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ESSENTIAL OIL DESCRIPTIONS
SomaTherapy Essential Oils True professional quality Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, extracted by non-toxic methods - 100% pure, natural and undiluted. To insure freshness, we obtain our essential oils in small batches & bottle as needed. Currently we stock 100+ essential oils. We also create over 30 Aromatherapy Blends plud Massage Oils, Lotions, Flower Waters, Natural Pest Control Products, and more - see Links at bottom of page.
More Organic Essential Oils and Carrier Oils MUCH Lower Prices on Aromatherapy Diffusers |
Below (in our reference guide for essential oils, aromatherapy, therapeutic grade essential oils, 100% pure essential oils), are descriptions of most of the essential oils we carry. Note: we're adding new ones periodically so keep checking and also look in the essential oil section of our shopping cart - it gets updated first. For more info, you might want to visit our Aromatherapy Recipes page and take a look at our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page to see what some other folks have asked and find a few more recipes and ideas. Also, take a look at Reference for articles on Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.Below, on this page (Page 1), you'll find an alphabetical list of our Essential Oils from A to C.
Essential Oils - D to G
Essential Oils - H thru L
Essential Oils - M thru P
Essential Oils - R thru Z
Organic Essential Oils - A thru Z
Essential Oils Flash PointsThe following characteristics and properties have been historically reported for specific essential oils. This information is not intended as medical advice. Persons with medical conditions should see an appropriate health care provider for treatment and recommendations. Other usage and safety information may be available from other sources.
Click on any of the links below to go directly to the Essential Oil page of the online shopping cart.
Amber Essential Oil - Pinus succinifera - Balkans - Properties: calmative, analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, febrifuge / Aroma: resinous, warm and smoky with an undertone of floral citrus / Emotional: encourages harmony and balance / Combines with: Geranium, pine, spruce, cedarwood, myrrh, galbanum, frankincense, cypress, clove, aniseed, lemon, orange, cistus, rose absolute, benzoin.
Angelica Seed Essential Oil - Angelica archangelica, A. officinalis, A. glauca (Family, Apiaceae [Umbelleferae]) - U.K. - Perfume Note=Base to middle / A warm, musky, earthy aroma with excellent staying power. Only small quantities are needed to create an effect in a perfume. / Source: Seed (also root), France, India, Germany, Hungary & U.K. - Production method: steam distillation / Blends well with: patchouli, clary sage, citrus oils, frankincense / Aromatherapy: anchoring, restorative, strengthening. Also used for depression. / Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy & Avoid use in the sun / Main Constituents:- Phellandrene, pinene, limonene, linalol, borneol.
Aniseed (Anise Seed) Essential Oil - Pimpinella anisum, Anisum officinalis (Family, Apiaceae [Umbelliferae]) - Spain - Perfume Note=Middle / Aids muscle aches, bronchitis, indigestion. Known for its use in fisherman's soap.... said to remove human scent so that fish will be more likely to bite. Added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance. / Source: ripe fruit, China, Spain and Turkey / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: energizing, toning / Aroma type: anise traditional use: deodorant / Blends well with: amyris, bay, cardamon, caraway, cedarwood, coriander, fennel, galbanum, mandarin / CAUTION: Safety Information: slight dermal toxicity.
Balsam Peru Essential Oil - Myroxylon balsamun var. pereirae Harms, Family, Fabaceae [Legumunosae] - USA - Used on chafed skin to soothe. Exotic aroma, anchoring, strengthening and imparts a rich, earthy scent to perfumes. / Perfume Note=Base.
Basil Essential Oil - Ocimum basilicum L. (Family, Labiatae) - India - Invigorates body and spirit: helps refresh the mind allowing concentration, especially when tired. A good nerve tonic after a stressful day. It has a sweet liquorice-like fragrance. / Perfume Note=Top / Blends well with Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage and Geranium. / CAUTION: Do not use Basil during pregnancy, can be a skin irritant. / Source: leaves, Madagascar, France, India / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing, energizing, toning / Aroma type: anise / Traditional use: deodorant, soothing agent, insect repellent, muscle relaxant / Blends well with: bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, geranium, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, neroli / Safety Information: use recommended dilution or less / Main Constituents: Linalol, methyl chavicol, eugenol, limonene, citronella.
Bay Essential Oil - Laurus nobilis (Family, Lauraceae) - Morocco - AKA Sweet Bay or Laurel / Uplifting / Steam Distilled / Perfume Note: Top / Uses: Amenorrhea, colds, dyspepsia, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis. / Constituents: Cineol, pinene, linalol, terpineol, acetate and traces of methyl eugenol and/or methyl chavicol. Safety Information: can be narcotic, cause dermatitis and should not be used in pregnancy.
Benzoin Essential Oil - Styrax benzoin, S. tonkinensis (Family, Styacaceae) - Sumatra: Benzoin is a warming, vanilla scented resin absolute from Sumatra with uplifting and soothing properties. / Perfume Note=Base / Add to carrier oil/cream for protecting skin against chapping or cracking. / AKA Friars Balsam.
Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus bergamia (Family, Rutaceae) Italy - This light, fruity citrus oil is uplifting, antiseptic, and relaxing. Relaxes and refreshes and is good for confidence building. Uplifts the spirit and emotions with its fresh and invigorating citrus fragrance. Useful for caring for oily and blemished skin. Lovely light citrus aroma. Use in vaporizer to disperse unpleasant odors. It is familiar to many as the flavoring in Earl Grey Tea. / Perfume Note=Top / Warning Do not apply to skin or use in bath prior to exposure to the sun - It can increase the susceptibility of the skin to severe burning. / A bergapten free Bergamot is available which reduces the susceptibility to photosensitising. / Source: fruit peel / Production method: expression / Aromatherapy class: calming, balancing / Aroma type: citrus / Skin type: oily, blemished, normal to combination / Traditional use: antiseptic, deodorant, perfume, soothing agent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: chamomile, coriander, cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, neroli, ylang ylang / Safety Information: photo toxic / Main Constituents: Linalyl, acetate, linalol, sequiterpenes, terpenes, furocoumarins.
Birch, Sweet Essential Oil - Betula Lenta, B. capinefolia (Family, Betulaceae) - USA - This has a sweet, bracing aroma. It is said to be effective on arthritic and muscular pain and can be a stimulant to the circulation. CAUTION: Keep in secure location - it smells somwhat like candy. Sweet Birch contains the active ingredient in aspirin, methyl salicylate, and is the original "natural" source for same. It is highly concentrated and can be toxic (you can get an aspirin overdose) especially if you are using other products which contain aspirin or methyl salicylate.
Birch, White Essential Oil - Betula pendula Roth (Family, Betulaceae) - Russia - Can help to clear the skin and help with psoriasis and eczema. Believed to assist in removing toxins and boosting the circulation. / Source: wood and bark / Production method: steam distillation / Aroma type: woodsy / Traditional use: soothing agent, muscle relaxant / Blends well with: patchouli, vetiver, copaila / Safety Information: should be avoided by pregnant women.
Cajeput Essential Oil - Melaleuca cajaputi (Family, Myrtaceae) - Indonesia - Improves mood, increases resistance to infections. A good 'unwinding' oil. Can be used in a Steam inhalation to help clear the nasal passages, also helpful when treating oily skin and spots. / Perfume Note=Top / Warning Cajaput is a stimulant and an irritant and must be used with care. / Source: leaves and stems / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing, stimulating, energizing / Aroma type: camphoraceous / skin type: blemished / Traditional use: antiseptic, deodorant, insect repellent / Blends well with: bergamot, birch, cardamom, clove, geranium, lavender, myrtle, nutmeg, rose, thyme / Main Constituents: Cineol, terpoineol, pinene, eucalyptol, nerolidol.
Camphor, White Essential Oil (AKA Ho Wood Essential Oil) - Cinnamomum camphora (Family, Lauraceae) - Japan - Can be used as a deodorant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac, muscle relaxant and to care for oily skin and, has also been used as an insect repellent. Also used in detergents, soaps, disinfectants, deodorants, room sprays etc. / Source: wood / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: balancing, stimulating, toning, cooling / Aroma type: camphoraceous / Blends well with: olibanum, ylang ylang, orange, mandarin / Safety Information: Camphor should be used sparingly and completely avoided by those suffering from epilepsy, and should be avoided by pregnant women.
Cardamom Essential Oil - Elettaria cardamomun (Family, Zingiberace ae)- India - The sweet, spicy, warming fragrance of cardamom has been enjoyed since the days of the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a perfume and incense. It can be used as an aid to digestion and makes an excellent bath oil as a tonic which refreshes and invigorates. / Note=Top / Source: seeds / Production method: steam distillation / aromatherapy class: stimulating, toning / aroma type: spicy / Uses: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent / Blends well with: coriander, olibanum, galbanum, geranium, juniper berry, lemon, myrtle / Constituents: terpinyl acetate, cineol, liminene, sabinene, linalol, linalyl acetate, pinene, zingiberene.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil - Daucus carota, Family, Apiaceae [Umbeliferae]) - France - From the seed, this essential oil has the same sweet, earthy fragrance of the vegetable. Considered to be particularly beneficial for dry, mature skin-types and can help to restore elasticity to the skin and could therefore reduce wrinkles. The root oil is used in food coloring, (yellow), and in sun tan lotions. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: seeds / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, toning / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac / Blends well with: bergamot, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lime, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rosemary.
Cedarwood, Atlas Essential Oil - Cedrus atlantica (Family, Pinaceae) - Morocco: Warm and woody, with a hint of camphor, this oil eases aches and pains and is especially good in cosmetic preparations for oily skin. Helps to clear the breathing passages and is used in hair and skin care products. / Main constituents: Atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene.
Cedarwood, Texas Essential Oil - Juniprus ashei - USA: The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the heartwood and wood shavings of this small, alpine evergreen native to the Southwestern U.S., Mexico an Central America. Traditionally, it has been used for skin problems, arthritis and rhematism and is also said to aid nervous tension and stress. CAUTION: used externally it is relatively non-toxic but can cause significant local irritation of skin and possible sensitization. Should be used with care. For general home use, Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica) is a better choice since the latter is non-irritating and non-sensitizing and has similar properties.
Chamomile, Blue Essential Oil (German Chamomile Essential Oil) - Matricaria chamomilla or M. recutia (Family, Asteraceae [Compositae]) - Egypt - An Absolute. German chamomile AKA blue chamomile or chamomile matricaria. The blue color is from azulene which is formed during the distillation of the oil. The odor is sweet and adds a warm, long-lasting undertone in perfumes. All the Chamomiles are used in massage oils and herbal mixtures. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: flowers / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing, toning / Aroma type: fruity / Skin type: sensitive, blemished / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac / Blends well with: bergamot, jasmine, labdanum, neroli, clary sage, rose / Main constituents: Chamazulene, (Produced during steam distillation, not present in the fresh plant), bisabolol oxide, enyndicycloether, farnesene.
Chamomile, Roman Essential Oil - Anthemis nobilis (Family, Asteraceae [Compositae]) - U.K. - Roman Chamomile has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming. It is soothing to all types of skin and is a wonderful addition to a massage oil for sore muscles. Known for its strong soothing effect on mind and body. The Roman and German are excellent for protecting dry skin. They have many uses e.g. can be used to treat nerve, headache, insomnia, menstrual disorders and the Roman is a comforting oil during high pollen count.(Unless you have an allergy to the ragweeds). A gentle oil suitable for the young and fragile. One of the few essential oils that can be used on inflamed skin conditions. Blends well with Lavender, bergamot, jasmine, neroli, and clary sage. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: flowers / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: calming / Aroma type: fruity / Skin type: sensitive / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner / Blends well with: galbanum, eucalyptus, rosemary / Main constituents: Esters, pinene, fanesol, nerolidol, chamazulene, pinocarvone, cineol.
Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil - Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees, C verum, Laurus (Family, Lauraceae) - Sri Lanka - Warms and stimulates. A strong antiseptic, it has a cleansing effect. Used as a comforting oil during the cold season, A lovely room fragrance, especially during Xmas. / Perfume Note=middle (only room scent) / Source: leaves and stems / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, energizing / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: anti-inflammatory agent, aphrodisiac, skin conditioner, deodorant / Blends well with: caraway, citrus oils, clove, myrtle, nutmeg, olibanum / Safety Information: can cause skin irritation; moderate dermal toxicity / Main constituents: (Bark oil), Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, benzaldehyde, pinene, cineol, phellandrene, furol, cymene, linalol. (Leaf oil) Eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamaldehyde, benzyl benzoate, linalol.
Cistus Essential Oil (Labdanum Essential Oil or Rock Rose Essential Oil) - Cistus ladanifer (Family, Cisgaceae) - Spain - An excellent fixative in perfumery, used in some expensive brands. Helpful in meditation and counseling - has calming, stress reducing and mood uplifting properties. Cistus is a good choice as an addition to a lymph drainage massage blend,and, in a warm compress, is said to be an effective treatment for swollen lymph glands. / Source: resin / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, toning, soothing / Traditional use: aroma fixative, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, cypress, juniper berry, lavender, olibanum, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver.
Citronella Essential Oil - Cymbopogon nardus L, Andropogon nardus (Family, Poaceae [Gramineae]) - Indonesia - Light, fresh and uplifting oil, obtained from the grass, it is a natural deodorizer, and is useful as an insect and cat repellent. / Perfume Note=Top / Source: aerial parts / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing aroma type: citrus / Traditional use: insect repellent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, lemon, orange, lemongrass.
Clary Sage Essential Oil - Salvia sclarea, (Family, Lamiaceae [Labiatae]) - Bulgaria / Russia - With a warm, nutty, herbaceous scent, Clary has uplifting and relaxing properties. It encourages sleep and is said to promote dreaming. Soothes, relaxes and warms. uplifts the spirit. Contains a hormone-like compound similar to estrogen that regulates hormonal balance. Massage on muscles and on abdomen before and during menstruation. Induces feeling of well-being. Helpful with oily hair and skin, dandruff and treating wrinkles. Sensual properties. / Perfume Note=Top/Middle / Source: flowering tops, Morocco / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: balancing, calming, toning / Aroma type: herbaceous / Skin type: normal to combination / Traditional use: skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, aphrodisiac, muscle relaxant / Blends well with: cedarwood, labdanum, citrus oils, lavender, lavandin / Safety Information Do not use during pregnancy. Do not drink alcohol or drive. / Main constituents: Linalyl acetate, linalol, pionene, myrcene, sclareol, phellandrene.
Clove Bud Essential Oil - Eugenia caryophyllata Thumb., Syzygium aromaticum, E. aromaticia, E. caryophyllus (Family, Myrtaceae) - Madagascar - An antiseptic and stimulating oil useful in mouthwash and gargle. Comforting rubbed onto gums, traditionally used to relieve toothache. Could be an effective mosquito repellent. CAUTION: Clove is a powerful skin irritant and should be used carefully. Do not use during pregnancy. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: flowers / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, energizing / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent / Blends well with: basil, black pepper, cinnamon, citronella, grapefruit, lemon, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, rosemary, rose / Safety Information: use ½ recommended dilution or less; can cause skin irritation / Main constituents: (Clove bud) Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene. (Clove Leaf) Eugenol, some eugenyl acetate.
Coriander Essential Oil - Coriandum sativum (Family, Apiacea [Umbelliferae]) - Russia - A sweet-smelling, spicy essence. It makes a good massage blend to relieve stiffness and muscle ache. In the bath it is refreshing and stimulating. Warning Due to its slight toxicity this oil should be used sparingly. / Perfume Note=Top / Source: seeds / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: warming, stimulating / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, deodorant, soothing agent, aphrodisiac / Blends well with: bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon, citronella, cypress, galbanum, ginger, jasmine, lemon, neroli, orange / Main constituents: Linalol, decylaldehyde, borneol, geraniol, carvone, anethole.
Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus sempervirens (Family, Cupressaceae) - Spain - Cypress is a soothing oil that eases aches and pains and coughs. It has a sweet, smoky, balsamic odor. With its smoky woody fragrance it refreshes, restores and tones. An astringent oil useful for refreshing and caring for oily and blemished skin, As an antiperspirant it is good for sweaty feet. Massage on abdomen during menstruation and where there is cellulite. Good menopausal oil. Natural deodorant. Blends well with Lavender and Sandalwood. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: leaves and stem / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating / Aroma type: coniferous / Skin type: oily, blemished / Traditional use: insect repellent, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, soothing agent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood / Safety Information: FLAMMABLE / Main constituents: Pinene, champhene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol.
Cypress (organic) Essential Oil - Organic Cupressus sempervirens (Family, Cupressaceae) - Spain - Cypress is a soothing oil that eases aches and pains and coughs. It has a sweet, smoky, balsamic odor. With its smoky woody fragrance it refreshes, restores and tones. An astringent oil useful for refreshing and caring for oily and blemished skin, As an antiperspirant it is good for sweaty feet. Massage on abdomen during menstruation and where there is cellulite. Good menopausal oil. Natural deodorant. Blends well with Lavender and Sandalwood. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: leaves and stem / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating / Aroma type: coniferous / Skin type: oily, blemished / Traditional use: insect repellent, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, soothing agent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood / Safety Information: FLAMMABLE / Main constituents: Pinene, champhene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol.
Below are links to information on more of our SomaTherapy Essential Oils:
Essential Oils - Page 2 - D to G
Essential Oils - Page 3 - H to L
Essential Oils - Page 4 - M to P
Essential Oils - Page 5 - R to ZIn addition to the Essential Oils above other products that we carry include:
Carrier Oils - We have over 20 different carrier oils, of the highest quality in sizes from 4 oz. to 1 gal.: Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Jojoba, etc.
Click Carrier Oils Info to review detailed descritions of many of our Carrier Oils.Massage Oils - We produce 3 basic massage oils, Relaxing, Sports & Uplifting. Each is made with our massage base (a combination of Almond, Grapeseed & Jojoba Oils). For each, we add a combination of pure essential oils. Use as a massage, body or bath oil (2 to 3 tablespoons for most massages or add 1 cap full to a warm bath).
Massage Oils - NEW - We now produce 13 NEW massage oils, Aphrodisiac - Female, Aphrodisiac - Male, Cold & Flu, Headache, Insomnia, Muscle Pain, Overcoming Sadness, Patchouli, Peace of Mind, Serenity, Scar Heal & Sinusitus. Each is made with our massage base (a combination of Almond, Grapeseed & Jojoba Oils). For each, we add a combination of pure essential oils. Use as a massage, body or bath oil (2 to 3 tablespoons for most massages or add 1 cap full to a warm bath).
Aromatherapy Blends - NEW - We also offer 11of our NEW blends as pure Essential Oils with no dilution: Aphrodisiac - Female, Aphrodisiac - Male, Cold & Flu, Headache, Insomnia, Muscle Pain, Overcoming Sadness, Peace of Mind, Serenity & Sinusitus. You can blend these with our massage base (sold separately) or diluted with any carrier oil. Each ½oz (15ml) bottle holds about 450 drops.
Aromatherapy Kits - We've created 5 new kits that you can use to make a variety of your own blends: Basic Kit, Breathe Easy Kit, Sports/Muscle Kit, Relaxing Kit & Uplifting Kit. Each kit includes 4 ½oz (15ml) bottles of Essential Oil plaus a 4 oz. bottle of our Base Oil and recipes for making several healing blends.
Lotions - We make several wonderful lotions using our Natural Lotion Base and pure Essential Oils -Jasmine, Lavender, Orange Blossom (Neroli), and Rose.
Flower Waters - made from pure and natural essential oils infused into distilled water. Our Rose Petal and Orange Blossom Flower Waters are especially nice and make a wonderful toner for the face. Our 4 & 8oz bottles include atomizer tops. Put one in the refrigerator for an invigorating spritz.
Aromatherapy Diffusers - We offer several kinds of aromatherapy diffusers ranging from simple ceramic tea candle diffusers to professional quality electric diffusers. We also have Aromatherapy starter kits for relaxation, sore muscles, stuffy head, etc.
Aromatherapy Accessories - Our Wooden Boxes make great gifts or organizers for your essential oils. We offer 2 sizes of mahogany stained wooden boxes that are compartmentalized. One holds 12 essential oils [in ½oz (15ml) bottles] upright and the other holds 24. We also have some small wooden gift boxes with brass inlay that hold 2 ea. essential oils and some other items that you might like.
Kid Stuff - We carry a very nice pure organic Safflower Oil that is actually good for the baby's skin (unlike mineral oil). Also a Breathe Easy Formula and a Relaxing Massage Oil as well as our Baby Skeeter Skatter and a gentle Lavender Lotion.
Natural Pest Control - We now offer several Natural Pest Solutions, including our Skeeter Skatter (one formula for adults & one for babies) and our Mouse Away. The Skeeter Skatter is all natural and made with pure essential oils, distilled water & a little alcohol (as a dispersant). Smells good / Non-Toxic / Works Good. Mouse Away is pure Peppermint Essential Oil - It seems that rodents don't like it AT ALL.
Bases - Want to try your had at making some of your own aromatherapy blends? Then try using some of our Essential Oils with these Bases. You might want to visit our Recipes page for some ideas and take a look at our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page to see what some other folks have asked and find a few more recipes and ideas.
