The Ultimate Guide To Essential Oil Properties {and which oils do what}

The world of essential oils can be tricky for the beginner.

Which oils need carriers? Which ones don’t? Which ones are safe for children? How do you know if an oil is safe for internal use or not?

And maybe most confusing — you may need a course in Latin to understand all the different properties of essential oils.

Look no further! This is your one-stop-shop for understanding and decoding the various properties of essential oils. Bookmark or pin this post, and refer back to it over and over again!

I do not claim to have listed all the properties of essential oils here. I am hoping those of you with lots of oils experience will chime in on the comments and add some properties that I may have left out. (We ask that you keep your comments brand-neutral.)

How To Use This Guide

• Understand that it is not exhaustive.
• I have listed examples of oils with each property, but again, this is not exhaustive either. There are likely more oils that I don’t even know about that possess a certain property.
• Do your research when it comes to choosing the best oil for every situation. When I say “research”, I mean to consult an aromatherapist and/or a book that can help you. I encourage you to seek out unbiased research for this purpose, not the information that comes in your brand’s oil kits and marketing materials. I am a big fan of the online classes offered at Vintage Remedies. If you plan to use oils regularly in your home, I highly recommend you invest in one or more of their oils courses.

The Ultimate Guide To Essential Oils Properties

Here are the essential oil properties, along with the oils that contain those properties.

Analgesic/Anodyne

Relieve or reduce pain when applied externally. Reduce the sensation of pain. Many essential oils are analgesic, and some are suited for specific uses. For example, clary sage is wonderful for alleviating menstrual cramping, while lavender can relieve a headache. Other oils, like clove bud and yarrow, can even act as a local anesthetic.

Oils — Chamomile: low back pain, neuralgia. Clove bud: dental pain. Eucalyptus: muscle aches, sprains. Juniper berry: joint pain, especially that caused by fibromyalgia and arthritis. Peppermint: headaches.

Anti-allergenic

Reduce uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergies, especially seasonal allergies. Some anti-allergenic oils purify the air of your home, reducing pollens and allergens in the air. Other oils support or calm the respiratory system to relieve allergenic symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and congestion.

Oils — A potent anti-allergenic blend is to combine 1 drop each of lavender, lemon, and peppermint and apply topically to relieve sneezing or add to water and swish in the mouth for 20 to 30 seconds to use as a decongestant. Other oils to combat allergies: blue tansy, eucalyptus, frankincense, helichrysum, lemon balm, Roman chamomile.

Anti-anemic

Increase the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The use of essential oils for this purpose is to combat the lack of iron in the blood.

Oils — lemon

Anti-anxiety

Used to combat feelings of anxiety, nervousness and to help calm and soothe anxiety. It is important to note that blending oils together can give fast and powerful relief from anxiety, sometimes more so than a single oil.

Oils — bergamot, copaiba, frankincense, lavender, lemon, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood

Anti-arthritic (see also: Anti-rheumatic)

Used to relieve and heal arthritic conditions. The oils listed are a general overview of anti-arthritic oils. For oils relating to specific arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis, see this article.

Oils — cilantro, clove bud, eucalyptus globulus, juniper berry, rose geranium, rosemary, white fir

Anti-bacterial

Destroy, suppress, or slow the growth of bacteria. As with most applications, certain oils are better suited to certain bacteria and conditions than others. For example, oregano oil is highly potent against internal bacteria (1 drop is plenty for a large adult), but it should never be applied to the skin without a carrier, especially on children. Please do your research, consult an aromatherapist, or use an essential oil book to determine which anti-bacterial oils you need for certain conditions.

Oils — arborvitae, blue tansy, cinnamon bark, citronella, clove bud, geranium, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, oregano, tea tree

Antibilious

Aid in removal of excess bile or to improve jaundice.

Oils — chamomile, rosemary, sage, yarrow

Anti-catarrhal

Heal inflammation of the mucous membranes. Also relieve of excess mucous and phlegm, which is useful for respiratory inflammation and distress.

Oils — basil, black pepper, cayenne, frankincense, myrrh, white fir

Anti-coagulant

Work to prevent the clotting of blood. Reduce blood clotting which can help prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. If you are taking any type of prescription or synthetic anti-coagulating drugs, seek the wisdom of a qualified health practitioner before employing these essential oils for that purpose.

Oils — birch, clove bud, peppermint, wintergreen

Antidepressant

Counteract the absence of cheerfulness or diminishing function or activity. Oils which are uplifting, especially the citrus oils, are best suited for this purpose. Other oils may help to bring peace or a feeling of being grounded, relieve anxiety, or just uplift the spirit.

Oils — Uplifting: bergamot, citronella, grapefruit, magnolia, sweet orange. Grounding: cedarwood, patchouli, rosemary. Calming: lavender, sandalwood, vetiver.

Anti-dontalgic

Relieve toothache.

Oils — cassia, clove bud, peppermint, tea tree

Antiemetic

Used to relieve nausea or to prevent or stop vomiting.

Oils — basil, cassia, fennel, ginger, lavender, peppermint

Anti-fungal

Effective against the growth of fungi. These include Candida albicans, ringworm, tinea versicolor, and other fungi or pathogenic yeasts.

Oils — clove, eucalyptus, lemongrass, manuka, orange, patchouli, sweet annie, tea tree

Anti-galactagogue

Decrease lactation in the mammary glands. Used to dry up a nursing mother’s milk supply. These oils should NOT be used by nursing mothers at any time.

Oils — clary sage, oregano, peppermint, sage, thyme, yarrow

Anti-inflammatory

Counteract or suppress inflammation. This is a broad use term for oils. For a specific type of inflammation, such as arthritis, congestion, or dental pain, it is best to seek out oils that are suited for those purposes. Consult an aromatherapist or essential oil book for application and using carrier oils.

Oils: — cannabis, chamomile, citronella, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, marjoram, thyme, vetiver, wintergreen

Anti-parasitic (See also: Vermifuge)

The type of parasitic infection will determine which oils to use and which application is best. Consult someone who is highly skilled in aromatherapy and the use of essential oils for this purpose. Do NOT attempt to treat a parasitic infection with essential oils without professional help.

Oils — clove bud, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, vetiver

Anti-pruritic

Relieve or prevent itching from rashes, bites, or skin infections.

Oils — bay leaf, chamomile, geranium, lavender, manuka, peppermint, rosemary, yarrow

Anti-pyretic (see also: Febrifuge)

Used to relieve and reduce temperature from high fevers. Anti-fever.

Oils — black pepper, camphor, German chamomile, hyssop, juniper berry, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, Roman chamomile, spikenard

Anti-rheumatic

Used to prevent or relieve rheumatism.

Oils — bay leaf, cajuput, cayenne, cypress, hyssop, lavender, milfoil, sweet marjoram, tarragon, wintergreen

Anti-seborrheic

Used to provide relief for a skin condition known as Seborrheic Dermatitis. This condition is believed to be caused by a yeast that multiplies too quickly on the skin and creates a toxin that inflames the skin. Oils used for this purpose must be able to relieve itching (anti-pruritic) and kill yeast and bacteria.

Oils — cedarwood (Virginian and Himalayan), lavender, patchouli, peppermint, tea tree, ylang ylang

Anti-spasmodic

Used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms.

Oils — angelica, anise, cajuput, clary sage, fennel, garlic, lavender, mandarin, orange, neroli, thyme

Antiseptic

Prevent, resist, and counteract decay. Kill and prevent the growth of microorganisms. Especially helpful for preventing infection or dispersing in the air to kill microorganisms.

Oils — basil, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon bark, clove, fir, frankincense, lemon, parsley, rose, tea tree, wormwood

Anti-tussive

Suppress dry coughing.

Oils — fir needle, helichrysum, lavender, mullein

Anti-viral

Prevent viruses from growing and spreading.

Oils — cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, garlic, helichrysum, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, lime, neroli, oregano, radiata, tea tree, ylang ylang

Aperient

Used as a mild laxative.

Oils — bergamot, black pepper, fennel, lemon, nutmeg, yarrow

Aperitive/Orexigenic

Stimulate the appetite.

Oils — anise, bergamot, chamomile, cilantro, garlic, ginger, lemon, marjoram, mugwort, nutmeg, sage, tarragon

Aphrodisiac

No substance can cause arousal. Certain essential oils may, however, lessen emotional or psychological stresses interfering with sexual desire or arousal. Furthermore, essential oils can lift the mood, calm anxiety, energize the mind and body, and appeal to the senses.

Oils — cinnamon, jasmine, neroli, patchouli, tuberose, ylang ylang

Astringent

Contract tissues to make them denser and firmer. Decreas discharges.

Oils — cedarwood, clary sage, copaiba, geranium, grapefruit, juniper berry, rose attar, rosemary, sandalwood, yarrow

Calmative

Sedative.

Oils — basil, clary sage, lemon balm, lemon verbena, myrtle, Roman chamomile, sweet orange, rose, ylang ylang

Carminative

Stimulate peristalsis. Relieve and promote the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract. Settle the digestive system. Relieve flatulence.

Oils — anise, basil, black pepper, cajuput, carrot seed, cassia, cayenne, coriander, ginger, hyssop, lemon, lemongrass, parsley, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary

Cephalic

Can be very healing for cerebral conditions and diseases. Stimulate and clear the mind.

Oils — basil, clary sage, garlic, juniper berry, peppermint, rosemary, valerian

Cholagogue

Used to promote increased flow and discharge of into the intestines by contracting the bile ducts. Stimulate secretion of bile into the duodenum.

Oils — bay leaf, fennel, rosewood, sage

Choleretic

Increase the volume of secretion of bile from the liver, as well as the amount of solids excreted.

Oils — blood orange

Cicatrisant

Promote the formation of scar tissue.

Oils — frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, neroli

Cosmetic

Used to beautify the skin and improve the complexion.

Oils — angelica root, bergamot mint, bitter orange, clary sage, costus root, fennel, frankincense, rose attar, yarrow

Cytophylactic

Increase leukocyte activity to defend the body against infection. Stimulate the growth of new cells. (Source.)

Oils — frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, sandalwood, tangerine

Decongestant

Help to relieve congestion.

Oils — cajuput, eucalyptus, garlic, lavender, peppermint, pine

Demulcent

Soothing to inflammation or irritation of any kind.

Oils — oak moss

Depurative

Cleanse and purifiy blood and organs. Detoxify.

Oils — caraway, carrot seed, coriander, fennel, garlic, grapefruit, juniper berry, lemon, pine, rose. Spikenard essential oil is a well-known depurative for the uterus and ovaries.

Diaphoretic

Help to produce perspiration/sweating. Also increase toxin elimination through the skin.

Oils: angelica, cajeput, lemon, melissa, myrrh, peppermint

Digestive

Aid in the digestion of food.

Oils — cilantro, fennel, ginger, juniper berry, lemon verbena, milfoil, rose

Diuretic

Promote removal of excess water from the body through the urinary tract. Increase the flow of urine.

Oils — black pepper, carrot seed, citronella, cypress, elecampane, fennel, hyssop, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, rosemary

Emmenagogue

Induce or assist menstruation. Tone the female reproductive organs. Regulate menstruation.

Oils — basil, bay, carrot seed, chamomile, clary sage, milfoil, pennyroyal, valerian

Emollient

Soothing to the skin. All carrier oils are emollient.

Oils — almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, macadamia nut oil, pumpkin seed oil, sunflower seed oil

Expectorant

Encourage the discharge of mucous from respiratory passages.

Oils — angelica, anise, basil, bergamot, cardamom, cedarwood, eucalyptus, mullein, peppermint, sandalwood

Febrifuge (see also: Anti-pyretic)

Anti-fever.

Oils — birch, black pepper, blue tansy, camphor, German chamomile, hyssop, juniper berry, melissa, peppermint, Roman chamomile

Galactogogue

Increase the secretion of breastmilk.

Oils — basil, fennel, lemongrass, star anise

Germicide

Destroy pathogenic organisms.

Oils — birch, camphor, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, tea tree

Hemostatic

Help to stop bleeding.

Oils — clove, geranium, helichrysum, lime, rosemary, sage, yarrow

Hepatic

Used to strengthen, tone, and and stimulate the secretions and function of the liver.

Oils — carrot seed, German chamomile, cypress, lemon, mandarin, peppermint, spearmint, thyme

Hypocholesterolemic

Lower blood cholesterol.

Oils — cannabis, garlic, myrrh

Hypotensive

Lower blood pressure.

Oils — bay, copaiba, garlic, lavender, lemon, marjoram, valerian

Immunostimulant

Stimulate or strengthen the immune system.

Oils — cardamom, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lavender, ravintsara, ylang ylang

Insecticide

Used to destroy insects.

Oils — basil, bergamot, birch, cajuput, patchouli, thyme, tea tree

Laxative

Loosen bowel and relieve constipation.

Oils — anise, black pepper, ginger, lemon, parsley, patchouli, rose, spikenard, violet

Mucolytic

Break down mucous in the respiratory passages.

Oils — elecampane, eucalyptus, myrrh, peppermint, ravintsara

Nephritic

Help to heal and support the kidneys.

Oils — cedarwood, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood

Parturient

Stimulate uterine contractions. Induce and assist with labor. These oils should NOT be used during pregnancy, except under the watchful eye of a trained practitioner.

Oils — basil, cinnamon, clary sage, jasmine, oregano

Restorative

Restore something back to its original or intended condition.

Oils — cedarwood, lime, oak moss, spearmint

Rubefacient

Stimulate capillary dilation and cause the skin to redden. Can cause skin irritation.

Oils — bergamot, black pepper, cajuput, rosemary, peppermint

Sedative

Calm and tranquilize the nerves.

Oils — bay, lavender, marjoram, sage, tangerine, tuberose, ylang ylang

Soporific

Help to induce sleep. Relieve insomnia.

Oils — bay, clary sage, lavender, neroli, Roman chamomile, vetiver

Stimulant

Awaken the functions of the body. Increase energy.

Oils — basil, bergamot, black pepper, juniper berry, pennyroyal, peppermint, tarragon, thyme, white fir

Stomachic

Digestive aid and gastric tonic. Help with appetite and improved digestion.

Oils — basil, bay, bergamot, lemon verbena, palmarosa, tangerine

Styptic

Stop local bleeding or hemorrhaging. Applied externally.

Oils — bergamot, geranium, yarrow

Sudorific

Cause sweating. Unlike diaphoretic oils, sudorific oils promote the flow of sweat, not perspiration.

Oils — cajuput, cypress, peppermint, rosemary

Tonic

Restoring, invigorating, and refreshing to the body.

Oils — basil, bergamot, carrot seed, elemi, frankincense, lemongrass, lime, neroli, orange, petitgrain, thyme, yarrow

Vasoconstrictor

Cause constriction of blood vessel walls.

Oils — cypress, peppermint

Vasodilator

Stimulate circulation. Cause dilation of blood vessel walls.

Oils — ginger, lemongrass, marjoram, tuberose

Vermifuge (See also: Anti-parasitic)

Expel intestinal worms. Anti-parasitic.

Oils — clove bud, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, vetiver

What properties or oils would you add to this list? Did you know all these properties of essential oils? Please leave a (brand-neutral) comment below.

This post was featured in 82 Ways To Heal Your Gut.