Professional aromatherapists today use about 300 essential oils, but these are not available to the general public. I will list the most popular oils that are publicly available (although some may be difficult to find) and details of their properties so that you can use them safely at home. When purchasing essential oils, always make sure they are from a good, reputable supplier—and, where possible, from wild-crafted sources—and the carrier oils cold-pressed so that only the highest-quality essential oils and base oils are extracted. Carrier oils are base oils, such as almond oil, into which a small amount of essential oil is dropped.
When it comes to these essential oils and the oils used for blending, you get what you pay for.
Special Precautions
If you are asthmatic, pregnant, epileptic, have a skin condition, or are taking medications, it is suggested that before using any oil, you seek advice from a professional aromatherapist. Do not use essential oils on children without first consulting a professional aromatherapist.
Patch Test
To check an oil, apply the diluted oil to a small patch of skin, on either the inner wrist or the inner elbow. Wait for an hour to check that there is no irritation or redness before using the oil.
How Oils Are Obtained
There are a number of different methods of extracting the oil from the raw material. Steam distillation and expression are the two most often used. Solvent extraction is also used.
Steam Distillation This is the most widely used method of producing the essential oil from the plant. A large still is filled with a quantity of the plant, covered with water, and steamed. The steam passes at high pressure through the plant material, releasing globules of essential oil into the water vapor. The fragrant steam is cooled back to water and the essential oil floats on the surface, which means it can be gently separated from the water and skimmed off. The lighter oils are seen floating on top and the heavier oils lying on the bottom.
Expression Citrus oils, which you’ve probably seen coming out of rinds when you’ve peeled fruit, are extracted using a method that involves pressing the oil directly out of the citrus fruit peel. Today this process is performed commercially by machines called centrifugal extractors.
Solvent Extraction This method uses chemical solvents to dissolve the aromatic compounds out of delicate plant tissues in order to make “absolutes.”
Absolute Oils Absolutes are highly aromatic liquids extracted from plants in a complex process. This requires the use of chemical solvents that are removed during the final stages of production. Absolutes are far more concentrated than regular essential oils, which is what makes them so special. Other methods of extraction do not extract much natural oil from the plant or harm the precious oil. They are much valued in aromatherapy, and they are used with care and respect. Absolutes are widely used in the perfume industry.
Safety Avoid using any essential oils therapeutically during pregnancy as they have not been scientifically validated for use by pregnant women.
“The Earth Laughs in Flowers.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This chapter contains a concise dictionary of popular and useful essential oils, showing the original plant and, where appropriate, the exact part of the plant from which the oil comes. I then describe the kind of energy the oil provides, such as calming, energizing, and so on. I also offer information about the plant and suggest the best way to use it therapeutically. Where necessary, I mention any potential side effects.
Basil Oil
Parts used: flowering tops and leaves
Keywords: energizer and restorer
Aroma: herbaceous, fresh, and green
Description A delicate annual herb with dark green leaves and an uplifting, refreshing fragrance. Basil has been cultivated in Europe since the twelfth century. The name originated from the Greek meaning “king.” Traditionally this herb has been used in Ayurveda, which is also known as the “Science of Life.” This ancient Indian philosophy of health and well-being utilizes natural herbs, roots, plants, and essences in order to promote good health. In Ayurvedic medicine, basil is known as tulsi. Remains of basil oil have also been found in Egyptian burial chambers.
Uses Soothing, calming, and head-clearing. A therapeutic nerve tonic. Very popular as a culinary herb. Medicinally, basil’s all-pervasive aroma is good for clearing the mind and aiding concentration, especially when tired. A focusing oil with a sweet, green refreshing smell, it relieves mental fatigue with its uplifting power.
Safety Not to be used pregnancy or for children.
Bay Laurel Oil
Part used: tree and leaf
Keyword: uplifter
Aroma: bracing and pungent
Description Bay laurels are tall evergreen trees with glossy dark green leaves and black berries. Traditionally the leaves were used to weave a victorious crown for Roman generals returning from battle. “Laurels” were also used by the Greeks for their returning heroes, as a symbol of victory. Popular as a culinary herb throughout Europe, the herb and oil were also used medicinally for a variety of ailments.
Uses Mildly narcotic, bay laurel oil is still used by aromatherapists as a muscle rub, for respiratory problems, and as a digestive. This oil may not be easily available to the public due to its sedative properties, although it is still used in scalp tonics on sale to the public.
Safety May cause skin irritation.
Benzoin Oil
Part used: tree resin
Keyword: decongestive
Aroma: sweet, rich, vanilla-like
Description Distilled from the resin of the Styrax tree, which grows in the Far East. When the trunk is cut, a balsamic, resinous sap exudes that has a sweet, warm, vanilla-like smell. The warm, relaxing scent of benzoin will remind many of Friars Balsam, used as an inhalation for winter ills. Benzoin is a constituent of this inhalant. The essence is brown, thick, and sticky. Traditionally, it has been used for thousands of years in the East as incense and medicine.
Uses Used for the symptomatic relief of colds and sinusitis, benzoin has the ability to shift stubborn mucus. It also has sedative properties that relieve tension and stress.
Safety May cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Bergamot Oil
Part used: citrus rind (fruit peel)
Keyword: balancer
Aroma: delicious, sweet, citrusy
Description Made from a small tree with oval leaves bearing round, bitter, emerald-colored fruit resembling miniature oranges. Bergamot’s deep green oil gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive aroma. This is one of the sweetest-smelling essential oils, released when the peels of the fruit are cold pressed. Traditionally, it has been used in Italian folk medicine for many years.
Uses This oil is restorative and can combat fatigue and stress. Bergamot’s refreshing and relaxing properties help counteract low moods and uplift the spirits. It has deodorizing properties, too.
Safety Avoid if pregnant. May cause photosensitivity, so avoid using two to three hours before sunlight exposure.
Black Pepper Oil
Parts used: shrub and fruit
Keyword: warming tonic
Aroma: sharp, warming, spicy
Description A perennial woody vine with heart-shaped leaves. The berries go from scarlet to black as they mature. This oil has been used in the East medicinally and for culinary purposes for over 4,000 years.
Uses Known as a culinary spice, black pepper has a long history of use as a medicine to aid circulation and as an inhalant or massage in respiratory ailments. Its warming action eases muscular aches, pains, and strains.
Safety May cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Cajuput Oil
Parts used: leaves, twigs, fresh buds of the tree
Keyword: clearing
Aroma: strongly camphorous
Description This Indonesian evergreen tree is also known as the swamp tea tree. It is a vigorous tree growing to about 45 feet (14 meters) high. The color of the wood is white, and in Malaysia caju-puti means
“white wood,” which is where the name originates. Traditionally used in the East in folk medicine for treating many ailments as well as medicinally.
Uses Similar to eucalyptus due to its strong clear smell, cajuput oil is useful in inhalations and for respiratory support. It’s an excellent choice for the winter months, due to its clearing properties.
Safety Nontoxic but may cause skin irritation in high concentrations.
Cedarwood Oil (Virginian)
Part used: tree/wood
Keyword: tranquilizer
Aroma: harmonious, earthy, woody
Description This slow-growing coniferous evergreen tree grows to great heights and can reach 120 feet (37 meters). Traditionally cedarwood was used by the Native Americans medicinally for respiratory infections and catarrhal conditions. It was used by many cultures for religious and purification rituals. The ancient Egyptians used this precious oil for embalming the dead.
Uses Cedarwood has a calming effect with a mild, sweet, woody aroma. It is also fortifying and strengthening. This oil’s warm and dry properties are helpful in many skin conditions, particularly oily and problem skin, due to its astringent qualities. It is also a good expectorant and has sedative powers.
Safety May cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Chamomile Oil (Roman)
Parts used: dried flowers/buds
Keyword: strong-soother
Aroma: earthy, herbaceous, apple-like
Description A trailing perennial herb with feathery leaves and daisy-like white flowers. Traditionally, the ancient Egyptians used this herb to cure fevers (heat) and dedicated it to the Sun. Chamomile has been used in the Mediterranean region for over 2,000 years.
Uses This versatile oil has many useful qualities and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It is an excellent oil to use for all types of skin care, especially sensitive and problematic skin.
Safety May cause dermatitis in some individuals.
Cinnamon Oil
Part used: leaf
Keyword: antiseptic-tonic
Aroma: warm, spicy with sweet undertones
Description A tropical evergreen tree with green leathery leaves that have a spicy smell when bruised. The bark is highly aromatic. Traditionally cinnamon oil has been used in the East for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health complaints.
Uses Cinnamon leaf oil has antiseptic properties and exerts a therapeutic effect on the immune and circulatory systems. It treats chills and poor circulation and is supportive during outbreaks of colds and flu. The bark oil is not used, as it is highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes.
Safety May be irritating to sensitive skin.
Citronella Oil
Part used: leaves and stems
Keyword: bug-buster
Aroma: sharp, lemony
Description A tall perennial grass growing wild in Sri Lanka. Traditionally the leaves have been used by many cultures for their medicinal value.
Uses This essential oil is an excellent flying-insect repellent. It has a lemony aroma that insects hate. It also has powerful deodorant and antiseptic powers and is used as a stimulant and tonic. Good for deodorizing and vaporing.
Safety May be irritating to sensitive skin.
Clary Sage Oil
Parts used: flowering tops and foliage
Keyword: euphoric
Aroma: warm, nutty, and green
Description This plant is said to be native to Spain, but it is also found in the United States. When fully grown this shrubby herb reaches about 2 feet (61 cm) high. It has large purple flowers with leaves that smell of pineapple. It is associated with feminine sexuality. Traditionally the herb was once used for clearing mucus from the eyes. Today it is often found in perfumes.
Uses This oil is a muscle relaxant that helps in relieving pain. It is also used as a tonic for the female reproductive system and for treating menstrual problems, bringing back balance at certain times of the month.
Safety No known problems, but dilute well anyway.
Cypress Oil
Parts used: tree, leaves, cones
Keyword: woody-antiseptic
Aroma: woody and spicy
Description This tall evergreen tree is a familiar feature in Greek cemeteries. The wood is reddish-yellow in color with brown-gray cones. Traditionally, cypress has been associated with death, so the ancient Greeks and Romans planted it in their burial grounds. It was once used medicinally to treat childhood whooping cough. Cypress has hemostatic properties and it was used to staunch hemorrhages.
Uses Cypress oil is restorative, toning, and soothing. It is used for menopausal problems and is useful in the treatment of oily skin and cellulite.
Safety Not usually problematic, but dilute well.
Eucalyptus Oil (Globulus)
Parts used: tree and leaves
Keyword: easy-breather
Aroma: fresh, green, medicinal, camphorous
Description This tall evergreen tree, native to Tasmania and Australia, reaches a great height. Traditionally a household remedy made with this oil from the Australian gum-tree was used for respiratory problems, and it still is today.
Uses This well-known camphorous oil has strong antibacterial properties. It is used as a decongestant and expectorant in colds and chest infections and is a useful oil for inhalations.
Safety Do not ingest or use if you have epilepsy.
Frankincense Oil
Part used: tree/bark
Keyword: rejuvenator
Aroma: spicy, woody, and balsamic
Description A small tree or shrub that yields gum resin from the bark, where the oil is found. This valuable oil is native to Somalia. Traditionally, frankincense was used in ancient Egypt for cosmetic purposes, and it has also been used in India, China, and the West as an incense, and medicinally in the East.
Uses This wonderful oil has a wide range of properties. In the West it is recognized as an excellent anti-ageing oil for mature skin. Known for its rejuvenating and toning effect, this beauty oil can be used in anti-ageing face creams or blended with other anti-ageing oils. Medicinally, frankincense is used for chest problems, coughs, and colds. Its calming properties can help treat anxiety, tension, and stress.
Safety No currently known precautions.
Geranium Oil
Parts used: flowers and leaves
Keyword: hormone-balancer
Aroma: floral, sweet, heavy
Description An attractive, strongly scented perennial shrub with serrated, pointed leaves and small flowers. There are a large number of different types of geranium flowers, but only seven of them are used to make the oil. Harvesting takes place when the flowers start to bloom. Traditionally this plant used to be grown around cottages to keep evil spirits away. Medicinally it was regarded as a healing plant used for treating wounds and tumors and for protection against insect bites.
Uses This oil appears to exert a regulatory function on the female hormonal system and is useful for premenstrual tension and menopausal problems. Its astringent qualities make it good for all skin types. Its analgesic properties help ease the pain of shingles and neuralgia.
Safety Safe oil but may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Grapefruit Oil
Parts used: tree and citrus rind (fruit peel)
Keyword: energizer
Aroma: sharp, citrusy, and refreshing
Description A tree with glossy leaves. The oil glands buried deep within the peel yield only a small amount of oil. Traditionally originating in tropical Asia and the West Indies, the tree is now mainly cultivated in North and South America.
Uses This oil is helpful in the treatment of oily skin, supports the liver, and helps cleanse the lymphatic system. Colds and flu with hot, feverish symptoms respond well to its cooling, antiseptic qualities that help loosen mucus and catarrh.
Safety May cause photosensitivity, so do not use two to three hours before sunlight exposure.
Jasmine Oil<
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Parts used: tree and flowers
Keyword: relaxant
Aroma: sweet, heady, and exotic
Description This oil is known as the “King of Flowers.” It originates from Iran and northern India. Jasmine is a highly valued oil in perfumery, but it has many more properties than just a beautiful, uplifting aroma. In times past, it was used in love potions as well as in the treatment of venereal diseases.
Uses Jasmine’s refreshing and soothing actions help relax tense muscles and feelings of tightness in the chest area. Its aphrodisiac properties are well known, and this oil is used for enjoyment and pleasure and for the sheer beauty of the exotic aroma. Jasmine can be used as a natural perfume applied undiluted on the pulse points.
Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Page 2