Basil

Effects: Uplifting and stimulating

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Fresh, Sweet, Spicy

Combines well with: Citrus oils, Frankincense, Geranium

Properties:

Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Uplifting

Uses:

• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Constipation
• Insect Bites
• Mental Fatigue
• Migraine
• Nervous Tension
• Rheumatism
• Sinus Congestion

Contra-indications:

May cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Bergamot

Effects: Refreshing and uplifting

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Sweet, Spicy

Combines well with: Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender

Properties:

Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic

Uses:

• Abcesses
• Acne
• Boils
• Chicken Pox
• Colds
• Cold Sores
• Cystitis
• Flatulence
• Loss of Appetite
• Mouth Infections
• Sore Throat

Contra-indications:

Bergamot is a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds. Bergamot has antispasmodic properties and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy.

Black Pepper

Effects: Stimulating

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Warm, Peppery

Combines well with: Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Properties:

Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

• Chilbains
• Colds
• Constipation
• Digestive Problems
• Flatulence
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Loss of Appetite
• Muscle Aches and Pains
• Sinus Congestion

Contra-indications:

Black Pepper may irritate sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Avoid use during pregnancy.

Cajeput

Effects: Clearing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Camphor, Medicinal

Combines well with: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Tea Tree

Properties:

Analgesic, Antiseptic, Expectorant, Insecticide

Uses:

• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Earache
• Laryngitis
• Lung Congestion
• Neuralgia
• Rheumatism
• Skin Conditions (such as acne)
• Toothache

Contra-indications:

In high concentrations, Cajeput may cause skin irritation.

Chamomile

Effects: Soothing, Relaxing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Herbal, Fruity

Combines well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender

Properties:

Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Digestive Stimulant

Uses:

• Acne
• Blisters
• Boils
• Colitis
• Depression
• Digestive Problems
• Flatulence
• Gout
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Neuralgia
• Nervous Tension (anxiety, fear)
• Rheumatism
• Skin Conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)

Contra-indications:

Chamomile may cause skin irritation. Not to be used in early pregnancy.

Cedarwood

Effects: Soothing, Strengthening

Aroma: Base note

Scent: Woody

Combines well with: Bergamot, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Properties:

Antifungal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Expectorant, Sedative

Uses:

• Arthritis
• Bronchitis
• Cellulite
• Cystitis
• Dandruff (blend with Rosemary)
• Skin Conditions (such as acne, eczema, oily skin)

Contra-indications:

Cedarwood may cause skin irritation to sensitive skin. Do not use during pregnancy.

Clary Sage

Effects: Warming

Aroma: Top/Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Spicy, Herbal

Combines well with: Geranium, Lavender, Rose

Properties:

Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Sedative

Uses:

• Asthma
• Depression
• Digestive Problems
• Exhaustion
• Muscle Cramps and Spasms
• PMS Relief
• Respiratory Problems

Contra-indications:

Do not use Clary Sage during pregnancy. Clary Sage is highly sedative - do not use before driving or other activities requiring a high level of focus and concentration

Clove

Effects: Warming

Aroma: Base/Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Spicy, Fresh

Combines well with: Lavender, Orange, Ylang Ylang

Properties:

Analgesic, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Indigestion
• Infected Wounds
• Insect Repellant
• Mouth Sores
• Muscle and Nerve Tension
• Room Disinfectant
• Toothache

Contra-indications:

Clove is highly irritating to the skin and must be diluted to concentrations less than 1% prior to use.

Cypress

Effects: Relaxing, Refreshing

Aroma: Middle/Base note

Scent: Sweet, Refreshing

Combines well with: Citrus oils, Juniper, Lavender

Properties:

Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant

Uses:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Edema
• Haemorrhoids
• Menopause Symptoms
• Menstrual Symptoms
• Muscle and Nerve Tension
• Oily Skin and/or Hair
• Rheumatism

Contra-indications:

Cypress has antispasmodic properties and is therefore probably best avoided during pregnancy

Eucalyptus

Effects: Balancing, Stimulating

Aroma: Top/Middle note

Scent: Camphorous, Woody

Combines well with: Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram

Properties:

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Stimulant

Uses:

• Air Disinfectant
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Burns
• Cuts
• Decongestant
• Flu
• Headaches
• Insect Repellant
• Muscle Aches
• Rheumatism
• Sinusitis
• Skin Ulcers
• Urinary Infections
• Wounds

Contra-indications:

Eucalyptus should not be used if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy and can be fatal if ingested

Fennel

Effects: Clearing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Earthy

Combines well with: Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood

Properties:

Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Stimulant

Uses:

• Digestive Disorders
• Gout (combine with Juniper)
• Nervous Tension

Contra-indications:

Do not use fennel during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy. Fennel may irritate sensitive skin.

Frankincense

Effects: Uplifting, Relaxing

Aroma: Base/Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Warm

Combines well with: Lavender, Neroli, Rose

Properties:

Analgesic, Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Expectorant

Uses:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Healing Wounds
• Nervous Tension
• Respiratory Conditions
• Skin Care (mature/aging skin)
• Uterine Tonic (can be used for heavy periods and massage following childbirth)

Contra-indications:

None known

Geranium

Effects: Comforting, Healing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Floral, Sweet, Earthy

Combines well with: Chamomile, Cypress, Juniper

Properties:

Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic

Uses:

• Burns
• Eczema
• Edema
• Fluid Retention
• Neuralgia
• PMS Symptoms (including swollen breasts)
• Poor Circulation
• Rheumatism
• Tonsillitis

Contra-indications:

Geranium may irritate sensitive skin. Avoid use during pregnancy due to antispasmodic properties.

Ginger

Effects: Warming

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Warm, Spicy, Woody

Combines well with: Cedarwood, Citrus oils, Eucalyptus

Properties:

Analgesic, Antidepressant, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

• Arthritis
• Bronchitis
• Catarrh
• Colds
• Colic
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Exhaustion
• Flatulence
• Flu
• Indigestion
• Poor Circulation
• Rheumatism
• Sinusitis

Contra-indications:

Ginger may irritate sensitive skin.

Grapefruit

Effects: Refreshing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Sweet, Citrus

Combines well with: Lavender, other Citrus oils

Properties:

Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Stimulant

Uses:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Water Retention

Contra-indications:

Grapefruit is a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds.

Hyssop

Effects: Stimulating

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Warm, Sweet

Combines well with: Fennel, Lavender, Tangerine

Properties:

Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cold
• Cough
• Mental Tension
• Sore Throat
• Stomach Cramps
• Water Retention

Contra-indications:

Hyssop should not be used during pregnancy, or if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Jasmine

Effects: Soothing, Relaxing

Aroma: Base note

Scent: Warm, Floral

Combines well with: Chamomile, Citrus oils, Rose

Properties:

Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Expectorant

Uses:

• Anxiety
• Catarrh
• Cough
• Headache
• Lack of Confidence
• Laryngitis
• Mental Tension
• Sensitive or dry skin

Contra-indications:

Jasmine is generally agreeable with most, but some allergic reactions can occur. Jasmine should not be used during pregnancy because of its antispasmodic properties.

Juniper

Effects: Cleansing, Refreshing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Fresh, Woody, Sweet

Combines well with: Frankincense, Lavender, Rose

Properties

Analgesic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant

Uses:

• Acne
• Cellulite
• Cystitis
• Dermatitis
• Disinfectant
• Eczema (weeping)
• Gout
• Muscle Aches and Pains
• Rheumatism
• Sores and Ulcers

Contra-indications:

Juniper should not be used during pregnancy or if you have severe kidney disease.