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Aromatherapy is based on a wide range of essential oils—each with a unique set of properties, scent and emotional effect on us. Some oils have become standards of aromatherapy due to the widespread appeal of their scents and the reliable aromatherapy benefits they provide. In this section, we’ll look at the roles of different essential oils in aromatherapy and examine their individual properties.
5.1 Emotional Effects of Essential Oil
Essential oils can profoundly affect our emotions and our sense of well-being. The impact an essential oil will have on each individual varies because each of us has a unique reaction to a given scent. For instance, we may like or dislike a particular scent or have a memory (good or bad) associated with that scent—both of which can impact how an essential oil will affect us. When choosing oils from the list below, start with those that intuitively appeal to you the most.
Counteracts Aggression: |
cedarwood, jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang |
Supports Confidence: |
allspice, basil, blue cypress, jasmine, marjoram, neroli, petigrain, rose, rosemary, vanilla |
Counteracts Anger: |
German chamomile, geranium,jasmine, lavender, Roman chamomile, vanilla, ylang-ylang |
Counteracts Anxiousness: |
benzoin, bergamot, clary sage, geranium, German chamomile, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, mandarin, orange, patchouli, rose, sandalwood |
Stabilizes Emotions: |
bergamot, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, Roman chamomile, sandalwood |
Counteracts Boredom/Apathy: |
jasmine, juniper, peppermint, rosemary |
Supports Calming/Soothing: |
chamomile, coriander, hyssop, lavender, lemongrass, sandalwood |
Supports Centering/Focusing: |
Atlas cedar, cedarwood, coriander, frankincense, cinnamon leaf, myrrh, sandalwood |
Counteracts Emotional stress: |
basil, benzoin, bergamot, fennel, juniper, lavender, myrrh, rose, peppermint, sandalwood, ylang-ylang |
Supports Euphoria: |
anise, clary sage |
Counteracts Fear: |
lavender, marjoram, myrrh, Roman chamomile, neroli, rose otto, sandalwood, thyme, ylang ylang |
Counteracts Grief: |
benzoin, clary sage, cypress, fennel seed, Roman chamomile, rose, sage, ylang ylang |
Counteracts Impatience: |
geranium, myrrh, rose |
Invigorates/Energizes: |
basil, bay, cardamom, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary |
Counteracts Irritability: |
fennel, lavender, orange, Roman chamomile |
Supports Clarity: |
basil, clary sage, clove bud, juniper, hyssop, peppermint, rosemary |
Eases Nightmares: |
jasmine, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, thyme, ylang ylang |
Supports Relaxation: |
anise, German chamomile, lemon eucalyptus, lavender |
Stimulates: |
bay, black pepper, clove, fennel, ginger, peppermint |
Supports Sensuality: |
anise, cinnamon, ginger, jasmine, rose, vanilla, ylang-ylang |
Counteracts Sorrow: |
bergamot, clary sage, grapefruit, orange, rose |
Strengthens/Fortifies: |
cedarwood, frankincense, myrrh, tea tree |
Uplifts: |
allspice, basil, balsam fir, clary sage, clove bud, lemon, orange |
5.2 Essential Oil Profiles
Below are links to detailed "profiles" of some of the most important essential oils for aromatherapy. The more you know about these key oils, the better able you will be to help direct your aromatherapy customers.
(View short profiles of all Aura Cacia oils.)
Review Questions Section 5
1. Describe how lavender oil is adulterated and how it can be detected?
2. What are some oils known for helping people relax?
3. What properties of tea tree oil have been verified in clinical studies?
4. Why isn't redistilled peppermint oil preferred for aromatherapy?
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FACQs
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