Essential oils are composed of the volatile compounds extracted from plants such as herbs, flowers, wood or fruit. It is important to handle essential oils with care, and only use high quality, pure oils from reputable suppliers. For more information, please see the Aromatherapy page.
Uses for Common Essential Oils
| Medicinal Uses / Effects | |
| Lavender | An exceptional oil to keep on hand as it doesn’t need to be diluted. Good for relaxation and sleep. Effect: Relaxing & Uplifting |
| Tea Tree | Ideal for use in a medicine kit as it is anti-fungal and antibacterial Effect: Stimulating |
| Eucalyptus | A powerful decongestant and anti-inflammatory. Adding a drop to a neti pot helps to clear the sinuses. Effect: Stimulating |
| Peppermint | Can alleviate nausea and fatigue. Is cooling to the skin. Effect: Stimulating |
| Rosemary | A brain booster which is good for studying. It also helps to act as a free radical scavenger once inhaled. Effect: Stimulating |
| Lemon | Kills airborne pathogens. It is both antibacterial and antimicrobial. Effect: Stimulating |
| Oregano | Antibacterial and antimicrobial. A drop of oregano oil on the soles of the feet could help fight a cold or the flu. Effect: Stimulating |
| Jasmine | Good for muscle cramps and improving feelings of self-worth. Effect: Relaxing |
| Rose | Good for relieving headaches and fatigue. Enhances mood. Effect: Relaxing |
| Melissa (Lemon Balm) | The most antiviral oil. It is good for cold sores. Effect: Relaxing and Uplifting |
| Sandalwood | Ideal for treating depression and tension. Effect: Relaxing |
| Sage | Good for bacterial and throat infections. White sage is used in purification processes (rituals). The plant is dried for use in smudge sticks, and the hydrosol can be used for space clearings. Effect: Stimulating |
*Chart reflects basic information. Each oil has additional healing/medicinal properties.
Essential Oil Blends for Health
| Condition | Essential Oils |
| Stress | Lavender, marjoram, ylang ylang, neroli, sandalwood, tangerine |
| Flu | Eucalyptus, niaouli, cajeput, thyme, peppermint, rosemary |
| Headache | Peppermint, basil, lavender, marjoram, rosemary |
| Depression | Jasmine, rose, neroli, patchouli, clary sage, citrus |
| PMS | Clary sage, geranium, mugwort, German chamomile , fennel |
| Self-esteem | Jasmine, rose, neroli, patchouli, clary sage, citrus |
| Indigestion | Peppermint, coriander, ginger |
| Sleep/Insomnia | Roman chamomile, neroli |
| Cuts/Bites | Tea tree, geranium, lavender, rosewood |
| Bruises | Italian everlasting (helichrysum), peppermint |
| Alertness/Creativity | Peppermint, rosemary, basil, ginger, spruce, sage |
*Adapted from Practical Aromatherapy, An Introduction to the Art and Science of Essential Oils – by Maren Good
Essential Oil Sources
Enfleurage – www.enfleurage.com – beautiful site with a wide variety of aromatherapy oil and supplies.
The Laboratory of Flowers – http://labofflowers.com – purchase high quality essential oils from around the world.
Mountain Rose Herbs – www.mountainroseherbs.com – find organic essential oils, aromatherapy sprays and more.
Nature’s Gift – www.naturesgift.com – they sell a variety of aromatherapy products.
Original Swiss Aromatics – www.originalswissaromatics.com – A great source for essential oils, hydrosols, vaporizers and more.
References:
Maren Good, Lecture at The Graduate Institute, March 16-17, 2012. Healing with Scents and Sounds
C. Norman Shealy, MD, Ph.D. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, 2002.
Mark Evans B Phil., FNIMH. Yoga, Tai Chi, Massage, Therapies & Healing Remedies, 2004.
[Last Updated: 6/16/21]