Guide to uses and applications of Essential Oils
Essential oils
have two distinct uses. Perfumery and Aromatherapy. The following information
is designed to be informative in both fields...
In
Aromatherapy, essential oils have safety guidelines. Before using
any essential oil theraputically, the following advice should be noted...
HAZARDOUS
OILS. Some
essential oils are considered hazardous due to their high toxicity
levels or ability to cause severe dermal irritation. In this context,
the following oils should be avoided. Bitter Almond: Arnica: Boldo:
Broom: Bucha: Calamus: Camphor (brown/yellow): Cassia: Cinnamon (bark):
Costus: Deertongue: Elecamane: Fennel (bitter): Horseradish: Jaborandi:
Melilotus: Mugwort: Mustard: Oregano: Pennyroyal: Pine (dwarf): Fue: Sage
(common): Santolina: Sassafras: Savine: Savory: Tansy: Thuja: Thyme (red):
Tonka: Wintergreen: Wormseed: Wormwood.
TOXIC
OIL. Some
oils should only be used in moderation, i.e. only in dilution and only
for a short time, because of their moderate toxicity levels. In this contect
the following oils should be used with adequate caution. Ajowan: Anise
(star): Aniseed: Basil (exotic): Bay Laurel: Bay (west indian): Calamintha:
Camphor (white): Cascarrilla bark: Cassie: Cedarwood (virginian): Cinnamon
(leaf): Clove (bud): Coriander: Fennel (sweet): Hops: Hyssop: Nutmeg:
Parsely: Pepper (black): Sage (spanish): Tagetes: Tarragon: Thyme (white):
Tuberose: Turmeric: Turpentine: Valerian.
SENSITISATION.
For
some people, especially those with sensitive skin, even if using only
as a perfume, the following oils may cause an allergic reaction. It is
wise to 'patch test' these oils before using them. Basil (french):
Bay Laurel: Benzoin: Cade: Cananga: Cedarwood (virginian): Chamomile (roman
& german): Citronella: Garlic: Ginger: Hops: Jasmin: Lemon: Lemon
Balm: Litsea Cubeba: Lovage: Mastic: Mint: Orange: Peru Balsam: Pine (scotch
& longleaf): Styrax: Verbena: Violet: Yarrow: Ylang Ylang.
DERMAL
SKIN IRRITATION. The
following oils MAY irritate the skin, especially if used in high
concentrations. Ajowan: Allspice: Aniseed: Basil (sweet): Black Pepper:
Borneol: Cajeput: Caraway: Cerdarwood (virginian): Cinnamon (leaf): Clove
(bud): Cornmint: Garlic: Ginger: Lemon: Parsley: Peppermint: Pine Needle:
Thyme (white): Turmeric.
PHOTOTOXICITY.
Some
oils are phototoxic, i.e. they can cause skin pigmentation changes if
exposed to direct sunlight. For this reason, the following oils should
not be used even in dilution on the skin where the area might be exposed
to sunlight. Anjelica (root): Bergamot (except begapten-free variety):
Cumin: Ginger: Lemon: Lime: Lovage: Mandarin: Orange: Verbena.
PREGNANCY.
The
following oils should be avoided altogether during pregnancy. Ajowan:
Angelica: Anise (star): Aniseed: Basil: Bay Laurel: Calamintha: Cedarwood
(all): Celery Seed: Cinnamon (leaf): Citronella: Clove: Cumin: Fennel
(sweet): Hyssop: Labdanum: Lovage: Marjoram: Myrrh: Nutmeg: Parsley: Snakeroot:
Sage (spanish): Tarragon: Thyme (white). The following oils should
be avoided during the first four months of pregnancy. Peppermint: Rose:
Rosemary.
THE
FOLLOWING GUIDE GIVES A SELECTION OF COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR THERAPUTIC
USES.
|
Oil
Type
|
Brief
description of applications and uses. |
| Basil |
Chest infections,
Digestive problems, Fever, Tired & Aching muscles, Gum & Mouth
infections, Mental fatique, Jaundice, Head cold. |
| Benzoin |
Cold, Flu,
Sore throat, Stimulates circulation, Cracked hands, Warming &
Soothing, Depresion, Anxiety, Sadness, Urine flow. |
| Bergamot |
Cystitis,
Vaginal itching, Tension, Anxiety, Depression, Fever, Insect repellant,
Digestive problems, Cold sores, Shingles, Blisters. |
| Black Pepper |
Muscle aches
& pains, Poor circulation, Chillblains, Sprains, Constipation,
Colic, Colds, Flu, Infections, Catarrh, Heartburn, Nausea. |
| Cajeput |
Colds, Respiritory
infections, Mucua build-up, Catarrh, Sinusitis, Sore & aching
muscles, Oily skin, Spots, Insect bites, Viral infections. |
| Carrot
Seed |
Jaundice,
Liver disorders, Eczema, Wrinkled skin, Burns, Dry & mature skin
conditions. |
| Cedarwood |
Bronchial
infections, Urinary infections, Cystitis, Vaginal infections, Catarrh,
Acne, Aphrodisiac, Stimulant, Tonic. |
| Chamomile |
Boils, Abscesses,
Digestive system, Tension, Stress, Anxiety, Diarrhoea, Cistitis, PMT,
Sprains, Arthritis, Dry, red & sore skin. |
| Citronella |
Insect repellent |
| Cinnamon |
Digestive
problems, Stomach cramps, Menstrual cramps, Aphrodisiac, Aches &
chills of flu, Concalescence, Joint pain. |
| Clary Sage |
Stress, Tension,
Relaxing, Asthma, Migrain, Convalescence, Digestive cramps, Excess
sweating, Sexual tension, Hiccoughs. |
| Clove Bud |
Toothache,
Scabies, Ulcers, Wounds, Acne, Athlete's foot, Bruises, Burns, Insect
repellent, Cuts, Diarrhoea, Bronchitis. |
| Cypress |
Piles, Oily
skin, Excess perspiration, Insect repellent, Bleeding gums, Wounds,
Varicose veins, Asthma, Menopause, Stress. |
| Eucalyptus |
Colds, Catarrh,
Infectious illness, Burns, Shingles, Muscular aches & pains, Rheumatism,
Cold sores, Insect repellent. |
| Fennel |
Gout, Arthritis,
Alcohol poisoning, Nausea, Flatulence, Indigestion, Hiccoughs, Cellulitis,
Menstrual cycle, Gum infections. |
| Frankincense |
Coughs, Bronchial
catarrh, Asthma, Older skin, Wrinkles, Heavy periods, Emotionally
calming, Anxiety, Bereavement. |
| Geranium |
Dry &
oily skin, Menopause, PMT, Fluid retention, Cellulitis, Tonic, Jaundice,
Sore throat, Ulcers, Skin allergies. |
| Ginger |
Rheumatism,
Arthritis, Muscular pain, Fatigue, Colds, Flu, Diarrhoea, Catarrh,
Morning sickness, Travel sickness. |
| Grapefruit |
Fluid retention,
Cellulite, Getting rid of toxins, Oily skin, Acne, Fluid retention,
Depression, Muscular aces & pains. |
| Jasmin |
Menstrual
pain, labour pain, Post-natal depression, Prostate trouble , Sexual
problems, Aphrodisiac, Sensitive skin, Lethargy. |
| Juniper |
Urine retention,
Cystitis, Detoxification, Prostate trouble, Irregular periods, Acne,
Convalescence, Appetite stimulant, Fleas on animals. |
| Lavender |
Colds, Coughs,
Flu, Headache, Insomnia, Catarrh, Muscular pain, Rheumatism, Arthritis,
menstrual pain, Skin conditions. |
| Lemon |
Reducing temperature,
Bronchitis, Flu, Hlps stop bleeding, Gum tonic, Gout, Rheumatism,
Digestive tonic, Dull skin. |
| Lemongrass |
Headaches,
Tired & sweaty feet, Acne, Athletes foot, Perspiration, Poor circulation,
Nervous exhaustion, Stress, Insect repellent. |
| Lime |
Acne, Anaemia,
Brittle nails, Chillblains, Greasy skin, Spots, Varicose veins, Throat
infections, Catarrh, Warts, Insect bites. |
| Litsea
Cubeba |
Oily skin,
Congested skin, Spots, Acne, Flatulence, Indigestion, High blood pressure,
Nervous tension, Stress, Insect repellent. |
| Mandarin |
Acne, Oily
& congested skin, Spots, Scars, Stretch marks, Fluid retention,
Obesity, Insomnia, nervous tension, Hiccoughs. |
| Manuka |
Colds, Catarrh,
Sinusitis, Sore throat, Spots, Cuts, Boils, Acne, Oily skin, Insect
bites, Fleas on animals, Muscular pain, Allergic rashes. |
| Marjoram |
Chest infections,
Asthma, Chilblains, Bruises, Arthritis, Lumbago Muscular aches, Colic,
Constipation, PMS, Headache, Insomnia. |
| Melissa |
Allergies,
Insect bites, Eczma, Asthma, Bronchitis, Coughs, Colic, Indigestion,
Nausea, Menstrual problems, Anxiety, Shock. |
| Myrrh |
Chapped skin,
Athletes foot, Eczma, mature complexions, Wrinkles, Wounds, Gum infections,
Chest problems, Thrush, Colds. |
| Neroli |
Scars, Stretch
marks, Thread veins, Wrinkles, Palpitations, Poor circulation, Spasm,
Colic, Flatulence, Anxiety, PMT, Stress, Shock. |
| Niaouli |
Cystitis,
Urinary infection, Minor wounds, Burns, Cuts, Boils, Acne, Chest infections. |
| Nutmeg |
Bacterial
infection, Impotence, Neuralgia, Nervous fatigue, Flatulence, Nausea,
Arthritis, Gout, Sluggish digestion. |
| Orange |
Helps in winter
months, Gum infections, Mouth ulcers, Dull & oily skin, Water
retention, Chills, Flu, Obesity, Palpitations. |
| Palmarosa |
Acne, Skin
infections, Wrinkles, Skin moisturiser, Anorexia, Nervous conditions,
Cell regeneration, Stress. |
| Patchouli |
Athletes foot,
Acne, Dandruff, Dermatitis, Eczma, Oily skin, Sores, Wounds, Wrinkles,
Frigidity, Nervous exhaustion, Stress. |
| Peppermint |
Ringworm,
Scabies, Toothache, Dermatitis, Muscular pain, Palpitations, Catarrh,
Head colds, Fainting, Headache, Mental fatigue. |
| Petitgrain |
Acne, Excessive
perspiration, Greasy skin & hair, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Convalescence,
Insomnia, Stress, Nervous conditions. |
| Pine |
Cuts, Excessive
perspiration, Scabies, Lice, Arthritis, Aches & pains, Asthma,
Poor circulation, Sore throat, Sinusitis, Stress, Colds. |
| Rose |
Broken capillaries,
Dry & sensitive skin, Wrinkles, Poor circulation, Asthma, Hay
fever, Liver congestion, Impotence, Stress, Nausea. |
| Rosemary |
Dandruff,
Greasy hair, Brain stimulant, Cold, Catarrh, Sinusitis, Cholesterol,
Tonic for heart, liver & gallbladder, Stiff muscles, Gout. |
| Rosewood |
Cell regeneration,
Depression, Stress, Bereavement, Frigidity, Aphrodisiac, Chronic fatigue,
Glandular fever, Skin problems, Wounds. |
| Sage |
Overworked
muscles, Sport injuries, Mouth infections. WARNING... TAKE CARE WITH
THIS OIL. |
| Sandalwood |
Dry &
cracked skin, greasy & chapped skin, Catarrh, Coughs, Nausea,
Cystitis, Depression, Insomnia, Stress, Diarrhoea, Bronchitis. |
| Spearmint |
Congested
skin, Acne, Dermatitis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Nausea, Sickness,
Cold, Fever, Headache, Fatigue, Strain, Stress. |
| Tea Tree |
Abscess, Acne,
Athlete's foot, Cold sores, Dandruff, Herpes, Insect bites, Asthma,
Catarrh, Thrush, Chicken pox, Flu, Fever, Veruccae. |
| Thyme |
Absdess, Acne,
Burns, Oily skin, Gum infections, Arthritis, Gout, Muscle pain, Sore
throat, Cold, Chills, Insomnia, Headaches, Stress. |
| Vanilla |
Sensual aphrodisiac,
Tension, Menstrual problems. |
| Verbena |
Digestive
problems especially related to stress, Hangover, Insomnia, Anxiety,
Stress, Tonic for nervous system, Liver congestion. |
| Vetivert |
Acne, Cuts,
Oily skin, Wounds, Muscular aches, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Stiffness,
Depression, Insomnia, Nervous tension, Stress. |
| Ylang Ylang |
Cramp, Constipation,
Haemorrhoids, Indigestion, Hypertension, Varicose veins, Inflammation,
Scars, Rashes, Thrombosis. |
Essential oils
have different methods of use, typically Baths, Inhalation, Compresses
or Massage. An important property of essential oils is their ability to
stimulate the emotions and this is especially powerful through inhalation,
where particular aromas will stimulate areas of the brain, particularly
(1) the Thalmus (responsible
for perception and memories) and (2) the Hypothalamic Region (activates
smell-related emotion and behaviour). As well as the effects that essential
oils have in aromatherapy, their aromatic properties have long been used
in Perfumery and the blending of essential oils to achieve pleasant and
stimulating aromas has become a huge industry. Many of us like to use
our own blends of essential oils to naturally scent our products and to
avoid any 'chemicals' that may be present in commercially produced fragrances.
As a broad guide, here are some useful suggestions...
ESSENTIAL
OILS IN PERFUMERY.
Popular essential
oils are often divided into 'Notes'. Below are some commonly used varieties...
|
Top
|
Middle
|
Base
|
|
Clary
Sage
|
Black
Pepper
|
Rose
|
|
Eucalyptus
|
Chamomile
|
Sandalwood
|
|
Lemongrass
|
Geranium
|
Frankincense
|
|
Petigrain
|
Juniper
|
|
|
Tea
Tree
|
Lavender
|
|
| |
Rosemary
|
|
In further exploring the
characteristics of particular scents of essential oils we can further
categorise them as either 'Fleeting' (high) or 'Steady' (low) with examples
as follows..
|
Fleeting
|
Steady
|
|
Lemon
|
Clove
|
|
Grapefruit
|
Juniper
Berry
|
|
Rose
|
Myrrh
|
|
Lime
|
Lavender
|
|
Tonka
Bean
|
Vetivert
|
|
Petitgrain
|
Patchouli
|
|
Neroli
|
Cedarwood
|
|
Chamomile
|
Ylang
Ylang
|
|
Tangerine
|
Vanilla
|
|
Sandalwood
|
Pine
|
|
Bergamot
|
Clary
Sage
|
|
Rosewood
|
Jasmin
|
|
Orange
|
Basil
|
|
Geranium
|
Thyme
|
|
|
Frankincense
|
|
|
Nutmeg
|
|
|
Anise
|
|
|
Cassia
|
|
|
Lemongrass
|
|
|
Rosemary
|
|
|
Mint
|
When blending essential
oils to bring familiar qualities to a 'scent', as well as 'notes' and
'characteristics' we can group scents into 'families' with examples below...
|
Woody
|
Evergreen
|
Green
|
Floral
|
Herbal
|
Fruity
|
Citrus
|
|
Sandalwood
|
Pine
(all)
|
Basil
|
Carnation
|
Rosemary
|
Apple
|
Lemon
|
|
Cedar
|
|
Cucumber
|
Gardenia
|
Marjoram
|
Peach
|
Orange
|
|
Patchouli
|
|
Violet
|
Honeysuckle
|
Dill
|
Strawberry
|
Tangerine
|
|
Rosewood
|
|
Mimosa
|
Lavender
|
Tarragon
|
Apricot
|
Bergamot
|
|
Juniper
Berry
|
|
|
Mimosa
|
Coriander
|
Black
Currant
|
Grapefruit
|
|
|
|
|
Ylang
Ylang
|
Juniper
berry
|
Cherry
|
Lime
|
|
|
|
|
Hyacinth
|
Fennel
|
|
Verbena
|
|
|
|
|
Chamomile
|
Caraway
Seed
|
|
Petitgrain
|
|
|
|
|
Lilac
|
Clary
Sage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jasmin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rose
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Muguet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geranium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apple
Blossom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lily
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iris
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonquil
|
|
|
|
Whilst not all of the above
are true essential oils, they are all botanicals with defined 'scents'
and it is important to recognise which 'family' or 'families' a scent
falls into.
BLENDS
To understand
the 'scent' produced from blending different essential oils, here are
some simple examples for you to try...
|
Essential
Oil
|
Qty
(in equal measures or drops)
|
|
Lavender
|
8
|
|
Palarosa
|
4
|
|
Vanilla
|
6
|
|
|
Essential
Oil
|
Qty
(in equal measures or drops)
|
|
Lavender
|
9
|
|
Patchouli
|
3
|
|
Vanilla
|
6
|
|
|
Essential
Oil
|
Qty
(in equal measures or drops)
|
|
Sandalwood
|
10
|
|
Patchouli
|
4
|
|
Lime
|
2
|
|
Clove
|
2
|
|
|
Essential
Oil
|
Qty
(in equal measures or drops)
|
|
Juniper
Berry
|
6
|
|
Thyme
(red)
|
5
|
|
Lavender
|
4
|
|
Rosemary
|
3
|
|
IMPORTANT...
This guide has been prepared from a variety of information freely available
from books and on the Internet. It is not intended as a comprehensive
guide and does not infer advice. Some essential oils should be avoided
during pregnancy and by sufferers of epilepsy. Users should always refer
to comprehensive information available prior to use. Users should take
steps to refer to safety information available. For many conditions above
it is necessary to take medical advice and/or the help of a qualified
aromatherapist. The Soap Kitchen can accept no liability for any problem
or reaction whatsoever in connection with the use or mis-use of any or
all of the above information.
BACK
HOME
|