Essential Oil Glossary
Essential Oil Glossary - Quick Guide
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
In an effort to take the mystery out of aromatherapy ( arometherapy ) and its benefits, this list is provided as a quick reference guide.
Essential oils are believed to promote physical and emotional well being. For example, certain oils may help relax, heal, energize, help eczema and psoriasis, as well as countless other applications. Some people simply put a few drops of essential oil in their bath as the aroma is very pleasant and relaxing.
Please be advised that some essential oils may be hazardous, this is why it is important to have a firm understanding of the oil, its properties, uses, methods, etc. Some essential oils are considered very safe, such as lavender - however, it is still recommended that you consult with an aromatherapy practitioner before using.
It is also important to note that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba, etc. To dilute, add 1-4 drops of essential oil to 2-4 ounces of carrier oil.
Angelica: Strengthens, restores, and anchors. Avoid use in full sun.
Aniseed: Reduces cramping and indigestion. Do not use if pregnant.
Armoise: Emollient and muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant.
Basil: Soothes and tones. Use sparingly.
Bay: Stimulates and energizes. Can irritate skin.
Bergamot: Conditions skin, soothes. Antiseptic. Photo toxic.
Birch Tar: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant.
Black Currant Seed: Relieves PMS. High in Vitamin C.
Black Pepper: Muscle relaxant.
Cabreuva: Calming, increases alertness.
Cajeput: Stimulates, mood enhancer, antiseptic.
Camphor: Soothes, conditions skin, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic. See Hazards at the bottom of page.
Cananga: Skin conditioner, deodorant.
Caraway: Muscle relaxant.
Cardamom: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent.
Carrot Seed: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner.
Cedarwood: Antiseptic, skin conditioner, deodorant, soothing agent.
Celery Seed: Toner.
Chamomile Moroc: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner.
Chamomile Roman: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner.
Cinnamon Bark: Skin conditioner, anti-inflammatory. Can cause skin irritation.
Citronella: Skin conditioner, insect repellent.
Clary Sage: Skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or if drinking alcohol.
Clove Bud: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Can irritate skin.
Copaiba Balsam: Increases circulation, reduces stress.
Coriander: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Use sparingly.
Costus Root: Calming agent.
Cumin: Stimulating. Can irritate skin. Use sparingly.
Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, sinus clearing.
Evening Primrose: Moisturizes dry skin and treats eczema.
Sweet Fennel: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, antiseptic.
Frankincense: Skin conditioner, soothing agent.
Geranium: Skin refresher, muscle relaxant.
Ginger: Astringent.
Grapefruit: Soothing agent, astringent, skin conditioner.
Hyssop: Soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant, epileptic, or have high blood pressure.
Jasmine Absolute: Emollient, soothing agent, antiseptic.
Juniper: Skin detoxifier, astringent, soothing agent. Flammable.
Lavandin: Soothing agent, muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, astringent.
Lavender: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent, astringent.
Lemon: Soothing agent, antiseptic.
Lemongrass: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, muscle relaxant, antiseptic.
Lime: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.
Mandarin: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.
Manuka: Relieves aches and pains, healing to the skin.
Myrrh: Anti-inflammatory, emollient, antiseptic. Use in moderation if pregnant.
Neroli: Antiseptic, emollient.
Nutmeg: Antiseptic, soothes irritated skin, muscle relaxant.
Orange: Astringent, soothing agent, skin conditioner.
Origanum: Increases energy.
Palmarosa: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, emollient, muscle relaxant.
Peppermint: Emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant.
Pine: Antiseptic
Rose Absolute: Skin conditioner
Rose Otto: Astringent
Rosemary: Antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant or have high blood pressure.
Rosewood: Muscle relaxant.
Sage: Soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic.
Sandlewood: Antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, skin conditioner.
Spearmint: Emollient, astringent, soothing agent. Use sparingly.
Tarragon: Astringent
Tea Tree: Antiseptic, anti- acne, anti- dandruff
Thyme: Antiseptic, toner
Vanilla: Emollient
Vetiver: Emollient, reduces blood pressure
Violet Leaf: Soothing agent, skin conditioner
Yarrow: Reduces scarring
Ylang-Ylang: Reduces stress and tension
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ESSENTIAL OILS
The following list of essential oils are considered hazardous and should not be used.
Ajowan
Trachyspermum copticum
Almond, Bitter
Prunus dulcis var. amara
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Birch, Sweet
Betula lenta
Boldo Leaf
Peumus boldus
Broom, Spanish
Spartium junceum
Calamus
Acorus calamus var. angustatus
Camphor
Cinnamomum camphora
Deertongue
Carphephorus odoratissimus
Garlic
Allium sativum
Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Jaborandi
Pilocarpus jaborandi
Melilotus
Melilotus officinalis
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Mustard
Brassica nigra
Onion
Allium cepa
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wormseed
Chenopodium ambrosioides
var. anthelminticum
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
You may also be interested in the aromatherapy glossary, the soap making process, and the history of aromatherapy.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your physician.