What is aromatherapy? It is the use of essential oils (EO's) to benefit an individual physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Sense of Smell (Olfaction): Olfaction is the function that allows a direct connection to the brain thereby creating a sense of smell. There are sensory cells in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and the membrane is stimulated when chemical particles are dissolved in the mucous.
The olfactory nerve in the brain ends with the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is located high in the roof of the nose (between the eyes) and just above a small bone in the skull that has tiny holes. When the smell receptors are stimulated in the nasal mucosa they enter the tiny holes where they enter the olfactory bulb in the brain. The signals are then carried to a part of the brain called the limbic system (the rhinencephalon) where the smells are then analyzed.
What you perceive as an odor, is really the chemical particles that were stimulated. The brain can analyze over 10,000 different fragrances. Our sense of taste can only register 4 types of taste. Therefore, without our sense of smell, food would taste fairly bland. So when you have a cold and your sense of smell is blocked, so is your sense of taste.
What are essential oils (EO's)? EO's are extracted from a variety of plant parts: flowers, leaves, resin, twigs and wood. How the EO is extracted depends on the plant part. EO's are extremely concentrated and should only be used in small quantities. Even though EO's are called oils, they do not have a greasy texture. They will range from a watery consistency to a syrup-like texture. If EO's are left open to the air, they will evaporate.
Use throughout the ages: EO's have a long history. They have been used for cosmetic, medicinal and religious purposes throughout the ages.
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Aroma: Medium, fruity, herbacous and camphorous
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear
Add'l Info: Amenorrhea (absence of menses), colds, flu, loss of appetite and throat problems such as tonsillitis
Botanical Name: Styrax tonkinensis
Aroma: Light, warm, penetrating, slightly woody and vanilla-like scent
Texture: Thick and difficult to work with
Color: Golden Brown
Add'l Info: Arthritis and joint conditions such as gout, bronchitis, stimulates circulation, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis and stress
Botanical Name: Melaleuca leucodendron
Aroma: Penetrating medicinal odor, spicy-camphorous, warm scent. This oil comes from the same family as Tea Tree, but it is harsher and more camphoraceous in aroma
Texture: Thin, water-like liquid
Color: Clear to slightly pale yellow/green
Add'l Info: Can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. This oil should only be used under the care of a qualified aromatherapist. It is an antiseptic that has been used in dentistry and the pharmaceutical industry. It has also been used as an insect repellant.
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum camphora
Aroma: Strong, penetrating, fragrant odor, slightly cold to the touch like menthol leaves
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear
Add'l Info: This EO should ONLY be used under the care of a qualified aromatherapist. This oil can cause convulsions and vomiting, seizures, mental confusion, irritability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity in addition to being a skin irritant. It also numbs peripheral sensory nerves. DO NOT use this EO if you are prone to epilepsy, asthma, pregnant or have high blood pressure
Botanical Name: Carum carvi
Aroma: Pleasant, aromatic odor
Texture: Warming and stimulating, thin
Color: Clear
Add'l Info: This EO should ONLY be used under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist. Can be irritating to the skin, especially sensitive skin types.
Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica
Aroma: Medium, woody, sweet, balsamic.
Texture: Medium and somewhat oily
Color: Yellow with a golden hue
Add'l Info: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, catarrhal conditions, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, repels moths and other insects, stress, urinary tract infections and used in perfumes. High dosages may cause skin irritations. DO NOT use if pregnant.
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Aroma: Rich, spicy, warm and aromatic
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear with a brownish hue
Add'l Info: Considered by the ancients one of the most aromatic spices. Thought to have been the spice used to anoint the Ark of the Covenant. Used for nausea, circulation, digestion, antiseptic, flavoring in foods and drinks and an ingredient in some dental products. Use with care and in small amounts. Avoid when pregnant.
Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea
Aroma: Medium, slightly fruity, earthy and herbaceous
Texture: Thin to Medium
Color: Light golden hue
Add'l Info: It is a warming, euphoric and powerful relaxing oil. Amenorrhea (absence of menses), anxiety, asthma, coughing, dysmenorrhea (painful menses), exhaustion, gas, labor pains, night sweats, sore throat, and stress. DO NOT use when your alertness is required such as driving, operating machinery or caring for children because it can cause drowsiness. Avoid if you are pregnant.
Botanical Name: Eugenia caryophyllata
Aroma: Warming and spicy
Texture: Thin
Color: Pale yellow
Add'l Info: DO NOT use with a massage oil because it can irritate the skin. This is a powerful oil and should be used with care. Known as a tooth remedy and has been used for stomach upsets and a food flavoring agent. Also used as an antiseptic for infections.
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Aroma: Sweet, slightly musky, spicy, warm, herbaceous. Similar to the dried Coriander seeds used in cooking.
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Add'l Info: Traditionally used as an ingredient of the liqueurs Chartreuse and Benedictine. Can cause drowsiness in large doses.
Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens
Aroma: Medium,herbaceous, slightly woody with an evergreen aroma
Texture: Thin
Color: Pale Yellow
Add'l Info: Arthritic conditions, excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, insect repellent, menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), oily skin, varicose veins, has been used to treat whooping cough and used as an aftershave lotion and deodorant for men. DO NOT use during pregnancy. DO NOT use directly on varicose veins.
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus Globulus
Aroma: Cooling, camphoraceous, with a woody undertone
Texture: Thin and slightly oily
Color: Clear
Add'l Info: Eucalyptus is great for massaging sore, aching muscles and as an energizing sports massage. It is one of the best antiseptic EO's and it is also an anti-viral agent. Works well on colds, catarrh, aches and pains. It is a stimulating oil. Has also been used on fevers, snake bites, arthritic conditions and used in saunas to cleanse the atmosphere. Popular in the pharmaceutical industry for inhalants and congestion. Use sparingly so as not to irritate the skin.
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Aroma: Sweet, earthy and herbaceous
Texture: Thin
Color: Pale yellow
Add'l Info: Has been used for digestion, cellulite and obesity, as an antidote for snake bites and poisonous plants. Counter-balances alcohol poisoning. DO NOT use on young children or anyone with a history of nervous conditions of epilepsy. May cause a skin irritation on those with sensitive skin.
Botanical Name: Boswellia carterii
Aroma: Mild to medium, woody, balsamic, slightly spicy and fruity
Texture: Thin
Color: Light yellow
Add'l Info: Anxiety, asthma, bronchial and respiratory conditions, heavy coughing, scars, stress and stretch marks. Used in ritualistic and religious ceremonies. Useful EO for meditation and relaxation. Rejuvenates the skin.
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Aroma: Medium, warm, spicy, earthy and woody
Texture: Thin
Color: Light yellow
Add'l Info: Achy and sore muscles, arthritic conditions, colds, flu, appetite stimulant, nausea and stimulates circulation. Can irritate the skin. DO NOT use if you are pregnant.
Botanical Name: Citrus paradisi
Aroma: Medium and citrusy
Texture: Thin
Color: Pale yellow
Add'l Info: Cellulite and skin conditions, toxic build-up and water retention
Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis
Aroma: Medium, earthy, fruity, woody, slightly sweet.
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear
Add'l Info: Cuts and bruises, coughing and chest infections, sore throat. DO NOT use if you are pregnant, have epilepsy or high blood pressure. Use under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist.
Botanical Name: Jasminum officinalis
Aroma: Strong, warm, floral with an exotic scent
Texture: Medium
Color: Deep brown with a golden hue
Add'l Info: Used for depression, dry skin conditions, exhaustion, labor pains and sensitive skin. Used as an aphrodisiac and strong sensual stimulant. Used in the cosmetic industry. DO NOT overuse or if you are pregnant.
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis
Aroma: Peppery, turpentine-like, balsamic and warm, smoky, woody, reminiscent of evergreen oils
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear
Add'l Info: Detoxifying and cleansing. Useful for urinary tract infections, respiratory ailments and gastro-intestinal conditions. Avoid is you are pregnant. If used excessively it can cause inflammation to the kidneys or urine retention.
Botanical Name: Citrus limon
Aroma: Strong, similar to fresh lemon rinds only more concentrated.
Texture: Thin
Color: Yellow
Add'l Info: Used by the pharmaceutical industry for colds and flu. Used in cooking and cleaning. Athlete's foot, chiliblains, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins and warts
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Aroma: Light, fresh citrus scent with earthy notes.
Texture: Thin
Color: Yellow hue
Add'l Info: Used in traditional Indian medicine for infections and to reduce fevers. It is used as an antiseptic and has antibacterial qualities. Used for gastrointestinal conditions and as an insect repellent. Useful in cooking.
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana or Thymus mastichina
Aroma: Spicy, warm, herbaceous, nutty, woody
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Add'l Info: Warming, comforting and calming, it is a sedative in larger doses. This EO is great for internal turmoil, irritability and hysteria, creates peace of mind and aids in healing emotional wounds. Helps with menses disturbances and when used excessively will cause drowsiness. It is usually considered an anti-aphrodisiac. DO NOT use during pregnancy.
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Aroma: Lemony, light & fresh
Texture: Thin
Color: Pale yellow
Add'l Info: Strengthening, revitalizing, soothing and calming. Has been used as an antidepressant and anti-spasmodic. It calms helps to release tension giving a joyful and uplifting effect. May be used in times of bereavement or shock. May irritate the skin in sensitive individuals. An excellent insect repellent. DO NOT use if you are pregnant.
Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha
Aroma: Rich, resinous, balsamic, incense-like and long lasting
Texture: Very thick and when warmed it will turn more liquid
Color: Dark amber or brown
Add'l Info: Purifying, restorative, revitalizing, uplifting and soothes nervous tension. Expectorant and anti-inflammatory EO. Great meditative EO and aids in skin care. It is also known for its use in oral care as toothpaste or mouthwash. DO NOT use during pregnancy.
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium
Aroma: Strong, Floral, citrusy, exotic and sweet, intoxicating scent
Texture: Medium
Color: Dark to medium brown
Add'l Info: One of the main ingredients in Eau de Cologne, used as a flavoring agent in the perfume industry and the blossoms are used in bridal wreaths. Depression, frigidity, insomnia, mature skin, scars, sedative EO, shock, stress, stretch marks. DO NOT use when alertness is necessary for driving, machinary use, watching children, etc.
Botanical Name: Melaleuca viridiflora
Aroma: Strong, medicinal, spicy-camphorous, warm scent. Similar to Tea Tree, although the aroma is softer, sweeter and more pleasant. A Good substitute if you do not like the scent of Tea Tree oil.
Texture: Thin liquid
Color: Clear to slightly pale yellow green
Add'l Info: Medicinal, stimulating, purifying, powerful antiseptic and tissue stimulant, therefore it helps in wound healing and burns. Used by the pharmaceutical industry for gargles and mouth washes.
Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans
Aroma: Sweet, warm-spicy, slightly peppery, smells just like the spice commonly used in cooking
Texture: Thin liquid
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Add'l Info: Comforting, soothing, an aphrodisiac, euphoric, and elevating. Flavoring used in foods and drinks. Used in hair lotions and dental products. Nutmeg can cause hallucinations so use with extra special care. Excessive amounts can cause mental or nervous disturbances. Use ONLY under the direction of a qualified aromatherapist. May irritate the skin. DO NOT use during pregnancy.
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium
Aroma: Delicious sweet scent, excellent room air freshener
Texture: Thin
Color: Orange
Add'l Info: Excessive amounts can cause skin irritations. Sedative and used in both the perfume and food industry. Use in the liqueur Curacao. Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion and stress.
Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis
Aroma: Medium to strong, citrusy, sweet, reminiscent of orange peels only more concentrated.
Texture: Thin
Color: Orange
Add'l Info: Excessive amounts can cause skin irritations. Sedative and used in both the perfume and food industry. Use in the liqueur Curacao. Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion, stress.
Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin or Pogostemon patchouli
Aroma: Medium, earthy, musky, woody, yet sweet with a slight fruity scent
Texture: Medium to thick
Color: Translucent yellow to deep syrup brown, depending on the age of the EO
Add'l Info: Great skin care ingredient and cell rejuvenator. Aids in peace of mind and is used as an aphrodisiac. Is able to mask unpleasant aromas because of its incredible staying power, Patchouli is a fixative ingredient, which means it is a substance that binds other compounds, slowing down their evaporation and making the fragrance last longer. Can be used as a sedative in low doses and a stimulant when used in excess. Used for acne, athlete's foot, chapped skin, dermatitis, eczema, fatigue, frigidity, hair care, insect repellant, mature skin, oily skin and stress.
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Aroma: Strong, minty, reminiscent of peppermint candies only more concentrated and more fragrant than spearmint.
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear with a yellow hue
Add'l Info: Used as an ingredient in toothpaste an cosmetics. Asthma, colic, cough, colds, digestion, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, sinusitis and vertigo. DO NOT use if pregnant.
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium
Aroma: Medium, floral, slightly woody, citrusy, lighter in fragrance than neroli
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear with a yellow hue
Add'l Info: Is a hypnotic and a sedative. Calms anxiety and panic attacks. It is uplifting, eases the mind and restores energy. It is an excellent nerve tonic.
Aids in acne, fatigue, oily skin and stress. Excellent fixative in massage blends and perfumes, which means it is a substance that binds other compounds, slowing down their evaporation and making the fragrance last longer.
Botanical Name: Abies sibirica
Aroma: Woody, turpentine-like, sweet, pine-like with a distinct evergreen aroma.
Texture: Thin
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Add'l Info: Powerful antiseptic with a clean scent. Found in disinfectants, cleaning agents and room deodorizers. Refreshing, invigorating, stimulating and strengthening. Used in baths to relieve sore and tired muscles.
Botanical Name: Rosa damascena
Aroma: Strong, floral and sweet
Texture: Thick for Rose Absolute, Thin for the Rose Otto
Color: Deep Red for the Rose Absolute, Light Yellow for the Rose Otto
Add'l Info: Balancing, relaxing, inspiring and comforting. Rose symbolizes romance, passion, luxury and sympathy. It's great for skincare properties, refining the structure of the skin and balancing its functions. Its mildness makes it great for nurturing the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes when properly diluted. Rose opens the heart, and has brought calming comfort to many births. It is a very feminine aroma that is frequently used to improve a woman’s well-being. It has been used for depression, eczema, frigidity, mature skin, menopause and stress.
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Aroma: Medium, herbaceous, sweet and slightly medicinal
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear to slightly pale orange
Add'l Info: Refreshing, empowering and mind-clearing. Popular in hair care, skin care and enhances memory. Aching muscles, arthritic conditions, dandruff, dull or dry skin, exhaustion, gout, hair care, muscle cramping, neuralgia and poor circulation.
Botanical Name: Aniba rosaeodora
Aroma: Dry, woody, rosy, floral with a hint of spice
Texture: Thin
Color: Pale yellow
Add'l Info: Pleasing, comforting, warming, used as an aphrodisiac and soothing to the mind. It balances the emotions and is valued in skincare for its moisturizing and skin healing properties. Used as an excellent room refresher with other blends for skin care and perfumes. Used by the cosmetic industry in skin and bath products.
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Aroma: Spicy, sharp, herbaceous, penetrating and powerful.
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear, pale yellow
Add'l Info: Strengthens the senses and the memory. Use under the direction of a qualified aromatherapist. Used by Native Americans for smudging and other healing purposes. Used medicinally in poultices and gargles. DO NOT use if prone to epilepsy, nervous conditions or if you are pregnant.
Botanical Name: Santalum album
Aroma: Sweet, fragrant yet and delicate, woody and floral
Texture: Medium
Color: Clear with a yellow hue
Add'l Info: Relaxant and is used as a great aphrodisiac. Sandalwood is used in skincare for its moisturizing and skincare properties. It aids in bronchial conditions, dry or dull skin, depression, laryngitis, leucorrhea, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks and other skin conditions.
Botanical Name: Tagetes glandulifera
Aroma: Warm, herbaceous, fruity and powerful
Texture: Thin
Color: Carrot color with yellow hue
Add'l Info: Should be used ONLY by experienced aromatherapists and in small amounts for a limited range of applications only. Can cause skin irritations. Has fungicidal properties. Popular ingredient in perfumes in India.
Botanical Name: Artemisia dracunculus
Aroma: Warming and stimulating fragrance
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear to pale
Add'l Info: Stimulates the appetite, popular ingredient in French cuisine. DO NOT use if you are pregnant. Should only be used under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist.
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Aroma: Very strong and medicinal smelling. Spicy-camphorous with a warm scent. For those who have experienced the benefits of Tea Tree oil, this EO has become equivalent with the scent of healing.
Texture: Thin and watery
Color: Clear to slightly pale yellow/green
Add'l Info: Medicinal, stimulating, purifying and healing. Has been used for burns, stings, skin irritations, vaginal infections, gum infections, cold sores, catarrh, sore throats, muscle aches, pains and spasms, arthritic conditions, respiratory complaints and this EO can irritate sensitive skin.
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Aroma: Spicy, warm, herbaceous, powerful, penetrating and medicinal
Texture: Thin
Color: Clear to slightly pale yellow
Add'l Info: Gives courage, uplifting and revives the spirit. Mostly medicinal applications. Care should be used because it can can skin irritations. Toxic if not properly diluted. It is a powerful oil and should be used only by a qualified aromatherapist. Not for home use. Powerful antiseptic. It is an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides
Aroma: Rich, woody, earthy and mysterious, sweet and satisfying, masculine and warm.
Texture: Thick, viscous
Color: Golden brown or dark brown
Add'l Info: Deeply relaxing and comforting. Helps you find peace of mind and accept life’s challenges. It is a great aphrodisiac and is a great masking agent for unpleasant odors. Due to its remarkable staying power, Vetiver is a great fixative ingredient (a fixative is a substance that binds other compounds, slowing down their evaporation and thereby making the fragrance last longer). Acne, anxiety, arthritic conditions, cuts and sores, depression, exhaustion, insomnia, muscular aches and pains, oily skin and stress.
Botanical Name: Cananga odorata
Aroma: Intensely sweet and soft. Medium to strong, floral, sweet, slightly fruity and delicate
Texture: Medium
Color: Clear with a yellow hue to a deep golden color
Add'l Info: Jasmine is a rich floral EO and sometimes called, "Jasmine for the poor man." It is probably the richest of all the floral EO aromas and can easily be overdone. It is used to treat anxiety, depression, frigidity, hypertension, palpitations and stress. It is a perfume in its own right. Known as an aphrodisiac and sensual stimulant.
ALWAYS SEARCH for more information for your own educational purpose. This page is NOT considered fully complete and NOT a guarantee for accuracy.
ALWAYS conduct a skin patch test before applying ANYTHING new to your skin. DO NOT apply ANY undiluted essential oils directly onto your skin.
DO NOT take any essential oils internally.
IF YOU ARE pregnant or have ANY medical problems DO NOT use essential oils without first consulting your physician.
PUT SAFETY FIRST and consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using any essential oils with children. Use EXTREME caution when using any essential oils with children using only the gentlest oils at an extremely low dose.
DISCLAIMER
**This web site's goal is to provide you with information that may be useful in attaining optimal health. Nothing in it is meant as a prescription or as medical advice. You should check with your physician before implementing any changes in your exercise or lifestyle habits, especially if you have physical problems or are taking medications of any kind.
