At-Home Spa

At-Home Spa > Essential Oils

Essential oils, the concentrated extracts of botanical matter, vary in complexity and purpose. Refer to this aromatherapy cheat sheet to learn more about popular essential oils and their properties. Be sure to use oils extracted naturally, with no toxic additives!

Essential Oil	Characteristics	Function	Warnings
Bergamot	Light citrus and floral scent; uplifting, balancing	Improves moods, restores equilibrium	Increases sun sensitivity
Cedarwood	Woody scent; stabilizing, comforting	Renews strength, harmonizes surroundings	May irritate skin
Chamomile	Warm herbaceous scent; sedating, nurturing	Relieves stress, decompresses tension	None
Grapefruit	Tangy citrus scent; purifying, uplifting	Clears the mind, refreshes the body	Increases sun sensitivity. Must dilute before use
Jasmine	Sweet exotic scent; exuberant, aphrodisiac	Revives passion, improves circulation	Use sparingly
Lavender	Soft floral scent; sedative, relaxing	Alleviates depression, balances emotions	None
Marjoram	Fresh herbaceous scent; warming, relaxing	Strengthens, combats lethargy	None
Peppermint	Powerful mint scent; energetic, stimulating	Relieves insomnia, soothes emotions	Use sparingly, avoid when pregnant/nursing
Rose	Deep floral scent; seductive, calming	Incites amorous feelings, restores confidence	None
Sandalwood	Exotic woody scent; cooling, uplifting	Opens the mind, promotes deep relaxation	None