19 Essential Oils For Beginners
Here are some essential oils that one may want to have in their home kit. For suggestions for a starter kit with four essential oils, see this Basic Essential Oils for Daily Living article.
Essential Oil
|
Scent
|
Therapeutic Properties
|
Bergamot
|
Light and citrusy
|
May help nervous tension
|
Chamomile (Roman)
|
Fruity, woody
|
May help relieve stress, tension and anxiety, improves digestion, reduces pain, heals skin
|
Citronella
|
Lemon - citrus
|
Insect repellant, may help with fevers and digestion
|
Clary Sage
|
Sweet and spicy
|
Calming, may help with muscle fatigue, improve sleep, uplifting, tension tamer and aphrodisiac
|
Cypress
|
Light and woodsy
|
Works to reduce cellulite, calming and uplifting
|
Eucalyptus
|
Camphorous
|
Helps relieve pain, improves mental clarity and reduces congestion
|
Frankincense
|
Warm, exotic, sweet and spicy
|
Calming, may help with aging skin
|
Geranium
|
Floral, spicy
|
Promotes emotional balance, helps reduce cellulite, relieves stress and tension
|
Ginger
|
Strong spicy scent
|
Stimulating, improves mental clarity, relieves pain and nausea
|
Grapefruit
|
Citrusy
|
Improves mental clarity and memory
|
Jasmine
|
Sweet, heavy floral smell
|
Helps with depression, may help improve skin elasticity, reduces stretch marks, aphrodisiac
|
Juniper
|
Fresh, Fruity, woody
|
Helps with mental exhaustion, obesity, water retention
|
Lavender
|
Floral
|
Reduces cellulite deposits, helps reduce pain and inflammation, promotes relaxation and restful sleep
|
Lemongrass
|
Lemony
|
Uplifting, improves mental clarity
|
Neroli
|
Heavy, floral
|
Calming and uplifting
|
Rose (otto)
|
Floral, damp, invigorating
|
Helps relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety
|
Rosemary
|
Menthol, earthy
|
Helps reduce cellulite, relieves mental fatigue, relaxes tight muscles
|
Sandalwood
|
Earthy, spicy, floral, woody
|
Calming, aphrodisiac, reduces stress
|
Tea Tree
|
Camphorous
|
Antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiviral
|
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for healing. Essential oils are volatile substances extracted from plants typically by a distillation process. These properties are not released in any significant amount in typical herbal preparations. Essential oils are comprised of numerous chemical constituents, with each chemical having a particular signature and mode of action. The majority of the constituents in essential oils are produced by the plants either for their own protection, to attract pollinators, or to heal wounds. Their modes of action and therapeutic properties are also effective on humans, and we can use essential oils to affect our physical and emotional health in various ways.
There are over 100,000 aromas found in nature, but as humans we can recognize only about 300 of these. It is through receptors in our sinuses (the olfactory bulb) that lead to the limbic system of the brain that corresponds to our emotions and feelings. When we inhale aroma molecules, we have a direct path to our emotions and memories. That is why when you smell certain aromas, such as a cake baking in the oven or a soup pot on the stove it can bring you back to a different place and time. You have effectively experienced aromatherapy! This is a very simple example for a very complex healing art, but you get the point I’m sure.
Essential oils are most commonly administered aromatically via inhalation and topically via absorption through the skin. Rarely are essential oils taken internally, and never without the supervision of a professional health care provider with extensive knowledge in the practice of aromatherapy and its effects on the body. Safe use of essential oils is paramount! Learn more about safety guidelines for aromatic, internal, and topical use as well as dilution recommendations in the article Essential Oil Safety.
Many essential oils are antiviral and antibacterial and can be used in diffusers to help fight cold and flu infections as well as relieve congestion. Essential oils with nervine properties can be used to calm anxiety, release tension, soothe headaches, and alleviate sleeplessness. The stimulating effect of some essential oils can be used to energize the mind and body, improve mental focus and memory, and relieve mental fatigue.
Remember that our skin is our largest organ and is not to be ignored. However, essential oils are very potent and are usually mixed with carrier oils before using them on the skin. When essential oils are used in skin products, they can promote cell growth, improve circulation, and help rid the body of toxins. Essential oils can also be helpful for alleviating pain, swelling, and itching from bruises, bug bites, stings, and burns.
