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Essential Oil Information

Smells are surer
Than sounds or sights
To make your heartstrings crack.

-Rudyard Kipling
 

 

Literally Aromatherapy means the “use of aromas for their healing properties”.

According to Shirley Price, a respected authority on aromatherapy and essential oil information: “Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils to promote the health and vitality of the body, mind and spirit by inhalation, baths, compresses, topical application and full-body massage. "

The word "Aromatherapy" seems to be ubiquitous these days.  Everything from air fresheners, to candles and lotions.  But, it is important to read the label and discover what is actually in the product before using it.  Many "aromatherapy" products do not even use essential oils and many actually use ingredients that may be harmful if inhaled or applied to your skin.   And, even if a product is "all-natural", it still may cause allergic reactions or adverse reactions to those who have sensitivity or underlying medical conditions.  See the Contraindications page for more information.

What is an essential oil?


An essential oil is the distilled or expressed product created by plant tissues of a single plant species. It consists of sometimes hundreds of individual biochemical components.  Essential oils are highly volatile (they evaporate easily), extremely concentrated, and very complex.  It is practically impossible to replicate an essential oil in a laboratory setting.

Essential oils are synthesized in different parts of plants, depending on the plant species.  They can be produced in leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, wood, or resin.  Where the oil is produced within the plant affects the chemical constituents, properties, and how we humans are affected by the oil.

There are many different ways to use aromatherapy, depending on the desired result and the individual using the oils.

Essential oils contain powerful, therapeutic constituents, so it’s important to use them safely.

Here are some suggestions for using essential oils in your daily life:
  • Topical Application To The Skin - Be sure to test a small drop of the oil on the skin prior to using.  Essential oils should generally be used in a carrier or base oil before applying to the skin.
  • Through The Skin Via Water - Essential oils can be added to a foot, hand, or full body bath, where they are inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Depending on the oil, use approximately 5–10 drops for a full bath.
  • Inhalations - Nasal Sprays - Oils used as nasal sprays will be absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal mucous membranes. A micro-fine mister or aerosol can be used for inhalations, or essential oils can be added to vaporizers.
  • Steam Inhalation - Add the essential oil to a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam. Depending on the oil, use 6 drops of oil to a medium-size bowl of boiling water; inhale for 5–10 minutes. This is very effective for coughs, colds, and sinusitis.
Therapeutic Actions of Essential Oils

Alteratives -Essential oils that gradually cleanse the blood, tone and regulate the eliminative organs. Juniper.

Analgesic -Essential oil used to relieve pain when applied externally, also called anodyne or local anesthetic.
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Eucalyptus, Lavender.

Anaphrodisiac -Essential oil, which represses sexual desire. Camphor, Marjoram.

Anesthetic -Essential oil that produces a loss of sensation when applied directly to a surface.
Bay, Caraway, Clove, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Thyme.

Anodyne -Essential oil used to relieve pain when applied externally, also called analgesic.
Chamomile, Marigold, Mullein, Mustard, Peppermint.

Antacid -Essential oil used to neutralize acid in the stomach and intestinal tract.
Caraway, Catnip, Clove, Fennel, Parsley, and Peppermint.

Anthelmintic -Essential oil used to expel or destroy intestinal worms. See vermifuge.  Bergamot, Cajuput, Elecampane, Sage, Hyssop.

Anti-arthritic -Essential oil used to relieve and heal arthritic conditions. Benzoin, Black Pepper, Rosemary.

Antiasthmatic -Essential oil used to relieve asthma. Angelica, Anise, Cayenne, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Garlic.

Antibacterial -An essential oil that destroys or suppresses the growth or reproduction of bacteria. Anise, Bay, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, and Cajuput.

Antibilious -Essential oil used to eliminate an excess of bile or to improve a jaundiced condition. Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Yarrow.

Anticatarrhal -Essential oil, which heals inflammation of the mucous membranes. Cayenne, Hyssop, Thyme, Yarrow.

Antidepressant -Essential oil, which counteracts an absence of cheerfulness or diminishing functioning activity.
Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Neroli, Rose Attar.

Antiemetics -Essential oil used to lessen nausea and prevent or relieve vomiting. Basil, Clove, Fennel, Lavender, Ginger, Peppermint.

Antifungal -Essential oil that is effective against the reproduction or growth of Candida albicans and other fungi or yeast. See fungicidal.    Bay, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Garlic, Rosemary, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Antihydropic -Essential oil used to eliminate excess body fluids. Fennel, Juniper.

Anti-inflammatory-Essential oil, which is capable of counteracting or suppressing inflammation.
Bay, Benzoin, Lavender, Patchouli.

Antilithic-Essential oil used to prevent the formation of calculi or gravel in the urinary passages. Elecampane.

Antimicrobial -Essential oil capable of destroying microorganisms or suppressing their multiplication or growth.
Black Pepper, Cajuput, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Antineuralgic -Essential oil capable of relieving neuralgia. Basil, Cajuput, Chamomile Blue, Geranium.

Antioxidant -Essential oil capable of preventing oxidation. Benzoin, Ginger.

Antiphlogistic-Essential oil used to reduce inflammation or swelling. Calendula,Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Yarrow.

Antipruritic-Essential oil, which relieves or prevents itching. Chamomile, Lavender,Geranium, Yarrow.

Antiputrefactive-Essential oil, which counteracts internal decomposition. Cedarwood.

Antipyretic-Essential oil used to relieve or reduce temperature in fevers. See febrifuge.
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Camphor, Cedarwood,Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Yarrow.

Antirheumatic-Essential oil used to prevent, or relieve rheumatism. Bay, Cayenne, Hyssop, Juniper.

Antiseptic-Essential oil, which prevents, resists and counteracts putrefaction (decay). Can be dispersed in air greatly reducing the presence of microorganisms. Bay, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Cedarwood,Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus,

Garlic, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender,Peppermint, Pine, Sandalwood, Sage, Thyme, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Ylang ylang.

Antispasmodic-Essential oil used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms. Anise, Basil,Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Clove, Cypress, Fennel, Garlic,Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Thyme.

Antizymotic-Essential oil used to destroy or arrest the action of ferments or enzymes.
Elecampane, Garlic, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Aperient-Essential oil used as a mild evacuant or laxative to the bowels. See laxative.

Bergamot, Black Pepper, Lemon, Fennel, Nutmeg, Marjoram, Yarrow.

Aperitive-Essential oil, which stimulates the appetite. Anise, Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Chamomile, Garlic, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon, Marjoram,Nutmeg, Sage.

Aphrodisiac-Essential oil, which stimulates sexual desire. Black Pepper, Cedarwood,Atlas, Ginger, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose Attar.

Aromatic-Essential oil that is odoriferous, with fragrant, pungent, and spicy taste and is able to stimulate the gastro-intestinal mucous membranes. Basil,Chamomile, Spearmint.

Astringent-Essential oil that contracts tissues. It makes them denser, firmer, and decreases discharges.
Benzoin, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage,Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Neroli, Peppermint, Rose Attar,Rosemary, Sandalwood, Yarrow.

Bitters-Essential oil with a bitter taste and serves as a stimulant to the gastrointestinal membranes. Black Pepper, Ginger, Yarrow.

Calcefacient-Essential oil used as a diffusive stimulant. Causes increased capillary circulation and gives an external sense of warmth. Black Pepper, Ginger,Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage.

Cardiac Stimulant-Essential oil used to increase and give greater power to the heart. Garlic, Geranium.

Carminative-Essential oil, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis, relieves and promotes the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract.
Anise, Basil, Benzoin,Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Coriander,Elecampane, Fennel, Garlic, Lemon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary,Thyme, Yarrow.

Cell Proliferant-Essential oil that promotes rapid healing and restoration. Lavender.

Cephalic-Essential oil that is particularly healing to cerebral conditions and diseases. Basil, Garlic, Juniper berry, Lemon balm, Clary sage, Rosemary.

Cholagogue-Essential oil used to promote increased flow and discharge of bile into the intestines by contracting the bile ducts. Fennel, Sage.

Cicatrizant-Essential oil used to promote scar tissue. Benzoin

Condiment-Essential oil used to season or flavor foods. Angelica, Basil, Bay, Garlic,Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, Vanilla.

Cordial-Essential oil that combines the properties of cardiac stimulant and bringing warmth to the stomach. Chamomile, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Yarrow.

Cosmetic-Essential oil, which is a skin tonic and is used to improve the complexion and to beautify the skin. Chamomile, Elecampane, Rose Attar, Yarrow.

Deodorant-Essential oil, which eliminates foul odors. Benzoin, Bergamot, Juniper,Sage.

Depurative-Essential oil, which cleanses and purifies. Eucalyptus, Fennel, Garlic.

Diaphoretic-Essential oil that produces perspiration and sweat plus increased elimination through the skin. Differs from sudorifics. Basil, Cajuput, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Thyme, Yarrow.

Digestant-Essential oil, which aids in the digestion of food. Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Fennel.

Diuretic-Essential oil, which increases the secretion and flow of urine. Anise, Basil,Bay, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cypress, Fennel, Garlic, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary.

Emmenagogue-Essential oil, which tones the female reproductive organs and regulates menstruation. Basil, Bay, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Yarrow.

Exanthematous-Essential oil that is healing to skin eruptions or to skin diseases of an eruptive nature. Elecampane, Sage, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand).

Expectorant-Essential oil that encourages the discharge of mucus from bronchiopulmonary passages. Anise, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cajuput,Eucalyptus, Garlic, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary,Thyme.

Febrifuge-Essential oil, which reduces a fever. See antipyretic. Basil, Bergamot,Black Pepper, Cajuput, Camphor, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Yarrow.

Fungicidal-Essential oil, which is able to destroy a class of organisms such as mold, mushrooms, or fungus.
Bay, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Chamomile,Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Garlic, Rosemary, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Galactagogue-Essential oil, which increases the secretion of milk. Anise, Basil, Fennel.

Galactophygas-Essential oil that diminishes the secretion of milk. Geranium, Sage.

Germicide-Essential oil that destroys pathogenic microorganisms. Cinnamon.

Hepatic-Essential oil used to strengthen, tone and stimulate the secretion and functions of the liver, causing an increased flow of bile. Rosemary, Sage,Yarrow.

Herpatic-Essential oil that heals skin eruptions and scaling diseases. Chamomile,Garlic, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood.

Hypnotic-Essential oil that is a powerful relaxant and can induce sleep. Chamomile,Valerian.

Hypocholesterolemic-Essential oil that lowers cholesterol level in the blood. Garlic.

Hypotensive-Essential oil that lowers blood pressure. Bay, Garlic, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram.

Insecticide-Essential oil that is used to destroy insects. Basil, Bergamot, Cajuput,Lavender, Thyme, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand).

Laxative-Essential oil, which loosens the bowels and relieves constipation. Bergamot, Black Pepper, Fennel, Marjoram, Patchouli.

Maturating-Essential oil that helps to bring tumors, boils, and ulcers to a head. Bergamot, Cajuput, Eucalyptus, Lemon.

Narcotic-Essential oil that is a powerful tranquilizer and is able to produce sleep or calmness. See hypnotic. Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Rose Attar,Ylang Ylang.

Nephritic-Essential oil that has a healing influence on the kidneys. Cedarwood, Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood.

Nervine-Essential oil that tones and heals the nerves. Basil, Chamomile, Marjoram.

Opthalmic-Essential oil that heals disorders of the eye. Chamomile, Fennel.

Orexigenic-Essential oil, which increases or stimulates the appetite. Cinnamon,Fennel.

Parasiticide-Essential oil that destroys animal and vegetable parasites within the body.
Geranium, Peppermint, Pine, Thyme.

Parturient-Essential oil that stimulates uterine contractions,induces and assists with labor. Cinnamon.

Pectoral-Essential oil that heals complaints of the lungs. Cedarwood, Eucalyptus,Marjoram, Peppermint, Yarrow.

Peristaltic-Essential oil that stimulates and increases muscular contraction of the stomach and intestine. Black Pepper, Fennel, Patchouli.

Protective-Essential and fixed oil that serves as a protective covering to an inflamed surface when applied locally. Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood.

Pungent-Essential oil that has a sharp aroma and causes a prickling sensation. Lemon, Geranium, Peppermint.

Refrigerant-Essential oil with cooling properties. It lowers body temperatures and relieves thirst. Bergamot, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus.

Resolvent-Essential oil that helps to decrease any growth of tissue mass, which persists and grows independently of its surrounding structures and has no physiological use. Chamomile, Patchouli.

Rubefacient-Applied locally, this Essential oil stimulates capillary dilation and causes skin redness. It draws blood from deeper tissues and organs, relieves congestion and inflammation. Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput.

Sedative-Essential oil, which calms and tranquilizes the nerves. Bay, Benzoin,Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram,Sage, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Sialogogue-Essential oil that promotes secretion and flow of saliva. Basil, Marjoram.

Soporific-Essential oil that induces a relaxing sleep. See hypnotic and narcotic. Bay,Chamomile, Clary Sage.

Stimulant-Essential oil, which increases functional activity and energy in the body. Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Juniper, Peppermint, Thyme.

Stomachic-Essential oil, which stimulates and tones the stomach. Basil, Bay,Bergamot, Black Pepper.

Styptic-Essential oil that stops local bleeding and hemorrhaging, applied externally. Benzoin,Bergamot, Geranium, Yarrow.

Sudorific-Essential oil that promotes the flow of sweat, not perspiration, which goes on all the time through diffusion from the capillaries. Cajuput, Cypress,Peppermint, Rosemary.

Tonic-Essential oil, which stimulates, energizes, and strengthens the body. Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Thyme, Yarrow.

Vermifuge-Essential oil, which expels intestinal worms. Bergamot, Geranium, Peppermint.

Vulnerary-Essential oil that promotes healing of fresh cuts or wounds. Benzoin, Bergamot, Cajuput, Chamomile, Clove, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Geranium,Juniper, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme.

The information on this site is not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a licensed medical practitioner or naturopath. Any recommendations are for educational purposes only and are believed to be effective. 
Do not use essential oils internally unless under the care and guidance of a licensed aromatherapist.