The Oils and Plants Oil Finder Database, helps you quickly find which Essential Oils to use for which ailment. Type in the name of an Essential Oil or an Ailment to find the definition. You will find fuller explanations on our Ailments and Essential Oil pages.

Please note that this is only a guide to help you identify which oils are good for which ailments and vice versa. Once you have found the oil that suits your needs, please read the whole article for that oil to find out any contraindications and if it is the right oil for you.

Here are the results for the letter m

MANDARIN

Antispasmodic, Cholagogue, Cytophylactic, Digestive, Emollient, Sedative, Tonic. A gentle and calming oil, good for oily skin. Known in France as "the children's remedy" for its mildness - use it in massage for the digestive system and, like Lavender, can be used in massage oil to help prevent stretch marks. A tonic to the digestion, stimulates appetite, particularly after illness or loss of hunger due to depression. Seems to have a stimulating effect on the liver, helping to regulate metabolic processes and aids in the secretion of bile and of breaking down fats. At the same time it is calming to the intestines and good for expelling gas. Its cheering action is sometimes used as part of a blend to ease pre menstrual tension. Possibly has an enhanced effect when blended with other citrus oils.

See our Mandarin Oil Page for indepth information.

MARIGOLD

It has tonic, sudorific, emmenagogic, and antispasmodic properties, but it is mainly used for skin care and treatment. It has great anti-inflammatory and vulnerary action, making it helpful with stubborn wounds, acne, ulcers, bed sores, varicose veins, rashes, eczema, and related conditions. It helps soothe sore, inflamed, and itchy skin conditions. Calendula massage oil also assists in soothing, and softening skin, making it a good addition to massage oils or when preparing a carrier oil blend.

See our Marigold Oil Page for indepth information.

MARJORAM

This is a calming, soothing oil that has a warming effect on both mind and body. It helps to relieve the miseries of the common cold, including congestion and muscle aches and pains, and is also comforting in times of stress. It has a warm, woody odour with spicy undertones. Useful on tired muscles and for massaging on abdomen during menstruation. Used to regulate the nervous system and treat insomnia. Add to After-Sports Rub. It is pleasant in a hot bath, especially blended with Lavender.

See our Marjoram Oil Page for indepth information.

MASSAGE

See our Massage Page for indepth information.

MAY CHANG

A small tropical tree with fragrant, lemongrass-scented leaves and flowers. It is related to the Laurel, Rosewood and Cinnamon trees.May Chang (Litsea Cubeba) known as an “Oil of Tranquility” is recognized for its powerful effect in terms of promoting physical relaxation and mental calm. It is recommended for those suffering from work related stress and the “can’t switch off” phenomenon. Historically the oil from this exotic plant has been blended with almond oil and used to perfume the body prior to meditation or prayer in order to impart a sense of strength, calm and mental clarity.

See our May Chang Oil Page for indepth information.

MEASLES

The best and simplest method is to keep up a continuous vaporisation in the sick child's room of Eucalyptus or Tea tree, using a burner or other type of diffuser. Failing any specialised equipment, the essential oil can be put in a humidifier attached to a radiator, or even on wet cloths hung over a radiator. Alternatively, it can be mixed in a spray which will need to be repeated at frequent intervals. These methods will not only help to protect the sick child from secondary infections, but may be useful in reducing the risk of measles spreading to other members of the family. Dr. Jean Valnet recommends surrounding the patient with a veil which is repeatedly sprayed with Eucalyptus oil. Vaporisations of this kind can be safely used for even the youngest children.

See our Mmeasles Page for more information.

MELISSA

A popular garden herb known also as 'Lemon Balm'. Soothing but uplifting effect on mind and body. Comforting oil during the cold season and when there is a high pollen count. It takes about 300 pounds of fresh lemon balm plants to yield 10ml of oil Its calming effect is a balm to the circulatory system easing high blood pressure, slowing down heartbeat and helpful where the system has been over-stimulated. A good tonic for the heart generally, useful in spasm and fatigue. Could help with colds and has a cooling effect on fevers. Seems to ease migraine and headaches associated with colds. Effective as an insect repellent and has a soothing action on stings. A reputation for counteracting allergies may prove helpful for asthma sufferers - seems to have a calming action on rapid breathing.

See our Melissa Oil Page for indepth information.

MENOPAUSE

Every woman's experience is different, and the aromatherapist needs to take this into account when considering treatment. Many of the essential oils which help with menstrual irregularities earlier in life can be used to minimise the physical problems. In particular. Geranium which is a hormonal balancer and Rose, which tones and cleanses the uterus and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Camomile is another oil which is often found helpful, being gently calming, soothing and antidepressant. All the antidepressant oils, such as Bergamot, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang can be helpful.

MENSTRUATION

Probably the most commonly experienced problem is period pain, or menstrual cramps, caused by spasm or contraction of the uterine muscles. Very gentle massage over the abdomen with one of the antispasmodic oils will almost always disperse the pain. Another method, which some women find even more comforting, Is a hot compress over the abdomen, renewed as often as necessary as it cools. The most effective of the antispasmodic oils are Marjoram, Lavender and Camomile - in that order according to many observations. Some women may get more relief from massage or Compresses over the lower back, and for others both lower back and abdomen will need to be included to get maximum relief.

Several antispasmodic oils are also emmenagogues, i.e., they will bring on a period or increase scanty menstruation. Women whose menstrual flow is normal or heavy need to avoid these when choosing an oil to disperse period pain, as their use may cause the period to become very heavy. The oils most likely to have such an effect are Clary Sage, Myrrh and Sage, though Basil, Juniper, Fennel and Rosemary might also do so.

MIGRAINE

Most people with migraine will have had any links with trigger-foods investigated, but if they have not, this should be an urgent priority. Cheese, chocolate and red wine are among the most common triggers but all sorts of foods may be involved. It is also worth looking at other, non-food factors which may trigger an attack, such as bad lighting, industrial and household chemicals etc.

The top 5 oils recommended for migraine or other headache:

Peppermint, Sandlewood, Lavender, Marjoram, and Rosemary.

Top 5 ways to use essential oils:

Make your own recipe using two or more of the oils listed above. Here are some ways to use them:

In a diffuser - Burn for 15 to 20 min., 2 to 3 times a day.

Baths - Add 8 to 10 drops to your bath, blended with 1 tbsp of unscented bath oil.

Facial Massage – blend 6 drops of oils with 1 tbsp face oil base. Massage over face and neck using circular movements.

Massage – blend 12 drops of essential oils with 1 tbsp of unscented massage oil.

Inhalation – Add 3 - 5 drops of essential oils to a large bowl of boiling water. Close your eyes and cover your head and the bowl with a towel while leaning about a foot above the bowl. Use for about 5 minutes. (Not recommended for persons with asthma)

MOISTURIZING BATH OIL

This sensuous oil turns your bath into a pampering spa treatment full of moisturizing plant oils and skin-friendly herbal Essential Oils.

• 1 cup Almond oil
• 2 cups Avocado oil
• 2 Green Tea bags
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 8 drops Camomile Essential Oil
• 4 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
• 2 drops Rose Essential Oil
• 2 drops Geranium Essential Oil

Warm Almond and Avocado oils in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags and let steep until cool. Remove Herbs and combine tea-infused oil with remaining ingredients in a 12-ounce glass bottle with a lid or a stopper. Close tightly and shake well to mix the oils. Store mixture in a cool, dark place for 24 hours to allow the oils to blend.

To use this bath oil, add 2 ounces (Approx 4 tablespoons) to your bath water and soak for 10-20 minutes.

MOUTH ULCERS

Mouth ulcers may result from a variety of causes varying from friction from a denture or rough tooth, poor circulation, bacterial or fungal infection (candida) or possibly an undetected food allergy. No specific single cause has yet been isolated, though it seems they are not generally caused by infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria and are therefore not considered contagious. With the exception of those caused accidentally, for example through inadvertently biting the tongue or inside of the cheek, they almost always occur in people who are 'run down' physically or under mental or emotional stress. Lack of sleep, poor diet. Vitamin C deficiency and antibiotics are some of the most common causative factors.

Several essential oils are useful in treating mouth ulcers, and ensuring the health of the mouth and gums generally. By far the most effective of these is Myrrh which has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties

MUMPS

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that usually affects children. The most common symptom of mumps is a swelling of the parotid glands. The parotid glands are located on one side, or both sides, of the face.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MUMPS
Coriander
Lavender
Tea tree
Niaouli
5 drops to 600ml water

Or mix a synergistic blend:

MUMPS SYNERGISTIC BLEND

10 drops Tea tree
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Coriander
10 drops Lemon
Blend together

Make up a blend of oils using 30 drops of essential oil to 30ml vegetable oil and apply gently around the sore area, the back of the neck and the abdominal area. Use three times a day for ten days. The remaining 10 drops can be used in a room spray - 5 drops to half a pint or one cup of water.

MUSCLE SPASM

In order to produce movement, a muscle has to contract (shorten). When the movement is completed, the muscle relaxes, and returns to its original length. In abnormal conditions a muscle may contract but fail to return to its relaxed condition afterwards. The muscle is then said to be in spasm.

Essential oils which relieve spasm in the smooth muscles, include Bergamot, Camomile, Clary Sage, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram and Rosemary, and the most effective way to use them is in hot compresses over the affected organ. Gentle massage over the area is another good method.

MYRRH

Myrrh has been used since ancient times as a sacred incense, a perfume, and as a therapeutic agent. It has a rich, smoky, balsamic odour and is soothing to the skin, centring, visualising and meditative. The sap or resin from a tree rather than a true essential oil. One of the oldest-known perfume materials. Myrrh has a long history of use as incense, especially with frankincense. Add to cream for protecting against cracking and chapping in the cold. Used as a fixative in perfumery. Seems to give a lift to feelings of weakness, apathy and lack of incentive. However, also said to have a cooling effect on heated emotions. Said to stimulate white blood corpuscles and invigorate the immune system. Its direct anti-microbe effect helps quick recovery from disease. Principally has a drying action and effective against excessive mucous In the lungs. It is said to work powerfully on pulmonary complaints generally, being cleansing in action and treating such ailments as bronchitis, cold s, sore throats, catarrh, pharyngitis and coughs. Supposedly helpful with glandular fever, a virus accompanied by sore throat. Excellent for all mouth and gum disorders - said to be about the best treatment for ulcers, pyorrhoea, gingivitis and spongy gums. May also help with bad breath due to abnormal gastric fermentation's. A tonic to the stomach therefore, stimulating appetite, stemming diarrhoea, easing flatulence, acidity and piles.

See our Myrrh Oil Page for indepth information.

MYRTLE

Reputed to have a pronounced clearing effect and particularly useful with pulmonary disorders especially when accompanied by night sweats. Indeed, promotes restful sleep due to its sedative nature and perhaps more beneficial at night than the stimulating Eucalyptus which it resembles in action. Both oils are helpful in combating excessive moisture, bronchial catarrh and clearing sinusitis. Generally effective in keeping infection down. Noted for its regulating effect on the genito-urinary stem, easing such problems as hemorrhoids, diarrhea and dysentery . Its antiseptic properties may help to clear cystitis and urethritis. Could stem leucorrhoea, help to loosen general congestion of the pelvic organs and said to be an effective tonic to the womb.

See our Myrtle Oil Page for indepth information.