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!
