Basil CAN be used in the bath, but cautiously as it can be irritating to people with sensitive skin. Do not use if you are pregnant or have a seizure disorder. Use sparingly on the skin because it can cause irritation.

Bergamot is both a sedative and antidepressant that is useful for relieving anxiety, stress, tension and depression. It has a light fresh, floral citrus scent that is uplifting rejuvenating and balancing. Bergamot restores appetite, combats colic, strengthens the immune system, reduces fever and is generally calming.

Bergamot essential oil is known to help relieve skin irritations, and is helpful in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, wounds, ulcers and herpes. It helps to balance an oily complexion and helps repel insects. Use carefully in skin preparations as citrus oils are known photosensitizers. Bergamot essential oil blends nicely with neroli, cypress, juniper, geranium, rose, ylang ylang and other florals. Not surprisingly, it is a favorite of perfumers.
Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, a-bergaptene, B-bisabolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, geraniol acetate, a-terpineol.

Strong photosensitizer. Do not use on skin within 4 hours of exposure to the sun. Avoid during pregnancy. Not for use on babies or young children. Please note, that Bergamot is the MOST photo-sensitive of all the citrus oils, so please wait 12-24 hours after using it, to go Sun Bathing or using a sun bed.

Cedarwood Virginia is actually within the juniper family, but is the source for most of the cedar essential oils on the market. This variety of cedarwood helps combat acne, oily skin, greasy hair and dandruff. Cedarwood essential oil helps relax tension, and promotes peaceful slumber. It has a lovely  rustic scent that makes it a popular oil for blending. Use cedarwood essential oil in hair blends, bath oils, soaps, and other skin care products. Cedarwood is also uplifting when used in room fragrancing products. Constituents: a-cedrene, B-cedrene, thujopsene, other sesquiterpene, cedrol, widdrol.

Clove is very useful for toothaches, but this oil can potentially be very irritating to the skin. Clove is also used for digestive troubles, circulatory problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, and Viral Hepatitis. The oil that most Aromatherapists use, is Clove Bud. Not the Leaf or Bark.
Constituents: Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene. 

Potentially sensitizing, do a 24 hour patch test first, do NOT use on Pregnant women and children.

Fennel essential oil has a sweet, licorice-like aroma. It is best known for its usefulness as a digestive aid, and it helps to relieve gas and indigestion. Fennel essential oil is often recommended for nursing mothers to increase milk flow and production. It is good in PMS blends and helps alleviate painful breasts during menstrual cycles. Fennel is a good diuretic, cleansing oil, and is useful in baths for detoxification. Fennel essential oil eases stress, has a mild sedative effect yet is also uplifting. Fennel can be a bit overpowering, so use it sparingly with other oils such as lavender, lemon, rose, sandalwood, basil, cypress and bergamot.
Constituents: Anethole, Myrcene, Cineole, Eugenol, Methyl Chavicol, Thymol, Limonene, Phellandrene, Alpha Terpene, Pinene, Fenchone, Geraniol

Do not use during pregnancy or on babies and small children. Do not use if you suffer from epilepsy.

Frankincense is an oil that I really love and use a lot. Frankincense is said to be excellent for Asthma, most respiratory problems and is lovely for aging skin as it seems to help with the prevention of wrinkles. If used during pregnancy, it has been shown to be helpful with stretch marks. It is also used for muscular and joint pain, such as arthritis and rheumatism. Frankincense is also been used to boost a weakened immune system and not surprisingly, stress and depression. Frankincense essential oil, Boswellia carteri, is an ancient oil that has been used for centuries for meditation and spiritual practices. It helps center the mind and calm the spirit. Frankincense is a good expectorant, and it can help relieve asthma and other bronchial congestive problems. Frankincense essential oil is woody, balsamic, and slightly spicy. It blends well with many oils including the citrus, spice and woody oils.
Constituents: Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Farnesol, Phellandrene, Myrcene

Geranium (the Bourbon typ)e from the Reunion Islands of Madagascar is considered by many to be the most desirable for hormonal balance. Clinical evaluation has been done in Germany on the main chemical components found in Geranium oil, and results were found for alcohol geraniol found in Geranium oil for successful treatment of autonomic nervous system imbalances. The autonomic nervous system is known to stimulate your hormonal production and response.

Manifestations of autonomic nervous system imbalance include common symptoms of headache, hot flashes, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, depression and anxiety. Geranium essential oil, Pelargonium graveolens, is considered to be a woman’s essential oil because of its hormone balancing effect. It has been used to treat menstrual, menopausal, and infertility problems. Geranium essential oil helps relieve mastitis. It is useful in blends to aid wounds and burns. Geranium is a good oil for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and shingles. Geranium essential oil is also emotionally balancing. It combines nicely with oils such as bay, orange, rose, bergamot, clary sage, sandalwood, lavender, chamomile, lemon and other oils. Geranium also acts as an insect repellent and can be used in outdoor lotion bars.
Constituents: Citronellol, Geraniol, Citronellyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Beta-Caryophyllene

Ginger essential oil has a warm, strong, spicy aroma. Ginger can be calming yet also act as a stimulant. Within muscle and massage formulations, it helps to relieve soreness and stiffness in muscles and increases circulation. It also can strengthen the immune system during the cold season. Ginger oil blends well with citrus oils, sandalwood, frankincense, cedarwood, and palmarosa.
Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, borneol, y-terpineol, nerol, neral, geraniol, geranial, geranyl acetate, B-bisabolene, zingiberene.

Grapefruit is an exceptional citrus oil for the reason that it is not considered to be a photosensitizer like other citrus oils. Grapefruit is used for oily skin and hair and works wonderfully as an ingredient for toners. It provides a fresh, clean, uplifting aroma when used in a diffuser and is also used to help treat mood swings, anger, and stress. Some use it as an additive to body wrap blends to aid in treating cellulite elimination.
Constituents: Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellal, Neral

Helichrysum is a "must have" if you have family members who tend to be accident prone. It is the choice of oils for cuts that are deeper than scratches, bruises, etc. It works as an analgesic with amazing healing abilities. Helichrysum, aka "Everlasting" is also an excellent choice to use for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is also used to help calm an Asthma attack, for stress, and muscular aches. It is even safe enough to use on babies.

Juniper berry essential oil was used by Native Americans to purify the air and possesses a warm, uplifting and strengthening, woody, peppery, pine aroma. It is antiseptic and useful in formulations to aid colds and flu. Juniper berry oil can be used as an astringent for the skin and hair and in anti-cellulite massage blends.

Avoid during pregnancy.

Lavender is traditionally used in formations to help relax and relieve stress, relieve headaches, help reduce high blood pressure and heal burns and wounds. It kills germs and helps to reduce the spread of colds and viruses. Well diluted Lavender is the safest oil to use for babies and children. My daughter and I carry a Lavender blend around with us to soothe headaches and provide a first response healing action for burns, scrapes or cuts.

Avoid if you have low blood pressure.

Lemon essential oil possesses strong germicidal disinfectant properties, and it is a pleasant addition to formulations intended to purify the air. The astringency of lemon makes it useful for combating oily skin and hair. It can also help with bronchial problems and asthma, and it stimulates concentration. Lemon oil is said to reduce cellulite when used in body massage oils, body wraps and anti-cellulite salt soaks. Products containing lemon essential oil help rid the air of second-hand smoke. Citrus oils may become cloudy when subjected to cold temperatures due to natural citrus wax present in the oil.

Strong photosensitizer. Do not use within 4 hours of exposure to the sun.

Lemongrass essential oil is stimulating, refreshing, increases alertness and concentration, relieves fatigue, aids in digestion, relieves aching muscles, soothes gastric infections and acts as an insect repellent. Used within skin product formulations in very low concentration, it is astringent and helps treat acne and oily skin. Lemongrass acts as a good skin toner, but it must be well diluted and used with care. Lemongrass blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, geranium, citronella, rosemary, lavender, palmarosa, tea tree and other oils.

Use with caution on the skin and do not use near mucous membranes.

Lime essential oil, Citrus aurantifolia, possesses the same therapeutic and blending properties of lemon. It can be used in much the same way. Lime oil blends very nicely with florals, other citruses, clary sage and lavender.

Strong photosensitizer. Do not use within 4 hours of exposure to the sun.

Litsea cubeba essential oil, also known as May Chang, has been used to treat digestive disorders, headaches, aches, pains and nausea. It can also be used in formulations to help combat and aid acne, oily skin, asthma, and flatulence. It is very popular in perfumes and fragrancing because of its lemony scent. It can help to anchor other citrus top notes that fade quickly. Litsea blends well with florals and other citrus oils.

Do not apply to broken or sensitive skin. Litsea can be a sensitizer.

Melissa is also called Lemon Balm. Melissa is one of the most often adulterated oils around. It is extremely difficult to get pure Melissa oil. It usually costs as much as Rose oil. Melissa is used therapeuticaly for abdominal cramps, indigestion, nausea, PMS, anxiety, agitation, headache, migraines, and shock. It can also be used for insect bites and athletes foot.

Myrrh is antiviral and anti-inflammatory. It is used in skin care to help prevent wrinkles. It is also used to treat gum infections, and as a mouth wash to prevent infections of the mouth. Myrrh essential oil is known for its antimicrobial, balsamic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and antiseptic therapeutic properties. It is used for weeping eczema, cracked and chapped skin, and as a remedy for diarrhea. It is also a great body toner. It serves as an excellent stimulant for the body. It is increasingly finding its way in the preparation of astringent. Application of Myrrh oil helps in preventing the body from falling prey to diseases such as bronchitis, halitosis, ringworm, itching, athlete's foot, toothache. Myrrh blends well with lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, sage, and citrus oils.
Constituents: Pinene, dipentene, heerabolene, limonene, cadinene, formic acid, acetic acid, myrrholic acid, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, plus resins

Note: High dosage of Myrrh oil can be toxic for health. Therefore, pregnant women should refrain from its use.

N utmeg essential oil is warm, spicy and stimulating. In a massage blend, it has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis and rheumatism. It blends beautifully with citrus oils, other spices, ylang ylang, geranium, bay and vanilla.

Avoid during pregnancy. Use nutmeg oil with caution, and dilute significantly before using on the skin. Excessive use can cause nausea and tachycardia.

Patchouli essential oil possesses a warm, mellow, earthy scent that was especially popular in the 1960’s. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant and stress reliever. Patchouli helps to tighten the pores of the skin and is used to combat wrinkles. It regulates oily skin and dandruff and is said to mobilize cellulite for elimination. Patchouli helps to break up mucous and helps to reduce fever. Patchouli is also used for the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, sores and burns. Patchouli blends nicely with sandalwood, cedarwood, orange, rose, geranium and other florals. It has a sedative effect when used in small quantities.
Constituents: Patchoulol, Esters, Beta-Caryophyllene

Rose Otto, Rosa damascena is the perfect oil for women, although men have shown the good taste to adore it too. Whole books have been written about Rose oil alone. It has an ability to calm the mind and comfort those suffering from grief or the loss of a loved one. In aromatherapy, rose otto essential oil is commonly used in anti-depression blends and blends for menopause and irregular cycles. It is also useful in facial formulations as it helps with dry, maturing skin and wrinkles. Rose otto essential oil becomes semi-solid at cooler temperatures. Warm the bottle to liquify.

Rose is commonly used to balance hormones, thereby regulating irregular menstrual cycles, because of this people have said it should be avoided during the first 5 months during pregnancy. However there is no evidence to substantiate this warning. It is lovely on the skin, helps to soothe dryness, prevent wrinkles, soothing on eczema, and helps tone the skin. This is a very expensive oil so  only 1 drop per tablespoon is needed and the oil lasts for years. It is one of those oils that gets better as it gets older.
Constituents of Rose Otto: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Farnesol, Esters, Rose Oxide, Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene 

Rosemary is used for sore and tired muscles and is an uplifting or stimulating oil. Rosemary is also used often in skincare on oily skin and on the hair to rejuvinate lifeless hair, combat dandruff and oily hair. There are three distinct types: Rosmary Verbeone type, Rosemary-camphor type and Rosemary Cineole

Avoid during pregnancy or if you suffer from high blood pressure and some say "seizures".

Sandalwood is steam distilled from wood. It can be used in the bath, by inhalation, or massaged into the skin. It is used for wrinkles, dry and cracked skin, for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, oily skin, acne, or as an aphrodisiac. It is antiseptic and slightly astringent. It is also used for menstrual problems, eczema, mental anxiety, sunburn and asthma. This is a wonderfully diverse and relaxing oil.
Constituents: Santalols, santyl acetate, santalenes. 

Tea Tree essential oil is wonderful for wound. It is antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. It is used for athletes foot, acne, boils, insect bites, depression, and stress related problems. It is also used for colds, bronchitis and sinusitis.
Constituents: Terpinen-4-ol, Alpha-Terpineol, Cineole, Pinene, Alpha Terpenene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Tea-tree is a possible sensitzer. 

Ylang-Ylang is a very soothing, calming and balancing oil. It is used for palpitations, diabetes, anxiety, depression, frigidity, impotence, insomnia, and oily skin.  
Constituents: Linalol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Geranial, Benzyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, Eugenol, Methyl Chavicol, Pinene*Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnasene

Petitgrain is a warm, refreshing orange aroma often used in perfumery. Petitgrain oil enhances your psychic state and mood, and stabilizes emotions! A phyto (plant) estrogen Petitgrain promotes hormonal balance in both men and women and has an especially good synergy with Clary Sage.