Aromatherapy

Essential Oil Descriptions

Balsam, Peru
Extraction Method: High vacuum dry distillation
Botanical Name: Myroxylon balsamum
Fragrance: Sweet, rich vanilla like
Emotions, Psyche: Comforting, warming
Topical Usage: Dry and chapped skin, eczema, rashes, sores and wounds.
Safety Information: Non-toxic, non irritant
Mixes well with: Ylang-Ylang, patchouli, petitgrain, sandalwood, rose, spices
Uses: Dry and chapped skin, eczema, rashes, sore, low blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis, cough, colds, nervous tension, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), ]
Bergamot Oil
Extraction Method: Cold expression (peel)
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia (Italy)
Fragrance: Citrus, floral
Emotions, Psyche: Balancing, Encouraging, Uplifting
Specific Topical Usage: Varicose veins, sores, burns (light), blemished (bleached) skin, eczema. It is also used to Europe as a suntan oil (mixed with aloe vera especially).
Warning: Do not apply to the skin before going out into the sun - It can increase the susceptibility of the skin to severe burning.
Safety Information: Warning photo toxic
Mixes well with: Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, chamomile, neroli
Uses: Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, depression, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), ] Essential Oil Safety Click Here
Blue Cypress
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Calistris intratropica
Fragrance: smoky, sweet-balsamic odor
Topical Usage: Oily and over hydrated skin, excessive perspiration, insect repellent, varicose veins, wounds.
Safety Information: Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitive
Mixes well with: Cedarwood, pine. lavender, mandarin, clary sage, lemon, juniper, bergamot, orange, marjoram, and sandalwood.
Uses: Excessive perspiration, insect repellent, varicose veins, wounds, muscle cramps, edema, poor circulation, asthma, bronchitis, menopausal problems, nervous tension, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), ] Essential Oil Safety Click Here
Carrot Seed
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Daucus carota
Fragrance: warm, dry, woody, earthy aroma
Topical Usage: Dermatitis, eczema, rashes, mature complexions,
Safety Information: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]
Mixes well with: Cedarwood, geranium, citrus and spice oils
Uses: Antiseptic, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, arthritis, gout, edema, anemia, anorexia, liver congestion. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), ] Essential Oil Safety Click Here
Citronella
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Cymbopagon nardus
Fragrance: Fresh, powerful, lemony, woody-sweet aroma.
Topical Usage: Deodorant, insecticide, fungicidal
Safety Information: Non-toxic, non-irritant, Warning Avoid during pregnancy.
Mixes well with: Geranium, lemon, bergamot, orange, Cedarwood, and pine.
Uses: Excessive perspiration, oily skin, insect repellent. Cold, flu, minor infections, fatigues, headaches, migraine, neuralgia. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), ] Essential Oil Safety Click Here
Cedarwood Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (sawdust, wood)
Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana (USA)
Fragrance: Balsamic, soft, woody
Emotions, Psyche: Calming, Comforting, Strengthening, balancing, grounding, energizing
Mixes well with: patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood
Chamomile
Extraction Method: steam distillation
Botanical Name: Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis noblis
Fragrance: fruity, herbal, sweet
Emotions, Psyche: calming, tension relieving
Specific Topical Usage: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner
Mixes well with: galbanum, eucalyptus, rosemary
Uses: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, shampoo, pain relieving, fever reducing, digestive stimulant, wound healing, cramp relieving. Essential Oil Safety Click Here
Clary Sage Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (flowers)
Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea (USA)
Fragrance: Sweet, nutty-herbaccous
Emotions, Psyche: Purifying, Vitalizing
Specific Topical Usage: General skin care - especially inflame skin conditions, general hair and hair loss.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavendar, Lemon, Pink Grapefruit, Sandalwood.
Uses: Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, dysmenorrhea, exhaustion, gas, labor pains, sore throat, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Eucalyptus Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (leaves)
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus (Spain)
Fragrance: Penetrating, camphor-like
Emotions, Psyche: Balancing, Cleansing, Stimulating
Specific Topical Usage: Skin cleanser and antiseptic, wounds, cuts, sores and blisters.
Mixes well with: Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Thyme.
Uses: Antiseptic, antiviral, anti-fungal, respiratory problems, congestion, joint and muscle pain, migraines. Room spray, diffuser, massage inhalation, sauna, bath
Fennel Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (fruit)
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare (Mediterraniean)
Fragrance: Warm, sweet
Emotions, Psyche: Calming, Relaxing
Safety information: slight dermal toxicity; use ½ recommended dilution or less Warning Fennel can be a skin irritant. Do not use it on young children. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use if suffering from epilepsy.
Uses: Massage, bath, bodycare
Frankincense Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (resin)
Botanical Name: Boswellia carteri (South Arabia)
Fragrance: Spicy, woody
Emotions, Psyche: Calming, Fortifying
Mixes well with: Bergamont, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Pine Needle, Rosemary, Sandalwood.
Uses: Diffuser, bodycare, skincare, massage, perfume, inhalation
Geranium Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (leaves, flowers)
Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolents (Egypt)
Fragrance: Rosy-sweet
Emotions, Psyche: Uplifting, Romantic
Specific Topical Usage: General cosmetic skin care - especially oily skin, eczema, cuts and skin inflammations, tonic for slow healing sores.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sandalwood.
Uses: Skin disorders (dry/eczema), herpes (topical), lymphatic decongestant (especially mamary glands), vaginal/uterine tonic (as a douche). Diffuser, massage, bodycare, bath, perfume.
Ginger Root
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Fragrance: Warm slightly green, fresh, woody-spicy aroma
Safety Information: Non-toxic, non-irritant(except in high concentrations), slightly phototoxic, may cause sensitization in some individuals.
Mixes well with: Sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, rosewood, cedarwood, coriander, rose, lime, orange blossom, and other citrus oils.
Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation. Diarrhea, Colic, cramp, flatulence, congestion, coughs, aches and pains, arthritis fatigue. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Grapefruit Oil, Pink
Extraction Method: Cold expression (peel)
Botanical Name: Citrus paradisi (USA)
Fragrance: Fresh, sweet citrus aroma
Emotions, Psyche: Refreshing, Cheering
Specific Topical Usage: Herpes, stimulates surface metabolism.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme.
Safety information: Warning
Uses: Cellulitus, edema (water retention), detoxifying. Diffuser, inhalation, massage, bath.
Lavender Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (flowering tops)
Botanical Name: Lavandula officinalis (France)
Fragrance: Floral, fresh, clean
Emotions, Psyche: Balancing, Relaxing, Soothing, Calming
Specific Topical Usage: General cosmetic skin care - especially dry skin, burns, dermatitis alpaca (hear loss), as a skin tonic.
Mixes well with: All other essential oils.
Uses: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizing (stimulaates skin and wound healing without scarring - the best), anti-vemon/poison (betes, stings and contact dermatitis), headaches (vaso-constrictive), hypertension. Diffuser, bath, massage, perfume, body/hair care, inhalation, room spray.
Lemon Oil
Extraction Method: Cold expression (peel)
Botanical Name: Citrus linomum (USA)
Fragrance: Strong, citrus, fresh lemon
Emotions, Psyche: Refreshing, Uplifting, Stimulating
Specific Topical Usage: Oily and congested skin, varicose veins, skin cleanser, stimulates excretion and waste through skin pores.
Mixes well with: Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.
Safety Information: Warning Do not use lemon on the skin in direct sunlight. Dilute to 1% and use only 3 drops in a bath as it may cause irritation of the skin.
Uses: Antiseptic, astringent, oily skin. Bath, sauna, perfume, diffuser, inhalation.
Lemongrass Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (sweet grass)
Botanical Name: Cumbopogon flexuosus (East India)
Fragrance: Sweet, grassy, lemony
Emotions, Psyche: Refreshing, Stimulating
Safety Information: can cause skin irritation Warning Dilute to 1% and use only 3 drops in a bath as it may cause irritation of the skin.
Uses: Bath,diffuser, perfume, room spray, body care.
Marjoram Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (leaves, flowering tops)
Botanical Name: Marjorana hertensis (Spain)
Fragrance: Warm, spicy
Emotions, Psyche: Relaxing, Calming, Appeasing
Safety Information: Warning Do not use during pregnancy. Care must be taken due to its sedative action, so use sparingly!
Uses: Bath, massage, inhalation, diffuser
Myrrh Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (bark or resin)
Botanical Name: Commiphora abyssinica (East Africa)
Fragrance: Hot, smoky, bitter
Emotions, Psyche: Fortifying, Stimulating
Safety Information: use ½ recommended dilution or less WarningDuring pregnancy use Myrrh only in moderation.
Uses: Skincare, massage, diffuser, perfume
Orange Oil,
Extraction Method: Cold expression (peel)
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium (USA)
Fragrance: Fresh, lively, fruity
Emotions, Psyche: Relaxing, Cheering, Calming
Safety Information: Do not use on the skin in direct sunlight. Dilute to 2% and use only 4/5 drops in a bath as it may cause irritation of the skin.
Uses: Bath, diffuser, massage, room spray, perfume
Oregano
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Oreganum compactum
Fragrance: Warm, spicy-herbaceous, camhoraceous aroma.
Safety information: Dermal toxin, skin irritant, mucous membrane irritant, Warning; Avoid during pregnancy.
Mixes well with: Lavandin, pine, spike, lavender, citronella, rosemary, camphor and cedarwood.
Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation. Diarrhea, Colic, cramp, flatulence, congestion, coughs, aches and pains, arthritis fatigue. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Patchouli Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (leaves)
Botanical Name: Pogstemon cablin (Indonesia)
Fragrance: Hot, musty, penetrating
Emotions, Psyche: Uplifting, Calming, Appeasing
Specific Topical Usage: General skin care - especially aging skin, wrinkles, and closes purulent wounds.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Pine Needle, Sandalwood, Tea Tree.
Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal (one of the best), chapped skin, mildly cicatrizing (skin and wound healer), moth repellant (put on cedar chips). Perfume, massage, bath, skincare.
Peppermint Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (whole plant)
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita (USA)
Fragrance: Menthol, strong, penetrating
Emotions, Psyche: Refreshing, Stimulating, Invigorating
Specific Topical Usage: Congested skin conditions, invigorates tired skin, acne, refreshing hear rinse (especially blended as tea tree (2 parts) and peppermint (1 part)).
Mixes well with: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Pine Needle, Pink Grapefruit, Rosemary, Thyme.
Safety Information: can cause skin irritation
Uses: Antiseptic, analgesic, headaches (vaso-constrictive), congestion, digestant (stimulates gastric activity while balancing) acid/alkaline balance - especially when used with lemon), remaneralizer. Bath, inhalation, massage, compress, diffuser.
Pine Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (needles, twigs, cones)
Botanical Name: Pinus sylvestris (East Europe)
Fragrance: Fresh, strong, penetrating
Emotions, Psyche: Comforting, Uplifting
Specific Topical Usage: Foot Odors.
Mixes well with: Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Rosemary, Tea Tree.
Safety Information: Warning
Uses: Antiseptic, balances circulation, decongestant. Bath, massage, inhalation.
Rose Oil
Extraction Method: Cold expression (flower petals)
Botanical Name: Raso demascena (Grasse France)
Fragrance: Fresh rose
Emotions, Psyche: Sensual, Euphoric
Safety Information: Warning Avoid using during the first four months of pregnancy.
Uses: Rose water, bath, diffuser.
Rosemary Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (flower tops)
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis (Spain)
Fragrance: Fiery, pine-like, camphorous
Emotions, Psyche: Rejuvenating, Strengthening, Uplifting
Specific Topical Usage: Oily skin, hear loss, skind parasites, used in dark hair rinses.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Pink Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Thyme.
Safety Information: use ½ recommended dilution or less
Warning Do not use Rosemary when pregnant, having high blood pressure, or suffering from epilepsy. It may cause irritation of the skin.
Uses: Antiseptic, respiratory problems, oily skin and hair (especially for male pattern balding), stiff and sore muscles (especially combined with Eucalyptus and thyme). Bath, hair/skin/bodycare, massage, diffuser, perfume, inhalation.
Rosewood Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (wood)
Botanical Name: Aniba rosaeodora (Brazil, Peru)
Fragrance: Warm, woody, floral
Emotions, Psyche: Calming, Enlivening, Sensual
Uses: Bath, massage, skincare, perfume, diffuser
Sage Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (dried leaves)
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis (Spain)
Fragrance: Harsh, strong, aromatic
Emotions, Psyche: Balancing, Strenghtening
Safety Information: should be avoided by pregnant women Do not use Sage when pregnant or suffering from epilepsy.
Uses: Diffuser, bath oil, compress.
Sandalwood Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (wood billets, root)
Botanical Name: Santalum album (Malaysia)
Fragrance: Sweet, warm, woody
Emotions, Psyche: Arousing, Harmonizing, Relaxing
Specific Topical Usage: General skin care - especially dry skin, eczema, acne and rejuvenates skin.
Mixes well with: Frankincense, Lemon Patchouli Ylang Ylang.
Uses: Antiseptic, expectorant (drying), bronchitis, dry skin, lack of libido. Bath, skincare, diffuser, perfume, massage, inhalation, compress.
Spearmint
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Mentha cardiaca
Fragrance: Warm spicy, minty aroma
Safety information: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
Mixes well with: Lavender, lavandin, jasmine, eucalyptus, basil and rosemary and peppermint.
Uses: Used to relieve hiccoughs, colic, nausea, indigestion and flatulence. Calming, soothing, muscle relaxant. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Spikenard
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Fragrance: Warm slightly green, fresh, woody-spicy aroma
Safety information: Non-toxic, non-irritant(except in high concentrations), slightly phototoxic, may cause sensitization in some individuals.
Mixes well with: Sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, rosewood, cedarwood, coriander, rose, lime, orange blossom, and other citrus oils.
Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation. Diarrhea, Colic, cramp, flatulence, congestion, coughs, aches and pains, arthritis fatigue. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Tangerine Oil
Extraction Method: Cold expression (peel)
Botanical Name: Citrus reticulate (USA)
Fragrance: Sweet, sparkling, lively
Emotions, Psyche: Strengthening, Cheering, Inspiring
Safety Information: Warning Do not use Sage when pregnant or suffering from epilepsy.
Uses: Bath, diffuser, massage, perfume, room spray.
Tea Tree Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (foliage, branchlets)
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia (Australia)
Fragrance: Strong, powerful, fresh
Emotions, Psyche: Cleansing, Stimulating
Specific Topical Usage: Acne, fungal infections, stimulates scalp circulation.
Mixes well with: Lavender, Lemon, Pine Needle, Patchouli, Pink Grapefruit, Rosemary, Thyme.
Safety Information: Warning May cause irritation to sensitive skins.
Uses: Antiseptic, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, respiratory (expandedin warmth), serous burns (especially with lavender oil), bitesand stings (especially with lavender). Bath, diffuser, sauna, massage, skincare, bodycare, room spray.


Essential Oil Safety Click Here
Thyme Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (partially dried herb)
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris (Spain)
Fragrance: Intense, herbal, pervasive
Emotions, Psyche: Stimulating, Appeasing, Strengthening
Specific Topical Usage: Mouth & gum car, antiseptic for wounds, fungal infections, athletes foot.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rosemary, Tea Tree.
Safety Information: use ½ recommended dilution or less; can cause skin irritation Warning Do not use Thyme when pregnant or having high blood pressure. Dilute to no more than 2% Thyme before use. It may cause irritation to sensitive skins.
Uses: Antiseptic, antiviral, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, upper respiratory aid. Bath, massage, diffuser.
Vanilla
Extraction Method: Solvent Extraction from pure vanilla beans
Botanical Name: Vanilla Planifolia
Emotions, Psyche: Calming, relaxing, softens anger, frustrations and irritability.
Fragrance: Rich sweet, balsamic, vanilla like odour.
Safety information: Non-toxic, sensitizing agent. Widely adulterated
Mixes well with: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Benzoin, Balsams, and spice oils.
Uses: Vanilla has powerful uses as an aphrodisiac, in perfume blends, and to flavor and fragrance anything. The fragrance calms, relaxes, and softens anger, frustrations and irritability. Vanilla may be used in creams, body lotions, bath oils, perfumes and in aroma lamp. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Vetiver Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (dried rootlets)
Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides (Reunion Island)
Fragrance: Earthy, musty, spicy
Emotions, Psyche: Embracing, Balancing, Comforting
Uses: Massage, perfume, diffuser, skincare, bath.
Yarrow
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
Fragrance: Fresh sweet slightly camphoraceous aroma.
Safety information: Non-toxic, non-irritant except in high concentrations), slightly photo toxic, may cause sensitization in some individuals.
Mixes well with: Cedarwwod, pine, chamomile, valerian, vetiver and oakmoss.
Uses: It is used mainly for menstrual problems, also used for rheumatism, It is also used for skin complaint including acne, reducing scaring for burns and cuts. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995),]
Ylang-Ylang Oil
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (Fresh blossoms)
Botanical Name: Cananga odorata (Reunion Island)
Fragrance: Sweet, flowery, erotic
Emotions, Psyche: Arousing, Sensual, Uplifting
Specific Topical Usage: Oily, ageing skin.
Mixes well with: Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Sandalwood.
Uses: Antispasmodic, cardio-tonic, hypertension, lack of libido (for women specifically). Massage, bath, perfume, diffuser, haircare, skincare.