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  Make Aroma Sense of those Essential Oils!
Can't tell Sweet Basil from Thyme or Majoram? Not sure if the essential oil you like is suitable for your skin? Browse through our list of some commonly used essential oils here and learn more on the therapeutic properties of these herbs, spices and plant oils. This list is by no means exhaustive, however, we believe it'll help you make aroma sense of most common essential oils.

If you'd like to purchase some of these essential oils for your own use at home, hop over to our Spa Gifts Aromatherapy page for a look at the massage and essential oils, and incense products available.

In alphabetical order:
A~E, F~N, O~Z  
 
     
  Orange: Soothes, restores and uplifts the spirit. Blend with spicy oils for cheering baths. Add to massage oil for digestive system. Believed to brighten dull complexions. Encourages sleep.  
       
  Oregano: Warming and assists improvement of circulation, digestion, mental clarity and alertness. It relieves muscle aches and pains and assists in increasing physical endurance and energy. But it increases perspiration. It may assist in reducing cellulite. Caution: avoid during pregnancy.
 
       
  Patchouli: A musky exotic oil which soothes and uplifts the spirit. Useful in protecting dry, mature or blemished skin, Sensual properties, Musky aroma lingers. Used to scent linen and clothes. Can prevent sleep with its nerve stimulating properties.  
       
  Peppermint: It stimulates, refreshes, cools, restores and uplifts mind and body. Add to a massage blend for the digestive system. Excellent for refreshing tired head and feet. Caution: Avoid in pregnancy and lactation.
 
       
  Pine: It stimulates, refreshes and cleanses. Powerful antiseptic quality and is widely used. It has a deodorant affect.  
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  Rose Absolute: Known as the Queen of oils. Emotionally soothing, it tones, cleanses, uplifts the spirit and helps maintain self-confidence. Excellent skincare oil, perfect for dry/mature, ageing or thread veined skin.  
       
  Rosemary: Revives, warms, stimulates and restores. Excellent for refreshing tired muscles, feet and mind, allowing concentration. Helps combat water retention and cellulite. An 'ideal pick me up'. Combats fatigue and clears stuffy atmosphere. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. May irritate sensitive skin.
 
       
  Rosewood: A pleasant and flowery aroma. Relaxing and deodorising. Add to massage oil to help combat tired muscles. Has a steadying and balancing affect on nerves. A good anti-depressant and may help migraines and ward off general malaise. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. May irritate sensitive skin.
 
       
  Sage: A useful regulator of the central nervous system. May help with menstrual and digestive disorders.  
       
  Sandalwood Mysore: Creates an exotic, sensual atmosphere with a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Excellent skincare oil. Useful for dry and damaged hair and as a body fragrance.  
       
  Spearmint: Energizing to the mind and body. It is refreshing, cooling, gently vitalizing.  
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  Tangerine: A sweet tangy aroma. Used as an astringent for oily skin.  
       
  Tea Tree: Powerful antiseptic, antifungal and anti-viral. Good for acne, cold sores, warts, and burns. Useful cleansing agent for skin. Helps combat foot odour and athlete's foot. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy and prolonged use. Can irritate sensitive skin.
 
       
  Thyme, Sweet or Serpolet: An effective bactericide, antiseptic that can be vaporised as a household disinfectant. Its strong pungent aroma is useful in warding off rodents and getting rid of fleas. Commonly used in ancient times for its tonic and immunity stimulant properties. Caution: Do not use Thyme when pregnant or having high blood pressure. May cause irritation to sensitive skins.  
       
  Vetivert (Vetiver): A deeply relaxing, soothing oil for the mind and body. Assists in reducing blood pressure. Sensual properties.
 
       
  Ylang Ylang: Long used for its sensual properties. Soothing and relaxing during times of tension and stress. Ideal for both oily and dry skins and as a hair rinse. Caution: Use in moderation, as an overdose can cause nausea or headaches. Not for those with low blood pressure. Can irritate sensitive skin.
 
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