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This is a guide to the most popular essential oils. If you want to know about an oil that I have not covered, please eMail us and I will include it.
Due to current legislation, I am not permitted to make any therapeutic claim about essential oils. This rough guide is based on my own findings or on recommendations made on the use of specific essential oils and no therapeutic claim is intended.
Essential oils are given either Top, Middle or Base Notes. This denotes the evaporation of the aroma:
- Top - Evaporates after 24 Hours
- Middle - Evaporates after 48 Hours
- Base - Evaporates after 72 Hours
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Aroma |
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Note |
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Avoid during pregnancy. Considered to be useful for nervous complaints such as depression, anxiety and nerve weakness. Can be helpful with the reduction of cellulite. When used as an inhalant, basil is reputed to help colds, flu, asthma and sinus problems.
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Herby |
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Do not use prior to sunbathing or using a sunbed. Has been known to ease skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, as well as sore, irritated skin. Helpful with stress and mental tiredness. Has an uplifting quality.
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Citrus |
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Black Pepper Piper Nigrum |
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Avoid when undergoing Homeopathic treatments. Reputed to help ease muscular aches and pains. Also useful for circulatory disorders. Can help to stimulate the mind.
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Middle |
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Spicy |
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Cedarwood Cedrus Atlantica |
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Avoid during pregnancy. Was the first embalming fluid used by the Egyptians! Helpful with nasal problems and catarrh. Can help to calm the nerves. Helps improve oily skin conditions.
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Woody |
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(Roman) Chamomile Anthemis Nobilis |
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Can help with inflammation and is said to be soothing on both the body and mind. Can be useful for Insomnia.
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Floral |
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Clary Sage Salvia Sclarea |
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Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid if epileptic. Do not use with alcohol. A very calming and sedating oil. Can cause drowsiness and promote restful sleep. Can help with stress relief.
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Spicy |
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Cypress Cupressus Sempervirens |
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Cypress has natural deodorant qualities. Refreshing and relaxing. Can be helpful with menstrual problems.
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Woody |
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Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Globulus |
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Avoid during pregnancy and if epileptic. Antiseptic qualities. Used to clear sinuses by inhalation. Can help relieve muscular and rheumatic pain. A refreshing, stimulating and energising oil.
Oil of the Month April 2003
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Vicks |
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Frankincense Boswellia Thurifera |
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Is reputed to be calming, stress relieving and anti depressant. Traditionally used to induce a state of meditation. Can help with persistent coughs and colds.
Oil of the Month December 2003
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Woody |
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Geranium Pelargonium Odoratissimum |
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Reputed to induce both a physical and mental state of balance. Useful for PMT and menopause.
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Floral |
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Ginger Zingiber Officinale |
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Use in small quantities. Can help with rheumatic and general aches and pains. Has a warming and stimulating effect.
Oil of the Month December 2003
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Spicy |
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Grapefruit Citrus Paradisi |
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Reported to be uplifting for the spirit, stress relieving, refreshing, invigorating and useful for headaches.
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Citrus |
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Jasmine Jasminum Officinale |
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One of the most expensive oils in the world. Is said to be very helpful during childbirth. An aphrodisiac, which is also reputed to be helpful for depression, sadness and stress.
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Floral |
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Juniper Juniperus communis |
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Avoid during pregnancy. Reputed to be purifying and detoxifying oil. Do not use if you suffer with kidney problems or for prolonged periods of time for medical reasons. Useful for irregular periods and general aches and pains. Can help to reduce stress.
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Herby |
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Lavender Lavandula Angustifolia |
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This is the most popular and widely used essential oil. It is very safe and is one of only 2 oils which can be used undiluted on the skin. Reputed to help burns when used neat. Is said to have antiseptic, healing and pain relieving properties. Can be calming and useful for insomnia.
Oil of the Month June 2003
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Floral |
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Useful in skincare for oily skin and broken capillaries. Has been found to be uplifting to the mind as well as reputedly helping to reduce mistakes when inhaled.
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Citrus |
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Lemongrass Cymbopogon Citratus |
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Is said to be useful for muscular aches and strains after sports, particularly when mixed with Rosemary and Marjoram. Has a deodorising effect.
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Citrus |
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Gorgeous sharp aroma which is often used as a general tonic. Lime is known for it's anti depressant qualities. Useful for mental fatigue. Also reputed to help with cellulite.
Oil of the Month November 2003
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Citrus |
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Mandarin Citrus Reticulata |
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Children absolutely love this oil. Useful for an upset stomach and helping to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Said to be calming as well as sharpening he senses and improving mental alertness.
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Citrus |
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Marjoram Origanum Majorano |
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Can help to relieve muscular aches and strains. A warm and comforting oil. Also reputed to dampen down any lustful feelings!
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Herby |
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Melissa Melissa Officinalis |
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Also known as lemon balm. Has been known to ease heavy periods. Extremely uplifting and found to be helpful with Anorexia as it is an appetite stimulant. Also said to nurture the 'female aspect' of the psyche.
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Citrus |
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Viewed to be the number one oil for reducing stress and shocks. It is found to be a useful anti-depressant and good for hysteria and insomnia. Good for dry skin types.
Oil of the Month August 2003
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Floral |
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A very cheerful oil. Refreshing and mildly anti depressant. Can help to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
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Citrus |
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Patchouli Pogostemom Cablin |
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This oil is reputed to have many qualities such as an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, nerve stimulant, mildly antiseptic and skin cell growth promoting properties.
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Musky |
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Peppermint Mentha Piperita |
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Avoid during pregnancy and if epileptic. Please use this oil in small amounts. Useful for easing nausea and stimulating appetite. Also reputed to be stimulating, cooling, pain relieving and antiseptic.
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Minty |
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Petitgrain Citrus Aurantium |
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Has been used to aid stress and insomnia. Has a deodorising effect and is pleasant when used in the bath. Very uplifting.
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Floral |
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This oil is reputed to be cleanser of the body and mind. Useful for PMT and other menstrual related disorders. Also said to be a powerful anti depressant. Good for dry skin.
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Floral |
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Rosemary Rosmarinus Officinalis |
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Avoid during pregnancy and if epileptic. Can be useful for exhaustion and for promoting mental stimulation. Used as an inhalant, can ease congestion and colds. Stimulating to the nervous system.
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Herby |
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Sandalwood Santalum Olbum |
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Has a reputation of strengthening emotions, aphrodisiac, calming and uplifting. Useful for dry skin. Can help respiratory infection when used as an inhalant.
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Sweet Fennel Foeniculum Vulgare |
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Avoid during pregnancy and if epileptic. Useful for constipation and IBS. It is said to help stimulate Oestrogen production, therefore being useful to women during menopause decreasing unpleasant side effects. Also useful for reducing cellulite.
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Licorice |
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Tea Tree Melaleuca Alternifolia |
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This oil can be used undiluted on the skin to zap spots. Has an antifungal property which makes it useful for athlete's foot, warts and verrucaes. Has potent antiseptic properties. Also said to be uplifting, reviving and pain relieving.
Oil of the Month July 2003
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Camphor |
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Ylang-Ylang Cananga Odorata |
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Relaxing and sedating in times of trouble. Also said to be an aphrodisiac. Helpful with palpitations.
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