Harness the healing properties of plants and enjoy their incredible aromas with this guide to essential oils from Neal’s Yard Remedies
Taking a dip into the world of essential oils can be daunting at first. Each essential oil captures the scent and flavour of the plant it’s extracted from, and each one has numerous properties and uses. From headaches and muscle pain to relief from stress and insomnia, the healing benefits associated with using essential oils have been recognised for centuries. Pick an oil with specific medicinal properties, or simply make your choice based on the stunning aromas they produce. Use this guide to discover the characteristics of an assortment of essential oils, and prepare to be amazed by the fragrant powers they hold.
Best for… Relaxing
Chamomile Roman
Relaxing, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
Use for:
Mind: Insomnia, irritability, and anxiety
Skin: Itchy, inflamed skin
Musculoskeletal: Muscle aches, pains, inflammation
Digestive: Cramps and spasms, IBS
Women’s health: Menstrual cramps, PMS
Best for… A mood boost
Ylang Ylang
Uplifting, calming
Use for:
Mind: Anxiety, depression, irritability, stress
Skin: All types, acne, facial use
Circulatory: Stress-related hypertension, heart palpitations
Safety note: Can cause headaches if sensitive to strong odours
Best for… Balancing
Cedarwood atlas
Balancing, warming, tonifying
Use for:
Mind: Anxiety, depression, nervous tension, exhaustion
Immunity: Lowered immunity, fatigue
Skin: Oily skin, acne
Lymphatics: Sluggish lymphatics
Respiratory: Chronic catarrh, asthma
Best for… Refreshing
Neroli
Relaxing, refreshing, uplifting
Use for:
Mind: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and tension
Skin: All types, facial use, stretch marks and scars
Digestive: Stress-related digestive issues, including IBS
Best for… Invigorating
Bergamot
Balancing, uplifting
Use for:
Mind: Mood swings, anxiety, depression
Immunity: Aiding immunity
Skin: Dry or oily skin
Digestive: Indigestion, wind
Safety note: Use bergapten free to avoid problems with sunlight exposure
Best for… Cleansing
Lemon
Cleansing, refreshing, uplifting
Use for:
Mind: Depression, irritability, lethargy
Immunity: Lowered immunity
Skin: Oily skin, acne
Lymphatics: Sluggish lymphatics
Digestive: Sluggish digestion
Safety note: Do not use above 2%
Best for… Soothing
Mandarin
Soothing, antispasmodic
Use for:
Mind: Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, stress and swings
Skin: Oily skin, stretch marks
Lymphatic system: Sluggish lymphatics
Digestive: Sluggish digestion, stress-related gut issues
Best for… Toning
Palmarosa
Balancing, toning, cooling
Use for:
Mind: Anxiety, stress irritability, exhaustion, tension headaches
Skin: All types, acne, inflamed skin, facial use
Circulatory: Palpitations
Digestive: Indigestion, cramps and spasms
Best for… Stimulating
Eucalyptus
Antimicrobial, antiseptic, stimulating
Use for:
Mind: Fatigue, poor focus, ‘brain fog’, sinus-related headaches
Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, arthritis issues
Respiratory: Respiratory tract infections, sinus congestion
Best for… Detoxifying
Juniper
Warming, stimulating, detoxifying
Use for:
Mind: Lethargy, tension
Skin: Oily skin, acne
Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, arthritis
Circulatory: Poor circulation, cold extremities
Lymphatics: Sluggish lymphatics, water retention
Best for… Energising
Ginger
Warming; stimulating
Use for:
Mind: Exhaustion, chronic fatigue
Musculoskeletal: Muscle and joint pain, arthritis
Circulatory: Poor circulation, cold extremities
Digestive: Cramps and spasms, indigestion
Women’s health: Painful periods
Best for… Inflamed skin
Rose
Relaxing, cooling, tonifying
Use for:
Mind: Anxiety, depression, stress
Skin: Dry, mature, sensitive, or inflamed
skin; facial use
Digestive: Sluggish digestion, especially stress-related
Women’s health: PMS and menopausal symptoms
Best for… Stability
Geranium
Cooling, moistening, balancing
Use for:
Mind: Mood swings, anxiety, depression
Skin: Balancing for all skin types, facial use with acne
Digestive: Stress-related digestive complaints
Women’s health: PMS and menopausal symptoms
Extracted from Neal’s Yard Remedies Complete Massage (DK)
Essential oils available from Neal’s Yard, nealsyardremedies.com
