CONTRAINDICATION (is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. Some contraindications are absolute, meaning that there are no reasonable circumstances for undertaking a course of action.)
ATLAS CEDARWOOD
BOTANICAL NAME: CEDRUS ATLANTICA
ORIGIN: MOROCCO
PLANT PART: WOOD
Cedarwood oil has woody, strong, fortifying characteristics making it a popular choice when your emotions need balancing
Physical (Body) - Mucolytic - dissolves or breaks down mucous for example bronchitis or congestion, wound healing for example dermatitis, eczema, dandruff/psoriasis, lipolytic - causes fat to be broken down
Mental (Mind) - Can be helpful to cut through "mental congestion" that can clog your mind, relaxing effect, good for promoting a meditative state and helps with the relief of anxiety
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use on infants (absolute)
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
BASIL
BOTANICAL NAME: OCIMUM BASILICUM
ORIGIN: FRANCE
PLANT PART: FLOWER TOPS OF YOUNG SHOOTS AND LEAVES
Basil in intensely fresh and vibrant in aroma, will help with the relief of nervous tension, mild anxiety and the stress of study or work
Physical (Body) - Anti-spasmodic (muscular cramps), expectorant - phlegm, opens chest, relieves wheezing, opens sinuses, relieves congestion, digestive - indigestion, nausea, gastric spasms, hiccups, abdominal pain, stimulant - general stimulant, uterine stimulant (onset of labour)
Mental (Mind) - Helps in making decisions, aids concentration, relieves mental fatigue, may help with the temporary relief of headache
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use in the bath - may be irritating to skin (absolute)
Do not use on the skin as a massage blend during pregnancy (absolute)
BERGAMOT
BOTANICAL NAME: CITRUS BERGAMIA
ORIGIN: SICILY
PLANT PART: PEEL OF FRUIT
Bergamot has a refreshing and uplifting citrus aroma and is most beneficial in times of stress
Physical (Body) - excellent for oily skin, acne, eczema, very good to use on cold sores, an extremely good antiseptic on the skin and is mild, digestive stimulant
Mental (Mind) - cooling and refreshing qualities which seem to allay anger and frustrations, uplifting effect on your emotions, can assist in healing and re-opening the heart chakra
CONTRAINDICATION
Bergamot has a photosensitising quality - makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, will cause a quicker sunburn.
Do not use on the skin when exposed to sunlight (absolute)
CHAMOMILE (GERMAN)
BOTANICAL NAME: MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: GERMANY
PLANT PART: FLOWERING TOPS
German Chamomile has a strong inky blue colour, strong herby medicinal smell
Physical (Body) - Anti-inflammatory - very effective on dermatitis, burns, eczema, nappy rash, allergic skin reactions, rheumatism, arthritis, inflammed joints, sciatica
Mental (Mind) - Calming and soothing, counteracts agitation or whenever heat, redness or anger are present
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CHAMOMILE (GERMAN)
CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)
BOTANICAL NAME: ANTHEMIS NOBILIS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: HUNGARY
PLANT PART: FLOWERS
Roman Chamomile has a sweet herby scent, makes it useful for sedative and calming properties
Physical (Body)/Mental (Mind) - soothing effect on the emotions, particularly good for calming children's tantrums, calms irritability, use for shock, acute stress and for asthma of nervous origin, can help with insomnia
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)
CLARY SAGE
BOTANICAL NAME: SALVIA SCLAREA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: RUSSIA
PLANT PART: HERBS AND FLOWERS
Clary Sage is closely related to garden sage and Spanish sage, it has a fruity, floral, herby, nutty fragrance. It is one of the most powerful relaxants and has been used for centuries to treat women's problems
Physical (Body) - Powerful muscle relaxant especially for relief of PMT, parturient (encourages labour), brings relief to sore throats
Mental (Mind) - Strengthens the 'inner eye' helps you to see things more clearly, euphoric, uplifting - helps release depressive thinking and despondent moods
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
Avoid alcohol - can lead to nightmares and nausea, large doses may produce headaches (absolute)
COCONUT
BOTANICAL NAME: COCOS NUCIFERA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SUBJECT TO DEBATE
PLANT PART: MEAT OF THE COCONUT
Coconut is well known around the world as nutrient rich when it comes to its oil. Coconut has a long and glorious history in these places and has not only nourised the islanders but have also provided them with a source of income. The coconut palm is popularly known as the 'Tree of Life' among Pacific islanders and it's an excellent source of medicine.
Although coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, its health benefits extend beyond its nutritional content.
Physical (Body) - indigestion, stomach upsets and also irritable bowel syndrome, helps with the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, promotes the healthy growth of hair while providing it with a shiny look, easy on the stomach and boosts the bodies metabolism which helps the obese and overweight reduce their weight.
CYPRESS
BOTANICAL NAME: CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SPAIN
PLANT PART: NEEDLES AND TWIGS
Cypress is a refreshing oil with a woody, slightly spicy scent
Physical (Body) - Tonifying - especially varicose veins, haemorrhoids, astringent (drying) - tightens or contracts tissues, reduces fluid retention, reduces excessive flows - sinus/bronchial congestion, sweating from feet etc
Mental (Mind) - helpful at times of transition such as career changes moving home and major decisions
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH CYPRESS
EUCALYPTUS
BOTANICAL NAME: EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (TASMANIAN BLUEGUM)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA
PLANT PART: LEAVES
Eucalyptus has a somewhat harsh camphoraceous smell with a sweet woody undertone
Physical (Body) - Anti-viral, respiratory infections, sinus, bronchitis, flu (preventative and treatment), glandular fever, anti-infectious, herpes lesions, shingles, measles, chicken pox, muscular aches and pains, cleansing the environment, skin, burns/sunburn, insect bites
Mental (Mind) - cooling effect on emotions, clears the head
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH EUCALYPTUS
FENNEL
BOTANICAL NAME: FOENICULUM VULGARE
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SPAIN
PLANT PART: FRUIT
Fennel has a sweet, anise-like, earthy-peppery scent. It has been used throughout the ages to add flavour to food and aid digestion, it is highly prized by aromatherapists for its therapeutic properties
Physical (Body) - Detoxifies, liver and spleen stimulant, hangover, uric acid/gout, anti-spasmodic - digestive problems, spasms, flatulence, nausea, Oestrogen like - PMT and other menstrual difficulties including cramps
Mental (Mind) - Calms emotions and warms the body, can assist in stressful situations
CONTRAINDICATION
Not advisable for infants (absolute)
Avoid during pregnancy (absolute)
Avoid in case of epilepsy (absolute)
FRANKINCENSE
BOTANICAL NAME: BOSWELLIA THURIFERA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SPAIN
PLANT PART: BARK
Frankincense has a warm, woody, sweet balsamic, spicy fragrance, it once was as valuable as gold and is still highly valued in Church or Temple
Physical (Body) - astringent/skin tonic - rejuvenating, especially for mature skins, expectorant - bronchitis, helps dry up mucus, acts on the respiratory and nervous systems - slows and deepens breathing
Mental (Mind) - comforting, helps disperse fears, good to use to achieve a meditative state
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH FRANKINCENSE
GERANIUM
BOTANICAL NAME: PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: EGYPT
PLANT PART: LEAVES
Geranium has a refreshing floral, rosy sweet frangrance, very pleasant (one of my personal favourites)
Physical (Body) - Haemostatic - varicose veins, haemorrhoids, very good on the skin, regulates skin conditions, promotes tissue repair, ringworm, bruises, acne, chilblains, parasitic skin conditions
Mental (Mind) - excellent harmoniser and balancer of emotional swings and extremes
CONTRAINDICATION
May cause some irritation to sensitive skin
Do not use on reddened or inflammed skin (absolute)
JUNIPER
BOTANICAL NAME: JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: YUGOSLAVIA
PLANT PART: FRUIT (BERRIES)
Juniper has a woody fragrance and is clear and refreshing, it is one of the first oils to use in the fight against cellulite
Physical (Body) - Nervous system tonic, kidneys - urinary tract infections, fluid retention, cystitis, blood purifier - lactic acid build up, arthritis - gout, eliminates uric acid, oily congested skin
Mental (Mind) - Purifies and protects the aura, clears negative energies, purifies the atmosphere
CONTRAINDICATION
Prolonged use may overstimulate the kidneys
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
LAVENDER
BOTANICAL NAME: LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: FRANCE
PLANT PART: FLOWERS
Lavender has a floral, herby, sweet scent with a balsamic woody undertone, it is a great start oil, very safe and soothing (one of my personal favourites)
Physical (Body) - Cicatrisant - healing effect on burns, sunburn, eczema, nappy rash, great for headaches/migraines, relaxing - good for insomnia, soothing on bites, stings and wounds, promotes the growth of skin cells, suitable for all age groups
Mental (Mind) - Nurturing, soothing and relaxing, gives a feeling of calmness
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH LAVENDER
LEMON
BOTANICAL NAME: CITRUS LIMONUM
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ITALY
PLANT PART: PEEL OF FRUIT
Physical (Body) - antiseptic - especially air, liver/gallbladder stimulant, astringent - oily skin, respiratory infections, herpes/warts virus
Mental (Mind) - increases alertness, very refreshing and uplifting
CONTRAINDICATION
UV light (absolute) - does not refer to using in an oil burner
Can be irritating in a bath (absolute)
LEMONGRASS
BOTANICAL NAME: CYMBOPON CITRATUS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: INDIA
PLANT PART: GRASS
Lemongrass has a strong, herby lemony fragrance
Physical (Body) - anti-infectious/antiseptic, not only air but washing down surfaces, anti-inflammatory, helps flush out lactic acid (post workout on muscles), rheumatoid arthritis, jet lag, tonifying on skin
Mental (Mind) - useful in states of exhaustion, lifts the spirits and gets things moving
CONTRAINDICATION
Can be irritating on the skin in not diluted enough (maximum two drops in bath)
LIME
BOTANICAL NAME: CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ASIA
PLANT PART: PEEL
Lime oil has a sharp, citrus peel smell and is pale yellow to light olive in color.
Physical (Body) - arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, as well as for obesity and cellulite and has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.
Mental (Mind) - can stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression.
CONTRAINDICATION
Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing if the oil is obtained by steam extraction, yet the oil obtained from cold expression can cause photosensitivity in strong sunshine and can irritate the skin.
MANDARIN
BOTANICAL NAME: CITRUS RETICULATA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ITALY
PLANT PART: FRUIT PEEL
Mandarin essential oil has an intense, sweet, fresh scent characteristic of citrus fruit. Mandarin is like aromatherapy candy. And good candy (with an interesting flavor) and unique aroma-therapeutic effects to go with it.
Physical (Body) - relieving stomach upset, and to sooth restless children (sometimes labeled 'hyperactive'). The presence of the highly sedative anthranilic acid ester makes this oil the first choice for use with children, general tonic for the digestive system, safe for use during pregnancy, use for stretch marks, acne and oily skin in general
Mental (Mind) - anxiety, nervousness, stress relief in children particularly.
CONTRAINDICATION
NIL
MARJORAM (SWEET)
BOTANICAL NAME: ORIGANUM MARJORANA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:MEDITERRANEAN
PLANT PART: FRESH AND DRIED LEAVES AND FLOWERING TOPS
Marjoram has a warm, woody, spicy-camphoraceous frangrance
Physical (Body) - Sedative - insomnia (relieves long term/chronic conditions), relieves severe agitation, digestive - digestive tract infections, laxative - high stomach activity, heart related problems - palpitations
Mental (Mind) - warming emotionally, calming and sedative
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use on severely depressed people (absolute)
Do not use on people with low blood pressure (absolute)
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
Unless committed to a life-long celibacy do not use for lengthy periods of time as it can inhibit normal sexual response
MAY CHANG
BOTANICAL NAME: LITSEA CUBEBA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CHINA
PLANT PART: FRUIT
May Chang has a scent similar to Lemongrass, but sweeter, I compare it to Lemon Drop candies, uplifting, refreshing and revitalising scent, powerful antiseptic that prevents the growth and multiplication of infectious agents. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral and assists in fighting infections
Physical (Body) - strengthening, fortifying and sedative effect on the whole body, helps you calm down and relax. Tones and rejuventates the skin
Mental (Mind) - calming, soothing effect, fights fatigue and weariness
CONTRAINDICATION
Can cause irritation to sensitive skin
Do not use on or around children under 16 years (absolute)
MYRRH
BOTANICAL NAME: COMMIPHORA MYRRHA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: NORTH AFRICA
PLANT PART: RESIN/GUM FROM THE STEM
Myrrh is a thick oil with a warm, sweet-balsamic, slightly spicy-medicinal fragrance
Physical (Body) - Fungicidal - thrush, gum infections, mouth ulcers, athletes foot, respiratory congestion and infection, good on skin for slow to heal wounds for example, ulcers, bed sores, weeping wounds, boil reduction
Mental (Mind) - strengthening - gives confidence, empowering, promotes courage and support for demanding physical or emotional performance
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH MYRRH
NEROLI
BOTANICAL NAME: CITRUS AURANTHIUM
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SICILY
PLANT PART: ORANGE BLOSSOM
Neroli is a powerful but delicate bittersweet, floral fragrance
Physical (Body) - Anti-depressant - chronic anxiety, hysteria, shock, grief, Cytophylactic - regeneration of skin cells, great for pregnancy, fatigue after illness
Mental (Mind) - calms, relaxes emotions and increases sensuality, brings you in touch with higher self, good for room purification
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH NEROLI
ORANGE
BOTANICAL NAME: CITRUS AURANTIUM
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: BRAZIL
PLANT PART: PEEL OF FRUIT
Orange has a sweet, refreshing scent
Physical (Body) - Antiseptic - purification of indoor environments, skin - cleanses and softens 'dirty skin' especially good for smokers skin
Mental (Mind) - Sets the mood for entertaining, promotes joyful communication, refreshes and uplifts the mind and emotions as well as your surroundings
CONTRAINDICATION
UV light (absolute)
High doses may cause skin irritation in the bath (absolute)
PATCHOULI
BOTANICAL NAME: POGOSTEMON PATCHOULI
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: INDONESIA
PLANT PART: DRIED LEAVES
Patchouli has a rich, intensely earthy scent
Physical (Body) - Skin, inflammed or red skin, eczema, dermatitis, vein and lymph tonic, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, oedema
Mental (Mind) - Grounding, good to relieve confusion, sensual
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH PATCHOULI
PEPPERMINT
BOTANICAL NAME: MENTHA PIPERITA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PLANT PART: LEAVES
Peppermint has a grassy-minty, camphoraceous scent, it is highly penetrating
Physical (Body) - Digestive, nausea, vomiting, travel sickness, flatulence, indigestion, heartburn, headaches associated with respiratory infections, liver related migraines (liver stimulant), soothing effect on mosquito and bug bites
Mental (Mind) - Promotes clear thinking, stimulates the brain
CONTRAINDICATION
In strong doses prevents sleep
Limited use for nursing mothers as could discourage milk flow (absolute)
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
Do not use on own for a massage (absolute)
PINE
BOTANICAL NAME: PINUS SYLVESTRIS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SIBERIA
PLANT PART: NEEDLES
Pine has a fresh, exhilarating scent
Physical (Body) - Immune stimulant, antispasmodic - bronchitis, Anti-infectious - colds
Mental (Mind) - helpful in stress related fatigue conditions, promotes inspiration
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH PINE
ROSE OTTO
BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA DAMASCENA (DAMASK ROSE)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: BULGARIA
PLANT PART: FLOWERS
The world's most precious and expensive oil, 40 roses are required to produce 1 single drop of oil. Has a sweet, rosy-floral scent
Physical (Body) - Anti-inflammatory (skin), PMS, regulates menstrual cycle, Antidepressant, depression, grief, post natal depression
Mental (Mind) - helps heal deep emotional wounds, releases the past, clarifies direction for life, strengthens the heart chakra
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH ROSE OTTO
ROSEMARY
BOTANICAL NAME: ROSEMARIUUS OFFICINALIS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SPAIN
PLANT PART: LEAVES OF HERB
Rosemary has a strong, minty, herby scent
Physical (Body) - Stimulates circulation - brings relief to muscular aches, chilblaines, varicose veins, venous decongestant, removes wastes, anti-spasmodic - cramps, muscle spasms, cerebral stimulant - memory, alterness, promotes wakefulness, skin - scalp disorders and promotes hair growth
Mental (Mind) - enlivens brain cells, clears head and aids memory, affinity with brow chakra - clears thoughts and clear sightedness, psychic protector
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
Do not use for those who have epilepsy (absolute)
Do not use on high blood pressure (absolute)
SAGE
BOTANICAL NAME: SALVIA OFFICINALLIS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SPAIN
PLANT PART: LEAVES
Sage has a warm-spicy, herby somewhat camphoraceous scent
Physical (Body) - Anti-viral/anti-fungal especially to the wart virus, papilloma (refers to a benign epithelial tumor growing exophytically (outwardly projecting) in finger-like fronds), stimulates the immune system, reduces foot and body odour
Mental (Mind) - cleanses the mind, promotes clarity, relieves tiredness and depression, calming to the nervous system
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
Do not use whilst breastfeeding (will dry up milk) (absolute)
Do not use if suffer from epilepsy (absolute)
Can cause skin irritation on sensitive skin
SANDALWOOD
BOTANICAL NAME: SANTALUM ALBUM
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: INDIA
PLANT PART: WOOD
Sandalwood has a soft, sweet, balsamic scent, it has increased in price over the past few years by 400% due to its scarcity and the tight controls imposed by the Indian Government
Physical (Body) - Antiseptic - urinary disinfectant, cleanses the blood, lymphatic decongestant, reduces heat and fever associated with lungs (sore throats, coughs, laryngitis)
Mental (Mind) - great to relax people who are always 'on the go', releases emotions - anger, resentment, envy, irritating fears, quietens mental chatter, has a grounding effect
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH SANDALWOOD
TEA TREE
BOTANICAL NAME: MELELUCA ALTERNIFOLIA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA
PLANT PART: LEAVES
Tea Tree has a warm, fresh, spicy camphoraceous scent
Physical (Body) - Anti-infectious (bacteria, fungi, virus, parasites), antiseptic, cold sores, warts, ringworm, tinea, flu, glandular fever, vaginal thrush, brings relief to itching associated with (chicken pox, rashes, bites, stings), stimulates the immune system - chronic fatigue syndrome
Mental (Mind) - NIL
CONTRAINDICATION
May cause irritation on sensitive skin
THYME
BOTANICAL NAME: THYMUS VULGARIS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SPAIN
PLANT PART: BRANCHES OF FLOWERS
Thyme has a very warm, spicy, herby, scent, very powerful in smell
Physical (Body) - Antiseptic - against a wide variety of infections, sinuses, mouth/throat, lung, urinary, intestines, skin, gastro infections, immunostimulant, hypertensive
Mental (Mind) - revives low spirits, feelings of exhaustion
CONTRAINDICATION
Do not use during pregnancy (absolute)
Do not use with hyperthyroid condition (absolute)
Do not use on high blood pressure (absolute)
Irritant to skin
Do not use in an inhalation (absolute)
VANILLA
BOTANICAL NAME: VANILLA PLANIFOLIA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: MEXICO
PLANT PART: POD
It has a beautiful comforting, milky warmth smell
Physical (Body) - Its relaxing influence can help to induce menstruation, and it is an aphrodisiac because of its relaxing and sensual fragrance.
Mental (Mind) - Vanilla is calming, comforting, and dispels anger, frustration, and tensions.
NO KNOWN CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH VANILLA
VETIVER
BOTANICAL NAME: VETIVEVIA ZIZANOIDS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: JAVA
PLANT PART: ROOT
Vetiver a deep smoky, earthy scent
Physical (Body) - good for stimulating the immune system, increases circulation, sedative, grounding
Mental (Mind) - prevents you from becoming a psychic sponge, deeply relaxing
NIL CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH VETIVER
YLANG YLANG
BOTANICAL NAME: CANANGA ODORATA
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: COMORES
PLANT PART: FLOWERS
Ylang Ylang has a sensual, floral, exotic fragrance
Physical (Body) - Antiseptic - balancing action on the skin
Mental (Mind) - resolves emotions, peaceful, soothing, stimulates the sexual chakra
CONTRAINDICATION
Can cause headaches in high doses (absolute)
