Uses for Common Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are the vaporizable oils found in plants, which give them their odors, flavors and healing properties. Various parts of the plant such as the seeds, flower, bark or leaves hold essential oils. For example, in roses oils are found in the flower, in basil it is in the leaves and sandalwood in the wood. There are a few ways to get the oils from the plant. The method sometimes depends on what plant is being used for its oils. Because solvents are commonly used as a cost-efficient way of removing essential oils, it is important to be aware of how the essentials oils in a particular product are removed. Read more about the extraction of essential oils.

Aromatherapy

The art and science of using essential oils is known as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils to relax, rejuvenate, balance and heal the body. When inhaled they work on both the brain and nervous system. Because of the potency of essential oils, their use should always be used in conjunction with a reliable reference. Essential oils are always more potent than the dried herbs they come from.

Properties of Essential Oils & Common Uses

Essential oils penetrate. This greatly enhances their ability to be effective, especially when applied directly to the skin. This allows oils such as mullein to be rubbed around lymph nodes to reduce inflammation. Essential oils also affect brain chemistry. Because the brain is connected to the nasal passage via the limbic system, certain emotions are generated as the chemistry of the brain is altered from the scents of essential oils. This is why aromatherapy is an effective way of using essential oils.

Uses for Common Essential Oils

Essential Oil Botanical Name Properties Uses
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus Antiseptic, analgesic, anitneuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary. Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections, cystitis, leucorrhoea, chicken pox, colds, epidemics, flu, measles, nervous system disorders such as debility, headaches, neuralgia and skin disorders such as burns, blisters, cuts, herpes, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, skin infections, wounds.
Lemon Citrus limonum Refreshing, antiseptic, stimulating, anti-anaemic, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antisclerotic, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, insecticidal, rubefacient, stimulates white corpuscles, tonic. Warts, depression, acne and indigestion. arthritis, cellulitis, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, obesity (congestion), poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, catarrh, dyspepsia, colds, flue, fever and infections. Other applications of lemon are in the treatment of anemia, brittle nails, boils, chilblains, corns, cuts, greasy skin, herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, and varicose veins.
Peppermint Mentha piperita Digestive, cooling, refreshing, mentally stimulating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, expectorant, hepatic, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, vermifuge and antispasmodic. Muscle fatigue, bad breath, toothache, bronchitis, indigestion and travel sickness, neuralgia, muscular pain, palpitations, asthma, sinusitis, spasmodic cough, for digestive system disorders such as colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea and skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabies and for toothache.
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, choleretic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, parasiticide, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant of circulatory, adrenal cortex and hepatobiliary systems, stomachic, tonic. Muscle fatigue, colds, poor circulation, aches and pains and mental fatigue. Debility, headaches, hypotension, neuralgia, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, stress related disorders, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders, hypercholesterolaemia. Rosemary is also used for treatment of disorders such as arteriosclerosis, fluid retention, gout, muscular pains, palpitations, poor circulation, rheumatism and for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and greasy hair. Other uses are as an insect repellent, for promoting hair growth, and for the treatment of scabies, scalp stimulation, lice and varicose veins
Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia Antifungal, antiseptic, anti-infectuous, anit-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immono-stimulant, parasiticide, vulnerary. Dandruff, mouthwash, cuts, insect bites, pimples, abscess, acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, herpes, oily skin, rashes, spots, veruccae, warts, wounds, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, vaginitis, cystitis, colds, fever, flu, infectious illnesses such as chicken pox.
Ylang Ylang Cananga Odorata var genuina Antidepressant, anti-infectious, euphoric, aphrodisiac, relaxant, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, hypotensive, nervine, regulator, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory), tonic Depression, nervous tension, high blood pressure, hyperpnoea (abnormally fast breathing), tachycardia, palpitations and digestive upsets. For skin care such as for acne, hair growth, hair rinse, insect bites, irritated and oily skin. For other nervous system disorders such as frigidity, impotence, insomnia, and stress related disorders.

The use of essential oils is not a new trend but more health conscious companies are now producing quality products that contain essential oils. Get more information about where you can get products with a 100% money back guarantee.

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided purely for informational purposes only, and does not in any way purport to be medical or prescriptive suggestions.
Any reference to medicinal or health benefits is not meant to treat or diagnose any problem and is not meant to replace professional medical advice and should not take the place of any prescribed medication that has been prescribed by a physician.
We suggest you always use caution when using Essential Oils. If you suffer from illness, disorder, are pregnant or nursing, please seek medical advise. All Essential Oils should be kept out of the reach of children.
Some people have reactions to these type of products. Always try a small amount of a new essential oil by dabbing the back of the hand or wrist before use. If redness, rash or other reaction occurs discontinue use at once.