Holistic Approach: Profiles of Essential Oils

Below are profiles of some of the most popular and versatile essential oils. These profiles are intended as a starting point for your research. Be sure to consult with a doctor or qualified aromatherapist before self-prescribing a specific oil or blend.

Bergamot 

Uplifting, relaxing

Scent: Fruity, lemony, sweet

Useful for: Depression, tension, stress, skin infections, cold sores, flatulence, digestive ailments, loss of appetite

 Warning:

• May cause photosensitivity. Do not apply to skin less than 24 hours before prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Chamomile

Soothing

Scent: Sweet, herbal, fruity

Useful for: Anxiety, stress, tension, PMS, skin conditions, insomnia, digestive ailments, wounds or cuts

Warnings:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing
• Potential allergen

Clarysage

Balancing, revitalizing

Scent: Earthy, bright, spicy

Useful for: PMS, menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, skin conditions, digestive ailments, depression, respiratory conditions, sexual dysfunction, stress

Warnings:

• Do not combine with alcohol
• Do not use if pregnant or nursing

Eucalyptus

Stimulating, cleansing

Scent: Earthy, woodsy, camphor-like

Useful for: Asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments, insect bites, burns, cuts, arthritis, muscle aches, sprains

Warning:

• Do not use if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy
• Excessive amounts can cause headaches
• Not appropriate for infants or small children

Geranium

Harmonizing, balancing

Scent: Sweet, fresh, floral

Useful for: PMS, skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema, cuts and burns, depression, anxiety

Warning:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing

Grapefruit

Sweet, fruity, sharp

Useful for: Dry skin, cellulite, anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, water retention, digestive ailments, headaches

Warning:

• May cause photosensitivity. Do not apply to skin less than 24 hours before prolonged exposure to sunlight

Jasmine

Intoxicating, romantic

Scent: Warm, floral, sweet

Useful for: Depression, sexual disorders, anxiety, stress, respiratory ailments

Warning:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing

Lavender

Calming, uplifting

Scent: Sweet, floral, pleasant

Useful for: Stress, tension, depression, insomnia, headaches, skin conditions, cuts, wounds, burns, cramps, pain, respiratory disorders

Warning:

• Lavender has a hypotensive therapeutic effect (it reduces blood pressure). If you have low blood pressure, do not use without consulting your physician.

Lemon

Stimulating, energizing

Scent: Fresh, sharp, fruity

Useful for: Dry skin, oily skin, respiratory ailments, varicose veins and other circulatory problems, digestive ailments, immune system deficiencies, fatigue

Warning:

• May cause photosensitivity. Do not apply to skin less than 48 hours before prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Marjoram

Comforting, calming

Scent: Spicy, woodsy, warm

Useful for: Respiratory problems, congestion, digestive disorders, colic, abdominal pain, rheumatism, headache, PMS, insomnia, nervous tension

Warnings:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or while breast-feeding
• Do not use if you are suffering from estrogen-dependent cancers or endometriosis
• May cause photosensitivity. Do not apply to skin less than 48 hours before prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Peppermint

Energizing, soothing 

Scent: Strong, fresh, menthol

Useful for: Toothaches, bad breath, tension, depression, respiratory ailments, itching or inflammation of the skin

Warning:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing

Pine 

Invigorating, restorative

Scent: Sweet, resinous, evergreen

Useful for: Aching muscles, fatigue, rheumatism, respiratory ailments such as coughs, flu and bronchitis, also useful as an insect repellant and disinfectant

Warnings:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing
• Dilute before applying directly to the skin. (This applies to all essential oils, but especially to pine, which is quite strong.)

Rose

Aphrodisiac, soothing

Scent: Floral, soft, light

Useful for: Eczema and dry or dull skin, depression, stress, PMS, respiratory problems

Warning:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing

Rosemary

Comforting, empowering

Scent: Strong, fresh, slightly medicinal

Useful for: Rheumatism, digestive ailments, muscle aches and pains, skin problems, wounds, burns, fatigue, exhaustion, stress

Warning:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.

Sandalwood 

Warm, relaxing

Scent: spicy, pleasant, woodsy

Useful for: Respiratory ailments, muscle spasms, digestive ailments, impotence, decreased sexual desire, nervous tension, depression, acne, stretch marks

Warnings:

• Do not use while nursing
• Potential allergen

Ylang Ylang

Relaxing, stimulating

Scent: Exotic, floral, strong

Useful for: Anxiety, tension, stress, sexual disorders, high blood pressure, skin troubles

Warning:

• Can cause nausea or headaches in large doses

One Step Further

Essential oils are considered a complementary therapy: They work best in combination with other treatments, like acupuncture, nutritional therapy, a solid yoga practice and an overall commitment to well-being and healthy living. As magic as their effects may seem, essential oils are not a cure-all! For more information, see Related Tips & How-Tos.