The Guide to Aromatherapy 1

Descriptions of Essential Oils and constituents.

by Jedi Simon and the Scentha Team.

 

Angelica Root

Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale yellow (cream)

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Dull skin, exhaustion, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: a-pinned, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, d-3-carene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, B-phellandrene, cis-ocimene, trans-ocimene, p-cymene, terpinolene, copaene, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, cryptone, B-bisabolene, humulene monoxide, tridecanolide, pentadecanolide. [B. Lawrence, "Angelica Root Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, December/January 1977, 31, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 140.]

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Avoid during pregnancy and diabetes.  Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

 

 

Anise

Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Distinctive scent of licorice. Rich and sweet.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, flatulence, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism.

 

 

Balsam, Peru

Botanical Name: Myroxylon pereirae

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Dark Brown

Consistency: Very Thick

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, fresh, earthy, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, chapped skin, colds, coughing, eczema, flu, poor circulation, rashes, sensitive skin, stress.

Constituents: Benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, benzyl cinnamate, cinnamyl cinnamate.

 

 

Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like, slightly campherous.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis.

Constituents: Linalol, Fenchol, Eugenol, Methyl chavicol, Beta-caryophyllene

 

 

 

Bay

Botanical Name: Pimenta racemosa

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Deep Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin - Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Medicinal, fruity, spicy, herbaceous aroma.

Possible Uses: Dandruff, hair care, neuralgia, oily skin, poor circulation, sprains, strains. [

Constituents: Eugenol, myrcene, chavicol, methyl eugenol, linalool, limonene.

 

Bay Laurel

Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Herbacous, fruity, fresh, camphorous.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, colds, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, cavicol.

 

 

Beeswax

Botanical Name (of the honeybee): Apis mellifera

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted

Color: Deep Golden Brown

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild - Medium

Aromatic Description: Rich, sweet, floral, honey aroma.

Possible Uses: Perfumery

Safety Information: Safety information is not readily available. As it is used for perfumery and is not used as a therapeutic oil, use with caution and common sense. It may be wise to avoid in anyone who cannot consume honey or use beeswax.

 

 

Benzoin

Botanical Name: Styrax tonkinensis

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted

Color: Golden Brown

Consistency: Very Thick, Hard to Work With

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Light

Aromatic Description: Rich, warm, slightly woody, creamy, vanilla.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis, stress.

Constituents for Benzoin from Siam: Coniferyl benzoate, benzoic acid, vanillin, siaresinolic acid, cinnamyl benzoate.

 

 

 

 

Bergamot

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed (best) or Steam Distilled

Color: Gold with a Green Tinge

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, orange/lemon/citrusy, slightly floral.

Possible Uses: Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, depression, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis, stress.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, a-bergaptene, B-bisabolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, geraniol acetate, a-terpineol. [

 

 

Bergamot Mint

Botanical Name: Mentha Citrata

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, minty, citrusy, softer than peppermint, about the strength of spearmint.

Possible Uses: Possibly similar in therapeutic use to peppermint or spearmint.

 

 

Rosewood

Rosewood is sometimes referred to as Bois-de-rose oil.

Botanical Name: Aniba roseodora

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, woody, fruity, floral aroma.

Possible Uses: Acne, colds, dry skin, dull skin, fever, flu, frigidity, headache, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, geraniol, neral, geranial, myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, benzaldehyde, linalool oxides, a-terpineol.

 

 

Boronia

Botanical Name: Boronia megastigma

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extraction

Color: Golden Brown

Consistency: Thick

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Rich, complex floral.

Possible Uses: Used primarily in perfumery and aromatics.

Constituents: Ionon, eugenol, triacontane.

 

Cajeput

Botanical Name: Melaleuca leucadendron

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Watery

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, campherous aroma with a fruity note.

Possible Uses: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat, spots. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-63.]

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linaolool, terpinen-4-ol, a-terpineol.

Safety Information: May cause skin irritation.

 

 

Cardamum

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Spicy, woody, rich, sweet.

Possible Uses: Appetite (loss of), colic, fatigue, halitosis, stress.

Constituents: Terpinyl acetate, cineol, limonene, sabiene, linalool, linalyl acetate, pinene, zingiberene.

 

 

Carrot Seed

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin - Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium – Strong, Lingering Aroma

Aromatic Description: Earthy, woody, warm. It does not resemble the smell of carrots and is considered harsh or unpleasant by some.

Possible Uses: Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, y-terpinene, limonene, B-bisabolene, geranyl acetate, Carotol.

 

Cedarwood, Atlas

Cedarwood, Atlas

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Medium and oily feeling

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Woody, sweet, sharper note than Virginian cedarwood, slight aroma reminiscent of artificial mothballs, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress.

Constituents: atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene.

 

Cedarwood, Virginian

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Medium and oily feeling

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, balsamic. It strongly resembles the aroma of cedar chests and closets.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, insect repellant, stress.

Constituents: a-cedrene, B-cedrene, thujopsene, other sesquiterpene, cedrol, widdrol.

 

Chamomile, German

Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Deep Blue

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.

Constituents: Bisabolol, Farnesol, Azulene, Farnasene, Thujanol

 

 

Chamomile, Roman

Botanical Name: Anthemis nobilis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Gray/Very Pale Blue

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Bright, crisp, sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.

Constituents: High Ester Content, Pinocarvone, Pinene, Bisabolol, Farnesol, Pinocarveol, Cineole, Azulene, Beta-caryophyllene, Camphene, Myrcene

 

 

Cinnamon

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Golden Yellow/Brown

Consistency: Slightly oily feeling

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Much richer in aroma than ground cinnamon. Peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woodsy.

Possible Uses: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies, stress.

Constituents: Eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, benzyl benzoate.

 

Citronella

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Citrusy (similar to lemongrass), slightly fruity, fresh, sweet.

Possible Uses: Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellant, oily skin.

Constituents: Geraniol, citronellal.

Safety Information: Possible sensitization.

Lawless says to avoid Citronella during pregnancy.

 

Clary Sage

Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin to Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Bright, earthy, herbaceous, with a subtle fruity note.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, dysmenorrhea, exhaustion, gas, labor pains, sore throat, stress.

Constituents: Linalol, Sclareol, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Pinene

 

Clove Bud

Botanical Name: Eugenia caryophyllata

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Medium, Slightly Oily

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Spicy, warming yet slightly bitter, woody, reminiscent of true clove buds, but richer.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, toothache.

Constituents: Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene.

 

 

Coriander

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, spicy, woody, slightly fruity.

Possible Uses: Aches, arthritis, colic, fatigue, grout, indigestion, nausea, rheumatism.

Constituents: Linalol, decylaldehyde, borneol, geraniol, carvone, anethole.

 

Cypress

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody evergreen aroma.

Possible Uses: Excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, oily skin, rheumatism, vericse veins.

Constituents: Cedrol, Sabinol, Terpenyl Acetate, Camphene, Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene, Sabinene

 

 

Dill

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Watery

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild - Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, herbaceous, slightly earthy.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, flatulence, griping pains.

Constituents: Carvone, limonene, phellandrene, eugenol, pinen.

 

 

Elemi

Botanical Name: Canarium luzonicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, citrusy, peppery, spicy.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, catarrh, extreme coughing, mature skin, scars, stress, wounds.

Constituents: Phellandrene, dipentene, elemol, elemicin, terpineol, carvone, terpinolene.

 

 

Eucalyptus

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, medicinal, woody, earthy.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarhh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis.

Constituents: Cineole, Pinene, Globulol, Camphene, Limonene, Pinocarvone

 

 

Lemon Eucalyptus

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus citriodora

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, lemony, fresh, with a woody hint.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarhh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis.

Constituents: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

 

Eucalyptus Radiata

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus radiata

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medim

Aromatic Description: Slightly camphorous, sweet, fruity.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarhh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis.

Constituents: 1,8-coneole.

 

Fennel

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Faint Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top/Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Sweet, somewhat spicy, licorice-like (Anise) aroma.

Possible Uses: Bruises, cellulites, flatulence, gums, halitosis, mouth, nausea, obesity, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: Anethole, Myrcene, Cineole, Eugenol, Methyl Chavicol, Thymol, Limonene, Phellandrene, Alpha Terpene, Pinene, Fenchone, Geraniol

 

 

Fir Needle

Botanical Name: Abies alba

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin with an Oily Texture

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, earthy, sweet.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis.

Constituents: Santene, tricylene, a-pinene, myrcene, careen, limonene, phellandrene, terpinolene, borneol, terpinen-r-ol acetate, piperitone.

Safety Information: Possible skin irritation depending on true plant species.

 

 

Frankincense (Olibanum)

Frankincense is also known as Olibanum.

Botanical Name: Boswellia carterii

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild - Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, balsamic, slightly spicy and fruity.

Possible Uses: Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, extreme coughing, scars, stress, stretch marks.

Constituents: Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Farnesol, Phellandrene, Myrcene

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

Galbanum

Botanical Name: Ferula galbaniflua

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, arthy, balsamic, woody, spicy.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, acne, boils, bronchitis, cuts, lice, mature skin, muscle aches, poor circulation, rheumatism, scars, sores, stretch marks, wounds.

Constituents: Pinene, cadinol, cadinene, myrcene.

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

 

Geranium

Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Floral, fresh, sweet, with a fruity note.

Possible Uses: Acne, cellulites, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin. [

Constituents: Citronellol, Geraniol, Citronellyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Beta-Caryophyllene [

Safety Information: Use caution to avoid dermatitis in hypersensitive persons. Avoid during pregnancy.

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

Rose Geranium

Botanical Name: Pelargonium roseum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Medium

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Floral, similar to Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) with a rosey hint.

Possible Uses: Acne, cellulites, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin. [

Constituents: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

Safety Information: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

 

 

 

Ginger

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle/Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Warm, spicy, earthy, woody.

Possible Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, borneol, y-terpineol, nerol, neral, geraniol, geranial, geranyl acetate, B-bisabolene, zingiberene.

Safety Information: Slightly phototoxic. Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

 

Grapefruit

Botanical Name: Citrus paradisi

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed/Expressed

Color: Pale Yellow - Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Citrusy, similar to lemon and reminiscent to the aroma of the grapefruit rind, but more concentrated.

Possible Uses: Cellulitis, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellal, Neral

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

 

 

 

Helichrysum (Immortelle)

Botanical Name: Helichrysum angustifolia

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, earthy, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, irritated skin, wounds, wounds.

Constituents: Nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, pinene, linalool, isovaleric aldehyde, sesquiterpenes, furfurol, eugenol.

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil

 

 

Hyssop

Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, earthy, fruity, woody, slightly sweet.

Possible Uses: Bruises, coughing, sore throat.

Constituents: Pinocamphone, Pinene, Borneol, Geraniol, Thujone, Camphene, Limonene, Phellandrene

Safety Information: Moderately toxic and neurotoxic (toxic to the nervous system). Avoid in epilepsy, fever, pregnancy and children.

Avoid in hypertension.

 

Helichrysum (Immortelle)

Botanical Name: Helichrysum angustifolia

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, earthy, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, irritated skin, wounds, wounds.

Constituents: Nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, pinene, linalool, isovaleric aldehyde, sesquiterpenes, furfurol, eugenol.

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

 

Jasmine

Botanical Name: Jasminum officinalis

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted

Color: Deep Brown with a Golden Tinge

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Warm, floral, exotic.

Possible Uses: Depression, dry skin, exhaustion, labor pains, sensitive skin.

Constituents: Benzyl zcetate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, indole, benzyl benzoate, cis-jasmone, geraniol, methyl anthranilate, p.cresol, farnesol, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, eugenol, nerol, ceosol, benzoic acide, benzaldehyde, y-terpineol, nerolidol, isophytol, phytol.

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

Juniper Berry

Botanical Name: Juniperus communis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild - Medium

Aromatic Description: Crisp, earthy, sweet, herbaceous, with almost a hidden fruity note.

Possible Uses: Cellulitis, gout, hemorrhoids, obesity, rheumatism, toxin build-up.

Constituents: Pinene, Sabinene, Borneol, Terpinenol, Camphene, Myrcene

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy and those with kidney problems.

 

 

 

Kanuka

Botanical Name: Leptospermum ericoides

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, earthy, similar to the aroma of Manuka.

Possible Uses: (Uses listed are those for Common Tea Tree): Acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, spots, urethritis, warts, whooping cough.

Constituents: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

Safety Information: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

 

 

Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavendula officinalis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top/Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous, slightly fruity.

Possible Uses: Acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, headache, hypertension, insect bites, insect repellant, itching, labor pains, migrane, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, scars, sores, sprains, strains, stress, stretch marks, vertigo, whooping cough.

Constituents: Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Terpinenol, Cineole, Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnascene

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

Lavendin

Botanical Name: Lavandula hybrida

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top/Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, floral, more herbaceous than lavender.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, asthma, blisters, boils, burns, cuts, cystitis, dry skin, dull skin, eczema, fatigue, insect bites, irritated skin, lice, muscle aches, scabies, shock, sores, sprains, strains, vertigo, wounds.

Constituents: Linalol, Linalyl Acetate, Camphor, Borneol, Bornyl Acetate, Cineole

Safety Information: Neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Avoid in pregnancy, epilepsy and fever because of camphor content in Lavandin.

 

 

Lemon

Botanical Name: Citrus limon

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed/Expressed

Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Aroma is similar to fresh lemon rinds except richer and more concentrated.

Possible Uses: Athlete's foot, chiliblains, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts.

Constituents: Limonene, Citral, Geranial, Citronellyl Acetate, Pinene

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

May cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some.

 

 

 

Lemongrass

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, lemony, earthy.

Possible Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress.

Constituents: Citral, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Geranial, Neral, Limonene, Myrcene, Beta-caryophyllene

Safety Information: Avoid in glaucoma and with children. Use caution in prostatic hyperplasia and with skin hypersensitivity or damaged skin.

 

 

Lime

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantifolia

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed/Expressed

Color: Light Yellow Green

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, citrusy, sweet.

Possible Uses: Acne, asthma, chilblains, colds, dull skin, flu, varicose veins.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, y-terpinene, terpinolene, octanal, nonanal, tetradecanal, pentadecanal, trans-a-bergaptene, caryophyllene, B-bisabolene, geranial, neryl acetate, geranyl acetate, a-terpineo, linalool.

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity

 

 

Linden Blossom

Botanical Name: Tilia vulgaris

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted

Color: Deep Coffee Brown

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Warm, floral, honey-like, with a slight citrus-like note.

Possible Uses: Headache, insomnia, migraine, stress.

Constituents: Farnesol.

 

 

Mandarin

Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed/Expressed

Color: Orange

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Very sweet, citrusy, fruity.

Possible Uses: Acne,

dull skin, insomnia, oily skin, scars, spots, stress, wrinkles.

Constituents: Limonene, methyl methylanthranilate, geraniol, citral, citronellal.

 

 

 

Tea Tree, New Zealand (Manuka)

Botanical Name: Leptospermum scoparium

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Medium and Slightly Oily

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Woody, earthy, balsamic. It is richer and warmer than common Tea Tree.

Possible Uses: (Uses listed are those for Common Tea Tree): Acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, spots, urethritis, warts, whooping cough.

Safety Information: No safety data available.

 

 

 

Marjoram

Botanical Name: Origanum majorana

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Herbaceous, sweet, woody, with a campherous, medicinal aroma.

Possible Uses: Aching muscles, amenorrhea, bronchitis, chiliblains, colic, coughing, excessive sex drive, flatulence, hypertension, muscle cramps, neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains, strains, stress, ticks.

Constituents: Alpha-Terpineol, Terpinen-4-ol, Sabinene, Linalol, Sabinol, Thujanol, Citral, Linalyl Acetate, Camphor, Carvacrol, Estragol, Eugenol, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Alpha Terpenene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy.

 

 

May Chang

Botanical Name: Litsea cubeba

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Medium

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Sharp, with a complex lemony aroma.

Possible Uses: Acne, indigestion.

Constituents: Citral, limonene, miycrene, methyl hepetone, linalool, linlyl acetate.

Safety Information: Avoid with glaucoma. May have a homeone-like action. Avoid in prostatic hyperplasia. Avoid with sensitive, diseased or dmanaged skin. Do not administer to children.

 

 

Myrrh

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Golden Yellow/Brown

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Warm, earthy, woody, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, athlete's foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, dysmenorrhea, gums, halitosis, hemorrhoids, itching, mouth, ringworm, toothache.

Constituents: Heerabolene, limonene, dipentene, pinene, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, cadinene.

Safety Information: Mildly toxic when taken internally (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner).

Lawless reports that it may be toxic in high concentration and that it should be avoided during pregnancy.

 

 

 

 

Myrtle

Botanical Name: Myrtus communis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top - Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, slightly camphorous with a floral hint.

Possible Uses: Asthma, coughs, sore throat.

Constituents: Cineol, myrtenol, pinene, geraniol, linalool, camphene.

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

 

 

Lemon Myrtle

Botanical Name: Backhousia citriodora

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Extremely lemony and crisp. More “lemony” than true Lemon (Citrus limonum) oil.

Possible Uses: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

Constituents: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

Safety Information: Not formally documented in readily available publications.