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 Bergamot
– Citrus Bergamia (Family: Rutaceae)
This oil
has been used in Italian traditional medicine for years and was
named after the city of Bergamot in Lombardy, Italy. Extraction
by cold expression of the nearly ripe fruit produces a light
green-yellow liquid. Its aroma is fresh, sweet, and fruity with
a slightly spicy balsamic undertone. Turns brownish-olive with
age.
Skin Care:
Acne, boils, cold
sores, eczema, insect bites, oily complexion, psoriasis,
scabies, spots, varicose ulcers, wounds. Also useful as an
insect repellent.
Respiratory System:
Halitosis, mouth infections, sore throat, tonsillitis.
Digestive
System:
Flatulence, loss of appetite.
Genito-Urinary System:
Cystitis,
leukorrhea, pruritis, thrush.
Immune System:
Colds, fever,
flu, infectious diseases.
Nervous System:
Anxiety, depression, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Phototoxic; extreme care must be taken when using this oil in
dermal applications.
Blends well with:
Lavender, jasmine, geranium, lemon, chamomile, clary sage,
neroli.
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 Cedarwood
– Cedrus Atlantica (Family: Pinacea)
During
biblical times the cedars of Lebanon was an ingredient of one of
the world's earliest perfumes. It was also included in ancient
Egyptian embalming preparations and used to make sarcophagi,
many of which remain in good condition after 3000 years. Steam
distillation from the wood, stumps, and sawdust yields a yellow,
orange, or amber oil. Sweet and tenacious, its scent delivers a
warm camphoraceous top note and a woody balsamic undertone.
Skin Care:
Acne,
dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, fungal infections, greasy skin,
hair loss, skin eruptions, ulcers.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Arthritis, rheumatism.
Respiratory System:
Bronchitis, catarrh,
congestion, coughs.
Genito-Urinary
System:
Cystitis, leukorrhea,
pruritus.
Nervous System:
Tension,
stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic,
non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy.
Blends well with:
Bergamot,
neroli, clary sage, rosemary, ylang ylang.
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 Chamomile,
German/Blue – Chamomilla Matricaria (Family: Asteraceae)
This oil
possesses a characteristic deep blue or blue-green color which
comes from its high content of azulene, a chemical component
produced during steam distillation of the flower heads. Sweet
and fruity, it emits a warm, herbaceous scent.
Skin Care:
Acne, boils, burns,
cuts, chilblains, dermatitis, earache, eczema, hair care,
inflammation, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin, teething
pain, toothache, wounds.
Circulation,
Muscles,
and
Joints:
Arthritis,
inflamed joints, muscular pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains.
Digestive
System:
Dyspepsia, colic, indigestion, nausea.
Reproductive System:
Dysmenorrhea,
menopausal problems, menorrhagia.
Nervous System:
Headache,
insomnia, tension, migraine, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Generally non-toxic, non-irritant, although may cause dermatitis
in some individuals.
Blends well with:
Geranium, lavender,
patchouli, rose, neroli, bergamot, lemon, ylang ylang, clary
sage.
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 Clary
Sage – Salvia Sclarea (Family: Lamiaceae)
Though
native to southern France, Italy, and Syria, clary sage is now
cultivated worldwide, especially in Mediterranean climates.
Steam distillation of the flower tops and leaves yields a
colorless or pale yellowish-green oil. Its balsamic aroma is
sweet, fresh, and clean with warm, nutty undertones.
Skin Care:
Acne, boils,
dandruff, hair loss, inflammation, oily skin and hair, ulcers,
aging skin.
Circulation, Muscles and Joints:
High blood pressure,
muscular aches and pains.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, throat infections, whooping cough.
Digestive System:
Colic,
cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence.
Reproductive System:
Amenorrhea, labor
pains, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea.
Nervous System:
Depression, frigidity, impotence, migraine, tension,
stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during
pregnancy. Also avoid while consuming alcohol, as this oil has a
narcotic effect and exaggerates drunkenness.
Blends well with:
Lavender,
geranium, cedarwood, jasmine, bergamot and citrus oils.
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 Eucalyptus
– Eucalyptus Globulus (Family: Myrtaceae)
Although
there are over one dozen species of eucalyptus, the Globulus is
the most common species used in aromatherapy. Eucalyptus has
most popularly been used for cough and cold medicines and to
clear the sinuses. The aborigines used to bind the leaf of the
eucalyptus plant around wounds to prevent infection and speed
healing. Extraction by steam distillation from the leaves and
young twigs produces a colorless liquid that yellows on aging.
Strong and camphoraceous with a sweet, woody undertone.
Skin Care:
Burns, blisters,
cuts, herpes, insect bites, lice, skin infections, wounds.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Muscular
aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis,
sprains.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, bronchitis,
catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections.
Immune System:
Chicken pox, colds, epidemics, flu, measles.
Genito-Urinary System:
Cystitis, leukorrhea.
Nervous System:
Debility,
headaches, neuralgia.
Safety:
Externally non-toxic; use diluted only as concentrated oil may
irritate the skin. Do not use on young children.
Blends well with:
Thyme, rosemary,
lavender, cedarwood, lemon.
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 Geranium
– Pelargonium Graveolens (Family: Geraniaceae)
Extraction by steam distillation from the leaves, stalks, and
flowers produces a greenish-olive liquid. Emits a rosy-sweet
minty scent.
Skin Care:
Acne, bruises,
broken capillaries, burns, congested skin, cuts, dermatitis,
eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, mature skin, oily complexion,
ringworm, ulcers, wounds. Also useful as a mosquito repellent.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Cellulitis,
engorgement of breasts, edema, poor circulation.
Respiratory System:
Sore throat,
tonsillitis.
Endocrine Systems:
Adrenocortical glands and menopausal problems, PMS.
Nervous System:
Tension,
neuralgia, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic,
non-irritant, normally non-sensitizing, although hypersensitive
individuals should use with caution.
Blends Well With:
Lavender,
patchouli, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, neroli, bergamot and other
citrus oils.
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 Grapefruit
– Citrus x Paradisi (Family: Rutaceae)
Extraction by cold expression from the fresh peel produces a
yellow or greenish liquid. Carries a fresh, sweet citrus aroma.
Skin Care:
Acne, congested and
oily skin. Promotes hair growth; tones skin and tissues.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Cellulitis,
muscle fatigue, obesity, stiffness, water retention. Also useful
for exercise preparation.
Immune System:
Chills, colds, flu.
Nervous System:
Depression,
headaches, nervous exhaustion, performance stress.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic. Short
shelf life.
Blends well with:
Lemon, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, cypress, lavender, geranium.
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 Lavender
– Lavendula Officinalis (Family: Labiatae)
One of
the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin. Lavender
is the most widely used and versatile healing oil. Extraction by
steam distillation of flowers. Camphoraceous with a slightly
medicinal floral scent.
Skin Care:
Abscesses,
acne, allergies, athletes foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff,
dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and
stings, sunburn, wounds. Good for all skin types.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Lumbago, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, bronchitis,
catarrh, halitosis, laryngitis, throat infections, whooping
cough.
Digestive System:
Abdominal
cramps, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea.
Genito-Urinary System:
Cystitis,
dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea.
Immune System:
flu
Nervous System:
Depression,
headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, tension and
stress-related conditions, PMT, sciatica, shock, vertigo.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
Blends well with:
Cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, vetiver, patchouli. Blends
particularly well with citrus and florals.
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 Lemon
– Citrus Limon (Family: Rutaceae)
One of
the oldest and most useful of natural cosmetics, this oil has a
long history of use as a medicine. Extraction by cold expression
from the fresh peel produces a pale green-yellow liquid. Light
and fresh with a citrus scent.
Skin Care:
Acne, anemia,
brittle nails, boils, chilblains, corns, cuts, oily skin,
herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, varicose veins,
warts.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Arthritis,
cellulitis, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, obesity, poor
circulation, rheumatism.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, catarrh.
Digestive System:
Dyspepsia.
Immune System:
Colds, flu, fever
and infections.
Safety:
non-toxic.
May cause dermal irritation or sensitization reactions in some
individuals, phototoxic.
Blends well with:
Lavender,
orange, ylang ylang, rose, sandalwood, chamomile, geranium,
eucalyptus, bergamot, neroli.
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 Lemongrass
– Cymbopogon citratus (Family: Poaceae)
Traditionally employed for infectious illness and fever.
Extraction by steam distillation from fresh and partially dried
leaves. A yellow, amber, or reddish-brown liquid with a fresh,
grassy citrus scent and an earthy undertone.
Skin Care:
Acne,
athlete's foot, excessive perspiration, open pores, pediculosis,
scabies. Also beneficial as a tissue toner and as an insect
repellent (fleas, lice, ticks).
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Muscular pain, poor
circulation, slack tissue. Helps enhance muscle tone.
Digestive System:
Colitis,
indigestion, gastroenteritis.
Immune System:
Fevers,
infectious disease.
Nervous System:
Headaches, nervous
exhaustion, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic,
possible dermal irritation and/or sensitization in some
individuals.
Blends well
with:
Bergamot and other
citrus oils, geranium.
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 Neroli
- Citrus Aurantium (Family: Rutaceae)
Neroli
comes from the white blossoms of the bitter orange tree. One ton
of hand-picked blossoms yields only one quart of neroli oil.
Extraction by steam distillation produces a pale yellow liquid
with a sweet floral fragrance.
Skin Care:
Scars,
stretch marks, thread veins, mature and sensitive skin. Tones
the complexion.
Circulatory System:
Palpitations, poor
circulation.
Digestive System:
Diarrhea, colic,
flatulence, spasms, nervous dyspepsia.
Nervous System:
Anxiety,
depression, nervous tension, PMS, shock, stress-related
conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic.
Blends Well With:
All
oils, particularly jasmine, lavender, rose, lemon and other
citrus oils.
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 Orange
– Citrus Sinensis (Family: Rutaceae)
Contains
vitamins A, B, and C and traditionally used to treat coughs,
colds, and anorexia. The sweet variety increases bronchial
secretion and the sour promotes expectoration. Extraction by
cold expression produces a yellow-orange or dark orange liquid
with a sweet, fresh, fruity scent. Extraction by steam
distillation produces a pale yellow or colorless liquid. Light
and sweet with a fruity aroma.
Skin Care:
Dull and oily
complexions, mouth ulcers.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Obesity,
palpitations, water retention.
Respiratory
System:
Bronchitis, chills.
Digestive System:
Constipation,
dyspepsia, spasms.
Immune System:
Colds, flu.
Nervous System:
Tension and
stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic, phototoxic.
Blends well with:
Lavender, orange
blossom, lemon, clary sage, myrrh and spice oils such as nutmeg,
cinnamon, and clove.
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 Patchouli
– Pogostemon Cablin (Family: Labitaea)
Extraction by steam distillation of the dried leaves delivers an
amber or dark orange liquid. Sweet and herbaceous with a rich
earthy scent that improves with age.
Skin Care:
Acne,
athlete's foot, cracked and chapped skin, dandruff, dermatitis,
eczema (weeping), fungal infections, hair care, impetigo, oily
hair and skin, open pores, sores, wounds, aging skin. Also
useful as an insect repellent.
Nervous System:
Frigidity, nervous
exhaustion, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Could cause loss of
appetite. Sedating effect in low doses, stimulating effect in
high doses.
Blends well with:
Vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, geranium, clove, lavender, rose,
orange, bergamot, clary sage.
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Peppermint – Mentha Piperita (Family:
Labitaea)
Widely
known as a culinary herb. Extraction by steam distillation from
the flower produces a pale yellow or olive liquid. Spicy and
herbaceous with a warm, minty fragrance.
Skin Care:
Acne, dermatitis,
congested skin.
Respiratory System:
Asthma,
bronchitis, catarrhal conditions, sinusitis.
Digestive System:
Colic, dyspepsia,
flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Immune System:
Colds, fevers, flu
Nervous System:
Fatigue, headache,
migraine, nervous strain, stress.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during
pregnancy.
Blends well with:
Lavender, jasmine, eucalyptus, rosemary.
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 Pettigrain
– Citrus Aurantium (Family: Rutaceae)
This oil
is produced from the same tree that produces bitter orange and
neroli. Extraction is by steam distillation of the leaves and
twigs, yielding a pale yellow-amber liquid. A fresh and floral
citrus scent with a woody herbaceous undertone.
Skin Care:
Acne,
excessive perspiration, oily skin. Also useful for hair toning.
Digestive System:
Dyspepsia,
flatulence.
Nervous System:
Convalescence,
insomnia, nervous exhaustion, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic,
non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic.
Blends well with:
Rosemary, lavender, geranium, bergamot, orange, neroli, clary
sage.
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 Rose
– Rosa Centifolia (Family: Rosaceae)
Rose oil
has been used for a number of disorders dating back to the
middle ages. Extraction by water or steam distillation from the
fresh petals yields a pale yellow or olive liquid. Rich and deep
with a sweet floral scent.
Skin Care:
Broken capillaries,
conjunctivitis, dry skin, eczema, herpes, sensitive complexions.
Beneficial for mature skin.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Palpitations, poor
circulation.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, coughs, hay
fever.
Digestive System:
Liver congestion,
nausea.
Genito-Urinary System:
Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, uterine
disorders.
Nervous System:
Depression,
impotence, insomnia, frigidity, headache, tension,
stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
Blends well with:
Jasmine, orange blossom, geranium, bergamot, lavender, clary
sage, sandalwood, patchouli.
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 Rosemary
– Rosemarinus officinalis (Family:Labiatae)
Grown
wildly in the Mediterranean, this oil was often used for coughs,
colds, and congestion. It is also grown as a symbol of
remembrance. Extraction by steam distillation of the fresh
flowering tops produces a colorless or pale yellow liquid. Fresh
and strong with a minty balsamic undertone.
Skin Care: Acne,
dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, oily hair, lice,
varicose veins.
Promotes hair growth, regulates scalp. Also useful as an insect
repellent.
Circulation, Muscles, and Joints:
Clogged arteries,
fluid retention, gout, muscular pain, palpitations, poor
circulation, rheumatism.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, bronchitis,
whooping cough.
Digestive System:
Colitis, dyspepsia,
flatulence, liver disorders, hypercholesteriolema, jaundice.
Genito-urinary System:
Dysmenorrhea,
leukorrhea.
Immune System:
Colds, flu, infections.
Nervous System:
Debility, headaches, hypotension, neuralgia, mental fatigue,
nervous exhaustion, stress-related disorders.
Safety:
Non-toxic,
non-irritant (in diluted form only), non-sensitizing. Avoid
during pregnancy. Not to be used by epileptics or those with
high blood pressure.
Blends well with:
Lavender, citronella, oregano, thyme, pine, basil, peppermint,
cedarwood, pettigrain.
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 Tea
Tree – Melaleuca Alternifolia (Family: Myrtaceae)
Long used
by the Aborigines in Australia, this oil's name is derived from
its usage as an herbal tea. Extraction by steam or water
distillation produces a yellow-green or white liquid. Warm and
fresh, it delivers a spicy, camphoraceous aroma.
Skin Care:
Abscess, acne, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, bruises, chicken
pox rash, cold sores, dandruff, herpes, insect bites, oily skin,
rashes (including diaper rash), spots, warts, infected wounds.
Respiratory System:
Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, tuberculosis,
whooping cough.
Reproductive System:
Thrush (vaginal), vaginitis.
Immune System:
Colds, fever, flu,
infectious diseases.
Urinary System:
Cystitis, pruritus.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, al though possible sensitization in
some individuals.
Blends well with:
Lavender, clary sage, rosemary, ylang ylang, geranium, spice
oils.
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 Thyme
– Thymus Vulgaris (Family: Lamiaceae)
One of
the earlier medicinal plants in Western herbal medicine.
Extraction by water or steam distillation from fresh or
partially dried leaves and flowering tops yields a red, brown,
or orange liquid. Powerful and warm with a spicy herbaceous
scent.
Skin Care:
Abscess, acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, insect
bites, lice, gum infections, oily skin, scabies.
Circulation, Muscles and Joints:
Arthritis,
cellulitis, gout, muscular aches and pains, obesity, edema, poor
circulation, rheumatism, sprains, sports injuries.
Respiratory System:
Asthma,
bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, sinusitis, sore throat,
tonsillitis.
Digestive System:
Diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence.
Genito-Urinary System:
Cystitis, urethritis.
Immune System:
Chills, colds, flu, infectious diseases.
Nervous System:
Headaches, insomnia,
nervous debility, stress-related conditions.
Safety:
Contraindicated in cases of high blood pressure. Can irritate
mucous membranes and may cause dermal irritation and
sensitization in some individuals. Avoid during pregnancy.
Blends well with:
bergamot, lemon,
rosemary, lavender.
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 Ylang
ylang – Cananga Odorata (Family: Annonaceae)
Known as
"poor man's jasmine," and "the flower of flowers," ylang ylang's
extraction is by water or steam distillation from freshly picked
flowers. The resulting liquid is pale yellow in color. Light,
fresh, and balsamic with a slight hint of spice.
Skin Care:
Acne, hair growth,
hair rinse, insect bites, irritated and oily skin. Useful for
general skin care.
Circulation:
High blood pressure,
hyperpnoea, tachycardia, palpitations.
Nervous system:
Depression,
frigidity, impotence, insomnia, tension, stress-related
disorders.
Safety:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, although possible sensitization in some
individuals. Use in moderation as heavy use can cause headaches
or nausea.
Blends well with:
Sandalwood,
jasmine, vetiver, bergamot, rose.
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Use of essential oils should be as a complement to medical
treatment. DO NOT REPLACE medication with aromatherapy without
consulting your physician.
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