How to Use Aromatherapy Essentials Oils the Right Way.
Aromatherapy is one of the oldest and most popular forms of alternative medicine. It involves the use of essential oils, which are natural compounds found in plants. Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions.
There are many different types of essential oils, and each has a specific purpose. Some essential oils are used to relax the mind and body, while others are used to relieve pain. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including aromatherapy massage, aromatherapy baths, aromatherapy diffusers, and aromatherapy skin care products.
Tips for Selecting the Right Aromatherapy Essential Oils
| OIL | PROPERTIES | BENEFITS/USES | HOW TO USE | PRECAUTIONS |
| Basil | Spicy Warm Herbal | Concentration PMS Boost immunity | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil Drink diluted with water or tea | Avoid with pregnancy May irritate skin |
| Bergamot | Calming Soothing Vermifuge Antibiotic Antiseptic Deodorant Vulnerary Antispasmodic Sedative Analgesic Antidepressant Disinfectant Febrifuge | Improves blood circulation Prevents infections Reduces body aches Stress control Realxation Aids digestion Skin care – heals scars, acne, smopoth skin Eliminates bad odors Fever reducer Kills germs | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil In bath Internal – 1 drop for each 4 ounces of liquid | Phototoxic, avoid exposure to sun for 3 hours after use |
| Black Pepper | Hot Potent Fruity Spicy | Mood lifter Digestive Aid Antioxidant Support Promotes circulation | Diffuser Massage with carrier oil Internal – dilute 1 drop with 4 ounces of liquid for digestive health | May irritate skin without dilution |
| Cinnamon Bark | Spicy Earthy Woody Warmly sweet Disinfectant | Immunity Digestive health Healthy blood sugar Muscle relaxation Sore throat Cleaning Inspires confidence | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil Internal – 1 drop hot water or tea Cleaning – 3 to 4 drops with water in a spray bottle | May irritate skin without dilution |
| Roman Chamomile | Floral Sweet Calming Soothing Warm | Stress Calm Peace Promotes sleep Muscle pain Arthritis PMS Colic | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Massage Bath | May irritate skin without dilution |
| Eucalyptus (Globulus) | Herbal Purifying Refreshing Soothing Light | Optimism Facial cleansing/Skin care Mood lifter Wellness/calm Asthma Respiratory health | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | Do not use with infants Not for internal use May irritate skin with dilution |
| Frankincense | Spicy Clean Warm Tranquil Revitalizing Calming | Scars/wounds Wrinkles Stress Colds/flu | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Bath Massage diluted with carrier oil for sensitive skin | Not for internal use with pregnant women |
| Geranium | Floral Sweet Sensual Romantic Balancing | Intimacy/romance Clear and healthy skin Insect repellant Hair vibrancy and strength Relaxation Hormone balancing Adrenal health | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Bath Massage diluted with carrier oil Internal – 1 drop into 4 ounces of liquid | May cause contact dermatitis |
| Grapefruit | Citrus Floral Anti-septic Cooling Refreshing Energetic | Boost mood Boost energy Cellulite Oily skin Weight loss/metabolism Water retention | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil Internal – dilute 1 drop with 4 ounces of liquid for digestive health | May irritate skin without dilution |
| Lavender | Floral Calming Light Anti-inflammatory Antifungal Antidepressant Antiseptic Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antispasmodic Analgesic Detoxifying Hypotensive Sedative | Calming/reduces stress/wellbeing Eases tension Promotes sleep Headaches Acne Burns/minor skin irritations Asthma Colds/flu Air cleaner Soothes skin sensitivity | Direct Inhalation Diffuser Bath Massage with carrier oil | If pregnant, consult doctor before use May irritate skin without dilution |
| Lemon | Bright and clean Stimulating Calming Carminative Anti-infection Astringent Detoxifying Antiseptic Disinfectant Sleep-inducing Antifungal Crisp Fresh Citrus | Boosts energy Relieves Nausea Improves Digestion Nourishes Skin May Promote Weight Loss Purifies Cleanses Allergies Oral Health Cough Household cleaner/disinfectant Antimicrobial – cleanse your home of harmful pathogens Dishwasher detergent Laundry Boosts immunity Congestion/coughcolds/flu | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | Phototoxic, avoid exposure to sun for 12 hours after topical use May irritate skin without dilution |
| Lemongrass | Citrus Herbal Smoky Refreshing Antiseptic Analgesic | Digestive tract spasms Mental calm/clarity Stomach pains Cough Painful joints Fever Cold/flu Fatigue Germ killer Mild astringent | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | May irritate skin |
| Orange | Antidepressant Antispasmodic Antiseptic Anti-inflammatory Aphrodisiac Carminative Diuretic Tonic Sedative Cholagogic | Romance/libido Household cleaner Disinfectant Relieves Inflammation Muscle relaxation Anxiety Depression Prevents Infections Wound healing Acne/dermatitis Boosts immunity Healthy skin/anti-aging | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | Phototoxic, avoid exposure to sun for 12 hours after topical use |
| Peppermint | Fresh Minty Energizing Antispasmodic | Clarity Concentration Mental fatigue Bad breath Nausea Indigestion Headaches Sinuses PMS Relax GI muscles to relieve constipation Relieves Sore Muscles Urinary Tract Infections Boosts circulation Healthy skin Bug repellent Joint pain | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil Internal – 1 drop per 4 ounces of liquid |
| Rosemary | Sweet Herbal Floral Fruity Analgesic Antibacterial Anticatarrhal Antifungal Anti-infection Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Expectorant | Clarity Cough Headaches Indigestion Stress relief Pain relief Learning and memory Vaginal infections Immune system boost Respiratory problem | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | Pregnant and breastfeeding should ask their doctors before use Consult a doctor before using for children |
| Sandalwood | Calming Astringent Anti-viral antiseptic Anti-inflammatory Expectorant Uplifting Carminative Diuretic Disinfectant Emollient | Energy Skin care Cough/cold/flu Gastritis Mental clarity Stress control Relaxation/calm Natural aphrodisiac Memory booster Concentration Antiseptic for skin to prevent acne and infections Lowers cholesterol Heals scars Boosts immunity UTI Skin care Reduces anxiety | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil Internal – 1 drop into 4 ounces of milk | May irritate skin without dilution |
| Tea Tree | Antiviral Expectorant Fungicide Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antiseptic Insecticide Stimulant Sudorific | Acne and other skin conditions Dry scalp Antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes Bacterial, fungal and viral infections Respiratory health Head lice Natural deodorant Bad breath Hair health Hand sanitizer Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil All-purpose cleaner Dandruff Athlete’s foot | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | NOT for Internal Use NOT for use with pets |
| Vetiver | Warm Earthy Calming Tranquil | Grounding Centering PMS Hormone balancing Menopause | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | |
| Ylang Ylang | Antiseborrheic Antiseptic Aphrodisiac Nervine Sedative | Depression Eczema Minor skin irritations, burns and bruises Aphrodisiac Romance Lowers high blood pressure Stress control Anxiety Boosts nervous system health Anti-aging skin care Balances moisture and oils in skin | Direct inhalation Diffuser Massage with carrier oil | Nausea, headache and sensitivity may occur when taken in excessive amounts |