How to Use Essential Oils
Inhaling Essential Oils
- Diffuser - car, electric, ceramic, light ring, glass 6-8 drops
- Mister (Environmental) - 45 drops per 30 ml water
- Mister (Body/Face) - 15 drops per 30 ml of water
- Tissue - one drop and inhale, avoiding eye area
Massaging Essential Oils
Must be diluted in cold pressed vegetable oil or lotion or cream base
For healthy adults 7-15 drops per 30 ml of massage base
Older Children or Seniors half the amount 3-7 drops per 30ml
Bathing with Essential Oils
- Bath tub - add up to 8 drops of essential oil to a full tub
Foot bath - add up to 4-6 drops of essential oil
*Use very little citrus in the bath, could tingle the skin
Essential Oil Descriptions & Contraindications
Uses: An essential oil suggested for the digestive system, could stimulate a tired mind, muscular aches and pains. Helpful for colds, coughs, and bronchitis.
Origin: Spain
Latin name: Pimpinella anisum
Note: Top
Extraction: Distillation from seeds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, can cause dermatitis, best to use in small doses.
Uses: Headaches, digestive upsets, sharpens the senses, sluggish/congested skin.
Origin: India
Latin name: Ocimum basilicum
Note: Top
Extraction: Distillation from flowering herb
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, can irritate the skin
Uses: Calms the mind, helps relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, bronchitis and flus, cuts or chapped skin.
Origin: India
Latin name: Styrax benzoin
Note: Base
Extraction: Solvent from resin
Applications: Widely used as a fragrance fixative. Also can be used in massage, bath and body care products.
Cautions: May be an irritant to people with extremely sensitive skin
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.
Uses: Muscular aches and pains, helpful with bruising, stimulates the mind, stimulates the digestive system.
Origin: India
Latin name: Piper nigrum
Note: Middle
Extraction: Extraction from peppercorns
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Skin irritant, could over stimulate kidneys.
Uses: An excellent antiseptic for the respiratory tract. Good for muscular aches and pains, colds, flus, sinusitis, insect bites.
Origin: Indonesia
Latin name: Malaleuca cajaputi
Note: Top
Extraction: Distillation of leaves & twigs
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: May irritate the skin
Uses: Good for infections, muscular aches and pains, calms the digestive system.
Origin: China
Latin name: Cinnamon camphora
Note: Top Extraction: Distilled from wood & branches
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: White Camphor is said to be less toxic than yellow or brown camphor. Powerful Oil, avoid during pregnancy, epilepsy and asthma
Uses: Cleanses the body, tonic on hormonal concerns, great for skin adding elasticity and toning.
Origin: Hungary
Latin name: Daucus carota
Note: Middle
Extraction: Steam distilled from dried seeds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy
Uses: Good for acne, eczema, greasy skin (astringent), respiratory conditions asthma, bronchitis, calming good for stress.
Cedarwood Origin: Morocco
Cedarwood Latin name: Daucus carota
Cedarwood Note: Middle
Cedarwood Extraction: Distilled from the wood
Cedarwood Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Cedarwood Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy, could irritate skin
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
Uses: Calming, balancing, can be used as a personal perfume. Aphrodisiac.
Origin: India
Latin name: Michelela champaca
Note: Base
Extraction: Solvent extracted from flowers
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy
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
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.
Uses: Calming nerves, PMS / menopause-balancing. Used for high blood pressure, oily hair and skin, for dandruff.
Origin: Hungary
Latin name: Salvia sclarea
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from leaves/flower tops
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Very sedating, avoid during pregnancy.
Uses: muscular aches and pains, good for the digestive system, disinfectant, aphrodisiac, strengthens memory and the mind, helpful with depression.
Origin: Madagascar
Latin name: Eugenia caryophylatta
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from the buds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Very strong oil, could cause skin irritation
Uses: Uplifting, refreshing to memory, good the digestive system, warming analgesic for muscular pain, arthritis and a general cleanser of the body.
Origin: Russia
Latin name: Coriandum sativum
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from seeds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Said to be stupefying in large doses.
Uses: Calming, great for varicose veins, balancing action on skin (oily skin) good for muscular aches and pains, for coughs, bronchitis
Origin: Austria
Latin name: Cupressus sempervirens
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distillation of needles and twigs
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy
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.
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
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
Uses: Bruising, cellulite, rheumatism, good for detoxifying the body, increasing mother's breast milk
Origin: Hungary
Latin name: Foeniculum vulgare
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from crushed seeds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy, with epilepsy, can be a skin irritant
Uses: For colds, flus, coughs, bronchitis, muscular aches and pains, grounding effect on the mind
Origin: Austria
Latin name: Abies siberica
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation from needles/leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known
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
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known
Garlic
Uses: Excellent detoxifier, lowers blood pressure
Origin: Mexico
Latin name: Allium sativum
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from stem/pods
Applications: Use very small amounts.
Contraindications: Best to avoid if have pulmonary or digestive conditions. VERY strong essential oil.
Uses: Wonderful balance, great for PMS, menopause, depression. For skin, healing and helps balance sebum.
Origin: China
Latin name: Pelargonium graveolens
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distillation from flowers/leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy, may irritate sensitive skin.
Ginger
Uses: Great for nausea, warming and good for muscular aches and pains, sharpens senses and aids memory, colds and flus
Origin: India
Latin name: Zingiber officinalis
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from the rhizome (root)
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could irritate sensitive skin.
Uses: Good for depression, headaches, cellulite, congested and oily skin, water retention, nervous exhaustion
Origin: Israel
Latin name: Citrus paradisi
Note: Top
Extraction: Expressed from the peel
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could increase photo-sensitivity (burn easier in the sun)
Jasmine, Absolute
Uses: Good for depression, great for child labor, uterine tonic, aphrodisiac, coughs, laryngitis, loosens up stiff limbs
Origin: India
Latin name: Jasminum officinale
Note: Base
Extraction: Solvent extraction
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy.
Uses: Clears the mind, effective diuretic (increases urine flow) cellulite, detoxifying the body, regulates periods. Good for congested or oily skin, acne
Origin: Croatia
Latin name: Juniperus communis
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distilled from the berries
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Prolonged used could overstimulate the kidneys, best avoid during pregnancy.
Uses: Refreshing oil, good for aches and pains, coughs, colds and flus and helps heal wounds.
Origin: France
Latin name: Lavandula hybrida grosso
Note: Middle
Extraction: Distillation from flowering tops
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Similar to lavender, not as relaxing oil
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.
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
Uses: Stimulating, energizing, antiseptic for colds, flus
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
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
Uses: Good for acne, greasy skin conditions, indigestion, antiseptic for immune system.
Origin: China
Latin name: Litsea cubeba
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from the fruits} Note:
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could irritate sensitive skin
Uses: Good for acne, oily skin, stretch marks, fluid retention, insomnia, nervous tension, uplifting to mind, digestive complaints.
Origin: Italy
Latin name: Citrus nobilis
Note: Top
Extraction: Expressed from the rinds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Increases photosensitivity
Marjoram
Uses: Calming effect, helpful with insomnia, helps with rheumatic aches and pains, dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, helpful with headaches. Reduces sexual desire!
Origin: Spain
Latin name: Thymus masticina
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of flowering heads
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, BathContraindications: Best avoided during pregnancy, prolonged use could cause drowiness.
Uses: Wonderful drying effect, for colds, flus, congestion, helps support the immune system, excellent for mouth and gum disorders.
Origin: France
Latin name: Commiphora myrrha
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of branches, stem
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy
Uses: For children with colds, coughs, more sedating and gentle than eucalyptus. Soothes feelings of anger, helpful with sleep, has drying effect on colds, flus and insect repellant
Origin: Tunisia
Latin name: Myrtus communis
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of the leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could possibly irritate mucous membranes
Uses: Said to be euphoric, great for depression and stress, helpful in cases of insomnia, aphrodisiac, circulatory tonic
Origin: Tunisia
Latin name: Citrus aurantium
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of petals (orange tree)
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Very relaxing oil
Uses: Stimulating, reviving, great for infections, helps support the immune system, good for the respiratory system, bronchitis, flu, pneumonia
good for acne, boils, cuts
Origin: Australia
Latin name: Melaleuca viridiflora
Note: Top to Middle
Extraction: Distillation of leaves/shoots
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known?
Uses: Invigorating to the mind, wonderful for the digestive system, helping break down foods, regulates periods, warming great for muscular aches and pains, aphrodisiac.
Origin: Indonesia
Latin name: Myristica fragrans
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation from seeds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Potent oil use in moderation, best avoid during pregnancy
Uses: As a fixative, used in soaps, perfumes, hair products
Origin: France
Latin name: Evernia prunastri
Note: Base
Extraction: Solvent
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: It is not a true essential oil, compound
Orange, Bitter
Uses: Similar to Orange Sweet, although it isn't noted for helping with depression.
Origin: Italy
Latin name: Citrus aurantium
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from the rinds
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Could increase photosensitivity
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?
Uses: Uplifting, cools the body down, tonic to digestive system, general skin tonic
Origin: India
Latin name: Cymbopogon martinii
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of grass
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known?
Uses: Grounding and balancing effect, healing for the skin, eczema, psoriasis, astringent, diuretic cellulite, deodorant, aphrodisiac
Origin: Indonesia
Latin name: Pogostemum cablin
Note: Base
Extraction: Distillation of leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Sedative in low doses, stimulating in high doses, may cause loss of appetite
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.
Uses: Eczema, chapped skin, colds, flus, bronchitis, nervous tension and stress
Origin: Peru
Latin name:
Note: Base
Extraction: Steam distilled
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Skin irritant, not true essential oil, compounded
Uses: Calming, soothing on emotions, sedative, insomnia, deodorant, clears up acne
Origin: Paraguay
Latin name: Citrus aurantium
Note: Top-Middle
Extraction: Distilled from twigs/shoots
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known? Comes from Orange Tree
Uses: Refreshing, clears the mind, powerful antiseptic, colds, flus, congestion, warming properties, arthritis, gout, sciatica, insect repellant, congested skin.
Origin: Austria
Latin name: Pinus sylvestris
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from needles/cones
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: May irritate sensitive skin
Uses: For colds, flus, coughs, infections, sinusitis, expectorant, for muscular aches and pains.
Origin: Madagascar
Latin name: Ravensara aromatica
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known?
Uses: Good for depression, stress, great for balancing PMS, menopause, tonic to the liver, stimulates the lymphatic system, excellent for skin conditions (acne, eczema), rejuvenating, healing and promotes balance.
Origin: France
Latin name: Pelargoonium graveolens
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from leaves/flowers
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best avoided during pregnancy, could irritate sensitive skin
Uses: Good for depression, eases nervous tension, stress, excellent tonic for the womb, balances hormones, tonic to the heart, liver, wonderful for mature, ageing skin, rejuvenating, healing and soothing.
Origin: Morocco
Latin name: Rosa centifolia
Note: Base
Extraction: Solvent extraction
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Best to avoid during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
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.
Rosewood
Uses: Boosts the immune system, aphrodisiac, comforting and warming, relieves headaches, especially for pregnant women, deodorant, healing to the skin
Origin: Brazil
Latin name: Aniba rosaedora
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from wood
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known?
Uses: In very small doses calms the nervous system, aids memory, good for menopause, PMS, tonic to digestive system, clears mucous, respiratory system, deodorant, raises low blood pressure.
Origin: Spain
Latin name: Salvia lavandifolia
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from flowers/leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Powerful oil, avoid during pregnancy and while breast feeding, with high blood pressure, with epilepsy, may antidote homeopathic meds.
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
Uses: Stimulates a tired mind, helpful with digestive upsets, good for headaches, bad breath and sore gums.
Origin: United States
Latin name: Mentha spicata
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from leaves
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Sharp, strong oil, best avoided during pregnancy and may antidote homeopathic remedies.
Uses: Muscular aches and pains, respiratory conditions, bronchitis, coughs, colds, infections, helpful in cases of stress or anxiety
Origin: Austria
Latin name: Tsuga canadensis
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from needles/twigs
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Not known, possible skin irritant
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
Uses: Wonderful antiseptic, great for colds, flus, coughs, sore throats, said to be warming, raises low blood pressure, good for circulation, tonic to the scalp - dandruff
Origin: Spain
Latin name: Thymus vulgaris
Note: Base
Extraction: Distilled from flowering heads
Applications: Inhalation, Massage
Contraindications: Best to avoid during pregnancy, with high blood pressure, could irritate sensitive skin
Origin: India
Latin name: Vanilla planifolia
Note: Top
Extraction: Solvent extracted and boosted
Applications: I, M, B
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.
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
Uses: General fortifier, tonic to vascular system, balances hormonal action, helps with sluggish digestion, pain relieving, astringent for oily skin and hair conditions, stimulating action on hair growth.
Origin: Hungary
Latin name: Achillea millefolium
Note: Top
Extraction: Distilled from flowering heads
Applications: Inhalation, Massage, Bath
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, prolonged use may cause headaches.
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
