Name
Properties
Warnings
Bergamot
Antidepressant; Stimulant; Improve circulation; Soothe nerves; Reduce anxiety and nervous tension.
Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Cassia
Cassia can be useful for digestive complaints such as flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, diarrhea and nausea. It can also be used for colds, influenza, fevers, arthritis and rheumatism.
Avoid in pregnancy; May irritate the skin
Cedarwood
Warming; harmonizing; meditative; strength; endurance; use for anger.
Avoid in pregnancy; May irritate the skin
Chamomile
Soothing, calming effect on nerves; Effective for headaches and insomnia; Revitalises the skin; Used on skin ailments; Relieves pain Calming and relaxing especially on the nervous and digestive system; Healing and soothing influences on the skin.
Cinnamon
Calms depression; Tones the body; Stimulates the glandular system; Eases period pains.
Avoid in pregnancy; High dilutions can cause convulsions
Citronella
Insect repellent; Clears the mind; Toning effect on the body.
May irritate sensitive skin.
Clove
Relives pain; Disinfecting properties; Aids the digestive system.
Avoid in pregnancy; Can irritate sensitive skin
Eucalyptus
Calming effect; Helps the immune system; Useful for treatment of headaches, fevers & respiratory ailments; Refreshing; Promotes optimism.
Avoid if you have high blood pressure and epilepsy.
Frangipani
Helps retain calm; Eases anxiety; Grounding; Refreshing for the body and mind; Revitalizes skin and hair; Optimizes moisture.
Avoid in pregnancy.
Frankincense
Antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary and expectorant.
Avoid in pregnancy.
Geranium
Uplifting; Balancing; Excellent for skin conditions; Balances hormonal system; Relieves stress; Sensual; Promotes security & intimacy.
Avoid in pregnancy.
Ginger
Eases colds & flu, nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, muscle aches and pains, as well as poor circulation and arthritic pain. Aids winter depression & energizes.
Can irritate sensitive skins. Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Grapefruit
Diuretic properties; Boosts the immune system; Stimulates the lymphatic system; Uplifting; Lightness of spirit; Use for self criticism.
Can irritate the skin if exposed to strong sunlight after treatment
Jasmine
Anti-depressant; Restores energy; Tones the skin; Soothing; Calming; Euphoric; Aphrodisiac; Use for fear & apathy.
Avoid in pregnancy; Can cause allergic reaction
Lavender
Soothing, calming effect on nerves; Effective for headaches and insomnia; Revitalises the skin; Used on skin ailments; Relieves pain.
Considered to be one of the safest essential oils.
Lemon
Improves mood and concentration; Eases tiredness; Calming; Anti-bacterial.
Avoid in pregnancy; May irritate sensitive skin; Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Lemongrass
Skin cramp; muscle toner; Revitalizes the mind & body; Helps with infections; Aids concentration & focus; Stimulating; Helps with jet lag.
Avoid in pregnancy; May irritate sensitive skin
Lime
Beneficial to the immune system; Eases respiratory tract infection; Revitalises the tired mind; Anti-depressant.
Can cause photo sensitivity; Can irritate the skin. Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Mandarin
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, depurative, sedative, stomachic and tonic.
Can cause photosensitivity; Can irritate the skin. Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Naartjie
Boosts the digestive system; Soothes the nervous system; Relieves stress; Use for anxiety & insomnia; Promotes happiness.
Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Neroli
Relaxing: Can relieve chronic depression, anxiety, fear, stress & shock; helps with insomnia; rejuvenating when applied to skin.
Use sparingly when clear head is needed, as can be relaxing.
Orange
Brings happiness & warmth to the mind; relaxing; helps children to sleep; Can be used effectively on the immune system, & to eliminate toxins.
Do not expose the skin to sunlight after treatment.
Peppermint
Pain relief; Excellent for circulation; Stress relief; Stimulating the mind; Focusing concentration; Muscular aches and pains; Respiratory problems.
Can irritate sensitive skin and mucous membranes.
Pimento
Boosts the digestive system; Helps depression, stress & nervous exhaustion.
Can irritate mucous membranes & the skin.
Rose
Anti depressant; Soothes & balances the mind; Regulates & balances hormonal system; Moisturizes & stimulates the skin
Avoid in pregnancy.
Rose Geranium
Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, deodorant, haemostatic, styptic, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary.
Avoid in pregnancy
Spearmint
Stimulates and uplifts the mind; Helps with headaches, nervous strain, fatigue and stress; Relieves itching.
Considered to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Tea Tree
Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, bactericide, cicatrisant, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific.
Tea tree oil is considered a safe oil, as it is non-toxic and non-irritant, but should not be used on deep wounds or near the eyes, ears, nose or internally. Please remember that it is a most powerful oil, but using it unwisely could result in problems.
Vanilla
Vanilla oil is used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceutical products, in food and in tobacco and is also an ingredient in some oriental type perfumes.
Vetiver
Calms and soothes the mind and helps to dispel anger, hysteria and irritability.
It revitalizes the body and helps with mental and physical exhaustion and is also used for general aches and pains, especially for rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain, while relieving insomnia.
Ylang Ylang
Calming; Balancing, stimulating effect on skin; Euphoric, sedative effect on the nervous system.
Large quantities may cause headaches and nauseous.