Herbal Glossary - Quick Guide

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

What are essential oils? Essential oils ar the concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants that have been used for centuries all over the world. We have forgotten this great untapped resource, preferring to use products which imitate the natural fragrances and medicinal and cleansing properties of essential oils. Essential oils are very complex in their molecular structure, and very powerful. Essential oils do not stay in the body and leave no toxins behind. When looking toward the future, essential oils are a sound choice when it comes to reaching toward the goal of a greener planet.

What's the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils? The difference is huge. Fragrance oils are a chemical and processed imitation of the real thing, containing no actual therapeutic value. A good analogy would be real meat compared to processed meat. It's filling but doesn't satisfy like the real thing.

Essential oils are believed to promote physical and emotional well being. Certain oils may help relax, heal, energize, help eczema and psoriasis, as well as address a vast array of other skin issues. A few drops of essential oil in the bath is all it takes to experience relaxation and stress relief.

Please be advised that some essential oils may be hazardous, this is why it is important to have a firm understanding of the oil, its properties, uses, methods, etc. Some essential oils are considered very safe, such as lavender - however, it is still recommended that you consult with an aromatherapy practitioner and your doctor before using.

It is also important to note that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. Essential oils should be diluted in another oil such as sweet almond, olive oil, sunflower seed oil etc. To dilute, add 1-4 drops of essential oil to 2-4 ounces of carrier oil.

A

Angelica: Strengthens, restores, and anchors. Avoid use in full sun.

Aniseed: Reduces cramping and indigestion. Do not use if pregnant.

Armoise: Emollient and muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant.

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B

Basil: Soothes and tones. Use sparingly.

Bay: Stimulates and energizes. Can irritate skin.

Bergamot: Conditions skin, soothes. Antiseptic. Photo toxic.

Birch Tar: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant.

Black Currant Seed: Relieves PMS. High in Vitamin C.

Black Pepper: Muscle relaxant.

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C

Cabreuva: Calming, increases alertness.

Cajeput: Stimulates, mood enhancer, antiseptic.

Camphor: Soothes, conditions skin, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic. See Hazards at the bottom of page.

Cananga: Skin conditioner, deodorant.

Caraway: Muscle relaxant.

Cardamom: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent.

Carrot Seed: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Cedarwood: Antiseptic, skin conditioner, deodorant, soothing agent.

Celery Seed: Toner.

Chamomile: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner, nervousness, insomnia, antibacterial, antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, teething, sunburn, psoriasis, exzema, asthma, hay fever, sprains, nausea, fever, sedative, calming.

Cinnamon Bark: Skin conditioner, anti-inflammatory. Can cause skin irritation.

Citronella: Skin conditioner, insect repellent.

Clary Sage: Skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or if drinking alcohol.

Clove Bud: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Can irritate skin.

Copaiba Balsam: Increases circulation, reduces stress.

Coriander: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent.

Costus Root: Calming agent.

Cumin: Stimulating. Can irritate skin. Use sparingly.

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D

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E

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, sinus clearing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, deodorizing, antiviral, coughs & colds, cystitis, sunburn, insect repellent.

Evening Primrose: Moisturizes dry skin and treats eczema.

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F

Sweet Fennel: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, antiseptic.

Frankincense: Skin conditioner, soothing agent.

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G

Geranium: Skin refresher, muscle relaxant, .

Ginger: Astringent.

Grapefruit: Soothing agent, astringent, skin conditioner.

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H

Hyssop: Soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant, epileptic, or have high blood pressure.

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I

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J

Jasmine Absolute: Emollient, soothing agent, antiseptic.

Juniper: Skin detoxifier, astringent, soothing agent. Flammable.

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K

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L

Lavandin: Soothing agent, muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, astringent.

Lavender: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent, astringent, natural antibiotic, soothes burns, known to stimulate the immune system, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, detoxifier, prevents scarring.

Lemon: Soothing agent, antiseptic.

Lemongrass: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, muscle relaxant, antiseptic.

Lime: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.

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M

Mandarin: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.

Manuka: Relieves aches and pains, healing to the skin.

Myrrh: Anti-inflammatory, emollient, antiseptic. Use in moderation if pregnant.

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N

Neroli: Antiseptic, emollient.

Nutmeg: Antiseptic, soothes irritated skin, muscle relaxant.

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O

Orange: Astringent, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Origanum: Increases energy.

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P

Palmarosa: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, emollient, muscle relaxant.

Peppermint: Emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant.

Pine: Antiseptic

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Q

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R

Rose Absolute: Skin conditioner

Rose Otto: Astringent

Rosemary: Antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant or have high blood pressure.

Rosewood: Muscle relaxant.

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S

Sage: Soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic.

Sandlewood: Antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Spearmint: Emollient, astringent, soothing agent. Use sparingly.

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T

Tarragon: Astringent

Tea Tree: Antiseptic, anti- acne, anti- dandruff

Thyme: Antiseptic, toner

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U

V

Vanilla: Emollient

Vetiver: Emollient, reduces blood pressure

Violet Leaf: Soothing agent, skin conditioner

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W

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X

Y

Yarrow: Reduces scarring

Ylang-Ylang: Reduces stress and tension

Z

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ESSENTIAL OILS