Essential oils glossary

A

Angelica:  Strengthens, restores, and anchors.  Avoid use in full sun.

Aniseed: Reduces cramping and indigestion.  Do not use if pregnant.

Armoise: Emollient and muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant

B

Basil: Soothes and tones. Use sparingly.

Bay: Stimulates and energizes.  Can irritate skin.

Bergamot: Conditions skin, soothes. Antiseptic.  Photo toxic.

Birch Tar: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent.  Do not use if pregnant.

Black Currant Seed: Relieves PMS.  High in Vitamin C.

Black Pepper: Muscle relaxant.

C

Cabreuva: Calming, increases alertness.

Cajeput: Stimulates, mood enhancer, antiseptic.

Camphor:    Soothes, conditions skin, muscle relaxant.  Do not use if pregnant or epileptic.

Cananga: Skin conditioner, deodorant.

Caraway: Muscle relaxant.

Cardamom: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent.

Carrot Seed: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Cedarwood: Antiseptic, skin conditioner, deodorant, soothing agent.

Celery Seed: Toner.

Chamomile Moroc: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner.

Chamomile Roman: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner.

Cinnamon Bark: Skin conditioner, anti-inflammatory. Can cause skin irritation.

Citronella: Skin conditioner, insect repellent.

Clary Sage:    Skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or if drinking alcohol.

Clove Bud: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Can irritate skin.

Copaiba Balsam: Increases circulation, reduces stress.

Coriander: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent.  Use sparingly.

Costus Root:    Calming agent.

Cumin: Stimulating. Can irritate skin. Use sparingly.

E

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, sinus clearing.

Evening Primrose: Moisturizes dry skin and treats eczema.  Contains gamma linolenic acids, essential for healthy hair, skin and nails.  Consider purchasing a small jar of Oil of Evening Primrose capsules from your health food store to use in recipes.

F

Sweet Fennel:    Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, antiseptic.

Frankincense: Skin conditioner, soothing agent.

G

Geranium: Skin refresher, muscle relaxant.

Ginger: Astringent.

Grapefruit: Soothing agent, astringent, skin conditioner.

H

Hyssop: Soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant, epileptic, or have high blood pressure.

J

Jasmine Absolute: Emollient, soothing agent, antiseptic.

Juniper: Skin detoxifier, astringent, soothing agent. Flammable.

L

Lavandin: Soothing agent, muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, astringent.

Lavender: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent, astringent.

Lemon: Soothing agent, antiseptic.

Lemongrass: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, muscle relaxant, antiseptic.

Lime: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.

M

Mandarin: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.

Manuka: Relieves aches and pains, healing to the skin.

Myrrh: Anti-inflammatory, emollient, antiseptic.  Use in moderation if pregnant.

N

Neroli: Antiseptic, emollient.

Nutmeg:    Antiseptic, soothes irritated skin, muscle relaxant.

O

Orange: Astringent, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Origanum: Increases energy.

P

Palmarosa:    Skin conditioner, soothing agent, emollient, muscle relaxant.

Peppermint:    Emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant.

Pine: Antiseptic

Evening Primrose:  Moisturizes dry skin and treats eczema.  Contains gamma linolenic acids, essential for healthy hair, skin and nails.  Consider purchasing a small jar of Oil of Evening Primrose capsules from your health food store to use in recipes.

R

Rose Absolute: Skin conditioner

Rose Otto: Astringent

Rosemary: Antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner.
Do not use if pregnant or have high blood pressure.

Rosewood: Muscle relaxant.

S

Sage: Soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic.

Sandlewood:    Antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Spearmint: Emollient, astringent, soothing agent.  Use sparingly.

T

Tarragon: Astringent

Tea Tree: Antiseptic, acne fighter, dandruff fighter

Thyme:    Antiseptic, toner

V

Vanilla:    Emollient

Vetiver:    Emollient, reduces blood pressure

Violet Leaf: Soothing agent, skin conditioner

Y

Yarrow:    Reduces scarring

Ylang-Ylang:    Reduces stress and tension

source: http://www.spaindex.com/HomeSpa/oils.htm