The Oracle

Cajeput

Botanical Name: Melaleuca leucadendron

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Watery

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, campherous aroma with a fruity note.

Possible Uses: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat, spots. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-63.]

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linaolool, terpinen-4-ol, a-terpineol. [L. Williams, "The Composition and Bactericidal Activity of oil of Melaleuca alternifolia," International Journal of Aromatherapy, Vol 1., No. 3, 15, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 147.]

Safety Information: May cause skin irritation. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 170.]

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 203.]

Cardamum

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Spicy, woody, rich, sweet.

Possible Uses: Appetite (loss of), colic, fatigue, halitosis, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 63-67.]

Constituents: Terpinyl acetate, cineol, limonene, sabiene, linalool, linalyl acetate, pinene, zingiberene. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 138.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]

Carrot Seed

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin - Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium – Strong, Lingering Aroma

Aromatic Description: Earthy, woody, warm. It does not resemble the smell of carrots and is considered harsh or unpleasant by some.

Possible Uses: Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-60.]

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, y-terpinene, limonene, B-bisabolene, geranyl acetate, Carotol. [B. Lawrence, "Carrot Seed Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, August/September 1980, 29, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 149.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]

Cedarwood, Atlas

Cedarwood, Atlas
Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Medium and oily feeling

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Woody, sweet, sharper note than Virginian cedarwood, slight aroma reminiscent of artificial mothballs, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents: atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene. [Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Great Britain: Element Books, 1992, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 150.]

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 108.]

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]

Cedarwood, Virginian

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Medium and oily feeling

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, balsamic. It strongly resembles the aroma of cedar chests and closets.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, insect repellant, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-65.]

Constituents: a-cedrene, B-cedrene, thujopsene, other sesquiterpene, cedrol, widdrol. [B. Lawrence, "Virginian and Texan Cedarwood Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, June/July 1980, 63, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 150.]

Safety Information: Lawless indicates that this oil may be safer to use than Atlas Cedarwood. It can cause irritation and sensitization. Avoid during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 156.]

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]


Chamomile, German

Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Deep Blue

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents: Bisabolol, Farnesol, Azulene, Farnasene, Thujanol [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Safety Information: May cause dermatitis in some. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 168.]

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]

Chamomile, Roman

Botanical Name: Anthemis nobilis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Gray/Very Pale Blue

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Bright, crisp, sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents: High Ester Content, Pinocarvone, Pinene, Bisabolol, Farnesol, Pinocarveol, Cineole, Azulene, Beta-caryophyllene, Camphene, Myrcene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Safety Information: May cause dermatitis in some. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 109.]

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]


Cinnamon

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Golden Yellow/Brown

Consistency: Slightly oily feeling

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Much richer in aroma than ground cinnamon. Peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woodsy.

Possible Uses: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.]

Constituents: Eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, benzyl benzoate. [B. Lawrence, "Cinnamon Leaf and Bark Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, August/September 1978, 54, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 154.]

Safety Information: Mucous membrane irritant and strong skin sensitizer. Avoid in alcoholism, in haemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. Only the oil from the leaf should be used. The oil from the bark is too hazardous. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 130.]

Citronella
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Citrusy (similar to lemongrass), slightly fruity, fresh, sweet.

Possible Uses: Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellant, oily skin. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.]

Constituents: Geraniol, citronellal. [B. Lawrence, "Citronella Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, June/July 1985, 27, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 155]

Safety Information: Possible sensitization. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 205.]

Lawless says to avoid Citronella during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 134.]

Clary Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin to Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Bright, earthy, herbaceous, with a subtle fruity note.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, dysmenorrhea, exhaustion, gas, labor pains, sore throat, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 62-67.]

Constituents: Linalol, Sclareol, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Pinene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 205.]

Avoid while drinking alcohol and while driving due to a narcotic effect. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 213.]

Clove Bud

Botanical Name: Eugenia caryophyllata

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Medium, Slightly Oily

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Spicy, warming yet slightly bitter, woody, reminiscent of true clove buds, but richer.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, toothache. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 59-62.]

Constituents: Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene. [B. Lawrence, "Major Tropical Spices - Clove," Essential Oils, 1977, 84-145, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 157.]

Safety Information: Mucous membrane and dermal irritant. Avoid in alcoholism, in haemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 131.]

Coriander

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, spicy, woody, slightly fruity.

Possible Uses: Aches, arthritis, colic, fatigue, grout, indigestion, nausea, rheumatism. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 60-67.]

Constituents: Linalol, decylaldehyde, borneol, geraniol, carvone, anethole. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 127.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 215.] ]

Cypress

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody evergreen aroma.

Possible Uses: Excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, oily skin, rheumatism, vericse veins. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-65.]

Constituents: Cedrol, Sabinol, Terpenyl Acetate, Camphene, Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene, Sabinene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 205.]