ESSENTIAL OILS PROPERTIES A-E Below is a list of essential oils and some of the applications that they are commonly used for. Also listed are some appropriate cautions relating to particular oils - PLEASE read them and take note of any cautions that they may have. NEVER use essential oils undiluted for applications to the skin! Always dilute first in a carrier oil for massage or in water for bathing use. Remember that a little goes a long way and more IS NOT better. Always use the minimum amount possible. They are for external use only and should be kept safely away from the reach of children.
Basil, Sweet (Ocimum basilicum) - Steam distilled from the leaves, Sweet Basil has a warm, herbaceous scent. It is said to be useful in stimulating healthy hair growth and may be helpful to relieve fatigue. Used in a massage oil, it has a warming effect.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) - Cold pressed from the peel of the fruit, it has a sharp citrus scent. Cold pressed from the rind of the fruit. Uplifting and refreshing. It is said to help to relieve nervous anxiety and to promote a restful sleep. Use in a diffuser as an air freshener. May cause sensitivity to sunlight, avoid direct exposure to the sun for six hours after application to the skin. This oil is a skin irritant, and should be avoided in individuals with sensitive skin. Best used in a diffuser. Bergaptene free bergamot also known as FCF - furocoumarin free - is terpenless and considered safer to use.
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) - Steam distilled from the dried seeds, carrot see oil may be useful in skin care preparations to be used on dry or mature skin.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) - Steam distilled from the flowering tops, the scent of Catnip oil is strong and not exceptionally pleasing. Studies have shown that Catnip oil is about ten times more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. To read more about the study, click here. Blending catnip oil with Lemon Eucalyptus - which has a higher citronellol content than Citronella, and is also said to be useful as an insect repellent - will yield a more pleasing scent.
Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) - Steam distilled from the wood, stumps and sawdust. It has a woody aroma which has been used to repel insects. Inhaled, it is believed to be helpful for respiratory conditions. It is antiseptic and fungicidal, used in a diffuser it may kill airborne bacteria.
Chamomile, German or Blue Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - Steam distilled from the flowers with a strong, herbaceous scent. This oil gets its blue color from the content of azulene which is also anti-inflammatory in nature. Chamomile is believed to be useful for relaxation as well as beneficial in skin care.
Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis) - Steam distilled from the flowers. It can be pale blue to yellow in color, it has a warm, slightly sweet, fruity scent. It is believed that this oil should be avoided if you have allergies to the Ragweed family. Like German chamomile, it is thought to be useful for relaxation.
Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylancium) - Steam distilled from the leaf, it has a warm, spicy aroma. It it germicidal, antiseptic, and antifungal. Add a bit of cinnamon leaf, orange and clove to a diffuser or potpourri to purify the air and add a touch of warmth to your home. STRONG skin irritant! Not recommended for direct application to the skin. Avoid cinnamon bark oil as it is considered to be hazardous. Best used in a diffuser or inhaled.
Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus/nardus) - Steam distilled from the leaves (grass), it has a fresh, citrusy scent. Citronella is commonly used to deter insects, it has a citronellol content of up to 50%. It is also believed to be disliked by cats and may be helpful to apply to areas where you would want to deter them.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) - Steam distilled from the flowers and leaves, the scent is grounding and herbaceous similar to Earl Grey tea. Deeply relaxing, and it may be helpful to reduce melancholy, stress and relieve tension. Also thought to reduce symptoms associated with PMS and menopause. Considered by some to contain aphrodisiac qualities. Possible skin irritant. Avoid use during pregnancy and also avoid use after consuming alcohol as it may exaggerate the effects of alcohol.
Clementine (Citrus clementina) - Steam distilled from the peel, the scent is slightly sweeter than tangerine with mild floral undertones. It is calming and relaxing and may be useful to relieve anxiety. Blending it with some Petitgrain will give you a scent similar to Neroli. Blend ratio would be approximately 80% Clementine to 20% Petitgrain - or 20 drops Clementine to 5 drops Petitgrain.
Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) - Steam distilled from the buds it is spicy, warm and sweet. Contains antiseptic properties, best used in a diffuser or vaporizer to help purify the air during cold and flu season. SKIN IRRITANT! Not recommended for skin applications. DO NOT use on damaged or sensitive skin.
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - Steam distilled from the needles and cones this oil has a sweet balsamic scent. It has antiseptic and astringent qualities and may be useful for respiratory conditions. Also considered to be helpful in soothing nervous tension.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) - Steam distilled from the leaves, it has a strong, camphorous odor. It is a powerful antiseptic and is highly effective when used in a vaporizer or diffuser to relieve respiratory congestion. Avoid use if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy. Eucalyptus is toxic in small amounts if taken internally, as with all essential oils keep stored out of children's reach.
Eucalyptus, Lemon (Eucalyptus citriodora) - This oil has a lemony scent but doesn't have the camphorous scent of E. globulus. It has a higher citronellol content than citronella (80-90%) which makes it useful as an insect repellent. It's antiseptic and deodorizing characteristics also makes it a nice addition to water when mopping the floor, leaving a fresh scent.
