Essential Oils - Function, Properties & Use

Here’s a list of essential oils, their respective functions and properties, along with a guide on how to use them/ what other oils to blend them with for a synergistic effect. For ways of how to use them, please refer to the previous entry.

Basil (Osymum basilicum)

Treatment:
Bronchitis, Headache, Migraine, Degestive Aid, Mouth Ulcer, Gum Infection

Properties:
Insect Repellent, Anti-depressant, Skin Care, Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Stomachic-digestive, Hair Tonic

How to use:
Hot Compress, Bath, Massage, Vaporise, Cold Compress, Mouth wash

Blend with:
Lavender, Geranium, Bergamot

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Treatment:
Cystitis, Anxiety, Skincare, Urethritis, Appetite Regulator, Digestive Aid, Acne

Properties:
Anti-depressant, Skincare, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant, Deodorant

How to use:
Hot Compress, Bath, Massage, Vaporise, Local Wash

Blend with:
Cypress, Neroli, Jasmine

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Treatment:
Digestive tract, Antispasmodic, Kidneys, Muscle pain, Stiff joints, Anaemia

Properties:
Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant, Tonic

How to use:
Massage

Blend with:
Rosemary, Marjoram, Lavender

Cajeput (Melaleuca leucodendron)

Treatment:
Infection, Cold, Catarrh, Sinusitis, Headache, Pain killing, Sore throats

Properties:
Insect Repellent, Skin care, Bactericide, Antiseptic, Stomachic-digestive

How to use:
Inhalations, Mouthwash, Hot compress, Cold compress

Blend with:
Lavender to balance

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Treatment:
Antiseptic, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cystitis, Urinal and Vaginal Infections

Properties:
Aphrodisiac, Hair/Scalp tonic, Insect repellent, Skincare, Antiseptic, Tonic, Relaxant, Meditation Aid

How to use:
Inhalations, Local wash, Bath, Cold compress, Massage, Vaporise

Blend with:
Bergamot, Jasmine, Juniper, Sandalwood

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

Treatment:
Anti-inflammatory, Insomnia, Sprains, Stomach Upsets, Eyes, Earaches, Hair, Soothing

Properties:
Anti-depressant, Hair/scalp tonic, Skincare, Antiseptic, Tonic, Bactericide, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant

How to use:
Hot compress, Bath, Vaporise, Mouthwash, Inhalations, Massage, Local wash

Blend with:
Melissa, Lavender, Rose, Cedarwood

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Treatment:
Muscle relaxant, Asthma, Digestive tonic, Stress, Tension, Menstrual Cramps

Properties:
Anti-depressant, Skincare, Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Tonic, Deodorant, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant

How to use:
Cold compress, Inhalations, Mouthwash, Massage, Local wash, Bath, Vaporise

Blend with:
Sandalwood, Lavender, Cypress, Orange

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Treatment:
Stimulates appetite, Analgesic, Rheumatic pains, Flatulence, Aids digestion

Properties:
Aphrodisiac, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath

Blend with:
Bergamot, Neroli, Rose, Geranium

Cypress (Cypressus semperirens)

Treatment:
Astrigent, Antiseptic, Asthma, Menstrual Regulation, Foot odour, Circulation, Haemorrhoids

Properties:
Insect repellent, Skincare, Relaxant, Tonic, Deodorant, Antiseptic

How to use:
Bath, Massage, Cold compress, Vaporise, Local wash

Blend with:
Bergamot, Juniper, Pine, Lemon

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Treatment:
Decongestant, Antiviral, Colds, Influenza, Antiseptic, Wounds, Burns, Muscular pain

Properties:
Skincare, Hair/scalp tonic, Insect repellent, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Deodorant

How to use:
Massage, Mouthwash, Bath, Inhalations, Hot compress, Cold compress

Blend with:
Chamomile, Lavender, Thyme, Bergamot

Fennel (Feoniculum vulgare)

Treatment:
Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Regulates mentrual cycle, Flatulence, Detoxifying

Properties:
Skincare, Antiseptic, Tonic, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant

How to use:
Massage, Mouthwash, Bath

Blend with:
Rose, Sandalwood, Juniper

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

Treatment:
Respiratory infections, Soothing, Anxiety, Uterine tonic

Properties:
Aphrodisiac, Anti-depressant, Skincare, Meditation aid, Antiseptic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Inhalations, Cold compress, Vaporise

Blend with:
Neroli, Myrrh, Sandalwood

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Treatment:
High blood pressure, Colds, Heart disease, Cough, Blood circulation, Cholesterol, Urinari infection
Properties:
Skincare, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Anti-fungal, Tonic

How to use:
Cold compress

Blend with:
Lavender, Peppermint

Geranium (Pelargonium odorantissimum)

Treatment:
Anti-depressant, Astringent, Diuretic, Haemostatic, Promotes healing

Properties:
Insect repellent, Anti-depressant, Skincare, Antiseptic, Relaxant, Deodorant, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Hot compress, Vaporise

Blend with:
Bergamot, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

Treatment:
Catarrh, Diarrhoea, Rheumatism, Cold, Flu, Cramps, Nausea, Travel and morning sickness

Properties:
Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Stomachic-digestive, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Mouthwash, Bath, Hot compress, Inhalation, Cold compress

Blend with:
Lavender, Orange, Neroli

Jasmine (Jasminium grandiflorum)

Treatment:
Uterine, Menstrual pain, Anti-depressant, Cramps, Cough, Childbirth, Chest

Properties:
Anti-depressant, Skincare, Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Relaxant, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Vaporise

Blend with:
Neroli, Lemon, Rose, Cedarwood

Juniper (Juniperus grandiflorum)

Treatment:
Diuretic, Detoxifying, Astringent, Tonic, Eczema, Cystitis, Purifying

Properties:
Skincare, Antiseptic,Tonic, Meditation aid, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Local wash

Blend with:
Geranium, Rosemary, Frankincense

Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)

Treatment:
Antiviral, Headache, Menstrual pain, Analgesic, Antibiotic, Acne, Anti-inflammatory

Properties:
Skincare, Anti-depressant, Insect repellent, Antiseptic, Bacteriside, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxant, Tonic, Deodorant, Anti-fungal

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Vaporise, Hot compress, Cold compress

Blend with:
Bergamot, Orange, Marjoram, Geranium

Lemon (Citrus limonum)

Treatment:
Stimulates immune system, Corns, Warts, Bleeding Gums, Digestive and circulatory tonic, Counteracts acidity

Properties:
Skincare, Hair/scalps tonic, Insect repellent, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Deodorant, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Vaporise, Mouthwash, Cold compress, Inhalations, Local wash

Blend with:
Ylang-ylang, Tea tree, Juniper, Fennel

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates)

Treatment:
Infection, Fever, Digestive, Tonic, Headache, Deodorant, Footbath

Properties:
Skincare, Insect repellent, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Deodorant, Stomachic-digestive, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Vaporise

Blend with:
Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Juniper

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Treatment:
Dry skin, Nappy rash, Varicose veins, Cronic Ulcers, Promotes healing

Properties:
Skincare, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Stomachic-digestive

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Local wash, Cold compress

Blend with:
Mandarin

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Treatment:
Respiratory problems, Cold, Insomnia, High blood pressure, Digestion, Rheumatism, Arthritis

Properties:
Antiseptic, Relaxant, Stomachic-digestive, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Inhalation

Blend with:
Lavender, Bergamot, Rosemary

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Treatment:
Eczema, Skin, Allergies, Shock, Menstrual regulation, Coughs, High blood pressure

Properties:
Skincare, Insect repellent, Deodorant, Relaxant, Stomachic-digestive

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Vaporise

Blend with:
Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium

Myrrh (Commifora myrrha)

Treatment:
Promote healing, Stomach, Eczema, Acne, Anti-inflammatory, Mouth ulcers, Digestive, Athlete’s foot

Properties:
Skincare, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Anti-fungal, Meditation aid, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Mouthwash, Inhalation, Vaporise

Blend with:
Sandalwood, Frankincense

Myrtle (Myrtaceae family)

Treatment:
Astringent, Acne, Catarrh, Bronchial, Chest, Haemorrhoids, Urinary infections

Properties:
Skincare, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Tonic, Stomachic-digestive, Meditation aid

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Inhalation, Vaporise

Blend with:
Lavender, Cypress, Neroli, Lemon

Neroli (Citrus vulgaris)

Treatment:
Anti-depressant, Antispasmodic, Insomnia, Gentle sedative, shock, Gums, Mouth

Properties:
Skincare, Anti-depressant, Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Deodorant, Relaxant, Stomachic-digestive, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Bath, Hot compress, Vaporise

Blend with:
Rose, Jasmine, Lemon, Bergamot

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Treatment:
Circulation, Heart, Digestion, Bad Breath, Rheumatic pain, Appetizer

Properties:
Mouthwash, Antiseptic, Stomachic-digestive, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Inhalation, Cold compress

Blend with:
Clove, Orange, Rosemary

Orange (Citrus aurantium)

Treatment:
Antispasmodic, Stomach, Mild sedative, Constipation, Chronic diarrhoea

Properties:
Anti-depressant, Skincare, Relaxant, Stomachic-digestive

How to use:
Mouthwash, Massage, Vaporise, Bath

Blend with:
Lavender, Marjoram, Ylang-ylang, Juniper

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Treatment:
Anti-depressant, Antiseptic, Astringent, Fluid retention, Anti-inflammatory, Stings

Properties:
Skincare, Aphrodisiac, Anti-depressant, Anti-fungal, Tonic

How to use:
Mouthwash, Massage, Vaporise, Bath

Blend with:
Geranium, Rose, Bergamot, Lemon

Peppermint (Mentha piperata)

Treatment:
Colic, Diarrhoea, Indigestion, Vomiting, Stomach pain, Cold, Fever, Headache

Properties:
Skincare, Insect repellent, Bactericide, Stomachic-digestive, Relaxation

How to use:
Inhalation, Massage, Vaporise, Bath

Blend with:
Eucalyptus, Lavender, Marjoram

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Treatment:
Chest infection, Colds, Sore throats, Circulation, Rheumatic pains, Lungs

Properties:
Antiseptic, Bactericide, Deodorant, Anti-fungal

How to use:
Bath, Vaporise, Inhalation, Do not use undiluted

Blend with:
Eucalyptus, Lavender

Rose (Rose damascene, Rosa centifolia)

Treatment:
Anti-depressant, Anorexia, Regulating menstrual, Confidence improving

Properties:
Skincare, Aphrodisiac, Stomachache-digestive, Tonic, Antiseptic, Relaxant

How to use:
Inhalation, Massage, Vaporize, Bath

Blend with:
Neroli, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Geranium

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Treatment:
Heart, Liver, Colds, Gallbladder, Catarrh, Speech, Sinusitis, Asthma, Sight, Memory

Properties:
Skincare, hair/scalp tonic, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Tonic, Meditation aid, Stomachic-digestive

How to use:
Inhalation, Massage, Vaporise, Hot compress, Bath

Blend with:
Marjoram, Lavender, Bergamot, Basil

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Treatment:
Antiseptic, Dry skin, Sore throat, Cystitis, Bronchitis, Urinary infection

Properties:
Skincare, Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Meditation aid, Relaxant, Tonic

How to use:
Inhalation, Massage, Vaporise, Bath

Blend with:
Ylang-ylang, Neroli, Blackpepper

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Treatment:
Influenza, Fungi, Viruses, Warts, Ringworm, Cold sores, Blisters, acne

Properties:
Skincare, Insect repellent, Antiseptic, Bactericide, Anti-fungal

How to use:
Inhalation, Massage, Local wash, Mouthwash, Bath

Blend with:
Lavender

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Treatment:
Relieves sexual anxiety, High blood pressure, Slow breathing, Anti-depressant

Properties:
Skincare, Anti-depressant, Hair/scalp tonic, Aphrodisiac, Antiseptic, Relaxant, Stomachic-digestive, Tonic

How to use:
Massage, Vaporise, Bath

Blend with:
Sandalwood, Lemon, Orange, Bergamot