Caution: Essential Oils are concentrated essences from plants and should always be diluted before application to the skin to avoid irritation. We do not promote or encourage the use of Essential Oils internally but for the topical benefits. Ensure that you are aware of the contraindications of the oils that you are using and consult with your doctor or a certified aromatherapist if you have health concerns or questions.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Uses: Very uplifting oil, good for depression, anxiety, eczema/psoriasis, cold sores, sluggish digestion.
Origin: Italy
Latin name: Citrus bergamia
Note: Middle
Extraction: Expression from the rind
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Skin irritant, bergaptene has been removed from this essential oil, which causes sun photo-sensitivity.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Uses: Good for acne, eczema, greasy skin (astringent), respiratory conditions asthma, bronchitis, calming good for stress.
Origin: Morocco
Latin name: Daucus carota
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from the wood
Cedarwood Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy, could irritate skin
Chamomile (Roman) Essential Oil
Uses: Calming, good for stress and anxiety, anti-inflammatory good for muscular aches and pains, soothing and healing for the skin
Origin: UK
Latin name: Anthemis nobilis
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from flower heads
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during beginning of pregnancy
*There are two Chamomile varieties used in Aromatherapy – Roman and Blue. The Blue has more anti-inflammatory properties. Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis) it is not a true Chamomile and cannot be considered a replacement.
Chamomile (Blue/German) Essential Oil
Uses: Same as Roman, except more anti-inflammatory properties. Great for arthritis, joint pain, etc.
Origin: Egypt
Latin name: Matricaria chamomilla
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from flower heads
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Same as Roman
Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
Uses: Good for exhausted states, strong antiseptic, eases muscular aches and pains, warming
Origin: Sri Lanka
Latin name: Cinnamonum zeylanicum
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from leaves, twigs
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Skin irritant, best to avoid during pregnancy
Citronella Essential Oil
Uses: Oily skin, greasy hair, insect deterrent and for colds & flus in soaps and candles.
Origin: Indonesia
Latin name: Cymbopogon nardus
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from the grass
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy. Could cause skin irritation.
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil
Uses: Said to be useful for clearing congestion, aiding in construction of new skin cells and preventing bacterial growth. It is reputed to have a healing action on burns, blisters, wounds and insect bites, and has been used to combat sore muscles and joints. Origin: China Latin name: Eucalyptus Globulus
Note: Top Extraction: Steam Distillation Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath Contraindications Caution: Avoid use with young children. Best to avoid during pregnancy, with high blood pressure and epilepsy.
Eucalyptus, Lemon
Uses: Same as other Eucalyptus. It is said that Eucalyptus Lemon can assist with ailments such as arthritis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, and poor circulation.
Origin: China
Latin name: Eucalyptus citriodora
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Same as other Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, Radiata
Origin: Australia Latin name: Eucalyptus radiata
Note: Top Extraction: Distilled from leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath Contraindications: Same as other Eucalyptus
Uses: Same as above, this is a better choice for kids, not as stimulating.
Frankincense
Uses: Great for meditation, slows things down and is comforting, wonderful for congestion, drying effect. Tonic to the skin, healing for wounds, sores
Origin: France Latin name: Boswellia thurifera
Note: Base Extraction: Distillation of bark
Lavender
Uses: Good for high blood pressure, insomnia, wounds/cuts rejuvenating to skin, helpful for colds, flus, coughs, helps regulate periods, insect repellant.
Origin: France
Latin name: Lavendula angustifolium
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from flowering tops
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during the first two trimesters of pregnancy and if you have low blood pressure.
Lemon
Uses: Refreshing, uplifting to the mind, tonic to the circulatory system, helpful with infections, colds, flus, used for wart treatments, for headaches.
Origin: Italy
Latin name: Citrus limonum
Note: Top
Extraction: Expressed from rinds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Photosensitive
Lemongrass
Uses: Stimulating, energizing, antiseptic for colds, flusÂ…headaches, tonic to the skin, encourages appetite. Insect repellant
Origin: Guatemala
Latin name: Cymbopogon citratus
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distillation from grass/leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could irritate skin
Lime
Uses: Refreshing, uplifting, eases coughs, congestion, sinusitis, tonic to immune system and helps with rheumatic pain.
Origin: Italy
Latin name: Citrus aurantifolia
Note: Top
Extraction: Expressed from the rind
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Increases photosensitivity
Orange, Sweet
Uses: Good for depression, uplifting, refreshing, calms upset stomachs, helps with insomnia, good for oily dull skin, good skin tonic.
Origin: Brazil
Latin name: Citrus sinensis
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from the rinds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Unknown?
Peppermint
Uses: Great for headaches, digestive upsets, cooling effect, good for mental fatigue, colds, flus, muscular aches and pains, skin good for acne (blackheads)
Origin: India
Latin name: Mentha piperita
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best avoided during pregnancy, with high blood pressure and may antidote homeopathic remedies. Nursing mothers avoid, could discourage milk flow.
Rosemary
Uses: Great for headaches, memory, good for muscular aches and pains, raises low blood pressure, liver decongestant, relieve menstrual cramps, may help with cellulite, alleviates dandruff and encourages hair growth.
Origin: Spain
Latin name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from leaves/flowers
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy, with high blood pressure, in cases of epilepsy and may antidote homeopathic meds.
Sandalwood
Uses: Very relaxing, for anxiety, nervous tension, aphrodisiac, drying effect, great for congestion, colds, coughs, sore throats, good for ageing skin, balancing, softening effect, relieves inflammation and itch.
Origin: India
Latin name: Santalum album
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from inner heartwood
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: In cases of depression, could lower mood, very grounding oil
Tea Tree
Uses: Revitalising, in cases of shock, excellent for the immune system, antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericide, expectorant, fungicide. Great for the skin, in cases of acne, infections, cold sores, warts, athletes foot
Origin: Australia
Latin name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from tree leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could irritate skin
Vanilla
Origin: India
Latin name: Vanilla planifolia
Note: Top
Extraction: Solvent extracted and boosted
Contraindications: Skin irritant in skincare products, avoid high concentration in pregnancy
Uses: It is said to be a premiere sensual aphrodisiac, and is reputed to be comforting and relaxing for the mind.
Vetiver
Uses: Calming, grounding oil, good for stress and tension, sedative action, helpful with acne, tonic.
Origin: Java
Latin name: Vetiveria zizanoides
Note: Base
Extraction: Solvent
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Avoid high concentration in pregnancy
Ylang Ylang
Uses: Great for insomnia, lowering blood pressure, calming, grounding oil, wonderful for balancing hormones, PMS, menopause. Great for all types of skin, balancing and a tonic.
Origin: Comores
Latin name: Cananga odorata
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of flowers
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Use in small amounts, may lead to headaches and nausea