Zen List Encyclopaedia

Pure Essential Oils have been used in spiritual and religious ceremonies and rituals since ancient times. These oils are said to be able to improve our feelings of well-being and to play some part in the healing of body tissues.

Pure Essential Oils can be used in many ways. For meditation we suggest burning your oil in an incense burner in a base of water or almond oil. Essential Oils are very potent and care must be taken when using in any manner other than an oil burner.

This list includes a number of oils which are particularly useful in meditation exercises and explains their psychological value.

Basil | Bergamot | Cedarwood | Chamomile | Cinnamon | Fennel | Frankincense | Geranium | Jasmine | Lavender | Lemon | Myrrh | Orange | Rose | Sandalwood | Ylang Ylang | Essential Oil Blends

Basil

can assist when concentration is needed for a particular task. Uplifting and strengthening.

Fragrance: warm, sweet, strong, spicy

Best Used: Bath, burner

Keywords: anxiety, depression, insomnia.

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Bergamot

is a grounding oil which brings you into the present. Bergamot lifts the spirits and brings a sense of increased happiness.

Fragrance: fresh, fruity, aromatic

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: depression, balancing, calming.
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Cedarwood

is best used in an oil burner before and during meditation. Cedarwood will help to increase your spiritual awareness.

Fragrance: dry, woody, sweet

Best Used: Burner

Keywords: soothing, depression, insomnia.

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Chamomile

is excellent for meditation. Aids in promoting calmness and relaxation.

Fragrance: herbal, sweet, warm

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage

Keywords: stress, tension, depression, insomnia

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Cinnamon

assists in development of psychic abilities. A sweet-scented oil that increases spirituality.

Fragrance: cinnamon

Best Used: Burner

Keywords: abundance

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Fennel

is an aniseed-scented oil that helps us to find the courage to make beneficial changes in our lives.

Fragrance: warm, sweet, soft

Best Used: Bath

Keywords: self-esteem, confidence
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Frankincense

is a powerful oil which assists to increase meditative experiences by helping us to connect with the universal energy.

Fragrance: balsamic, spicy, heavy

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage

Keywords: grounding, relaxing

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Geranium

protects against and dispels negative energy. Brings harmony and grace into our lives.

Fragrance: soft, rose-like, friendly

Best Used: Burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: uplifting, relaxing, calming

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Jasmine

uplifts and transforms your state of mind. Relieves emotional suffering. Jasmine is a stimulant which acts as an aphrodisiac. Excellent for easing a sense of pessimism and dispelling paranoia.

Fragrance: sweet, heavy, intense

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: aphrodisiac, relaxing, pleasant

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Lavender

cleanses the mind and spirit. Creates calm and harmony. Recommended for mood swings and irritability.

Fragrance: soft, light, herbal, flowery

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: stress, sleep, clarity, understanding

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Lemon

is an uplifting oil that has a high energy vibration. It assists with concentration and focus and clears the head. Helps to brighten those who suffer from depression or fearfulness.

Fragrance: fresh, cool

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage

Keywords: clarity, memory, depression

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Myrrh

has been used as a meditation aid since ancient times. Myrrh brings calm and peace and settles the thoughts.

Fragrance: balsamic, warm, sweet, spicy

Best Used: Burner, massage

Keywords: spirituality, depression

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Orange

is an uplifting oil which dispels negativity and increases positive thinking. Orange brings a sense of joy and helps us to find peace.

Fragrance: fruity, sweet, crisp, citrus

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: focus, harmony, confidence

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Rose

is a nurturing oil which increases all aspects of love in our lives. Rose helps to bring your thoughts back from the stresses of every day life to thoughts of beauty and harmony.

Fragrance: sweet, soft, intensive, strong

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: enlightenment, tension, depression, patience

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Sandalwood

has been used traditionally in temples and for meditation. Sandalwood brings peace and calm, opening the mind for a spiritual experience.

Fragrance: warm, balsamic, soft, woody

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: peace, harmony, stress, insomnia

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Ylang Ylang

This oil is an aphrodisiac and helps you let go of fears, anger and negative thoughts. Unashamedly sweet and feminine it warms the senses and cleanses the body, mind and soul.

Fragrance: sweet, flowery, heavenly, feminine

Best Used: Bath, burner, massage, perfume

Keywords: Self-confidence, calmness, depression

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Essential Oil Blends

Simply add two drops of each of the following essential oils to your oil burner or a bowl of steaming water and place close to your meditation space.

Energy Lift

• Basil
• Jasmine
• Lemon

Ease Depression

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Myrrh

Ease Stress

• Bergamot
• Lavender
• Frankincense

Assist Concentration

• Lemon
• Peppermint

Boost Self-Esteem

• Fennel
• Orange
• Ylang Ylang

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You can find more information on meditation using essential oils, crystals, music and more in Meditation by Jan Purser. Would you love to meditate but don’t know how or where to start? This book is perfect at just AUS$ 18.95 at Willowtree Gift Shop.