These are a few essential oils and their properties. It is helpful to know the effects of individual oils as well as any precautions. There are many good Aromatherapy guides available that offer a complete explanation of each essential oil.  Note: The effects on body is listed first, then the effects on mind.  Cautions follow after description.

Bergamot/Citrus bergamia:  Antiseptic, analgesic, deodorant, insect repellent.

Uplifts mood, anti-depressant, sedative, calming, reduces stress and fatigue.

*May cause photo-sensitivity.

Cedarwood/Cedrus atlantica (altas): Antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, stimulant.

Antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, improves mental clarity, helps meditation.

*Not to be used by pregnant women.

Chamomile Roman/Anthemis nobilis: digestive stimulant, bactericidal, anti-spasmodic. Good for skin inflammations, headaches, gentle on skin.

Calming, hypnotic, sedative and anti-depressant.

Cinnamon/Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent.

Aphrodisiac, good for alertness, clear thinking. Stress reducing.

*Use diluted, can irritate skin if used neat (straight).

Clary Sage/Salvia sclarea: Hormone balancer, antiseptic, astringent.

Sedative (strong), aphrodisiac and antidepressant. Treats migraines, anxiety and menopausal symptoms.

*Do not use with alcohol to avoid hangover, do not use during menstration (may increase flow) and do not use if pregnant.

Eucalyptus/Eucalyptus globulus: Antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic and stimulant.

Increases concentration and clear thought. Clears sinuses, helpful for bronchial conditions and sore muscles.

*Toxic in large amounts and may be fatal if taken internally. Do not use with high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Geranium/Pelargonium graveolens: Astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, hormone balancer.

Anti-depressant, emotional balance, calming in small amounts, stimulating in larger amounts, mood uplifting.

*May lower blood sugar levels. Use with caution if hypoglycemic.

Lemon/Citrus limonum: Bactericidal, astringent, anti-viral, disinfectant, immuno-stimulant.

Uplifting, anti-depressant, calming, improves mental clarity, refreshing.

*May cause sun sensitivity, and may irritate sensitive skin. Use only 1-3% for topical applications.

 Lavender/Lavendula officinalis: Analgesic, antiseptic, bactericidal, decongestant.

Anti-depressant, claming, soothing, relaxing, treats headaches, rashes, sore muscles, stress and insomnia.

Sweet Orange/Citrus aurantium: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, expectorant and disinfectant.

Anti-depressant, mildy hypnotic, sedative, improves mental clarity, relieves tension, revitalizing.

*May cause sun sensitivity.

Peppermint/Mentha piperata: Analgesic, expectorant, antispasmodic.

Stimulating, refreshing, calms anger, relieves mental fatigue, alertness.

Rosemary/Rosemarinus officianalis: Analgesic, anti-fungal, decongestant, insecticide, stimulant and diuretic.

Anti-depressant and uplifting, helps to make alert, opens sinuses.

*do not use if epilepsy is factor. Can be toxic in large doses.

Tea Tree/Malaleuca alternifolia: Analgesic, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, immuno-stimulant. Healing to the skin, treats cold sores congestion and many other conditions.

Energizing, clears thoughts.

*Can produce profuse sweating. Non toxic, non irritating, may be used neat (undiluted).

Rose/Rose centifolia (Moroccan) or rosa damascena (Turkish):

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, astringent.

Anti-depressant, sedative, aphrodisiac, uplifting.