Plants provide us with medicines to prevent and treat disease and balance our constitution. The term aromatherapy was created by a French chemist in the early 20th century who burned his hand and used a vat of Lavender oil to cool it down. He discovered that it helped his burns to heal and his hand did not scar. This led to essential oils being used on soldiers’ wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. Aromatherapy evolved to include massage treatments for physiological and psychological well being.
The therapeutic properties of essential oils are what makes aromatherapy so special. Lavender oil has been proven to stimulate the immune system and increase white blood cell production, while Grapefruit, Lemon, Rosemary and Fennel are excellent cleansing, uplifting and immune boosting oils. Nature’s medicine chest is vast and the combinations endless.
Essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream enhancing cell renewal, circulation and detoxification. Blood and lymph circulation and the clearing of waste products are enhanced, as is the process of cellular renewal. They can also relax the muscles, relieving tension and stress and creating a sense of well being in body and mind.
I love Beatitude Aromatherapy Oils. Rebecca O’Connor is a qualified and experienced Aromatherapist and has been practicing for many years.
✨Pregnancy ~ I only ever use mandarin essential oil during pregnancy✨
Dosage is 20ml carrier oil (e.g. Coconut oil, almond oil) to max 8 drops essential oil
I wouldn’t use essential oils on the face or on babies skin
Some popular essential oils used in the yurt ✨
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Laminaceae. Flowering tops, leaves, stems.
First aid – cuts, burns, bruises – all inflammations.
Helpful for: everything! Healing. Promotes cell growth, balances emotions, immune stimulant, relaxes breathing. Habit breaking and crisis smoother.
Contra-indications: None noted
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Geraniaceae. Leaves, stocks & flowers
Balances both mind and body – emotionally uplifting and stimulates circulation. Gives sense of security, receptivity and intimacy
Helpful for: Overworked perfectionists! Helping to connect to sensuality. Balancing hormones. Anxiety , pain, circulatory problems, lymphatic congestion. Nervous tension.
Contra-indications: None noted
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) Rutaceae. Leaves & twigs of bitter orange.
Strengthens the emotionally delicate. Restoring faith and calming when feeling angry or betrayed. Promotes mental clarity – sharpens thought process
Helpful for: Palpitations and insomnia from anxiety or nervous breakdown. Hyperactivity. Stress induced conditions.
Contra-indications: None noted
Bergamont (Citrus bergamia) Rutaceae. Fruit, similar to orange.
Uplifting and cheerful. Release – relax – uplift!
Cooling and calming
Helpful for: Promoting feelings of happiness and being carefree. Anxiety, depression, addictions. Over eating. Releasing pent up feelings – letting go and opening up.
Contra-indications: phototoxic
Mandarin (Citrus reticula) Rutaceae. Outer peel.
Refreshing – happy – soothing – relaxing
Only oil safe for the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Great for kids and the elderly. Aids digestion
Helpful for: Pregnancy, stretch marks, promoting skin growth, anxiety
Contra-indications: None noted
Orange (Citrus sinensis) Rutaceae. Outer peel.
Uplifting – warm – bright – restorative
Gives burst of sunshine! Clears frustration. Calms stomach, aids peristalsis. Immune stimulant
Helpful for: Clearing the fear of the unknown, releasing built up stress, constipation. Promoting positive outlook, happiness, ease and adaptability.
Contra-indications: None noted
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) Burseraceae. Gum resin
Strength in hardship – Protection
Emotionally balances – promotes sense of calm. Heightens spiritual experience – Ego and spirit are one. Awakens higher consciousness. Rejuvenates skin. Calms and deepens breath
Helpful for: Breathing – esp. if fear connected to breathing. Anxiety, asthma. Healing scars. Clearing old ghosts. Meditation.
Contra-indications: None noted
Benzion (Styrax benzoin) Styraceae. Resin from trees
Grounding – Euphoria! – Harmonising – Soothing – Stabilising – Nurturing – Warming
Stimulates conscious mind and brings harmony. Expectorant, carminative, sedative
Helpful for: Emotional exhaustion, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, anger, past tension and resentments. Chapped skin, chesty coughs – loosening mucus,
Contra-indications: possible skin sensation
Lime (Citrus media) Rutaceae. Peel of whole fruit
Refreshing and uplifting, clears fatigue,
Stimulating and activating especially energising and revitalising for apathy, anxiety and depression. Immune stimulant.
Helpful for: fatigue, travel sickness, tired minds, cellulite, viruses, depression
Contra-indications: possible irritation with sunlight on the skin
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) Annonaceae. Flowers.
Euphoric effect promoting positive emotions, calming and sedating in stressful times. Hormone balancing, anti depressant, hypotensive, sedative. Disapates jealousy, soothes frustrations, introversion, emotional coldness, impotency, frigidity. Promotes confidence. Aphrodisiac.
Helpful for: slowing breathing and heart rate. Regulating flow of adrenaline therefore reducing stress, anger, panic, frustration.
Contra-indications: Use in moderation (for the sake of the world population!)
Palmarosa (Cymbopagon martinii) Cymbopogon. Fresh/dried grass.
Calming yet uplifting for emotions. Clarifying
Helpful for: Exhaustion and stress. Clearing heat, stabilising and soothing to emotions, people who find it hard to let go. Stimulating skin cell regeneration and regulating sebum.
Contra-indications: None noted
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) Pinaceae. Wood
Strength – endurance – certainty
Creates harmony – clears mind when clogged with anxiety and tension, helps with day dreaming and for those absent minded. Used in temples for meditation. Transforms negative and threatening feeling into an experience of strength and wisdom.
Drains cold dampness. Improves blood and lymph flow. Repels insects and fungus. Antibacterial, diuretic for water retention, expectorant for clearing mucus.
Helpful for: fat and lymph congestion, fungal infections, poor concentration, catarrh, meditation, spiritual connection.
Contra-indications: Not in pregnancy
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) Gramineae. Roots of grass
Nourishing – restoring – reconnecting.
Grounding back to earth – sense of well being. Connects to our vital source.
Deeply calming. Oil of tranquillity – relaxes over heated hyperactive mind. Releases mental and physical exhaustion. Supports Yin – restorative, absorptive, anabolic functions
Helpful for: Exhaustion, stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, hyperventilating. When deep relaxation of muscles, nervous system needed for mind, body and soul.
Contra-indications: None noted
Common/ Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Pinaceae. Needles
Invigorating, refreshing, cleansing, deo. Cleanses negative energies and promotes well being. Self acceptance. Protection, boundaries.
Immune stimulant, expectorant, clears mucus (wonderful in a sauna!)
Helpful for: Concentration – mental fatigue, emotional weakness. Cleansing physically and energetically.
Contra-indications: Possible irritation for sensitive skins
Juniper (Juniperus communis) Cupressaceae. Berries, twigs, needles
Empower – Unburden – Fortify
Detoxifies, cleaning out body & mind of excesses – fluid, anxieties, build up of toxins, sleep problems, negative energies from others. Breaks psychological stagnation and consolidates will power. Moves the blood, de-toxifying, decongests lymph, cellulite, anagestic, anti spasmodic, anti septic, clears phlegm
Helpful for: Nervous exhaustion, stress related exhaustion, urinary infections
Contra-indications: Pregnancy, kidney disease
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Apiaceae. Crushed seeds
Grounding. Warm and sweet. Cleans out body – natural diuretic and depurative. Carminative. Increases breast milk. Regulates menstrual cycle. Enlivens the mind.
Helpful for: Helps relieve flatulence, constipation ,water retention and cellulite. Counteracts the effects of alcohol useful for alcoholism.
Contra-indications: Not to be used in pregnancy or epilepsy
Sage (Salvia officinalis) Laminaceae. Aerial parts.
Promotes long life – wisdom – strengthens the memory – quickens the senses
Hormone balancing, muscle relaxant, increases blood flow to the head improving conditions due to poor cerebral circulation. Salvia = to save. Heals cuts and wounds. Astringent – diarrhoea, bleeding.
Helpful for: Menopause. Eases hot flushes and sweating. Grief, depression, tiredness, feeling overwhelmed emotionally.
Contra-indications: high blood pressure, pregnancy, possible irritation for sensitive skin.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Laminaceae. Flowering tops/tops & seeds.
Warming – relaxing – uplifting and earthy
Unblocks – allowing inspiration to flow. Euphoric – soothes panic, uplifts and promotes feelings of well being. Encourages vivid dreams and dream recall. Strengthens immune system. Eases pain, relaxes muscles, reduces spasm and fatigue.
Helpful for: dealing with loss, deepening the breath, hormone balancing, relieving cold, congested headaches, convalescence, spiritual connection and dream awareness.
Contra-indications: high blood pressure, pregnancy. Never to be taken with alcohol.
Valarian (Valariana officinalis/fauriel) Valerianaceae. Rhizomes.
Deeply relaxing. Brings a sigh and out breath – soothing, healing and comforting. Hypotensive, analgesic, diuretic, sedative.
Helpful for: Shock, anxiety, insomnia, stress related problems
Contra-indications: None noted
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Laminaceae. Dried leaves.
Earthing – arousing – enriching
Stimulates and Sedates – harmonises
Helpful for: Anxiety, debility, reaching deep emotions, encouraging being in body and sensuality – especially helpful if high stress levels and mental over activity
Contra-indications: may cause photo-toxicity
Sandalwood (Santalum album) Santalaceae. Wood – timber, heart wood, roots
Relaxing – soothing – earth – inner unity – peace to mind
Powerful anti-septic. Soothes dry irritated anti-inflammatory. Aids prayer, meditation, spiritual practice
Helpful for: calming irritations, anxiety, insomnia, infections, cell regeneration, spiritual practice
Contra-indications: None noted
Rose, damask otto (Rosa damascene) Rosaceae. Flowering petals.
Faith – hope – love
Self love. Heals wounds – emotional, aphrodisiac. Comforting, nurturing. Touches deepest despair, encourages trust will love again.
Helpful for: Calming and supporting the heart. Reproductive problems
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Rose, cabbage, French Rose (Rose centifolia). Flowering petals
Love – trust – self acceptance
Luxurious, sensual, emotional comfort, soothes – peace and happiness. Tones blood vessels, promotes soothing sleep,
Helpful for: Postnatal depression, cell regeneration, feelings of guilt, grief, resentment and jealousy.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Jasmine (Jasmine officinale) Oleaceae. Flowers
Rejuvenates skin and the soul!
Enhances cell renewal, increases elasticity, soothes dry, mature skin. Increases confidence and optimis. Balances hormones, eases pain.
Helpful for: Depression – especially from unconscious restraint and repression – promotes souls desire. Scars, stretch marks. Premenstrual symptoms. Labour and after, increasing breast milk
Contra-indications: None noted though be mindful that it is known to increase labour and induce a speedy delivery!
Neroli (Citrus aurantium) Rutaceae. Flowers – orange blossom.
Grounding – harmonising – uplifting.
Reassurance, retrieval and renewal. Positive thinker, helps to increase confidence and self esteem. Soothes tension and anxiety, calms and soothes nerve endings.
Helpful for: Stress, anxiety, hysteria. Calming – palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia. Rejuvenating body and soul.
Contra-indications: None noted
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Burseraceae. Gum resin
Healer – Tranquil solitude
Powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and expectorant.
Helpful for: Healing wounds esp. mouth and gum problems and infections of respiratory system. Chapped, fungal infections of skin. Thursh. Stilling the spirit – uniting physical – dreams and visions of soul manifest. Calms fears and expands awareness.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy, low doses only
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Piperaceae. Fruit
Warming for extreme cold.
Warms the blood – relieves aches and pains and stimulates appetite. Strengthens nerves and mind.
Helpful for: Promoting alertness, concentration and confidence. For spasm, coughs and colds, muscular aches and pains, circulatory problems.
Contra-indications: Irritating – caution when used on skin. Never use on damaged skin. Not to be used with homeopathic remedies
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Lauraceae. Leaves (bark may irritate)
Hot – sharp – spicy
Stimulates and refreshes mind, eases tension while diminishing harshness of life, stimulates senses and steadies nerves. Antiseptic, antifungal. Warms stomach encourages digestion.
Helpful for: Mental fatigue and lack of concentration. Flatulence from cold food. Cold and chills, tiredness, cramps and rheumatic pain relieved by heat.
Contra-indications: May irritate skin
Parsley Seed (Petroselinum sativum) Umbelliferace (Fabiaceae)
Stimulates digestion – carminative, antispasmodic. Blood cleanser. Emmenogogic.
Helpful for: Digestion – cramps and wind. Fretful minds, jangled nerves. Urinary tract infections. Removes smell of garlic and onions.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy & kidney disease
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) Umbelliferaceae (Fabiaceae)
Clears out digestion & clears up skin
Increases flow of urine. Strengthens the mind, helps doubt and confusion, restores skin tone, reduces wrinkles and blemishes.
Helpful for: Mature skins (rejuvenating), decongesting liver.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Ginger (Zingiber off.) Zingiberaceae . Rhizome
Warming – Strengthing – Grounding – hot & dry
Spicy & warm, stimulates circulation and wakes up sluggish tired bodies! Removing toxins. Increasing vitality, settles stomach
Helpful for: Swollen joints aggravated by external dampness, cold hands and feet, flu, colds, clearing catarrh, nausea, cramps and rheumatic pain. Balancing cold and damp conditions.
Contra-indications: Not great if someone is already hot! Possible skin irritation.
Clove (Syzyglum aromaticum) Myrtaceae. Beaten buds
Helps prevent contagious conditions. Antiseptic, analgesic, anti viral, anti-spasm, insect repellent, expectorant.
Helpful for: infections in the mouth – teeth, gums and lungs and skin. Mental fatigue – helps the mind to recall long forgotten memories, anxiety, lack of concentration.
Contra-indications: pregnancy or sensitive people
Lemon (Citrus limon) Rutaceae. Outer fresh peel
Refreshing – clearing – trusting
Uplifts and clarifies. Clears hot damp lymphatic congestion – decongest, cleanse, detoxifying, astringent, anti-viral.
Protects & stimulates body systems and emotions. Opens heart, helps you find yourself, stops fear of loosing self.
Helpful for: Increasing white blood cells, colds and flu, detoxing, acne, obesity
Contra-indications: phototoxic – irritating for sensitive skin
Grapefruit (Citrus paradiso) Rutaceae. Fresh peel.
Disperse – Lighten – Revive – Refreshing – Uplifting – Toning
Balances emotions, brightens mood, boosts confidence, immune stimulant, astringent, diuretic, increases digestive secretion
Helpful for: Fatigue, jet lag, morning sickness, tiredness, water retention, dull oily skin, clearing psychological heat and congestion – e.g. anger, frustration, procrastination.
Contra-indications: Not for those on medication. Photosensitivity
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) Graminae
Helpful for: Repelling insects and cats! Deodorising and as an air freshener. Cleansing and uplifting.
Contra-indications: irritating to skin therefore use in small concentrations and not at all for sensitive skin
German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) Asteraceae. Flowers
Very versatile – calming- relaxing – soothing – healing
Promotes sunny disposition.
Helpful for: Stress, insomnia. Inflammations, allergies, digestive – IBS, nausea, vomiting, nervousness. Frustration. Skin conditions – healing for infections, itching, insect bites, spasms. For kids (esp. hyperactive) and elderly and frail.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or anthemis) Asteraceae. Flowers
Calming, balances emotions and eases tension. Milder than German Chamomile – more for kids (over 2 years old). Analgesic
Helpful for: Allergies, inflammations, stress, insomnia, pain relieving, calming skin irritations
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Moroccan Chamomile (Ormenis multicartis) Asteraceae. Flower petals.
Helpful for: Stess, tension, anxiety. Stress related problems especially premenstrual issues. Anti-bacterial – skin and respiratory infections. Anti-spasm – menstrual pain and colic.
NOT SAME AS OTHER CHAMOMILES THEREFORE NOT A REPLACEMENT – less azulene (anti-inflammatory)
Contra-indications: None noted
Rosewood (Anaeba rosaeodora) Lauraceae. Wood chips.
Calms without drowsiness. Steadying nerves. Cephalic. Immunostimulant.
Helpful for: Anxiety, depression, headaches (clears resulting from nausea), cell regeneration – skin. Meditation, concentration.
ONLY USE SUSTAINABLE RESORCE – SPECIES UNDER THREAT
Contra-indications: None noted
Palmarosa (Cymbopagon martinii) Cymbopogon. Fresh/dried grass.
Calming yet uplifting for emotions. Clarifying
Helpful for: Exhaustion and stress. Clearing heat, stabilising and soothing to emotions, people who find it hard to let go. Stimulating skin cell regeneration and regulating sebum.
Contra-indications: None noted
Lemon Balm (Melissa off.) Laminaceae. Leaves and flowers.
Strengthens vital spirits. Promotes peace and calm.
Uplifting – excellent for stress conditions and shock. Anti-viral, calming senses and revitalising inner self.
Helpful for: Viruses, anxiety, depression, stress, high blood pressure, palpitations, premenstrual tension, spasms. Promotes a merry and joyful heart.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) Cymbopogon (Graminaeae) Fresh & part dried leaves/grass (finally chopped)
Cleansing – Energising – Purifying
Refreshing and stimulating for body and mind. Astringent.
Helpful for: Nervous exhaustion, stress related conditions, achy muscles and joints, stimulating appetite. Sluggish skin. Tired body and mind.
Contra-indications: Irritating to sensitive skins
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Myrtaceae. Leaves & twigs
Effective for 3 infections – Bacterial, viral & fungal. Boosts moral and resistance. Strength, resistance and confidence.
Helpful for: First aid kit. Infections – treatment and prevention – e.g. bacterial and colds, warts, nail herpes, thrush, athletes foot. Helps prepare for operation and recovery.
Contra-indications: Possibly irritating for sensitive skin
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Myrtaceae. Leaves & twigs
Protects whole body against disease and viruses by strengthening the immune system.
Antiseptic, analgesic
Helpful for: All infections even in epidemics! Clearing the head and mental exhaustion, cooling heated emotions bringing optimism, openness and freedom.
Contra-indications: Not with homeopathy
Cajuput (Melaleuca cajeputi) Myrtaceae. Leaves, twigs & bark
Anti-septic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, insecticide, febrifuge, analgesic, astringent.
Helpful for: Mental fatigue, cynicism, procrastination, disorientation, coughs, catarrh, spasms and infections, muscle stiffness, insects – fleas and lice.
Contra-indications: None noted
Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) Myrtaceae. Leaves & twigs
Analgesic, antiseptic, expectorant
Helpful for: Aches, pains, infections esp. skin, urinary & respiratory, clearing the head, mental fatigue and confusion, cold and flu,
Contra-indications: None noted
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) Laminaceae. Dried flowering herb and leaves
Soothing, comforting, calms overactive minds.
Warms body and relieves anxiety and distress. Soothes broken heart. Carminative, emmenogogue, calming and sedative.
Helpful for: Grief, high blood pressure, muscular aches, stress related conditions.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
Rosemary (Rosmarinus off.) Laminaceae. Leaves and flowers
Remembrance – loved ones and our own path. Memory, antioxidant, ruberfacient, cephalic, diuretic, emmenogogue, hypertensive, stimulant – circulation, lymph, immune and mind
Helpful for: Mental clarity, tired stiff muscles, low blood pressure. Congested skin, blood, lymph and mind.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy, epilepsy, high blood pressure
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Laminaceae. Flowering herb
Strengthens the memory. Carminative, antisparmodic, antiseptic, analgesic, hormone balancing. May reduce allergies related to stress – hormone action (adrenals)
Helpful for: Clearing the head, reproductive issues relating to imbalanced hormones with spasm and pain. Digestion – cramps, vomiting, flatulence.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy, epilepsy. Possible irritant to sensitive skin
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Laminaceae. Flowers and leaves
Cool – refreshing – invigorating
Immune stimulant, pain relieving, expectorant, cephalic,
Helpful for: digestion – flatulence, pain, cramps, travel sickness, nausea, indigestion. Decongesting blocked sinuses. Cooling hot inflamed tissue. Clears the head.
Contra-indications: Not with homeopathy. Possible irritation to sensitive skin
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Laminaceae. Flowers and leaves
Antibacterial and expectorant. Hypertensive, carminative, antispasmodic,
Cheers the heart and uplifts the spirits. Prevents nightmares. Helps to focus the intellect. Immune stimulant
Helpful for: Respiratory infections, catarrh, boils, wounds. Courage.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy or high blood pressure
Corriander (Coriandrum sativum) Laminaceae. Seeds
Clears the mind & uplifts. Warms tired minds.
Analgesic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative.
Helpful for: clearing headaches. Mental fatigue. Muscular aches and pains. Stimulating appetite, flatulence.
Contra-indications: Use in moderation
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) Cupressanceae. Cones & twigs
Strong astringent and depurative. Controls the production of liquid e.g. excess sweat or, oil, fluid retention and heavy bleeding. Distils optimism – new direction and transition.
Helpful for: Grieving. Excessive perspiration, bleeding, oil. Poor circulation. Cellulite.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Stable due to vitamin E – keeps well
Light, pleasant sensation on skin
Emollient – softens the skin