| Taxonomy | Characteristics | Properties | Uses |
| Lavender | Lavendula Angustifolia | Lavender is the mildest yet most effective of all essential oils. It is probably the most widely used. The highest quality lavender oil is found in the highest altitude. It is friendly to all skin types, including sensitive skin, skin with acne and wounds. Effects: Calming and healing
Aroma: Mild note
Scent: Floral, sweet, woody, herbaceous | - Anti-inflammatory
- Sedative - helps in relieving insomnia
- Calming
- Insecticide
- Analgesic (pain-reliever)
- Antiseptic
- Diuretic
| - Headaches
- Skin conditions - like psoriasis and eczema
- Colds and flu
- Insomnia
- Burns - minor burns and sunburn
- Dandruff
- Rheumatism
- Sinusitis
- Wounds and sores, such as leg ulcers and acne
|
| Rose | Rosa Centifolia | Rose is one of the most useful essential oils, but it is also very expensive. Rose water is used extensively in skin care. It is suitable for sensitive, wrinkled and dry skin. Rose essential oil rejuvenates skin cells, is sweet, moisturising, anti-ageing and anti-depressing. It also helps to uplift mood. Effects: Comforting
Aroma: Base/mild note
Scent: Floral, warm, rich, intense | - Antidepressant
- Sedative
- Antiseptic
- Diuretic
- Antispasmodic
- Astringent
- Antibacterial
| - Headaches
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Skin care - mature, dry and sensitive skin as well as broken thread veins
|
| Geranium | Pelargonium Graveolens | Geranium is helpful in dealing with PMT and menopause symptoms. It has beneficial affect on nervous tension and depression. It is an ideal skin tonic, and conditions such as burns and eczema may respond well to it as well. It also helps in regeneration of skin cells resulting in more radiant skin. Effects: Comforting and healing
Aroma: Mild note
Scent: Floral, sweet, earthly | - Antiseptic
- Diuretic
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-fungal
| - Tonsillitis
- Neuralgia
- Inflammation
- Burns
- Slow circulation
- Rheumatism
- Oedema of the legs
|
| Lemongrass | Cymbopogon Citratus | Lemongrass essential oil can be used for a variety of purposes. It is suitable for oily skin and prevents excessive perspiration. It is also a natural anti-septic and antiperspirant. It can also be used as a skin toner. Effects: Cleansing and stimulating
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Refreshing, clean, lively | - Antiseptic
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidepressant
- Analgesic (Pain-Reliever)
- Carminative
- Antipyretic
- Sedative
| - Oily skin
- Antiseptic
- Antiperspirant
- Deodorant
- Disinfectant
- Fungicidal
- Insecticide
- Dandruff and fleas
- Headache
- Muscle cramp
- Skin toner
- Wounds
- Acne and blackheads
|
| Tea Tree | Malaleuca Alternifolia | Tea Tree is a species of Melaleuca tree found in Australia. Suitable for oily skin and acne. It is very beneficial for skin problems such as burns, warts, sunburns, spots and boils. It is also useful for treatment of athletes foot. Effects: Cleansing
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Spicy, refreshing, medicinal | - Powerful antiseptic
- Antiviral
- Antibiotic
- Anti-fungal
- Detoxifying
- Stimulant
- Insecticide
| - Clears skin
- Oily skin
- Antiseptic
- Disinfectant
- Fungicidal
- Insecticide
- Dandruff and fleas
- Acne and blackheads
- Helps the immune system attack infections, virus, yeast and fungi
|
| Peppermint | Mentha Piperita | Peppermint essential oil nourishes dull skin, giving it a cooling and refreshing sensation. It is also a natural anti-septic. It is suitable for eczema and sensitive skin users. Effects: Stimulating
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Refreshing, minty, grassy, strong | - Antiseptic
- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
- Digestive aid
| - Insect repellent
- Headaches
- Respiratory problems
- Indigestion
- Muscular and joint pains
- Refreshing tired feet
|
| Orange | Citrus Aurantium | Orange essential oil has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is calming and relaxing, and may help in relieving insomnia. It is also beneficial for dry skin and dermatitis. Effects: Calming and energising
Aroma: Top note
Scent: Fruity, sweet, refreshing, light | - Antiseptic
- Antispasmodic
- Antidepressant
- Digestive aid
- Sedative
- Tonic
| - Anxiety
- Mature skins
- Indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea
- Muscular ache and pain
|
| Sandalwood | Santalum Album | The tree is considered to be sacred in India. It is widely used in beauty treatments because of its beneficial effects on the skin. Effects: Balancing
Aroma: Base note
Scent: Sweet, warm, woody | - Antiseptic
- Antidepressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Calming
| - Improve immune system
- Relieve soar throat, bronchitis, cystitis, nervous tension and anxiety
- Acne
- Eczema
- Dry and chapped skin.
|
| Myrrh | Commiphora Myrrha | Myrrh is used for preserving youthful skin tone, control athletic foot and heals chapped skin. Effects: Toning
Aroma: Middle note
Scent: Warm, spicy | - Antiseptic
- Analgesic
- Astringent
| - Arthritis
- Coughs and colds
- Bronchitis
- Stimulates digestive system
|
