Interest in essential oils has grown rapidly as alternative therapies like aromatherapy have become increasingly popular. Listed below are a variety of oils and their traditional remedial usage. With their pleasurable, distinctive aromas they help soothe the body and mind.
Essential oils have several uses, most commonly they are used for therapeutic massage, steam inhalation, bathing, footbaths, beauty treatments, natural skincare, poultices and air purification. They are often the key active ingredients to natural skin care preparations and have been used since ancient times to aid healing and promote well being.
Angelica- Angelica Archangelica
(Woody/Earthy/Musky/Soothing)
Used for rheumatic conditions, indigestion, flatulence, coughs and congestion relief. Speeds healing of cuts and bruises. Expectorant, Tonic, Antispasmodic.
Basil- Ocimum Basilicum
(Green/Uplifting)
Used for headaches, melancholy, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, insect bites, poor circulation, dull complexion, muscular aches and sprains. Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Tonic.
Bergamot- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia
(Citrus/Fresh/Uplifting)
Used for stress, acne, greasy skin, depression, tiredness, low moods and negativity. Antiseptic, Deodorant, Disinfectant, Antispasmodic.
Cedarwood- Cedrus Atlantica
(Woody/Refreshing/Stimulating)
Used for stress, dermatitis, eczema, acne, oily skin, flaky scalp/dandruff, poor circulation. Astringent/Tonic.
Chamomile- Matricaria Recutita
(Green/Relaxing/Calming)
Used for stress, headaches, rashes, burns, bites, skin problems, insomnia, menstrual problems, rheumatic pain. Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic,
Eucalyptus- Eucalyptus Globulus
(Green/Stimulating/Cooling)
Used for congestion, sinus relief, muscular aches and sprains, cuts, fever, flu, coughs and colds. Antiseptic, Decongestant, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antibacterial.
Frankincense- Boswellia Carteri
(Woody/Uplifting/Calming)
Used for stress, tiredness, negativity, mature/ageing skin, anxiety. Mild Antiseptic, Disinfectant.
Geranium- Pelargonium Graveclens
(Floral/Energising/Uplifting)
Used for bruises, burns, acne, broken veins, cuts, dry skin, eczema, mature skin. Excellent skin soother. Mild Antiseptic/Tonic.
Juniper- Juniperus Communis
(Spicy/Uplifting/Relaxing)
Used for stress, rheumatism, aches, pains, minor wounds, menstrual problems, fluid retention, greasy skin, acne, poor circulation, cellulite. Antiseptic.
Lavender- Lavandula Augustifolia
(Floral/Relaxing/Stimulating)
Used for depression, tiredness, insomnia, muscular aches, pains, burns, insect bites, skin problems, anxiety, fatigue. Antiseptic, Antibacterial.
Lemon- Citrus Limon
(Citrus/Refreshing/Invigorating)
Used for congestion, colds, tiredness, fever, low energy, aches, poor circulation, cellulite. Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Deodorising, Diuretic, Astringent.
Marjoram- Origanum Majorana
(Spicy/Soothing/Relaxing)
Used for headaches, stress/tension, libido, aches, poor circulation, bruises, sprains, wounds, respiratory problems, coughs, colds, muscle and joint pains. Antiviral, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Diuretic.
Neroli- Citrus Aurantium Bigaradia
(Floral/Calming/Relaxing)
Used for stress, tension, anxiety, depression, skin conditions, dry/mature/ageing skin, scars, aids digestion, deodorant. Anti-depressant, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Bactericidal, Emollient, Disinfectant, Tonic.
Orange- Citrus Sinensis
(Citrus/Reviving/Calming)
Used for lethargy, low moods, sexual problems, wrinkles, dull or sallow complexion, colds, indigestion, acne, dermatitis, minor wounds. Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic, Tonic, Aphrodisiac, Sedative, Anti-depressant.
Patchouli- Pogostemon Cablin
(Woody/Sensual/Earthy)
Used for stress, anxiety, fever, body odour, tiredness, depression, sexual problems, tension, burns, skin complaints, acne, oily skin, dandruff and scalp disorders. Aphrodisiac, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Tonic.
Peppermint- Mentha Piperita
(Green/Stimulating/Relaxing)
Used for respiratory problems, fever, nausea, headache, stress, anxiety, indigestion, IBS, worms, dull complexion, oily skin, PMT, cramps, poor circulation, varicose veins, sunburn, insect bites, muscular pain. Astringent, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic, Decongestant, Expectorant, Analgesic.
Rose- Rosa Damascenea, Rosa Centifolia
(Floral/Uplifting/Sensual)
Used for skin disorders, mature skin, wrinkles, broken veins, stretch marks, scars, stress, depression, headaches, fever, sexual disorders. Antiseptic, Antiviral, Anti-depressant, Astringent, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac.
Sandalwood- Santalum Album
(Woody/Sensual/Soothing)
Used for stress, fear, anxiety, sexual problems, insomnia, minor wounds, scars, congestion, coughs, rough skin, dry skin. Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Anti-inflammatory, Disinfectant, Astringent, Emollient.
Tea Tree- Melaleuca Alternifolia
(Spicy/Invigorating/Stimulating)
Used for skin irritations, insect bites and stings, cuts, burns, acne, boils, nappy rash, sprains, scars, coughs, colds, respiratory problems and muscular pain. Antiviral, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Expectorant.
Thyme- Thymus Vulgaris
(Green/Invigorating/Stimulating)
Used for stress, anxiety, headaches, skin irritations, eczema, coughs, colds, scars and stretch marks, cellulite, rheumatism, aches, menstrual problems. Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Tonic.
Violet- Viola Odorata
(Floral/Refeshing/Rejuvenating)
Used for arthritis, joint pains, minor sprains and bruises, sinus headaches, migraines, chesty cough, colds, skin irritation and inflammation, blackheads, thread veins, spots and acne, rashes, poor circulation. Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Expectorant, Decongestant.
Ylang Ylang- Cananga Odorata
(Floral/Sensual/Relaxing)
Used for insomnia, fatigue, melancholy, anxiety, stress, insect bites, oily skin and hair, inflamed skin, negativity, sexual problems, anger. Anti-depressant, Anti-seborrhoeic, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac.
Please Note: Essential oils should always be diluted and used with caution as they can be dangerous if used at incorrect dosage. Always read the labels for safety advice, or consult a professional aromatherapist.
Any information provided on this site is not intended as medical advice. For health advice always consult your GP or a medical professional.
