Aromatherapy Uses, Properties, and Benefits
Welcome to our essential oil guide for Ravensara through Ylang Ylang Essential Oil. To return to our full essential oil guide, click here. This guide includes useful information and uses 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: | Ravensara aromatica Sonnerat |
Blends Well With: | Bay, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, mandarin, palmarosa, rosemary, sandalwood, and thyme linalol |
Safety: | Do not use if pregnant. Dilute well. |
Common Countries of Origin: | Madagascar |
Description: | Ravensara Anisata is from the bark of the tree and aromatica is from the leaves. Ravensara has a camphoraceous and somewhat spicy aroma. |
Uses: | Ravensara essential oil is often used for clearing the sinus and breathing passages, loosening tight muscles, relieving menstrual discomfort and aches and pains. |
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Botanical Name: | Rosa damascena Mill. (Family: Rosaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Morocco |
Description: | The finest Rose Maroc. damascena. Known as the 'queen of oils'. Rose absolute is often described as having feminine properties. Rose soothes, tones, cleanses, uplifts the spirit and helps maintain self confidence. This is an excellent skincare oil; it's perfect for dry, mature, aging or thread-veined skin. Rose oil has been renowned throughout the centuries as having sensual and aphrodisiac properties. This absolute has an exquisite aroma. You need only a small amount to be effective. |
Blends Well With: | Jasmine, neroli, geranium, sandalwood, lemon, clove, ginger, ylang ylang, mandarin, frankincense, and cardamom |
Warning: | Avoid use during pregnancy. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Fresh flowers |
Production Method: | Solvent extraction |
Aromatherapy Class: | Cooling, balancing, calming, toning |
Aroma Type: | Floral |
Skin Type: | Dry, sensitive, normal to combination, aging/mature |
Traditional Uses: | Perfume, skin conditioner, and aphrodisiac |
Main Constituents: | See Rose Otto |
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Botanical Name: | Pelargonium graveolens (Family: Geraniaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | France |
Description: | This Geranium has a wonderful rose aroma and is both uplifting and calming. |
Uses: | Geranium exerts a "balancing" effect on skin and is therefore useful for all skin types. It has often been used to ease the effect of PMS. A fresh, floral and sweet smelling oil it relaxes, restores and maintains stability of the emotions. Geranium is an astringent oil excellent for all skin types. Used in skin care products for both its fragrance and cleansing properties. Useful insect repellent. For massage where there is cellulite and treating eczema and psoriasis. Blends well with other floral oils and, when mixed with lavender and bergamot oils, Geranium produces a delightful room freshener. May help deter ticks on pets. |
Perfume Note: | Middle to Top |
Source: | Leaves and stems |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Balancing, soothing |
Skin Type: | Oily, dry |
Aroma Type: | Floral |
Traditional Uses: | Skin refresher, astringent |
Blends Well With: | Cedarwood, citronella, clary sage, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lime, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood |
Main Constituents: | Geraniol, borneol, citronellol, linalol, termineol,limonene, phellandrene, pinene. |
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Botanical Name: | Rosa damascena Mill. (Family: Rosaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Bulgaria, Morocco, Turkey |
Description: | The finest Rose Otto available - pure and undiluted. Warm, intense, immensely rich fragrance. One of the oldest and best known of all essential oils. |
Uses: | Used in all types of perfumes to lend beauty and depth to the aroma. A drop or two in a massage, facial, or bath oil creates a luxurious, soothing experience. The oil is also used in skin creams, powders, and lotions. Rose Otto is a romantic, creative, gently cheering oil. |
Warning: | Avoid using during pregnancy. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Flowers |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Cooling, balancing, calming, toning |
Aroma Type: | Floral |
Traditional Uses: | Astringent |
Blends Well With: | Floral oils, especially jasmine |
Main Constituents: | Very complex with over 300 different chemical constituents but mainly Citronellol, geraniol, phenyl ethanol, nerol, and stearopten. |
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Botanical Name: | Rosmarinus officinalis, R. coronarium (Family: Lamiaceae [Labiatae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Spain and Tunisia |
Description: | Rosemary is an energizing oil with a strong herbaceous aroma. |
Uses: | Rosemary essential oil may help to relieve muscle aches and combats mental fatigue. Use it in the daytime as its energizing effect may keep you awake at night. Perfect in Pre and Post sports rubs to maintain suppleness. This oil may also combat water retention and cellulite. Good hair tonic. An 'ideal pick me up'. Combats fatigue and clears stuffy atmosphere. |
Available Varieties: | Tunisian Rosemary and Spanish Rosemary |
Warning: | Do not use Rosemary when pregnant or if you have high blood pressure or are suffering from epilepsy. It may cause irritation of the skin. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Leaves |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Energizing, stimulating |
Aroma Type: | Camphoraceous |
Skin Type: | Oily, blemished |
Traditional Uses: | Antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner |
Blends Well With: | Olibanum, lavender, lavandin, citronella, thyme, basil, peppermint, labdanum, elemi, cedarwood, petitgrain, cinnamon |
Main Constituents: | Borneol, camphene, camphor, cineol, lineol, pinene, terpineol |
Safety Information: | Use ½ recommended dilution or less. |
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Botanical Name: | Salvia officinalis (Family: Lamiaceae [Labiatae]) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Spain |
Uses: | Sage essential oil can be a useful regulator of the central nervous system. May help with menstrual and digestive disorders. |
Safety: | Do not use Sage when pregnant or suffering from epilepsy. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Source: | Leaves |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Energizing, stimulating |
Aroma Type: | Camphoraceous |
Skin Type: | Oily |
Traditional Uses: | Soothing agent |
Blends Well With: | Lavandin, rosemary, citrus oils |
Safety Information: | Should be avoided by pregnant women |
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Botanical Name: | Santalum album (Family: Santalaceae) - |
Common Countries of Origin: | India, Indonesia, Australia |
Available Varieties: | Indonesian Sandalwood and Australian Sandalwood |
Description: | Sandalwood is said to have been used for over 4000 years as a perfume and temple incense. It has a sweet, buttery, woody aroma that is very sensual. It is uplifting and relaxing and is beneficial for all types of skin. Traditionally burnt as an aid to meditation and much used in religious ceremonies. Creates an exotic, sensual atmosphere with a reputation as an aphrodisiac. |
Uses: | Excellent skincare oil. useful for dry and damaged hair and as a body fragrance. |
Perfume Note: | Base |
Source: | Wood |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Calming, grounding |
Aroma Type: | Woodsy |
Skin Type: | Oily, blemished, sensitive, dry |
Traditional Uses: | Antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, astringent, insect repellent, skin conditioner |
Blends Well With: | Rose, violet, clove, lavender, black petter, bergamot, geranium, labdanum, vetiver, patchouli, mimosa, myrrh, jasmine |
Main Constituents: | Santalols. fusanols, forneol, santalone |
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Botanical Name: | Pinus sylvestris L. (Family: Pinaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Hungary |
Uses: | Stimulates, refreshes and cleanses. With a strong, fresh, resinous aroma it has a powerful antiseptic quality and is widely used. It has a deodorant effect and is often used in commercial preparations. |
Warning: | Dilute and use with care as Pine oil may otherwise cause skin irritation. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Main Constituents: | Bornyl acetate, citral, cadinene, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene, sylvertrene. |
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Botanical Name: | Mentha spicata, M. viridis (Family: Lamiaceae [Labiatae]) - |
Common Countries of Origin: | USA and China |
Uses: | Spearmint essential oil is energizing to the mind and body. Use in bath water for it's refreshing effect. Make a facial steam of spearmint oil in a pot of boiling water to help cleanse and refine pores. It is refreshing, cooling, gently vitalizing. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Source: | Flowering tops |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Calming |
Aroma Type: | Minty |
Skin Type: | Blemished |
Traditional Uses: | Insect repellent, emollient, astringent, soothing agent, muscle relaxant |
Blends Well With: | Bergamot, jasmine, lavender, sandalwood |
Safety Information: | Use ½ recommended dilution or less |
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Botanical Name: | Picea marina |
Common Countries of Origin: | Austria and Canada |
Production Method: | Steam Distilled |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Description: | Spruce has a medium strength aroma that is fresh, woody, earthy, sweet, with a hint of a fruity note |
Uses: | Coughing and depression |
Constituents: | Pinenes, limonene, bornyl acetate, tricyclene, phellandrene, myrcrene, thujone, dipentene, cadinene. |
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Botanical Name: | Tagetes grandulifera |
Common Countries of Origin: | France |
Note: | Top |
Blends Well With: | Bergamot, clary sage, lemon, and lavender |
Description: | Medium strength aroma that is fresh, sweet, floral, slightly fruity. Tagetes has a gold color. |
Uses: | Tagetes essential oil may be useful for treating corns and warts |
Constituents: | Tagetones, ocimene, myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinenes, carvone, citral, camphene, valeric acid, salicylaldehyde. |
Safety: | Possibly toxic. Use only in moderation. Severely phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity |
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Botanical Name: | Citrus reticulata (Family: Rutaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Germany and Spain |
Blends Well With: | Lavender, Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Fennel, and Tea Tree essential oils |
Uses: | Tangerine has a sweet, cheerful, and tangy aroma. Diffusing this oil into the air can help lift the energy of the room, and balance the emotions. Used as an astringent for oily skin. |
Warning: | Avoid use in sun |
Perfume Note: | Top |
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Botanical Name: | Tanacetum anuum |
Common Countries of Origin: | Morocco |
Description: | Blue Tansy essential oil has a beautiful deep blue color and a warm, herbaceous, sweet aroma. Blue Tansy has properties similar to Blue Chamomile, and should not be confused with Tansy Oil (botanical name Tanacetum Vulgare). |
Uses: | Like German Chamomile, Blue Tansy is said to be helpful with sore muscles, sprains and strains, and joint pain. It is also reputed to be helpful for skin irritation and burns, such as with sunburn. |
Properties: | Blue Tansy oil has been noted to have the following properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihistamine. |
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Botanical Name: | Artemisia dracunculus |
Common Countries of Origin: | USA |
Description and Uses: | Tarragon essential oil is very high in methyl chavicol, and should be used sparingly if applied topically. A strong anti-spasmodic, tarragon has been used for digestive sluggishness, gas pain, and menstrual pain/bloating. In inhalation blends, tarragon can help increase alertness and concentration. |
Blends Well With: | Geranium, lavender, pine, roman chamomile, and bergamot |
Properties: | Antispasmodic, carminative, stimulant, and decongestant |
Safety: | Dilute well if using topically and avoid prolonged use. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
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Botanical Name: | Melaleuca alternifolia, M. linariifolia, M. uncintata (Family: Myrtaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | Australia |
Uses: | Tea Tree is a powerful antiseptic, antifungal and anti-viral. Good for acne, cold sores, warts, and burns. Use for vaporizing to kill germs. Useful cleansing agent for skin. Helps combat foot odor and athletes foot. Ti Tree, as it is also known, has a wide range of uses-- further reading is recommended. |
Warning: | May cause irritation to sensitive skins. |
Perfume Note: | Top |
Source: | Leaves and stems |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Energizing, stimulating, toning |
Skin Type: | Oily, blemished |
Aroma Type: | Camphoraceous |
Traditional Uses: | Insect repellent, antiseptic |
Blends Well With: | Lavandin, lavender, clary sage, rosemary, cananga, geranium, marjoram, clove, nutmeg |
Main Constituents: | Terpinene-4-ol, cineol, pinene, terpenes, cymene. |
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Botanical Name: | (Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatea) (Family: Lamiaceae) |
Common Countries of Origin: | France and Spain |
Description: | This Thyme has the "good" properties without the "bad" (in particular the skin irritating properties). It is more expensive, but is often a better choice. Long known since ancient times as a medicinal herb. |
Uses: | Try vaporizing Thyme as a household disinfectant. It has a strong pungent aroma and may help ward off rodents and get rid of fleas. |
Warning: | Do not use Thyme when pregnant or having high blood pressure. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Flowering tops |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Energizing, stimulating, toning |
Aroma Type: | Spicy |
Skin Type: | Blemished |
Traditional Uses: | Deodorant, antiseptic |
Blends Well With: | Bergamot, lemon, rosemary, lavender, lavandin, marjoram |
Safety Information: | Can cause skin irritation |
Main Constituents: | Thymol, carvacrol, borneol, cineol, metnone and pinene, may contain geraniol, linlol thujanol-4 or alpha-terpineol. |
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Botanical Name: | Thymus vulgaris L. (Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatea) |
Common Countries of Origin: | USA and Spain |
Uses: | Thyme has been known since ancient times as a medicinal herb. Vaporize as a household disinfectant. It has a strong pungent aroma and is said that it can ward off rodents and get rid of fleas. |
Warning: | Do not use Thyme when pregnant or having high blood pressure. Dilute to no more than 2% Thyme before use. It may cause irritation to sensitive skins. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
Source: | Flowering tops |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Energizing, stimulating, toning |
Aroma Type: | Spicy |
Skin Type: | Blemished |
Traditional Uses: | Deodorant, antiseptic |
Blends Well With: | Bergamot, lemon, rosemary, lavender, lavandin, marjoram |
Safety Information: | Use ½ recommended dilution or less; can cause skin irritation |
Main Constituents: | Thymol, carvacrol, borneol, cineol, metnone and pinene, may contain geraniol, linlol thujanol-4 or alpha-terpineol. |
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Botanical Name: | Vanilla planifolia |
Common Countries of Origin: | Madagascar |
Source: | Seeds |
Production: | Solvent extraction |
Note: | Base with strong aroma that is rich and warm |
Uses: | Emollient, aphrodisiac |
Blends Well With: | Sandalwood, vetiver |
Constituents: | Vanillin, hydroxybenzaldehyde, acetic acid, isobutyric acid, caproic acid, eugenol, furfural |
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Botanical Name: | Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Staph., Andropogon muricatus(Family: Poaceae [Gramineae]) - |
Common Countries of Origin: | Indonesia and Madagascar |
Description: | Sometimes known as Vetivert. Deeply relaxing, soothing oil for the mind and body. Earthy, smokey aroma, which is more pleasant when diluted. Assists in reducing blood pressure. Sensual properties. Blends subtly with Lavender, Sandalwood and Jasmine. |
Perfume Note: | Base |
Source: | Roots |
Production Method: | Steam distillation |
Aromatherapy Class: | Balancing, grounding |
Aroma Type: | Woodsy |
Skin Type: | Sensitive, aging/mature |
Traditional Uses: | Emollient |
Blends Well With: | Sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, lavender, clary sage, mimosa, ylang ylang |
Main Constituents: | Vetiverol, vitivone, vetivenes. |
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Botanical Name: | Achillea millefolium (Family: Asteraceae [Compositae]) - |
Common Countries of Origin: | Hungary |
Uses: | Yarrow has sedative properties. Used for a wide variety of complaints, including chest infections, digestive problems and nervous exhaustion. The Chinese use it for menstrual problems and in Scandinavia it is used for Rheumatism. It is also used for skin complaint including acne, reducing scaring for burns and cuts. |
Perfume Note: | Middle |
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Botanical Name: | Cananga odorata (Family: Annonaceae) - |
Common Countries of Origin: | Madagascar |
Description: | There are four grades, Extra, #1, #2, & #3. With an intensely sweet, floral scent, this exotic oil lifts the spirits, promotes relaxation and has long used for its sensual properties. |
Uses: | Soothing and relaxing during times of tension and stress. Ideal for both oily and dry skins and as a hair rinse (2 drops in rinse water). |
Perfume Note: | Base/Middle |
Source: | Flowers |
Production Method: | Solvent extraction |
Aromatherapy Class: | Calming, balancing |
Aroma Type: | Floral |
Skin Type: | Oily, dry, normal to combination, aging/mature |
Traditional Uses: | Perfume, aphrodisiac |
Blends Well With: | Bergamot, lavender, lemon, narcissus, neroli, palmarosa, sandalwood, vetiver |
Main Constituents: | Methyl benzoats, methyl salicylate, linalyl acetate, cadinene, caryophyllene, pinene, cresol, eugenol, linalol, geraniol. |
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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.
