The list to follow will explain the different properties and some uses of essential oils. From time immemorial people have yearned to capture the essence of nature's most fragrant substances. We now have this wonderful healing tool at our fingertips!
You may select a description of an Essiential Oil from the following menu.
Bergamot, | Cedarwood, | Chamomile, | Clary Sage, | Eucalyptus, | Geranium, | Grapefruit, | Lemon, | Lemongrass, | Litsea Cubeba, | Marjoram, | Melissa, | Peppermint, | Patchouli, | Rosemary, | Rosewood, | Sandalwood, | Tea tree, | Thyme, | Ylang Ylang Sweet Orange
or, select a healing attribute from the following menu.
Cramps, | Harmonizing, | Balance female systems, | PMS, | Sinus relief, | Nervous system, | Menopause, | Circulatory problems, | Varicose veins, | Stress, | Arthritic pain relief, | Depression, | Nausea relief, | Appetite supression, | Baldness, | Whole body tonic, | Sore throat, | Antiseptic, | Fight infection, | Aphrodisiac, | Immune system, | When in doubt use Lavender.
History
Bergamot essential oil is derived by cold-pressing the peel of the bergamot fruit. It blends well with other oils, such as cedar, geranium, neroli, and chamomile.
Conditions
Bergamot is a powerful antiseptic and can be diluted to treat skin and scalp conditions. It can be used as a personal deodorant. Bergamot is a wonderful cleanser for acne prone skin. Emotional imbalance, anxiety, and stress, and depression are effectively treated with this refreshing oil. Caution should be used with this oil,as it can cause sensitivity to sunlight. Do not use before going outside.
Properties
Uplifting, skin and hair treatment, fever-reducing, relieving cramps, clarifying
Spirit and Mind
Encouraging, Balancing, Antidepressant
History
Distilled from the Sweet or Black Birch tree. As with Wintergreen, it is rich in Methyl salicylate. At on time it was used in making Birch Beer .
Conditions
Works great for muscle rubs, in soaps and candles. It is also said to repel insects. An effective remedy for cystitis, as well as removing excess water from the body. It is used in body oils and baths where it can work as a diuretic, for obesity or edema. One should never use Birch Bark oil neat, that is, directly on the skin, undiluted.
Properties
Scalp treatment, skin irritations, men s fragrances
Spirit and Mind
Inner child work
History
One of the oldest known essential oils, cedarwood was an important ingredient in medicine, cosmetics, and perfumery of the ancient Egyptians. The attar of cedar grew in popularity in the 19th. century when it was used as an ingredient in cold cream soap and, diluted with wine, was used to saturate handkerchiefs.
Conditions
The strong balsam-like fragrance makes it useful as an all-round tonic and stimulant. Cedarwood has a pronounced effect on the skin, make sure you do not use it directly on the skin, use a carrier oil like sunflower or olive oil with the essential oil. It is very good for acne, oily skin, dandruff, and oily hair.
Properties
Antiseptic, digestive, astringent, calming, sedative, expectorant
Spirit and Mind
Harmonizing, encourages mediation
History
Chamomile has long been cultivated as a medicinal herb and was even considered sacred. In 1656, John Parkinson wrote: Cammomill is put in divers and sundry uses, both for pleasure and profit, both for the sick and the sound, in bathing to comfort and strengthen the sound and to ease pain in the diseased.
Conditions
The soothing oil has been variously prescribed to speed healing, calm inflammation and allergies, and treat burns and bruises, earache, neuralgia, abscesses, and toothache. It s fragrance has a definite calming effect. It is also a useful herb for natural beauty care. By adding a few drops of the oil to bath water you can ease dry or sunburned skin. Great for babies and calming hyperactive children.
Properties
Soothing, mildly antiseptic, calming, muscle relaxant, digestive
Spirit and Mind
Balancing for the female system, helps with grieving process
History
Clary sage oil is distilled from the flowering tops and leaves of salvia sclarea. The origins of its name- clary is condensed from clear-eye , the Old English name for this plant.Clary sage was used safely and effectively to heal eye problems. In Germany it is used in the production of some wines and vermouths - it is thought to have intoxicating properties.
Conditions
Clary sage has an astringent and tonic action, helping to stimulate the digestion, calm fevers, and give a wonderfully cooling effect on the skin when used with a carrier oil. The oil has a marked relaxing effect and may be used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. Helps allievate pms and menopausal discomforts.
Properties
Soothing, calming, tonifying, relaxing, uplifting, anti-inflammatory
Spirit and Mind
Promotes Euphoria, rejuvenating, balancing, inspiring, aphrodisiac
History
In Sicily, Eucalyptus trees were planted as a malaria preventive. The Eucalyptus was dubbed the fever tree because the strong balsamic odors were supposed to increase the healthfulness of the swampy areas where the trees seemed to thrive.
Conditions
Eucalypti are among the most aromatic plants in the world. The sharply scented oil given off by the leaves has a powerful healing, disinfectant, and antiseptic uses. The oil is also useful for wounds and insect bites. Cooling to the body, a compress made from the cool dilution of eucalyptus oil can relieve fever and skin irritations.
Properties
Head-clearing, refreshing, stimulating, decongestive, antiseptic, cleansing
Spirit and Mind
Stimulant, Increasing concentration, balancing
History
The scented flowering plants were discovered in the Cape Province of South Africa and brought to England in the time of Charles I. As potted plants in Victorian homes they would be placed up the side of the stairs so the women s long skirts would brush against them in passing, releasing the perfume. The oil is mostly obtained from the leaves, via steam distillation.
conditions
It is a mild analgesic and sedative, and may be used for neuralgia. It is an excellent remedy for burns, and is renowned for its efficacy on wounds and all types of ulcers. The action of geranium on the nervous system is both sedative and uplifting.
Properties
Antidepressant, tonifying, warming, refreshing, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic
Spirit and Mind
Uplifting, clears the mind, alleviates stress
History
Throughout history grapefruit has been used to renew zest for life, lightness, and well-being. It is a positive antidote during times of self-doubt. It is steam-distilled from Citrus paradisi.
Conditions
Externally it is an astringent and is useful as a facial toner, to stimulate dead-looking or lifeless skin and should always be used with a carrier oil such as sunflower oil. Inhaled, Grapefruit oil is an anti-depressant, relieves anxiety and is used to treat menstrual problems such as PMS, menopause,and hot flashes. It also makes a very good air freshener and eliminates cooking odors in the kitchen.
Properties
Refreshing, increases circulation and tightens skin
Spirit and Mind
Uplifting, clarifying, rejuvenating
History
The word Lavender comes from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash. It was one of the favorite aromatics used by the Romans in connection with their bathing activities. They probably introduced the plant to England, and ever since it has been a favorite with women. Lavender is cultivated in many European countries, but the main producer is France. During Elizabethan times the aromatic oil of lavender was rubbed into oak furniture to give a high gloss. Apart from the enjoyable scent, lavender provided a powerful weapon against moths, fleas, silverfish, and flies. Commercial perfume houses still use essential oil of lavender as the basic ingredient of many fragrances. The fresh, clean scent of lavender needs no description. The oil is clear, and has a mild, bitter taste. It blends well with a great number of essences, adding a light, floral softness to almost any mixture.
Conditions
Lavender is the most widely used & versatile healing oil. It is effective and easy to use and is the only oil that can be safely applied undiluted to the skin. The oil may be used with great success to treat skin disorders, preventing scarring and promoting rapid healing. It can also work as a natural insect repellent. The oil provides a soothing rub for patients suffering from arthritis and rheumatism, a good inhalant for respiratory problems and fainting, and a relieving compress for headaches. The balancing properties of lavender can correct emotional problems and feelings of instability. Its calming effect will induce a restful sleep, try a drop on a cotton ball under your pillow or a drop on the pillow itself. Remember, when in doubt, use lavender!
Properties
Head-clearing, relaxing, good for children, skin healing, sedative, calming, antibacterial, decongestive, antidepressant, analgesic, respiratory
Spirit and Mind
Cleansing, balancing, strengthening, stimulating, calming, refreshing
History
Lemon is one of the oldest and most useful natural cosmetics; it also has a long traditional use as a medicine. The plant was originally a native to south- eastern Asia until the Arabs brought the lemon to the Mediterranean in AD 1000. An early Christian artist portrayed it as the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge which Eve ate before being expelled from Eden. Essential oil of lemon is derived from the rind of the fruit.
Conditions
The fresh, sharply aromatic oil is used still today to treat nausea and to stimulate the appetite. Use it also as a massage to aid circulation. The mild sedative action will reduce fever and ease indigestion. Lemon oil helps to stimulate the body s own natural defense against infection. May be an irritant if used undiluted. Great for nail soaks in manicures, as it hardens the nails.
Properties
Antiseptic, skin tonic, antibacterial, diuretic, cooling, anti-acid, respiratory and circulatory problems.
Spirit and Mind
Refreshing, uplifting
History
Place of origin: India. Cultivated today in China, Brazil, Guatemala, Africa, Haiti. The oil is refreshing and mentally stimulating. Lemongrass is a member of the family of tropical grasses, like citronella grass, ginger grass, palmarosa and vetiver.
Conditions
Lemongrass is a secret aid for people who have trouble getting started in the morning. As a massage, the oil helps strengthens blood vessels and helps prevent varicose veins. Burn in a candle or difuser to create a pleasant atmosphere. Great for scenting cleaning water for household uses.
Properties
Antiseptic, diuretic, lymph drainage, stimulating digestion
Spirit and Mind
Tonic, Refreshing, helps concentration, great for driving, aids in alertness
History
Marjoram oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant by means of steam distillation. The Romans used it widely for settling the stomach and for dizziness. Traditionally used to make wreaths with which to crown newlywed couples for luck, marjoram was also used medicinally for a number of complaints from digestive disorders to curing toothache.
Conditions
This strongly aromatic oil may be added to a carrier oil and used a gentle rub for muscular aches, bruises, sprains, and arthritic pain. Blended with lavender and bergamot, the three oils together produce a very pleasant relaxing feeling. Marjoram makes a relaxing, warming, and fortifying bath oil.
Properties
Antispasmodic, carminative, calming, sedative, nervine, respiratory, muscle relaxant
Spirit and Mind
Helpful during anxiety attacks, calming
CAUTION: PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE MARJORAM OIL.
Melissa offcinnalis, Mediterranean
History
Melissa oil is steam-distilled from the tops of Melissa officinalis, a lemon scented herb called balm or Lemon Balm. Melissa is found in Europe, Middle Asia and North America. The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for bee , an insect which finds Melissa flowers particularly good for making honey. The essence has been in medicinal use since the late seventeenth century.
Conditions
Melissa is useful in throat infections, useful for children because they like the scent. Scent rooms with this herb, and enjoy it's antidepressant qualities. Helps relieve stress.
Properties
Antispasmodic, Nervine, Sedative, Tonic, Digestive, Antidepressant,
Spirit and Mind
General anxiety, healing for emotional abuse - the inner child, expressing grief, burnout
Pogostemon patchouli, East Indian
History
This essential oil is steam distilled from the dried leaves of the bushy Patchouli, a member of the lavender family, originating in Bengal, India. Patchouli was used to give Indian ink its characteristic scent and dried Patchouli leaves were laid amongst linen for their moth-repellent properties. This was THE scent of the 1960's!
Conditions
Patchouli oil is useful as an antiseptic, particularly as a first aid treatment for minor burns as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. The oil also works on irritated nerves, calming anxiety with its strongly earthly scent. This sensual, musky aroma is attributed with powers as an aphrodisiac. useful in ridding the body of retained fluid, and found to curb hunger!
Properties
Nervine, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, sedative, relaxing, Deodorant, tonic, relieves water retention, aids in suppressing hunger
Spirit and Mind
Calming anger, Depression-weepy, Fear of sexuality
History
Mints are recorded in the Ebers papyrus, the world s oldest surviving medical text. The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with mint for banquets and put bunches on the table in the hope of warding off drunkenness. ending a meal with a sprig of mint to help the digestion and sweeten the breath is a very ancient custom, culminating in the widespread popularity of after dinner mints today. The oil is distilled from the leaves and flowering tips of the plants.
Conditions
Peppermint oil, particularly as an inhalation, relieves nausea and respiratory problems, and aids digestion. A gargle made with the oil will assist these conditions and freshen the breath. A mild washing water, made by adding a few drops of peppermint oil to distilled water, is a cooling lotion for those with sensitive skin.
Properties
Digestive, Carminative, Respiratory, Anti-Inflammatory, Cooling, Clearing,
Spirit and Mind
Good for Confusion, Mental Fatigue, Forgetfulness, Shock
Rosmarinus officinalis, Morocco
History
Rosemary has long been regarded as a preserver of youth. In Classical times, it became known as the herb of fidelity, rememberance, love, and abiding friendship, and was bound into wedding wreaths and planted on graves. Bunches of rosemary were burned during times of plague in a bid to word off infection. The French hung rosemary in hospitals as a kind of healing incense. Essential oil of rosemary is distilled from the flowering tops and leaves of the plants.
Conditions
Herbalists recommend it for hair care and suggest scalp massage with the oil to prevent premature baldness. With its powerful aroma, rosemary oil is an effective inhalant and decongestant, and a strengthening massage rub for muscles. Avoid if hypertensive.
Properties
Invigorating, Digestive, Circulatory, Uplifting, Stimulating
Spirit and Mind
Good for exhaustion, lethargic depression, lack of memory, forgetfulness
History
This essential oil is steam-distilled and water- distilled from Aniba roseaodora and sometimes other species of the genus. It is a tree from the rain forest of Brazil, French Guiana, Surinam and Peru. In 1875 a Frenchman first distilled from the bark and chipped wood the fragrant oil that is so esteemed in the perfume industry.
Conditions
This particular oil has a distinct sedative effect. It is used neat on blemishes, and sores, and as an antiseptic in skin care. A relaxing bath mixture would be 4 drops of rosewood, 2 drops marjoram, 2 drops lavender, 1 drop of bergamot.
Properties
Refreshing, Tonic for the whole body, headaches, aphrodisiac
Spirit and Mind
Helps ease nervousness
History
This exotic essential oil captures the mystique of Asia where it forms part of Ayurveda, the Indian system of healing. In ancient India it was widely used in religious ceremonies. It is burned on a sacred fire within the marriage tent so that its fumes surround the bridal couple. Essential oil of sandalwood is derived from the wood of the sandalwood tree, via steam distillation.
Conditions
Sandalwood oil has been used more than any other essence as a perfume in its own right, or as a complementary fragrance in most rose types, or as a fixative. It also has preservative qualities which help give to creams and lotions a longer life. The oil is an excellent facial oil, soothing and emollient for dry, or irritated and sensitive skin, as it helps cleanse, heal, and soften. A drop of Sandalwood massaged on the outside of your throat, will immediately ease the pain of a sore throat.
Properties
Digestive, calming, relaxing, antidepressant, sedative, warming
Spirit and Mind
Helps deal with feelings of worthlessness, weepy depression, anxiety, aggression
Melaluca alternifolia, Australia
History
Tea Tree oil has been used in Australia by its native people, who introduced it to the Western world via Captain Cook in 1770. Tea Tree oil has been much in use and demand recently. Oil is obtained from the leaves through steam distillation.
Conditions
This is one oil that most definitely will get lots of use in your medicine chest and should be a part of the home first aid kit. Renowned as an antifungal and antiseptic treatment. Diluted and applied topically, it is very effective in correcting bacterial imbalances in the female system especially vaginitis. Tea Tree oil also serves as an efficient natural insect repellant.
Properties
Very Antiseptic, Very Antifungal, Decongestive, Digestive, Skin Healing
Spirit and Mind
Helps in dealing with Hypochondria
History
Rudyard Kipling described the scent of thyme as being like the dawn in Paradise . It is a quintessential summer herb , producing a stronger fragrance in hot sun, the aromatic oil being drawn out by the heat. Essential oil of thyme is obtained from the flowering tops of the plant via steam distillation.
Conditions
Thyme was commonly mentioned in early medical texts as an antiseptic, a decongestant, a respiratory treatment and a digestive aid. It is also said to retard hair loss. Diluted in distilled water, thyme oil is a good general tonic and assists the circulatory and immune systems. In vaporization it fights infection.
Properties
Antiseptic, disinfectant, stimulating, nervine, cleansing and toning for skin, antibiotic
Spirit and Mind
Helps with confusion, and lack of memory Caution: Avoid during pregnancy!
Cananga odorata genuina, Indonesia
History
The beautiful yellow flower of the tropical ylang ylang tree of Java, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar, is so exotic and its perfume is so extraordinary that it is known as the flower of flowers . Essential oil of ylang ylang is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation.
Conditions
The sweet heady scent of ylang ylang encompasses strong sensual and euphoric qualities, and the oil is heralded as an aphrodisiac. The oil is also known for its restorative powers and its relaxing effect on the nervous system. The oil is an antidepressant and may be used therapeutically to treat stress, frustration, anger, and shock. It can have a balancing effect on blood pressure.
Properties
Antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, nervine, high blood pressure, skin problems
Spirit and Mind
Helps ease dejection, fear of failure, love, sexuality, Eases moodiness, rage, stress.
History
Litsea cubeba is also known as may chang. It grows wild in southern Asia. Llitsea is found cultivated in parts of India. Historically it has been used to enhance the flavor of fish and other foods.
Conditions
This essential oil can help with people who need to be a bit more assertive. Aids in concentration and sparks creativity! Use this herb when focus is needed such as studying for an exam or preparing a report.
Properties
Uplifting, refreshing and antiseptic. It is repudiated to boost the parathyroid glands.
Spirit and mind
Emotional balance and rejuvenation eases the effects of stress.
History
From early times the orange has been symbol of generosity and gratitude.
Conditions
Orange can settle an upset tummy, and relieve the symptoms of bronchitis, colds and flu symptoms. Helps one deal with stress related tension.
Properties
Fights infection, helps ease muscle tension, Improves immune systems.
Spirit and mind
Cheering, balancing helps fight stress.
No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained within this database ( although every effort is made to ensure that it is accurate ) and no liability is accepted for any claims arising out of the misuse or otherwise of essential oils. Aromatherapy is not a substitute for modern medical advice. Always consult your doctor before embarking on alternative treatment.