Essential oil properties

Properties of some essential oils

Bergamot
Black pepper
Chamomile Roman
Clary Sage
Cypress
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Jasmine
Lavender
Lemongrass
Lime
Mandarin or orange mixed with tangerine
Patchouli
Rose
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Spearmint
Tea Tree
Ylang ylang

Bergamot. Often used for skin care, cooling, uplifting and refreshing. May be prescribed for anxiety, depression and low spirits. Is capable of reducing mild blood pressure. Precautions - can cause photosensitivity and should generally be avoided if the blood pressure is low.

Black Pepper. Often used for muscular aches, pains, stiffness, tired and aching limbs and lower backache. May be prescribed to stimulate circulation and assist with stamina where there is frustration. Has been used by some women for back pain in labour. Precautions - Has a very sharp and spicy smell and may be too strong for some women. Black pepper should NOT be used if you have high blood pressure.

Chamomile Roman. Often used for calming, digestion, nausea, skin conditions, backache, and stress and to relieve muscle spasm. May have a slight analgesic effect during labour.

Clary sage. Clary sage is generally only recommended for use after 37 weeks of pregnancy or when in labour, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Clary sage has properties capable of toning the uterine muscles as well as strengthening and regulating uterine contractions. It has been used during labour by some women to help with pain relief, stress, tension and sedation. It is known to help with feeling euphoric and is an aphrodisiac. Precautions - Do not use if epileptic and do not use when breastfeeding, as it can reduce the milk supply. It has been used by some women when weaning their baby from the breast or suppressing their milk supply if formula feeding.

Cypress. Often used for an astringent and blood circulation. Precautions - Cypress used to be recommended for use for varicose veins and haemorrhoids during pregnancy, but has been possibly linked with vaginal bleeding.

Frankincense. Often used for toning the skin and clearing the lungs. Some aromatherapists will prescribe it to help with stress and to aid concentration.

Geranium. Often used for poor circulation, swelling and skin conditions. Some women use it for breast engorgement and hormonal balance. Some aromatherapists prescribe geranium to help with stress, depression and anxiety. Is said to be uplifting.

Ginger. Commonly used for nausea and digestion. It is known to be a stimulant and an aphrodisiac. Precautions - Ginger may be a skin irritant for some people.

Jasmine. Jasmine is known to be an oil for calming, relaxation, optimism and confidence. It is often used for muscle spasms. Some women use it for hormonal balance after the birth. Precautions - There is some literature that links Jasmine with vaginal bleeding if used during pregnancy.

Lavender. Often used for scar tissue repair, headaches, nausea, digestion and constipation. It is thought to stimulate the immune system and act as an antiseptic. Some women use lavender as a calming analgesic and muscle relaxant during labour and for high blood pressure. Precautions - Generally should be avoided if you have low blood pressure. There is some literature that links Lavender with vaginal bleeding if used during pregnancy.

Lemongrass. Often used for digestion and exhaustion. Is thought to be a mental stimulant. Precautions -Generally only used in very low doses, as it may irritate the skin.

Lime. Often used for digestion and as an antiseptic. Is thought to be a mental stimulant and to help with concentration. Precautions - Lime may irritate the skin or cause photosensitivity.

Mandarin or orange mixed with tangerine. Often used for digestion and stretch marks. Is thought to lift the mood and help with depression and anxiety. Precautions -These citrus oils may irritate the skin or cause photosensitivity.

Patchouli. Often used for skin inflammations, irritations and infections. Is thought to help with anxiety, depression, confusion, indecision and apathy.