Essential Oils

This is a compilation of all of the essential oils that I own. This is background information so sound decision can be made on the types of oils to have and how they blend with other essential oils. 

**Disclaimer: Essential oils are very potent and should always be diluted with a carrier oil.

Cedarwood, Virginia Essential Oil  

Botanical Name: Juniperus Mexicana

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Wood

Note Classification: Base

Aroma: Soft, woody, sweet balsamic

Largest Producing Countries: USA

Traditional Use: In North America, Texas Cedarwood has been used for respiratory infections. This oil has also been used as an insect repellant.

Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative

Benefits: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, eczema, insect repellant, nervous tension, oily skin, psoriasis, respiratory congestion, rheumatism, sinusitis, stress. Virginia Cedarwood may be diffused into the air as an insect repellant.

Blends Well With: Benzoin, cypress, juniper, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver

Of Interest: This oil is used as a fixative in perfumery. It is also used in the isolation of the sesquiterpene cedrene.

Safety Data: May cause skin irritation.

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Citronella Essential Oil    

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon winterianus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Grass

Note Classification: Top

Aroma: Rich, fresh, sweet, lemony

Largest Producing Countries: Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Java

Traditional Use: Citronella is used in perfumery and medicinally to aid with fevers and rheumatic pain. It has also been used for menstrual and digestive problems. It is more widely known as an insect repellant.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, fungicidal, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic, tonic

Benefits: Acne, arthritis, bruises, colds, exhaustion, excessive perspiration, fatigue, fever, flu, headaches, infections, insect bites and stings, insect repellant, neuralgia, oily skin, rheumatism, stomach spasms. Citronella oil can be used to make your own outdoor candles for those late summer nights.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, cedarwood, citrus oils, geranium, pine, sandalwood.

Of Interest: Cymbopogon winterianus or Java citronella has a higher geraniol and citronellol content then Cymbopogon nardus or Sri Lanka citronella. Because of these constituents Java citronella is used more in perfumery.

Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant. May cause skin irritation.

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Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Leaves

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Flat, warm, earthy spice

Largest Producing Countries: Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar

Traditional Use: Cinnamon leaf has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The leaf oil has a higher eugenol content then the bark oil, which increases its analgesic properties.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, anticlotting, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic

Benefits: Arthritis, bruises, colds, cough, diarrhea, flatulence, infection, insect bites, nervous exhaustion, rheumatism, slow circulation, sore muscles, stomach cramps, stress, toothache. Cinnamon is a good addition to a blend for disinfecting the air.

Blends Well With: Benzoin, bergamot, cardamom, clove, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, marjoram, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, peru balsam, petitgrain, rose, vanilla, ylang ylang

Of Interest: Cinnamon has been a highly prized commodity since antiquity and is one of the most recognizable scents in the world. The chemical breakdown of Cinnamon leaf oil is similar to that of Clove bud.

Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant. May cause skin irritation.

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Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Leaves and twigs

Note Classification: Top

Aroma: Fresh, penetrating, woody, camphoraceous

Largest Producing Countries: Australia, Brazil, and Spain

Traditional Use: Eucalyptus is one of the oldest native medicines used in Australia. It is known now for its use in inhalants and vapor rubs, and as a household disinfectant and cleaner.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary

Benefits: Asthma, blisters, bronchitis, bruises, burns, candida, catarrh, chills, colds, cough, cystitis, fever, headache, influenza, insect bites, lack of concentration, measles, mental exhaustion, muscular aches and pains, neuralgia, respiratory infection, rheumatism, sinusitis, skin infections, skin ulcers, slow circulation, sore throats, sprains, throat infections, viral infections, wounds. Eucalyptus is often added to inhalations, oils, and ointments for respiratory infections and congestion. The properties that help with these ailments include antispasmodic, expectorant, decongestant, and antiviral. The antiviral and antibacterial actions of this oil can be taken advantage of by adding it to a disinfectant blend for a diffuser to cleanse the air.

Blends Well With: Cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary, thyme

Of Interest: The word eucalyptus is derived from Greek meaning "well covered". This refers to part of the calyx that initially covers the flower.

Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant and with homeopathics. May cause skin irritation.

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Frankincense Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Boswellia carterii

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Resin

Note Classification: Base

Aroma: Fresh, woody, spicy, balsamic with a citrus top note

Largest Producing Countries: India, North Africa, and Europe

Traditional Use: Frankincense has a long history as incense. It was burned by the Egyptians and is used in many religious ceremonies. Traditionally it has also been used for skin ailments from acne to wound healing.

Properties: Analgesic, anti-arthritic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, anxiety, asthma, blemishes, bronchitis, colds, coughs, dry skin, flu, nervousness, rheumatism, scars, skin ailments, stress, ulcers, urinary tract infections, wrinkles, wounds. To take advantage of some of the skin healing properties of this oil it may be added to skin creams or toners.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, camphor, cinnamon, cypress, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang

Of Interest: Frankincense has many other names that it is known as. Most commonly you will see it as frankincense, olibanum, or boswellia.

Safety Data: Generally considered safe.

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Jasmine Absolute Oil

Botanical Name: Jasminum grandiflorum

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent extracted (Ethyl alcohol)

Parts Used: Flowers

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Warm, rich, deeply floral

Largest Producing Countries: India, France, Italy, and Egypt

Traditional Use: Jasmine has a long history in perfumery including Cleopatra and Louis XVI. It has also been used for headaches and skin problems.

Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, tonic

Benefits: Bronchial spasms, cough, depression, dysmenorrhea, eczema, headache, labor pains, laryngitis, memory stimulation, menstrual problems, prostate problems, skin irritation. Try adding Jasmine to a blend to use while studying, and see if it helps with your memory.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, clary sage, clove, coriander, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, neroli, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang

Of Interest: It takes approximately 2,000 lbs of jasmine flowers to produce 1 lb of oil. This oil will darken with age.

Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant. Not for internal use.

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Lavender Essential Oil     

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Sweet, floral, herbaceous

Largest Producing Countries: Bulgaria, France, and Ukraine

Traditional Use: Lavender oil is known for its skin healing properties and its use as a sedative. The herb has been used for strewing, and the flowers are used as an aromatic.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, allergies, amenorrhea, asthma, athlete’s foot, bruises, burns, colic, conjunctivitis, cystitis, dandruff, depression, dermatitis, earache, eczema, flatulence, halitosis, headache, hypertension, indigestion, infection, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insomnia, laryngitis, leucorrhea, migraine, nausea, nervous tension, neuralgia, psoriasis, rashes, rheumatism, scars, slow digestion, sore muscles, sprains, stress, sunburn, teething, toothache, ulcers, wound. Lavender oil is a good addition to most skin care products. For bug bites and burns the oil is generally safe to apply neat to the affected area. A skin patch test should be performed before using any essential oil directly on the skin.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, marjoram, oakmoss, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, pine, ravensara, rose, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, vetiver

Of Interest: The name “lavender” is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning, “to wash”.  Known as one of the seven polyvalents (effective against many toxins), which are applicable to many ailments.  Greeks and Romans perfumed their bathwater with lavender, burned lavender incense to appease their wrathful gods, and believed the scent of lavender to be soothing to untamed lions and tigers.

Safety Data: Generally considered safe.

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Lemon Essential Oil  

Botanical Name: Citrus limon

Common Method of Extraction: Cold pressed

Parts Used: Fruit peel

Note Classification: Top

Aroma: Clean, sugary citrus, slightly sour

Largest Producing Countries: Italy and USA

Traditional Use: All parts of the lemon have used around the house and medicinally. The oil has been used around the house as a cleaning agent, and medicinally it has a history of stimulating the digestive system.

Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, hypotensive, laxative, sedative, vermifuge

Benefits: Acne, anemia, arthritis, asthma, candida, chilblains, colds, constipation, depression, detoxification, digestion, fever, general fatigue, herpes, indigestion, infections, insect bites, liver congestion, mouth ulcers, oily skin, rheumatism, slow circulation, sore throat, varicose veins, warts, wounds, wrinkles. Lemon has many applications in the bathroom. It may be used as a disinfectant to clean surfaces, blended into a mouthwash for its antibacterial properties, or blended into an air freshener.

Blends Well With: Benzoin, chamomile, cistus, elemi, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, neroli, oakmoss, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang

Of Interest: Lemons are harvested while they are still green to yield a higher quality oil. It takes over 3,000 lemons to produce 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) of expressed oil.

Safety Data: May cause skin irritation. Phototoxic.

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Orange, Sweet Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis

Common Method of Extraction: Cold pressed

Parts Used: Fruit peel

Note Classification: Top

Aroma: Sweet, sugary, and citrus

Largest Producing Countries: USA, Brazil, and Italy

Traditional Use: Known as an uplifting oil, it is also used to aid digestive upsets. Orange oil is often found in household cleaners.

Properties: Anticoagulant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, stimulant, stomachic, tonic

Benefits: Asthma, colds, cough, depression, flatulence, hypertension, indigestion, infections, insomnia, muscle aches and pains, slow circulation, stress, tension, wounds. To use this oil for its uplifting properties it may be added to a bath (hand, foot, or whole), or diffused into the air.

Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, litsea cubeba, marjoram, myrrh, neroli, nutmeg, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang

Of Interest: Sweet orange oil contains about 90% limonene, which is in many household cleaners. Because of this sweet orange oil is used as a earth friendly alternative to many common household cleaners.

Safety Data: Generally considered safe.

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Peppermint Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Flowering plant

Note Classification: Top

Aroma: Fresh, very minty, hot, herbaceous, with a vegetative back note

Largest Producing Countries: Hungary, USA, and Egypt

Traditional Use: Has many culinary and pharmaceutical uses. It is also used for its soothing qualities on the digestive system.

Properties: Analgesic, anesthetic (topical), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, cordial, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge

Benefits: Acne, asthma, bronchitis, cholera, colds, cough, cramps, dermatitis, diarrhea, exhaustion, fainting, fever, flatulence, flu, gaseous indigestion and irritated colon, halitosis, headache, hysteria, indigestion, insect bites, kidney stones and gallstones, mental fatigue, migraine, motion sickness, mouth or gum infections, muscular pain, nausea, nerve pain, nervous disorders, neuralgia, palpitations, poor circulation, respiratory disorders, sinusitis, toothache, travel sickness, vertigo, vomiting. DIffusing peppermint into the air may help with many ailments, from headaches to an upset stomach.

Blends Well With: Basil, benzoin, black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, niaouli, pine, ravensara, rosemary, tea tree

Of Interest: Mild climate stress in the growing conditions of the plant increases the oil content and sesquiterpene levels in the oil.

Safety Data: Avoid in epilepsy and while pregnant. May cause skin irritation. Avoid with homeopathics.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Strong, fresh, camphor-like and with a woody-balsamic undertone

Largest Producing Countries: Spain, France, and Tunisia

Traditional Use: Best known for its aid in memory and hair loss. It is also considered a symbol of love, and the sprigs have been traditionally used in wedding ceremonies.

Properties: Analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, colds, colitis, constipation, coughs, dandruff, dermatitis, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, eczema, fainting, flatulence, flu, fluid retention, greasy hair, hangovers, headache, hysteria, insect repellant, jaundice, leucorrhea, lice, memory loss, mental fatigue, migraine, muscle aches and pains, nervous disorders, neuralgia, rheumatism, scabies, sinus problems, slow circulation, sore muscles, tonic, varicose veins, whooping cough, wounds. Rosemary oil has many applications. Diffusing the oil into the air will aid memory and disinfect the room. Using the oil in a massage oil may help with nasal congestion and sore muscles.

Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, clary sage, elemi, eucalyptus , frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, litsea cubeba, mandarin, marjoram, niaouli, oregano, peppermint, petitgrain, pine, ravensara, tea tree, thyme

Of Interest: Rosmarinus is Latin for dew (ros) of the sea (marinus).

Safety Data: Avoid in epilepsy, hypertension, and while pregnant. Avoid with homeopathics.

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Tea Tree Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Leaves and twigs

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Warm, Fresh, spicy-camphoraceous

Largest Producing Countries: Australia and Kenya

Traditional Use: Widely known for its healing properties for the skin. Tea tree oil is used for anything from bug bites to sunburns.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, deodorant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immune stimulant, insecticide, vulnerary

Benefits: Abscess, acne, asthma, blisters, bronchitis, burns, candida, catarrh, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, ear and nose infections, fever, flu, fungal infections, herpes, immune system deficiencies, infectious illnesses, insect bites, oily skin, respiratory problems, sinusitis, skin rashes, sunburn, thrush, tooth and gum infections, vaginal infections, viral infections, warts, whooping cough, wounds. Tea tree makes a great addition to most skin care products. A simple way to use it is adding the oil to aloe vera gel.

Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, chamomile german, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, nutmeg, oakmoss, oregano, peppermint, pine, ravensara, rosemary, thyme, ylang ylang

Of Interest: In World War ll cutters and producers of tea tree were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated. It was issued to each soldier and sailor for them to treat tropical infections and other problems of warfare, including wounds.

Safety Data: May cause skin irritation. Not for internal use.

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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cananga odorata

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Flower

Note Classification: Base

Aroma: Rich, sweet floral

Largest Producing Countries: Comoro Islands and Madagascar

Traditional Use: Used throughout the fragrance industry. Ylang ylang is also known for its sedative properties.

Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, cell proliferant, disinfectant, expectorant, nervine, sedative, vulnerary

Benefits: Acne, allergies, anger, candida, colds, cough, depression, fever, headache, hysteria, insect bites, insomnia, muscle aches and pains, nervous tension, scars, sinus infection, stress, tension, thrush, tinea, wounds. Diffusing this oil may help ease the tension in a room.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, clove, eucalyptus lemon, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, litsea cubeba, mandarin, neroli, opopanax, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, peru balsam, petitgrain, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, tuberose, vetiver

Safety Data: Avoid while pregnant.

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