Aromatherapy | A-Z of essential oils
Essential oils have a long and rich history spanning thousands of years. In fact ,oils like myrrh and frankincense were often used in religious ceremonies, embalming and medicine as far back as 3500 BC.
Pharaohs and priests also used essential oils as part of their spiritual rituals, associating them with divine connection and healing.
Beyond religious practices, essential oils were used in skincare and beauty treatments. Cleopatra herself is said to have used oils like rose and lavender for their anti-aging and aromatic properties.
Today, essential oils are used in a variety of ways:
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils are used in massages, diffusers and baths to promote relaxation, mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Alternative Medicine: Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender are used to treat skin conditions, respiratory issues, and infections.
- Cosmetics and Skincare: Many natural beauty products incorporate essential oils for their rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Home and Cleaning: Essential oils like lemon, peppermint and lavender are used in DIY home cleaners due to their antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities.
We've put together a helpful guid featuring some of the most popular and widely used oils, along with their primary benefits and uses.
List of essential oils from A to Z
A
Anise: Calms digestive issues, supports respiratory health, and has a licorice-like aroma. Often used in traditional medicine for its soothing effects.
Arnica: Known for relieving muscle pain, bruises, and inflammation. Common in topical ointments.
Argan: Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree, native to Morocco. While not a traditional essential oil (it's a carrier oil), it's highly valued in skincare.
Atlas Cedarwood: Supports respiratory health, helps relieve stress, and promotes hair growth.
B
Basil: Known for boosting mental clarity, relieving headaches and easing muscle tension. Also used in skincare for acne.
Bergamot: Uplifting and calming, it helps reduce anxiety, stress and skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Black Pepper: Stimulates circulation, relieves muscular aches, and aids digestion. Often used in massage blends.
C
Camphor: Has cooling effects, aids in respiratory issues, relieves muscle pain, and reduces inflammation.
Cardamom: Promotes digestive health, enhances mood, and helps with respiratory issues.
Carrot Seed: Renowned for its skin rejuvenating properties, it aids in reducing scars and improving complexion.
Cedarwood: Extracted from various types of cedar tree, it is often used in meditation and yoga practices to improve focus.
Chamomile (Roman/German): Calming and soothing, great for stress relief, skin irritation and insomnia.
Cinnamon: Energising, antiseptic, and helps improve circulation and fight infections.
Citronella: Repels insects, cleanses the air, and has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Clary Sage: Balances hormones, reduces stress, and promotes restful sleep. It’s also used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Clove: Strongly antiseptic and used for dental issues, it also boosts immunity and reduces pain.
Complete guide to essential oils
D
Dill: Calms the digestive system and helps reduce tension and stress.
Douglas Fir: Purifying and cleansing, helps improve respiratory function and uplifts mood.
E
Eucalyptus: Highly effective for respiratory issues, it opens airways and reduces congestion. It’s also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Elemi: Promotes skin healing, reduces wrinkles, and improves respiratory health.
F
Fennel: Supports digestion, helps balance hormones, and reduces bloating. It also promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Frankincense: Known for its spiritual and grounding properties, it aids in reducing stress, enhancing meditation, and promoting skin health by reducing scars and wrinkles.
G
Geranium: Balances hormones, supports skin health, and is emotionally uplifting. It’s often used in skincare for its soothing and anti-aging properties.
Ginger: Known for improving digestion, boosting circulation, and reducing inflammation. Often used for nausea relief.
Grapefruit: Uplifting and detoxifying, it supports weight management, cleanses the skin, and boosts mood.
H
Helichrysum: A powerful healer for skin regeneration, bruises, and scars. It’s also anti-inflammatory and used for muscle pain relief.
Hyssop: Aids in respiratory issues and helps heal wounds. Known for its antiseptic and antiviral properties.
I
Immortelle: Another name for Helichrysum, highly valued for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.J
Jasmine: Uplifts mood, reduces anxiety, and acts as a natural aphrodisiac. Also used in skincare for hydration and to improve skin elasticity.
Juniper Berry: Cleansing and detoxifying, it helps reduce water retention and is useful for acne and oily skin.
K
Kaffir Lime: Uplifting and refreshing, it’s used for stress relief and as a natural insect repellent.
Kunzea: Relieves muscle and joint pain, clears respiratory passages and helps with skin irritations.
Fragrant essential oils
L
Lavender: One of the most versatile oils, it’s calming, reduces anxiety, improves sleep and promotes skin healing for burns, cuts and acne.
Lemon: Energising uplifting, and cleansing. It’s commonly used for detoxification, boosting immune function and as a natural disinfectant.
Lemongrass: Helps reduce pain, promotes relaxation and is an effective insect repellent.
Lime: Refreshing and stimulating, it boosts mood and supports the immune system.
M
Marjoram: Known for calming the nervous system, reducing muscle spasms and supporting cardiovascular health.
Melissa (Lemon Balm): Helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support the immune system. Often used in skincare for its soothing properties.
Myrrh: Highly valued in ancient times, it supports skin health, promotes emotional balance and has strong antibacterial properties.
N
Neroli: A luxurious oil known for reducing stress and anxiety, improving skin texture, and acting as a natural antidepressant.
Nutmeg: Stimulates the mind, eases digestive problems, and helps with joint pain and inflammation.
O
Orange (Sweet): Uplifting and energising, it helps boost mood, calm anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. It also supports skin health.
Oregano: A powerful antibacterial and antiviral oil, often used for colds, flu, and immune system support.
Library of fragrance oils
P
Palmarosa: Hydrates and balances the skin, reducing wrinkles and calming inflammation. Also emotionally uplifting.
Patchouli: Grounding and balancing, it helps reduce stress, boosts skin health and is used in perfumes and skincare.
Peppermint: Energizing and cooling, peppermint relieves headaches, clears sinuses, aids digestion and soothes sore muscles.
Petitgrain: Helps with anxiety, sleep issues, and emotional balance. It’s also used in skincare for its toning properties.
R
Rose: Known for its deeply soothing and anti-aging benefits, rose oil enhances mood, reduces stress and hydrates the skin.
Rosemary: Stimulates hair growth, improves memory and concentration, and relieves muscle pain. It also supports respiratory health.
S
Sandalwood: Calming and grounding, sandalwood is great for meditation, enhancing skin health and reducing stress.
Spearmint: Similar to peppermint but milder, it helps with digestive issues, boosts mood, and reduces nausea.
St. John’s Wort: Used primarily in oil form for its antidepressant properties, it also helps with wound healing and pain relief.
T
Tea Tree: One of the most powerful antimicrobial oils, it’s used for acne, skin infections and cuts. It also boosts the immune system.
Thyme: Strengthens the immune system, promotes respiratory health and acts as an antibacterial agent.
U
Uplift (Blends): Often a combination of oils like citrus and floral scents, these blends are designed to enhance mood and boost energy.V
Vetiver: Deeply grounding and calming, it’s used for reducing stress, anxiety and promoting restful sleep. Often referred to as the “oil of tranquility.”
Vanilla: Soothing and calming, vanilla promotes relaxation and is often used in perfumery.
W
Wintergreen: Known for its pain-relieving properties, especially for muscle aches and joint pain. It’s often used in massage blends for its warming effect.Y
Yarrow: Supports skin healing, reduces inflammation and is often used in skincare for acne and irritation.
Ylang Ylang: A natural aphrodisiac, ylang ylang reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. It’s also commonly used in perfumes and skincare.