Safety No known toxicity.
Juniper Berry Oil
Parts used: bush and berries
Keyword: toxin-eliminator
Aroma: fresh yet woody and balsamic
Description This evergreen coniferous shrub has needle-like leaves and fleshy berries that turn blue-black with a white bloom during the second year of growth. It grows in many regions of the world. Juniper berries are what gives gin its unique flavor. Traditionally, juniper oil was used to help combat contagious diseases such as typhoid and cholera. In Tibetan medicine, it was used to help prevent the plague. In ancient Greece and Rome and in Arabia, its antiseptic properties were valued.
Uses An uplifting and purifying oil, juniper is a good detoxifier and immune booster, helping to prevent illness. It is an antiseptic tonic, making it ideal for use on greasy, congested skin, and its purifying properties help many skin disorders.
Safety Avoid if you have any type of kidney disorder.
Lavender Oil
Parts used: leaves, flowers, and buds
Keyword: balancer
Aroma: light, floral
Description This attractive evergreen perennial plant has intensely fragrant blue-mauve flowers, and it is extensively cultivated in England and France. It is the most versatile, classic, and beautifully scented of all healing oils and has been widely used for centuries. The Romans used this antiseptic oil for bathing and to cleanse lacerations and wounds after battle. The name itself originates from the Latin lavare, which means “to wash.”
Uses An amazing oil with many benefits and uses, lavender can be helpful in a number of conditions and situations. It is used to promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep and is a useful first-aid remedy for all sorts of skin problems. Lavender has mild analgesic properties and many applications to health.
Safety Use with care if you have low blood pressure.
Lemon
Parts used: fruit and citrus rind (fruit peel)
Keyword: stimulator
Aroma: sharp, fresh, and cleansing
Description A thorny evergreen tree that is native to India. Because of its antiseptic qualities, lemon was used to treat malaria and to guard against bites from disease-carrying insects. The Crusaders brought the lemon fruit back to Europe on their return from the Middle East.
Uses Lemon is useful for boosting sluggish circulation and clarifying greasy skin and as a lymphatic cleanser. Its diuretic qualities are useful in reducing cellulite. Lemon stimulates the immune system, helping to prevent colds and ward off infections.
Lemongrass Oil
Parts used: grass and leaves
Keyword: antiseptic-toner
Aroma: sweet and lemony
Description This oil is produced by steam distillation from two species of fresh lemongrass, namely, West Indian and East Indian. Both have similar qualities. Lemongrass originated in tropical Asia, and it is cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Africa, and Madagascar. It was thought to be helpful in bringing down fevers.
Uses Lemongrass oil is very antiseptic and is useful in protecting against airborne infections. It is uplifting and a good tonic, with mild antidepressant properties. Its pain-relieving properties are useful for treating sore or strained muscles, especially after sports.
Safety Nontoxic but avoid if skin is sensitive or damaged.
Mandarin Oil
Parts used: tree and citrus rind (fruit peel)
Keyword: childhood-soother
Aroma: sweet, tangy
Description A small evergreen tree with dark green shiny leaves and fragrant flowers that ripen into fruit. This oil was traditionally used in France to strengthen the digestive function. It is still used for that purpose. This citrus fruit has associations with Christmas.
Uses Mandarin is an antispasmodic and nervous sedative that has a soothing effect on digestive problems, dyspepsia, and constipation. This oil is well liked for use with restless and hyperactive children due to its soothing, calming effect. Mandarin’s aroma is delicate and sweet, unlike the stronger, zestier citrus oils.
Safety May cause photosensitivity, so do not use two to three hours before sunlight exposure.
Marjoram Oil
Parts used: flowering heads and leaves
Keyword: comforter
Aroma: sweet, green, herbaceous
Description A bushy perennial herb that is strongly aromatic. Sweet marjoram originates in North Africa, Egypt, and the Mediterranean regions. The sweet, sticky resin this herb secretes is popular with bees. Traditionally it was used for culinary purposes and as a folk remedy. The ancient Greeks used marjoram oil in cosmetics, perfumes, and medicines.
Uses Warm and comforting, this oil is useful for aching muscles and lower back pain. Marjoram’s antispasmodic properties are useful in treating digestive problems. This is a good oil to blend with other warming oils such as rosemary to soothe tired, aching muscles.
Safety Nontoxic in dilution.
Melissa Oil
Parts used: flowers and leaves
Keyword: hormone-balancer (female)
Aroma: herby, lemony, with sweet undertones
Description Also known as lemon balm, the yellowish flowers attract bees, hence the name Melissa, which is the Greek word for “bee.” A Mediterranean plant, it grows to about 2 feet (61 cm) high. Most of the oil is produced in France. Introduced into Britain by the Romans, it was used by French Carmelite nuns in the fourteenth century to make tonic water. During the Elizabethan Age, the leaves were used in wine making. Today, products labeled as melissa oil are usually a blend of citrus oils because the pure oil is very expensive.
Uses Melissa oil is helpful in reducing anxiety and relieving headaches associated with neck and shoulder pain and tension. Inflamed skin conditions and eczema benefit from this oil, especially when the condition is stress-related. It has a mild antihistamine action that is helpful for hay-fever sufferers.
Safety May cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Myrrh Oil
Part used: resin
Keyword: strengthening-healer
Aroma: earthy, warm, woody, balsamic
Description This well-known shrub is a native of North Africa. It grows to about 9 feet (3 meters) high and when the gray bark is cut, the gum resin exudes. It is from this slightly musky-smelling resin that the oil is distilled. Traditionally, its use was widespread in the ancient world. It had a broad medicinal use among the ancient Egyptians, and it was used in mummification as well as in cosmetics. Greek soldiers took a phial of myrrh to battle, as it helped stem bleeding wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Uses This oil is an excellent expectorant when there is thick mucus. It is useful in treating digestive ailments and in dental health and skin care.
Safety Nonirritant in dilution. Do not use in high concentrations.
Myrtle Oil
Parts used: leaves
Keyword: regulator
Aroma: sweet and penetrating
Description This small evergreen tree with blue-green leaves grows throughout the Mediterranean. It was traditionally used medicinally by the ancient Egyptians and the Romans. Famed as an aphrodisiac, myrtle oil was added to love potions.
Uses It is used for respiratory disorders due to its sedative qualities and for genito-urinary problems in men and women. Not always easily available for public use.
Safety Prolonged use can irritate mucous membranes.
Neroli Oil
Part used: orange tree blossoms
Keyword: de-stressor
Aroma: sensual floral, with a balancing effect
Description This orange tree originally came from China. The expensive essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the bitter Seville orange, which is at home in a Mediterranean or subtropical climate. Orange flower petals, symbolizing innocence and purity, were used in wedding bouquets. The petals were also used to make eau de cologne for Victorian ladies when they had the “vapors.” The “vapor
s” were either genuinely stress-related responses to shock, or hysterics that were put on for dramatic effect.
Uses This stress-reliever is useful for hormonal and menopausal disorders. Relaxing and uplifting, neroli is an excellent oil to use on skin that has begun to wrinkle and develop broken capillaries.
Safety No known precautions.
Niaouli
Parts used: tree, shoots, twigs, leaves
Keyword: clearing
Aroma: sweetly penetrating and antiseptic
Description Related to the tea tree, this evergreen tree’s leaves exude a strong antiseptic, medicinal aroma when crushed. Niaouli has been used for a wide variety of ailments and also for purifying water. It is used by French obstetricians because of its strong antiseptic actions.
Uses This immune-system booster promotes antibody activity that helps fight infections. It is good to use for respiratory problems and may also be effective in helping to clear urinary tract infections.
Safety No problems have been reported, but a patch test is still recommended.
Orange Oil
Parts used: fruit and peel
Keyword: detoxifier
Aroma: refreshing, zesty citrus scent
Description This oil is extracted from the fruits and peels of certain citrus trees, and it has tranquilizing, soothing, and calming properties. The orange tree has also given us neroli from the orange blossoms, and petitgrain from the leaves and twigs of this lovely citrus tree. Today it is found growing abundantly in the Mediterranean region. In Chinese medicine, the dried sweet orange peel has been used to treat a number of ailments, namely, coughs, colds, anorexia, and breast sores.
Uses This oil is a favorite addition to baths during winter and is helpful for those having trouble getting to sleep. It is a good detoxifier and cleanser that supports the lymphatic system.
Safety May cause photosensitivity. May cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Palmarosa Oil
Parts used: grass and leaves
Keyword: balancer
Aroma: sweet rosy and floral
Description A wild-growing herbaceous plant native to India and Pakistan. The grassy-smelling leaves have a strong fragrance. Traditionally this oil dates back to a time when it was transported to ports of the Red Sea from Bombay and brought by land to Bulgaria and Constantinople, now known as Istanbul.
Uses This is a strengthening oil for the nervous system and for skin support. It has antiviral properties, is cooling and toning, and has balancing actions that make it useful in treating stress, anxiety, and tension.
Safety No currently known precautions. Use in dilution.
Patchouli Oil
Part used: leaves
Keyword: strengthener
Aroma: earthy, heavy, persistent, woody
Description This perennial bushy herb is found in the Far East and grows up to about three feet (one meter) high. Its large, fragrant leaves exude an exotic scent reminiscent of India. Traditionally, patchouli oil was used in the East to scent linen. Believed to prevent disease, it was used medicinally in China, Malaysia, and Japan as an antidote to insect and snake bites.
Uses Patchouli oil is useful in treating inflamed skin conditions, acne, and greasy skin. Its antidepressant actions are helpful in the treatment of anxious and stressful conditions. This oil’s relaxing qualities make it good for use during meditation. Antiseptic, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac.
Safety No currently known precautions. Use in dilution.
Peppermint Oil
Parts used: herb leaves and flowering tops
Keyword: refresher
Aroma: invigorating, green, and minty
Description Native to Europe, this plant likes to grow in damp conditions, and its high-reaching stem grows to about 3 feet (1 meter). This herb was known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It was used in Roman feasts and celebrations to calm the digestion of Romans who had eaten too much after their revelries. Peppermint has stimulating and uplifting properties.
Uses Because of its head-clearing action, peppermint is used for headaches, migraines, and insomnia. It can give relief from painful digestive spasms and bloating, so it is a well-known therapeutic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
Safety Care should be taken with the dosage, due to its powerful aroma, and it can be problematic for anyone with heart ailments. Use in dilution.
Petitgrain
Parts used: leaves and twigs of the orange tree
Keyword: stimulant
Aroma: woody, haunting, citrusy
Description The oil is extracted from the twigs and leaves of the orange tree. The best-quality oil comes from France. The leaves were once used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Uses Petitgrain oil has a vibrant citrus aroma and it is a natural deodorant. It has antidepressant and sedative properties that make it useful in treating ailments of the nervous system. Added to a final hair rinse, this oil can encourage healthy hair growth.
Safety No currently known cautions. Use in dilution.
Pine Oil
Parts used: tree needles and cones
Keyword: cleanser
Aroma: piercing and refreshing forest
Description There are about eighty species of this large conifer. Much of the oil is obtained from the species of Scots and Norwegian pine. Many ancient civilizations used it medicinally, due to its curative and cleansing properties, to treat respiratory infections. Pine oil is also associated with religious ceremonies.
Uses Strongly antiseptic, this cleansing and clearing oil is effective in inhalations. It protects against bacterial and viral infections, clears stubborn catarrh, and helps alleviate sinus infections. Its bracing and fortifying aroma can lift mental fatigue and calm nervous tension.
Safety May cause irritation to sensitive skin. Avoid strong concentrations—so restrict to less than 2 percent in a carrier oil, such as almond oil.
Ravensara Oil
Part used: leafy twigs
Keyword: pain-reliever
Aroma: warm, camphorous
Description Produced in Madagascar, the oil is steam distilled from young, leafy twigs. Every part of the tree is aromatic. It is traditionally used as a tonic, and medicinally for all kinds of infectious conditions. The word itself originates from a Malagasy phrase that means “the leaf is good for you.”
Uses This warm, stimulating oil acts on the mind and on emotional issues. It also helps the respiratory and digestive systems, and its pain-relieving properties are helpful in rheumatic and arthritic conditions.
Safety Safe in dilution.
Rose Otto Oil
Parts used: flower and petals
Keyword: heaven-scent
Aroma: warm and floral
Description Rose otto is the “queen” of all essential oils. This small prickly shrub has beautiful blooms with a very strong fragrance, and it grows prolifically. Originating in Persia, this is an enhancing oil known to bring physical and emotional stability. Persian soldiers going into battle adorned their shields with a red rose. During the Middle Ages, this oil was used to cool inflammation. Rose otto is one of the finest essential oils but it is extremely expensive. It is known to prevent skin damage. Damask rose is the variety most often used in aromatherapy.
Uses Rose otto is helpful on dry skin, broken capillaries, and mature and sensitive complexions. Depression, headaches, and nervous tension also benefit from this lovely rose oil. It has a clearing effect on the female reproductive system.
Safety Nontoxic. Safe in dilution.
Rosemary Oil
Parts used: herb flowering tops and leaves
Keyword: restorer
Aroma: fresh and green
Description An evergreen with needle-shaped leaves. Bees love its bluish lilac flowers. Traditionally, ancient civilizations regarded the rosemary bush as sacred and used it for medicine and food and in magical ceremonies.
Uses A piercing scent makes rosemary oil useful for inhalations.
It aids memory and concentration, and it can also combat fatigue. This oil is used for treating women’s health problems related to painful periods, respiratory infections, and afflictions of the nervous system.
Safety Avoid if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy. Safe in dilution.
Rosewood Oil
Parts used: tree/wood
Keyword: balancer
Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Page 3