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What Are Essential Oils? Household Uses
Oil Properties Oil
Safety Prices
Click a link below to read further
properties, purchase an oil, or find recipes using the essential oil.
Only pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils
should be used for effective therapeutic use.
| This is by no means a complete list of
essential oil properties. We learn more about the essential oils we use every day, and
will be adding to this list as our knowledge grows. Please make sure you research any oils
you use. |
Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)
COMMENTS: antispasmodic, carminative,
depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge,
nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. Grows up to two meters with fern like leaves and
many flowers. Its large root is strongly aromatic. Musky-sweet, woody scented oil.
BLENDS WELL WITH: Aniseed China Star , Bergamot Calabrian ,
Clary Sage Bulgarian , Cardamom , Eucalyptus Australiana , Lemongrass Cochin , Lemon Cold
Pressed , Lavender , Juniperberry Extra , Pine Needle Austrian , Rosemary Moroccan ,
Sandalwood East Indian , Vetiver
HISTORY: The stalks and roots were traditionaly taken as a
tonic to combat infection and improve energy.
The root was often referred to in medieval and renaissance times as Angel's herb or the
'Root of the Holy Spirit' because of its incrediable healing properties.
AROMATHERAPY: Used to treat a weak stomach or
digestive system, lack of appetite , anorexia, flatulence, and chronic gastritis. May be
beneficial when treating bronchial asthema, sinus infections, chronic respiratory problems
and coughs. Also used for focus, strength and stamina. Highly valued as a fragrance
component in soaps, lotions and perfumes, especially oriental fragrances.
SAFETY: Avoid during pregnancy. The oil is Phototoxic. If
applied to the skin, do not go into direct sunlight for 12 hours. Should not be used by
diabetics.
Angelica Root Herb (Angelica glauca)
COMMENTS: Musky-sweet, woody scented
oil.
AROMATHERAPY: Massage, bath, skin care, inhalation, meditation.
SAFETY: Avoid during pregnancy. Phototoxic. Should not be
used by diabetics.
Angelica Seed (Angelica archangelica)
COMMENTS: Fresher, sweeter, peppery top note
AROMATHERAPY: Massage, bath, skin care, inhalation, meditation,
diffuser. Used for focus and concentration Highly valued as a fragrance component in
soaps, lotions and perfumes, especially oriental fragrances.
SAFETY: Avoid during pregnancy
Aniseed China Star (Illicium verum)
COMMENTS: Warm, spicey, extremely sweet,
liquorice-like scent
AROMATHERAPY: Massage, bath, skin care, inhalation, meditation,
diffuser. Stimulating, uplifting, balancing. Used as a fragrance in soaps, toothpaste,
cosmetics and perfumes.
SAFETY: Avoid during pregnancy, skin irritant.
Apple (Malus domesticus)
Backhousia Anisata
Balsam Peru (Myroxylon pereirae)
COMMENTS: Rich, sweet, balsamic,
vanilla-like scent
AROMATHERAPY: Massage, bath, inhalation, meditation, diffuser.
Soothing, calming. Used as a fixative and fragrance in soaps, creams, lotions and
perfumes.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
COMMENTS: Light, clear, fresh,
sweet-spicey scent with a balsamic undertone
AROMATHERAPY: Massage, skin care, hair care, inhalation,
meditation. Stimulating, used for concentration, strength and stress. Also used in soaps,
cosmetics and perfumery.
Basil Australian (Ocimum basilicum)
SAFETY: Avoid during pregnancy,
skin irritant.
Basil Sweet Linalool (Ocimum basilicum)
SAFETY: Avoid during pregnancy,
skin irritant.
Bay West Indies (Pimenta racemosa)
Bergamot Calabrian (Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia)
Bergamot Non-Phototoxic (Citrus aurantium ssp.
Bergamia)
Cabreuva (Myrocarpus fastigiatus)
Cajeput Ambon (Melaleuca cajeputi)
Camphor Borneo (Dryobalanops aromatica)
Cananga Java
Caraway (Carum carvi)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)
Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)
Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)
Cedarwood Chinese (Chamaecyparis funebris)
Cedarwood Himalayan (Cedrus deodara)
Cedarwood Texas (Juniperus mexicana)
Cedarwood Virginian (Juniperus virginiana)
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Chamomile German 3% in Jojoba
Chamomile German Blue (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile German Extra Blue (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Chamomile Roman 3% in Jojoba (France, Switzerland)
Chamomile Wild Moroccan (Ormenis multicaulis)
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cinnamon Leaf Unrectified (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cistus (Cistus ladaniferus)
Citronella Ceylon (Cymbopogon nardus)
Citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus)
Clary Sage Bulgarian (Salvia sclarea)
Clary Sage French (Salvia sclarea)
Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Clove Bud Madagascar (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Clove Stem (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Copaiba (Copaifera ssp.)
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
Cypress Leaf Provence (Cupressus sempervirens)
Cypress Wild (Cupressus sempervirens)
Dill Seed
Elemi
(Canarium luzonicum) Tree: oils obtained from oleoresin (gum)
BOTANICAL FAMILY: Burseraceae (Frankincense and Myrrh)
CONSTITUENTS: Phellandrene, dipentene, elemol, elemicin, terpineol,
carvone, terpinolene.
COMMENTS: Has been used for bronchitis,
catarrh, extreme coughing, mature skin, scars, stress, wounds. Highly regarded today for
soothing sore muscles, protecting skin, and stimulating nerves.
HISTORY: In Europe it has been used for hundreds of years
in salves for skin ans is included in celebrated healing ointments such as baume
paralytique. J. J. Wecker, a 17th-century physician used it on the battle wounds of
soldiers. Egyptians used it fro embalming, and subsequent cultures used it for skin care.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Australiana)
Eucalyptus Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus) Tree: oils
obtained from leaves and twigs
BOTANICAL FAMILY: Myrtaceae (myrtle)
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenes;
Sesquiterpenes; Monoterpene alcohols; Sesquiterpenes (Sesquiterpenols}; Terpine Oxides
(cineole 70-75%); Aldehyde; Eucalyptol
COMMENTS: The oil contains eucalyptol, which has been found to be
antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral, an expectorant, and
mucolytic. Specifically this oil has been found to have an
antimicrobial action, antibacterial against staph, strp, pneumonia, and antifungal against
candida. Has been used for arthritis, bronchitis, decongestant, respiratory infections,
catarhh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, inflammation of the ear, eye, and sinus,
cystitis, poor circulation, skin infection, sores, wounds, aches and pains, ulcers,
endometriosis, acne, allergies, arthritis, rheumatism, increasing energy, burns,
ghonorrhea, vaginitis, sinusitis, malaria, throat infection, and to aid the respiratory
system. The trees have been planted throughout parts of North Africa to successfullly
block the spread of malaria.
HISTORY: For centuries, Australian
aborigines used the leaves as a disinfectant to cover wounds. Some doctors still use
solutions of this oil in surgical dressings.
SCIENCE: Research has found Eucalyptus to be a
powerful herb when dealing with viruses of the respiratory system. Shown by laboratory
tests to be a powerful antimicrobial agent. It contains eucalyptol, which is a key
ingredient in many antiseptic mouth rinses. In a study called, Laboratory Evaluation
of a Eucalyptus-based Repellent Against Four Biting Arthopods, Phytotheraphy
Research, it was investigated for its effect on insects. Jean Valnet, M. D. maintains that
a solution of 2% eucalyptus oil sprayed in the air will kill 70% of the airborne staph
microorganisms.
SAFETY: This is a strong oil that should be diluted when
used on sensitive skin. Do not take internally.
Eucalyptus Blue Mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea)
Eucalyptus Dives C (Eucalyptus dives var. C)
Eucalyptus Lemon (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Eucalyptus Peppermint (Eucalyptus dives (Type))
Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum)
Fennel Sweet (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel Wild Tasmanian (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fir Needle Canadian (Abies balsamea)
Fir Needle Siberian (Abies siberica)
Fir Needle Silver (Abies alba)
Galangal (Alpina galangal)
Galbanum (Ferula galbanifera)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium Bourbon Reunion (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium Egyptian (Pelargonium graveolens)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Grapefruit Cold Pressed (Citrus paradisi)
Grapefruit Pink (Citrus paradisi)
Guaiacwood (Bulnesia sarmienti)
Ho Leaf
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinale)
Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and/or J. scopulorum) Tree: oils obtained
from branches
COMMENTS: May work as a detoxifier and
cleanser that also benefits the skin. Has been used to support proper nerve function.
Juniperberry Extra (Juniperus communis)
Juniper Berry (Juniperus Communis) Bush: oils
obtained from fruit (berries) and twigs
BOTANICAL FAMILY: Cupressaceae (Cypress)
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenes (pinene
34-46%, sabinene 9-28%, mycrene 6-8%); Sesquiterpenes; Terpene alcohols 5-10%; Aldehydes;
Ketones mono and sesquiterpenes (camphor and pinocamphone)
COMMENTS: Historically used as a
detoxifier and cleanser, in relieving skin disorders such as acne, dermatitis, eczema; to
alleviate arthritis, and joint pain; has been used to promote better adrenal, nerve and
kidney circulation/function, and to alleviate bed wetting.
HISTORY: Until recently French hospitals burned sprigs of
juniper and rosemary to protect from infection.
Juniperberry Wild Tyrol (Juniperus communis)
Kanuka
Laurel Leaf
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender French Alpine (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender French Population (Lavandula angustifolia)
Herb: oils obtained from flowering tops
CONSTITUENTS:
COMMENTS:
Lavender Spike (Lavandula spica)
Lavender Tasmanian (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon Cold Pressed (Citrus limonum)
Lemon Verbena Genuine (Lippia citriodora)
Lemongrass Cochin (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Lemongrass Guatemalan (Cymbopogon schoenanthus)
Lemongrass Nepal (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Grass:
oils obtained from leaves or whole plant
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpene alcohols;
Sesquiterpene alcohols (farnesol 12%); Monoterpene aldehydes 60-85% (citrals 75%, neral
27%, geranial 46%).
COMMENTS: Traditionally,
Lemongrass has been used to improve circulation, oxygen flow, for
purification (especially the lymphatic system); may be beneficial for the digestive
system and has been reported to help regenerate connective tissue. It has been found to be
anti-inflammatory, supportive to the digestive system, and a vasodilator.
Lime Cold Pressed (Citrus aurantifolia)
Litsea Cubeba (Litsea cubeba)
Mandarin Cold Pressed (Citrus reticulata)
Manuka
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Herb: oils obtained from flowering tops
and leaves
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenes 40%; Sesquiterpenes;
Monoterpenols 50%; Esters (terpenyle acetates, linalyle acetates).
COMMENTS: The
healing constituents have been found to be anti-infectious, anti-bacterial and antiseptic.
It has been used as a diuretic, to help relieve headaches (migraine and nervous), is
calming to the respiratory system and assists in relieving spasms, and Marjoram may help
heal to smooth tissues such as the heart and lungs (Ravensara is the most powerful
anti-infectious essential oil for the bronchial and lungs). Used four hours prior to a
trip, Marjoram has been found to alleviate motion sickness.
Marjoram Marjorana (Marjorana hortensis)
Marjoram Spanish (Thymus mastischina)
Massoi Bark (Cryptocarya massoy)
Melissa Organic (Melissa officinalis)
Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)
Myrtle Dalmation (Myrtus communis)
Neroli (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara)
Neroli 3% in Jojoba
Niaouli Pacific Island (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Olibanum (Frankincense) (Boswelia carterii)
Orange Bitter (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara)
Orange Naval (Citrus sinensis)
Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
Orange Valencia (Citrus sinensis)
Oregano (Origanum compactum) Herb: oils obtained from
flowering tops and leaves
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenes 25%; Sesquiterpenes;
Monoterpenols; Monoterpene phenols 60-70% (carvacrol, thymol); Methyl-ester phenols
(menthyl carvacrol); Cetones.
COMMENTS: The healing constituents in
Oregano have been recognized to have powerful anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and
anti-parasitic properties. Oregano may be beneficial in balancing metabolism and
strengthening the vital centers of the body, as well as to reduce arthritic symptoms.
Oregano (Origanum vulgaris) Herb: oils
obtained from flowering tops and leaves
CONSTITUENTS:
COMMENTS: The healing constituents in
Oregano have been recognized to have powerful anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and
anti-parasitic properties. Oregano may be beneficial in balancing metabolism and
strengthening the vital centers of the body, as well as to reduce arthritic symptoms.
Oregano (Origanum syriacum) Herb: oils
obtained from flowering tops and leaves
We do not currently have a source for the
essential oil by itself. This one is available in a physician's strength supplemental form
that also contains olive oil, peppermint oil and capsicum oil.
CONSTITUENTS: a-Thujene .68%, a-Pinene .53%, Myrcene .63%,
a-Terpinene 1.20%., p-Cymene, y-Terpenine 6.26%, Linalool .95%, Thymol .60%, Carvacrol
79.27%, B-Caryophyllene 2.43%, a-Humulene .20%, Caryophyllene Oxide .20%
** The wild oregano is rich in a long list of
minerals that includes calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and
manganese. Vitamins C and A (beta carotene) and niacin.
COMMENTS: The healing
constituents in Oregano have been recognized to have powerful anti-viral, antibacterial,
anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. Oregano may be beneficial in balancing
metabolism and strengthening the vital centers of the body, as well as to reduce arthritic
symptoms.
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia)
Parsley Herb (Petroselinium crispum)
Parsley Seed (Petroselinium crispum)
Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin)
Patchouli Aceh (Pogostemom cablin)
Patchouli Clear (Pogostemom cablin)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Pepper Black (Piper nigrum)
Peppermint Arvensis (Mentha arvensis)
Peppermint Mitcham (Mentha piperita x) Herb: oils
obtained from leaves and pre-flowering tops or whole plant
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenes 2-18%; Sesquiterpenes;
Monoterpenols (menthol 38-48%); Monoterpenones (menthone 20-65%); Terpene oxides (cineole
5%); Terpene esters; Coumarines.
COMMENTS: The healing constituents in
Peppermint have been found to soothe, cool and dilate the cells of the entire body, making
it an important oil for hot weather. Peppermint may help with candida, dehydration
(put in water on cold days to hydrate the body), fevers, decongests prostate
(anti-inflammatory), immune system support (sesquiterpenes), nausea and vomiting; aids the
function of the liver, ovaries (has a hormone-like action that regulates), pancreas,
sinus, and respiratory system; and reduces inflammation to damaged tissues and
bruises.
SCIENCE: (Study at the
University of Cincinnati) Dr. Dembar discovered that for students inhaling peppermint oil,
the student's mental accuracy was increased by 28%.
SAFETY: This oil is high in
menthols. It should not be used on the throat or neck area of children under 30 months of
age.
Petitgrain Bigarade Italy
Petitgrain Paraguay (Citrus aurantium ssp. aurantium)
Pimento Berry
Pimento Leaf
Pine Needle Austrian (Pinus nigra)
Pinus Pumilio (Pinus mugo var. pumilio)
Pinus Sylvestris (Pinus sylvestris)
Ravensara
Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Rose Otto Bulgarian (Rosa damascena)
Rose Otto Turkish (Rosa damascena)
Rosemary Moroccan (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary Spanish (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary Tunisian (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary Verbenone (Rosemarinus officinalis)
Rosewood Brazilian (Aniba roseodora)
Sage Dalmation (Salvia officinalis)
Sage Spanish (Salvia lavendulaefolia)
Sandalwood East Indian (Santalum album)
Sandalwood West Australian (Santalum spicatum)
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Tagetes (Tagetes patula)
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Tea Tree Bush Still (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea Tree Lemon (Leptospermum petersoni)
Tea Tree Organic (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea Tree Premium (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Thuja
Thyme Linalool Organic (Thymus vulgaris) Herb: oils
obtained from leaves, stem, and blossom, or just flowering tops
CONSTITUENTS: Monoterpenols; Terpene esters.
COMMENTS: Has been used for arthritis,
colds, cuts, dermatitis, flu, insect bites, laryngitis, lice, muscle aches, oily skin,
poor circulation, scabies, sore throat.
Thyme Red (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme Thymol Organic (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme Wild (Thymus serpyllum)
Tumeric (Curcuma longa)
Turpentine
Valerian European
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) Oils obtained from
roots
CONSTITUENTS: Benzoic acid, vetiverol, furfurol, a-vetivone,
B-vetivone, vetivene, vetivenyl vetivenate.
COMMENTS: This oil has been used for its
antiseptic, immune-stimulant and rubefacient (local warming) properties, which make it an
excellent oil for arthritis, insomnia, muscle aches, skin problems (including oily skin),
rheumatism.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Oils obtained from leaves and twigs
CONSTITUENTS: Esters (methyl salicylate 99%) (the
same active ingredient as birch)
COMMENTS: The healing constituent in
Wintergreen has been found to have a cortisone-like action that has been found
to be beneficial for bone, muscle and joint discomfort, for decreasing pain from
arthritis, rheumatism, sports injuries, and tendonitis. Has been used for massage
associated with these discomforts, also to relieve backache and, gout. Has also been used
for gums, cavities, and bad breath. SAFETY: This
is a strong oil that should be diluted.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Ylang Ylang 1st (Cananga odorata)
Ylang Ylang 3rd (Cananga odorata)
Ylang Ylang Complete (Cananga odorata)
Ylang Ylang Extra (Cananga odorata)
Ylang Ylang Super Extra (Cananga odorata)
What Are
Essential Oils? Household Uses Oil Properties Oil
Safety Prices
* These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or
prevent any disease. This information is provided for education only. We cannot dispense
medical or health advice. Please consult your health care professional. Read cautions before using any oil. |