Essential Oils

Frankincense has a rich, woody, earthy aroma with a deeply grounding nuance. It has been used for centuries for meditation and spiritual practices and is prized for its many medicinal and spiritual applications. It is also one of the few anti-tumoral therapeutic essential oils and is a useful expectorant, intended to aid bronchial congestive problems. In skincare formulations, Frankincense is said to help refresh dull and aging complexions. Its properties include analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, and vulnerary.

Galbanum has a green, woody aroma that is slightly fruity. It has a very specific scent in that one will either love it or hate it. Emotionally, Galbanum is used to help resolve old emotional and spiritual problems. It is also used to assist with respiratory issues and in skincare, for acne, cuts, and scars. Its properties include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, balsamic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, restorative, and tonic.

Geranium has a strong floral aroma. It can be beneficial for menstrual, menopausal, and infertility problems as it said to be hormonally and emotionally balancing. It is said to be helpful for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and shingles. Emotionally, it is known to relieve anxiety, agitation, and nervous fatigue. Geranium also repels insects and is a good addition to insect repellent formulations.

Ginger has a warm, strong, spicy aroma. It can be calming yet also acts as a stimulant. For muscle and massage formulations, it helps to relieve soreness and stiffness in muscles and increases circulation. It also can help strengthen the immune system during the cold season. Ginger is often used to combat jet lag and motion sickness and is also considered an aphrodisiac. It is suggested for digestive issues such as stomachaches, appetite issues, and spasms.

Grapefruit has a fresh, clean, uplifting aroma that is slightly tart while also being pleasant and sweet. For inhalation, Grapefruit has been used to uplift the spirits and relieve stress. For skin and hair care applications, it offers astringent properties that help to balance oily skin and hair and is a useful addition to facial toners. It is also helpful for reducing cellulite and water retention as well as a digestive aid. Its properties include antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, digestive, diuretic, restorative, stimulant, and tonic.

Guaiac Wood has a warm, fresh, smoky aroma with a sweetish afternote and almost roselike. It is commonly used in perfumes and cosmetics as it has a strong pleasant aroma that lasts. It has been said to help with issues such as gout, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and in massage, helps with circulation. It is sometimes used in skin formulations for its antioxidant properties that help rejuvenate and protect the skin from free radicals as well as helps boost the immune system. Its properties include is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, and diuretic.

Helichrysum has a strong aroma that smells similar to honey and hay with herbaceous notes. Due to its medicinal properties, Helichrysum oil is helpful for circulatory disorders and can be used to relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis. It has also some beneficial effects on colds, flu, bronchitis, coughs, and asthma. It is used in skincare formulations to help stimulate the production of new cells, treat burns and scars, and for acne.

Ho Wood has a bright, woody, floral aroma similar to Rosewood. It is mainly used in perfumery as a substitute for Rosewood as it is a more renewable resource. Its properties include antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and bactericidal.

Hyssop has an earthy, woody, slightly sweet, and fruity aroma. It is traditionally used in diffusion and mist applications to help promote emotional and physical well being and promote a sense of relaxation and helps calm the nerves. When used in externally applications, it may help soothe dry and flaky skin. It is useful to include in formulations intended for dermatitis, minor cuts and bruises and diffusion blends for respiratory conditions. Its properties include anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, stimulant, and tonic.

Juniper Berry has a woodsy aroma that is uplifting and strengthening. Native Americans used it to purify the air. It is useful to aid healing from colds and flu. It can also be used as an astringent for the skin and hair and in anti-cellulite massage blends.

Lavandin has a very similar aroma to Lavender but is more camphorous smelling. It is a hybrid lavender similar in properties to Lavander, but less pronounced and yields more oil making it less costly. It can be included in formulations intended for pain relief or disinfection and useful in cases of muscle stiffness, aches, and pains. It also helps in easing the lungs and helps with common related ailments like coughs, colds, and flu.

Lavender essential oil has a light fresh aroma that is floral, light, with woody undertones. The most popular essential oil, it has a long list of applications dating back to antiquity- in fact, the word "lavender" comes from the Latin 'lavera,' meaning to wash. It is suitable for all skin types and is used to prevent scarring, stretch marks, and to slow the development of wrinkles. It is also known to moisturize dry scalp and hair. Aromatherapists use it to treat rheumatism, sprains, respiratory problems, abdominal cramps, depression, insomnia, tension-related problems, burns, sun-damaged skin, and various types of skin infections. It is particularly effective in treating headaches and migraines.

Lemon has a fresh, uplifting, and citrus-y aroma. It is a pleasant and functional addition to cleaning formulations and air fresheners due to its disinfectant, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It helps to clean and cut grease and stains and remove gum while imparting a pleasant citrus aroma. It also helps improve micro-circulation, immune function, and helps with digestive problems. For hair and skincare formulations, the astringency of Lemon makes it useful for combating oily skin and hair. Within holistic aromatherapy, the bright, citrus scent is stimulating, but it also is said to aid in focus and concentration. It is often used by spas and incorporated into body massage oils, body wraps and salt soaks.

Lemon Eucalyptus has a fresh, lemon, medicinal aroma. It is a good addition to inhalation and room spray formulations that are intended to help combat cold and flu symptoms and germs due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties as well as minor first aid treatment for cuts, infections, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and chickenpox. For hair, it can be added to shampoo formulations to assist with dandruff.

Lemongrass fresh, citrusy, grassy aroma. It can help aid in toning the body and tissues and relieve muscle pain by making them supple when used in massage. It also helps with correcting poor blood circulation and is also deodorizing. Lemongrass is included in many insect repellent formulations as it helps repel insects and can be used to keep pets clean of fleas, ticks, and lice. It can also be used as a skin tonic for clearing oily skin, acne, athlete’s foot, and other issues caused by perspiration.

Lime has a green, tangy, and uplifting aroma. It has the very similar therapeutic and blending properties of lemon. Having good medicinal properties, it may be useful for treating colds, sore throats, flu, coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma. It can also stimulate and refresh a tired mind and assist with depression.