Plants provide us with medicines to prevent and treat disease and balance our constitution.   The term aromatherapy was created by a French chemist in the early 20th century who burned his hand and used a vat of Lavender oil to cool it down.  He discovered that it helped his burns to heal and his hand did not scar.  This led to essential oils being used on soldiers’ wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. Aromatherapy evolved to include massage treatments for physiological and psychological well being.

The therapeutic properties of essential oils are what makes aromatherapy massage so special. Lavender oil has been proven to stimulate the immune system and increase white blood cell production, while Grapefruit, Lemon, Rosemary and Fennel are excellent cleansing, uplifting and immune boosting oils. Nature’s medicine chest is vast and the combinations endless.

Essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream enhancing cell renewal, circulation and detoxification. Blood and lymph circulation and the clearing of waste products are enhanced, as is the process of cellular renewal.

I love Beatitude Aromatherapy Oils. Rebecca O’Connor is a qualified and experienced Aromatherapist and has been practicing for many years.

https://www.beatitudeproducts.co.uk

✨Pregnancy ~ I only ever use mandarin essential oil during pregnancy✨

Dosage is 20ml carrier oil (e.g. Coconut oil, almond oil) to max 8 drops essential oil

I wouldn’t use essential oils on the face or on babies skin

Some popular essential oils ✨

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Laminaceae. Flowering tops, leaves, stems.

First aid – cuts, burns, bruises – all inflammations.

Helpful for: everything! Healing. Promotes cell growth, balances emotions, immune stimulant, relaxes breathing.  Habit breaking and crisis smoother.

Contra-indications: None noted

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Geraniaceae. Leaves, stocks & flowers

Balances both mind and body – emotionally uplifting and stimulates circulation.  Gives sense of security, receptivity and intimacy

Helpful for:  Overworked perfectionists! Helping to connect to sensuality. Balancing hormones. Anxiety , pain, circulatory problems, lymphatic congestion.  Nervous tension.

Contra-indications: None noted

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) Rutaceae.  Leaves & twigs of bitter orange.

Strengthens the emotionally delicate.  Restoring faith and calming when feeling angry or betrayed.  Promotes mental clarity – sharpens thought process

Helpful for: Palpitations and insomnia from anxiety or nervous breakdown.  Hyperactivity.  Stress induced conditions.

Contra-indications:  None noted

Bergamont (Citrus bergamia) Rutaceae. Fruit, similar to orange.

Uplifting and cheerful. Release – relax – uplift!

Cooling and calming

Helpful for: Promoting feelings of happiness and being carefree. Anxiety, depression, addictions. Over eating. Releasing pent up feelings – letting go and opening up.

Contra-indications:  phototoxic

Mandarin (Citrus reticula) Rutaceae. Outer peel.

Refreshing – happy – soothing - relaxing

Only oil safe for the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Great for kids and the elderly. Aids digestion

Helpful for: Pregnancy, stretch marks, promoting skin growth, anxiety

Contra-indications: None noted

Orange (Citrus sinensis) Rutaceae. Outer peel.

Uplifting – warm – bright - restorative

Gives burst of sunshine! Clears frustration.  Calms stomach, aids peristalsis. Immune stimulant

Helpful for: Clearing the fear of the unknown, releasing built up stress, constipation. Promoting positive outlook, happiness, ease and adaptability.

Contra-indications: None noted

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) Burseraceae. Gum resin

Strength in hardship – Protection

Emotionally balances – promotes sense of calm.  Heightens spiritual experience – Ego and spirit are one. Awakens higher consciousness.  Rejuvenates skin.  Calms and deepens breath

Helpful for: Breathing – esp. if fear connected to breathing.  Anxiety, asthma. Healing scars.  Clearing old ghosts.  Meditation.

Contra-indications: None noted

Benzion (Styrax benzoin) Styraceae. Resin from trees

Grounding – Euphoria! – Harmonising – Soothing – Stabilising – Nurturing - Warming

Stimulates conscious mind and brings harmony. Expectorant, carminative, sedative

Helpful for: Emotional exhaustion, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, anger, past tension and resentments.  Chapped skin, chesty coughs – loosening mucus,

Contra-indications: possible skin sensation

Lime (Citrus media) Rutaceae. Peel of whole fruit

Refreshing and uplifting, clears fatigue,

Stimulating and activating especially energising and revitalising for apathy, anxiety and depression. Immune stimulant.

Helpful for: fatigue, travel sickness, tired minds, cellulite, viruses, depression

Contra-indications: possible irritation with sunlight on the skin

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) Annonaceae.  Flowers.

Euphoric effect promoting positive emotions, calming and sedating in stressful times.  Hormone balancing, anti depressant, hypotensive, sedative.  Disapates jealousy, soothes frustrations, introversion, emotional coldness, impotency, frigidity. Promotes confidence. Aphrodisiac.

Helpful for: slowing breathing and heart rate.  Regulating flow of adrenaline therefore reducing stress, anger, panic, frustration.

Contra-indications: Use in moderation (for the sake of the world population!)

Palmarosa (Cymbopagon martinii) Cymbopogon. Fresh/dried grass.

Calming yet uplifting for emotions. Clarifying

Helpful for: Exhaustion and stress. Clearing heat, stabilising and soothing to emotions, people who find it hard to let go. Stimulating skin cell regeneration and regulating sebum.

Contra-indications: None noted

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) Pinaceae. Wood

Strength – endurance – certainty

Creates harmony – clears mind when clogged with anxiety and tension, helps with day dreaming and for those absent minded.  Used in temples for meditation. Transforms negative and threatening feeling into an experience of strength and wisdom.

Drains cold dampness.  Improves blood and lymph flow.  Repels insects and fungus. Antibacterial, diuretic for water retention, expectorant for clearing mucus.

Helpful for: fat and lymph congestion, fungal infections, poor concentration, catarrh, meditation, spiritual connection.

Contra-indications: Not in pregnancy

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) Gramineae. Roots of grass

Nourishing – restoring – reconnecting.

Grounding back to earth – sense of well being. Connects to our vital source.

Deeply calming. Oil of tranquillity – relaxes over heated hyperactive mind.  Releases mental and physical exhaustion. Supports Yin – restorative, absorptive, anabolic functions

Helpful for: Exhaustion, stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, hyperventilating. When deep relaxation of muscles, nervous system needed for mind, body and soul.

Contra-indications: None noted

Common/ Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Pinaceae. Needles

Invigorating, refreshing, cleansing, deo.  Cleanses negative energies and promotes well being. Self acceptance. Protection, boundaries.

Immune stimulant, expectorant, clears mucus (wonderful in a sauna!)

Helpful for: Concentration – mental fatigue, emotional weakness. Cleansing physically and energetically.

Contra-indications: Possible irritation for sensitive skins

Juniper (Juniperus communis)  Cupressaceae. Berries, twigs, needles

Empower – Unburden - Fortify

Detoxifies, cleaning out body & mind of excesses – fluid, anxieties, build up of toxins, sleep problems, negative energies from others.  Breaks psychological stagnation and consolidates will power. Moves the blood, de-toxifying, decongests lymph, cellulite, anagestic, anti spasmodic, anti septic, clears phlegm

Helpful for: Nervous exhaustion, stress related exhaustion, urinary infections

Contra-indications: Pregnancy, kidney disease

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Apiaceae.  Crushed seeds

Grounding. Warm and sweet.  Cleans out body – natural diuretic and depurative.  Carminative. Increases breast milk. Regulates menstrual cycle.  Enlivens the mind.

Helpful for: Helps relieve flatulence, constipation ,water retention and cellulite. Counteracts the effects of alcohol useful for alcoholism.

Contra-indications: Not to be used in pregnancy or epilepsy

Sage (Salvia officinalis) Laminaceae. Aerial parts.

Promotes long life – wisdom – strengthens the memory – quickens the senses

Hormone balancing, muscle relaxant, increases blood flow to the head improving conditions due to poor cerebral circulation.  Salvia = to save. Heals cuts and wounds. Astringent – diarrhoea, bleeding.

Helpful for: Menopause. Eases hot flushes and sweating. Grief, depression, tiredness, feeling overwhelmed emotionally.

Contra-indications: high blood pressure, pregnancy, possible irritation for sensitive skin.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Laminaceae. Flowering tops/tops & seeds.

Warming – relaxing – uplifting and earthy

Unblocks - allowing inspiration to flow.  Euphoric – soothes panic, uplifts and promotes feelings of well being. Encourages vivid dreams and dream recall. Strengthens immune system.  Eases pain, relaxes muscles, reduces spasm and fatigue.

Helpful for: dealing with loss, deepening the breath, hormone balancing, relieving cold, congested headaches, convalescence, spiritual connection and dream awareness.

Contra-indications: high blood pressure, pregnancy.  Never to be taken with alcohol.

Valarian (Valariana officinalis/fauriel) Valerianaceae. Rhizomes.

Deeply relaxing. Brings a sigh and out breath – soothing, healing and comforting.  Hypotensive, analgesic, diuretic, sedative.

Helpful for: Shock, anxiety, insomnia, stress related problems

Contra-indications: None noted

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Laminaceae. Dried leaves.

Earthing – arousing - enriching

Stimulates and Sedates - harmonises

Helpful for: Anxiety, debility, reaching deep emotions, encouraging being in body and sensuality – especially helpful if high stress levels and mental over activity

Contra-indications: may cause photo-toxicity

Sandalwood (Santalum album) Santalaceae. Wood – timber, heart wood, roots

Relaxing – soothing – earth – inner unity – peace to mind

Powerful anti-septic.  Soothes dry irritated anti-inflammatory. Aids prayer, meditation, spiritual practice

Helpful for: calming irritations, anxiety, insomnia, infections, cell regeneration, spiritual practice

Contra-indications: None noted

Rose, damask otto (Rosa damascene) Rosaceae.  Flowering petals.

Faith – hope – love

Self love. Heals wounds – emotional, aphrodisiac.  Comforting, nurturing.  Touches deepest despair, encourages trust will love again.

Helpful for: Calming and supporting the heart. Reproductive problems

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Rose, cabbage, French Rose (Rose centifolia). Flowering petals

Love – trust – self acceptance

Luxurious, sensual, emotional comfort, soothes – peace and happiness.  Tones blood vessels, promotes soothing sleep,

Helpful for: Postnatal depression, cell regeneration, feelings of guilt, grief, resentment and jealousy.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Jasmine (Jasmine officinale) Oleaceae. Flowers

Rejuvenates skin and the soul!

Enhances cell renewal, increases elasticity, soothes dry, mature skin. Increases confidence and optimis. Balances hormones, eases pain.

Helpful for: Depression – especially from unconscious restraint and repression – promotes souls desire.  Scars, stretch marks. Premenstrual symptoms. Labour and after, increasing breast milk

Contra-indications:  None noted though be mindful that it is known to increase labour and induce a speedy delivery!

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) Rutaceae. Flowers – orange blossom.

Grounding – harmonising – uplifting.

Reassurance, retrieval and renewal.  Positive thinker, helps to increase confidence and self esteem.  Soothes tension and anxiety, calms and soothes nerve endings.

Helpful for: Stress, anxiety, hysteria. Calming - palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia. Rejuvenating body and soul.

Contra-indications: None noted

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Burseraceae. Gum resin

Healer – Tranquil solitude

Powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and expectorant.

Helpful for:  Healing wounds esp. mouth and gum problems and infections of respiratory system.  Chapped, fungal infections of skin.  Thursh. Stilling the spirit – uniting physical – dreams and visions of soul manifest.  Calms fears and expands awareness.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy, low doses only

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Piperaceae. Fruit

Warming for extreme cold.

Warms the blood – relieves aches and pains and stimulates appetite.  Strengthens nerves and mind.

Helpful for: Promoting alertness, concentration and confidence.  For spasm, coughs and colds, muscular aches and pains, circulatory problems.

Contra-indications: Irritating – caution when used on skin. Never use on damaged skin.  Not to be used with homeopathic remedies

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Lauraceae. Leaves (bark may irritate)

Hot – sharp – spicy

Stimulates and refreshes mind, eases tension while diminishing harshness of life, stimulates senses and steadies nerves. Antiseptic, antifungal. Warms stomach encourages digestion.

Helpful for: Mental fatigue and lack of concentration. Flatulence from cold food.  Cold and chills, tiredness, cramps and rheumatic pain relieved by heat.

Contra-indications: May irritate skin

Parsley Seed (Petroselinum sativum) Umbelliferace (Fabiaceae)

Stimulates digestion – carminative, antispasmodic.  Blood cleanser. Emmenogogic.

Helpful for: Digestion - cramps and wind. Fretful minds, jangled nerves. Urinary tract infections.  Removes smell of garlic and onions.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy & kidney disease

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) Umbelliferaceae (Fabiaceae)

Clears out digestion & clears up skin

Increases flow of urine.  Strengthens the mind, helps doubt and confusion, restores skin tone, reduces wrinkles and blemishes.

Helpful for: Mature skins (rejuvenating), decongesting liver.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Ginger (Zingiber off.) Zingiberaceae . Rhizome

Warming – Strengthing – Grounding – hot & dry

Spicy & warm, stimulates circulation and wakes up sluggish tired bodies! Removing toxins.  Increasing vitality, settles stomach

Helpful for: Swollen joints aggravated by external dampness, cold hands and feet, flu, colds, clearing catarrh, nausea, cramps and rheumatic pain.  Balancing cold and damp conditions.

Contra-indications: Not great if someone is already hot! Possible skin irritation.

Clove (Syzyglum aromaticum) Myrtaceae. Beaten buds

Helps prevent contagious conditions. Antiseptic, analgesic, anti viral, anti-spasm, insect repellent, expectorant.

Helpful for: infections in the mouth – teeth, gums and lungs and skin.  Mental fatigue - helps the mind to recall long forgotten memories, anxiety, lack of concentration.

Contra-indications: pregnancy or sensitive people

Lemon (Citrus limon) Rutaceae. Outer fresh peel

Refreshing – clearing – trusting

Uplifts and clarifies. Clears hot damp lymphatic congestion – decongest, cleanse, detoxifying, astringent, anti-viral.

Protects & stimulates body systems and emotions.  Opens heart, helps you find yourself, stops fear of loosing self.

Helpful for: Increasing white blood cells, colds and flu, detoxing, acne, obesity

Contra-indications: phototoxic – irritating for sensitive skin

Grapefruit (Citrus paradiso) Rutaceae.  Fresh peel.

Disperse – Lighten – Revive - Refreshing – Uplifting – Toning

Balances emotions, brightens mood, boosts confidence, immune stimulant, astringent, diuretic, increases digestive secretion

Helpful for: Fatigue, jet lag, morning sickness, tiredness, water retention, dull oily skin, clearing psychological heat and congestion – e.g. anger, frustration, procrastination.

Contra-indications: Not for those on medication. Photosensitivity

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) Graminae

Helpful for: Repelling insects and cats! Deodorising and as an air freshener.  Cleansing and uplifting.

Contra-indications: irritating to skin therefore use in small concentrations and not at all for sensitive skin

German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) Asteraceae. Flowers

Very versatile – calming- relaxing – soothing – healing

Promotes sunny disposition.

Helpful for: Stress, insomnia. Inflammations, allergies, digestive – IBS, nausea, vomiting, nervousness.  Frustration. Skin conditions – healing for infections, itching, insect bites, spasms. For kids (esp. hyperactive) and elderly and frail.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or anthemis) Asteraceae. Flowers

Calming, balances emotions and eases tension.  Milder than German Chamomile – more for kids (over 2 years old).  Analgesic

Helpful for: Allergies, inflammations, stress, insomnia, pain relieving, calming skin irritations

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Moroccan Chamomile (Ormenis multicartis) Asteraceae.  Flower petals.

Helpful for: Stess, tension, anxiety.  Stress related problems especially premenstrual issues.  Anti-bacterial – skin and respiratory infections. Anti-spasm – menstrual pain and colic.

NOT SAME AS OTHER CHAMOMILES THEREFORE NOT A REPLACEMENT – less azulene (anti-inflammatory)

Contra-indications: None noted

Rosewood (Anaeba rosaeodora) Lauraceae.  Wood chips.

Calms without drowsiness. Steadying nerves.  Cephalic. Immunostimulant.

Helpful for: Anxiety, depression, headaches (clears resulting from nausea), cell regeneration  - skin. Meditation, concentration.

ONLY USE SUSTAINABLE RESORCE – SPECIES UNDER THREAT

Contra-indications: None noted

Palmarosa (Cymbopagon martinii) Cymbopogon. Fresh/dried grass.

Calming yet uplifting for emotions. Clarifying

Helpful for: Exhaustion and stress. Clearing heat, stabilising and soothing to emotions, people who find it hard to let go. Stimulating skin cell regeneration and regulating sebum.

Contra-indications: None noted

Lemon Balm (Melissa off.) Laminaceae. Leaves and flowers.

Strengthens vital spirits.  Promotes peace and calm.

Uplifting – excellent for stress conditions and shock.  Anti-viral, calming senses and revitalising inner self.

Helpful for: Viruses, anxiety, depression, stress, high blood pressure, palpitations, premenstrual tension, spasms.  Promotes a merry and joyful heart.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) Cymbopogon (Graminaeae) Fresh & part dried leaves/grass (finally chopped)

Cleansing – Energising – Purifying

Refreshing  and stimulating for body and mind.  Astringent.

Helpful for: Nervous exhaustion, stress related conditions, achy muscles and joints, stimulating appetite. Sluggish skin. Tired body and mind.

Contra-indications: Irritating to sensitive skins

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Myrtaceae. Leaves & twigs

Effective for 3 infections – Bacterial, viral & fungal.  Boosts moral and resistance. Strength, resistance and confidence.

Helpful for: First aid kit. Infections – treatment and prevention - e.g. bacterial and colds, warts, nail herpes, thrush, athletes foot.  Helps prepare for operation and recovery.

Contra-indications: Possibly irritating for sensitive skin

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Myrtaceae. Leaves & twigs

Protects whole body against disease and viruses by strengthening the immune system.

Antiseptic, analgesic

Helpful for: All infections even in epidemics! Clearing the head and mental exhaustion, cooling heated emotions bringing optimism, openness and freedom.

Contra-indications: Not with homeopathy

Cajuput (Melaleuca cajeputi) Myrtaceae. Leaves, twigs & bark

Anti-septic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, insecticide, febrifuge, analgesic, astringent.

Helpful for: Mental fatigue, cynicism, procrastination, disorientation, coughs, catarrh, spasms and infections, muscle stiffness, insects – fleas and lice.

Contra-indications: None noted

Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) Myrtaceae. Leaves & twigs

Analgesic, antiseptic, expectorant

Helpful for: Aches, pains, infections esp. skin, urinary & respiratory, clearing the head, mental fatigue and confusion, cold and flu,

Contra-indications: None noted

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) Laminaceae. Dried flowering herb and leaves

Soothing, comforting, calms overactive minds.

Warms body and relieves anxiety and distress.  Soothes broken heart.  Carminative, emmenogogue, calming and sedative.

Helpful for: Grief, high blood pressure, muscular aches, stress related conditions.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

Rosemary (Rosmarinus off.) Laminaceae. Leaves and flowers

Remembrance – loved ones and our own path.  Memory, antioxidant, ruberfacient, cephalic, diuretic, emmenogogue, hypertensive, stimulant – circulation, lymph, immune and mind

Helpful for: Mental clarity, tired stiff muscles, low blood pressure.  Congested skin, blood, lymph and mind.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy, epilepsy, high blood pressure

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Laminaceae.  Flowering herb

Strengthens the memory. Carminative, antisparmodic, antiseptic, analgesic, hormone balancing. May reduce allergies related to stress – hormone action (adrenals)

Helpful for: Clearing the head, reproductive issues relating to imbalanced hormones with spasm and pain. Digestion – cramps, vomiting, flatulence.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy, epilepsy.  Possible irritant to sensitive skin

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Laminaceae. Flowers and leaves

Cool – refreshing – invigorating

Immune stimulant, pain relieving, expectorant, cephalic,

Helpful for: digestion – flatulence, pain, cramps, travel sickness, nausea, indigestion.  Decongesting blocked sinuses.  Cooling hot inflamed tissue.  Clears the head.

Contra-indications: Not with homeopathy. Possible irritation to sensitive skin

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Laminaceae. Flowers and leaves

Antibacterial and expectorant.  Hypertensive, carminative, antispasmodic,

Cheers the heart and uplifts the spirits.  Prevents nightmares.  Helps to focus the intellect. Immune stimulant

Helpful for: Respiratory infections, catarrh, boils, wounds.  Courage.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy or high blood pressure

Corriander (Coriandrum sativum) Laminaceae. Seeds

Clears the mind & uplifts.  Warms tired minds.

Analgesic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative.

Helpful for: clearing headaches. Mental fatigue.  Muscular aches and pains. Stimulating appetite, flatulence.

Contra-indications: Use in moderation

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) Cupressanceae. Cones & twigs

Strong astringent and depurative.  Controls the production of liquid e.g. excess sweat or, oil, fluid retention and heavy bleeding.  Distils optimism – new direction and transition.

Helpful for: Grieving. Excessive perspiration, bleeding, oil.  Poor circulation. Cellulite.

Contra-indications: Pregnancy

SWEET ALMOND OIL

Stable due to vitamin E – keeps well

Light, pleasant sensation on skin

Emollient – softens the skin