Glossary Of Essential Oils
A to Z of Essential Oils
A
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Achillea oil Anti-inflammatory and haemostatic | Use for hypertension, insomnia, haemorrhoids, gynaecological conditions, neuralgia | |
| Angelica oil Antispasmodic, carminative, relaxing, aphrodisiac, expectorant | Use for heart, respiratory and skin problems, anorexia, asthma, stomach ulcer, arthritis, psoriasis, muscle spasms, increasing sexual desire | |
| Aniseed oilEmmenagogue, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, tonic | Use for menstruation, menopause, dyspepsia, colitis, asthmatic bronchitis, tachycardia, muscle spasms, increasing sexual desire, |
B
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Balsam (Tolu) oil Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, excretory and antitussive | Use for bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs, dry skin, eczema, rashes | |
| Basil oil Antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, anti-venomous, expectorant, tonic | Use for muscle spasm and pain, increasing sexual desire and concentration, respiratory problems, sinusitis, headaches, jet lag, shock. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Bay oil Anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, cholagogue | Use for flu, neuralgia, muscle spasms and pain, stimulating the appetite, acne and skin care, water retention, stimulating gall blatrer | |
| Benzoin oil Excretory, anti-depressant, relaxing, calefacient, pulmonic, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, sedative | Use for laryngitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, cough, respiratory problems, anxiety, neuralgia, bad blood circulation, body odour, water retention, over-excitement, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Bergamot Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, refreshing, tonic, calming, deodorant, expectorant, sedative, cicatrisant | Use for laryngitis, stress, depression, insomnia, muscle spasms, fever, skin disorders, scar tissue, digestive conditions, body odour, respiratory problems, over-excitement, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Bitter Almond oil Aromatic, sedative, anaesthetic, diuretic | Use for over-excitement, making nerves numb to sensation, water retention | can cause eruption of the skin. |
| Bitter Orange Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, styptic, antibacterial, fungicide, stomachic, laxative | Use for stomachic problems, enteric fermentation, constipation, acne, greasy skin and dyspepsia | |
| Black Pepper oil Antiseptic, digestive, aphrodisiac, diuretic, tonic | Use for digestive and respiratory system, flu, increasing sexual desire, concentration, urine production, fever, muscle pain, neuralgia. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection |
C
Chamomile (Roman) oil Calming, relaxant, antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, anti-rheumatic, anti-allergen| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Cajeput oil Antiseptic, decongestant, calefacient, anti-dontalgic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, expectorant, cicatrisant | Use for respiratory infections, sinusitis, varicose veins, scare tissue, haemorrhoids, easing nerve pain, rheumatoid arthritis, relieving toothache. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Cajeput oil Antiseptic, decongestant, calefacient, anti-dontalgic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, expectorant, cicatrisant | Use for respiratory infections, sinusitis, varicose veins, scare tissue, haemorrhoids, easing nerve pain, rheumatoid arthritis, relieving toothache. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Calendula oil Anti-bleeding, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, styptic, cicatrizant, fungicide | Use for burns, wounds, eczema, greasy skin, skin inflammation and eruption, insect bites | |
| Camphor oill Antiseptic, antispasmodic | Use for muscle spasms, hypertension. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Caraway oil Depurative, disinfectant | Use to stimulate appetite, purify. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria | |
| Cardamon oil Antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue, dilatant for blood vessels | Use for digestive system, bronchitis, enteric convulsion | |
| Carnation oil Anti-depressant, anti-viral, relaxing | Use to treat viral infections, increase wellbeing | |
| Carrot (seed)oil Antiseptic, diuretic, dilatant for blood vessels, emmenagogue, depurative, diuretic, tonic | Use for dermatitis, eczema, skin regeneration, psoriasis, rheumatisms, arthritis, anaemia, dyspepsia, purifying, anorexia, colic | |
| Cedar oil(also known as Cedarwood oil) Insectifuge, antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, calming, sedative, aphrodisiac, diuretic, astringent, styptic, fungicide, detoxification, diuretic, expectorant, anti-rheumatoid | Use for respiratory problems, acne, greasy skin, dandruff, hair loss, cough, bronchitis, cystitis, leucorrhoea, nervous tension, over-excitement, water retention, genital itching, respiratory problems, rheumatism. It helps hair regrowth, invigorates blood circulation and detoxifies | |
| Celery oil Anti-rheumatic | Use for hypotension, rheumatism | |
| Chamomile (Blue) oil Calming, refreshing, antiseptic, anti-allergen, anti-rheumatic, emollient | Use for skin infections, hay fever, digestive problems, rheumatism, heartburn, mumps/b> | |
| Use for muscle pain, asthma, anxiety, migraines, rheumatism, insomnia, enteric parasites, menopause, menstrual problems, sunburn | ||
| Chaste oil Hormone balancing | Use for gynaecological and menopause problems, toothache, prostate. This oil is also used in hormonotherapy. | |
| Cinnamon oil Antiseptic, antibiotic, aphrodisiac | Use for flu, increasing sexual desire. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Cinnamon oil Antiseptic, antibiotic, aphrodisiac | Use for flu, increasing sexual desire. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Cistus oil Styptic, relaxing, calming | Use for older skin and wrinkles | |
| Citronella oil Cardiotonic, antispasmodic, calming, insectifuge, anti-louse | Use for rheumatisms, insomnia, stress, depression, otitis, arthritis, various colic and pelvis pain, head lice | |
| Coriander oil Calefacient, deodorant, tonic, peptic, depurative, digestive, | Use for indigestion, stress, insomnia, body odour, purifying, digestion, flatulence | |
| Cumin oil Calefacient, tonic, antiseptic | Use for dyspepsia, enteric convulsions, insomnia | |
| Cypress oil Deodorant, styptic, diuretic, anti-asthmatic, calming, sedative, anti-rheumatic, astringent, refreshing, cicatrizant | Use for asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, cellulites, varicose veins, scar tissue, greasy skin, body odour, sweaty feet, phlebitis, suppuration, rheumatisms, gynaecological and circulation problems, water retention, menopause, nosebleed, over-excitement |
E
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Elecampane oil Antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, decongestant, analgesic, pesticide, anti-rheumatic, anti-viral, depurative, diuretic | Use for headaches, flu, cold, sinusitis, laryngitis, cough, respiratory problems, coxalgia, neuralgia, fever, hay fever, rheumatisms, mental lucidity, purifying, water retention, sunburn, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection |
F
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Fennel seed oil Alleviative, diuretic, anti-parasitic, purge and against enteric fermentations | Use for all gynaecological problems, water retention, cystitis | |
| Fir (Black) oil Antimicrobial, ejaculatory, anti-scorbutic, antiseptic, tonic | Use for rheumatisms, respiratory | |
| Fir (Siberian) oil Antiseptic, anti-scorbutic, refreshing | Use for acne and bronchitis. Can be use to prevent or treat scurvy and applied externally to prevent infection | |
| Fragonia oil Anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, tonic | Use for muscle pain, laryngitis, tonsillitis, respiratory problems, flu, migraine, mouth infection, mumps, wounds | |
| Frankincense oil Refreshing, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antiseptic, immuniser, astringent, sedative, tonic | Use for asthma, bronchitis, acne, skin regeneration and care, over-excitement, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection |
G
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic oil Anti-viral, decongestant, expectorant | Use for viral infection, sinusitis, respiratory problems | |
| Geranium oil Circulation tonic, anti-ageing, astringent, anti-coagulant, styptic, anti-cellulite, haemostatic, insectifuge, deodorant, relaxing | Use for stress, neuralgia, nervousness, urine retention, cellulites, haemorrhoids, greasy skin, skin regeneration, body odour, sweaty feet, varicose veins, mouth infection, blood clotting, menopausal and gynaecological problems, menopause, menstrual problems, jet lag | |
| Ginger oil Calefacient, anti-scorbutic, peptic, bechic, aphrodisiac, digestive, tonic | Use for sea sickness, nausea, scurvy and various enteric diseases, stimulating appetite, digestion, increasing sexual desire and concentration, coughs, fever, Grapefruit oil | |
| Grapefruit oil Antioxidant, antispasmodic, detoxification | Use for headaches, cellulites, obesity, urine retention, detoxification, jet lag |
H
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Hypericum oil Styptic, calming, cicatrizant, anti-inflammatory | Use for enteric inflammation, healing internal and external injuries, various pains (back, neck, muscle). Also great for greasy hair and dandruff | |
| Hyssop oil Antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, astringent, bechic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic, cholagogue | Use for blood dialysis, hypertension, tonsillitis, rheumatism, pneumonia, respiratory problems, acne and skin care, coughs, water retention, stimulating gall blatrer. |
J
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine oil Antispasmodic, relaxing, calming, sedative, aphrodisiac, cicatrizant | Use for headache, muscle spasms, anxiety, over-excitement, menstrual period, menopause, scar tissue, dejection, increase sexual desire, nervous fatigue | |
| Juniper oil Anti-rheumatic, anti-toxic, emmenagogue, astringent, tonic, depurative, disinfectant, diuretic | Use for nervous strain, stress, gynaecological diseases, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, cellulites, obesity, acne and skin care, purifying, water retention. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria |
L
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon oil Refreshing, stimulating, astringent, antimicrobial, febrifuge, diuretic, antitoxic, haemostatic, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, depurative, detoxification, digestive, tonic | Use for hypotension, rheumatisms, digestive and hepatic problems, laryngitis, greasy skin, arthritis, varicose veins, cellulites, obesity, brittle nails, flu, fever, sniffle, nosebleeds, easing nerve pain, dyspepsia, purifying, detoxification. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Lemongrass oilAnalgesic, deodorant, anti-depressant, antiseptic, insecticidal, digestive, diuretic, tonic | Use for digestive, hepatic problems, body odour, water retention. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Lime oil Anti-scorbutic, antiviral, astringent, disinfectant | Use for prevention of viral infections, acne and skin care, prevention and treatment of scurvy. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria. |
M
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin oil Calming, sedative, antispasmodic, anti-wrinkle | Use for acne, greasy skin, skin regeneration, urine retention, obesity, dyspepsia, enteric problems, muscle spasms, over-excitement, insomnia | |
| Manuka oil Antibacterial, fungicide, relaxant | Use for skin diseases, mycosis and psoriasis | |
| Marjoram oil Calefacient, corroborant, antispasmodic, muscle booster, cholagogue | Use for heartburn, arthritis, rheumatisms, lumbago, colic, strains, constipation, cellulites, dyspnoea, migraine, headaches, nervous tension, insomnia, dizziness, menstrual problems, muscle pain, stimulate gall blatrer | |
| Mastic oil Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic | For skin problems, arthritis, coxalgia, bronchitis, urethritis | |
| May Chang oil Antiseptic, deodorant, disinfectant, insecticidal stomachic, calming | For acne, dermatitis, sudation, bloat, dyspepsia, heart arrhythmia, hypertension, nervous tension | |
| Melissa oil Antispasmodic, anti-allergen, refreshing, calming, sedative | Use for hypotension, chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, colic, menopausal problems, stress, migraines, headaches, vertigo, insomnia, hysteria, fever, hay fever, erethism, nausea, over-excitement | |
| Myrrh oil Anti-microbial, astringent, tonic, anti-ageing, deodorant, disinfectant, expectorant | Use for respiratory problems, dysentery, haemorrhoids, hyperthyroidism, acne and skin care, body odour, gum and mouth infection. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria | |
| Myrtle oil Astringent, carminative, anti-bacterial | Use for skin invigoration, greasy skin, hormone counterbalance, haemorrhoids and ovary and thyroid problems |
N
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Neroli oil Anti-depressant, antispasmodic, refreshing, calming, relaxing, sedative, nervine, tonic, cicatrizant | Use for parasites, haemorrhoids, exhaustion, anxiety, over-excitement, muscle spasm, menstrual problems depression, skin regeneration and care, insomnia, scar tissue | |
| Niaouli oil Antiseptic, decongestant, anti-allergic against viruses, anti-rheumatic | Use for otitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, rheumatism and hormone problems | |
| Nutmeg oil Peptic, calefacient, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-dontalgic, tonic | Use for bloat, dyspepsia, sea sickness, stimulating appetite, increasing sexual desire, muscle pain and spasm, relieving toothache. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection |
O
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Orange oil Calming, antispasmodic, anti-depressant, anti-wrinkle, detoxification, tonic | Use for skin care, obesity, fluid retention, obesity, constipation, nervous tension, muscle spasm, stress, detoxification | |
| Oregano oil Antiseptic, deodorant, aphrodisiac, tonic, febrifuge, anti-rheumatic, bechic, peptic, pesticide | Use for massage (especially for painful articulations), rheumatism, coughs, asthma, bronchitis and cellulites. | Do not use undiluted oil on skin |
P
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Parsley oil Antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant | Use for water retention, respiratory problems. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Patchouli oil Relaxing and refreshing | Use for dry skin, acne, eczema. It helps nervous invigoration | |
| Pepper (Red) oil Antiseptic | Use to help invigorate blood circulation, aid in flu healing. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Peppermint oil Antiseptic, decongestant, | Use for indigestion, sinusitis, anaesthetic, antispasmodic, astringent, tonic, anti-dontalgic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, expectorant, cholagogue respiratory problems, flu, coxalgia, dyspepsia, sea sickness, nausea fever, stress, heartburn, sweaty feet, migraine, headaches, muscle spasm and pain, neuralgia, flatulence, relieving toothache, gum infection, acne and skin care, insomnia, stimulate gall blatrer | |
| Petitgrain oil Antiseptic, deodorant, peptic, tonic, calming, sedative, cicatrisant | Use for acne, sudation, greasy skin and hair, dyspepsia, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, over-excitement, scar tissue | |
| Pimento oil Anti-dontalgic, aphrodisiac | Use for relieving toothache, increasing sexual desire | |
| Pine oil Anti-rheumatic, decongestant, deodorant, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, tonic | Use for rheumatism, respiratory problems, sinusitis, body odour, water retention. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria |
R
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Ravensara oil Anti-infectious, nervine and excretory | Use for insomnia and invigoration of chronic fatigue of the muscles | |
| Rose oil Antiseptic, calming, relaxing, sedative, astringent, antidepressant, anti-wrinkle, depurative, diuretic, tonic | Use for water retention, chronic bronchitis, asthma, sexual impotence, over-excitement, skin regeneration and care, purifying. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Rosemary oil Corroborant, emmenagogue, anti-rheumatic, astringent, tonic, antiseptic, detoxification, diuretic, cholagogue | Use for hypertension, migraine, memory, energy boosting, muscle pain, respiratory problems, sinusitis, menstrual problems, rheumatisms, bad circulation, water retention, insomnia, stimulating gall blatrer. One of the best tonic massage oils, it helps hair grow and great for skin care and detoxification | |
| Rosewood oil Anti-ageing, tonic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, cholagogue | Use for depression, fatigue, increasing sexual desire, respiratory infections, body odour, stimulating gall blatrer |
S
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Sage oil Antiseptic | Use for cold, fever, stomach and peptic problems, cellulites, obesity, herpes and menstruation problems. It is also considered a decongestant for blood circulation | |
| Salvia Sclarea oil Calming and antidepressant | Use for mental euphoria, menstruation problems, haemorrhoids and nervous distress | |
| Sandalwood oil Antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, anti-ageing, astringent, aphrodisiac, bechic, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, relaxing, sedative, cicatrizant | Use for respiratory problems, muscle spasms, anxiety, over-excitement, increasing sexual desire, as a decongestant for veins and lymph, acne and skin care, coughs, water retention, insomnia, menopause, scar tissue. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Savory oil Tonic, calefacient, aphrodisiac, antibiotic, anti-parasitic | Use for immune system, increasing sexual desire, preventing infection. | Do not apply it undiluted to skin |
T
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Tagetes oil Antispasmodic | Use for muscle cramps | |
| Tangerine Anti-microbial | Use for fungal infections | |
| Tarragon oil Calefacient, stimulating | Use for peptic and equilibration of the nervous system | |
| Tea Tree oil Antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, local anaesthetic | Use for laryngitis, tonsillitis, mycosis, enteric parasites, prevention of viral and other various infections, gum infection, mumps, sinusitis, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection | |
| Thuya oil Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bactericidal | Use to help blood circulation | |
| Thyme oil Antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, anti-venomous, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, bechic, expectorant | Use for hypertension, respiratory problems, bronchitis, otitis, coughs, stimulate appetite, muscle spasm, rheumatism, increasing sexual desire |
V
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Valerian oil Soporific, hypotensive, calming | Use for insomnia, migraine, nervous dyspepsia, dandruff | |
| Vanilla oil Aromatic, balsam, aphrodisiac | ||
| Vetiver oil Antiseptic, circulation tonic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac | Use for acne, arthritis, rheumatism, increase sexual desire | |
| Violet oil Diuretic | Use for water retention |
Y
| Essential Oil Properties | Healing Potentials | Warnings & Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Ylang Ylang Calming, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, relaxing, sedative | Use for hypertension, skin diseases, increasing sexual desire, over-excitement |