This essential oil chart by oil lists all the oils and the effect they may have on the body.
Warning codes
If you have health issues, take not of the following:
- Pregnant? – don’t use
- Epileptic? – don’t use
- Photo sensitivity – avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours
- Sensitive skin? – can irritate
- No alcohol – causes drowsiness
- High blood pressure? avoid
- Diabetic? – avoid
- Hazardous – use very sparingly or avoid if health issues
- Toxic – avoid
This chart will give you a good idea of what oil you want to use. Once you have decided on the oil, have a look at our product page. We have attempted to give as much information as possible on each oil with links to scientific research, but your own research is always a good idea. There are many scientific sites that give more in depth information if you are not familiar with essential oils.
You will notice that there are many oils with similar believed benefits. If you don’t like the fragrance of one, choose another that you enjoy more.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V Y
A
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Almond (bitter) NOTE: | Avoid at any cost – don’t use | 8 |
| Aniseed Oil Pimpemella anisum | antiseptic, digestive, stimulates, blood circulation, stimulating. NOTE: large doses can be narcotic and slow down circulation and lead to cerebral disorders | seed pod 1, 4, 5 |
| Arnica oil | anti-inflammatory, revitalising | |
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B
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil oil Ocimum basilicum | aid for colds, bronchitis, coughs, fever, stimulates the brain & nervous system, uplifting & invigorating, helps for: headaches, stress, digestion, loss of concentration, migraine, aching muscles & mental fatigue. Can replace clove bud and is safer and nicer. | flowering herb 1, 4 |
| Benzoin oil Styrax benzoin | promotes skin healing, soothing; solution = fixative is an aid to relieve the symptoms of coughs, itching, arthritis, colds & is a sedative | rezin 4, 5 |
| Bergamot Citrus bergamia Floral scent | anti-biotic, antiseptic, regulates appetite, good for nerves, abscesses, fevers, acne, wounds, coughs, lifts depression, assists helps the feelings of anxiety & grief/tension, is very refreshing | citrus fruit peel (almost ripe) 3, 4 |
| Birch oil Betula lenta | astringent, cleanses blood, relieves aches, gout & pains, exzema, ulcers, muscles & joints, rheumatism, tendonitis, arthritis | tree, bark 1, 9 |
| Black pepper Piper nigrum | spicy aroma, stimulates blood flow, aids digestion, is very warming | tree, peppercorns 4 |
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C
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Cajeput Melaleuka cajeputi | aid for aches & pains, cramps, insect repellent, antiseptic, blood circulation, fever | tree, twigs, fresh leaves 4 |
| Camphor oil Cinnamomum camphora | helps for hypertension, antiseptic, aids healing of wounds, fever, calming, uplifting, coughs, colds, rheumatism, arthritis | tree, leaves 1, 4 |
| Caraway seed | antiseptic, kills parasites, stimulating | spice |
| Cardamom oil Elettaria cardsmomum | aids digestion, is an antiseptic, aphrodite, is stimulating, coughs, headaches, nausea, is a tonic | plant, seeds |
| Carrot Daucus carota | coughs, diuretic, eczema, flatulence, gout, ulcers, psoriasis, corrects skin imbalances, good for ageing skins, problematic skin, dry irritated skin & wrinkles | root, veggies, seed |
| Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica | relieves rashes & itching, for dandruff, hair loss, stimulating, calming, useful on oily skin, respiratory problems, antiseptic, bronchitis, catarrh, acne, arthritis, diuretic. Safe and useful in many formulations where you need a powerful and gorgeous woody fragrance. | tree, sawdust, wood 1, 4 |
| Celery seed | arthritis, detoxifying, aids digestion, antiseptic | herb seed |
| Chamomile German Matricara chamomila | stimulates the immune system, insomnia, headaches, digestive system, menstrual problems, aching muscles, dermatitis, migraine, abscesses, fever, perspiration problems, uplifting, stimulating, calming, stress, flatulence & indigestion, antiseptic, antibiotic, dermatitis, inflammatory diseases, burns, nerves | herb 4 |
| Chamomile Roman Athemis nobilis | stimulates the immune system, insomnia, headaches, digestive system, menstrual problems, aching muscles, dermatitis, migraine, abscesses, fever, perspiration problems, uplifting, stimulating, calming, stress, flatulence & indigestion, antiseptic, antibiotic, dermatitis, inflammatory diseases, burns, nerves | heads, flowers 4 |
| Cinnamon oil Cinnamomum zeylanicum | antiseptic, aids digestion, fungal | spice, bark, leaves 1, 4, 8 |
| Citronella Cymbopogan nardus | antiseptic, insect repellent, deodorant, stimulant, tonic, insecticide. A very useful antifungal oil. Also Cymbopogan winterianus | fresh grass 1, 4 |
| Clary sage Salvia sclarea | oil encourages hair growth, helpful for premenstrual tension, soothing, relaxing, intoxicating, helps exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, asthma, depression & nervousness, aphrodisiac, sore throat, debility, sedative, aches & pains | flowering 1, 2, 5, 6 |
| Clove oil Eugenia caryopyhllata | mental stimulation, digestion aid, energy, helps tooth ache, is a disinfectant, said to be an aid against cancers, aches and pains, nausea, flatulence, bronchitis, arthritis, is an antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, rheumatism, toothache, diarrhea, infections | leaves, stalks 1, 4, 8 |
| Cypress Oil Cupressus sempervirens | spicy wood fragrance, anti-spasmodic, colds, influenza, menopause, controls circulation, good on oily sweaty skin types, dandruff treatment, benefits mature skin varicose veins, antiseptic, analgesic | tree, needles, cones |
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D
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Dill oil Anethum graveolens | helps for cramps, calming, flatulence, indigestion, constipation, nervousness, gastric upsets, headaches | seeds, fruit |
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E
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Elemi oil Canarium luzonicum | anti-inflammatory, aids cuts, coughs, anti-septic, soothing & calming, is also a fixative (natural preservative) | tree gum (resin) |
| Eucalyptus E. Globules Types available: E; Globulus, Var: Globulus = blue gum, E; Divas = peppermint, E; Citriodora = lemon scented | antiviral, antiseptic, aching muscles, balances extreme moods, soothes sore muscles, sprains, respiratory ailments, headaches, fevers, diarrhea, eczema, rheumatism, coughs, colds. Useful anti-fungal oil. NEVER USE INTERNALLY – 3,5ml HAS BEEN RECORDED AS FATAL | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Eucalyptus smithii | Useful in skin barrier repair for sensitive skin at a dilution of 0.1-1% maximum. | 1, 2, 6 |
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F
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Fennel (sweet) Foeniculum vulgare | body cleanser, eliminates toxins, helps with PMS, menopause & digestive, plus stomach disorders, decreases appetite & reduces stress. Said to cause breast cancer in families prone to the disease Note: narcotic in large doses; bitter fennel – don’t ever use on skin. | seeds of herb 1, 2 |
| Fir Hemlock spruce; Fir needle; Tsuga canadenis | pine scent, antiseptic, good for respiratory & nervous system, refreshes, comforts & calms, is a great room spray. | |
| Frankincense Boswellia carterii | aids digestion, relieves bronchitis, acne scarring, ageing & wrinkles, is also an antidepressant, aid for exhaustion, said to combat nightmares, congested lungs, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, cystitis, mental fatigue, is a fixative, colds, flu, blemishes, dry & mature complexion, skin scars, wrinkles, wounds, excellent meditation oil to burn. For skin issues it is best to use the CO2 extract – heavier molecules that are quite therapeutic. | gum resin 1, 4 |
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G
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic oil Allium sativum | helps for coughs, allergies, boosts immune system | bulb of herb |
| Geranium oil Pelargonium graveolens | tonic for liver & kidneys, relieves menopausal symptoms, effective on ageing skin, excellent for mouth & throat infections, may irritate some skin types, adrenal & hormone balances, anti-depressant, anxiety, cleans toxins * wastes from system, diarrhea, diabetes, sores, neuralgia, bleeding, circulation problems, eczema, nervous tension, kidney stones | whole shrub 1, 4 |
| Ginger oil Zingiber officinale | spicy aroma, respiratory problems, arthritis, fatigue, warming & stimulating, muscular pains, colds, flu, nausea, strains, broken bones, digestive problems, diarrhea, antiseptic, circulation, rheumatism, alcoholism | unpeeled roots of plant 3, 4 |
| Ginger (dry) Herbacious | see above oil – same as: indigestion, low blood pressure, arthritis, nausea, aches & pains, alcoholism. Recipe: 1 tsp in 1 cup hot water with honey | 3, 4 |
| Grapefruit Citrus paradisi | fresh: helps obesity, helps migraine, excellent air freshener, anti-depressant, stimulates glands, PMS & menopause, hot flushes, is an antiseptic, tonic, kidney & liver problems, an aid to drug abuse withdrawal symptoms | |
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H
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Helichrysum (italicum) | fresh, earthy, minty, floral essentil oil. microbial purification, pain management, inflammation management, muscle spasms, support healthy lung function, congestion relating to allergies, cold or flu, antioxidant properties, skin support, wound care – emotionally and energetically, grounds, uplifts, emotional trauma. | |
| Hyssop oil | digestive aid, helps for fever, perspiration, is heart strengthening, relieves abscesses, bacterial buster, arthritis, asthma, coughs, antibiotic, antiseptic, astringent, antiviral, colds, muscular pains, blood pressure, sore throat, rheumatism, uplifts & calms | |
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J
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper oil Juniperus communis | spicy aroma, detoxifying, aid for kidney problems, diuretic, aids symptoms of cellulites, is uplifting, purifies blood, excellent for back problems, muscle aches, is warm & stimulating, acne, ulcers, urinary infections, burns, dermatitis, eczema, hair loss, hemorrhoids, oily complexion, (toner), wounds, toxin releaser, gout, obesity, cellulite, rheumatism, colds, coughs, flu, infections, stress related conditions | fermented bush berries 1, 3, 4 |
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L
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender (true) Angustifolia lavendula | helpful against hair loss, dandruff, a sedative anti-depressant, antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-bacterial, for burns and headaches, earache, eczema, boils, ringworm, insect bites, insect stings, repellant, lice, dermatitis, abdominal cramps, colic, relieves arthritic pains, painful joints, sores, spots, rheumatic sprains & pains, scabies, psoriasis, wound healing. (a drop or two into the wound or the substance being used on the wound) | fresh herbal flowering tops & leaves |
| Lavender – spike | inflammation, dermatitis, athletes foot, acne, allergies, boils, asthma, bronchitis, atarrh, laryngitis, throat infections, whooping cough, flatulence, nervous tension, headaches, stress, depression, blood pressure, asthma, shock, PMT, vertigo, sciatica, is relaxing, calming, aid against insomnia, tension, exhaustion, counteracts travel sickness, abscesses, most useful oil of all as it is so versatile. | |
| Lemon grass Cymbopogon citralis | citrus aroma, revitalising, tonic for digestive system, aids flatulence & digestion, stimulant, energiser, sedative on nervous system, antiseptic, infectious diseases, fevers, astringent, blood pressure, sore throat, gallstones, anxiety & nervous conditions, digestive problems, debility, fever, a good tonic, headaches, respiratory problems, insect repellant. wound healing. (a drop or two into the wound or the substance being used on the wound) | grass 4 |
| Lemon oil Citrus limonum | citrus aroma, tonic to lower high blood pressure, cleansing & detoxifying, light anti-bacterial, refreshes, sore throat, antiseptic, astringent, anxiety, digestive problems, gallstones, debility, fever, anxiety, nervous conditions, detoxes, purifies, clarifies & is a great diuretic. wound healing. (a drop or two into the wound or the substance being used on the wound) | rind of fresh fruit 3, 4 |
| Lemon verbena Aloysia triphylla | anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension & stress-related conditions, liver congestion, cramps, indigestion | leaves & twigs of shrubs 3, 4 |
| Lime oil Citrus aurantifolia | citrus aroma, boosts immune system, aid for cramps, invigorating & revitalizing, antiobiotic, antiseptic, astringent, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, fevers, rheumatism, anorexia, headache, sore throat, tonic | rind from the ripe fruit 3 |
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M
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Citrus reticulata | revives aching & tired limbs, digestive diuretic, tonic, helps stretch marks, is an anti-depressant, uplifts spirit & is calming to nervous person, aids insomnia, strengthens digestive function & liver, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, mild laxative, sedative, digestive & lymphatic tonic | 3 |
| Marjoram oil Organum marjorana | comforter for grief, relieves aches & pains, aids insomnia, headaches, migraines, is a sedative, soothing & relaxing, assists hyperactivity, aroma is warming, assists lower back pain & lowers blood pressure, antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-fungal, colds, sprains, bruises, intestinal cramps, circulatory disorders, menstrual problems, asthma, bronchitis, insomnia | oleo resin flowers & leaves of herbs 1 |
| Melissa oil Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) | aids digestion, tension, regulates ovulation, calming, uplifting & revitalizing, diarrhea, eczema, nervousness, bacterial infections, cardiac tonic, sedative | leaves, tops, twigs of herb 3 |
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N
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Neroli oil Citrus bigaradia auruntium | helps digestion, good for panic attacks, aids insomnia, helps depression, stress & PMS, menopausal problems, dermatitis, diarrhea, cardiac tonic, hysteria, nervous complaints | fresh flowers, orange blossom, tree |
| Niaouli oil Melaleuca viridiflora | aids in healing wounds & stimulates tissue growth | leaves & twigs from bush |
| Nutmeg oil Myristica fragrance | laxative, aids digestion, balances nervous system, is very calming | |
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O
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Citrus aurantium | citrus aroma, skin tonic, plumps up ageing dry skin, calms stomach, helps treat anxiety & depression, tonic, constipation, nervous conditions, muscular spasms, antiseptic, sedative. wound healing. (a drop or two into the wound or the substance being used on the wound) | tree, rind of fruit 3, 4, 5 |
| Orange (sweet) Cistrus sinensis | aids in colds & bronchitis, very good for depression, hopelessness & lack of joy, dull & oily skin, mouth ulcers, obesity, water retention, palpitations, nerves & stress-related conditions, chills, constipation. | outer peel or oranges 3 |
| Oreganum oil O. vulgare | antiseptic, antiviral, helps for cramps, nausea, vomiting, antibiotic, muscular pains, nervousness, insomnia, heart stimulant, arthritis, rheumatism, nausea, assists with perspiration | herb, leaves, flowers 4 |
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P
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Palmarosa oil Cymbopogon martini | uplifting fresh aroma, helps for fever, digestion, is a aphrodisiac, antiseptic, rejuvenates, hydrates, tired skin & is great for skin infection treatments, anorexia, as a tonic. Helpful in repair of skin barrier function for sensitive skin in a dilution of 0.2-1% maximum dilution. | fresh or dried grass, whole plant 3, 4 |
| Patchouli Pogostemon P | exotic, sensual, earthy fragrance, sensual, curbs apetite, has astringent properties, rejuvenates, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, skin inflammation, acne, eczema, dandruff, diuretic, insecticide | leaves, dried & fermented |
| Peppermint Mentha piperata | cooling, calming & improves alertness, good for colds & flu, relieves headaches & nausea, migraine, fevers, flatulence, liver problems, stimulant, inflammation, indigestion, headaches. Useful in repair of skin barrier function in sensitive skin at 0.2-1% maximum dilution. | whole herb, plant flowering 1, 4, 6 |
| Petitgrain Citrus aurantium | aid for irritated skin, acne, relieves insomnia, tonic, anxiety & stress, antiseptic, aid to convalescence, depresion, antiseptic | leaves, twigs 5 |
| Pine needle Pinus sylvestrus | cleansing, antiseptic, aids blood circulation, aphrodisiac, stimulating, disinfectant, excellent for colds & flu, bronchitis, is invigorating, antibiotic, antiseptic, diuretic, bladder & kidney problems, rheumatism, respiratory problems, chest infections, sore throat, muscular aches & pains | 4 |
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R
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Thyme Thymus vulgaris | oil aids blood circulation, insect repellant, antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic, lethargy, urinary infections, sores & wounds, stimulant, bacterial infections, boosts immunity, very uplifting | herbs, leaves & flowers |
| Rose oil Rosa x damascena | insomnia, liver tonic, good for hangovers, antiseptic, antihistamine, increases alertness, anti-depressant, sinus, congestion, stress, poor circulation & menopause. Useful in repair of skin barrier function in sensitive skin in a 0.2-1% dilution masimum. | bush, petals of flowers 1 |
| Rosemary Rosemarinus officinallis | boosts circulation, aids liver & kidney functions, used in hair care, anti-dandruff, aids concentration & mental fatigue, is stimulating, is an astringent, good for most aches & pains, is extremely invigorating, analgesic, gout, headaches, rheumatism, skin infections, muscular aches & pains, sprains, skin infections, dandruff, alopecia, obesity, spinal injuries, nerve stimulant. Useful in repair of skin barrier function in sensitive skin at 0.2-1% dilution maximum. | flowers, petals & leaves of herbs 1, 2, 6, 7 |
| Rue oil Ruta graveolens | insect repellent don’t use on humans or animals; preferable that it is not used in aromatherapy | |
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S
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Sage oil Salvia officinallis | antiseptic, helps for cramps, aids healing of wounds, stimulates glands, arthritis, sprains, catarrh, fibrositis, astringent, sores, bronchitis, bacterial infections, rheumatism | dried flowers & leaves 1, 2, 6, 7 |
| Sandalwood Santalum album | helps for immune deficiency, relaxing, soothing, aphrodisiac, menstrual properties, good aid in meditation, acne, catarrh, cystitis, fungal & bacterial infections, a great sedative; skin infections | tree bark, wood, roots |
| Sassafas oil Sassasgras albidum | antiseptic, calming, uplifting & strengthens TOTALLY TOXIC; can cause death, avoid using it | 4, 9 |
| Savory oil Satureja album | aid for scars, coughs, antiseptic dermal irritant & toxic; irritates mucus membranes; avoid using where possible | 9 |
| Spearmint oil Mentha spicata | digestive, helps against coughs, fever & is an antiseptic, calms nervous system & relaxing, acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabies, toothache, palpitations, muscle aches & pains, neuralgia, asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, catarrh, colic , cramps, flatulence, nausea, fainting, mental fatigue, migraine, stress & related symptoms | whole flowering herb tops |
| Spruce black hemlock Tsuga canadensis | aids respiratory, nervous & glandular systems & stress related symptoms, circulation, flu, colds, infections, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, respiratory weakness | |
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T
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Tegetes oil Tegetas minula | antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, reduces scarring, uplifting & calming, bunions, callouses, fungal infections | flowering herb |
| Tangerine or mandarin oil Citrus reticulata | revives aching & tired limbs, digestive diuretic, tonic, helps stretch marks, is an anti-depressant, uplifts spirit & is calming to nervous person, aids insomnia, strengthens digestive function & liver, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, mild laxative, sedative, digestive & lymphatic tonic | 3 |
| Tansy oil Tanacetum vulgare | never use in aromatherapy, don’t ingest, don’t use on body or in air sprays, etc. | 9 |
| Tarragon oil Artisina dracunculus | antiseptic, aids sluggish digestion, kills worms, anorexia, flatulence, nervous ingestion, antispasmodic, culminative, stimulant, hiccoughs, hypnotic | 1, 9 |
| Thyme linalool | Safer and nicer than Thyme thymol. Less of a skin irritant than Thyme thymol. Smells nicer too. | |
| Thyme oil Thymus vulgaris | aid against colds, healing of wounds, digestion, stimulant, immune system & helps for perspiration; bacterial infections, viral infections, lethargy, sores, wounds, rheumatism, tonic, boosts immunity, urinary infections. | herb 1, 2, 4, 6 |
| Tea Tree oil Maleleuca alternifolia | antiseptic, fights fungal infections, refreshing, revitalizing, anti-bacterial, coughs, colds, acne, athletes foot, abscesses, shock, hysteria, warts, anti-fungal, antiviral, cold sores, burns, inflammation, candida. wound healing. (a drop or two into the wound or the substance being used on the wound) | leaves 4 |
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V
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Vetiver oil Vetiveria zizanoides | aid for acne, antiseptic, sedative, calming, stress & excellent for dry, irritated or mature skin! nervousness, insomnia, rheumatism, muscular relaxant, tonic | grass, roots, soaked |
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Y
| Essential Oil Botanical name | General uses and effects | Source extraction Warning codes |
|---|---|---|
| Yarrow Achillea millefolium | acne, burns, cuts, eczema, hair loss- promotes growth, inflammation, rashes, scars, tones skin, varicose veins, wounds, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombosis, constipation, cramps, flatulence, hemorrhoids, ingestion, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, cystitis, colds, flu, fever, hypertension, insomnia, stress | |
| Ylang ylang Cananga adorata | aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, relaxes mind & body, relaxes high blood pressure, promotes hair growth, balances oil/dry skin, sedative, palpitations, calming, antiseptic | fresh flowers of the tree 4 |
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Disclaimer
All recommendations on this blog are believed to be effective. Since actual use of essential oils by others is beyond the author’s control, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of their use can be given.
Mention of specific companies or persons on this blog does not imply endorsement by the publisher not imply that they endorse the blog.
The information on this blog comes from personal experience and research, supported by the information supplied, with consent, by Ena Knox, author of “Everybody’s Aromatherapy Pocket Reference“.
Other sources come from intensive research on the internet and, among others, books such as “The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy”, by Valerie Ann Wormwood and “The illustrated encyclopaedia of essential oils”, by Julia Lawless.
The information on this blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as advice, diagnosis or implied treatment. Please consult a professional should you experience discomfort or dis-ease. Our products are used by our customers to support the body’s innate ability to heal itself, using fragrance that promotes feelings of well-being and a healthy, positive mindset.