Glossary Of Essential Oils

A to Z of Essential Oils

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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