Essential Oils by Common and Latin Name
Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)
Scent: peppery, woody, herbaceous.
Uses: Dull skin, exhaustion, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention
Cautions: Not to be used during pregnancy or by young children or people with diabetes. The root oil is phototoxic. Use with care, in low dilutions only.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Scent: Of licorice. Rich and sweet.
Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, flatulence, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism
Cautions: In excessive doses or prolonged use it can slow down the circulation causing circulatory and nervous system disorders. It may irritate the skin if it is applied undiluted. Not recommended in pregnancy.
Balsam, Peru (Myroxylon pereira)
Scent: Sweet, earthy, balsamic.
Uses: Bronchitis, chapped skin, colds, coughing, eczema, flu, poor circulation, rashes, sensitive skin, stress.
Cautions: May cause sensitization.
Basil, Sweet (Ocimum basilicum)
Scent: Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like, slightly campherous.
Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis.
Cautions: Possible sensitization. Avoid prolonged use, and do not use during pregnancy.
Bay (Lauris Nobilis)
Scent: Medicinal, fruity, spicy, herbaceous aroma.
Uses: Dandruff, hair care, neuralgia, oily skin, poor circulation, sprains, strains.
Cautions: Should not be administered during pregnancy. Avoid exceeding the stated dose. Externally may cause sensitization.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Scent: Fresh, citrus, slightly floral.
Uses: Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, depression, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis, stress.
Cautions: Phototoxic. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when using.
Bois-de-rose (Aniba rosaeodora)
Scent: Sweet, woody, fruity, floral aroma.
Uses: Acne, colds, dry skin, dull skin, fever, flu, frigidity, headache, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks.
Cautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant, nonsensitizing.
Cajeput (Melaleuca minor)
Scent: Fresh, campherous aroma with a fruity note.
Uses: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat, spots.
Cautions: Cajuput is not recommended internally for children. It is important not to exceed the stated dose as Cajuput oil can cause symptoms of poisoning including epigastric burning, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscular weakness, rapid heart beat, and a feeling of suffocation. Avoid if there is a history of epilepsy or hypertension. Do not use at the same time as homeopathic remedies because cajuput oil neutralizes their effects. Do not apply undiluted to the skin. Can irritate both the skin and mucous membranes and is not recommended undiluted on wounds or skin inflammation.
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)
Scent: Earthy, woody, warm. Not similar to the scent of carrots.
Uses: Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention.
Caution: None known.
Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)
Scent: Woody, sweet, balsamic.
Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress.
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy.
Chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla)
Scent: Sweet, fruity, herbaceous.
Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, P.M.S., rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.
Caution: Avoid chamomile in the first trimester of pregnancy. For external applications apply a skin patch test because it may cause dermatitis in some individuals.
Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Scent: Crisp, sweet, fruity, herbaceous.
Uses: Abscesses, arthritis, boils, chilblains, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, P.M.S., rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress,wounds.
Caution: Avoid chamomile in the first trimester of pregnancy. For external applications apply a skin patch test because it may cause dermatitis in some individuals.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Scent: Traditional, peppery, earthy, spicy, slightly woodsy.
Uses: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies, stress.
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy. Do not use if experiencing stomach or intestinal ulcers. Can cause irritation internally or externally. Excessive use can cause tachycardia, increased intestinal peristalsis, increased respiration, and perspiration through stimulation of the vasomotor center, followed by a sedative stage.
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
Scent: Lemony, slightly fruity, sweet.
Uses: Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellent, oily skin.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. may cause dermatitis in some individuals.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Scent: Herbaceous, with a subtle fruity note.
Uses: Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, dysmenorrhea, exhaustion, gas, labor pains, sore throat, stress.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. Do not use while using alcohol due to narcotic effect. Avoid if there is a history of low blood pressure.
Clove Bud (Syzygium aromaticum)
Scent: Spicy, warming, slightly bitter, woody. Similar to the actual spice or powder but, deeper.
Uses: Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, toothache.
Cautions: May cause irritation internally and externally. can cause liver toxicity if dosage is exceeded or used longer than recommended.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Scent: Fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody evergreen aroma.
Uses: Excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, oily skin, rheumatism, varicose veins.
Cautions: Should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid in cases of hypertension.
Dillweed (Anethum graveolens)
Scent: Fresh, sweet, herbaceous.
Uses: Amenorrhea, flatulence, griping pains.
Cautions: None known
Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)
Scent: Fresh, citrusy, peppery, spicy.
Uses: Bronchitis, catarrh, coughing,exhaustion, scars, stress,wounds.
Cautions: Safe in low doses. Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with babies and young children. Skin patch test suggested.
Eucalyptus, Spanish (Eucalyptus globulus)
Scent: Medicinal, woody, earthy.
Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis.
Caution: It should not be applied to the face or nose, or used internally for babies or young children. Symptoms of poisoning in excessive amounts. The symptoms of poisoning are epigastric burning, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscular weakness, rapid heart beat and a feeling of suffocation. Convulsions may occur in extreme poisoning, and death has resulted in doses varying from 30 to 250 drops. Avoid if there is a
history of epilepsy, hypertension or gastrointestinal inflammation and liver problems. Do not use at the same time as homeopathic remedies, as it will limit their effectiveness. Do not use undiluted on the skin and mucous membranes. Administer with caution if taking prescribed medication. Eucalyptus encourages the production of liver enzymes, which help to break down foreign substances in the body. For this reason the effects of other drugs may be weakened or curtailed.
Fennel, Sweet (Foeniculum vulgare)
Scent: Sweet, spicy, licorice-like, similar to Anise.
Uses: Bruises, cellulite, flatulence, gums, halitosis, mouth, nausea, obesity, toxin build-up, water retention.
Caution: Not to be used by anyone with nervous system problems, epilepsy or estrogen-related disorders. Should not be used in infants or young children. Avoid in pregnancy. Limit to use of three weeks or less.
Fir Needle (Abies koreanis)
Scent: Woody, earthy, sweet.
Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis.
Cautions: Possible skin irritant.
Frankincense-Olibanum (Boswellia Carteri)
Scent: Woody, balsamic, slightly spicy.
Uses: Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, extreme coughing, scars, stress.
Cautions: None known.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Scent: Floral, sweet, slightly fruity.
Uses: Acne, cellulite, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin.
Cautions: Avoid in early pregnancy. Can irritate skin in sensitive people. May cause insomnia and restlessness.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
Sce: Warm, spicy, earthy, woody.
Uses: Antibacterial, arthritis, colds, exhaustion, headache, nausea, poor circulation, tonic, varicose veins.
Cautions: Ginger Essential oil is not to be used during morning sickness. It may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Do not use in cases of gallstones, without consulting a medical or naturopathic doctor.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Scent: Clean, Citrusy, like the scent of grapefruit peel but stronger.
Uses: Antibacterial, cellulite, depression, fatigue, flu, oily hair, stress.
Cautions: May be slightly phototoxic.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Scent: Fresh, fruity,woody, slightly sweet.
Uses: Bruises, coughing, sore throat.
Cautions: Use in moderation. Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid in people suffering from epilepsy. Do not use for children.
Immortelle (Helichrysum angustifolium)
Scent: Warm, spicy, of dried fruit, herbaceous.
Uses: Abscesses, acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, irritated skin, wounds.
Cautions: Avoid with anti-coagulant medication. Do not use for more than three weeks without a two week break.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Scent: Warm, floral, heady.
Uses: Depression, dry skin, exhaustion, labor pains, sensitive skin.
Cautions: Jasmine absolute should not be taken internally.
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
Scent: Balsamic, sweet, herbaceous.
Uses: Cellulite, gout, hemorrhoids, obesity, rheumatism, toxin build-up.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy or breast feeding. Not suitable for young children. Should not be used whenever there is kidney irritation or inflammation. Do not use for more than four weeks at a time. Prolonged or excessive use can result in renal damage.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
Scent:Fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous, balsamic, woody.
Uses: Acne, burns, colic, cough, cystitis, dandruff, depression, dermatitis, earache, headache, hypertension, infection, insect bites, insect repellent, insomnia, scars, sores, sprains, strains, stress, tension, wounds.
Cautions: None known.
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Scent: Clean, fresh lemon peel scent but stronger.
Uses: Antibacterial, chilblains, colds, dull skin, flu, hypertension , indigestion, oily skin, sore throat, spots, varicose veins, warts, wounds.
Cautions: May cause irritation and sensitization and may be phototoxic. Use in moderation.
Lemongrass, (Cymbopogon citratus)
Scent: Fresh, light, lemony.
Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress.
Cautions: May cause irritation and sensitization. Use in moderation.
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Scent: Fresh, citrusy. similar to the peel of a lime.
Uses: Acne, asthma, chilblains, colds, dull skin, flu, varicose veins.
Cautions: May be phototoxic.
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Scent: Sweet, floral, citrus.
Uses: Acne, digestive problems, fluid retention, insomnia, nervous tension,oily skin.
Cautions: Slightly phototoxic.
Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)
Scent: Herbaceous, sweet, woody, minty, with a campherous, medicinal aroma.
Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, colic, constipation, colitis, cough, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, gastritis, hypertension, mouth ulcers, respiratory infection, sinusitis, vertigo.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. May cause drowsiness. Avoid in low blood pressure or hypotension.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrh)
Scent: Warm, woody, balsamic, spicy.
Uses: Amenorrhea, athlete's foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, dysmenorrhea, gums, halitosis, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, ringworm, skin irritation, wounds.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. Do not use in excess.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
Scent: Floral, citrus, light, spicy.
Uses: acne, antibacterial, anger, anxiety, astringent, antiseptic, depression, fever, headache, influenza, insomnia, premenstrual tension, skin aging, scars, tension.
Cautions: Skin patch test is recommended. May be an irritant to sensitive skin.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Scent: Rich, spicy, sweet, warm, woody. Similar to the spice powder.
Uses: Appetite loss, arthritis, colds, constipation, diarrhea, exhaustion, muscle aches, nausea, poor circulation, rheumatism, slow digestion.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid in young children. Avoid on sensitive skin. Toxic if used in excess. Use in moderation.
Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
Scent: Sweet, citrus, Like the scent of orange peels.
Uses: Colds, constipation, dull skin, dyspepsia, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth ulcers, slow digestion, stress.
Cautions: Phototoxic, avoid use before exposure to direct sunlight or tanning beds.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Scent: Sweet, rich, earthy, woody aroma.
Uses: Acne, appetite suppressant, athlete's foot, dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, dry skin, fatigue, insect repellent, sinus congestion, varicose veins, wounds, wrinkles.
Cautions: Avoid where there is loss of appetite or anorexia. Skin patch test recommended for sensitive skin.
Pepper, Black (Piper nigrum)
Scent: Aroma of pepper, spicy, pungent.
Uses: Antibacterial, arthritis, chills, concentration, constipation, cystitis, emotions, poor circulation, rheumatic pain, stiffness.
Cautions: Can be an irritant if used undiluted on skin. Can be toxic if recommended dose is exceeded.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Scent: Fresh, strong minty aroma.
Uses: antacid, antibacterial, colds, diarrhea, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, indigestion, insect repellent, mental fatigue, nausea, scabies, sinusitis, vertigo.
Cautions: Use in moderation. Do not use in pregnancy or in breastfeeding(reduces milk supply). Do not use in children under two years. Avoid in cases of epilepsy and heart disease. Avoid while using homeopathic treatment. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Use at 2% dilution.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)
Scent: Fresh, floral, citrus, herbaceous.
Uses: Acne, dyspepsia, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, oily skin, stress.
Cautions: None known.
Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Scent: Fresh, woody, balsamic.
Uses: Antibacterial, colds, cuts, exhaustion, fleas, flu, hypertension, lice, rheumatism, scabies, sinusitis.
Cautions: It may cause eczema-type reactions on allergy-sensitive skin, a skin patch test is recommended. Avoid in pregnancy.
Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)
Scent: Sweet, spicy, deep floral scent.
Uses: Antibacterial, bronchitis, burns, candida, depression, eczema, fluid retention, headache, insomnia, nausea, sore throat, stress, urinary tract infections.
Cautions: Avoid in the first four months of pregnancy. Skin patch test is recommended, may cause dermatitis in rare cases.
Rose Geranium (Cymbopogon martini)
Scent: Fresh, floral, sweet, a light combination of roses and geraniums.
Uses: Acne, dermatitis, dull skin, exhaustion, mature skin, mood elevating, oily skin, scars, stress.
Cautions: May cause contact dermatitis in hypersensitive persons.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Scent: Fresh, slightly herbaceous, medicinal, sweet.
Uses: Antibacterial, colds, dandruff, exhaustion, fatigue, gout, headache, muscleaches, neuralgia, rheumatism, seborrhea, vertigo, wounds.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid in children under four. Avoid in allergy, asthma, epilepsy, and hypertension. Skin patch test recommended.
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Scent: Rich, sweet, woody, floral.
Uses: Antibacterial, bronchitis, depression, dry skin, insomnia, laryngitis, oily skin, scars, stress, tension, wounds.
Cautions: Skin patch is recommended due to rare cases of dermatitis and allergic reactions.
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
Scent: Fresh, sweet, citrus, like the scent of tangerine peels.
Uses: Controls infection, relieves cramp, encouraging growth of skin cells, calming, relieves gastric disorders, improves bodily performance.
Cautions: None known.
Tea Tree, Australia (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Scent: Medicinal, herbaceous, slightly sweet.
Uses: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, dandruff, fleas, flu, infections, insect bites, itching, mouth ulcers, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, ticks, warts, whooping cough.
Caution: May cause sensitization in some. Skin patch test recommended. Do not exceed recommended dosage in internal use.
Tea Tree, New Zealand (Leptospermum scoparium)
Scent: Honey-like, sweet, spicy, balsamic. Not as medicinal as Tea Tree, Australia.
Uses: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, dandruff, fleas, flu, infections, insect bites, itching, mouth ulcers, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, ticks, warts, whooping cough.
Cautions: Toxic if dosage is exceeded. May cause sensitization in some. Skin patch test recommended.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Scent: Medicinal, herbaceous.
Uses: Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, arthritis, colds, cuts, dermatitis, exhaustion, flu, headache, insect bites, laryngitis, lice, muscle aches, oily skin, poor circulation, scabies, sore throat.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Thyme contains phenols and in excess can cause liver damage. Avoid in hypertension. Skin patch test recommended.
Vanilla absolute (Vanilla planifolia)
Scent: Rich, sweet, warm vanilla aroma.
Uses: An aphrodisiac, aids impotence, frigidity, promotes relaxation, calms mind and emotions, warming, perfumery.
Cautions: None known.
Vetiver (Vetivera zizanioides)
Scent: Sweet, very heavy, woody, earthy, somewhat smoky.
Uses: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, acne, arthritis, cuts, depression, expectorant, insomnia, muscular aches, poor skin conditions, rheumatism, sores, stress.
Cautions: In rare cases may cause skin irritation. Skin patch test recommended. Liver problems can occur when used in excess.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Scent: Woody, herbaceous.
Uses: Antibacterial, antifungal, colds, fever, hemorrhoids, hypertension, indigestion, insomnia, scars, varicose veins, wounds.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some have allergies to this plant. Skin patch test recommended. Avoid in asthma.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Scent: Floral, sweet, slightly fruity, exotic.
Uses: Anxiety, colds, depression, headache, hypertension, insomnia, low libido, melancholy, scars, stress, tension,wounds.
Cautions: Some sensitivity may occur if used undiluted.
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