Essential Oils Guide

We have over 100 wonderful essential oils for you to choose from. All our essential oils come to you packed as standard in our premium bottle range. With 30g and 100g sizes packed in our amber bottles and 500g+ packed in aluminium flasks.
Essential oils have several uses as a cosmetic ingredient and two of these are, Perfumery and Aromatherapy. The following information is designed to be informative in both of these fields...
In Aromatherapy, essential oils have safety guidelines. Before using any essential oil therapeutically, 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 context 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...

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.