The Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils

Essential oils are a concentrated extraction of the volatile oils from plants.

These oils are considered "volatile" because they evaporate easily at normal temperatures. The term “essential oil” is technically a misnomer because chemically speaking, they are actually a complex mixture of alcohols, terpenes, phenols, esters, and ketones, rather than an actual “oil”.

They are referred to commonly as an oil simply because they tend to behave as an oil. They have a low solubility in water, and will float on the surface past about a 4% dilution.

Hydrosols have about a 4% essential oils content, if more is added it will begin to accumulate on the surface.

The plant produces these oils to attract pollinators, repel predators, kill invading bacteria and fungus, or to block the intense sun by releasing a cloud of essential oils around the plant during the hottest portions of the day. Depending on the plant, the purpose can vary greatly.

Essential oils are about 75-100X more powerful than dried herbs. On average 1 oz (30 g) of plant will yield 1 drop of essential oil. In some cases such as roses, it takes roughly 60 000 roses to produce 30 ml of essential oil! This explains the higher cost of some oils compared to others. Some plants like lavender produce a lot more essential oil per plant and are therefore much cheaper to purchase. 

History of Essential oils

Humans have been using aromatic plants for thousands of years. Ancient application was mainly ritualistic in various religions, as well as to arouse sexual desire, and to generally improve quality of life. For example, the ancient Egyptians were well versed in the use of aromatic plants, and it was adopted as a way of life for them. The Perfumes, medicines, and  spices for cooking were common practice. Some of the rarer aromas like cinnamon and clove were highly regarded and reserved for only the most noble.

Many oils were used in the embalming process for treating dead royalty as well. They were thought to be the incense of the Gods. The smoke was used to attract good influences and repel evil.

Alchemists in the middle ages made good use of essential oils from plants through sophisticated distillation processes to extract the "life essences” of plants. These distillation practices are what have led to the modern day techniques of extraction.

When essential oils in the form of aromatherapy came to Europe, they were used primarily in perfumes, but also in medicine. By 1190, the use of essential oils in perfume-making was so advanced, that King Philip Augustus developed guidelines requiring perfumers to train for 4 years and be tried by a jury before exercising their skills. They took it very seriously. The Renaissance saw a surge in herbology and expanded the use of essential oils to cosmetics. 

It was noticed during times of plague, that herb growers and perfumers were surviving the plague at a higher rate than the rest of the population. This was thought to be due to the antibiotic effects of many of the aromatic volatile oils.

Not everybody supported the use of aromatics however. In 1760, King George III of England proclaimed that women who seduced men through the use of scent could be thrown in jail for sorcery.

How Are Essential Oils Used Today?

Today, aromatherapy is widely used in massage therapy, skin care, psychology, hypnotherapy, and by chiropractors, herbalists, as well as home treatment. It’s a recognized practice by many naturopaths in Canada, America, and Australia.

Though North America is still lagging behind Europe in the use, research, and development of essential oils. Suppliers and users are growing rapidly however, and it is likely that it will one day become a part of mainstream medicine once again as the chemistry is analyzed and tested further. 

(Johnson, 2014)

How Do Essential oils Work?

It is well documented that our sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than some of our other senses [1]. These oils produce effects through what is called the limbic system (referred to as the smell or primal brain). This system is one of the most ancient parts of our brains, remaining unchanged for over 20,000 years in human evolution.  It drives such things as hunger, sexual attraction, the endocrine system, the autonomic nervous system, emotions, and plays a role in memory.

There are also physical actions through ingestion, or topical application of essential oils. The volatile oils contained in plants are extremely complex and produce a wide range of actions.

Photo credit: Noli, C. (2015)

List of Essential Oil Compounds

+ Terpenes

Terpenes end with "ene". They're the most abundant group of essential oil compounds in the world — produced in abundance by conifer trees, cannabis, and a wide range of other medicinal plan species. Even some insects will produce terpenes — such as termites.

Terpenes are chemically classified as a type of hydrocarbon. The difference between terpenes and terpenoids is simply that terpenoids have other functional groups attached to the central functional group.

Terpenes are biosynthetic building blocks within nearly every living creature. They're used to create thousands of other biologically active molecules — which explains why they're so common in the natural kingdom.

Terpenes act as a solvent — allowing them to dissolve mucous in the lungs when you inhale them.

List of Terpene Molecules and Their Plant Sources:

• Bisabolene — Black pepper, Carrot seeds, Fir, Lemon
• Camphene — Black pepper, Citronella, Cypress, Eucalyptus globulus, Fennel, Fir, Frankincence, Ginger, Hyssop, Lavandin, Lemon, Myrtle, Neroli, Nutmeg, Petitgrain, pine, Rosemary.
• Camphrene — Juniper
• Carene — Galbanum
• Cymene — Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, thyme, Tea tree
• Dipentine — Cajeput, Camphor and Borneone, Cinnamon, Citronella, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Fir, Frankincence, LavandinLemon, Myrrh, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Palmorosa, Pine, Rosewood, Verbena.
• Fenchene — Eucalyptus globulus
• Heerabolene — Myrrh
• Limonene (all citrus oils 90%+) — Angelica, Bay, Black pepper, Cajeput, Cardamom, Carrot seeds, Celery, Caraway, Citronella, Dill, Fennel, Galbanum, Ginger, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Litsea, Cubeba, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Neroli, Niaouli, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Peppermint, Spearmint, Verbena, Yarrow.
• Myrcene (mercene) — Bay, Black pepper, Galbanum, Juniper, Lemongrass, Rose Spearmint, Verbena.
• Ocimene — Lavander, Tarragon
• Therebentine — P. Menthadienes
• Phellandrene — Angelica, Bay, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Eucalyptus globulus, Fennel, Fir, Frankincence, Ginger, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Spearmint, Terragon
• Pinene — Angelica, Basil, Bay, Black pepper, Cajeput, Carrot seeds, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Cypress, Eucalyptus globulus, Fir, Frankincence, Galbanum, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Marjoram, Myrrh, Myrtle, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Oregano, parsley, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint.
• Alpha pinene — Juniper, Pine
• Piperene — black pepper
• Sabinene — Black Pepper, Cardamom, geranium, Juniper, Lime, Listea, cubeba, Marjoram
• Selenine — Celery
• Sylvestrene — Cypress, Pine
• Terpenine — Cardamom, Coriander, Dill, Lavandin, Marjoram, Thyme, tea tree
• Terpinolene — Coriander, Galbanum, lime
• Vetivene — Vetiver

+ Sesqui-Terpenes:

Sesqui-terpenes also ende with "ene", but are different from a terpene based on the functional groups attached to the central molecule.

List of Sesqui-Terpene Molecules & their Plant Sources

• Cadinene — Cedarwood, frankincence, Galbanum, Hyssop, Juniper, Lemon, Litsea, Cubeba, Myrrh, Patchouli, Pine, Ylang Ylang.
• Caryophyllene [Sedative, anti-carcinogenic] — Black pepper Clary sage, Cloves (10%), lavandin, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Rosemary, Spearmint, thyme, Tea tree, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang
• Cedrene — Cedar, Juniper
• Chamazulene (or azulene) [Anti-inflammatory] — All chamomiles (in varying percentages), tansy, Yarrow
• Santalene — Sandalwood

+ Alcohols:

Alcohols end with "Ol". They're highly aromatic and posess antimicrobial effects. These are not the same as drinking ethanol, which is just one kind of alcohol. There are several hundred different types of alcohols produced by plants in the essential oil content.

Herbs with high alcohol content tend to have very uplifting effects.

List of Alcohols & their Plant Sources

• Bisabolol — German chamomile
• Borneol (similar to camphor) — Angelica, Camphor and borneo, Cardamom, Coriander, Citronella, Galbanum, Ginger, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Verbena, Yarrow.
• Carotol — Carrot seed
• Cedrol — Cedarwood
• Citronellol — Citronella, geranium, Melissa, Palmorosa, Rose
• Farnesol — Chamomile, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Palmorosa, Rose, Ylang Ylang.
• Geraniol — Bay, Citronella, Coriander, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Litsea Cubeba, Lemongrass, Melissa, Myrtle, Neroli, Nutmeg, Palmorosa, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosewood, Verbena, Ylang Ylang
• Guaiol — Galbanum
• Lavendulol — Lavendin, Lavender,
• Linalol — Angelica, Basil, Bay, Bergamont, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Coriander, Galbanum, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Hyssop, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Litsea cubeba, Melissa, Myrtle, Neroli, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosewood,(90%), Spike, Thyme (lemon and sweet), Verbena, Ylang Ylang.
• Menthol — Peppermint
• Myrtenol — geranium, Myrtle
• Nerol (includes nerolidol) — Bergamont, Citronella, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Myrtle, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosewood, Verbena
• Olibanol — Frankincence
• Ormenol — Chamomile mixta
• Patchoulol — Patchouli
• Sabinol — Cypress
• Salviol — Sage
• Santalol — Sandalwood
• Terpineol — Bay, Bergamont, Cajeput, Cardamom, Coriander, Eucalyptus globulus, Galbanum, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavandin, Lavender, Lime, Marjoram, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Petitgrain, Rosewood
• Terpinen.4.ol (or terpineol 4) — Juniper, Marjoram, tea tree
• Terpinen.5.ol — Juniper
• Alpha-terpineol — Cajeput, Cardamom, Eucalyptus radiata, Niaouli, tea tree
• Vetivol — Vetiver
• Ylangol — Ylang Ylang

+ Phenols:

Phenols also end with "ol" and are techinically classified as a complex alcohol (very closely related).

Phenols are quite strong in their pure form and should be used with extreme caution.

This chemical class has exceptional antimicrobial action, and are often too harsh to be used directly on the skin. Some of them are even considered immune stimulants through hormetic effects.

List of Phenols & their Plant Sources

• Carvacrol — Horsemint (monarda fistulosa), Peppermint, Oregano, Savory, thyme
• Thymol — Horsemint, Oregano, Red thyme

+ Oxides:

Oxides end with "ole". They tend to have a pronounced effect on the bronchioles — especially cineol. They work by stimulating the mucous glands in the lung tissue.

List of Oxides & Their Plant Sources

• Ascaridole — Chenapodium (goosefoot family).
• Eucalyptole (cineol) — Basil, Bay, Cajeput, Clary sage, Coriander, Eucalyptus,globulus (70%), Ginger, Laurel, Lavender, Lavandin, Litsea cubeba, Myrtle, Niaouli, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Spearmint, Tea tree, Yarrow,
• Indole (nitrogenous) — Neroli
• Linalol Oxide — Hyssop
• Limonene Cineole — Cardamom

+ Aldehydes:

Aldehydes end with "al". They tend to have calming, soothing, sedative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory actions.

List of Aldehydes & Their Plant Sources

• Anisic Aldehyde — Aniseed, Fennel
• Benzaldehyde — Cajeput, Cinnamon, Patchouli
• Citral — Citronella, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Lemon thyme, Litsea cubeba, Melissa, Petitgrain
• Citronellal — Citronella, eucalyptus,citriadora, Lemon, Lemongrass, Litsea cubeba, Melissa
• Cinnamic aldehyde — Cinnamon (80-95%), Myrrh, Patchouli
• Cuminic Aldehyde — Caraway, Cumin, German Chamomile, Fennel, Myrrh, Rosemary
• Furfurol — Caraway, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cypress, Sandalwood, Vetivert,
• Geranial — Geranium
• Myrtenal — Myrtle
• Neral — Neroli

+ Ketones:

Ketones end with "one". They're considered to have "cytophylactic" effects on the skin — which means they promote the growth of new cells, particularily on the skin.

Ketones are used as vulnerary agents (wound-healing), mucolytics, and lipoytics.

Caution should be advised when using ketones because of potential toxic effects. Some ketones in particular must be avoided altogether or used sparingly during early pregnancy, with children, or for any internal use.

List of Ketones & Their Plant Sources

• Asarone — Carrot seed
• Atlantone 7 — Cedarwood
• Borneone — Basil
• Camphor(includes camphenone) — Basil, Camphor, Hyssop, Lavandin, Marjoram, Rosemary, Rosemary, Sage, Spike
• Carvone (pino-camphone) — Caraway, Dill, Galbanum, Hyssop, Peppermint, Spearmint(55%)
• D.Fenchone — Fennel (20%)
• Irone — Violets
• Jasmone — Jasmine, Neroli, Peppermint
• Lactone — Angelica, Bergamont, Celery, Lime,(bergaptene), lovage
• Menthone — Geranium
• Piperitone — Eucalyptus, peppermint
• Pulegone — Pennyroyal, Peppermint
• Thujone — Hyssop, Mugwort, Sage, Tansy, Thuja, Wormwood (artemesia).
• Verbenone — Rosemary
• Vetivone — Vetiver
• Zingiberone — Ginger

+ Esters:

Esters end with "ate". They often have an effect on the central nervous system. Many esters are anti-spasmodic or sedative. Some esters are antifungal.

Roman chamomile is considered the king of esters as it contains a wide variety of esters in high concentrations.

List of Esters & their Plant Sources

• Allyl Isotheocyanate — Mustard
• Benzyl Acetate — Jasmine, Ylang Ylang
• Bornyl Acetate — Fir, Pinus, Rosemary (2-6%)
• Geranyl Acetate — Lavender, Melissa, Palmorosa, Petitgrain
• Lavandulyl Acetate — Lavender
• Linalyl Acetate — Bergamont (35-45%), Clary sage, Jasmine, Lavender (35%), Lavandin, Lime, Litsea cubeba, Neroli, Petitgrain
• Methyl Anthranilate — Jasmine, Neroli, Orange
• Methyl Salicylate — Birch, Cloves, Wintergreen
• Menthyl Acetate — Peppermint
• Neryl Acetate — Helichrysum, Neroli
• Terpenyl Acetate — Cypress, Fir, Pine

+ Phenolic Esthers:

Phenolic esters are a combination of an ester and a phenol. They end in "ol" just like a phenol.

This chemical class is similar to esters, but have analgesic effects.

Some phenolic esters can cause severe skin reactions so caustion is advised when using plants with high concentrations of this chemical compound.

List of Phenolic Esters & their Plant Sources

• Anethol — Aniseed, Basil, Fennel (50-60%)
• Apiol [Abortivacient] — Parsley
• Charvicol — Bay
• Methyl Chavicol — Aniseed, basil, Fennel, Tarragon
• Eugenol — Basil, Bay, Black pepper, Cinnamon leaf, Cloves (85%), Dill, Geranium, Jasmine, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Rose, Ylang Ylang.
• Myristicin [Hallucinogenic] — Black pepper, Dill, Nutmeg, Parsley.
• Safrol — Black pepper, Camphor, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sassafras (80%), Star anise, Ylang Ylang.

List of Plants High in Essential Oils

1. Basil

Basil contains phenylpropanes (anything licoricey has this chemical) that acts as an anesthetic. 

Basil essential oil is useful for convulsions, deep hard coughs, bug bites, stress-related allergies, headaches, nerve tonic, uplifting depression, any sort of spasm. 

Don't use more than one drop of this oil on the skin. 

Some reports suggest basil essential oil may help dissolve uric acid chrysalis (stones), support a more regular menstrual cycle.

Basil is a middle note. 

2. Bergamot

Bergamont essential oil is considered a herbal sedative. 

One of the compounds in bergamot essential oil (bergaptin) can make your skin photosensitive — which causes it to burn much faster with exposure to UV light. 

Some forms of bergamot oil have had this compound removed to avoid this issue, but tend to be less useful therapeutically. 

This oil is classified as an antibiotic, antiviral, and calming agent. It's used for supporting anorexia, anxiety, and preparing your body to eat by stimulating saliva production. Just one whiff of pure bergamot oil will cause you to start drooling uncontrollably (try it for yourself). 

Soft top-note aroma. 

3. Birch

Birch essential oil contains Methyl salicylic acid — which is the natural compound that lead to the invention of Aspirin. Unsurprisingly, birch essential oil is used primarily as an anasthetic. 

Top note aroma. 

4. Cardamom

Top Note aroma. Modifier.

5. Catnip

Catnip is an excellent mouse and insect repellant. It's particularily high in ketones called nepata lactones. 

These lactones can be harmful to humans, so caution should be used when using pure catnip essential oil. 

Catnip doesn't have a pleasant aroma and is rarely used in aromatherapy.

6. Cinnamon

Top note aroma. Modifier.

7. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits have very similar essential oil contents — usually lead by limonene as the chief ingredients. 

These oils are emotionally uplifting, bright, happy, astringent, high in terpenes. Some people use them to alleviate jet lag symtpoms, grogginess, or during pregnancy. 

Lime is the cheapest of the citrus fruit essential oils and contains almost pure limonene. 

8. Clary sage

Clary sage essential oil has hormone balancing effects — especially for women. 

This essential oil is very calming. It's helpful if you're doing some writing or drawing or anything creative. If you run out of creativity clary sage is said to help stimulate the creative thought process and get you moving again. 

9. Clove

Clove is a powerful infection fighter and analgesic. 

The essential oil of clove is useful orally after brushing teeth to clean the teeth and eliminate cavity-causing bacteria. Clove is good for just about any infection or pain due to infection as well as teething babies, lung infection, diarrhea, digestive infections, and parasites.

10. Cypress

Cypress is one of the most astringent essential oils known. It's even considered the "king of the astringents". 

Cypress has a woody smell but isn't the most pleasant. 

Bass note. 

11. Elemi

Great in meditation blends.

12. Eucalyptus globulus

there are two main types of eucalyptus in terms of its aroma. Eucalyptus gloubulus contains terpenes, oxides, and ketones, (no alcohol like radiate). This eucalyptus essential oil makes a better cleaner for households than radiata because the antiseptic qualities are much stronger.  

13. Eucalyptus radiata

This is the most common eucalyptus oil you'll find. It contains terpenes, oxides, and alcohols.

14. Frankincense

Frankincense is a resinous tree with a very high essential oil content. The resin is burned as an incense to release the essential oils into the air. It's used during meditation and for religious rituals. The aroma of this essential oil resembles smoky wood and is very pleasant. 

Some naturopaths use the resin and essential oil of frankincense to treat certain types of cancer. 

This essential oil is especially useful in meditative blends and rejuvenating skin blends to protect and restore skin. 

15. Grapefruit

Astringent and uplifting. Top note aroma.

16. Honey Myrtle

Honey mytrle is a type of Melaleuca — abundant in aldehydes which give it calming properties. 

17. Hyssop

Hyssop is the king of the ketones. It's primarily used for treating cold sores and other viral infections.

18. Jasmine

Jasmine grandiflora is the most common species of jasmine used to make essential oils. However, some dislike the smell of this particular species. 

Jasmine is related to lilacs and shares a similar aroma. 

This oil is very expensive and often comes diluted to 10% to avoid having to charge substantial amounts for a single bottle of oil. 

Jasmine essential oil stimulates endorphins to create what's commonly known as a runners high when inhaled. It's thought to boost immunity and promote general health and wellbeing. 

Jasmine flowers are picked before sunrise to avoid oxidation with exposure to the sunlight. It's a true aphrodisiac in every sense of the word, is boosts sperm counts and helps to stimulate milk production. 

19. Juniper Berry

Juniper is useful for lymphatic detoxification and improving circulation. 

Middle note aroma. 

20. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is known for its sedative and calming effect. It's a staple essential oil to keep in stock for applying to irritated or damaged skin, insect bites, cuts, scrapes, or burns. 

Some of the compounds in this essential oil posess analgesic, antiseptic, and antispasmodic effects. Many people use this essential oil to help with sleep, ease headaches, and promote a sense of wellbeing and calmness. 

Top note aroma.

21. Marjoram

(Oreganum marjoram)

Marjoram essential oil is used to treat ear infections and strained muscles. It adds warmth to the skin by dilating the blood vessels on the surface layers of the skin. 

Marjoram essential oils are marketed as a treatment for snoring. To do this put 1-2 drops in your hands and hold over the face for a few breaths. 

Egyptian marjoram is high in alpha-terpenin-4-ol which is also found in tea tree oil and well known as a powerful infection fighter. 

22. Melissa (Lemon Balm)

This is one of the most reliable antiviral essential oils. It's to have calming actions which make it good for anxiety, grief, and stress as well. 

Unfortunately, this oil is quite costly and can be very hard to find in its pure form. 

23. Monarda fistulosa (Horse mint)

Horse mint smells like oregano because it contains many of the same ingredients. 

Similar to oregano, horsemint essential oil is a powerful infection fighter. Be aware of hybrids that don't have the same medicinal value. 

Garden centers sell the hybrids of this plant that many people think are the same species. If you make essential oil from these hybrids, you won't get nearly the same benefit from the oil as a true horsemint. Hybrids are generally much larger and prettier — but lack the same medicinal value. 

24. Myrrh

Myrrh essential oil is considered a sedative, bitter, astringent, and antibiotic. It's useful in strengthening the gums by keeping them firm. This essential oil is also reported to work on canker sores and in diluted form is useful in vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTI).

25. Myrtle

Myrtle is useful for clearing mucous with lung infections. It's related to eucalyptus and shares many of the same active ingredients. 

The hydrosol of myrtle can be used directly in the eye for conjunctivitis and allergic reactions. 

Middle note aroma. 

26. Neroli

Neroli essential oil is useful for insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and as a euphoric. 

27. Orange

Astringent. Top note aroma. 

28. Patchouli

A heavy essential oil that doesn't evaporate as quickly as most essential oils. It's a perfect companion herb for cannabis. 

This oil is considered an aphrodisiac and inhibits appetite. Some people use patchouli as a natural deodorant and makes a great base note for perfumes due to its heaviness and ability to evaporate slowly. 

Bass note. 

29. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is reported to stimulate the thyroid which in turn affects metabolism. 

This essential oil is great for digestive system upset at doses as low as one drop orally. 

Due to the thyroid effects, peppermint is good for adjusting body temperature. 

Other uses for the oil include reducing the symtpoms of jetlag, fainting, stomach or digestive upset, and car sickness. 

Be careful when using on rashes as high concentrations can cause more irritation. Peppermint essential oil is also not recommended with heartburn because it can reduce the tone of the pyloric sphincter — making heartburn even worse. 

Top note aroma. Modifier.

30. Petitgrain

Petitgrain is used similarly to eucalyptus as an anti-inflammatory, soothing for the lungs. 

Bass note.

31. Ravensara

Similar chemical profile to eucalyptus. 

32. Rose

Rose is reported to improve semen production, revitalize mature skin, improve microcirculation, and acts as an aphrodisiac. 

Rose hydrosol is said to be a cure for hangovers (by drinking). 

33. Spearmint

Soft, warm action. Very gentle oil. Great if used in blends.

34. Spike Lavender

Spike lavender is cheaper than lavender due to being a bigger plant and producing more oil. It has many of the same applications to lavender, but the aroma is much heavier. 

Spike lavender contains no lanalyl-acetate (which Lavender angustifolia does), so it has no sedating effect. 

This essential oil is gentle and works great for sinus blockages and ear infections — however, be careful when doing this with essential oils.

35. Tarragon

Tarragon is useful as a Helichrysum substitute in wound healing (much cheaper). It has some anti-allergenic qualities as well. This effect only works if used before you're subjected to the allergen — most likely through mast-stabilization effects. 

Middle note.

36. Tea tree

Tea tree is antibiotic, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal. It's useful with food poisoning (with cinnamon also), can be used as a suppository, and can be used as a douche if diluted. 

37. Thyme (red)

Red thyme is strongly antibiotic, stimulating, and improves penetration of other oils into the skin or digestive tract. It feels warm on the skin and can cause irritation, so be careful when using this essential oil. 

Top note aroma. 

38. Vanilla 

In small amounts, vanilla acts as an aphrodisiac; however, in high amounts, it can be too sweet and may cause nausea. 

Care must be taken if using in blends so as not to use too much and ruin the blend. 

Vanilla is very dark and contains a thick pigment. It doesn't mix well with other oils so you may need to shake vigorously to get it to dissolve with other essential oils. 

Bass note aroma. 

Safety Considerations of Using Essential Oils

Though essential oils can be a great tool medicinally, and a positive influence emotionally, some precautions must be noted.

Since essential oils are so highly concentrated, using large amounts at one time can be hazardous. Cinnamon for example can burn the skin when in high concentrations.

These simple precautions must be considered when using essential oils:

1. When using essential oils in the bathtub avoid getting vapours or bath water in your eyes.

2. All essential oils must be kept away from children.

3. Some essential oils such as thyme or eucalyptus must be used in small concentrations (3-4 drops). Know what the dangers are of the oils you are using or simply use less dangerous ones.

4. If too much oil is applied or some has gotten into the eye, use an oil to remove, NOT WATER!! The essential oils are all soluble in oil and repelled by water. If you try to wash away essential oils with water it will just make the situation worse. Use vegetable oil and wipe it off with a cloth, this will dilute the concentration of the essential oils, and is the most effective home treatment.

5. In general, it is best to use essential oils in low concentrations, which can be achieved by using only a few drops at a time (1-4), or by diluting into a carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond oil, before using it on your skin.

Author

Justin Cooke

The Sunlight Experiment

Recent Articles