Frequently Used Essential Oils

Essential oils are the highly concentrated aromatic essences of plants.  They are used extensively in aromatherapy and alternative medicine but their uses are increasingly being explored by the scientific, medical and therapeutic communities for their potential healing properties.

 

Most essential oils are quite strong in nature and can cause side effects if they are not used in an appropriate manner and dose.  Although we take steps to properly dilute all essential oils within carrier oils, we recommend you review their properties and actions before any use.  In particular, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should consult with their physician before using any essential oils or products containing essential oils.

 

Disclaimer: The statements presented on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products offered on this web site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Anise:  Anise seed is known for its ability to aid in digestion (indigestion, cramps, gas and other digestive problems).  In addition, it is a smooth muscle antispasmodic, relieving stomach cramping and discomfort.  Fresh, sweet, spicy, licorice-like aroma.

Basil:  Considered helpful for mental and physical fatigue, it aids in mental alertness and concentration.  It may also help ease sinus congestion, headaches, and muscular aches, pains and cramps.  Green, spicy and sweet aroma.

Bergamot:  Often used in perfumes.  It is popular for its reputed ability to strengthen the immune system and combat fatigue due to stress, tension or anxiety.  Sweet, citrus and tea-like aroma.

Cedarwood:  It reportedly has strong antibacterial properties and is often utilized for easing the discomfort of respiratory ailments, treating dandruff and/or oily skin and scalp.  It is also used for helping to calm anxiety.  Woody, clean aroma.

Cinnamon:  With a spicy aroma similar to a blend of cinnamon and clove it is known for its antifungal, antimicrobial and astringent properties.  It is thought to stimulate creativity and energy.  Warm, spicy and highly aromatic.

Citronella:  Citronella essential oil is described as having antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and deodorizing properties, all rolled into one.  In addition, citronella is often used as an insect repellant.  Grassy, green aroma.

Clove:  Said to be antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral, clove essential oil has long been used to address headaches and in treatments related to skin care.  Spicy yet fruity and sweet aroma.

Clove bud:  It is said to be an excellent antiseptic.  It is stimulating to the mind and memory, helpful in cases of fatigue and/or depression.  Some claim it is helpful with headaches. Warm, spicy, woody, with a slightly fruity aroma.

Cypress:  Cypress is a known astringent, excellent for oily skin, and may be useful for circulatory and respiratory problems.  It is often used in blends to ease arthritis pain. Emotionally, cypress oil is thought to be comforting in times of transition.  Refreshing, spicy and evergreen-like aroma.

Eucalyptus:  It is known as an antibacterial and antiviral which also eases respiratory congestion.  It is said to ease muscle and joint aches and pains by stimulating circulation and increasing blood flow to the affected area.  Fresh and leafy aroma.

Frankincense:  Frankincense has a long history as incense, as a healing oil for bodily ailments and for spiritual growth and meditation.  It is commonly used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and astringent.  It is believed to heal scars, keep cells healthy and promote cell regeneration.  In addition, it is believed to have a calming and centering effect on the body and emotions.  Fresh, woody, spicy, balsamic aroma.

Ginger:  Often touted as soothing for aching joints and muscles or upset stomachs, ginger has a uniquely “warm” smell and flavor.  Ginger is often described as an analgesic, antiseptic and antispasmodic essential oil that can improve stomach health.  Warm, peppery, lemony and earthy aroma.

Grapefruit:  In various parts of the world, grapefruit essential oil is used to reduce depression and uplift spirit and mood.  It can reportedly protect wounds from becoming septic while increasing the elimination of toxins.  Fresh, tangy citrus aroma.

Jasmine:  Jasmine has a long history in perfumery dating all the way back to Cleopatra and Louis XVI.  It is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antidepressant properties.  Rich, deeply floral aroma.

Lavender:  The name “lavender” is derived from the Latin “lavare,” meaning, “to wash.” Known as one of the seven polyvalents (effective against more than one kind of antigen, antibody, toxin or microorganism), which are applicable to many ailments.  As such, lavender oil is known for its skin healing properties.  It is often used as a natural sedative. Sweet, fresh, floral aroma.

Lemon:  A strong germicide and astringent, it is often used in cleaning solutions for its scent and disinfecting properties.  Lemon reportedly stimulates the immune system and circulation.  Fresh citrus aroma.

Lemongrass:  Traditionally, lemongrass has been used to reduce pain, fight depression, inhibit microbial growth and stimulates and invigorates the mind.  Lemongrass essential oil is also said to boost the parasympathetic nervous system which speeds recovery from illness.  Grassy, lemony aroma.

Lime:  Lime has many similar uses and properties as lemon essential oil.  It is believed to have antiseptic, antiviral, astringent and disinfectant properties.  Rich, fresh citrus aroma.

Myrrh:  Myrrh has been prevalent throughout history as one of the ancient “sacred oils.”  Myrrh has been used as an astringent for thousands of years and it is thought to be an effective antifungal and antibacterial oil.  It is also believed to ease the itching and irritation of eczema and dry skin.  Finally, it is believed to protect against diseases, improve circulation, boost health and immunity and decrease inflammation.  Balsamic, spicy aroma.

Orange:  This citrusy essential oil is considered to be refreshing, relaxing and uplifting.  It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.  Fruity, sweet aroma.

Palmarosa:  A product of a sweet smelling tropical grass, Palmarosa smells like a blend of Rose and Geranium Oil.  It is often used in blends for treating skin conditions as it is believed to help balance production of sebum (the oil naturally produced by one’s skin to help protect it).  It can be useful for both extremely dry and oily skin and reportedly promotes growth of cells.  It is considered an anti-fungal.  Floral and grassy aroma.

Patchouli:  This oil is also well known as an incense and base note in perfumery.  It is considered to be an effective anti-inflammatory and helpful in healing cracked or inflamed skin, acne and eczema. It also reported to have antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties.  Rich and earthy aroma.

Peppermint:  Often recommended for improving concentration and increasing mental alertness, peppermint also has soothing qualities for the digestive system.  In addition, peppermint is believed to be an analgesic and aids in treating sore muscles and joint pain.  Sweet, menthol aroma.

Pine:  With antiseptic, antifungal and detoxifying properties, pine essential oil is often used for cleaning.  It is also recommended in aromatherapy for aiding in coughs, colds and congestion.  Emotionally, pine is thought to be a refreshing and reviving scent that restores energy and balance.  Fresh, reminiscent of evergreen aroma.

Red Thyme:  It is known medicinally for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties.  It could be used to protect wounds from becoming septic and it kills bacteria.  It is also believed to speed the healing of wounds and scars.  It is also used as a household cleaner.  Herbal, spicy, medicinal aroma.

Rosemary:  Often recommended for skincare, rosemary essential oil is believed to assist in cellular regeneration and repairing wrinkled, aging or sun-damaged skin.  It is also considered to have antibacterial, antioxidant, astringent and decongestant properties.  Fresh, herbal aroma.

Sage:  This oil is believed to be useful for managing inflamed skin, oily skin and hair, easing arthritis and painful muscles and stimulating the immune system.  It is believed to have antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.  Strong, leaf-like aroma.

Spearmint:  Generally speaking, the scent of spearmint essential oil is not as strong as peppermint essential oil.  Spearmint is often used when a calming, relaxing and uplifting effect is desired.  Some sources also report that it is effective in products combating oily skin.  Spearmint is also considered to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.  Fresh, grassy and minty aroma.

Tea Tree:  With a reputation as a “cure all” essential oil, it is believed to have powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties.  It is often used in anti-acne remedies and is touted as having healing properties for the skin.  Spicy, slightly medicinal aroma.

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