ESSENTIAL OIL PROPERTIES


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Oil of Amyris Amyris; balsamifera; West Indies
So called West Indies Sandalwood Oil. Not as nice as Mysore Sandalwood Oil. It is from a different botanical source but employed as a replacement for the Mysore in blending.

Oil of Angelica Root & Seed; Archangelica officinalis; France
Both the root and the seed of Angelica are used as a flavoring and as a gelica seed is sweeter than the root.

Oil of Anise; Pimpinella anisum; Spain ( USP)
Warm, pleasant and sweet. Traditional flavoring material. Thought by some to be an aphrodisiac. Digestive aid, heart stimulant. Attracts fish.

Arnica Oil; Arnica montana; France
An infused oil, rub for bruises, sprains and aching muscles.

Atlas Cedarwood; Cedrus atlantica; Morocco
Wildcrafted. Described as a healing and regenerative oil. It is recommended for the lymph system and cellulite. Effective for oily skin and scalp. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Balsam Peru (Genuine); Myroxylon pereirae; South America
Warm vanilla-like fragrance. Very thick, dark brown and slow pouring. At one time, Balsam Peru was used to combat scabies. Excellent fixative for perfumes. Must be diluted. Soluble in alcohol and blends well with most Essential Oils.
Oil of Balsam; Peru Myroxylon pereirae; Central & South America
Similar qualities in fragrance and use to the Genuine. Perhaps easier to work with. Less effective as a fixative.

Oil of Basil (Sweet;) Ocimum basilicum; Commores
A welcome addition to some perfumes, even more welcome in sauces of all types. Fantastically fragrant, and is said to aid digestion.

Oil of Bay; Pimento racemosa; West Indies
Said to repel insects. Used to flavor foods and alcoholic beverages. Good addition to spice type colognes and perfumes. Soothes itching.

Benzoin Resinoid; Styrax tonkinensis; Sumatra
Distilled from Gum Benzoin. Extremely thick and gooey. Use to replace tincture of benzoin. Excellent fixative for perfumery and potpourris.

Oil of Bergamot; Citrus bergamia; Italy
In very low concentrations, this oil is thought to be soothing to skin irritations. Traditional citrus top note in European perfumes and colognes. A flavoring in Earl Grey tea.

Oil of Birch (Sweet); Betula lenta; USA
Distilled from the Sweet or Black Birch tree. As with oil of wintergreen it is rich in Methyl salicylate. At one time it was used in making "Birch Beer". Works great for muscle rubs, in soaps and candles. It is also said to repel insects.

Oil of Black Pepper; Piper nigrum; Madagascar
Wnderful addition to men's fragrances. Also used to replace ground pepper by large food manufacturers. Energizing.

Oil of Calendula; Calendula officinalis; USA
An infused oil, useful for healing, scarring, bruising, diaper rash.

Oil of Cajeput; Melaleuca leucadendron (Native Tea Tree); Asia
Also known as Tea Tree Oil. Used in liniments, decongestant aids, and insect repellent. Powerful germicide.

Oil of Camphor; Cinnamomum camphora; Japan
An addition to many fragrant medicines and perfumes. Anti-inflammatory and soothing to the skin. Repels insects, effective for bruises.

Camphor Gum Crystals; China
Can be added to vegetable oil for making camphorated oils for aches, sprains and sore, tired muscles.

Oil of Caraway; Seed Carum carvi; USA
Digestive aid, mouth watering, the fragrance of a good rye bread.

Oil of Cardamom; Elettaria cardamom; South & Central America
Wonderful warm fragrance, great for blending in perfumes and as a culinary flavor. Appetite stimulant, aphrodisiac.

Oil of Carrot Seed; Daucus carota; France
Steam distilled from the seed. Strong earthy fragrance. Contains carotene, effective for skin irritation. Said to reduce wrinkles.

Oil of Cedarwood; Juniperus virginiana; (Virginia) USA
Drying when applied to acne eruptions. Pleasant fragrance, blends well and serves as a good fixative in perfumes. Known to repel moths and other insects.

Oil of Celery Seed; Apium graveolens; USA
Culinary uses. Traditionally used as a kidney tonic and for fluid retention.

Oil of Cilantro; Coriandrum sativum; USA
Distilled from the leaves of Coriander. Used primarily as a flavoring for Mexican foods. A digestive stimulant, helps flatulence. Effective for oily skin.

Oil of Chamomile; Blue Matricaria chamomilla; France
Also know as German chamomile, contains azulene which gives it the blue color. Anti-inflammatory.

Oil of Chamomile; Morocco Ormensis mixta; Morocco
Soothes sore muscles. Pleasant in the bath. Said to lighten the hair when added to shampoos and rinses. Relaxing to the body, mind and spirit.

Oil of Chamomile; Romaine Anthemis nobilis; USA
Also known as Roman chamomile. Sweet, fragrant chamomile, lightens hair, relaxant, calming, soothing, muscle rub.

Oil of Cinnamon Bark; True Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Ceylon
Used for blending expensive perfumes. Antiseptic and circulatory stimulant.

Oil of Cinnamon (Cassia); Cinnamomum cassia; China
Hot, sweet, exotic. An excellent flavoring. Wonderful in oriental type perfumes. Used in dental preparations, and for making cinnamon tooth picks. Used for oily skin and scalp.

Oil of Cinnamon Leaf; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Ceylon
Not as sweet as Oil Cinnamon Bark, or Cassia. Flavor is slightly bitter and reminiscent of Oil Clove Bud. Perfect for making soaps, candles, incense and for scenting potpourris. Vermifuge-expels worms.

Oil of Cedarwood; Juniperus virginiana (Virginia); USA
Drying when applied to acne eruptions. Pleasant fragrance, blends well and serves as a good fixative in perfumes. Known to repel moths and other insects.

Oil of Cedarwood; Himalayan Cedrus deodora; India
Deodor Cedar is a true cedar. Imparts strong pleasant woody notes.

Oil of Celery Seed; Apium graveolens; USA
Traditionally used as a kidney tonic and for fluid retention. Check with your health practioner for proper usage. Used as a flavoring and in perfumery.

Oil of Cilantro; Coriandrum sativum; New Zealand
Organic Distilled from the Coriander herb. Used primarily as a flavoring in Mexican cooking. A digestive stimulant, helps eliminate flatulence. Used in preparations for oily skin.

Oil of Citronella; Cymbopogon nardus; Cylon, Java, India, China
A traditional soap scent. Sometimes used in perfumes. Most well known for its ability to repel mosquitoes.

Civet, Artificial Synthetic
Civet is an indispensible ingredient in perfumery. Natural Civet is an animal product. Although we do not condone the use of animal products in perfumery, we do recognize the importance of this ingredient. In an olfactory sense, Civet Artificial is aroma-identical to the natural material and easier and kinder to use.

Oil Clary Sage; Salvia scalaria; USA
Soothing, relaxing and pleasant addition to perfumes. A massage with some Oil Clary mixed into your massage oil is said to impart a feeling of euphoria.

Oil Clove Bud; Eugenia caryophylatta; Madagascar
Traditional toothache application. Sweeter then Oil Clove Leaf. Used as a flavoring and in perfumery. Keeps moths out of the closet. Great in soaps an potpourris.

Oil Clove Leaf; Eugenia caryophylatta; Madagascar
Used in candles, soaps and potpourris. Replaces the higher priced Oil Clove Bud in these applications. Not for internal use.

Oil Coriander; Coriandrum sativum; USA, Canada
Distilled from Coriander seed. Used as a flavoring. Stimulating. Digestive aid. Helps eliminate flatulence.

Oil Cypress; Cupressus semervirens; Southern Europe
Good addition for perfumes and muscle rubs. Stimulates circulation

Oil of Dillweed; Anethum graveolens; USA
Used as a flavoring and digestive aid. Very strong, must be diluted.

Oil of Elemi; Canarium luzonicum; Phillipines
Fresh, spicy woodsy note. Used extensively in soapmaking. An expectorant, anntiseptic and is used as a base note in perfumes.

Oil of Erigeron; Erigeron canadensis; USA
The common name for the herb from which this oil is distilled is "Fleabane", need we say more.

Oil of Eucalyptus 80/85; Eucalyptus globulous; China
High natural eucalyptol content. Used commercially in muscle rubs and decongetion aids. Repels insect pests. Antiseptic. Good solvent for removing adhesives

Oil of Eucalyptus; Citriodora Eucalyptus citriodora; India
A "citrusy" eucalyptus oil used in perfumes and soaps.

Oil of Fennel (Sweet); Foeniculum vulgare; USA
Can be used in a poltice for bruising, or in a compress for sore eyes. Used in some insect repellent blends. Good flavoring.

Oil of Fir Needle; Canada Abies balsamea; Canada, USA
Traditional "Christmas scent" in the Northeast US.
Pleasant aroma used in perfumes, soaps, candles and potpourris.

Oil of Fir Needle; Siberian Abies siberiensis; Siberia
Traditional "Pine Scent". Used in liniments, as a disinfectant, for making soaps, candles and for scenting sachets and potpourris. A pleasant forrest aroma.

Oil of Frankincense- See Olibanum

Oil of Garlic; Allium sativum; USA, Mexico
Very powerful concentrated aroma. Must be extremely dilute for use. Used as a flavoring, for de-worming pets.

Gum Camphor; Cinnamonum camphora; Japan
An addition to many fragrant medicines and perfumes. Anti-inflammatory and soothing to the skin. Repels insect. Effective for bruising. Some use Gum Camphor during meditation.

Oil of Geranium; Egypt Pelargonium graveolens; Egypt
Heals wounds, soothes, mild analgesic and sedative. Fresh sweet rosey floral note. Blends well with citrus and basil.

Oil of Ginger; Zingiber officinale; China
Distilled from ginger root. Hot and sweet. Good addition to "Oriental Type" perfumes. Ginger root has been found to relieve nausea.

Oil of Grapefruit (Pink); Citrus paradisi; USA
Pressed from the peel of the Pink Grapefruit. A light citrus note. Used externally for oily skin. Digestive tonic and is said to help PMS and menopausal hotflashes. Check with helth practitioner for proper use.

Oil of Helichrysum; Helichrysum italicum, H. angustifolia; Southern Europe, Corsica, Dalmatia
Used for bruising and sore muscles. Anti-viral, blends well with Rosehip Seed Oil for topical application for scars and acne.

Oil of Hyssop; Hyssopus officinale; Southern Europe
Used in expectorant blends, as an antispasmodic and a digestive aid. Use with extreme care.

Oil of Juniper Berry; Juniperus communis; Europe
Antiseptic. The "flavor" of gin. Used for urinary tract problems. Good addition to soaps and muscle rubs.

Oil of Lavender; Lavandula officinalis; France & USA
Soothes burns, eases headaches, sore muscles, herpes and sinus. Wonderful in soaps and candles.

Oil of Lavandin; Lavendula latifolia; France
Lavender type fragrance, floral, light, effective replacement for lavender.

Oil of Lemon; Citrus limonum; USA
May be an irritant if used undiluted. Hardens nails, great for nail soaks in manicures. Excellent flavoring, fragrance for potpourris, sachets, candles & soaps.

Oil of Lemongrass; Cymbopogon citratus; Guatemala
A pleasant deodorizer. Good insect repellent. Digestive aid. Stimulating hair treatment.

Oil of Lime; Citrus aurantifolia; Mexico
From the peel of the Lime. Uplifting to the spirits. Digestive aid. Excellent room deodorizer.

Oil of Litsea; Litsea cubeba; Vietnam
Blends well with citrus oils especially lemon. Used as a soap scent. Adds a citrus note coming off the top of your blend.

Oil of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) See: Tea Tree New Zealand

Marigold Absolute; Tagetes glandulifera or T. minuta; France
Used in Africa as a fly and vermin repellent. Earthy floral note.

Oil of Marjoram; Origanum majorana; Europe
Soothing and calming aroma. Perfect in a relaxation blend. Sweet fragrance.

Menthol; Crystals Menthol; Brazil
A naturally derived menthol from Brazil. Perfect in liniment type mixtures. Cooling and pleasant smelling.

Mimosa Absolute; Acacia dealbata; France
Warm flower like perfume, it is said to soothe worries and fears and is an effective skin moisturizer and nourisher. Soluble in alcohol.

Oil of Mugwort; Artemesia vulgaris; Morocco
Highly aromatic. Use with extreme caution. Do not take internally. Consult a reliable Aromatherapy text for proper usage.

Oil of Myrrh; Commiphora myrrha; Africa
Heavy warm base note. A good fixative. Soothing to the mucus membrane, employed in anti-wrinkle formulas. The ancient Egyptians used Myrrh along with other gums and resins in the process of mummification.

Oil of Neroli (Orange Blossom); Citrus aurantium; France
Distilled from the blossoms of the Bitter Orange. Wonderful fragrance. Used for relaxation, in perfumery and as a meditative aid.

Oil of Niaouli; Melaleuca qui. viridiflora; Australia
Herbal sources say this oil is valuable as an antiseptic. Similar to Cajeput. Useful for a variety of infections both internally and externally.

Oil of Nutmeg; Myristica fragrans; East Indies
One of the ingredients of Vicks Vapo-Rub. Stimulating, good flavoring, not to be ingested in large quantities.

Oak Moss; Absolute Evernia prunastri
Indispensable to the perfumer. Soluble in alcohol. Having a characteristic musk-lavender odor. An excellent fixative, blending well with a wide range of materials including lavender. It will strengthen and improve a lavender soap scent.

Oil of Olibanum (Frankincense); Boswellia spp.; Africa
Distilled from Frankincense gum/resin also know as" tears". The exotic fragrance of the Middle East. Great fixative in perfumery. Has both spiritual and medicinal application.

Opopanax; Absolute "bisabol-myrrh"; Commiphora erythraea; Africa
Valuable in perfumes as a base note fixative, warm, balsamic exotic, fragrance blends well in oriental types. Harmonizes with myrrh, olibanum, sandalwood, vetiver and patchouli.

Oil of Orange (Bitter); Citrus bigaradia; West Indies
Warm tangerine like fragrance. Very pleasant in all blends requiring a citrus note. Nice in men's colognes and after-shaves. Used frequently by Naturopathic physicians.

Oil of Orange (Sweet); Citrus aurantium; USA
Blends well in oriental type fragrances. Soothing in low concentrations (as in the case with all citrus oils, oil of Sweet Orange may be irritating to the surface of the skin if used undiluted.) Good in soaps, candles, potpourris. Currently being employed as a natural degreaser and hand cleaner. Most citrus oils work well as solvents.

Oil of Oregano; Carvocrol Type Origanum vulgare; Spain
Stimulating, antiseptic, anti-viral and a great flavoring. Used by some Naturopaths for cases of Candida.

Oil of Palmarosa; Cymbopogon martinii; Asia
Used in cosmetics and soaps. Used in blending "rose" scent because of its geraniol content.

Oil of Parsley Seed; Petroselinum sativum; France
Recommended for kidney/bladder, menstrual and menopausal problems. Also used in perfumery.

Oil of Patchouli; Pogostemon patchouli; East Indies
Sweet, earthy, oriental type. Good fixative in floral perfumes. Good deodorant. Considered by some to be an aphrodisiac. Nice in soaps candles and potpourris.

Oil of Peppermint; Mentha piperita; USA
Stimulating to a tired brain. Used for headaches, sore throats, muscle aches, insect bites, toothaches, sweetens the breath. Perfect to take along on camping trips, or to keep in the medicine chest.

Oil of Petitgrain; Citrus bigaradia; Africa
Distilled from the leaves of the Bitter Orange. Similar to Neroli. Pleasant addition to perfume blends. Both refreshing and uplifting to the spirit.

Oil of Pine (White); Pinus strobus; USA
Disinfectant. Good in muscle rubs and repels insects.

Rose Attar (Bulgarian); Rosa damascena; Bulgaria
Distilled from the petals of the Damasc Rose. The Queen of fragrances. Rose is a powerful astringent. Good application for mouth sores. Relaxing. Solidifies in the bottle when the temperature is cold but quickly liquifies when warmed gently.

Oil of Rosemary; Rosmarinus officinalis; Spain
Used in shampoos to enhance the color of dark hair, counters split ends, and reduces static charge. Great in massage oils and in the bath. Said to aid the memory.

Oil of Rue; Ruta graveolens; Europe
Well known as an insect repellent.

Oil of Sage; Salvia officinalis; Dalmatia
Stimulating digestive aid, great flavoring.

Oil of Sandalwood; E.I. Santalum album; India
Wonderful pure East Indian oil. Used as a meditative aid, calms the mind, expels bad spirits. Said to be an aphrodisiac. Soothing to mucous membrane, helps to clear acne. Blends well and serves as a fixative in most perfumes.

Oil of Spearmint; Mentha spicata; USA
Excellent flavoring. Sweet and fragrant. Said to repel insects.

Styrax Resin; Liquidamber styraciflua; Turkey
A resin used as a fixative in perfumery.

Oil of Tangerine; Citrus palustris; USA, Brazil
Used wherever a pleasant citrus scent is required. Said to relax muscles and act as a tonic for the liver.

Oil of Tarragon; Artemesia dracunculus; USA
Flavoring in vinegar, sauces, liqueur and perfumery.

Oil of Tea Tree, Australia; Melaleuca alternifolia; Australia
An effective antiseptic, anti-viral and anti-fungal.

Oil of Tea Tree, New Zealand; (Manuka) Leptospermum scoparium; New Zealand
As effective if not more so than Australian Tea Tree, with a more pleasant, honey like aroma.

Tolu Balsam Resin; Myroxylon balsamum; USA
The balsam has a soft sweet hyacinth like note. An excellent fixative soluble in alcohol. Filter out undissolved material for use.

Tolu Absolute; Myroxylon balsamum; France
Vanilla like, resinous, excellent fixative, indispensable in perfumery, soaps, cosmetics. Expectorant.

Tuberose; Absolute Polianthes tuberosa; France
Sensuous, heavy, exotic, floral, great in perfume, notes of jasmine.

Vanilla Bourbon Absolute; Vanilla planifolia; Madagascar
Good enough to eat, sensual, warm, aphrodisiac.

Verbena Absolute; Lippia citriodora; Spain
Heavenly, uplifting, top note, fresh, light, citrus, refreshing, digestive, stimulant, skin antiseptic.

Oil of Vetivert; Vetiveria zizanoides; Haiti
Distilled from the root of the grass Vetiver. Thought to create harmony in the home. Works well as a fixative in perfumery. Very heavy aroma. Use sparingly.

Violet Leaf; Absolute; Viola odorata; France
A precious oil, up to 1400 kg of violets needed to produce 1kg of concrete which in turn will yield about 38% absolute. Employed in high grade French type perfumery. Note this is the leaf not flower absolute and does not have a traditional violet fragrance.

Oil of Wintergreen; Gaultheria procumbens; China
For external use only. Good application for warts and sore muscles. Use in soaps and candles. Must be diluted.

Oil of Wormwood; Artemesia absinthium; USA
Not intended for internal use. Can be used for muscular aches and pains. Also used in some perfume blends.

Oil of Ylang Ylang; Canangium odoratum; Madagascar
The Flower of Flowers. Said to abate anger borne of frustration. Wonderful floral bouquet. Relaxes body, mind and spirit. Anti-depressant, aphrodisiac.

Oil of Yarrow; Achillea millefolium; Great Britain
Organic. High in azulene. Known to be an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive and carminative.


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