Essential Oils are not for internal use.
This information is a reference and is not intended to treat or diagnose ailments.
| Common Name | Latin Name | Comments |
| Basil | Ocimum basilicum | Basil has a delicate sweet spicy aroma. Refreshing, stimulating oil which makes an excellent nerve tonic: strengthens concentration, clears the mind. It helps calm nausea and vomiting and may be used on insect bites to soothe and disinfect the immediate area. Can help control acne. Place a few drops in skin and hair care products. Dab on insect stings and bites. 5 drops in a 60 ml container of carrier oil massaged on the stomach will assist controlling vomiting and nausea. Diffused in a room will clear the head and assist with concentration. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. Use this oil sparingly as it can irritate the skin. |
| Benzoin | Styrax benzoin | Smooth sweet vanilla-like aroma. Penetrating, warming and energising. |
| Bergamot | Citrus bergamia risso | Greenish-orange oil with an orange-like, sweet, fruity aroma and a slight spicy-balsamic undertone. Powerful anti-depressant and nerve sedative. It is a strong antiseptic and may be used as a mouthwash or for skin infections. Caution: As with most citrus Essential Oils, Bergamot is photosensitive. Do not apply directly to the skin. |
| Black Pepper | Piper Nigrum | Has a warming, dry, woody-spice aroma. Used to treat muscle ailments, colds and flu. A good oil to use before commencing sporting activities as it helps with muscular aches and pains by increasing blood flow to the muscles. It helps tired and aching limbs. Stimulates appetite, aids digestion and generally expels toxins. Caution: This powerful essential oil is best used in a blend or bath as it could irritate the skin if applied directly. |
| Capejut | Melaleuca cajaputi | Pale yellow oil has a penetrating camphous scent similar to Eucalyptus, but more fruity. Powerful stimulant. |
| Cedarwood | Cedrus atlantica | Yellow-orange oil with a mild woody scent. Powerful antiseptic. It is an effective remedy for bronchial infections, a strong antiseptic that may be used for the treatment of kidney infections. The astringent properties assist with oily hair and dandruff. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. |
| Chamomile Roman | Anthemis nobilis | Fresh, sweet herbaceous aroma. Relaxing and soothing oil. It eases tension, anxiety, anger and promotes relaxation and peace. It has been applied as a calming remedy for children for decades. |
| Cinnamon | Cinnamomum zeylanicum | Pale-yellow-brown oil with a powerful warm, spicy aroma. Stimulates circulation and digestion. Strong antiseptic. It eases breathing and has an excellent reputation for resisting viral infections. It is a good tonic for the whole body, and particularly the circulatory system. Caution: Can irritate the skin - test before using. Avoid during pregnancy. |
| Clary-sage | Salvia sclarea | Pale yellow with a deep, sweet, herbaceous aroma. Euphoric, warming relaxant. A good tonic. It calms anxiety and promotes a feeling of well being. |
| Clove Bud | Eugenia caryophyllata | A pleasant fruity-spicy aroma. Powerful antiseptic. It helps with depression, toothache, asthma and bronchitis. It can be used as a disinfectant. Caution: Clove is a very potent oil and should be used with caution. |
| Cypress | Cupressus sempervirens | Pale yellow-green oil with a smoky, sweet, balsamic aroma. Very astringent. Soothing and refreshing. It has a soothing effect on anger and calms talkative and irritable people. Caution: Do not use Cypress during pregnancy. |
| Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus citriodora | Has a penetrating camphoraceous woody-sweet scent. Stimulating oil. Antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Its many healing properties have been used in a number of respiratory medicines. It is an effective cough suppressant and expectorant and has been used as a traditional treatment for malaria. Eucalyptus clears the mind and aids concentration. Its anti-viral properties help fight colds and flu germs and provide a clear head and easy breathing. It may be applied to burns and cuts and can be applied to ease headaches or general muscular aches and pains. |
| Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare | A clear essential oil with a deep, sweet, aniseed-like aroma. Excellent carminative and diuretic. It assists with digestion and is helpful during weight loss diets. It has a cleansing action on the skin and may postpone the appearance of wrinkles. It cleanses the body of toxins and can be dabbed on insect stings and snake bites. |
| Frankincense | Boswellia thurfera/carterii | Also known as Olibanum. The oil has a rich, tenacious aroma. Comforting. Used for meditation and relaxation. It is very effective at clearing up mucous and regulating its secretion. It is soothing to the stomach and helps slow heavy menstruation. It balances oily skin conditions. |
| Geranium | Pelagonium graveolens | Pale yellow-green oil which has a delicate, sweet, rose-like aroma. Stimulating general tonic. Appetite stimulant. Can be used to treat skin disorders like eczema and shingles. It can be used to heal cuts and wounds. Its balancing effect on the mind and vital role as a treatment to assist with menopausal problems is well documented. |
| Ginger | Zingiber officinale | Has a rich gingery, warm, woody scent. It helps with colds, flu, sore throats and runny noses. Helps with digestive problems and may help against feelings of nausea, hangovers and travel and sea sickness. It may relieve arthritic, rheumatic and lower back pain while sharpening the senses. Caution: Use this oil sparingly as it may irritate the skin. |
| Grapefruit | Citrus paradisi | Pale green-yellow oil with a fresh, sharp, grapefruit-citrus aroma. It is known to control liquid processes, helping with weight loss, cellulite and water retention as a digestive tonic. It may help with jet lag. Its soothing effect helps relieve migraines and premenstrual tension. Caution: As with most citrus Essential Oils, Grapefruit is photosensitive. Do not apply directly to the skin. |
| Hyssop | Hyssopus officinalis | Has a pleasing smooth, sweet, honey-like aroma. Disinfectant. Useful for chest infections. Caution: Avoid during pregancy. |
| Jasmine | Jasminum grandiflorum | Dark orange-brown oil with an enticing sweet, warm, floral aroma. Anti-depressant and aphrodisiac. It produces positive feelings of confidence, stimulates creativity and is deeply relaxing. It eases impotency and frigidity and soothes menstrual pain. It hydrates dry skin and nourishes the skin cells. It has a calming action on coughs and helps deepen breathing. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. Use in low dosage due to its powerful aroma. |
| Juniper | Juniperus communis | Distilled from juniper berries. Refreshing and invigorating oil. Antiseptic, astringent and diuretic. Juniper has been used through the ages as a remedy for disorders effecting the skin, urinary tract, blood and the nerves. It is a good antiseptic and relieves urine retention. It has been used to cleanse and detoxify the body. Caution: It should not be used during pregnancy or persons suffering with kidney disease. Do not use directly on the skin. |
| Lavender | Lavendula augustifolium, Lavandula vera, Lavandula officinalis | A deep, soothing floral aroma. Analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-depressant, anti-bacterial, decongestant and sedative. It is a wonderful natural sedative for those who have problems sleeping. The healing properties of the oil address a wide range of ailments, both physical and mental. It is regarded as the most useful essence for therapeutic purposes. Drops of Lavender may be placed directly on cuts, scrapes and burns. The healing, calming and antiseptic properties soon relieve the hurt, inflammation and infection. |
| Lemon | Citrus limon | Pale yellow-green oil with a refreshing lemon aroma. Antiseptic and disinfectant. A good tonic for oily hair and skin. It may be used as a gargle to soothe throat infections. Besides its familiar fresh clean fragrance, lemon stimulates mental activity, increases concentration and the ability to memorize. It acts on the psyche by calming the emotions. It has excellent antibacterial and disinfectant properties and may be diffused to destroy airborne germs. |
| Lemongrass | Cybopogon citratus | Invigorating, lemon aroma. Antiseptic and anti-bacterial. A gastric stimulant. It has a strong antiseptic action is particularly effective with respiratory infections. It may be used on aching muscles as it stimulates circulation. Its toning effect on the skin may help with loose skin. It may be used to overcome the effects of "jet lag", clearing headaches and relieving fatigue. It will help keep insects away and is a pleasant alternative to Citronella. Caution: Use diluted and in small quantities. |
| Lime | Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus medica | Yellow-green oil with a rich, sweet, lime citrus aroma. Lime uplifts and refreshes the senses. It helps alleviate depression and anxiety and stimulate a tired mind. It helps build the immune system and helps with coughs, colds and respiratory congestion. It stimulates digestion as with other citrus oils. It is an effective astringent and helps cleanse greasy skin. Caution: As with most citrus Essential Oils, Lime is photosensitive. Do not apply directly to the skin. |
| Mandarin | Citrus reticulata | An amber-orange oil with a strong, sweet citrus-orange aroma. Gentle stimulant. Good for digestive functions. |
| Marjoram | Origanum majorana | Pale yellow oil with a sweet, smooth, spicy-herbaceous aroma. Stimulant and emmenagogue. It calms the nervous system, alleviates anxiety, comforts during times of grief. It helps to lower blood pressure and by its relaxing effect is helpful for headaches and migraines. It is a tonic for hyperactive people. It may help with reducing muscle pain, rheumatic aches and swollen joints by stimulating blood flow. An effective after sports rub. It may help with stomach cramps and indigestion, and clear the head during colds and flu. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. |
| Melissa | Melissa officinalis | Pale yellow oil with a fresh, herbaceous lemony aroma. Very soothing. Anti-depressant and anti-spasmodic. |
| Myrrh | Commiphora myrrha | An amber, viscous oil with a delightful sweet, balsamic aroma. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant. It revitalizes the skin and can be blended with lotions as a nutrient for aging and wrinkled skin. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. |
| Neroli | Citrus aurantium, Citrus sinesis | Also known as Orange Blossom oil. Light floral aroma. Calms the emotions. Anti-depressant, antiseptic and aphrodisiac. It is an effective remedy for depression, anxiety and emotional exhaustion. It is beneficial for all skin types, renewing and stimulating new cell growth. |
| Niaouli | Melaleuca Viridiflora | Smells warm, sweet and quite like camphor. Niaouli can be used to treat respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis, especially when used in steam inhalation, and in is particularly beneficial in cases where mucus and catarrh are a problem. Niaouli can also be used to treat various skin complaints. It is astringent and can be used for the treatment of oily skin that is prone to acne. The oil has both antiseptic and analgesic properties and can be used on insect bites, minor cuts, abrasions and burns. When used in the bath or in massage (particularly massage) niaouli will bring some relief to the discomfort of rheumatism and general aches and pains. It also helps to stimulate the circulation. Niaouli has a generally stimulating effect on the mind, clearing confusion and helping with concentration. Caution: Avoid during the early months of pregnancy. |
| Orange | Citrus vulgaris | Yellow-orange oil with a vivid, sweet, orange-fruity aroma. Sedative. The fragrance cleans the air and has a very calming effect on the stomach. It aids the absorption of Vitamin C, assists with collagen formation and may lower high cholesterol levels. It is an excellent skin tonic for cleansing and toning. Caution: Orange is photosensitive and may discolor the skin when exposed to the sun. |
| Palmarosa | Cymbopogon martini | Pale yellow oil with a sweet, floral, rose-geranium aroma. Calms and uplifts and is said to refresh and clarify the mind. It can help with reducing fever. It stimulates the appetite of individuals with eating disorders by having a positive influence on the feelings. It restores water balance and stimulates secretion of the skin’s natural nourishment (sebum) that moistens dry skin. |
| Patchouli | Pogostemon Patchouli | A dark orange-brown oil with a rich earthy aroma. Pungent. Stimulating, aphrodisiac. It seems to sharpen the wits and may sedate in small doses but stimulate the mind in high doses. Its strong earthy fragrance may be over powering to some people. It seems to curb the appetite and may relieve water retention. It is helpful when one is feeling "hot and bothered". It may be used on insect bites. |
| Peppermint | Mentha piperita | Pale yellow color with a strong, penetrating grassy-mint aroma. Cooling and invigorating. Peppermint’s cooling properties seems to relieve states of anger, hysteria and nervous trembling and can be an effective stimulate against mental fatigue. It assists with travel sickness and respiratory disorders such as colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. It helps alleviate indigestion. Caution: Very powerful aroma. |
| Pettigraine | Citrus aurantium | An amber oil with a flowery, citrus scent and woody, herby undertones. Similar to Neroli. It calms anger and panic and is a sedative to the nervous system. It seems to slow the body down, it gives re-assurance, it refreshes the mind. Its deodorizing properties help cleanse and refresh the body. It is known to calm the stomach muscles and to help with digestion. |
| Pine Needle | Pinus sylvestris | Colorless oil with a strong, dry-balsamic pine aroma. Powerful antiseptic and deodorizer. Has a good effect on respiratory problems. It soothes mental stress and relieves anxiety and refreshes a tired mind. It stimulates the circulation and may help with muscular pain. Fleas do not like the odor of Pine. It may be used to disinfect household appliances and utensils. |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis | Colorless oil with a piercing, fresh, minty-herb aroma with a slight woody undertone. Strengthening and invigorating. Provides strength and clarity to the mind. It strengthens the nervous system and stabilizes the emotions, minimizing mood swings. It is an effective antiseptic. Rosemary is a good tonic for the hair and skin and is usually found in hair and skin care products. |
| Rose Absolute | Rosa damascena | A rich red-orange oil with a deep, sweet, honey-rose aroma. Powerful anti-depressant. Comforts heartache, sorrow and other psychological pain. |
| Rose Otto | Rosa damascena | Pale yellow oil with a rich, slightly spicy, rosy aroma. |
| Rosewood | Aniba rosaeodora | Colorless oil with a sweet-woody, slightly spicy aroma. Rosewood used in the bath or in facial masks rejuvenates aging skin and soothes sensitive or inflamed skin. It may be used directly on pimples and acne. Its warm woody fragrance calms the nervous system and helps relieve tiredness and stress. The oil gives the immune system a boost and is particularly effective for treating dry skin. It is a valuable antiseptic and may be used in a gargle solution for sore throats. |
| Sandalwood | Santalum album | Pale yellow oil with a delightful smooth, tenacious, sweet-woody aroma. Sedative. Soothes and hydrates aging skin. Considered an aphrodisiac. |
| Tangerine | Citrus reticulata blanco var | Similar to Orange. Powerful stimulant to the immune system. It aids digestion by stimulating the flow of bile thus helping to digest fats. It is a useful skin tonic when blended with Lavender and Neroli. Caution: Tangerine is photosensitive. Do not expose the skin to sunlight after application. |
| Tea Tree | Melaleuca alternifolia | Colorless oil with a fresh, spicy aroma similar to camphor. Anti-viral, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal. Indigenous to Australia this powerful oil has unique properties that to date have not been discovered elsewhere in nature. The oil kills a number of bacteria, viruses and fungus. It may be used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedy. Tea Tree may be used as a mouthwash for bad breath or to heal acne or cuts and scrapes (undiluted). It may be used in a diluted solution to treat vaginal and urinary tract disorders. Chest rubs with Tea Tree help respiratory infections. |
| Thyme | Thymus serpyllum | Yellow-orange oil with a penetrating, herb-like, warm, spicy aroma. It is a very strong antiseptic that should be used sparingly as it may build up toxicity. The preferred method of use is inhalation instead of application to the body. It assists concentration and is an effective treatment for coughs, colds and sore throats. It clears the respiratory system of phlegm. It aids digestion and may be used as a tonic for the scalp. Caution: Do not use if suffering from high blood pressure or during pregnancy. Test before using directly on the skin. |
| Vetiver | Vetivera zizanoides, Andropogon muricatus | An amber-brown viscous oil with a deep, earthy aroma, and a sweet smooth undertone. It boosts the immune system and helps in cases of exhaustion. It increases blood flow to the muscles and so helps with arthritis and rheumatism. It helps with insomnia and with acne. |
| Ylang-Ylang | Cananga odorata | Pale yellow oil with an extremely sweet, exotic scent. Sensual stimulant. It balances the hormones and is used as a tonic for the reproductive system. It has a balancing effect on the skin, lowers blood pressure and provides a sensual glow. Can be used as a perfume. |
