About essential oils » Essential Oil Chart by Oil

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:

1. Pregnant? – don’t use
2. Epileptic? – don’t use
3. Photo sensitivity – avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours
4. Sensitive skin? – can irritate
5. No alcohol – causes drowsiness
6. High blood pressure? avoid
7. Diabetic? – avoid
8. Hazardous – use very sparingly or avoid if health issues
9. 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	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	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	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 NEVER USE INTERNALLY – 3,5ml HAS BEEN RECORDED AS FATAL	1, 2, 3, 4
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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 carteri	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.	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
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	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	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	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, conspitation, nervous conditions, muscular spasms, antiseptic, sedative	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	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	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	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	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 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	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.