Quick Guide to the Uses and Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used aromatically, applied topically, or taken internally (ingested).

Here is a list which includes some of the most commonly used essential oils.

Basil

• Supports nervous system health when consumed internally
• Helps to keep the skin looking clean, clear, and healthy; cooling to the skin
• Use as diffuser to promotes a sense of focus while studying or reading
• Reduces feelings of anxiety and provides a stress-relieving experience
• Benefits to mind and body when used topically to reduce feelings of tension
• Aromatic use helps create a calm, relaxed environment
• Can be used in cooking to add little extra (spicy, fresh, herbal) flavor

Bergamot

• Calming & Soothing aroma
• Reduces feelings of stress
• Frequently used in massage therapy
• Provides skin purifying & cleansing benefits; soothes & rejuvenates skin
• Uplifting and calming properties makes it ideal to help with anxious and sad feelings
• The unripe fruits can be used as sweeteners and eaten for dessert or with coffee

Chamomile (Roman Chamomile)

• Soothing to the skin when applied topically
• Internal use may be calming to the body
• When ingested, may help support healthy immune system function
• Known for its calming effects to the skin, mind, and body: most commonly used in (herbal) teas
• Can also be found in face creams, hair dyes, shampoos, perfumes, and drinks
• Helps promote youthful-looking skin & hair

Cedar

• Properties that help soothe the mind and body
• Warm, woody scent creates a relaxing and comforting environment
• Helps to keep skin looking clear and healthy when applied topically
• Naturally repels insects (i.e. moths)
• Grounding aroma and frequently used in massage therapy

Cinnamon

• Internal use supports healthy metabolic function and helps maintain a healthy immune system (i.e. use in veggie capsule)
• Can be used topically to create a warming massage for cold, achy joints during winter time
• Can use in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe irritated throat
• Frequently used in mouth rinses and chewing gums
• Frequently used as a spice to flavor food (i.e. desserts, entrees, and hot drinks)
• Can be used as a cleaning spray
• Naturally repels insects

Clary Sage

• Rejuvenation, calming, and soothing of the skin
• Promotes healthy-looking hair and scalp
• Promotes relaxing & restful night’s sleep

Cypress

• Topical application helps to invigorate the senses; frequently used in spas and by massage therapists
• Has a fresh, clean aroma  that offers an invigorating sensation on the skin; Provides an uplifting and energizing aroma
• Helps improve oily skin conditions and beneficial for overall skin health; reduces appearance of blemishes
• Has a grounding effect, making it a popular oil to diffuse during times of transition or loss.

Eucalyptus

• Helps clear the mind
• Promotes feelings of relaxation and creates a soothing massage experience; helps lessen tension
• Promotes feelings of clear breathing and open airways (i.e. found in mouth rinses to freshen breath and promote oral health, inhale in shower for vitality)
• Used to cleanse surfaces (i.e. kitchen, bathroom) and the air
• Purifying properties for the skin as well (revitalizing benefits)

Frankincense

• Beautifying properties that helps reduce appearance of skin imperfections
• Supports healthy immune, nervous, and digestive function
• Supports healthy cellular function
• Provides soothing aromatic experience for peace and satisfaction

Geranium

• Various beautifying purposes (i.e. aromatherapy steam facial, moisturizer, hair conditioner)
• Promotes appearance of clear, healthy skin
• Gives hair a vibrant, healthy glow
• Provides sweet floral aroma which helps calm nerves and lessen feelings of stress
• Natural insect repellant

Ginger

• Internal use helps support healthy digestion; aids in easing occasional indigestion and nausea
• Soothing and calming aroma
• Hot, fragrant flavor (and earthy nature) good for use as a kitchen spice

Grapefruit

• Creates an uplifting environment due to its motivating and energizing aroma
• Supports a healthy metabolism when used internally
• Renowned for its cleansing and purifying properties and is frequently used in skin care for its ability to promote the appearance of clear, healthy looking skin; improves the appearance of blemishes
• Use for an invigorating massage

Jasmine

• Provides a calm, comforting, and encouraging aroma
• Creates an optimistic, elevating, and inspiring environment
• Promotes healthy-looking skin
• Associated with love and romance due to its enchanting aroma
• Can be used as part of a relaxing bath or soothing massage

Lavender

• Soothes occasional skin irritations; frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections through topical application
• Reduces anxious feelings and promotes peaceful sleep (calming and relaxing qualities)
• Helps ease feelings of tension (when used internally)
• Ancients used it for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume
• Other uses: apply to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet at bedtime.

Lemon

• Internal use naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion
• Supports healthy respiratory function
• Can be added to water to provide a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day
• Frequently added to food to enhance the flavor of desserts and main dishes
• Uplifting, positive aroma
• Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces (i.e. tables and countertops); can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home
• Can also be used as furniture polish for protection & shine (i.e. to preserve leather furniture, surfaces, or garments)

Lemongrass

• Purifying and toning benefits for the skin
• Combined with a carrier oil for soothing massage
• Can apply diluted after a long run for a refreshing feeling
• has a pungent, herbaceous aroma that can heighten awareness and promote a positive outlook.
• Used to flavor entrees and dishes
• Supports healthy digestion when taken in a capsule

Lime

• Supports healthy immune function when used internally
• Citrusy and refreshing aroma that stimulates the senses
• Frequently used in entrées and beverages for their fresh, citrus flavor
• Used as a topical and internal cleanser (i.e. frequently used in facial and body cleansers or shampoos for its purifying properties and uplifting scent)
• The aroma encourages a balanced and energizing atmosphere
• Also an effective and natural surface cleaner (i.e. use to help remove grease spots)

Orange

• Internal use supports healthy immune function
• Stimulating qualities energizes and uplifts the mind and body – use topically to uplift mood and provide a boost to energy levels
• Creates an uplifting environment – use as diffuser for a sweet, refreshing aroma
• A powerful cleanser & purifying agent (i.e. cleansing the body, purifying the air, or used on surfaces as a natural cleaner)

Oregano

• Used as a powerful cleansing and purifying agent
• Supports healthy immune system, digestion, and respiratory function
• Offers powerful antioxidants when ingested
• A popular cooking spice
• Can be applied to the skin (when diluted with a carrier oil)

Peppermint

• Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing (can be inhaled for a mid-day pick-me-up)
• Promotes digestive health (helps alleviate occasional stomach upset)
• Frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral hygiene; contains mint & spearmint for healthy refreshing mouth rinse
• Repels bugs naturally
• Offers a distinct aroma that may increase feelings of alertness and help to focus on tasks

Rosemary

• Supports healthy digestion (and internal organ function) when consumed
• May help support healthy respiratory function
• May help to reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue
• Frequently used to flavor foods
• Energizing scent is frequently used in aromatherapy
• Can be diffused to create an atmosphere conducive to studying (instills a sense of focus and clarity)

Sandalwood

• Frequently used in meditation for its grounding aroma
• Creates a positive environment
• Instills calmness and promotes relaxation, making it perfect to incorporate into massage therapy
• Promotes healthy-looking, smooth skin; helps with the appearance of skin imperfections
• Enhances mood by lessening tension and promoting emotional wellbeing
• Can be used at bedtime to promote a restful night’s sleep

Spearmint

• Promotes digestion and helps reduce occasional stomach upset when used internally
• Incorporate into effective work and study habits
• Cleanses the mouth and promotes fresh breath
• Minty taste frequently used in gums, candies, and dental products
• Sweet, refreshing, and uplifting aroma promotes positive environment
• Flavoring for desserts, drinks, and salads (i.e. use in homemade salad dressings or to marinate meals)

Tangerine

• Internal use supports healthy digestion and metabolism
• Supports healthy immune system when taken internally
• Refreshing & happy aroma creates an inspiring environment
• Can be used to energize and uplift mood
• Can be used as flavorful addition to desserts & drinks (i.e. smoothies, cakes, cookies, teas, lemonade or any other recipe calling for citrus fruits)
• Cleansing and purifying

Tea Tree (Melaleuca)

• Cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the skin; soothing to irritated skin; supports a healthy looking complexion
• Cleanses and purifies nails, keeping them looking healthy
• Can be used to clean home surfaces and freshen air due to its purifying qualities

Vanilla

• Provides a rich, warm, sweet, inviting aroma; Can use as a captivating personal fragrance; benefits of breathing in the exquisite aroma
• Creates a comforting and relaxing atmosphere
• Can add a few drops to a warm bath; Can blend into a moisturizing body lotion.
• Makes a delightful addition to beverages (by adding a drop to the beverage of your choice); Give your morning coffee, tea, smoothie a delightfully smooth flavor lift with a touch of Vanilla.

Vetiver

• Massage therapy; Adds a relaxing massage
• Calming, grounding aroma; use for calming routine before going to sleep

Ylang Ylang

• Provides antioxidant support when used internally
• Promotes a calming, positive atmosphere
• Nourishing and protective properties for hair and skin products
• Floral perfume smell in aromatherapy

References:
www.doterra.com