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The following extract on essential oils is taken from ‘Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby’ published by Vermilion. Revised edition 1999. First published by Ebury Press in 1993 as 'Aromatherapy for Mother and Baby’. Text © Allison England
The information given is to show the general properties of essential oils and is not given to replace medical advice.
Pure Essential oils
Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia - from the fruit rind)
Aroma: fresh; citrus; sweet smelling
Bergamot has uplifting, yet restful qualities, and is indicated for fragile emotions and tired minds. Its light perfume mixes well with other oils, especially lavender and geranium. It makes a refreshing room spay.
Ways to use. Body massage, skin care, vaporisation, baths, showers compresses-Note: Avoid using bergamot as a body massage oil /lotion immediately before sunbathing or using a sun bed as it can provoke uneven pigmentation
Camomile Roman (Anthemis Nobilis - from the dried flowers of the plant)
Aroma: pungent dried grass/herby smell
Soothing and gentle for frayed, restless emotions and delicate skins. Camomile makes a relaxing and comforting edition to baths and massage oils for young and old alike. In skin care its antiseptic and gentle actions are suitable for babies and sensitive skins. Ways to use skin care, baths ,showers vaporisation, compresses,
Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)
Aroma: sweet nutty and exotic
This oil is sensual and has euphoric properties that can help uplift the spirits Used by aromatherapists where there is anxiety fatigue or tension, especially work related or following childbirth. Warming, and soothing Clary sage makes an enjoyable massage or bath oil. Female affinity oil
Ways to use: baths and showers skin care, vaporisation Note: Not suitable for use during pregnancy or for those with epilepsy. Avoid alcohol after using this oil A strong oil use in very low amounts as it can be euphoric and overpowering. It could make you feel sleepy light-headed and also affect other people around you. It is not an oil we recommend if using gas and air or before a general anaesthetic. Used in large amounts it can cause headaches and provoke nausea.
Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens - from the needles, cones and branches of the tree
Aroma:woody,medicinal
Astringent and deodorising oil, Cypress refreshes, restores and tones. Useful in skin applications and helpful for oily and combination skins. Ways to use body massage, skin care, vaporisation, skin applications. Note Use after the 5th month of Pregnancy
Frankincense boswellia thurifera-(tree resin)
Aroma: heavy; warm
Frankincense has a calming, harmonising effect and is helpful where there is anxiety. It can encourage calm breathing .Its penetrating warmth makes relaxing and comforting massage oil. In skin care it is helpful for mature and dry skin; and is regarded as having rejuvenating properties.Ways to use: face and body massage, skin care, baths ,vaporisation
Geranium (Pelegonium Gravelolens - from leaves and flowers)
Aroma: fresh, flowery
One of the most useful essential oils. Geranium's cheering aroma has a balancing effect on the emotions. It is both uplifting and refreshing, and makes an excellent massage or bath oil. It can help lift fatigueand makes a good choice for vaporisation In skin care it is suitable for all skin types. Blended into a body lotion it leaves a delicious fragrance on the skin. It blends well with most oils.Use in low amounts as it is a strong oil Ways to use face and body massage, skin care, baths and showers, vaporisation, compresses.
Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale - from the petals of the plant)
Aroma: highly fragrant and sweet
With its heavenly fragrance, jasmine is much loved by the perfume industry. For such a delicate flower jasmine oil is very powerful and only a few drops are needed for its intense perfume to be noticed. .It has soothing and calming, yet energising and uplifting effects, and is ideal to choose if feeling anxious. It can assist breathing. Synergistically it works well in a massage blend with Lavender. A few drops give massage oils and body lotions a luxurious touch. Jasmine is very good for dry and sensitive skins. Ways to use face and body massage, baths and showers, skin care Note: Do not use in pregnancy
Juniper berry (Junperus Communis - from the berry)
Aroma: pungent, woody and medicinal
Antiseptic, clearing and stimulating. Juniper is valuable in many skin preparations for its astringent qualities Ways to use, body massage baths and showers, skin care and skin preparations, compresses, Note Do not use in pregnancy
Lavender (Lavender Officinalis - from the flowers of the plant)
Aroma: fresh and floral
This versatile essential oil must rate as the most used by Aromatherapists. It enhances the effects of other oils it is married with and blends with the majority of oils. Lavender has a wide range of properties. It is the one you are most likely to be offered in for its calming, relaxing, antiseptic and soothing properties. Whether used in massage preparations, bath oils or in vaporisation, lavender's gentle but effective action promotes relaxation and encourages restful sleep. Its antiseptic, soothing and rejuvenating properties have a favourable effect in skin care... Suitable for babies and young children. Ways to use baths body massage showers, skin care ,compresses, vaporisation
Lemon (Citrus Limonium from the zest of the rind)
Aroma: fresh and citrus
Refreshing and invigorating especially where there is fatigue. Lemon oil is legendary in skin care for its cleansing, deodorising,astringent and toning qualities. When used in a vapouriser or room spay its highly antiseptic properties can freshen the atmosphere. Ways to use baths body massage showers, skin care ,compresses, vaporisation : Note. Avoid using Lemon as a body massage oil /lotion immediately before sunbathing or using a sun bed as it can provoke uneven pigmentation
Marjoram Sweet (Origanum Majorana - from the flowering tops)
Aroma: sweet, warm and powerful
A warm comforting oil, marjoram can encourage restful sleep and is helpful during anxious and stressful times. Soothing and helpful for muscle fatigue. A strong oil it is best used sparingly. Ways to use baths and showers, body massage, vaporisation, compresses Note Do not use in pregnancy
Myrrh (commiphora myrrha) (tree resin)
Aroma: bitter smoky
An ancient oil, stimulating, toning and strengthening .Myrrh’s astringent and antiseptic properties being suitable for various skin conditions. Ways to use skin care, skin applications. Note Do not use in pregnancy
Neroli –Orange blossom (Citrus Aurantium - from the flowers of bitter orange tree) orange flower water is produced from the distillation water
Aroma warm ;floral
Neroli has an exquisite aroma. It is one of the best oils for helping to dispel fear, apprehension, nervous tension and anxiety and encouraging deep relaxation and peaceful thought. Assists breathing..Neroli is widely used in skin care creams for both its perfume and cosmetic properties. Suitable for use in pregnancy, babies and delicate skins. Ways to use body and face massage, skin care, baths and showers, vaporisation,
Petitgrain ( citrus aurantium)-from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree
Aroma floral ;fresh; mild
Calming and soothing, Petitgrain has similar properties to Neroli .but to a lesser degree. Its perfume is fresher and more delicate. Often referred to as ‘a poor mans Neroli’ as is it not nearly as expensive . Its balancing, astringent and deodorant effects are valuable in skin care. Helpful for oily skins. It makes a good room freshener. Ways to use: face and body massage ,skin care, vaporisation
Rosemary Officinalis (from the leaves and twigs of the plant)
Aroma: strong; clean; herby
Clearing; toning; stimulating. Use in baths and massage oils to help relieve muscular fatigue and restore feelings of well being. ‘Rosemary for remembrance’ it is legendary for its ability to promote and encourage clear thought. Used in hair care preparations -traditionally for dark hair- as camomile is for blond hair Ways to use body massage, skin applications, inhalations, vaporisation ;baths and showers Note: Do not use in pregnancy or if epileptic.
Sweet orange( citrus sinesis- the rind of the fruit)
Aroma: sweet; citrus
Orange oil is warm relaxing and uplifting. Its wonderful fragrance blends well with other oils especially geranium. As a massage oil, orange is fortifying and toning. Ways to use: body massage, baths and showers, skin care, vaporisation. Note avoid using Sweet orange as a body massage oil /lotion immediately before sunbathing or using a sun bed as it can provoke uneven pigmentation
Rose Otto (Rosa Damascene - extracted from flower petals)
Aroma: very fragrant; floral
Soothes, tones, cleanses; uplifts the spirit and helps maintain self-confidence. This most feminine and luxurious of oils has a beautiful and uplifting aroma. Helpful where there is anxiety and encourages deep and calm breathing. Excellent in skin care; rose makes a luxurious edition to skin creams. Antiseptic but mild enough for babies and dry, sensitive or mature skins. For a relaxing and indulgent bath add 3-4 drops to water before stepping in. Ways to use face and body massage, skin care, baths vaporisation. Note Do not use in Pregnancy
Sandalwood (Santalum Album - from the wood and roots)
Aroma: warm exotic and woody
Sandalwood has been used in traditional Indian medicine and religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Its effects being both mentally and physically soothing. Much used in skin care; sandalwood is suitable for all types of skin but especially delicate and mature. It makes an excellent facial massage oil. Musky, rich and exotic, Sandalwood keeps well and improves with age. Ways to use baths and showers, face and body massage, skin care, vaporisation
Spearmint: Can help energize and refresh and is indicated where there is fatigue.
Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata - from the rind zest)
Aroma fresh; sweet, citrus
Tangerine is a gentle oil with a pleasant cheerful aroma. It is suitable for young and old, and possesses refreshing, toning, fortifying and relaxing qualities. Helpful for the digestive system. During pregnancy tangerine makes a useful edition to oils and creams to help keep skins supple. Ways to use: body massage, baths and showers, skin care Note Avoid using as a body massage oil /lotion immediately before sunbathing or using a sun bed as it can provoke uneven pigmentation
Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia-from the leaves of the tree)
Aroma: strong; medicinal.
Stimulating; antiseptic and cleansing. The antibacterial powers of tea tree have been known by the Australian aborigines for thousands of years. One of the most used essential oils with a wide range of properties; invaluable in skin care. Ways to use: body massage, vaporisation, skin care, inhalations.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata - from the flowers of the tree)
Aroma: sweet; strong; fragrant
Exotic, sensual and extremely relaxing.Ylang Ylang helps soothe and calm, uplifts the mood and assists breathing. Helpful where there’s anxiety. Good for all skin types. Its exotic perfume adds a lingering fragrance to body lotions, creams and bath oils. Ways to use baths and showers, skin care, vaporisation Note A strong oil, use in a low dilution.
The following oils should not be used during pregnancy.
| Angelica |
Clove |
Lovage |
Rosemary |
| Aniseed |
Clary Sage |
Myrrh |
Sage |
| Basil |
Fennel |
Origanum |
Savory |
| Camphor |
Hyssop |
Parsley |
Spanish Marjoram |
| Cedarwood |
Jasmine |
Peppermint |
Sweet Marjoram |
| Cinnamon |
Juniper |
Rose |
Tarragon |
Thyme
Oils that should never be used in aromatherapy
Don't buy an oil you have never heard of or read about, and if you have any doubts about an oil, leave well alone until you can find out full and reliable information about it from a qualified aromatherapist
| Arnica |
Horseradish |
Rue |
Tansy |
| Armoise |
Jaborandi Leaf |
Sassafras |
Thuga |
| Baldo Leaf |
Mustard |
Savin |
Wintergreen |
| Bitter Almond |
Pennyroyal |
Southernwood |
Wormwood |
| Calamus |
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1985-2010 Allison England all rights reserved
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