Cephalic Oils & Herbs

Sorry for my LONG absence. Life has gotten in the way of blogging for awhile now. I managed to grab some time for me tonight and thought I'd post a little bit about Cephalic Essential Oils/Herbs. So what is Cephalic? Cephalic means pertaining or relating to the head. In aromatherapy this term refers to essential oils that stimulate and clear the mind.
Studies were done in the 1970s to evaluate the effects of many different types of essential oils. Some oils were found to elicit beta patterns in the brain that are linked to aroused attention and alertness. So what are these oils?

1. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): This herb is in the mint family and is often used as a culinary herb. In aromatherapy sweet basil is often used for it's stimulating and energizing properties. * Sweet basil blends quite well with rosemary. Ideas for use: Blend into a massage oil, inhale or Make a pesto! Using fresh raw sweet basil, garlic, olive oil and pine nuts or walnuts - inhale as you chop (yum!),
2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary has been used to aid the memory for centuries (an interesting note - brides in Scotland and Ireland traditionally would carry Rosemary in their bouquets to symbolize remembrance), rosemary essential oil is often used to stimulate the mind, body & spirit. Ideas for use: Put a few drops in fresh water and use as a hair rinse (rosemary is known to stimulate hair growth when it is used regularly - that is why you see it in hair preparations so often), blend into a massage oil (it is also great for sore muscles & stimulates circulation).
3. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Black Pepper Oil is stimulating and is a good choice for inclusion in blends intended to help enhance alertness and stamina. Black Pepper should be avoided before bedtime. Black pepper blends well with most citrus and floral oils. It is known to be great at relieving aching muscles.
4. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): Cardamom is a member of the ginger family. It is often used to for digestion and to stimulate the mind. Cardamom is warming (will induce sweating so great if you have a fever or cold to use in the bath or as a massage oil),