LATIN NAME

COMMON USES/PROPERTIES

Basil

Ocimum Basilicum

Calming and for lifting the spirits.  Be careful to use sparingly as this oil can be soporific in large quantities.

Bay

Pimento racemosa

This is the West Indian Bay Rum in the Myrtaceae family. Slightly narcotic and warming.  Can he helpful for increasing confidence.

Used a lot in men’s fragrances.

Antiseptic, astringent, stimulating and warming.

Bergamot

Citrus bergamia Risso

Light and citrus this oil may uplift the mood and reduce anxiety and help with compulsive behaviours.

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum

Warming and strengthening for nerves and mind.

The properties listed are analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aperitif, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, stimulant (nervous, circulatory, digestive), stomachic, tonic.

Cajeput

Melaleuca cajuputi

Balancing and combating sluggishness. Said to be useful for problem with the stomach, rheumatism and chronic skin problems.  Room spray to freshen the air and ward off insects.

Use sparingly (very strong).

White Camphor

Cinnamomum camphora

Used to ease muscle aches, pains, sprains and traditionally used for coughs, colds and fever.

Properties - Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antidepressant Carminative, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Insecticide, Rubefacient, Stimulant

Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

Lifts the mood.

Cedarwood (Atlas)

Cedrus atlantica

Helps to clear the breathing tubes.  Often used in hair and skin care products.

Chamomile

      Roman

Anthemis nobilis

Soothing for mind and body. Helps sleep and is gentle enough to use for the young and fragile.  Good for protecting dry skin. Also for headaches and hay fever provided you are not allergic to ragwort pollens.

Chamomile

     Moroc (Sauvage)

Anthemis mixta

This is not a true chamomile but is also useful for calming the mind and also for intestinal problems.

Properties are balancing, soothing, cooling and toning.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Familiar smell of Christmas and is a good room fragrance.  Warming and stimulating it also has a good antiseptic quality and is cleansing.

Citronella

Cymbopogon nardus

Familiar through the summer months as an insect repellent.  Light and citrus it is a natural deodoriser and is fresh an uplifting.

Clary Sage

Salvia sclerea

Soothing, relaxing and warming.  Clary Sage has a constituent that is similar to oestrogen that makes this useful for menstrual problems.  It is also uplifting.

DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT

Clove

Eucenia carophyllata

The traditional use is for toothache rub the oil onto the gum.  It is also antiseptic and stimulating.  Muscle relaxant and soothing.

Coriander

Coriandum sativum

Used as a massage oil it is used to relax muscles and help with aches and pains.  In the bath it is stimulating and refreshing.  USE SPARINGLY AS SLIGHTLY TOXIC.

Cumin

Cuminum cyminun

May be useful to counteract mental or physical exhaustion and stimulate the metabolism to help with obesity/fluid retention.

Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens

Astringent useful for greasy skin.  Natural anti-perspirant  especially for sweaty feet.  Good massage oil for menstrual cramps/cellulite. Useful for menopausal problems.  Also antiseptic and insect repellent.

Elemi

Canarium commune

Said to improve the immune system.  Can be an expectorant and has been useful for asthmatics.  Aids sleep.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Powerfully antiseptic it is used in baths and massage in the cold period. Good to clear the breathing passages.  Use in a vaporiser or oil burner to keep the air germ free.  Toning and stimulating.

Fennel

Foenicum vulgare

May be useful as a massage for cellulite and digestive problems particularly wind!  Energising and toning

Frankincense

Boswellia carterii

Has been used for hundreds of years to burn in temples and churches and as an aid for meditation.  Soothing and warming.  Good for mature/aging skin.

Geranium

Pelargonium  graveolen

Balances mind and body.  Relaxes and stabilises emotions. Insect repellent. In massage use for cellulite and also psoriasis and eczema.

Ginger

Zingiber officinalis

Hot and comforting.  Good for sickness/nausea. In massage good for aching muscles or after exercise.

Grapefruit

Citrus paradisi

Refreshing and uplifting. Toning effect on greasy and congested skin.  Good to lift nervous exhaustion.

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

Warm and vibrant and can help clear the mind and promote clear thinking.  Can help with colds, flus and bruises. Stimulating and balancing.

Jasmine

Jasminum officinale

Relaxing, soothing and uplifting.  Helps with self-confidence, relieving stress and anxiety.  Sensual and has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac.

Very expensive and whilst you can buy pure absolute oil a more affordable option is to buy the oil ready mixed with a carrier oil.  It is also a very intense oil so the diluted oil is usually fine for most purposes.

Juniperberry

Juniperus communis

Often used in male fragrances.  Toning, stimulating, antiseptic and astringent for either bath or massage. Calms the emotions and reputedly aids the immune system.

Lavender

Lavendula augustifolia

The most versatile of the oils and one of the few that can be used undiluted on the skin. Relaxing, soothing and balancing of mind and body.  A balancer either reviving or relaxing accordingly to need.   Aids sleep.  Can be used to treat burns and to reduce scarring.

Lemon

Citrus Limonum

Cleansing, refreshing, cooling and stimulating.  Used in beauty products.  Astringent and antiseptic.

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon Citratus

Refreshing, cleansing, stimulating tonic. Antiseptic and astringent.  Good as a room fragrance.

Lime

Citrus Aurantifolia

Similar to the other citrus oils, lemon, grapefruit etc.

Mandarin

Citrus Noblis

Gentle and calming oil. Good for oily skin and massage for digestion.  Can be used to help reduce stretch marks.

Marjoram

Origanum marjorama

Soothing, comforting and warming.  Good for massage into tired muscles and also for menstrual pains.  Regulates nervous system and helps sleep.  Use in the bath or massage for after sports.

Melissa

Milissa Officinalis

Melissa comes from the Lemon Balm plant.  Soothing and uplifting.  Good in cold weather and also for easing hay fever.

Myrrh

Commiphora Myrrha

Like frankincense myrrh comes from resin.  Myrrh is probably the oldest known perfumes.  A very recognisable incense blend is myrrh and frankincense.  Good for meditation, insect repellent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.  Useful for dry or aging skin.

Myrtle

Myrtus communis

Revitalises the mood and good for meditation.  Clears nasal passages.  Muscle relaxant.

Neroli

Citrus aurantium

Soothing, uplifting of mood. Very good in skincare products for ageing, dry or sensitive skin, scars or stretch marks.  Can help improve sluggish circulation.  Good for relieving stress and anxiety.

This oil too is expensive and the absolute very intense so the diluted version is both more affordable and generally still strong enough for most purposes.

Niaouli

Melaleuca Viridiflora

Very antiseptic and thus good for skin problems such as acne.  Can also be used as a chest rub or room fragrance.

Nutmeg

Myristica aromata

Calming and good for digestion.  Can aid sleep.

Orange (Sweet)

Citrus Sinensis

Another of the smells of Christmas, warming and comforting.  Good to aid digestion.  Calming, soothing and astringent.

Palmarosa

Cymbopogon martinii

A light floral fragrance that I find a good alternative to rose if rose is too strong.  Good for skincare and said to help cell regeneration so good for aging/mature skin.  Insect repellent, skin conditioner, soothing agent, emollient, muscle relaxant

Patchouli

Pogostemon patchouli

Uplifting and musky smell.  Good for aging, dry or blemished skin. In the East it is used to repel lice and fleas.  As it is strongly stimulating it may prevent sleep.

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Refreshing, stimulating, cooling and stimulating.  Uplifting mind and body. Good to aid digestion and also for tired and aching feet.  Can help to keep your mind clear when driving or revive yourself during travel.  Put a drop or two on a hankie or piece of cotton wool.  Make sure not to let the oil contact the dashboard though as it may damage the finish.

Petitgrain

Citrus aurantium

Petigrain comes from the same plant as neroli but is made from the leaves rather than the blossom and has similar properties.  Relaxing, cleansing and uplifts the spirit.  Helps relieve anxiety and stress.

Pine

Pinus sylvestris

Stimulating, refreshing and cleansing.  Strong aroma with antiseptic and deodorant properties.  Often used in commercial cleaning products.

Ravensara

Ravensara Anisata/Aromatica

Anisata comes from the bark and aromatic from the leaves of the same plant.  Good for clearing the sinus, releasing tight muscles and relieving menstrual discomforts.

Rose Absolute

Rosa damascena

Rose absolute is obtained by solvent extraction. Very feminine fragrance and soothes the emotions.  It tones, cleanses and uplifts the spirits.  Good for skincare particularly aging or mature skin.  A very expensive oil so rarely used in commercial products where an artificial substitute is used.  Diluted oils are cheaper and very usable.

Rose Otto

Rosa damascena

Rose otto is obtained by steam distillation and is the best rose oil.  As for Rose Absolute but more intense and powerful aroma.

Rosemary

Rosemarinus

officinalis

Reviving, warming, restoring and stimulating. Use to ease tired muscles and clear the mind.  It aids suppleness so it also good for pre and post exercise rubs.  A general pick me up that helps ease fatigue and fuggy air.  Aids release of water retention and reducing cellulite.

Rosewood

Aniba Rosaeodora

Relaxing and deodorising.  Add to post exercise rubs. Balances the nerves so it good whenever you need to concentrate such as taking exams.  Can lift depression and may help to ward off general      malaise and migraine.

Ensure the oil comes from a sustainable source to save the hardwood forests.

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Helps regulate the central nervous system and may also help with menstrual and digestive disorders.  Soothing.

Sandalwood

Santalum Album

White sandalwood is becoming shorter in supply and the price has increased.  The best oil comes from East India.  Other sources produce a cheaper but generally not such good quality oil. It is  antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, astringent, insect repellent, skin conditioner.  Used traditionally in meditation and also reputed to be an aphrodisiac.

Spikenard

Nardostachys

Jatamansi

May reduce inflammation.  Useful too in helping restful sleep and also reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Tea Tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

Insect repellent and antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-baterial.  A must for your first aid kit also one of the oils that can be used neat on unbroken skin.  Has a wide range of uses.

Thyme (sweet)

Thymus Vulgari

Deodorant and antiseptic.  Used as a household disinfectant and is said to repel rodents and fleas.

Vetivert

Vetivera zizanoides

Very relaxing and soothing for both mind and body.  Intense and best diluted.  Sensual and may help reduce blood pressure

Violet

Viola Odorata

Calming, balancing and soothing.

Ylang Ylang

Cananga Odorata

Sensuous and feminine.  Soothing and relaxing and so good when experiencing periods of stress.  Good for both dry and oily skin and as a hair rinse.