Essential oils
See the range of essential oils at https://soularoma.com.au/collections/essential-oils
What are the most common essential oils and what are they commonly used for?
This is not an exhaustive list of all essential oils but includes the main uses. For more specific information consult an aromatherapist or a good aromatherapy reference. See recommended reading at the bottom of this page.
The below descriptions include the common name, the Latin name and common uses. The letter after the Latin name indicates when the oil should not be used. Click here to see the key.
Basil Basilicum ocimum P, SE
Muscular aches and pains, sinusitis, bronchitis, concentration, anxiety, fatigue
Bergamot Citrus bergamia S, UV
Acne, cold sores, cystitis, anxiety, depression, stress, digestive problems
Black pepper Piper nigrum S, K
Muscular aches and pains, arthritis, digestive problems, fatigue, mental stimulant
Cajeput Melaleuca cajeputi P, C, S
Respiratory problems, sinusitis, colds and flu, muscular aches and pains, mental stimulant
Cedarwood Cedrus atlanticus P, S
Respiratory problems, colds, sinusitis, arthritis, acne, stress, anger, anxiety, nervous tension, dandruff, lymphatic system stimulant, cystitis
Chamomile roman Chamaemelum nobile
Skin inflammations, eczema, sunburn, insect bites, arthritis, rheumatism, insomnia, irritability, depression, stress, menstrual problems, digestive problems
Clary sage Salvia sclarea P, E, C, LBP, M
Menstrual problems, labour, stress, nervous tension, depression, oily skin
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens P, HBP
Haemorrhoids, varicose veins, sore throat, coughs, anger, grief, cellulite, poor circulation
Eucalyptus Eucalytptus globulus/radiata HBP, EP
Colds, flu, respiratory problems, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, acne, mosquito repellent
Sweet fennel Foeniculum vulgare v.dulce P, C, E
Digestive problems, lymphatic stimulant, cellulite, fluid retention, menstrual problems
Fragonia Agonis fragrans
Emotional blockages, peace and harmony inducing, muscular aches and pains, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and flus, antibacterial, fungal infections, immune stimulant, stress, calming, menstrual pain, focusing, grounding, balancing
Frankincense Boswellia carteri
Anxiety, nervous tension, stress, respiratory problems, asthma, dry skin, scars, relaxant
Geranium Pelargonium graveleons P
Menstrual problems, PMS, skincare, wounds, poor circulation, cellulite, stress, anxiety, depression
Ginger Zingiber officinale S, UV
Respiratory problems, sinusitis, muscular aches and pains, digestive problems, nausea, mental stimulant
Grapefruit Citrus paradisi UV, C
Cellulite, poor circulation, fluid retention, stress, depression, oily skin, scalp tonic, uplifting
Jasmine Jasmineum officinale P
Deepens breathing, laryngitis, muscular aches and pains, muscular spasm, uterotonic, labour, PMS, stimulates milk production, fear, anxiety, depression, negativity, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, postnatal depression, peace
Juniper berry Juniperus communis P, K, B
Muscular aches and pains, fluid retention, varicose veins, poor circulation, haemorrhoids, stress
Lavender Lavandula officinalis
Respiratory problems, sinusitis, skin inflammations, fungal infections, muscular aches and pains, stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, menstrual problems, headaches, migraines, relaxant, wounds, burns
Lemon Citrus limon UV
Colds and flu, sinusitis, concentration, poor circulation, anxiety
Lemongrass Cymbopogon flexosus P,S
Fungal infections, bruises, concentration, stress, stimulates immune system
Lime Citrus aurantifolia UV
Oily skin, nails, cellulite, sore throat, stress, anxiety
Mandarin Citrus reticulata UV
Stress, oily skin, stretch marks, nervous tension
Marjoram sweet Origanum majorana P, LBP, AS
Insomnia, nervous tension, stress, grief, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, respiratory problems, digestive problems, relaxant
May Chang Litsea cubeba SE
Fungal infections, insect repellant, arthritis, rheumatism, anxiety, nervous depression, mental stimulant
Myrrh Commiphora myrrha P
Haemorrhoids, bed sores, wounds, gum disease, fungal infections, coughs, sore throats, calming, meditation
Myrtle Myrtus communis
Respiratory problems, acne, oily skin, immune booster, cystitis, anger, calming, insomnia
Neroli Citrus aurantium
Stress, anxiety, depression, skincare, insomnia, relaxant
Niaouli Melaleuca quinquenervia P
Respiratory problems, sinusitis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, wounds, mental stimulant
Orange Citrus sinensis UV
Digestive problems, depression, stress, anxiety, vertigo
Patchouli Pogostemom patchouli
Skincare, wounds, skin inflammations, fungal infections, depression, stress, anxiety, relaxant
Peppermint Mentha piperita P, E, S, SE, H
Bronchitis, sinusitis, menstrual pains, mental stimulant, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems, headaches, migraines, itchy skin
Petitgrain Citrus aurantium
Stress, anxiety, respiratory infections, insomnia, skincare, digestive problems
Pine Pinus sylvestris
Excessive perspiration, wounds, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throats, laryngitis, muscular aches & pains, arthritis, rheumatism, water retention, poor circulation, immune stimulant, colds & flu, stress, cleansing, healing, self-esteem
Ravensara Ravensara aromatica SE
Respiratory infections, colds & flu, immune stimulant, shingles, herpes, viral ailments, stress
Rosalina Melaleuca ericifolia
Children’s ear, nose & throat infections, respiratory infections, sinus infections, colds, grounding, acne, boils, calming, relaxing, centering
Rose Rose otto P
Menstrual problems, bronchitis, menopause problems, skincare, stress, depression, fear, anxiety, anger, irritability, panic, birth & labour
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis EP, HBP, P
Cold, flu, respiratory problems, sinusitis, concentration, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, dandruff, mental stimulant, scalp stimulant
Spearmint Menthe spicata P, H
Colds, flu, sinusitis, digestive problems, mental stimulant, stress, headaches, depression
Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia SE
Acne, skin infections, colds & flu, respiratory problems, sinusitis, cystitis, cold sores, fungal infections, skin infections, immune stimulant
Thyme Thymus vulgaris (be aware of the type as some are very harsh-the linalool cineotype ismore gentle) use in low doses and do not use in baths. SE, S, P, HBP, C
Immune stimulant, muscular aches and pains, mental stimulant, colds & flu, respiratory problems, circulation problems, scalp stimulant
Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides
Stress, anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, shock, insomnia, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, wounds, immune stimulant, PMS, relaxant
Ylang ylang Cananga odorata LBP
Stress, anxiety, anger, panic, irritability, depression, insomnia, skincare, hair care, relaxant
Key
The following letters denote the conditions with which a particular oil should not be used.
AS- asthma
B- bladder infections
C-cancers, cysts
E- endometriosis
EP- epilepsy
H- avoid use with homeopathic remedies
HBP- avoid with high blood pressure
K- avoid use with kidney infections/problems
LBP- avoid with low blood pressure
M- avoid with heavy menstruation
P- avoid during pregnancy. Click here to see pregnancy page.
S- large doses may cause skin irritation
SE- avoid use with sensitive skin
UV- do not apply to skin 12 hours before being exposed to sunlight (unless it is bergamot FCF from which the coumarins have been removed and therefore is not phototoxic)
For use with children, click here to see the aromatherapy for babies and children page.