Essential Oils

This page will go through essential oils simple definition and best-known uses. Always dilute your essential oils. Start with 2-3 drops and adjust each time you use in a diffuser or base oil. Never ingest essential oils, they are only for topical (external) uses. Do not use on children and consult your doctor. This information is simplified and made to more easily understand with simple, practical best uses. Please do research yourself.

What is a base oil?

Base, or carrier, oils provide a medium for diluting and dispersing concentrated essential oils, which can otherwise irritate skin. Derived from vegetables, nut or seed sources, or by macerating on herb in a plant oil, base oils have their own benefits.

Here’s a list of Base Oils: Argan, Borage, Canola, Shea Better, Calendula Macerated Oil, Coconut, Hazelnut, Sunflower , Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose, Olive, Avocado, Almond, Apricot Kernel, Sesame, Rosehip Seed, Jojoba, Cocoa Butter, Grape Seed

I’m sure you already have one of these Base Oils in your pantry. Use one of these to dilute your essential oils. My favorite ones are Avocado, Olive, Grape Seed and Coconut.

BASIL, SWEET

Basil is highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a protector of both mental and physical well-being. Its crisp aroma clears and refreshes the mind and helps calm anxiety.

Good for: enhances well-being, tones and balances skin, supports women’s health, eases digestion, fights cold symptoms, eases aches and pains, acts as an insect repellent.

Best Uses:

In a compress: add a few drops to warm water and make a compress with a cloth to ease pain and congestion

In a diffuser: add 3-4 drops to a diffuser to clear headaches and clear the mind

Safe Usage: Potentially toxic over time. Dilute extremely well (less than 0.5%) and do not use for prolonged periods. Avoid in pregnancy, when breast-feeding, and in children under 15 years old.

CEDARWOOD

A long-established essential oil, cedarwood has an impressive range of benefits. Both antiseptic and astringent. It balances and tones complexions and facilitates healing in infections and skin eruptions. Its uplifting aroma makes a perfect pick-me-up, helping to release tension and lift feelings of lethargy.

Good for: soothes skin, relieves pain, tones and heals skin, supports women’s health, aids detox, fights colds and coughs and lifts moods.

Best Uses:

Hair Treatment: Add a couple of drops to shampoos or conditioners, the oil is known to combat dandruff.

Room Fragrance: Use a few drops in a diffuser, vaporizers or oil burner to help cleanse the air and lift anxiety, depression and feelings of exhaustion.

In an Ointment: Add a few drops of the essential oil to a base oil or ointment base and apply several times a day to provide fast relief and healing for itchy, irritated skin conditions.

In massage oil: Add 2-3 drops to 1 tablespoon base oil (like olive or avocado oil) for an uplifting and skin-soothing massage.

Blends Well With: rose, black pepper, bergamot, jasmine, juniper, cypress

CINNAMON LEAF

This spicy, warming oil was used by the ancient Egyptians as an aromatic foot massage. It is used in very small amounts in cosmetics for its antiseptic properties, and its energizing and stimulating aroma makes it ideal for lifting spirits.

Good for: soothes aches and pains, aids digestion, acts as an antiseptic, balances emotions

Best Uses:

As a footbath: warm cold feet by adding 1-2 drops of cinnamon oil to a relaxing footbath

In a diffuser: use in a diffuser to disinfect and clear the air in a sickroom or to dispel unpleasant smells

Safe Usage: Use very well diluted (less than 0.5%) and use only cinnamon leaf oil on the skin (not cinnamon bark oil). Kids 10+ safe. Not safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding & pets. Dilution rate of 0.5%

CITRONELLA

Citronella is best known as an insect repellent used in a variety of candles, potpourri and lotions; it has other important uses. As a room scent it helps to clear and refresh the mind and its antiseptic properties make it effective in deodorants.

Good for: tones skin, insect repellent, freshens and clears air, enhances focus

Best Uses:

In a diffuser: add to oil burners, vaporizers or room sprays to make an effective insect repellent.

In a lotion: make a foot lotion that will combat unpleasant odors by adding a few drops of citronella oil to an unscented lotion base.

Safe Usage: nonirritant in dilution (less than 5%). Avoid using on hypersensitive skin. Use caution if pregnant or breastfeeding.

CLOVE BUD

Clove yields a warming oil that can be used in small amounts to add antiseptic and analgesic properties. It is a useful mouthwash for oral infections, and its spicy aroma is comforting and relaxing.

Good for: cares for teeth and gums, calms and treats skin, clears congestion, relieves anxiety, soothes muscles

Best Uses

In a diffuser: diffuse 2-3 drips to clear or disinfect air

As a muscle rub: add 3 drops to 1 tablespoon base oil for a warm rub

Safe Usage: Use very well diluted (less than 0.5%). Avoid on hypersensitive or damaged skin and on children under 7 years old.

CYPRESS

Cypress is well deserved reputation as a warming and uplifting oil, it also soothes and relaxes, making it a useful remedy for relieving muscular aches and pains. It helps to stimulate circulation and its strong toning action works on skin and veins. The fresh, woody aroma creates a feeling of positivity.

Good for: improves circulation, tones skin, aids detox, acts as a deodorant, supports women’s health, soothes aches and pains, heals wounds, calms nerves

Best Uses

As a compress: to stem nosebleeds, apply a few drops to a cold compress. Keeping your head level, gently press your nostrils together.

In a message oil: dilute with a base oil for a warming massage that helps relieve rheumatism, arthritis, menstrual cramps and varicose veins.

Safe usage: non-toxic, nonirritant in dilution. Avoid during pregnancy. Take caution using with asthmatics.

EUCALYPTUS

This warming and antiseptic oil is great for relieving aches and pains as well as healing mouth ulcers and insect bites and stings. The oil tones and balances the skin, and its sharp aroma helps increase concentration and lift feelings of depression.

Good for: acts as an antiseptic, tones skin, eases aches and pains, improves focus

Best Uses

In a massage oil: blend 2-3 drops in an ointment to rub on the chest to clear sinuses and aid sleep when congested.

In an inhalation: add a few drops to hot water and use as a facial steam to unclog pores, cleanse, tone, and leave you clear headed and refreshed.

In a diffuser: add a few drops to a diffuser to combat fatigue.

Safe Usage: nontoxic externally, nonirritant in dilution (less than 5%). Avoid near nose or face on children under 7 years old.

FRANKINCENSE

This is an important oil for toning and invigorating the complexion, particularly for mature or sun-damaged skin. Frankincense can be used as both an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and its distinct aroma helps to soothe and calm frayed nerves, making it useful for treating anxiety.

Good for: soothes aches and pains, tones skin, acts as an antiseptic, fights colds, relieves anxiety

Best Uses

In an ointment: the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense essential oil make it an effective ointment to use on sore joints, helping to reduce pain and increase movement.

As a facial toner: mix 2 teaspoons aloe vera juice, 6 tablespoons water and 4 drops of frankincense

In a diffuser: add a few drops to a diffuser, vaporizer or oil burner

In a massage oil: add a few drops to a base oil for a toning massage

Safe Usage: Nontoxic, nonirritant in dilution

GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruit has an energizing and stimulating effect on body and mind. It makes an uplifting room spray and in a massage blend to boost circulation, aids detox, and reduces water retention. Gentle antiseptic and astringent, it is useful for controlling oily skin and hair.

Good for: aids detox, tones skin and scalp, combats fatigue, soothes aches and pains, acts as an air freshener

Best Uses

In a massage oil: use as part of a blend to cleanse skin and aid detox

In a room spray: clear stale air by adding a few drops to water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using.

As a bath oil: add a few drops to a base oil and dispense in a bath or use in a shower gel.

Safe Usage: nontoxic, nonirritant in dilution (less than 3%). Avoid using 12 hours prior to sun exposure.

LAVENDER (BULGARIAN)

A versatile and popular essential oil, lavender has a calming fragrance and is particularly renowned for its ability to relax and promote restful sleep. Its rejuvenating and soothing effects make it an effective skin treatment and a good skin healer.

Good for: soothing skin, heals skin, promotes restful sleep, acts as a pain reliever, acts as an antiseptic, freshens the air.

Best Uses

Room Fragrance: Use a few drops in a diffuser, vaporizers or oil burner to help cleanse the air and for a calming soothing feeling.

In massage oil: Add 2-3 drops to 1 tablespoon base oil (like olive or avocado oil) for a restorative, de-stressing and skin-soothing massage.

As a bath oil: Combine a few drops with a base oil or 2 tablespoons of milk and dispense in a relaxing bedtime bath. Be careful getting out of the tub, as it may make the tub slick from the oil.

Safe usage: Kids 2+ safe, pregnancy, breastfeeding, sun & dog safe. Not safe for cats. Dilution rate of 5%

LEMON

Fresh and invigorating, lemon stimulates the senses and clears the mind. Detoxifying and toning, the oil lends itself naturally to message blends and skin products, and its citrus aroma and antiseptic properties make it a natural deodorizer.

Good for: tones skin, acts as an antiseptic, aids detox, eases digestion, lifts moods

Best Uses

In a massage oil: add to a blend for a detoxifying body massage that can reduce water retention.

In a compress: dilute a couple of drops of lemon oil in almond or avocado oil and add to water to use as a compress.

Safe usage: nontoxic, use well diluted (less than 2%). Avoid using for 12 hours prior to sun exposure.

LEMONGRASS

This essential oil works on body and mind to refresh and stimulate. It has antiseptic and astringent effects that work on oily or acne-prone skin. Lemongrass is deodorizing, antibacterial and makes an effective insect repellent.

Good for: an antiseptic, insect repellent, aids digestion, eases aches and pains, enhances well-being

Best Uses

As a toner: Add a few drops to witch hazel or a light lotion to refresh and tone skin.

In a diffuser: Dispense into a room to raise spirits and lift exhaustion.

As an insect repellent: Dilute 2-3 drops in witch hazel or another flower water for use in a spray bottle, or mix with a lotion and dab on the skin.

Safe Usage: use only very well diluted. Avoid use on hypersensitive skin and on children less than 7 years old.

LIME

Stimulating and refreshing, lime can be relied on for its cleansing properties, and its fresh aroma calms and clears the mind. Like its relatives, grapefruit and lemon, it is a key oil for reducing water retention and puffiness. It also balances oily skin and hair.

Good for: aids detox, balances oily skin and hair, has a cooling effect, acts as an antiseptic, a stress reliever

Best Uses

As a lotion: Add a 2-3 drops to a skin cream or lotion, lime essential oil cleans and brightens dull, congested skin.

In a diffuser: Used in an oil burner, vaporizer, or diffuser, the fresh scent lifts spirits and keeps the mind sharp.

Safe Usage: nontoxic, use very well diluted. Avoid use on skin 12 hours prior to sun exposure.

ORANGE, SWEET

This versatile oil is widely used for its uplifting and detoxifying effects. It is also calming and may help ease tense muscles, and its rejuvenating properties help skin maintain a youthful appearance. Cheering and familiar, its aroma acts as a reviving tonic.

Good for: aids detox, tones skin, revitalizes and brightens skin, boosts immunity, improves digestion, relieves anxiety

Best Uses

As a bath oil: Combine a few drops with a base oil or 2 tablespoons of milk and dispense to enjoy a bath that soothes and tones. Be careful getting out of the tub, as it may make the tub slick from the oil.

In a massage oil: If you’ve overindulged, try a gentle orange massage blend over the abdomen to relieve nausea and indigestion and release trapped gas.

In a diffuser: Using in a diffuser or room spray, the oil can help clear the air and mind.

Safe usage: Kids 2+ safe, pregnancy, breastfeeding sun & dog safe. Not safe for cats. Dilution rate of 5%

PATCHOULI

A tried and tested aromatherapy favorite, patchouli oil soothes and heals the skin, improving the appearance of scar tissue and stretch marks. It also revitalizes aging complexions, and its antiseptic properties help to treat pimple-prone skin.

Good for: repairs, tones and cleanses skin, repels insects, aids detox, enhances well-being, aids digestion

Best Uses

As a perfume: patchouli and rose make a classic scent. Add 10 drops of patchouli and 20 drops of rose absolute to 2 tablespoons base oil or vodka.

In a massage oil: add patchouli oil to a base oil for an uplifting and relaxing massage that relieves tension and anxiety, and can also help to boost sluggish digestion.

Safe Usage: nontoxic, nonirritant in dilution.

PEPPERMINT

Applied to the skin, peppermint feels initially cooling and refreshing then gently warming. It’s stimulating and analgesic properties make it an effective remedy for neuralgia and muscular pains and headaches. It’s also a high-quality antiseptic, and a popular addition to all types of beauty products.

Good for: fights odor, soothes skin, acts as an antiseptic, eases digestive upsets, fights cold symptoms, soothes bites and stings, relieves headaches

Best Uses

In a message oil: add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 tablespoon base oil and gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion to help bring relief to symptoms of indigestion, constipation and nausea.

In an inhalation: add 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil to a steam inhalation (not suitable for children or those suffering with asthma) or to a diffuser or vaporizer and use as a decongestant to help clear sinuses and congested lungs.

Safe Usage: use well diluted (less than 2%). Avoid use in cardiac fibrillation and near the nose in children under 7 years old.

ROSEMARY

Toning and cleansing rosemary oil helps to clear the mind. It contains potent antibacterial and antifungal substances that can fight infection, and has a warming anti-inflammatory action that helps relieve pain. It’s stimulating effect on the lymphatic system aids detox and improves circulation.

Good for: helps fight germs, acts as a hair tonic, aids detox, boosts circulation, improves focus, relieves menstrual cramps

Best Uses

In a message oil: add 10 drops of this essential oil to 2 tablespoons of base oil to create a simple, warming, pain-relieving and detoxifying massage oil.

Safe usage: Kids 10+ safe, pregnancy, breastfeeding & sun safe. Not safe for pets. Dilution rate of 5%

SPEARMINT

Spearmint Essential Oil has a fresh minty smell reminiscent of Peppermint. The major difference is that Spearmint oil is sweeter, and not quite as harsh. Spearmint was traditionally used to scent bath water and to aid digestion.  Today it is commonly used as flavoring agent especially in gum and toothpaste, but it’s essential oil can also help those with queasy stomachs or in need of a focus boost. 

Good for: fights odor, soothes skin, acts as an antiseptic, eases digestive upsets, fights cold symptoms, soothes bites and stings, relieves headaches.

Best Uses

In a message oil: add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 tablespoon base oil and gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion to help bring relief to symptoms of indigestion, constipation and nausea.

Safe usage: Kids 2+ safe, pregnancy, breastfeeding & sun safe. Not safe for pets. Dilution rate of 5%

TANGERINE

Tangerine essential oil has a delightfully sweet aroma that can create a happy, contented mindset when diffused. Tangerine Essential Oil helps clear the mind and reduce nervous tension. Tangerine has a lovely light and sweet citrus scent that is bright, refreshing, and simply rejuvenating.

Good for: provide digestive, lymphatic, and immune support.

Best Uses

Queasy stomach: add 10-12 drops in 1 oz of carrier oil, then rub on your stomach in a circular motion once an hour until issue subsides.

In a diffuser add 4-5 drops.

Safe usage: Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after you apply the product topically if not diluted properly. Kids 2+ safe, pregnancy, breastfeeding sun & dog safe. Not safe for cats.

TEA TREE

Best known for its powerful antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil is great to keep in your first-aid kit, ready to use on wounds and sores. Studies show it is effective against a range of bacteria and fungi that can lead to infection. It also has a strong deodorizing action that can combat body odor.

Good for: boosts immunity, fights skin infection, heals cuts, scrapes & bruises, helps to control acne, acts as a hair tonic, mouth and gun care, fights body odor, fights cold and flu symptoms, eases urinary tract infections

Best Uses

As first aid: use tea tree essential oil in a dilution of 10 percent (1 part tea tree to 10 parts witch hazel) to rinse and clean infected cuts and sores.

In a footbath: for tired, hot, smelly feet, or for athlete’s foot, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a small basin of warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes. Dry thoroughly.

Safe Usage: nonirritant in dilutions of less than 10%. Nontoxic externally.