As I have said before, I find aromatherapy and essential oils to be fascinating. Here is a short guide to essential oils.

I have mentioned this before but I really consider studying aromatherapy as I really wanted to work in a spa. When I was going through my options of what to study at uni I did put down aromatherapy, but I also put down fashion journalism and PR. And we all know which one eventually won. (If you haven’t guessed or if you are new here, I eventually studied fashion journalism.)

However, I never gave up my interest in aromatherapy and I would love to one-day work in a spa. I love reading about it and all the amazing benefit aromatherapy can have.

After reading Neal’s Yard Essential Oils book, the interest has grown even more and I felt like I have learnt a lot. If you find the subject as fascinating as I do, then I have put together a short guide to essential oils.

I will be going through the very basic of the more popular essential oils and how it can have a benefits to you. For more in-depth knowledge then I do recommend you to read Neal’s Yard Essential Oils book.

Here is a short guide to essential oils.

Rosewood

What is it good for?

• Conditions Skin
• Act a hair tonic
• Balance emotions
• Acts as a mild pain reliever

Best uses

• As a bath oil
• In a diffuser

Rosewood is a grounding and centering oil, it works on the mind and emotions.

 Frankincense

What is it good for?

• Soothes aches and pain
• Tones skin
• Fight colds
• Relieves anxiety

Best uses

• In an ointment
• As a toner
• In a massage oil

Frankincense is an important oil for toning and invigorating the complexion. Particularly sun damaged skin.

Ylang Ylang

What is it good for?

• Improves complexion
• Tones skin
• Aids relaxation
• Treats depressions

Best uses

• As a skin toner
• In a massage oil
• As a bath oil

With it exotic aroma, ylang ylang is uplifting and arousing. A key constituent of the traditional hair preparation. Its balancing properties make it suitable for all skin types

Cinnamon

What is it good for?

• Soothes aches and pains
• Aids digestions
• Balance emotions

Best uses

• As a foot bath
• In a diffuser

This spicy, warming oil was used by the ancient Egyptians as an aromatic foot massage.

Lime

What is it good for?

• Aids detox
• Balance oily skin and hair
• Has a cooling effect
• A stress reliever

Best uses

• As a lotion
• In a diffuser

Lime is stimulating and refreshing. Like it relatives, grapefruit and lemon, it’s a key oil for reducing water retention and puffiness.

Lemon

What is it good for?

• Tones skin
• Aids detox
• Eases digestion
• Lifts moods

Best uses

• As a massage oil
• In a compress

Fresh and invigorating, lemon stimulates the senses and clears the mind. Its citrus properties make it a natural deodorizer.

Orange

What is it good for?

• Aids detox
• Tones skin
• Revitalize and brightens skin
• Relieves anxiety

Best uses

• As a bath oil
• As a massage oil
• In a diffuser

This orange oil is widely used for it uplifting and detoxifying effects. This aromatic aoil acts a reviving tonic.

Eucalyptus

What is it food for?

• Acts as an antiseptic
• Tones skin
• Improves focus

Best uses

• As a massage oil
• In an inhalation
• In a diffuser

This warming oil is great for relieving aches and pains. It also balances the skin and help increase concentration and moods.

Lavender

What is it good for?

• Soothes skin
• Heals skin
• Promotes restful sleep
• Acts a pain killer

Best uses

• As a bath oil
• As a massage oil

A very popular essential oil. Lavender make it an effective skin treatment and a good skin healer.

Tea Tree

What is it good for?

• Boost immunity
• Fights skin infections
• Acts a hair tonic
• Fight body odour

Best uses

• As a first aid
• In a foot bath

Tea tree oil a great all-rounder to keep in your first aids box. It also has a strong deodorizing action that combat body odour.

Peppermint

What is it good for?

• Fights odour
• Soothes skin
• Fights cold symptoms
• Relives headaches

Best uses

• As a massage oil
• In an inhalation

Applied to the skin, peppermint oil feels initially cooling and refreshing. It’s a first class antiseptic and a popular addition to beauty products.

And that was a short guide to essential oils. If you want to learn more than I do recommend you to buy Neal’s yard Essential oils book.

Let me know if you found this short guide helpful.

(This page does contain affiliates links, I highly recommend the book and I would only put links on here on items I highly recommend.)