Aromatherapy 2

Essential Oils Descriptions A - K

 Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)

Balancing and strengthening. Distilled from the roots of the plant, Angelica was referred to in medieval times as 'Angels Herb' or the ' Root of the Holy Spirit'. It gives a boost to both the immune and nervous system and is a very useful oil to help maintain flexible, mobile joints.

Anise Star (Illicium verum)

Stimulating and energising. The sweet and herbaceous smell of Anise is reminiscent of aniseed or liquorice and it has a refreshing and stimulating action on the digestive and respiratory system when used in massage. It gives an uplifting boost to flagging emotions. 

Basil (Linalool c.t.) (Ocimum basilicum)

Strengthening, clearing and liberating. A powerful aromatic essential oil tonic that clears the head and helps to give the mind strength and clarity. Basil has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and has lovely reviving fragrance. Inhale or vaporise to maintain easy breathing.

Bay Leaf (Pimenta racemosa)

Stimulating and warming. Also known as West Indian Bay, this oil has been used in hair preparations for over 100 years to treat dandruff, greasy scalp and hair loss. This essential oil has a warm and spicy odour quite similar to clove bud.

Benzoin Resinoid (Styrax benzoin)

Soothing, warming and comforting. Benzoin has a rich creamy, vanilla like fragrance that blends well with many other oils. A gently relaxing oil which eases tired muscles when used in massage.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Refreshing, uplifting and antiseptic. Expressed from the peel of the fruit, Bergamot essential oil has a delightful citrus aroma that is uplifting to the emotions. Bergamot oil was originally used as an ingredient in eau-de-cologne and blends well with most oils. Extremely effective in caring for blemished, oily and sensitive skin. 

Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia)

Refreshing, uplifting and antiseptic. Also expressed from the peel of the fruit, this essential oil has been specially treated to remove the natural components that cause this oil to be photo-sensitising.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Stimulating, toning and warming. Obtained from the dried peppercorns, Black Pepper oil is highly beneficial when used in massage to ease aching muscles and encourage suppleness after strenuous exercise. Black Pepper has a deep penetrating warmth that invigorates and stimulates both body and mind.

Cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron)

Antiseptic and clearing. A versatile antiseptic essential oil that can also be used effectively as an inhalant during the cold season. Cajuput has a medicinal aroma very similar to eucalyptus, but softer with a hint of herb.

Camphor White (Cinnamomum camphora)

Stimulating and antiseptic. Massage with this oil to stimulate tired, aching muscles after a strenuous day. Most people are familiar with the distinctive smell of camphor oil which can be used to kill air-born bacteria.

Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum)

Uplifting, energising and warming. Cardamon oil has a stimulating action on the digestive system when used in massage, and also on the emotions when vaporised. It has a delightful fruity-spicy fragrance that helps concentration and restores feelings of contentment.

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

Revitalising, toning and cleansing. Improves a wide range of poor complexion conditions because of its revitalising and toning action when included in a regular skincare regime. Carrot seed oil encourages the production of red blood cells and the efficient elimination of toxins when used in massage. 

Cedar Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)

Astringent, antiseptic and relaxing. Steam distilled from the wood of the tree, Cedarwood Atlas has strong antiseptic and astringent properties that make this oil ideal for teenage and greasy skin. The soft and woody fragrance also makes this a very pleasant oil to use as an inhalation.

Cedar Virginian (Juniperus virginiana)

Antiseptic, soothing and relaxing. Essential oil from the Virginian Cedarwood is similar in action to the Atlas type but has a sweet 'pencil-wood' type aroma. It is an effective insect repellent oil that blends well with Citronella oil for this purpose.

Chamomile German (Matricaria chamomilla)

Soothing and relaxing. German Chamomile oil is distilled from the flowering heads of the plant and produces a dark inky blue-green oil with a strong herb-like aroma. German Chamomile oil contains a constituent called chamazulene which has a pronounced soothing effect. This highly versatile essential oil can be inhaled during a high pollen count, used during the menopause and is highly effective in massage to ease aching muscles after a strenuous day.

Chamomile Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis)

Soothing and relaxing. A useful oil when used with red, irritated and sensitive skin types. It has a relaxing effect on the emotional system that helps to alleviate irritability, anger and temper tantrums. 

Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis)

Soothing and relaxing. Once again the essential oil is distilled from the flowering heads of the plant to produce a beautiful pale blue oil with a sweet herbaceous fragrance. After Lavender, Roman Chamomile oil is probably the second most versatile oil used in aromatherapy and is particularly beneficial in skincare to soothe sensitive, red, dry or itchy skin. The softer, sweeter fragrance of Roman Chamomile helps to make this oil more popular than the German Chamomile.

Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Stimulating, antiseptic, and fungicidal. Extracted from the leaves and twigs of the tree, Cinnamon oil has a warm and spicy fragrance which blends well with a wide range of oils, especially the citrus ones. Used in massage it stimulates a sluggish circulatory or digestive system and also helps with 'burn-out'. 

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)

Uplifting, refreshing and antiseptic. This essential oil is best known as an effective insect repellent, but it also has antiseptic and stimulating properties. Citronella oil has a deodorant action and helps neutralise excessive perspiration.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclaria)

Relaxing, warming and euphoric. Distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant, Clary Sage is a deeply relaxing oil that imparts a feeling of well being. This oil is particularly soothing and relaxing when used to massage the abdomen during menstruation.

Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Antiseptic, warming and soothing. Not to be confused with the inferior oil extracted from the leaves or stems, Clove Bud oil is a powerful antiseptic and fungicide with a rich, sweet and spicy aroma. Like most oils obtained from spices, it has a positive action on the digestive system when used in massage.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Stimulating, strengthening and revitalising. Seeds of this herb were found in the tomb of Rameses II, which shows how highly the ancient Egyptians valued it. The essential oil has a sweet and woody-spicy aroma that stimulates the appetite and is mildly euphoric in action.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Astringent, toning and restoring. When used in massage, Cypress oil helps to increase circulation and is good for reducing visible veins and cellulite. It has a unique woody-herbaceous fragrance favoured by men, hence its use in many aftershave and cologne preparations. Cypress oil is a natural deodorant, and also helps to balance oily skin.