List of Essential Oils and How to Use Them
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants and each essential oil has a characteristic essence. Essential oils are obtained through distillation, solvent extraction, or mechanical methods such as cold pressing.
Some of the most commonly used essential oils and their uses and benefits are identified below. To learn more, view each oil’s individual page or read about essential oils uses, aromatherapy, or our essential oils guide.
Essential Oils 101: Finding the Right One for You
If you’re just starting out with aromatherapy, it can seem daunting to find the right essential oil for you. To choose an essential oil, read about their benefits and identify your primary concerns. A brief overview of common health and emotional concerns is included below as a starting point to identify oils you want to investigate further. (See our Essential Oils Guide.)
A list of each of these essential oils is also included further below; refer to each oil’s specific page for more details.
Be sure to research each oil prior to use and see our essential oils uses for specific details on inhalation, topical application and ingestion.
It is also important to use caution and choose a reputable brand when purchasing oils. See where to buy essential oils [link] for tips.
Common conditions thought to be aided by essential oils:
Skin Conditions
- Bergamot
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Patchouli
- Tea Tree
Pain and Inflammation
- Bergamot
- Geranium
- Patchouli
- Peppermint
Insomnia
- Lavender
- Ylang Ylang
Respiratory Conditions
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
Digestive Conditions
- Fennel
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Patchouli
- Peppermint
Beautifying Properties
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Sandalwood
- Sweet Orange
- Ylang Ylang
Stimulating and Uplifting Properties
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Sweet Orange
Metabolic Support
- Cinnamon
- Fennel
- Grapefruit
Immune System Support
- Cinnamon
- Frankincense
- Sweet Orange
- Tea Tree
Emotional Support
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
- Ylang Ylang
List of Essential Oils: Uses and Benefits
- Bergamot Essential Oil: Calming and uplifting, helps alleviate anxiety, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Cinnamon Essential Oil: Stimulating, increases energy and creativity, supports immune and metabolic function, helps stimulate circulation, antibacterial
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Decongestant, aids in improving respiratory function, relaxing, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
- Fennel Essential Oil: Aids in easing indigestion, supports respiratory function, helps suppress appetite, antiseptic, supports improved productivity
- Frankincense Essential Oil: Aids in reducing anxiety, promotes a sedative effect, boosts immune system, supports respiratory system, improves skin appearance
- Geranium Essential Oil: Helps alleviate anxiety, beautifies skin, aids in easing pain and inflammation, promotes concentration
- Grapefruit Essential Oil: Brightens mood, helps stimulate metabolism, promotes clear skin, antibacterial and antimicrobial
- Lavender Essential Oil: Calming and soothing, promotes restful sleep, antibacterial and antifungal, reduces skin irritations and appearance of scars
- Lemon Essential Oil: Uplifting, enhances energy and concentration, brightens skin, helps alleviate cold and flu symptoms
- Lemongrass Essential Oil: Repels bugs and pests, boosts immunity, antimicrobial, antifungal, promotes skin healing
- Patchouli Essential Oil: Helps reduce pain and inflammation, aids digestion, calms the mind for meditation and spiritual practice, supports healing
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Helps relieve digestive upset, reduces headache pain, freshens breath, decongestant
- Sandalwood Essential Oil: Increases relaxation, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, boosts confidence and enriches intimacy, calms mind for meditation and spiritual practice, beautifies skin
- Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Stimulates immune system, boosts mood, antibacterial, antiaging
- Tea Tree Essential Oil: First aid for minor wounds, decongestant, supports immune system, antimicrobial, antiseptic, diminishes airborne bacteria
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: Helps reduce stress and tension, beautifies skin, encourages restful sleep, aphrodisiac, antioxidant
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