Herb Oils:

Basil

• Latin name: Ocimum basilicum

• Plant: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: sweet and herbaceous with a hint of liquorice

This oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowering leaves of this annual herb. Its oil is colourless to pale yellow in colour and is considered a middle note, although some say more top note! In an emotional level this oil has antidepressant properties so useful for nervous disorders especially anxiety and depression. It helps to relieve mental fatigue, tension headaches and enhances the minds strength and clarity. Physical benefits include respiratory issues such as sinus congestion, chest infections and asthma. It can also benefit digestive issues, muscle aches and pains - especially sport related. Due to its phytoestrogen properties, it’s very useful for supporting the menopause and a uterine cleanser.

Clary Sage

• Latin Name: Salvia sclarea

• Plant Name: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: floral, slightly fruity, earthy and herbaceous

This oil is extracted from the flowering tips and leaves from this plant by steam distillation. Its colour is pale yellow/green in colour. This is a very sedative oil and is a powerful relaxant. It is uplifting, warming and calming on the mind and body and known to have a euphoric effect. Very beneficial for stress and tension as well as a muscle relaxant. As it’s antispasmodic it a good for asthma. This oil works well on stomach cramps, IBS and colicky pain as has an affinity with the digestive system. It works well on skin as it reduces excessive production of sebum.

Helichrysum

• Latin Name: Helichrysum iticum

• Plant: ASTERACEAE

• Aroma; fresh, earthy, herbaceous with slight honey tone

This oil is extracted by steam distribution from the plants bright yellow flowers, which is part of the daisy family. The oil is pale yellow-yellow in colour and has an earthy, sweet and slight honey aroma. Helichrysum essential oil is also called Everlasting or Immortelle. The essential oil has a soothing, regenerative effect on the skin and a calming, uplifting effect on mind and body. Helichrysum is similar to Lavender in that it is most active when used with other oils ie synergistically. Good oil to use with babies, children and sensitive skin as it is non-toxic and non-irritant essential oil.

Marjoram

• Latin Name: Origanum majorana

• Plant: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: sweet, woody and herbaceous with floral undertones

This oil is extracted from the dried flowering perennial herb via steam distillation. Its oil is pale green/yellow in colour that browns with age. This oil is a very strong sedative and can cause drowsiness and dulls the senses- use with caution! It can be stupefying be an Anaphrodisiac if used in high doses. It is beneficial for insomnia and easing emotional and stress issues. Lovely oil to soothe the mind and body. Acts as a nervous sedative due to this oil’s stimulating the vagus verve (parasympathetic). It has many useful physical benefits too including relief from respiratory issues - excellent for asthma, bronchitis, tickly coughs. Great for muscle aches and pains, muscle stiffness, sprains and sprains as calms spasms. Good for skin issues such as chilblains, bruises. Beneficial properties include: Analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant, Fungicidal, Nervine

Patchouli

• Latin Name: Pogostemon cablin

• Plant: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: deeply woody and earthy

This oil is extracted dried, fermented, young leaves of the Patchouli plant via steam distillation. Its oil is deep golden brown in colour and considered a base note. It is a relaxant essential oil and an aphrodisiac. Good for using on fungal infections.

Peppermint

• Latin Name: Mentha piperita

• Plant: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: fresh, minty and sharp. Herb oil

This oil is extracted from the flowering tops and leaves of the Perennial herb by steam distillation. Its oil is pale yellow to green in colour. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it very beneficial for headaches and reducing muscle aches and pains. Very good for clearing the mind and aiding concentration - so yet another good oil for studying! As it’s stimulating it is good for people in shock and is great for digestive issues such as sea and travel sickness and diarrhoea.

Roman Chamomile

• Latin Name: Anthemis nobilis

• Plant: ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE)

• Aroma: strong, fruity apple, herbaceous scent

This oil is extracted from the flowers of the perennial plant via steam distillation. It’s pale yellow in colour. This is a very calming and deeply relaxing essential oil and therefore excellent to use in an emotional and mental level, especially good for stress as deeply relaxing and calming essential oil that is also widely used as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Due to its balancing effect on the mood, it’s helpful with the emotional issues associated with PMT and people feeling over sensitive. Safe to use on babies and young children especially good for soothing and calming colicky babies. Is considered a mild sedative. Excellent choice of oil for sensitive skin for conditions such as acne, allergies, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammations, rashes and wounds. toothache, teething pain, wounds. Also benefits physical issues relating the to Circulatory system for example arthritis, inflamed joints, muscle pain rheumatism, sprains, muscle cramps. Also a lovely oil to use to aid menopause problems, menorrhagia, and as it is antispasmodic is good for all muscle cramps - especially Menstrual pain/cramps.

Rosemary

• Latin Name: Salvia rosmarinus

• Plant: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: strong fresh with woody and classic undertones.

This oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tops and needle like leaves of the Rosemary shrub via steam distillation. The oil is colourless to yellow in colour and is described as a ‘middle note’. This is one of the best stimulating essential oils and has an energising effect.

Emotional it is very good in supporting mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, stress related disorders, hormone regulator, improve mental awareness and clarity (daytime only as can disturb sleep), boosting memory and concentration. - great for period of studying and often known as the ‘herb of remembrance’!

Physical benefits include:

Skin Care: acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema. It’s a great insect as it’s antiseptic and good for respiratory complaints eg asthma, bronchitis, and muscle aches and pains.

• recommended patch test

Floral Oils:

Geranium

• Latin Name: Pelargonium graveolens

• Plant: GERANIACEAE

• Aroma: sweet, floral with a hint of rose

This wonderfully scented floral oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the perennial shrub. It is a ‘middle note’ and the oil is a pale green colour. This is a great oil to aid stress, anxiety and is wonderfully relaxing. It is therefore no surprise that is has antidepressant properties. It’s great for balancing hormonal issues due to its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex. This oil also has dietetic properties and aids the relief of excessive fluid retention It has a close affinity with the female system and can assist in balancing hormonal problems. It also has antiseptic and astringent properties and is beneficial for excessively dry and oily skin types.

Lavender (true)

• Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia

• Plant: LAMIACEAE

• Aroma: fresh, sweet, floral and herbaceous with a hint of wood

This oil is extracted from the fresh flowering tips of the plant by steam distillation. Its oil is pale yellow in colour and considered a middle note. Probably one of the most versatile and useful essential oils as contains so many beneficial properties that help us both emotionally and physically. A fantastic oil to synergise with other essential oils - increasing and enhancing their actions. I have listed some of its amazing benefits. Emotionally this oil is a great balancer and antidepressant, helping with stress, mood swings and shock. Useful to use as part of your bedtime routine. Physically is great to use for burns, tickly coughs and infections in the respiratory tract. Shoulder stiffness and neck and muscular pain has been known to influence head tension, and Lavender essential oil is great for relieving this type of headache. Great to use on the skin as balances sebum, soothes skin, acne and eczema. Reduces menstrual pain, hypertension and great as an insect repellent to name a few!!

Neroli

• Latin Name: Citrus aurantium

• Plant: RUTACEAE

• Aroma: light, sweet-floral fragrance. Floral Oil

This oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowers of the Bitter Orange tree. It has a lasting aroma of citrusy, slightly bitter, floral undertones, and is considered a ‘base note’. The oil is pale yellow in colour and darkens over time. It has valuable emotional benefits including having antidepressant properties, great for stress, anxiety, depression. And mental fatigue. Good for unwinding and releasing the ‘worries of the day’ before bedtime. A wonderful book for skin care as has cytophylactic properties which aid in the rejuvenation of new skin cells.

The Bitter Orange Tree also produces Petitgrain oil from the twigs and leaves and Bitter Orange oil from the fruit.

Rose Geranium

• Latin Name: Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum

• Plant: GERANIACEAE

• Aroma: sweet, floral, citrusy

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the perennial Pelargonium graveolens shrub. Its oil is pale yellow to green in colour and is considered a middle to top note. This is a soothing and uplifting oil and is a great balancer for hormones, emotions and the skin. It can help relieve the mind of stress and anxiety. This oils properties include antiviral, anti fungal and anti microbial. It is therefore a wonderful oil to use on the skin as it helps balance the production of sebum and is great for aiding the appearance of enlarged pores and acne causing bacteria. Beneficial for all skin types

This oil has very similar properties to Geranium essential oil but is considered to have a more rounded, complex, sensual with a more rosy scent.

Ylang Ylang

• Latin Name : Cananga odorata

• Plant: ANNONACEAE

• Aroma: sweet, floral almond top notes with woody undertones

This floral oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowers from the Cananga tree. It has quite a strong scent, often being described as a ‘heady’ aroma and considered a ‘base note’. It is pale yellow in colour. This oil has balancing, calming, relaxing and euphoric properties, helping with not only on an emotional level but also mentally. It is a very useful oil to aid depression and low self-esteem due to its antidepressant properties and beneficial for stress, tension, anxiety and insomnia. Great aphrodisiac. A good oil for skin care and aids both dry and oily skin types as helps balance sebum.

Citrus Oils:

Bergamot

• Latin Name: Citrus bergamia

• Plant: RUTACEAE

• Aroma: citrusy with spice undertones and floral hints. Citrus Oil

This oil is extracted by cold expression of the peel/rind of the fruit of the Citrus Bergamia tree. Its aroma is citrusy with spice undertones and floral hints. It is a ‘top note’ and the oil is initially pale green, turning brownish-olive over time. It is used as an ingredient to give Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour. Due to its antidepressant properties, it is one of the best antidepressant oils to use for nervous tension, anxiety and depression as is very uplifting and calming. This is known as the happy oil and stimulates serotonin and has been called ‘Nature’s Prozac’. Due to its antiseptic, astringent properties, it is a great oil for treating skin complaints such as acne and eczema. It is known for its relaxing properties and calming effects on stress-related stomach problems. Being antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial, it is a good oil to use for Urinary Tract Infections ie cystitis as a Uterine tonic and benefits the female reproductive system and respiratory tract.

Grapefruit

• Latin Name: Citrus x paradisi

• Plant: RUTACEAE

• Aroma: tangy, fresh and citrusy

This citrus oil is extracted by cold expression of the peel/rind of the fruit and due to this oil’s limonene content, it is considered a ‘top note’. It is pale to golden yellow in colour and is considered uplifting and stimulating as well as cleansing due to its antidepressant properties. Emotionally this oil can help with nervous exhaustion and mental fatigue if mentally enlivening. Helpful oil for colds due to its antiseptic properties and can help lift your spirits at the same time. Good to use on oily and congested skin types (acne) and a good toner for dull skin. This is also a great immune booster and helpful for muscle fatigue. This oil is not considered a photosensitive oil

Lemon

• Latin Name: Citrus limonum

• Plant: RUTACEAE

• Aroma: fresh sweet and lemony

This oil is extracted by cold pressing of the outer part of the fruit’s fresh peel of the Lemon tree. Its oil is yellow/green turning brown with age in colour. It is described as highly uplifting, stimulating and refreshing oil and stimulates the immune system. Good to aid mental fatigue and sluggishness as well as aid concentration and awareness. Due to its haemostat it properties it is good to use on minor injuries, wounds and infectious illness. It is a powerful bactericide against bacteria. It’s antiseptic and astringent properties helps greasy skin, spots and boils and is said to have regenerative properties aid reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Sweet Orange

• Latin Name: Citrus sinensis

• Plant: RUTACEAE 

• Aroma: fresh, fruity top notes with radiant and arousing undertones

This citrus essential oil is also known as Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus dulcis. This oil is extracted from the peel/rind of the fruit usually from cold expression from the Citrus Sinensis tree. The oil is dark yellow to brownish yellow in colour. This is a warm and uplifting oil illuminating the feelings of happiness. It is helpful for those who are stressed, anxious and nervous. Unlike Bitter Orange, it is not phototoxic. It has inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and gingival. A helpful oil for digestive issues, especially if stressed related as a mild sedative.

Wood Oils:

Benzoin

• Latin Name: Styrax benzoin

• Plant: STYRACACEAE

• Aroma: warm, sweet vanilla. Wood oil

Pure Benzoin is actually a resin which comes from the red gum of the Styrax tree, and this resin is then melted. It is a ‘base note’ and the oil is a dark reddish brown in colour. Used on an emotional level, this oil is calming, helping with resentment and sorted anger due to its sedative properties. It has wonderful inflammatory and astringent properties, great for aiding inflamed conditions and skin issues, such as chapped skin. Beneficial to the respiratory system as a tonic to the lungs., and as its warming and soothing, is also good for the circulatory system.

Cedarwood

• Latin Name: Cedrus altantica

• Plant: PINACEAE

• Aroma: quite masculine scent - woody with smoky undertones. Wood oil

This oil is extracted by steam distillation from the stumps and sawdust from the tree. It’s oil is yellow to deep orange in colour and is considered a base note. It is calming and soothing on the mind as has sedative properties. It is very beneficial for skin issues, astringent and antiseptic properties for example acne, dermatitis, eczema and relieves itching. Good for coughs and congestion and catarrhal conditions as also has expectorant and mucolytic properties.

Frankincense

• Latin Name: Boswellia carterii

• Plant: BURSERAEAE

• Aroma: fresh, woody, spicy with citrus ‘top note’. Wood oil

This oil derives from a natural gum resin that solidifies into tear shaped bumps and the oil is extracted by steam distillation of the tears. It’s considered a ‘base note’ and is yellow green in colour. This oil is very calming and meditative, allowing the breath to slow down and deepen, and can help lift depression. It has the Its sedative properties quietens, calms and elevates the mind - hence popular for mediation practices. It helps lift depression and has stimulating and calming properties. Physical benefits include being very useful for chronic bronchitis as it’s a pulmonary antiseptic, as well as urinary and female reproductive issues. Also very useful for mature skin and damaged skin - help to aid with the signs of aging.

Juniper Berry

• LATIN NAME: Juniperus communis

• Plant: CUPRESSACEAE

• Aroma: crisp - sweet, fruity and woody

This oil is extracted from the berries of the plant by steam distillation. Its oil is colourless to pale yellow in colour and considered a middle note. If you struggle to sleep due to worrying then this oil is very useful as has a sedative action as has a strengthening effect on the nerves. A wonderful oil to use to release toxic waste from the body due to its antiseptic and diuretic properties. Beneficial for treating cystitis and blended can aid with external haemorrhoids. A very useful oil to use if skin conditions taking time to heal such as eczema and dermatitis.

Lemongrass

• Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus

• Plant: POACEAE 

• Aroma: refreshing, citrusy, earthy

This oil is extracted from the cut and partially dried grass of the perennial grass by steam distillation. Its oil is yellow, amber to reddish brown in colour and is considered a top note. This is a fresh, uplifting and calming oil with restorative features. It has the ability to help energise the body and mind and very useful for anxiety. This oil has antiseptic, bactericide, analgesic properties to name a few. It is known for its stimulating effect on the body and works well as aiding tightening and toning the skin and useful for acne prone akin. Good for muscle aches and pains and as an insect repellent. Also useful for soothing headaches.

Sandalwood

• Latin Name: Santalum spicata

• Plant Name: SANTALACEAE

• Aroma: Australian Sandalwood is sweet and woody with a dry, spicy top note

This oil is extracted by distillation from the chips and billets of the heartwood of various species of sandalwood evergreen trees, that has been powered and dried. This is a very thick oil which is pale yellow, greenish or brownish in colour. This is a wonder sedative oil and very beneficial in aiding insomnia. Emotionally it helps with depression as it has the effect of stopping the cogs from turning and allowing you to ‘switch off’ as it’s a deeply relaxing oil. Sandalwood has antiseptic and astringent properties so works well alleviating many skin condition such as dehydrated skin. It is also great for aiding respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis and persisting annoying coughs. Also great for urinary infections.

Vetiver

• Latin Name: Vetiveria zizanioides

• Plant Name: POACEAE

• Aroma: deep woody, Smokey and woody scent

This wood oil comes from the tall perennial grass and is extracted from the roots and rootless by steam distillation. It is olive, amber or brown in colour and considered a ‘base note’. Known as the ‘Oil of Tranquillity’ as its wonderfully grounding and connects you to reality and is deeply relaxing oil. It has a sedative effect on the central nervous system, so best not used during the day, very helpful for insomnia and is great for helping with physical and mental exhaustion. It has antispasmodic properties - great for tight muscle, aches and pains. It is also very beneficial for mature, tired and undernourished skin types.

Spice Oils:

Clove Bud

• Latin Name: Syzygium aromaticum

• Plant: MYRTACEAE

• Aroma: spicy, warm and lingering with hint of wood and slightly bitter scent

This oil is extracted by steam distillation of the dried bud of the evergreen plant. Its colour is pale yellow and is a medicinal oil. This oil is probably best known for being beneficial for toothache due to its analgesic properties but it also makes a great mouthwash as antiseptic too. It has many properties that are beneficial to our bodies including being antibacterial, anti microbial and antiviral properties as well. When blended it is a good oil as an insect repellent, skin issues such as acne, bruises and athletes foot. Not only that it can also aid digestive issues, such as colic and nausea, and muscle aches and pains due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Emotionally it is calming and a mental stimulant, aiding memory loss and mental fatigue.

Medicinal Oils:

Eucalyptus (bluegum)

• Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus

• Plant: MYRTACEAE

• Aroma: fresh, wood and earthy - quite pungent

This oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and juvenile twigs of the native Eucalyptus tree. Its oil is colourless and ages to yellow. This oil is well known for its powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and useful on airborne viruses and bacteria. Beneficial to use on burns including whilst the burn is healing, cuts and blisters. Works well to aid urinary infections and is known to aid respiratory relief on adults, therefore beneficial for asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections. Emotionally this oil can boost mental clarity and especially lethargy or when feeling mentally “weighed down” as clears the mind.

Tea Tree

• Latin Name: Melaleuca alternifolia

• Plant: MYRTACEAE

• Aroma: fresh, woody, herbaceous and earthy

This oil is extracted via steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the tree. Its oil is yellow/green in colour and is classed as a medicinal oil. A very versatile and useful essential oil. Emotionally this oil lifts the spirits - great for depression, PMS and anxiety. It is an excellent immune stimulant and encourages the body to react to bacteria, fungi and viruses. Very beneficial if you’re suffering from colds, flu and infectious illness. Skin Care: acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff, herpes. Another benefit is that it is one of the few essential oils that can be applied to the skin neat.

• recommended patch test

Carrier Oils

Rose Seed Oil

• Latin Name: Rosa canini

Rosehip Seed Oil is cold pressed from the fruits' seeds of the Rosa Canina plant. It is an increasingly popular base oil in skin products as is very nourishing due to its vitamins and essential fatty acids so It can be used on all skin types, in particular mature, dry, sensitive, dull and sunburned skin. It penetrates well into the skin allowing the skin stay soft, smooth and radiant. Its beneficial properties include: encouraging cell regeneration, combating wrinkles and fine lines, scarring, stretch marks and skin conditions such as acne, eczema and dermatitis.

Sweet Almond Oil

Latin Name: Prunus dulcis

Useful and tolerated by most skin types. It is extracted from the seed and is pale yellow in colour. This oil is good for dry skin as soothing and can relieve itching. It is also a great aid to revitalise, nourish and soften the skin. Sweet Almond oil is rich in fatty acids, minerals and proteins. It also contains a small amount of Vitamin E. It can last quite a long time too and is odourless.

Jojoba Oil

Latin Name: Simmondsia chinensis

This is a deeply nourishing and moisturising oil for the skin, especially dry and mature skin. Also helpful for re-balancing oily and problem skins. It is rich in Vitamin E and also contains Vitamin A, B1, B2 and Vitamin 6. The liquid is extracted by cold press from the beans of a plant that can be found growing in the Sonora Desert South West USA and Mexico. Its a great substitute for Beeswax.

Coco Butter

This has a distinctive coconut aroma. It differs from Fractionated Coconut Oil, as it is solid in cool temperatures and melts easily to an oil on contact with warm hands. It is great for moisturising and protecting the skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids and proteins and known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, skin nourishing, and wound healing properties. It also contains Vitamin E which helps promote skin elasticity and beneficial for dry, flaky skin, and skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Also great for promoting healthy hair and scalp, nourishes, repair and condition dull, damaged hair.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is extracted from the nut of the African Shea Tree which can be found in the Savannah of Western Africa. The word Shea comes from the Bambara name “sii” meaning sacred. Shea Butter is very gentle on the skin and contains unsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, allantoin, phytosterols and Vitamins A, D and E and useful for dry, scarred, damaged or mature skin and can be used on most skin types including sensitive. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful for skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, allergies and insect bites. It is believed to assist with wound healing, burns and stretch marks. Interestingly it can also protect against UV damage as it has a SPF of between 6-10. It is particular useful for using in balms including lip balms and body butters.

Beeswax

Beeswax is hypo-allergenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This is great for people with allergies or other sensitivities such as eczema. Beeswax not only hydrates the skin, creating a long lasting protective barrier from environmental pollutants, but also conditions and calms, soothing itchiness and irritation. It is particular good on chapped and broken skin.

For Information on Carrier Oils - visit Journal/Library