Aromatherapy Uses, Properties, and Benefits
Welcome to our essential oil guide for Angelica Seed through Cypress Essential Oil. To return to our full essential oil guide, click here. This guide includes useful information about each essential oil, including botanical name, perfume note, source information, production method, blending tips, properties and more. Click on any of the links below to go directly to the essential oil product page and read more about any of our oils. For the most up to date information on the oils that we carry, we recommend visiting our essential oil products pages.
Note: Essential oils are potent substances and everyone reacts differently to them. All essential oils should be diluted before use and appropriate cautions should always be taken. This guide is purely intended for educational use.
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Botanical Name: | Angelica archangelica, A. officinalis, A. glauca (Family: Apiaceae) |
Perfume Note: | Base to middle |
Source: | Seed |
Common Countries of Origin: | France, India, Germany, Hungary & U.K. |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Angelica Seed Blends Well With: | Patchouli, clary sage, citrus oils, and frankincense. |
Description: | Angelica Seed Essential Oil has a warm, musky, earthy aroma with excellent staying power. Only small quantities are needed to create an effect in a perfume. |
Aromatherapy Uses: | Angelica Seed is anchoring, restorative, and strengthening. This oil is a wonderful addition to blends for digestive support, respiratory issues, PMS, and for spiritual/emotional grounding. |
Safety Information: | Avoid during pregnancy & avoid use in the sun |
Main Constituents: | a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, b-phellandrene, |
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Botanical Name: | Pimpinella anisum, Anisum officinalis (Family, Apiaceae [Umbelliferae]) |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Uses: | Aniseed essential oil can be helpful for muscle spasms, coughs that linger, digestive issues. Aniseed Oil is added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance. |
Description: | Aniseed has a warming, sweet, anise-aroma. |
Source: | Seeds |
Common Countries of Origin: | China, Spain, and Turkey |
Production method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Energizing, toning, traditionally used as a deodorant |
Aniseed Blends Well With: | Amyris, bay, cardamom, caraway, cedarwood, coriander, fennel, galbanum, and mandarin |
Safety Information: | Slight dermal toxicity, avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding |
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Botanical Name: | Myroxylon balsamun, Family: Fabaceae [Legumunosae] |
Common Countries of Origin: | El Salvador |
Description: | Balsam Peru can be used on chafed, irritated skin to soothe. It has an exotic, sweet, vanilla-like aroma. This oil is anchoring, strengthening and imparts a rich, earthy scent to perfumes. Used as a fixative and fragrance in bath and body products. Historically, Peru Balsam has been used for poorly healing wounds, scabies, skin ulcers, itching and rashes. |
Perfume Note: | Base |
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Botanical Name: | Ocimum basilicum L. (Family, Labiatae) |
Description: | Basil oil has a sweet licorice-like fragrance and invigorating, uplifting properties. Basil has several chemotypes, which means its chemical constituent makeup can vary greatly. We carry two: the methyl chavicol CT (not for topical use) and the linalool CT. We recommend the linalool type for topical use, for massage blends, etc. Always check before using basil that the chemotype has the properties you're looking for. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Blends well with: | Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Hyssop, Marjoram, Neroli, and Geranium. |
Source: | Leaves |
Common Countries of Origin: | Egypt, Madagascar, France, and India |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Soothing, energizing, toning |
Traditional use: | Deodorant, soothing agent, insect repellent, muscle relaxant |
Safety Information: | Use recommended dilution or less. Do not use Basil essential oil during pregnancy. Can be a skin irritant. |
Main Constituents: | Linalol, methyl chavicol, eugenol, limonene. |
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Botanical Name: | Laurus nobilis (Family, Lauraceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | France, Turkey and Morocco |
Description: | Also known as Sweet Bay or Bay Laurel, Bay essential oil is uplifting, and can help boost concentration and focus. Lovely in a diffuser when studying or learning new material. Bay is also a favorite in massage blends for respiratory and digestive support. |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Uses: | Bay essential oil has been used for: amenorrhea, colds, dyspepsia, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis. |
Constituents: | 1,8-cineole, pinene, linalool, terpineol, acetate and traces of methyl eugenol and/or methyl chavicol. |
Safety Information: | Topically, Bay oil should be used in low dilution (0.5%) and avoided in children under age 5. |
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Botanical Name: | Styrax benzoin, S. tonkinensis (Family, Styacaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | India, Thailand |
Description: | Also known as Friars Balsam. Benzoin is a warming, vanilla-scented resin absolute from Sumatra with uplifting and soothing properties. Used in perfumery and incense. Benzoin is thick and can be difficult to extract from the bottle. You may need to warm the bottle in a double boiler and remove the reducer cap in order to work with it. |
Perfume Note: | Base |
Uses: | Benzoin can be used in a diffuser to create a grounding, peaceful space. Avoid use in nebulizing diffusers since the oil is so thick it may clog the glass. A lovely oil blended with citrus essential oils. May cause sensitization, so dilute well if using topically. |
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Botanical Name: | Citrus bergamia (Family, Rutaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Italy |
Description: | This light, fruity citrus oil is uplifting, antiseptic, and relaxing. Bergamot oil relaxes and refreshes and is good for confidence building. This oil's bright aroma lifts the spirit with its fresh and invigorating fragrance. Useful for caring for oily and blemished skin. Use in a vaporizer to disperse unpleasant odors. Bergamot is familiar to many as the flavoring in Earl Grey Tea. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Source: | Fruit peel |
Production method: | Expression |
Aromatherapy class: | Calming and balancing |
Traditional use: | Antiseptic, deodorant, perfume, soothing agent, and skin conditioner. |
Blends well with: | Chamomile, coriander, cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, neroli, ylang ylang |
Safety Information: | Phototoxic. 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 photosensitizing. |
Main Constituents: | Linalyl acetate, linalool, a-pinene, b-pinene, limonene. |
Birch, Sweet Essential Oil |
Botanical Name: | Betula Lenta, B. capinefolia (Family, Betulaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | USA |
Description: | Sweet Birch essential oil has a sweet, bracing aroma. It is said to be effective on arthritic and muscular pain and can be a stimulant to the circulation. |
Cautions: | Keep in a secure location - Sweet Birch Essential Oil smells somewhat like candy. Sweet Birch contains the active ingredient in aspirin, methyl salicylate, is highly concentrated and can be toxic especially if you are using other products which contain aspirin or methyl salicylate. |
Note: | We no longer offer this oil for sale; this summary is for informational purposes only. |
Birch, White Essential Oil |
Botanical Name: | Betula pendula Roth (Family, Betulaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Russia |
Description: | White birch has a wonderful woodsy aroma. White birch 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 |
Traditional use: | Soothing agent, muscle relaxant |
Blends well with: | Patchouli, vetiver, copaiba |
Safety Information: | Should be avoided by pregnant women. |
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Botanical Name: | Melaleuca cajaputi (Family, Myrtaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Vietnam and Indonesia |
Description: | Cajeput essential oil is said to lighten one's mood, and to help increase resistance to infections. This is a good 'unwinding' oil. Cajeput oil is excellent used in a steam inhalation to help clear the nasal passages and is also used for oily skin and blemishes. Aroma type: camphoraceous. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Source: | Leaves and stems |
Production method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy class: | Soothing, stimulating, energizing |
Traditional use: | Antiseptic, deodorant, and insect repellent |
Blends well with: | Bergamot, birch, cardamom, clove, geranium, lavender, myrtle, nutmeg, rose, and thyme |
Main Constituents: | a-pinene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, a-terpoineol |
Safety: | Cajaput essential oil is a stimulant. |
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Botanical Name: | Elettaria cardamomun (Family, Zingiberaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | India, Sri Lanka, Guatemala |
Description: | The sweet, spicy, warming fragrance of cardamom oil has been enjoyed since the days of the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a perfume and incense. It's a warming oil and can be used as an aid to digestion and makes an excellent bath oil as a tonic which uplifts and invigorates. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Source: | Seeds |
Production method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Stimulating, toning |
Uses: | Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, and soothing agent |
Blends well with: | Coriander, olibanum, galbanum, geranium, juniper berry, lemon, and myrtle |
Constituents: | Terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, sabinene, linalool, linalyl acetate, pinene, geraniol. |
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Botanical Name: | Daucus carota, Family, Apiaceae [Umbeliferae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Europe, India |
Description: | From the seed, this essential oil has a penetrating, sweet, earthy aroma. Carrot seed essential oil is considered to be particularly beneficial for dry, mature skin-types and can help to restore elasticity to the skin and could, therefore, reduce wrinkles. A wonderful addition to any facial blend. |
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, and rosemary |
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Botanical Name: | Cedrus atlantica (Family, Pinaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Morocco |
Description: | Warm and woody, with a hint of camphor, cedarwood 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: | B-Himachalene, a-Himachalene, a-Atlantone, Gamma-Himachalene. |
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Botanical Name: | Juniprus ashei |
Common Countries of Origin: | USA |
Description: | 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. |
Uses: | Traditionally, it has been used for skin problems, arthritis, and rheumatism and is also said to aid nervous tension and stress. |
Safety: | 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. |
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Botanical Name: | Matricaria chamomilla or M. recutia (Family, Asteraceae [Compositae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Egypt, Hungary, Bulgaria |
Description: | German chamomile is also known as blue chamomile or chamomile matricaria. The blue color is from azulene which is formed during the distillation of the oil. The aroma is sweet and adds a warm, long-lasting undertone to perfumes. All Chamomile essential oils are suitable for use in massage oils and bath blends. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Flowers |
Production method: | steam distillation |
Aromatherapy class: | Soothing, toning |
Traditional use: | Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac |
Blends Well With: | Bergamot, jasmine, labdum, neroli, clary sage, rose |
Main constituents: | Chamazulene (produced during steam distillation, not present in the fresh plant), bisabolol oxide, a-bisabolol, farnesene. |
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Botanical Name: | Anthemis nobilis (Family, Asteraceae [Compositae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | USA, France, U.K., Belgium |
Description: | 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 Chamomile 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, galbanum, eucalpytus, rosemary and clary sage. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Flowers |
Production method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy class: | Calming |
Aroma type: | Fruity |
Traditional use: | Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, great for sensitive skin |
Main constituents: | Esters, pinene, pinocarveol, pinocarvone, cineol. |
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Botanical Name: | Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees, C verum, Laurus (Family, Lauraceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Sri Lanka |
Description: | Cinnamon essential oil 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 Christmas. |
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 |
Cinnamon oil 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. |
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Botanical Name: | Cistus ladanifer (Family, Cisgaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Spain, Portugal, France, Morocco, Greece |
Description: | Cistus is an excellent fixative in perfumery. Helpful in meditation and counseling due to its calming, stress reducing and mood uplifting properties. Cistus oil 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: | Solvent Extraction |
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. |
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Botanical Name: | Cymbopogon nardus L, Andropogon nardus (Family, Poaceae [Gramineae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Indonesia |
Description: | Light, fresh and uplifting, citronella oil is obtained from the grass. Citronella essential oil 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. |
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Botanical Name: | Salvia sclarea, (Family, Lamiaceae [Labiatae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | France, Bulgaria, Russia |
Description: | With a warm, nutty, herbaceous scent, Clary Sage essential oil 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 |
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, a-terpineol, Germacrene D |
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Botanical Name: | Eugenia caryophyllata Thumb., Syzygium aromaticum, E. aromaticia, E. caryophyllus (Family, Myrtaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Madagascar |
Description: | 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 oil is a powerful skin irritant and should be used carefully. Do not use during pregnancy. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Flower buds |
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. |
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Botanical Name: | Coriandum sativum (Family, Apiacea [Umbelliferae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Russia, Hungary, France |
Description: | Coriander essential oil is a sweet-smelling, spicy essence. It makes a good massage blend to relieve stiffness and muscle aches. Said to help increase appetite. 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: | Linalool, p-cymene, limonene, g-terpinene |
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Botanical Name: | Cupressus sempervirens (Family, Cupressaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Spain, France |
Description: | 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 cypress essential oil 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 |
Traditional use: | Insect repellent, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, soothing agent, and skin conditioner(good for oily and blemished skin). |
Blends well with: | Bergamot, clary sage, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood |
Safety Information: | This essential oil is flammable |
Main constituents: | a-pinene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, 3-carene. |
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Disclaimer: These 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. The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and not intended to treat, prescribe, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition. This information is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Dreaming Earth Botanicals is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed. All matters pertaining to your physical health should be supervised by a health care professional. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children.
