Getting to know your essential oils

December 6, 2011 By

 A good way to get to know each oil is to test its characteristics.

Set aside some time when you are relaxed and will not be interrupted.  Clear your mind to concentrate on the scent.  Mark the perfume blotter with the name of the oil you are testing.

Aroma-smell the oil directly from the bottle.  Try to discern the notes.  What is the intensity of the scent and the characteristics?  (After doing the perfume blotter test, think about the difference in the scent of the oil when it is in the bottle and when it is on the blotter.)

Color-Put a drop of oil on a perfume blotter.  What is the color? Note the next day if there is a stain on the perfume blotter.  Some oils leave a residue due to the solid components.

Feel-Slide a drop of oil between two fingers.  How does it feel? “oily”, slick, smooth, thick, or sticky?  You will find that essential oils do not have the characteristically “oily” feel.  If they do, they may have been diluted with a carrier oil.

Perfume blotter test-Put 1-3 drops of oil on the narrow end of a perfume blotter.  As you slowly bring the blotter towards your nose, inhale deeply.  Study the aroma.  What images come to mind?  Colors? Memories?

Inhale immediately, after a few minutes, after 30 minutes, several hours, the next morning and throughout the day.  How long does the scent last?

Does the oil run up the blotter?  Generally denser oils will remain where the drop was placed while lighter oils run up the blotter.

 

When describing the oil, use words that you would use to describe wine-warm, cool, sharp, tart, acidic, mellow, sunny or weak as well as words to describe plants: herbaceous, camphoraceous, floral, spicy, minty, nutty, or citrus.

As you are inhaling, think of colors, shapes, taste, character, and emotions.  Do you associate the scent with a gender?  How do you feel after inhaling the aroma?

Each oil is a top, middle or base note (although some may be in more than  one category).  Where do you think each fits?  As well, each note contains the three notes.  Try to smell each note as the oil evaporates.

  •   Top notes-hit you first and evaporate most easily.  These are generally light and disappear within 30 minutes.  This is the most difficult to reproduce artificially.
  • Body or middle notes-The next note you will be aware of is the middle note.  It remains longer on the blotter.  This note is normally less characteristic of the oil.  It is generally easier to reproduce artificially.  This note can last 30 minutes to four hours.
  • Base or dryout note-This longest lasting note and the last to appear.  It may take one to two hours to appear.  And some, such as patchouli, may take even longer.  The base note can last up to 36 hours.  This is the note that provides the fixative quality of an oil.

 

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

The Chemistry of Essential Oils

December 6, 2011 By

Essential Oil Chemistry

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Perfume Making

November 21, 2011 By

Creating Perfume Blends

 The art of creating perfumes goes back many centuries to Egyptian times.  Perfumes, incense, scented oils, and spices were all used to scent, to protect, and for religious ceremonies.  Perfumes were originally created with herbs and spices, often blended in plant and animal fat.  These scented oils were used medicinally as well as cosmetically.  Hippocrates was known to recommend scented baths and massages to maintain good health.

During the times of plagues, it was often perfume makers and others in the trade who survived.  Hippocrates is credited with saving the citizens of Athens during a plague by burning aromatics and fumigating the city.  A well-known folk story relates how thieves would steal from those who were dead or dying from the black plague.  When they were caught and brought to court, they revealed their secret for not being affected by the disease:  a combination of herbs and spices in vinegar which they drank over a period of several days, and which in turn, protected them from the effects of the plague.  Doctors, during these times of the bubonic plague, are often depicted in long gowns, wearing masks with long noses.  These masks are said to be filled with protective aromatics and the robes were also infused with aromatic vinegars.

It was in 1868 that the first synthetic scent was used in perfumery.  Since this time, there have been thousands of synthetic fragrances created.  These fragrances are ubiquitous, and therefore, are extremely difficult to avoid.  There has been a great deal of research done lately exposing the harmful effects of many of these chemicals.  These effects range from skin sensitivity, eczema, and dermatitis to more serious illnesses such as cancer.  Diethanolamine (DEA), phthalates, dioxane and sodium laureth sulfate are just a few of the ingredients that are now believed to be carcinogenic.

Although some people may be allergic or sensitive to essential oils, these ingredients are much safer and offer many benefits to the health of the body and mind.  Because we, as humans, are all very different, it only follows that scent will affect us all differently.  A scent that reminds one of a pleasant childhood memory will bring about pleasant feelings.  However, this same scent might affect another quite differently.  Therefore, the ability to create one’s own perfume blend can be considered a necessary luxury.

Although there are basic guidelines for creating your own blend, the process is very personal and individual.  The inspiration can come from a number of sources:  time of day, season, color, emotion, or special memory.  Before beginning, think about what feeling you wish to evoke and try to associate scents with that feeling.  If you are trying to create an uplifting blend, orange, spearmint, grapefruit, rosemary might work.  But again, it is highly individualized.  If you don’t like orange, it isn’t going to be uplifting for you.

One of the benefits of essential oils is that, although they are extremely concentrated, they are rarely overpowering as perfumes.  This is, in part, due to the fact that they are highly volatile.  It is this subtlety that makes them so mysterious and alluring.

Perfume Notes

In perfumery, scents are broken down into notes: top, middle, and base.  Not only does each oil fit into one of these (or two of these) categories, the individual oil may also have different notes as it dries out.  The note classification depends on the volatility (or evaporation rate) of the oil.

Top note scents are generally light, airy, and are the first to hit us when we smell a blend.  They are also the first to evaporate and, therefore, last for the shortest time.  Examples of top note oils are: basil, bergamot, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, peppermint, tangerine, & spearmint.

Middle note scents are the main fragrance of the oil.  The middle note is also called the body of the blend.  This note generally lasts for one to two hours.  Examples of middle notes are: black pepper, chamomile, clary sage, coriander, cypress, fennel, geranium, hyssop, juniper, lavender, marjoram, neroli, petitgrain, pine, rose, rosemary, thyme, ylang ylang.

The Base note is the longest lasting scent and is called the dry out note.  Some base note oils can overpower a blend and make it very heavy, so it is important to get the correct proportion. Base notes can last for several hours or even a whole day.  These oils add depth and strength to a blend and they can also be used as fixatives to reduce the evaporation of the other oils.  Examples of base note oils are: benzoin, cedarwood, frankincense, jasmine, myrrh, patchouli, rose absolute, sandalwood, spikenard, & vetiver.

Fixitives retard the evaporation of the other components of the blend.  They help to equalize the evaporation rate of the combination.  A great fixative is sandalwood or patchouli.

It is important to consider the intensity or strength of each oil when creating a blend.  For example, lemongrass is a very strong scent.  If you were to combine 1 drop of lavender with 1 drop of lemongrass, the lavender would be overpowered.  Therefore, this blend would not represent both oils.  For one drop of lemongrass, you might want to add 5-6 drops of lavender, or perhaps even more.

It is sometimes easier to begin with classifying scents into categories.

Floral:  rose, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang, sweet cassie, geranium.  These scents are fruity, fresh, sweet, green.

Oriental: cinnamon, frankincense, & patchouli.  Sweet, spicy, and resinous.

Citrus:  Orange, petitgrain, bergamot, lemon eucalyptus, lemon thyme, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, lime.  Floral, fresh, green.

Green:  Basil, immortelle, Lavender, pine, mint.  Fresh & spicey.

Earthy:  oakmoss, bergamot, sandalwood, vetiver, benzoin.

Aphrodisiac Scents:  Jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, rose, vanilla, cinnamon, & coriander.

Fixative/Base oils:  benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, frankincense, oakmoss.  These oils carry lighter scents and keep them from evaporating too quickly.  They also often improve with age.

To Create Your Blend

Select the mood for the blend:  light, fresh/deep, earthy/Sensual/Spicy/Oriental.

Choose a base oil that fits this mood.

Select oils that you think would complement this base.  It is best to start with no more than 5 oils.

Start with 1-3 drops of the base oil.

Add additional oils drop by drop, shaking and smelling after each addition.

Let the blend sit for 5-10 minutes, then smell again.

Your final blend should have 15-25 drops for roll-on bottle.

Add carrier oil & cap.  Shake well.

The blend will change over time as the oils coalesce.

Perfume Attributes of Essential Oils

EO

Note

Attributes

Blends with
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Top

Warm, soft, spicy, sweet, rich

 Lavender, pine, rose attar
Basil(Ocimum basilicum)

Top

Uplifting, fresh, penetrating, green

 Bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lime, oakmoss, rosemary
Bay (Laurus nobilis)

Top-Middle

Sweet, pleasant, spicy.

 Bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, juniper, lavender, orange, pine, rosemary, & vetiver
Benzoin Resinoid (Styrax benzoin)

Base

Rich, sweet, warm.  Great fixative

 Coriander, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, juniper, lemon, myrrh, nutmeg, rose attar, sandalwood
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bar. bergamia)

Top

Fresh, sweet, rich, uplifting

 Chamomile, coriander, cypress, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose attar, sandalwood
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Middle to Top

Oriental, spicy, fresh, dry, woody

 Cardamom, frankincense, grapefruit, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, rose.
Cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron)

Middle

Fruity, sweet
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Base

Warm camphor-like, woody

 Bergamot, clary sage, cypress, jasmine, juniper, neroli, rosemary, vetiver, ylang ylang
Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis)

Middle to Top Note

Warm, sweet, herbaceous, fruity

 Benzoin, bergamot, citrus, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, oakmoss, patchouli, rose.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Base to Middle

Gives lift and strength to fragrance.

Peppery, slightly woody.

 Benzoin, frankincense, myrrh, orange, peppermint, ylang ylang
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Base Note

Exceptional holding power

Very warming

 Bergamot, cardamom, cedarwood, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, petitgrain
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Middle to Top Note

Fresh and fruity

 Bay, bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, lavender, vanilla, ylang ylang
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Base to Middle Note

Sweet, balsamic.  Tenacious delicate and sweet dryout note

 Benzoin, chamomile clary sage, lavender, mandarin.
Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)

Middle to Top Note

Light, fresh, lemony, almost pepper-like

 Cinnamon bark, frankincense, lavender, myrrh, rosemary, sage, verbena, all spice oils.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Top Note

Fresh, penetrating, woody

 Cedarwood, lavender, lemon, pine, rosemary, & thyme.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Middle to Top Note

Sweet, earthy, almost peppery, sweet dryout note

 Geranium, lavender, rose, sandalwood.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Middle to Top Note

Warm, rose, high in aroma intensity.

 Bergamot, clove, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lemon, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood.
Ginger (Zinigiber officinale)

Top Note

Warm, fresh, woody, spicy. Adds spicy-sweetness to blends

 Cedarwood, coriander, frankincense, grapefruit, lime, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, vetiver.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradise)

Top Note

Citrus, light, sweet

 Bergamot, neroli, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, cypress, fennel, geranium, lavender, palmarosa, patchouli, rosemary.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

Base to Middle Note

Deady, warm, rich, floral, sultry.

 Blends well with most oils, especially citrus, clary sage, sandalwood.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Middle Note

Fresh, balsamic, fruity.

 Cedar, citrus, cypress, lavender, pine, benzoin, clary sage, cypress, elemi, fir, oakmoss, opopanax.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Middle to Top

Sweet, floral, herbaceous, with woody undertone.

 Bergamot, citrus, clary sage, geranium, patchouli, pine, rosemary.
Lemon (Citrus limonum)

Top Note

Fresh, citrus, light

 Cedar, chamomile, clove, geranium, elemi, eucalyptus, fennel, juniper, lavender, neroli, oakmoss, petitgrain,pine, sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)

Top or Base Note (depends on the oils it is blended with)

Refreshing, floral.  Top not with lavender, base note with bergamot.

 Honeysuckle, jasmine, ylang ylang.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Middle Note

Spicy, rich

 Bay, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lime, oakmoss, orange, citrus, spice.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Base Note

Sweet initial note.  Rich, earthy body note.  Will last on perfume blotter for up to a month.  Excellent fixative.

 Bergamot, cedarwood, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, geranium, lavender, myrrh, neroli, oakmoss, rose, sandalwood, vetiver.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Top Note

Not generally used in perfumes, but gives a fresh lift to colognes

 Benzoin, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, rosemary.
Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Top Note

Balsamic, sweet, wood, almost spicy.

 Rosemary, cedarwood, cedar leaf, citronella, lavender, lemon, marjoram, sage.
Rose attar (Rosa damascena)

Base note- (absolute) Top Note-(distilled)

Warm, deep floral, slightly spicy, rich honey-like odor.

 Florals, anise, benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, fennel, geranium, ginger, neroli, parchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Middle to Top Note

Fresh, minty-herbaceous with a woody-balsamic undertone.

 Bay leaf, cedarwood, citronella, elemi, lavender, marjoram, neroli, nutmeg, orange, pine, petitgrain, tangerine, thyme.
Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Base Note

Heavy, sweet.  Very lasting fixative.

 Benzoin, bergamot, cassia, clove, geranium, lavender, myrrh, oakmoss, patchouli, rose, vetiver.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Middle Note

Sharp, medicinal, yet sweet.

 Bay, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, elemi, ginger, juniper, lavender, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, vetiver.
Thyme (Thymus vulgairs)

Top Note

Rich, powerful, sweet, warm, herb-like, somewhat spicy.

 Bay, bergamot, black pepper, cajuput, cedarwood, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, nutmeg, rosemary, vetiver.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Base Note

Sweet, but woody, very earthy.  One of the best fixatives.

 Bay leaf, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, ginger, juniper, nutmeg, cassia, cedarwood, clary sage, lavender, jasmine, oakmoss, opopanax, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Base to Middle Note

Intensely sweet with long-lasting woody undertones.

 Basil, bergamot, benzoin, chamomile, clary sage, fennel, geranium,ginger,grapefruit, jasmine, gardenia, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, rose, sandalwood, vanilla, vetiver.

 

 

Top Notes

Middle Notes

Base Notes

Basil

Black Pepper

Benzoin

Bergamot

Chamomile

Cedarwood

Eucalyptus

Clary Sage

Frankincense

Grapefruit

Coriander

Jasmine

Lemon

Cypress

Myrrh

Lemongrass

Fennel

Patchouli

Lime

Geranium

Rose absolute

Mandarin

Juniper

Sandalwood

Peppermint

Lavender

Vetiver

Tangerine

Marjoram

Neroli

Petitgrain

Pine

Rose

Rosemary

Thyme

Ylang-Ylang

 

 

Filed Under: Aromatherapy, Perfume

Conversions

November 21, 2011 By

Size Conversions:
3 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 tablespoon (tbsp)
2 tablespoons (tbsp) = 1 ounce (oz)
6 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 ounce (oz)
10 milliliter (ml) = 1/3 oz.
15 milliliter (ml) = 1/2 oz.
30 milliliter (ml) = 1 oz.
10 milliliter (ml) = approximately 300 drops

1 fluid ounce (1/2 cup or 125 mL)

8 fluid ounces (1 cup or 250 mL)

1/8 teaspoon = 12.5 drops = 1/48 oz. = approx 5/8 mL
1/4 teaspoon = 25 drops = 1/24 oz. = approx 1 1/4 mL
3/4 teaspoon = 75 drops = 1/8 oz. = approx 3.7 mL
1 teaspoon = 100 drops = 1/6 oz. = approx 5 mL

General Information about mesurements: 
3 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 tablespoon (tbls)
2 tablespoons (tbls) = 1 ounce (oz)
6 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 ounce (oz)
10 milliliter (ml) = 1/3 oz.
15 milliliter (ml) = 1/2 oz.
30 milliliter (ml) = 1 oz.
10 milliliter (ml) = approximately 300 drops
Generally 2 drops of Essential Oil should be used per Tsp of Carrier Oil.
Generally it takes from 1 to 2 oz of carrier oil for a full body massage.
Generally you can use any kind of natural carrier oil except mineral oil. There are a lot choose from and each has its own properties. For most applications, a combination of Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Jojoba oils works well.

Filed Under: Aromatherapy, Base/Carrier Oils

Using Latin Names for Essential Oils

November 21, 2011 By

In aromatherapy it is important to use the Latin name of the essential oil.  If common names are used, there can be confusion not only identifying different plants, but also different species of the botanical.

Some plants may share the same common name, such as anise.  However, Illicium verum is not used in aromatherapy: Pimpinella anisum is.  Another example is rose geranium.  Just by looking at the name, one would not know if it is rose oil, geranium oil, or a combination of the two.  We know from the Latin names that Pelargonium graveolens is Geranium, Cymbopogon martini (which is also called rose geranium) is palmarosa, and Rosa damascena is rose. Also, we need to know which species is being used.  There are many species of Lavender, but Lavandula angustifolia is the essential oil generally used in aromatherapy.  If we see this Latin name, we know what active constituents it will have as well as what the therapeutic actions are.  L. angustifolia is known to be relaxing, where spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is actually stimulating.

Below are the more common essential oils and their Latin names

  • Anise Pimpinella anisum
  • Basil Ocimum basilicum
  • Bay Laurus nobilis
  • Benzoin Resinoid Styrax benzoin
  • Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
  • Black Pepper Piper nigrum
  • Cajuput Melaleuca leucadendron
  • Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica
  • Clary sage Salvia sclarea
  • Clove bud Syzygium aromaticum (old name Eugenia caryophyllata)
  • Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
  • Elemi Canarium luzonicum
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
  • Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
  • Garlic Allium sativum
  • Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
  • Ginger Zingiber officinale
  • Grapefruit Citrus paradisi
  • Immortelle Helichrysum angustifolium
  • Jasmine Absolute Jasminum officinale
  • Juniper berry Juniperus communis
  • Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
  • Lemon Citrus limonum
  • Marjoram Origanum majorana
  • Neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara
  • Nutmeg Myristica fragrans
  • Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
  • Peppermint Mentha piperita var. vulgaris
  • Pine Pinus sylvestris
  • Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile
  • Rose attar Rosa damascena
  • Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
  • Sandalwood Santalum album
  • Sweet orange Citrus sinensis
  • Tea Tree Australian Melaleuca alternifolia
  • New Zealand Tea Tree or Manuka Leptospermum scoparium
  • Thyme Thymus vulgaris
  • Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides
  • Yarrow Achillea millefolium
  • Ylang ylang Cananga odorata
Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Therapeutic Actions of Essential Oils

November 10, 2011 By
Alteratives -Essential oils that gradually cleanse the blood, tone and regulate the eliminative organs. Juniper.

Analgesic -Essential oil used to relieve pain when applied externally, also called anodyne or local anesthetic.
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Eucalyptus, Lavender.

Anaphrodisiac -Essential oil, which represses sexual desire. Camphor, Marjoram.

Anesthetic -Essential oil that produces a loss of sensation when applied directly to a surface.
Bay, Caraway, Clove, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Thyme.

Anodyne -Essential oil used to relieve pain when applied externally, also called analgesic.
Chamomile, Marigold, Mullein, Mustard, Peppermint.

Antacid -Essential oil used to neutralize acid in the stomach and intestinal tract.
Caraway, Catnip, Clove, Fennel, Parsley, and Peppermint.

Anthelmintic -Essential oil used to expel or destroy intestinal worms. See vermifuge.  Bergamot, Cajuput, Elecampane, Sage, Hyssop.

Anti-arthritic -Essential oil used to relieve and heal arthritic conditions. Benzoin, Black Pepper, Rosemary.

Antiasthmatic -Essential oil used to relieve asthma. Angelica, Anise, Cayenne, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Garlic.

Antibacterial -An essential oil that destroys or suppresses the growth or reproduction of bacteria. Anise, Bay, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, and Cajuput.

Antibilious -Essential oil used to eliminate an excess of bile or to improve a jaundiced condition. Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Yarrow.

Anticatarrhal -Essential oil, which heals inflammation of the mucous membranes. Cayenne, Hyssop, Thyme, Yarrow.

Antidepressant -Essential oil, which counteracts an absence of cheerfulness or diminishing functioning activity.
Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Neroli, Rose Attar.

Antiemetics -Essential oil used to lessen nausea and prevent or relieve vomiting. Basil, Clove, Fennel, Lavender, Ginger, Peppermint.

Antifungal -Essential oil that is effective against the reproduction or growth of Candida albicans and other fungi or yeast. See fungicidal.    Bay, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Garlic, Rosemary, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Antihydropic -Essential oil used to eliminate excess body fluids. Fennel, Juniper.

Anti-inflammatory-Essential oil, which is capable of counteracting or suppressing inflammation.
Bay, Benzoin, Lavender, Patchouli.

Antilithic-Essential oil used to prevent the formation of calculi or gravel in the urinary passages. Elecampane.

Antimicrobial -Essential oil capable of destroying microorganisms or suppressing their multiplication or growth.
Black Pepper, Cajuput, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Antineuralgic -Essential oil capable of relieving neuralgia. Basil, Cajuput, Chamomile Blue, Geranium.

Antioxidant -Essential oil capable of preventing oxidation. Benzoin, Ginger.

Antiphlogistic-Essential oil used to reduce inflammation or swelling. Calendula, Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Yarrow.

Antipruritic-Essential oil, which relieves or prevents itching. Chamomile, Lavender,Geranium, Yarrow.

Antiputrefactive-Essential oil, which counteracts internal decomposition. Cedarwood.

Antipyretic-Essential oil used to relieve or reduce temperature in fevers. See febrifuge.
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Camphor, Cedarwood,Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Yarrow.

Antirheumatic-Essential oil used to prevent, or relieve rheumatism. Bay, Cayenne, Hyssop, Juniper.

Antiseptic-Essential oil, which prevents, resists and counteracts putrefaction (decay). Can be dispersed in air greatly reducing the presence of microorganisms. Bay, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Cedarwood,Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender,Peppermint, Pine, Sandalwood, Sage, Thyme, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Ylang ylang.

Antispasmodic-Essential oil used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms. Anise, Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Clove, Cypress, Fennel, Garlic, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Thyme.

Antizymotic-Essential oil used to destroy or arrest the action of ferments or enzymes.
Elecampane, Garlic, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Aperient-Essential oil used as a mild evacuant or laxative to the bowels. See laxative.   Bergamot, Black Pepper, Lemon, Fennel, Nutmeg, Marjoram, Yarrow.

Aperitive-Essential oil, which stimulates the appetite. Anise, Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Chamomile, Garlic, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Sage.

Aphrodisiac-Essential oil, which stimulates sexual desire. Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Atlas, Ginger, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose Attar.

Aromatic-Essential oil that is odoriferous, with fragrant, pungent, and spicy taste and is able to stimulate the gastro-intestinal mucous membranes. Basil, Chamomile, Spearmint.

Astringent-Essential oil that contracts tissues. It makes them denser, firmer, and decreases discharges.
Benzoin, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage,Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Neroli, Peppermint, Rose Attar, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Yarrow.

Bitters-Essential oil with a bitter taste and serves as a stimulant to the gastrointestinal membranes. Black Pepper, Ginger, Yarrow.

Calcefacient-Essential oil used as a diffusive stimulant. Causes increased capillary circulation and gives an external sense of warmth. Black Pepper, Ginger, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage.

Cardiac Stimulant-Essential oil used to increase and give greater power to the heart. Garlic, Geranium.

Carminative-Essential oil, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis, relieves and promotes the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract.
Anise, Basil, Benzoin,Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Coriander, Elecampane, Fennel, Garlic, Lemon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Yarrow.

Cell Proliferant-Essential oil that promotes rapid healing and restoration. Lavender.

Cephalic-Essential oil that is particularly healing to cerebral conditions and diseases. Basil, Garlic, Juniper berry, Lemon balm, Clary sage, Rosemary.

Cholagogue-Essential oil used to promote increased flow and discharge of bile into the intestines by contracting the bile ducts. Fennel, Sage.

Cicatrizant-Essential oil used to promote scar tissue. Benzoin

Condiment-Essential oil used to season or flavor foods. Angelica, Basil, Bay, Garlic, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, Vanilla.

Cordial-Essential oil that combines the properties of cardiac stimulant and bringing warmth to the stomach. Chamomile, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Yarrow.

Cosmetic-Essential oil, which is a skin tonic and is used to improve the complexion and tobeautify the skin. Chamomile, Elecampane, Rose Attar, Yarrow.

Deodorant-Essential oil, which eliminates foul odors. Benzoin, Bergamot, Geranium, Juniper, Sage.

Depurative-Essential oil, which cleanses and purifies. Eucalyptus, Fennel, Garlic.

Diaphoretic-Essential oil that produces perspiration and sweat plus increased elimination through the skin. Differs from sudorifics. Basil, Cajuput, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Thyme, Yarrow.

Digestant-Essential oil, which aids in the digestion of food. Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Fennel.

Diuretic-Essential oil, which increases the secretion and flow of urine. Anise, Basil,Bay, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cypress, Fennel, Garlic, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary.

Emmenagogue-Essential oil, which tones the female reproductive organs and regulates menstruation. Basil, Bay, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Yarrow.

Exanthematous-Essential oil that is healing to skin eruptions or to skin diseases of an eruptive nature. Elecampane, Sage, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand).

Expectorant-Essential oil that encourages the discharge of mucus from bronchiopulmonary passages. Anise, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cajuput,Eucalyptus, Garlic, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary,Thyme.

Febrifuge-Essential oil, which reduces a fever. See antipyretic. Basil, Bergamot,Black Pepper, Cajuput, Camphor, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Yarrow.

Fungicidal-Essential oil, which is able to destroy a class of organisms such as mold, mushrooms, or fungus.
Bay, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Chamomile,Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Garlic, Rosemary, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand), Thyme.

Galactagogue-Essential oil, which increases the secretion of milk. Anise, Basil, Fennel.

Galactophygas-Essential oil that diminishes the secretion of milk. Geranium, Sage.

Germicide-Essential oil that destroys pathogenic microorganisms. Cinnamon.

Hepatic-Essential oil used to strengthen, tone and stimulate the secretion and functions of the liver, causing an increased flow of bile. Rosemary, Sage,Yarrow.

Herpatic-Essential oil that heals skin eruptions and scaling diseases. Chamomile,Garlic, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood.

Hypnotic-Essential oil that is a powerful relaxant and can induce sleep. Chamomile,Valerian.

Hypocholesterolemic-Essential oil that lowers cholesterol level in the blood. Garlic.

Hypotensive-Essential oil that lowers blood pressure. Bay, Garlic, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram.

Insecticide-Essential oil that is used to destroy insects. Basil, Bergamot, Cajuput,Lavender, Thyme, Tea Tree (Australian & New Zealand).

Laxative-Essential oil, which loosens the bowels and relieves constipation. Bergamot, Black Pepper, Fennel, Marjoram, Patchouli.

Maturating-Essential oil that helps to bring tumors, boils, and ulcers to a head. Bergamot, Cajuput, Eucalyptus, Lemon.

Narcotic-Essential oil that is a powerful tranquilizer and is able to produce sleep or calmness. See hypnotic. Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Rose Attar,Ylang Ylang.

Nephritic-Essential oil that has a healing influence on the kidneys. Cedarwood, Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood.

Nervine-Essential oil that tones and heals the nerves. Basil, Chamomile, Marjoram.

Opthalmic-Essential oil that heals disorders of the eye. Chamomile, Fennel.

Orexigenic-Essential oil, which increases or stimulates the appetite. Cinnamon, Fennel.

Parasiticide-Essential oil that destroys animal and vegetable parasites within the body.
Geranium, Peppermint, Pine, Thyme.

Parturient-Essential oil that stimulates uterine contractions, induces and assists with labor. Cinnamon.

Pectoral-Essential oil that heals complaints of the lungs. Cedarwood, Eucalyptus,Marjoram, Peppermint, Yarrow.

Peristaltic-Essential oil that stimulates and increases muscular contraction of the stomach and intestine. Black Pepper, Fennel, Patchouli.

Protective-Essential and fixed oil that serves as a protective covering to an inflamed surface when applied locally. Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood.

Pungent-Essential oil that has a sharp aroma and causes a prickling sensation. Lemon, Geranium, Peppermint.

Refrigerant-Essential oil with cooling properties. It lowers body temperatures and relieves thirst. Bergamot, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus.

Resolvent-Essential oil that helps to decrease any growth of tissue mass, which persists and grows independently of its surrounding structures and has no physiological use. Chamomile, Patchouli.

Rubefacient-Applied locally, this Essential oil stimulates capillary dilation and causes skin redness. It draws blood from deeper tissues and organs, relieves congestion and inflammation. Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Rosemary, Peppermint.

Sedative-Essential oil, which calms and tranquilizes the nerves. Bay, Benzoin, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Sage, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.

Sialogogue-Essential oil that promotes secretion and flow of saliva. Basil, Marjoram.

Soporific-Essential oil that induces a relaxing sleep. See hypnotic and narcotic. Bay, Chamomile, Clary Sage.

Stimulant-Essential oil, which increases functional activity and energy in the body. Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Juniper, Peppermint, Thyme.

Stomachic-Essential oil, which stimulates and tones the stomach. Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper.

Styptic-Essential oil that stops local bleeding and hemorrhaging, applied externally. Benzoin, Bergamot, Geranium, Yarrow.

Sudorific-Essential oil that promotes the flow of sweat, not perspiration, which goes on all the time through diffusion from the capillaries. Cajuput, Cypress, Peppermint, Rosemary.

Tonic-Essential oil, which stimulates, energizes, and strengthens the body. Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajuput, Thyme, Yarrow.

Vermifuge-Essential oil, which expels intestinal worms. Bergamot, Geranium, Peppermint.

Vulnerary-Essential oil that promotes healing of fresh cuts or wounds. Benzoin, Bergamot, Cajuput, Chamomile, Clove, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Geranium,Juniper, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme.

The information on this site is not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a licensed medical practitioner or naturopath. Any recommendations are for educational purposes only and are believed to be effective.  
Do not use essential oils internally unless under the care and guidance of a licensed aromatherapist.

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

October 5, 2011 By

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils to promote the health and vitality of the body, mind and spirit by inhalation, baths, compresses, topical application and full-body massage.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries by many cultures: the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese were a few of the earliest. Hippocrates, himself, recommended many uses of natural healing and aromatherapy.

Filed Under: Aromatherapy