An Alphabetical Guide For Essential Oils

Angelica
   An energy oil that stimulates the working of brain waves as well as thinning the blood for a clear mind. But be warned, the aroma is an acquired taste and is also photo sensitising.

Photosensitising means that when you rub the oil onto skin, it makes your skin more sensitive to sun light, i.e. sunburn, rashes and in severe cases the sun can cause the chemical formula of the oil to become toxic.

Basil
   An antibacterial agent that stimulates blood flow and improves your stamina and reduces drowsiness.

Warning! Essential oils should not be used internally unless specifically advised to by a fully qualified professional. Basil especially should never be used internally as some studies show the essential oil to be particularly toxic.

Bay
   A sharp scent, Bay is mentally stimulating when inhaled and studies have shown that it is a good at relieving lung congestion and as an aid to fighting infections of the viral nature.

Bergamot
   Primarily uplifting, this oil stimulates brain waves. Its antibacterial qualities make it calming and good for depression. On the physical side it thins blood, calms muscle spasms and helps combat insomnia. On the down side the oil is photosensitising, so you should avoid contact with skin.

Black pepper
   Possessing many qualities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and an expectorant, this essential oil can also increase brain waves and stamina.

Warning! Black pepper should be used sparingly and with care. It should never be used for babies or small children. It should also not be used as a facial oil.

Chamomile, Roman
   Antibacterial, antidepressant with the added benefit of being an anti-inflammatory, this talented oil also has the bonus of having the ability of relieving muscles, and fight an array of infections as well. Good news, a good oil to use for fractionous children.

Cedarwood
   Cedarwood has many qualities from being an antiseptic, aphrodisiac, expectorant right through to being able to stimulate new cell growth and by its calming attributes, help to bring the nervous system to a calming lull.

Warning! Cedarwood should not be used in pregnancy.

Clary sage
   An effective all rounder, Clary sage oil has the ability to quell anxiety, reduce erratic nerves as well as having a good action on the mind which it can magically produce an euphoric effect. However this oil has a distinctive, odd musty like aroma that isn’t pleasing to all noses. Over use can cause severe headaches.

Warning! Definitely not to be used by pregnant women and shouldn’t be used after drinking alcohol or before driving because it can cause people to become very tired and induce sleepiness.

Cypress
   Initially astringent, Cypress essential oil is good for heavy periods, coughs as well as being a good sedative and mentally clearing. Used externally, the fresh wood aromatic bouquet has a high ability in purifying the surroundings and is an ancient symbol of solace at difficult times.

Warning! Not to be used in early pregnancy.

Eucalyptus
   An antibacterial agent, Eucalyptus has a good background of clearing up congested lungs as well as the added bonus of helping to improve ciculation.

Warning! The potency of Eucalyptus means should be used sparingly and with care. It should never be used for babies or small children. Also, if taken internally it is very toxic and has proved fatal in low doses. It should be kept well out of the reach of children.

Frankincense
   Whether it is used as a room fragrance, massage oil or bath oil, Frankincense’s delicious musty scent is fantastic at centring the nervous system, making it ideal for meditation and terrific at restoring the psyche as a whole. It is also great for children because of its gentleness.

Geranium
   Geranium essential oil is a balancing fragrance, capable of balancing or stimulating and very adapting to whatever it is needed for. A good multitasking oil it is also used as a stimulant for cell growth and to harmonise the emotions. Some mothers have used the oil very sparingly on their skin also reported it had a stimulating effect on their babies. Also mild enough for kids.

Jasmine
   One of the most universally pleasing bouquets around, Jasmine has the most amazing ability to not only have a completely euphoric effect on the emotions but is also great for simulating the mind and hence improving any mental performance.

Warning! Jasmine should not be used in early pregnancy or on babies or young children.

Lavender/Lavandin
   Classically used this floral beauty is known for its sedative effect, but it can also help curtail stress, depression and intense insomnia. Because of its properties it can have a balance effect on the skins natural oil sebum and can treat an array of skin conditions from acne, burns, eczema as well as others.

Warning! Because Lavender can promote menstruation it shouldn’t be used in pregnancy where there is a history of miscarriage.

Lemongrass
   Its pleasing light citrus aroma can be used as a room fragrance for personal purification as well as being terrific for improving circulation.

Warning! Don’t add to bath water as it can be very irritating to the skin.

Sweet Marjoram
   Calming to the nervous system this vaguely spicy aroma is great for colds, headaches and muscular aches and pains, while also a helpful aid for anxiety.

Warning! Not suitable for babies, young children, during pregnancy or people with low blood pressure.
Warning! Do not use Spanish Marjoram. This should only be used by qualified professionals.

Myrrh
   Used for over 3000 years, Myrrh has many qualities including the abilities of energising both the respiratory and digestive tracts as well as healing wounds and comforting distressed erratic emotions.

Warning! Not to be used in pregnancy, rubbed onto skin or in bath water as it is likely to cause skin irritation.

Orange, sweet or blood.
   Detoxifying as well as a good antispasmodic, Orange can also ease inflammation, calm internal gas and soothe erratic nerves. This calming effect also reduces anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Warning! Orange is photosensitising, so shouldn’t be used on the skin, especially when going out into the sun.

Patchouli
   This spicy exotic fragrance should only be used in small quantities and its intense fragrance can be overpowering. It is good for using for stress related ailments and any mental overload.

Peppermint
   On a physical level Peppermint is brilliant at eradicating out of control stress and great at bringing clarity to any worries. A crisp aromatic fragrance it is good at quickly sharpening the mind as well as invigorating the physical body.

Warning! Not suitable for babies, young children or during pregnancy. It should only be used very sparingly in the bath (3 drops) or it will be very overwhelming.

Rose
   Rose has been used by people for thousands of years. Historically Cleopatra insisted on her bedroom being strewn with rose petals, a foot deep, so she could seduce Julius Caesar. In modern day perfumery it still stands high inexpensive designer scents as a must have ingredient. Whether your aim is to clear yourself of moodiness, depression or anxiety and other mental problems or to combat the physical effects of infections, headaches or premenstrual syndrome, this seductive floral scent is a must have for anybody’s bathroom cabinet.

Warning! Not to be used in early pregnancy, because it promotes menstruation.

Rosemary
   A stimulating essence to both the physical and mental mind, this clear crisp scent is brilliant if you are feeling a bit run down and fatigued. The fragrant herb also helps improve the circulation as well as to fight off viral infections.

Warning! Not to be used at all in pregnancy or for anyone suffering from high blood pressure.

Sandalwood
   Woody and aromatically sweet, this universally classic oil has been used as an antiseptic as well as soothing yet elevating all spiritual levels. Externally it as been proven to benefit acne and oily, dry or aging skin.

Spearmint
   A great energiser, Spearmint is generally good for any ailment where you feel fatigued. The refreshing mint bouquet is good for reviving the spirit when someone is bereaved.

Warning! Like its sister peppermint, only 3 drops should be added to bath water.

Thyme
   Packed with antibacterial qualities, Thyme helps combat viral infections and stimulate blood flow.

Warning! Should be used sparingly and not at all during pregnancy. Avoid contact with skin.

Vetivert
   This very pleasing, strong and uplifting scent has great antibacterial qualities which combat infections. The rich aroma is also a favourite in modern perfume because of its evocative smokey scent.

Ylang ylang
   This versatile oil has a good antidepressant effect for some people and some studies have shown it to alleviate fear and unbalanced emotions.

Warning! It has been shown in some tests that use over long periods of time it can produce terrible headaches and/or nausea. Therefore it is wise to be careful about over use.