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 r

RASHES

A rash is a noticeable change in the texture or color of your skin. Your skin may become scaly, bumpy, itchy, or otherwise irritated. There are numerous causes for rashes, including:

• allergies
• medications
• cosmetics
• certain diseases, such as chickenpox and measles

The entries under DERMATITIS, ECZEMA and PSORIASIS all cover this subject fully and the oils suggested for these conditions are all useful.

RHEUMATISM

Anti-rheumatic essential oils include those which give local relief from pain and those which may help to eliminate some of the toxins which are involved in rheumatic conditions as causes of pain. Any of the analgesic oils can be helpful locally, but those which have been found most effective are Camomile, Lavender, Marjoram and Rosemary. Hot compresses give considerable relief but should not be relied on as the only, or main, form of treatment, as the repeated application of heat may lead to congestion in the area which will eventually make the condition worse. Massage should be given as often as possible, to stimulate local circulation and thus remove toxins more effectively. Baths are always a good back-up treatment, and this is perhaps the best way of using those oils which aid elimination of toxins. Juniper is the most important of these, but Cypress, Lavender and Rosemary are almost as valuable.

RINGWORM

Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, similar to athlete's foot. A number of different fungus organisms may be responsible. It can occur on any part of the body, but is particularly distressing when it affects the scalp, causing temporary patches of baldness.

An anti-fungal oil, such as Myrrh or Lavender should be prepared in a cream and applied to the infected areas of skin four times a day. Some of the organisms respond better to Myrrh and others to Lavender, so you may wish to combine the two rather than wait to see which is more effective.

ROSE

Known as the Queen of oils. With 'Feminine' properties - soothing, tones, cleanses, uplifts the spirit and helps maintain self confidence. Excellent skincare oil, perfect for dry/mature, ageing or thread veined skin. Has been renowned throughout the centuries as having sensual and even aphrodisiac properties. Needs only a small amount to be affective. One of the oldest and best known of all essential oils. Used in all types of perfumes to lend beauty and depth to the aroma. A drop or two in a massage, facial, or bath oil creates a luxurious, soothing experience. The oil is used in skin creams, powders, and lotions. Excellent tonic for the womb, calming pre menstrual tension, promoting vagina) secretions and regulating the menstrual cycle. Helpful with sexual difficulties, particularly frigidity and impotence, soothing the underlying tension and stress by releasing the happy hormone dopamine. Seems to have a tonic action on the heart by activating sluggish blood circulation, relieving cardiac congestion and toning the capillaries. Balances and strengthens the stomach during emotional upsets and through its antiseptic and purging action, helps to clear the alimentary canal. Can to some extent relieves nausea, vomiting and constipation.

See our Rose Oil Page for indepth information.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary is an energising oil with a strong herbaceous aroma. It helps to relieve muscle aches and combats mental fatigue. Use it in the daytime as its energising effect may keep you awake at night. Perfect in Pre and Post sports rubs to maintain suppleness. Helps combat water retention and cellulite. Good hair tonic. An 'ideal pick me up'. Combats fatigue and clears stuffy atmosphere. Seems to revive the senses and in some cases could play a part in restoring impediments of speech, hearing and sight. Clears headaches and migraines especially when connected to gastric problems. May be helpful for vertigo. A good nerve stimulant and helps to tone temporarily paralysed limbs. A pain relieving agent without being too sedative, helps ease gout, rheumatic pains and tired over-worked muscles.

See our Rosemary Oil Page for indepth information.

ROSEWATER

Rosewater has soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a gentle antiseptic, and very mild astringent, all of which makes it useful in skincare. It is often incorporated with natural oils to make creams, both commercially and for home preparation, and can be used alone as a gentle skin toner, or mixed with alcohol and essential oils to make a somewhat more powerful preparation.

See our Rosewater Oil Page for indepth information.

ROSEWOOD

With a beautiful woody, floral fragrance, Rosewood is a relaxing oil that is also useful for improving dry, dull and oily/dry skin. Relaxing and deodorising. Add to massage oil to help combat tired muscles - especially after vigorous exercise. Has a steadying and balancing affect on nerves, useful during exams. A good anti-depressant and may help migraine and ward off general malaise. Derived from Plantation grown wood A first rate remedy for chronic complaints it seems, particularly were the immune system has been under par, giving it a helpful boost. Possibly effective in fighting micro-organisms and viruses and valuable as an antiseptic for the throat. A palliative for ticklish coughs. Acclaimed aphrodisiac properties may work wonders in restoring libido and could have some effect on sexual problems such as impotence and frigidity. Its cephalic quality may relieve headaches especially when accompanied by nausea - probably mitigates some of the effects of jet-lag too. Positive deodorizing action helps the body cope with excess heat and moisture. Seems to be valuable as an insect repellent.

See our Rosewood Oil Page for indepth information.

RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES)

Rubella (German Measles) is an infectious disease that is caused by a virus. It can cause a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or over, a distinctive red-pink rash, swollen glands around the head and neck, cold-like symptoms such as a cough and runny nose and aching and painful joints (more common in adults).

For Aromatherapy perposes treat in the same way as all viral infections by spraying an anti-viral oil or using diffusers to clear the atmosphere. Also, add 4 drops of one of the oils below or 4 drops of the synergistic blend to a pint ( 2 cups) of warm water and use this to sponge the child down once a day:

ESSENTIAL OILS
Lavender
Camomile
Tea tree

BLEND
Lavender 15 drops
Camomile 15 drops
Tea tree 5 drops
Sponge down the child once a day.