Essential Oils Aromatherapy

Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

There is a huge range of essential oils available that may be used in aromatherapy although most practitioners will tend to work from a limited range that they find best for them of say 12 or 15 different oils. Not all essential oils are suitable for use in this way and there are some that are positively dangerous. See warnings page for more information.

Also it is important to look at the latin names for the oils to be sure of which plant they have come from. Some plants tend to be called the same for example marigold but there are two types tagetes and calendula. The uses are different and the plants totally different. With oils such as lavender there are different types too but the oils from the plants in this case vary mostly as to the quality of the oil. Whilst not exhaustive this is a list of the more common available oils with their suggested uses (based on widely available information on aromatherapy) The descriptions are for EXTERNAL use only.

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED ESSENTIAL OILS DIRECTLY ON THE SKIN
PLEASE ALSO REFER TO THE WARNINGS PAGE FOR CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND SAFETY ADVICE

ESSENTIAL OIL	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 toragwort 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 and 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/ageing 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	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 ageing skin.
Myrtle	Myrtus communis	Revitalises the mood and good for meditation. Clears nasal passages. Muscle relaxant.
Neroli	Citrus aurantium	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 ageing 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	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.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for information purposes only and is not intended as a guide to replace the advice of a counsellor, physician or medical practitioner. There is always a possibility of allergic or other adverse reaction to herbs, oils or crystals referred to and information where known is included on the site for the suggested uses. If you have any questions please contact your medical practitioner or health provider particularly if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant. It is not intended that anything contained on this site should be used in place of medical care.

The author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose or currency of the contents of this site and exclude all liability to the extent permitted by law for any errors or omissions and for any loss, damage or expense (whether direct or indirect) suffered by anyone relying on any information provided on the site.