Common NameLatin NameProperties
BasilOcimum basilicumWarming and stimulating. Traditionally used to aid concentration, clear headaches & ease mental fatigue. An antispasmodic oil for tired muscles, chest and digestive complaints.
BenzoinStyrax benzoinSedative, soothing and warming. Inhalations for coughs, sore throats and chest problems. Tradionally used to aid sleep and dispell grief and lonliness. Is added to skin preparations for irritated and dry skin.
BergamotCitrus bergamia Considered relaxing and uplifting. A good antiseptic for acne, cold sores and skin care, cystitis and chest infections. A natural deodoriser when vaporised. Can be photosensitising - should not be used on skin exposed to sun.
CapejutMelaleuca cajeputiVery stimulating and penetrating aroma. Excellent for colds, coughs and sinus infections. Antiseptic. Used for muscle and joint pains.
Cedar AtlasCedrus atlanticaA soothing oil. Traditionally used for cleansing ceremonies. This oil can be helpful for insomnia. Also used for barber's rash, acne, scalp irritation. Excellent for chest congestion.
Chamomile, GermanMatricaria recititaContains more azule than Roman Chamomile and therefore is deep blue. It's properties and aroma are stronger than Roman chamomile..
Chamomile, RomanAnthemis nobilisStrongly sedative, soothing and anti-inflamatory for inflamed skin, arthritic joints and hayfever. Useful for womens problems, digestive disturbances and insomnia. Safe for babies to ease teething, colic and crankiness
Cinnamon LeafCinnamomum zeyl.A beautiful scent. Used as an air freshener, to keep germs at bay. Helps rid the air of tobacco fumes. Not recommended for use directly on the skin
CitronellaCymbopogon nardusA refreshing lemony scent, used as an air freshener and insect repellent.
Clary-sageSalvia sclereaDeeply relaxing. Excellent nerve tonic. Antispasmodic properties used for aching muscles, back pain and period cramps. Also for asthma, migraine and womens problems. Do not use after taking alcohol as it may induce very lurid dreams.
Clove BudEugenia caryoph.A powerful antiseptic. Not recommended for use on the skin. Vaporise to keep germs at bay.
CorianderCoriandum sativumWarming and stimulating. Useful for the digestive system and for rheumatic aches and pains, as well as aching muscles and chills.
CypressCupressus sempervirensRelaxing and refreshing. An astringent for circulatory problems. May help relieve piles and varicose veins. Also used for aching muscles, asthma and heavy periods. An anti-perspirant and deoderant.
Eucalyptus GlobulusEucalyptus globulusStrongly antiseptic for chest and sinus infections, colds and cystitis. Useful for rheumatism and arthritis.
Eucalyptus CitriodoraEucalyptus citriodoraA lemon scented species paticularly useful for inflamed joints and tendonitis or busitis.
Eucalyptus SmithiiEucalyptus smithiiA gender species suitable for use with young children and babies instead of Eucalyptus globulus.
Fennel, SweetFoeniculum vulgareExcellent for catarrhal congestion and as a digestive tonic. Detoxifying for cellulite and water retention. Oestrogen-like for menopausal symptoms and P.M.T.
FrankincenseBoswellia thurfera/carteriiDeeply relaxing aroma. Used to prevent wrinkles and heal scars and stretch marks. For respitory problems as it encourages slower, deeper breathing. An aid to meditation and relaxation.
GeraniumPelargonium graveolensWidely used for women's problems and skin care. Balancing for hormones and emotions. Use cautiously on very sensitive skins.
GingerZingiber officinaleWarming and stimulating. Used for cold's and 'flu'. Stimulates the circulation and digestion. Relieves nausea.
GrapefruitCitrus paradisiExcellent refreshing properties for the body and mind. Reputedly helpful for jet lag. Also considered detoxifying.
JasmineJasminum grandiflorumNot available as an essential oil. The absolute is produced by extraction with solvents and should be used with caution. A deeply sensual aroma. Used for depression, skin care, and as a reproductive tonic. Said to improve self confidence.
JuniperJuniperus communisA sedative oil for the mind, but very stimulating for the body. A diuretic and urinary antiseptic. Avoid in pregnancy and kidney disease.
Lavender Lavandula angustifoliaThis is the most versatile and popular oil. Healing and balancing for the body and soul. Used for skin care and relaxation. Safe for children. Acne, burns, bruises, colds, flu, athletes foot,etc, etc.
LemonCitrus limonumRefreshing and uplifting. Tonic for circulation and the immune system. Reputed to remove warts, verrucae and corns, as well as detoxifying the body.
LemongrassCymbopogon citratusUseful for mental and physical fatigue and overworked muscles. Relaxing to the mind. Also for open pores and acne. A fungicidal oil.
MandarinCitrus reticulataGentle enough to use on babies and the elderly. Excellent for insomnia and digestive disturbance. Also used for stretch marks and scarring.
Marjoram, SweetOriganum majoranaA warming and soothing oil. Used for anxiety, grief, insomnia and stress. Also for muscular, digestive and menstrual pain, constipation and migrane.
MyrrhCommiphora myrrhaA relaxing aroma, with excellent healing properties. Especially good for sore throats, slow healing wounds and fungal infections.
NeroliCitrus aurantium AmaraDistilled from the flowers of the Orange tree, this oil has a truly beautiful aroma, but is expensive. Excellent for sensitive skins. Used for all sorts of anxiety and depression. Safe to use in pregnancy. Also good for the digestive system. Said to improve self confidence.
NiaouliMelaleuca viridifloraA close relative of tea tree. Similar properties to capejut and eucaliptus.
NutmegMyristica fragransA very potent oil. Warming and stimulating. Traditionally used for the digestion and as an anti-infectious oil. Not recommended for home use.
Orange,SweetCitrus sinensisRelaxing and refreshing. A good digestive tonic.
PalmarosaCymbopogon martiniA sweet aroma. Excellent for nervous exhaustion and stress related problems. Also for skin care.
PatchouliPogostemon cablinPeople love or hate this aroma. Very balancing emotionally and physically. Useful for the circulation and dry or chapped skin, as well as general skin care.
PeppermintMentha piperitaExcellent for headaches and migrane, digestive problems, nausea and sinusitus. Do not use on children under 3.
Pepper, BlackPiper nigrumStimulating, warming and toning. Used by dancers and athletes to promote suppleness and muscle tone. Aches pains and chills. A digestive tonic. Avoid in kidney disease.
PetitgrainCitrus aurantiumFrom the leaves of the orange tree. Similar to Neroli in action but far less expensive, the aroma is less refined but still delightful. An excellent relaxant, yet uplifting and a useful antispasmodic, especially for nervous diarrhoea and tummy problems. Good for sensitive skins.
PinePinus sylvestrisEnergising and antiseptic. For stress, fatigue and burnout. Respitory infections.
Rose OttoRosa damascenaDistilled from the rose. It takes very many petals to produce a few drops, which explains the high cost. The absolute is produced by solvent extraction and therefore only the Otto should be used in aromatherapy. The most feminine of oils. Considered excellent for grief and depression. Also a reproductive tonic. Used for skin care.
RosemaryRosmarinus officinalisSome caution with this oil as there are several contraindications. However, excellent for stimulating the brain, clearing the senses and treating headaches. Also respiratory catarrh and sinusitis. Digestive problems and muscle or joint pain. Very stimulating.
Sandalwood AgmarkSantalum albumRelaxing and sensual. A special affinity for the respitory and urinary systems as a disinfectant. Soothes dry coughs and sore throats. Also used in skin care. Balances sebum production and therefore good for all skin types.
Spearmint Mentha spicata Much sweeter and less piercing than peppermint. Similar uses.
Spruce, BlackPicea mariana Similar to pine, but more pleasing aroma.
Tea TreeMelaleuca alternifoliaEffective against bacteria and fungi. Used for acne, spots, abscesses, athlete's foot, ringworm and thrush. Also mosquito bites, stings and grazes. Cold's and flu - boosts the immune system.
VetivertVetivera zizanoidesA heavy aroma which is excellent as a sedative. Balancing for the mind and body.
Ylang-Ylang 3Cananga odorataA sweet aroma. Can lower blood pressure and deepen the breathing. Excellent sedative for extreme anxiety. Traditionally used for the skin and hair. Too much can be rather nauseating.