Essential Oils L - Z

Laurel Leaf (Laurus nobilis)

Strengthening, revitalising and uplifting. Historically, this plant was the symbol of victory to both the Greeks and the Romans who considered it the herb of protection. This is reflected in the oils ability to instill confidence and courage as well as improve memory and insight. Used in massage, it has an action on the digestive system. 

Lavender Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)

Relaxing, soothing and rejuvenating. Bulgarian Lavender has a slightly different fragrance to the French type, often having a more full-bodied aroma. However, in action it is very similar to French Lavender and it has the same range of therapeutic properties.

Lavender Croatian (Lavandula angustifolia)

Soothing, rejuvenating and antiseptic. The Lavender oil produced in Croatia has a sharper, more camphoraceous fragrance that is preferred by some. Due to the variations in its natural chemical components, Croatian Lavender is slightly more antiseptic and stimulating than other Lavender oils.

Lavender English (Lavandula angustifolia)

Antiseptic, relaxing, soothing and rejuvenating. At the turn of the century, Lavender grown in the United Kingdom was considered by some experts to be the finest in the world. It was never available in large quantities and during the two World Wars production fell dramatically until only a few small producers remained.

Lavender French (Lavandula angustifolia)

Antiseptic, relaxing, soothing and rejuvenating. Cultivated throughout Europe, the essential oil produced in France is the most popular, with an almost endless list of therapeutic uses. This highly versatile oil eases tired muscles, balances head tension and soothes sensitive skin. 

Lavender High Altitude (Lavandula angustifolia)

Relaxing, soothing, rejuvenating and antiseptic. Lavender grown at high altitudes exhibits the highest total ester content - 52% (linalyl, terpenyl, lavandulyl and geranyl acetates) which makes it the most relaxing of all the Lavender oils. This oil appears to have the ability to uplift the mind whilst being relaxing to the body. French high altitude Lavender oil has a well balanced fragrance that is superior to many others, and is often the choice of the aromatherapist.

Lemon (Citrus limonum)

Antiseptic, revitalising and uplifting. The delightfully fresh citrus aroma of Lemon oil helps keep the mind clear and alert and is highly beneficial in skincare for oily and teenage complexions. Use it in massage or add a few drops to a bath to help maintain a healthy immune system.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Toning, stimulating, and refreshing. Tones and energises tired muscles. Lemongrass is often used by athletes as a pre-sports rub to enhance performance and help alleviate aches and pains caused by over-training. Lemongrass also makes an excellent insect repellent.

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Refreshing, reviving and energising. The zesty and citrus fragrance of Lime oil enlivens and refreshes both your mind and body. Use it in massage as a tonic to tired muscles.

Linaloe Wood (Bursera delpechiana)

Relaxing, soothing and uplifting. This oil replaces Rosewood which has been removed for reasons of conservation. Linaloe Wood is virtually identical in aroma and therapeutic action to Rosewood, with a delightful floral-woody fragrance that blends well with many other essential oils. Use it in skincare to improve the complexion of dry or sensitive skin. 

Litsea Cubeba (Litsea cubeba)

Balancing, uplifting and strengthening. Also known as May Chang, Litsea has a wonderful sweet citrus-lemon fragrance which imparts a positive, energising effect. In skincare it has an astringent effect which can be used to regulate an oily complexion.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Soothing and relaxing. The warm citrus aroma of Mandarin soothes and cheers the emotions. It can be used with other essential oils such as Neroli and Frankincense in a massage oil for stretch marks.
 
Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

Antiseptic and cleansing. A very powerful antiseptic oil which has been shown in clinical trials to have a more pronounced effect on the MRSA bacteria than Tea Tree oil. It has a more herbaceous aroma than Tea Tree and can be used to keep a wide range of bacteria at bay.

Marjoram Sweet (Origanum majorana)

Soothing, warming and comforting. Another oil produced from a culinary herb which has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years. After a strenuous day Sweet Marjoram eases aching muscles, and the lovely warm, sweet and herbaceous fragrance is ideal to aid peaceful sleep. An excellent oil to use during the feminine cycle.

Marjoram Wild (Thymus masticina)

Warming, soothing and comforting. Also known as Spanish Marjoram, this essential oil has a more eucalyptus like fragrance than the more popular Marjoram Sweet. It makes an effective inhalant oil for use during the cold season, and has a soothing and warming action when used in massage. 

Melissa True (Melissa officinalis)

Fortifying, strengthening and stabilising. This highly regarded oil is also known as Lemon Balm due to its lemon fragrance, and is relaxing to the body and uplifting to the spirit, helping to dispel melancholy. Paracelsus referred to this oil as the 'Elixir of Life'. Melissa True is also available from Quinessence in a 5% and 10% dilution as well as the more commonly available Melissa 'blend'.

Melissa Blend (Melissa officinalis)

Relaxing and uplifting. This creative blend of essential oils seeks to re-create the fragrance and properties of Melissa True.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Revitalising, comforting and unifying. Used by the ancient Egyptians in the embalming process because of its remarkable preserving action on the skin, and in aromatherapy today it is used in skincare to restore and revitalise tired or mature skin. When vaporised, the bitter-sweet resinous fragrance of Myrrh is comforting and uplifting to the spirit.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Antiseptic and cleansing. A versatile and effective antiseptic oil that has a wide range of uses during the cold season. Aromatherapists prefer to use Myrtle rather than some other antiseptic oils when treating children, due to its gentle action.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium v. amara)

Rejuvenating, relaxing and restoring. Distilled from the freshly picked blossoms of the Bitter Orange tree, Neroli is an excellent skincare oil which encourages new cell growth and is valuable for use on mature skin. The beautiful fragrance is deeply relaxing to the mind, helping to dispel anger, irritability and despondency.

Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora)

Antiseptic and clearing. Another valuable antiseptic oil that can be used effectively as an inhalant during the cold season. Niaouli is very similar in action to Cajuput and also has a medicinal - herbaceous aroma.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Stimulating, warming and comforting. Nutmeg has a warm and spicy fragrance that is refreshing and stimulating for cases of mental fatigue. It has a similar stimulating and warming effect on the body when used in massage on muscles and the abdomen. 

Orange Bitter (Citrus aurantium)

Strengthening, stimulating and enlivening. Expressed from the fruit of the bitter orange tree, this oil is helpful in maintaining a healthy circulatory system and the elimination of toxins. Bitter Orange oil has an enlivening effect on the emotions, helping to overcome rejection.

Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis)

Uplifting, reviving and stimulating. This popular oil has a lovely cheering and refreshing property, ideally suited for room fragrancing. Blended with spice oils it makes an excellent Yule-tide blend.
 

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)

Balancing, toning and moisturising. This oil is extracted from the fragrant leaves of a grass which was indigenous to India, where it was known as Indian Geranium. It has an unusual, exotic rose-like fragrance that is quite distinctive. Palmarosa oil is widely used in cosmetics where it helps to keep a healthy clear complexion.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Antiseptic, deodorant and sensual. The sweet, musky aroma of Patchouli is quite unmistakable and is often used as a fixative in oriental perfumes. A highly valued oil when caring for dry, itchy or mature skin.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Cooling, clearing and reviving. The fresh, sharp characteristic fragrance of Peppermint quickly revives and clears the head, and is an aid to concentration - especially whilst travelling. After a busy day, a few drops in a footbath will soothe and refresh tired, aching feet. Peppermint is a powerful oil and should not be used on children under the age of three.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

Relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating. Obtained from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, the aroma is reminiscent of Neroli oil which is distilled from the blossoms of the same tree. Petitgrain is employed for its pleasant aroma and refreshing qualities in massages, baths skincare and vaporisers.

Pine Needle (Pinus sylvestris)

Refreshing, antiseptic and clearing. An ideal inhalation oil, Pine quickly clears and refreshes the head and revitalises the whole body. The crisp, green aroma of this oil has a positive, strengthening effect on both the mind and body.

Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)

Antiseptic, clearing and stimulating. This oil has a very powerful antiseptic action which makes it ideal for use in the bath or vaporiser during the cold season. Having a Eucalyptus-type aroma, it is perhaps second only to Tea Tree in having a wide range of antiseptic uses.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

Stimulating, reviving and clearing. A very invigorating oil which re-energies tired muscles and weary feet. Rosemary promotes clear thinking, aids concentration and is said to improve the memory. It also gives a healthy shine to hair.

Rose Otto (Rose damascena)

Rejuvenating, relaxing and balancing. This beautifully feminine oil is excellent in skincare for dry, mature and ageing skin. Rose Otto gives a boost to tired, lifeless skin that is need of rejuvenation. Its effect on the emotional system is uplifting, balancing and stabilising, particularly during the monthly cycle. Unashamed Luxury !


Sandalwood Agmark (Santalum album)

Relaxing, sensual and soothing. The perfect moisturising oil to use in skin care for all types of skin, and it is especially nourishing to dry or mature skin. This sensual woody fragrance of Sandalwood is wonderfully relaxing and soothing, helping settle the emotions and still the mind. It is also an effective inhalant oil.

Sandalwood Australian (Santalum spicatum)

Relaxing, sensual and soothing. Over-harvesting of the Indian Sandalwood tree (Santalum album) for both the wood and oil means that this precious resource is in danger of being lost. Australian Sandalwood oil is virtually identical in fragrance and therapeutic properties, and the large-scale production of this oil means that it is less costly than its Indian counterpart.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Cooling, clearing and reviving. From the mint family, Spearmint is similar in action to Peppermint, but has other properties too. Like Peppermint, Spearmint oil is very clearing and makes a good inhalant oil, but it is particularly good at reviving mental fatigue and strengthening negative emotions. Some people prefer the slightly more gentle odour of Spearmint to Peppermint oil.

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

Strengthening, rejuvenating and unifying. Known in biblical times as Nard, this oil was used in religious ceremonies as it was believed to instil inner peace and nourish the soul. It is used in aromatherapy today to relax states of agitation and to rejuvenate mature skin. It is an effective oil to prevent premature ageing of the skin.

Tagetes (Tagetes glandulifera)

Antifungal and cleansing. Tagetes has an unusual fruity-herbaceous aroma and is an oil favoured by athletes who use it on their feet. This oil should not be confused with Marigold (Calendula officinalis) which has entirely different therapeutic properties. 

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Antiseptic and cleansing. A very powerful natural antiseptic and anti-fungal oil, which forms part of every qualified aromatherapists first aid and travel kit. During the cold season, a few drops used in the bath induces sweating. You can also use a few drops to make a gargle or mouthwash.

Thyme Sweet (Linalool c.t.) (Thymus vulgaris)

Stimulating and balancing. There are many natural variations (chemotypes) of the Thyme family, and this one is usually found growing at high altitudes. Thyme Sweet has a more gentle action than Thyme White which makes it preferable for use with children. This oil can have an effect on obsessive emotions, helping to bring a sense of balance.

Thyme White (Thymol c.t.) (Thymus vulgaris)

Antiseptic, strengthening and stimulating. A very powerful antiseptic oil which should be used in moderation since it can cause irritation if used in too high a concentration. Thyme White is very stimulating to the circulatory system, and strengthening to the nerves and mind. Before they went into battle, Roman soldiers would take a bath containing Thyme herb to promote bravery.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Relaxing, soothing and balancing. During the medieval period in England, Valerian was known as 'all heal', perhaps due to its affinity with the central nervous system. It is a very powerful oil and can be used to subdue over-excitability and restlessness when used in massage. Due to its musky and earthy fragrance, it is not suitable for vaporising and is usually blended with another, more fragrant oil.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Relaxing, soothing and grounding. Known as the 'Oil of Tranquillity' in India, Vetiver has a unique earthy fragrance which can be used for emotional burnout. It has a grounding and centering effect on the mind which helps pacify anger and irritability.

Yarrow (Linalool c.t.) (Achilea millefolium)

Balancing, soothing and liberating. This oil is very similar in colour, chemical composition and action to German Chamomile. It can be used in summer during a high pollen count, or at any time to maintain easy breathing. On an emotional level Yarrow is said to help strengthen intuition and insight.

Ylang Ylang  (Cananga odorata)

Sensual, relaxing and balancing. The sweet exotic aroma of Ylang Ylang uplifts the spirit, relaxes the body, and helps put you in the mood for romance. This softening skincare oil is suitable for both dry and oily skin conditions.

 

Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Uplifting, refreshing and fortifying. Yuzu is a citrus fruit that resembles a small orange, and yields an oil by cold expression of the rind. Yuzu is grown in Japan and has been used in their traditional herbal medicines for thousands of years as a panacea for almost everything. In action it is similar to Bergamot, and has a truly unique, fresh and citrus fragrance.