I make my own Rosemary oil for pain. I put a handful of fresh rosemary in a cup of olive oil and I simmer it for 1 hour. I rub it on my back and knees for pain relief. It helps some. It is really good for dry skin! My natural doctor recommended olive oil as a skin moisterizer.

RC, some time ago, I printed out an article on making your own perfumes and essential oils. If I can find it, I will post it for you. Perhaps it will at least set you on a good learning path.

Zackey, about the only herb that has survived my total neglect has been the rosemary. I never knew about it's pain relieving qualities. AND it's good to know there is a natural (holistic?) doctor in the area. I'd love it if some weekend when we're at the farm, we could take a break long enough to cross the river for a meet-up with you.That I know of, you're the only one on this forum who lives in that zone.

Cool corar, thanks!

My principal intention is to re-use some essential oils that I've used via hot water (I'll store the water in glass until use on plants) as a sort of vitamin/tonic with watering to see if it helps the plants grow better/stronger/etc.

While I've got a few books on oils, in relation to gardening, they only mention oil use as an insect/fungus deterrent, and none mention making your own oils.

zackey- I've got a book specifically about use of oils in healthcare. Written with extensive notes and citing, it's by far the most professional/scientific text I've found on the subject. A bit pricy new, it's by Len and Shirley Price- might be worth a look for more complete/effective natural treatment to your pain.