Essential oils are extremely complex, powerful substances that can have a wide range of therapeutic benefits for the mind and body.
Essential oils can have different effects on different parts of the body, for instance stimulating certain body systems, while relaxing others. It is therefore helpful to look at all the systems of the body in order to gain a clearer understanding of how essential oils work, and their most useful actions and applications.
Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ and one of the most complicated. It plays many important roles including temperature regulation, immune defence and vitamin production. Unfortunately, the skin is prone to many potential problems, which are often the surface manifestation of deeper conditions. Issues such as hormone imbalance, excess toxins in the body, or emotional problems such as stress and anxiety can all have an impact on the health and condition of the skin.
Essential oils can therefore be helpful for many skin problems, as well as for general skincare, as they are able to work on a variety of levels.
Essential oil benefits for the skin
- Antiseptic – kills or controls bacteria
- Anti-inflammatory – relieves inflammation
- Cicatrizant – promotes healing through formation of scar tissue
- Deodorant – counteracts odour
- Fungicide – kills or controls fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, candida, ringworm
- Insecticide / parasiticide – repels or destroys insects or parasites
Most useful essential oils for skin problems
- Acne – Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman and German), Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Palmarosa, Tea Tree, Thyme
- Allergies – Chamomile (Roman and German), Helichrysum, Lavender, Melissa
- Athlete’s Foot – Lavender, Myrrh, Tea Tree
- Bruises – Fennel, Hyssop, Lavender
- Burns – Lavender
- Chapped/cracked skin – Benzoin, Myrrh, Patchouli
- Cold sores – Bergamot, Melissa, Tea Tree
- Cuts / sores – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Tea Tree, Yarrow
- Dandruff – Bay Leaf, Spike Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree
- Dermatitis – Chamomile (Roman and German), Helichrysum, Lavender, Palmarosa
- Eczema – Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman and German), Helichrysum, Lavender, Patchouli
- Excessive perspiration – Cypress
- Insect bites – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Melissa
- Insect repellent – Citronella, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass, Patchouli
- Irritated / inflamed skin – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose
- Scars – Frankincense, Lavender, Neroli, Sandalwood
- Toothache – Clove Bud
- Varicose veins – Cypress, Yarrow
- Verrucae, warts & corns – Lemon, Tea Tree, Tagetes
- Wrinkles – Elemi, Frankincense, Neroli, Rose
Circulation, Muscles & Joints
The circulation of blood around the body is vital to the action of essential oils. The oils are easily absorbed into the blood stream (either via inhalation or through the skin) and are transported around the body, where they can begin to take effect. Some oils can also be highly beneficial to the circulatory system itself.
Essential oil benefits for the circulation, muscles & joints
- Hypotensive – lowers blood pressure
- Hypertensive – stimulates circulation / raises blood pressure
- Rubefacient – warms the skin and increases blood flow (good for pain and stiffness in muscles/joints)
- Depurative – helps purify/cleanse the blood, removing toxins that can build up and manifest in disease (e.g. arthritis, gout, congested skin)
- Lymphatic stimulant – aids in the removal of toxic wastes, drainage of fluids, the body’s response to infection and the absorption of fats from the intestines
- Circulatory tonic – stimulates/strengthens the circulatory system, and astringent – contracts and tightens tissues which can be helpful for swellings/inflammation and varicose veins
Most useful essential oils for the circulation, muscles & joints
- Aches and pains – Black Pepper, Chamomile (Roman and German), Coriander, Eucalyptus (globulus and dives), Ginger, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary
- Arthritis – Benzoin, Black Pepper, Chamomile (Roman and German), Eucalyptus (globulus and dives), Ginger, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary
- Cellulitis – Sweet Fennel, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniperberry
- Detoxification – Angelica, Carrot Seed, Sweet Fennel, Grapefruit, Juniperberry
- Edema and water retention – Angelica, Carrot Seed, Sweet Fennel, Grapefruit
- Gout – Angelica, Benzoin, Carrot Seed, Juniperberry, Rosemary
- High blood pressure – Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang
- Muscle cramps / stiffness – Black Pepper, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Pimento, Rosemary
- Palpitations – Ylang Ylang
- Poor circulation and low blood pressure – Black Pepper, Coriander, Eucalyptus (globulus), Rosemary, Spanish Sage
- Rheumatism – Black Pepper, Chamomile (Roman and German), Cypress, Eucalyptus (globulus and dives), Juniperberry, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Pine
- Sprains and strains – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Sweet Marjoram
Respiratory System
Essential oils can be very helpful for nose, throat and lung ailments, particularly when inhaled.
Essential oil benefits for the respiratory system
- Expectorant – helps to expel mucus from the respiratory system
- Antispasmodic – relieves spasm of the respiratory muscles (helping asthma, wheezing, coughs)
- Balsamic – soothing for colds, chills, congestion
- Antiseptic – kills or controls bacteria
- Anti-viral – inhibits the growth of viruses
Most useful essential oils for the respiratory system
- Asthma – Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint, Spanish Sage
- Bronchitis – Benzoin, Eucalyptus (globulus and dives), Frankincense, Sweet Marjoram, Myrrh, Myrtle, Sandalwood
- Catarrh – Eucalyptus (globulus and dives), Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint, Pine, Tea Tree, Thyme
- Chills – Black Pepper, Cinnamon Leaf, Ginger
- Coughs – Clary Sage, Copaiba Balsam, Peru Balsam, Benzoin, Cedarwood (Atlas), Eucalyptus (globulus and dives), Hyssop, Sweet Marjoram, Pine, Spanish Sage
- Earache – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender
- Sinusitis – Eucalyptus (globulus), Peppermint, Pine, Tea Tree
- Sore throat / throat infections – Clary Sage, Hyssop, Sandalwood, Spanish Sage, Thyme
- Tonsilitis – Thyme
Digestive System
It is not recommended that essential oils be taken internally, however they can be applied ‘externally’ to aid stomach and digestive complaints.
Essential oil benefits for the digestive system
- Antispasmodic – relieves spasm, pain, indigestion
- Carminative / stomachic – settles the digestive system, aids digestion, improves appetite
- Cholagogue – increases flow of bile and stimulates the gall bladder
- Hepatic – liver tonic, stimulates and aids liver function
- Aperitif – stimulates appetite
Most useful essential oils for the digestive system
- Constipation / sluggish digestion – Black Pepper, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary
- Cramp / spasm – Clary Sage, Ginger, Lavender, Pimento
- Heartburn – Cardamon
- Indigestion / flatulence – Star Anise, Caraway, Cardamon, Chamomile (Roman and German), Sweet Fennel, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Peppermint, Pimento, Spearmint, Orange (Bitter and Sweet),
- Loss of appetite – Bergamot
- Nausea / vomiting – Chamomile (Roman and German), Sweet Fennel, Ginger, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint
Genito-urinary / Endocrine Systems
The genito-urinary system, or urogenital system, are the organs of the reproductive system and the urinary system include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and genital organs. These organs can be directly affected by essential oils being absorbed into the blood stream (via the skin), as well as through hormonal changes.
The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things. Some essential oils can mimic human hormones, and some can influence hormone levels secreted from glands such as the thyroid and the adrenal glands.
Essential oil benefits for the genito-urinary / endocrine systems
- Antispasmodic – e.g. for menstrual cramps or labour pains
- Emmenagogue – induces or assists menstruation
- Uterine tonic and regulator – for pregnancy, PMT, heavy periods
- Antiseptic / Antibacterial – kills or controls infections e.g. thrush, cystitis
- Galactagogue – increases flow of milk while breast feeding
- Aphrodisiac – increases or stimulates sexual desire
- Anaphrodisiac – reduces sexual desire
- Adrenal stimulant – helps with anxiety and stress-related conditions
Most useful essential oils for the genito-urinary / endocrine systems
- Absent periods (Amenorrhea) – Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Myrrh, Spanish Sage
- Breast Feeding (to encourage milk) – Sweet Fennel
- Cystitis – Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree
- Painful and difficult periods (Dysmenorrhea) – Chamomile (Roman and German), Clary Sage, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Spanish Sage
- Frigidity – Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
- Heavy periods (Menorrhagia) – Cypress, Rose
- Labour – Clary Sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose
- Leucorrhea (vaginal discharge) – Bergamot, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood
- Menopause – Geranium, Rose
- PMT – Chamomile (Roman and German), Geranium, Lavender, Rose
- Thrush – Bergamot, Myrrh, Tea Tree
Immune System
Essential oils can support and strengthen the immune system in two ways: firstly, by fighting infectious organisms and secondly by boosting the activity of the body’s immune system. Some essential oils can even do both e.g. Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Tea Tree. Virtually all essential oils are active against one or more bacteria and almost all stimulate the production of white blood cells which are key players in fighting infection.
Essential oil benefits for the immune system
- Bactericidal / Anti-viral – inhibits growth of bacteria and viruses
- Febrifuge – reduces fever / temperature
- Sudorific – induces sweating
Most useful essential oils for the immune system
- Chickenpox – Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Tea Tree
- Colds / flu – Eucalyptus (globulus, lemon and dives), Niaouli, Pine, Spanish Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme
- Fever – Eucalyptus (globulus, lemon and dives), Peppermint, Spearmint, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Yarrow
- Measles – Eucalyptus (globulus), Tea Tree
Nervous System
The effects that essential oils (and massage) have on the nervous system play a major role in aromatherapy. Some essential oils can have a sedating effect on the nervous system and other can stimulate it. Some are known as adaptogens, which means they have a balancing or normalising effect.
Essential oil benefits for the nervous system
- Sedative – calms/reduces functional activity helping with stress, nervous tension, insomnia
- Stimulant – quicken physiological functions helping with nervous fatigue, lack of strength and convalescence
- Nervine – strengthens and tones the nervous system as a whole
Most useful essential oils for the nervous system
- Anxiety – Bergamot, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Melissa (Lemon Balm), Ylang Ylang
- Depression – Bergamot, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
- Headache – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint
- Insomnia – Chamomile (Roman and German), Lavender, Melissa (Lemon Balm), Neroli, Valerian
- Nervous exhaustion – Angelica, Basil, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Peppermint, Spearmint, Rosemary, Spanish Sage, Vetivert
- Nervous tension / stress – Benzoin, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile (Roman and German), Clary Sage, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Melissa (Lemon Balm), Sweet Marjoram, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetivert, Ylang Ylang
- Neuralgia / Sciatica – Chamomile (Roman and German), Spike Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary
- Shock – Melissa (Lemon Balm), Neroli
- Vertigo – Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint
Please search our blog for more information, recommended blends and the best methods of application for many of the conditions mentioned above.
Sharon Lovett
Marketing Manager