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Transform Your Health Today

Essential Oils – A Beginner’s Guide

Essential Oils – A Beginner’s Guide

Essential Oils – A Beginner’s Guide

  

Welcome to our apothecary’s introduction to essential oils. Below you’ll find clear, evidence-informed profiles of ten of the most loved and versatile oils. Every description is written in-house and based on current scientific understanding and centuries of traditional use.

General Safety Notes (please read)

Essential Oils – A Beginner’s Guide

Essential Oils – A Beginner’s Guide

  

  • Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, fractionated coconut, etc.) before applying to skin.
  • Standard safe dilution for adults: 1–3% (6–18 drops per 30 mL / 1 oz carrier).
  • Keep away from eyes, inner ears, and mucous membranes.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Pregnant or nursing women, and people with medical conditions, should consult a qualified practitioner before use.
  • Do not ingest essential oils unless under the direct supervision of a certified clinical aromatherapist or medical professional.

Roman Chamomile – Chamaemelum nobile

Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis (cold-pressed peel)

Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis (cold-pressed peel)

Plant family: Asteraceae

  • Main constituents: esters (isobutyl angelate, isoamyl angelate)
  • Aroma: sweet, apple-like, herbaceous
  • Traditional use: calming children, soothing angry skin
  • Evidence-based uses: reduces anxiety, gentle anti-inflammatory
  • Safety: one of the safest oils; excellent for babies (0.5% dilution) and sensitive skin

Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis (cold-pressed peel)

Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis (cold-pressed peel)

Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis (cold-pressed peel)

  

Plant family: Rutaceae

  • Main constituents: limonene (>90%)
  • Aroma: bright, cheerful citrus
  • Traditional use: uplifting mood, household cleaning
  • Evidence-based uses: mild calming effect, supports feelings of happiness
  • Safety: not phototoxic like many citrus oils; still best to avoid strong sun exposure after heavy topical use

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus or E. radiata

Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis (cold-pressed peel)

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus or E. radiata

  

Plant family: Myrtaceae

  • Main constituents: 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)
  • Aroma: camphoraceous, fresh
  • Traditional use: respiratory support during colds
  • Evidence-based uses: expectorant, helps clear congestion

Peppermint – Mentha × piperita

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus or E. radiata

  

Plant family: Lamiaceae

  • Main constituents: menthol, menthone
  • Aroma: strong minty, cooling
  • Traditional use: digestive support, headache relief
  • Evidence-based uses: relieves tension headaches, reduces IBS symptoms when used appropriately
  • Safety: do NOT use on children under 6 or near the face of infants; avoid in G6PD deficiency and with certain medications

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

  

Plant family: Lamiaceae

  • Main constituents: linalool, linalyl acetate
  • Aroma: sweet, floral, herbaceous
  • Traditional use: calming, sleep-promoting, minor wound care
  • Evidence-based uses: reduces anxiety, improves sleep quality, soothes minor burns and insect bites
  • Safety: very gentle; suitable for children over 2 (1% dilution) and during pregnancy (with professional guidance)

Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

  

Plant family: Myrtaceae

  • Main constituents: terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene
  • Aroma: fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous
  • Traditional use: Aboriginal Australian remedy for skin infections
  • Evidence-based uses: antibacterial, antifungal; helpful for acne, athlete’s foot, minor cuts
  • Safety: can be skin-sensitizing if oxidized—store tightly sealed and cool

Lemon – Citrus limon (cold-pressed peel)

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis (ct. 1,8-cineole or verbenone)

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis (ct. 1,8-cineole or verbenone)

  

  

Plant family: Rutaceae

  • Main constituents: limonene, β-pinene
  • Aroma: clean, zesty citrus
  • Traditional use: cleansing, mood lifting
  • Evidence-based uses: antimicrobial surface cleaner, mild mood booster
  • Safety: phototoxic—avoid sun/UV exposure for 12–18 hours after skin application

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis (ct. 1,8-cineole or verbenone)

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis (ct. 1,8-cineole or verbenone)

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis (ct. 1,8-cineole or verbenone)

  

  

Plant family: Lamiaceae

  • Main constituents: 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-pinene
  • Aroma: herbaceous, stimulating
  • Traditional use: memory aid, hair growth tonic
  • Evidence-based uses: improves cognitive performance, scalp circulation
  • Safety: avoid in epilepsy, high blood pressure, and pregnancy (first trimester)

Geranium – Pelargonium × asperum (often labeled graveolens)

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis (ct. 1,8-cineole or verbenone)

Geranium – Pelargonium × asperum (often labeled graveolens)

  

  

Plant family: Geraniaceae

  • Main constituents: citronellol, geraniol
  • Aroma: rosy, slightly minty
  • Traditional use: balancing emotions and hormones, skin care
  • Evidence-based uses: gentle astringent, mood stabilizer
  • Safety: generally non-irritating; safe during pregnancy after first trimester

Frankincense – Boswellia carterii or B. sacra

Frankincense – Boswellia carterii or B. sacra

Geranium – Pelargonium × asperum (often labeled graveolens)

    

Plant family: Burseraceae

  • Main constituents: α-pinene, limonene, sabinene
  • Aroma: warm, resinous, slightly spicy
  • Traditional use: meditation, skin regeneration, spiritual rituals
  • Evidence-based uses: supports mature skin, promotes feelings of peace
  • Safety: extremely gentle; safe for most people

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