates the immune system to increase production of leukocytes that aid in fighting infections. Lime oil is also used to stabilize blood pressure fluctuations. General Information Lime oil works extremely well in removing gum, wood stain, oil, and grease spots from clothing. Cautions Lime essential oil is photo-toxic. Avoid sunlight or UV radiation on skin where lime has been applied.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Ingredient In Deeper, Energy, Inside-Out, Purify, Refresh-Mint, Sunburst, Tenda Care, Tomorrow, Wake-Up Therapeutic Properties astringent, tonic, calmative, antiseptic, anti-infectious, diuretic, digestive, anti-parasitic, depurative, nervine Affinity For kidney, bladder parasympathetic nervous system lymphatic system solar plexus chakra vascular system spleen meridian circulation Resonance Plant Family Plant Family physical, emotional Graminae leaves Aromatic Considerations Lemongrass has a woodsy but light fragrance which has an uplifting effect on mind, mood, and attitude. Application Dilute and apply to the feet or to any area of the body that is causing concern. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects The aroma of lemongrass awakens curiosity. It encourages us to go outside our usual boundaries and comfort zones. Lemongrass should be used to cleanse your energy system when you have been in negative situations or around negative people. Lemongrass can give us energy and reawakens compassion following emotional overload or collapse. Physical Aspects Lemongrass improves circulation, regenerates connective tissue, and repairs ligaments. Lemongrass is used for acne and for dissolving cellulite during weight loss programs. Lemongrass repairs the parasympathetic nervous system and improves eyesight. It is useful in bladder and kidney disorders and for healing varicose veins. Two of the greatest benefits of lemongrass is that it improves lymphatic drainage and gets oxygen flowing throughout the body. Lemongrass is one of the best oils for disinfecting and purifying around the house. Cautions Overuse of lemongrass can cause extreme skin irritation.

Lemon

	Lemon
	Ingredient In Beloved, Benediction, Breezey, Deliverance, Everlasting, Heart Song, Inside-Out, IQ, Letting Go, Life Force, Refresh-Mint, Revitalize, Simplicity, Sunburst, Tenda Care, Tomorrow, Trust, Turmoil, Vision, Weightless, Whispering Hope, Wisdom Therapeutic Properties antibiotic, sedative, carminative, diuretic, hemostatic, astringent, digestive, immunostimulant, antidepressant, stimulant, antiseptic, febrifuge, calmative, antispasmodic, anti-sclerotic, depurative, vermifuge, cicatrisive Affinity For respiratory system digestive system solar plexus chakra lymphatic system nervous system bladder meridian cardiovascular system skin, muscles wood element Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used physical, emotional Rutaceae fruit Aromatic Considerations Lemon essential oil fills the air with a light, refreshing scent of lemons while it nourishes the nervous systems of everyone close by. Application Lemon oil should be diluted and applied to any area of the body. Since it helps dissolve cellulite, applying lemon to areas where cellulite has accumulated would be a good idea. Be sure to dilute to avoid irritation. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects Lemon brings clarity of thought, aids in logical thinking, helps us prioritize, and helps us connect cause and effect in our lives. Lemon is a good oil for study sessions, improving attention span, and problem solving. Lemon oil can bring a dose of reality to our thinking. It can help us analyze our resentments, decide if they are based on reality or not, and then help us let go of them—real or not! Lemon makes it easier to handle the stresses of life with a sense of humor. Physical Aspects Lemon essential oil supports the respiratory system and is useful for asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, sinusitis, and most other respiratory complaints. Lemon oil tightens smooth muscles and strengthens connective tissue throughout the body. Lemon oil can be used for a liver or lymphatic cleanse. After cleansing is complete, lemon oil can stimulate the pancreas and the entire endocrine system. Lemon is very helpful in passing gallstones and is said to induce labor when the baby is over due. Lemon oil can be used to purify water and leaves no unpleasant taste behind. Cautions Lemon essential is photo-toxic. Avoid sunlight or UV radiation on skin to which lemon oil has been applied.

Ledum

Ledum - Labrador Tea

General Information—Fat Storage and the Liver The liver has a very long list of functions. One of these functions is the manufacture of carnitine which is essential if cells in the body are going to break down fat—rather than just store it away. If the liver becomes compromised, carnitine is not created and fat begins to accumulate in the cells. Fat accumulates first in the cells of the liver itself. The result is a fatty liver because the liver can store more fat cells than all of the other organs combined. A fatty liver used to be seen only in alcoholics. That is no longer true. Today’s lifestyle is a recipe for disaster to the liver. What is the problem with a fatty liver? There are many; let me summarize just two of them here. 1) Fat cells soak up and hold onto toxins. Since detoxification of the blood is one important function of the liver, the liver gets the first shot at soaking up toxins. The more fat cells your liver has, the more toxins the liver can hold . Fat cells in the liver uptaking toxins almost sounds like a good thing, until you consider that a large percentage of new red blood cells are ‘born’ in the liver. These new blood cells become contaminated and damaged by the toxins. They then travel throughout the body, trying to carry oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs but carrying contaminants instead. 2) The liver, magnified under a microscope looks like a pinkish/red colored filter. If the liver is filled with toxic fat, it cannot do a good job as a filter for the bloodstream. How common is fatty liver? In the United States, 15-20% of the general population has too much fat in their liver. Your odds are much higher if you are overweight. Fatty liver can, and does, occur in children. What are the symptoms of a fatty liver? • You are probably overweight, especially in the abdominal area and you find it very hard to lose weight. • You may have elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. • You may have diabetes type 2. • You may have been diagnosed as insulin resistant. • You will be very tired, and tired all the time. • You will probably have a lowered immune response. Why this discussion of liver function? There is clinical evidence that ledum essential oil digests both the fat cells in the liver and their toxic load. Ingredient In Liv-N (a new blend, soon to be available for purchase from Butterfly Express, llc) Therapeutic Properties hepatic (acts on the liver), cholagogue (encourages the flow of bile and the digestion of fats), anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, antibacterial, diuretic, decongestant, cytophylactic, depurative, immunostimulant Affinity For liver function respiratory system liver kidney/bladder function mucous membranes skin Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used physical Ericaceae leaves Aromatic Considerations Ledum has a strong medicinal aroma, but with an herbaceous twist. Application Ledum essential oil should always be diluted well before applying it to the body. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects Ledum has a high sesquiterpene count. Essential oils containing sesquiterpenes cross the blood/brain barrier carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain. These oils are very calming. This effect is felt, not just by the nervous system, but throughout the body. Physical Aspects Ledum acts as an enzyme to remedy liver dysfunction and aid in liver detoxification. Ledum’s action on the liver sets off a chain reaction of improvement throughout the organs of the body. A stronger liver creates a balanced thyroid, a stronger immune system, better functioning kidneys, and clearer skin. Ledum has been used in programs for weight management, obesity, edema, and water retention. A review of recent literature indicates that ledum may be even more anti-cancerous and anti-tumoral than frankincense. Cautions Ledum should not be used if you are pregnant. Its use should be avoided with very young children.

Lavender

	Lavender
	General Information Lavender is a universal oil that has been shown to balance the body and to work wherever there is a need. It is called ‘the grandmother’ of essential oils because it cares for and nurtures us through such a variety of physical and emotional stresses. If you don’t know what essential oil to reach for, try lavender. Ingredient In Angel, Assurance, Balance, Candila, Cypernium, Dandy, Delicate, Discernment, Everlasting, EZ-Traveler, Inner Peace, IQ, Letting Go, My-Graine, Millenia, Purify, Simplicity, Solitude, Tranquility, Trust, Turmoil, Unity, Vision, Warm Down, With-In, Woman Wise Therapeutic Properties antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, anti-parasitic Affinity For digestive system nerves all meridians cardiovascular system brain chakras: lymphatic system base immune system heart genito-urinary system solar plexus reproductive system Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used physical, mental, emotional, spiritual Labiatae flowering tops Aromatic Considerations Lavender can help us return to kindness and generosity if we have been in a place of judgement. Application There is probably no wrong way to apply or diffuse lavender. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects One of the great emotional gifts of lavender is the feeling of total and unchanging support around us. It leaves us with no room for doubt that we are loved and will be supported in life’s challenges and in the process of healing. Lavender promotes faith, even in the hard times. Lavender brings balance between masculine and feminine energy and traits. Lavender is a gentle, but effective, sedative and nervine. It can bring relief from anxiety, panic, hysteria, emotional and mental fatigue, headaches and migraines, and insomnia. Physical Aspects Lavender can be used for nearly all skin conditions. It can be applied to cuts, sunburns, burns, rashes, dermatitis, eczema, and insect bites. Consistent use of lavender with burns and injuries minimizes scarring. Lavender, usually as part of a blend, is often used to prevent or remedy conditions of dandruff and hair loss. Lavender is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cytophylactic, and antispasmodic, making it effective for muscle strains and sprains, cramps, and wound healing. Lavender clears excess waste products from the lymphatic system and is an aid to digestion. Lavender is sometimes all that is needed to prevent or alleviate nausea. Mildly diuretic, lavender can be useful in alleviating edema and premenstrual water retention. Whether the root of the problem is emotional or physical, lavender is often effective in stabilizing both high or low blood pressure and regulating the pulse. Lavender, or blends containing it, is used to lessen pain and promote restful sleep. Lavender is useful for babies with thrush. Cautions Lavender is wonderfully calming in small amounts, but can be stimulating if used in too large a quantity or too often. This is especially true with babies and small children.

Laurel

Laurel

Ingredient In Aspire, IQ, Mariah Therapeutic Properties analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, decongestant, diuretic, emmenagogue, nervous system tonic Affinity For lymphatic system hair scalp skin Resonance Plant Family Part Utilized Processed physical, emotional Lauraceae leaves Aromatic Considerations Laurel clears the mind while relaxing the emotions; perfect for test taking and other challenges. Application Laurel should be diluted and applied to appropriate areas of the feet. It is very nice diffused. Emotional/Spiritual Aspects Historically, the leaves of Lauris nobilis were used to crown the victorious. Laurel can help us realize that we are victorious in our own way with the challenges of our own lives. Physical Aspects Laurel’s antibacterial properties are specifically recommended as a steam inhalation for tonsillitis. Laurel essential oil is considered a valuable remedy for stimulating hair growth and eliminating dandruff. It is recommended in the treatment of acne and other skin disorders. Laurel is said to bring awareness of our strengths, moral courage, and confidence. Laurel aids in lymphatic drainage and promotes healthy sweating and the discharge of toxins. General Information Laurel essential oil can be used sparingly (less than 1 drop in most instances) as a substitute for bay leaf in recipes. The flavor is more vital than when using dried bay leaf and you don’t have to fish them back out of the pot!! Cautions Laurel should be avoided (except in a blend) during pregnancy. It should never be applied undiluted to the skin. If over-used, laurel can be almost narcotic in its sedative effects. The use of laurel should be avoided if you are taking prescription blood thinners. There is much confusion around the world surrounding the usage of common names for plants. A plant called pigweed on one continent is rarely the same plant that is called pigweed on another. This confusion of names can be true from one community to another, even in the same country. Laurel is a prime example of this confusion! Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is often referred to as sweet bay laurel, but it is not the same as bay (Pimenta racemosa) which is sometimes referred to as bay laurel. Nor is Laurus nobilis the same as bayberry (which are two different plants depending on whether you are European or American). Bay (Pimenta racemosa) is a member of the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family and laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a member of the laurel (Lauraceae) family. Because they are from different families, their properties are very different. There is so much confusion about the names that it is difficult to tell which one is being referred to, especially when ‘surfing the web’. Many essential oil companies seem to be confused and are adding to this confusion. When working with plants, always pay attention to the Latin names and, in the case of ‘laurel’ hope that the buyer you are trusting paid attention, too!