make your own Homemade Body Products with Essential oils and natural ingredients

ESSENTIAL OILS A - L

Below is a selection of essential oils that I frequently use in cream-making. The list is still limited but with time, I will add more information to it.

Bergamot

Latin Name	Citrus bergamia
Aroma	citrus, fresh, sweet
Extraction Method	Cold pressed from the rind, solvent extraction or vacuum distillation
Actions	Anti-depressant, analgesic, antispasmodic, digestive, stimulant, deodorant, laxative, tonic.
Mental & Emotional	Relaxing, uplifting, confidence building, mood enhancing, calming,
Skin Care	Used for acne, eczema, insect repellent, insect bites, psoriasis
Medical Properties	Acts as digestive when inhaled; possible help for respiratory and urinary tract infections, hormonal support, viral infections
Important	Photosensitivity: avoid direct sunlight when applying Bergamot
Noteworthy	Bergamot is the distinct flavor of Earl Grey Tea. It is also a sensitizer so be careful if you are allergic. In case of allergies, stop using bergamot for a while and observe your symptoms.

Carrot Seed

Latin Name	Daucus carota
Aroma	Herbaceous
Extraction Method	Steam distillation from dried seeds
Actions	Tonic, stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, vasodilatory, antiseptic, diurectic
Skin Care	Used for mature and/or wrinkled skin or skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis
Medical Properties	Kidney or digestive disorders, and for liver congestion
Noteworthy	Avoid during pregnancy!

Cedarwood

Latin Name	Cedrus atlantica
Aroma	Woody aroma, warm, balsamic
Extraction Method	The bark is steam distilled
Actions	antiseptic, aphrodisiac,astringent, diuretic, sedative (nervous system), stimulant (circulation system)
Skin Care	Good for oily skin, acne, dandruff, eczema, fungal infections
Mental & Emotional	Relaxing, soothing, nervousness
Medical Properties	Arthritis, bronchitis, congestion, cystitis.
Noteworthy	Avoid during pregnancy and should not be used for children

Chamomile (Roman Chamomile)

Latin Name	Chamaemelum nobile
Aroma	Strong, sweet, warm, herbaceous
Extraction Method	Flowery tops are steam distilled
Actions	anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, digestive, tonic, antiseptic
Skin Care	Acne, allergies, burns & cuts, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin
Mental & Emotional	Soothing and calming, good for nervousness & stress-related issues such as headaches
Medical Properties	Relieves arthritic joints, inflammation, good to use for stomach distress, nausea

Citronella

Latin Name	Cymbogopon nardus
Aroma	Citrus, lemon scent
Extraction Method	Steam distillation
Actions	Antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, diuretic, insecticide, tonic
Skin Care	Used for oily skin and as insect repellent
Mental & Emotional	Uplifting, refreshing, brings clarity
Medical Properties	Fights cold, flu, and minor infections

Cypress

Latin Name	Cypressus sempervirens
Aroma	Woody and spicy aroma
Extraction Method	The branches are steam distilled
Actions	Antiseptic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, tonic, vasoconstrictive
Skin Care	Used for oily skin, excessive perspiration, for varicose veins, and as insect repellant
Mental & Emotional	Refreshing, soothing, comforting
Medical Properties	Used for troubled skin or cellulite and painful periods

Frankincense

Latin Name	Boswellia carteri
Aroma	Warm, woody, incense like aroma
Extraction Method	The gum/resin is steam distilled
Actions	Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, tonic
Skin Care	Used for blemishes, dry and mature skin, wrinkles
Mental & Emotional	Stimulating, centering, comforting, good for meditation, relieves anxiety, nervous tension, good for stress related issues.
Medical Properties	Used for mature, wrinkled skin, good for respiratory infections, asthma

Geranium

Latin Name	Pelargonium graveolense
Aroma	Sweet, like rose but heavier and infused with mint, flowery
Mental & Emotional	Uplifting, calming, rejuvenating, Releases negative memories
Medical Properties	Great for oily skin, revitalizes body tissue, PMS

Grapefruit

Latin Name	Citrus paradisi
Aroma	Citrus, sweet, sharp
Mental & Emotional	Energizing, uplifting
Medical Properties	Supportive for acne & oily skin, cellulite, weight management, detoxification, migraine relie

Helichrysum

Latin Name	Helichrysum italicum
Aroma	Sweet, honey-like scent, herbaceous
Mental & Emotional	Restorative
Medical Properties	Astringent, anti-bruise properties, anti-inflammatory, stimulant for liver, gall bladder, kidneys and spleen

Jasmine

Latin Name	Jasminum officinale
Aroma	Warm, exotic, floral
Mental & Emotional	Relaxing, soothing, uplifting, aphrodisiac
Medical Properties	Anti-spasmodic, sedative, balances hormones, can be useful for labor pains when inhaled

Lavender

Latin Name	Lavender angustifolia (English Lavender)
Aroma	floral, herbaceous, sweet, fresh
Mental & Emotional	relaxing, anti-depressant, great for winding down before bedtime, energy boost
Medical Properties	promotes growth of new skin cells antiseptic, good for cuts and bruises, great for minor burns and sunburn relieves muscular spasms
Noteworthy	40/42 in Lavender means that the oil is a combination of natural lavender oils (and/or synthetic chemicals - linalool and linalyl acetate). The Association French Normalization Organization Regulation (AFNOR) standards for Lavender are very strict; the level of linalool should be in the range of 25 - 38%, and the level of linalyl acetate should be in the range of 25 - 34%. Keep this in mind when buying Lavender Essential Oils. If the company does not specify the percentage, call or e-mail them to find out. If it is not within this range, I do not recommend using it for cream making. Many oils are a hybrid form containing Lavandin and this adulterated version is much cheaper but not as safe to use and I do not recommend it for aromatherapy as it may cause headaches and I certainly cannot recommend it to be used topically

Lemon

Latin Name	Citrus limon
Aroma	Citrus aroma, sharp
Mental & Emotional	Tonic, supportive of nervous system
Medical Properties	antiseptic, bacteriacide, emollient, maybe be used for cellulite, antacid, laxative, diuretic, may be useful for high blood pressure
Noteworthy	avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after application

Lime

Latin Name	Citrus aurantifolia
Aroma	Citrus aroma, sharp, spicy but sweet
Mental & Emotional	Stimulating
Medical Properties	Disinfecting, detoxifying, used in men's fragrances