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Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants that capture their scent, flavour and beneficial properties – AKA their “essence” – and people have been reaping their rewards for thousands of years.

These concentrated plant extracts are then bottled up and can be used pure in an aroma diffuser, vaporiser or oil burner; or combined with carrier oils to be massaged directly onto the skin. (Before buying, you can check the essential oil ingredients list to see if it is 100% pure or has already been mixed with a carrier oil.)

How many essential oils are there?

More than 90 varieties are commonly used these days – and the essential oils uses list is seemingly endless! From improving sleep to treating acne; relieving hay fever to easing sore muscles after a big workout and so, so much more, there’s barely a concern that can’t be addressed with a little essential oil love!

Essential oils 101: your list of essential oils and their uses

Here’s a guide to some of the most popular oils in use today – you’ll find everything on this list of essential oils at In Essence.

Basil This invigorating oil addresses stress and mild anxiety symptoms, and helps relieve mild muscle cramps and spasms. It is antiviral and anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to be beneficial in treating acne.

Bergamot An uplifting oil traditionally used to help reduce stress and irritability, bergamot may also improve skin conditions like eczema, ease symptoms of a sore throat, and cleanse and tone acne-prone skin effectively.

Cedarwood This woody-scented oil may help soothe mild arthritis symptoms, as well as treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and reducing coughing. (Note: do not ingest cedarwood oil; it can cause vomiting and damage the digestive system).

Clary Sage This soothing oil is often used to help calm the mind, relieving nervous tension and mild anxiety by arousing a sense of wellbeing. It can also be used to promote sleep, calm inflamed skin and ease menstrual cramps, and may even help reduce blood pressure.

Eucalyptus The healing benefits of eucalyptus oil puts up a good fight against nasal congestion, sinusitis, coughs and rheumatic aches and pains. When diffused it can help break down a chesty cough and get you breathing easier.

Fragonia (Australian native) A deeply relaxing, calming oil, fragonia helps bring about a feeling of peace and tranquillity, easing grief and mild anxiety symptoms. It may also offer relief for tired muscles.

Frankincense With its astringent, digestive, antiseptic and disinfectant properties, frankincense is used to assist the relief of coughs and congestion, common cold symptoms, nervous tension and mild stress. It may even prevent oral issues like bad breath, cavities and mouth sores.

Geranium Ancient Egyptians used geranium essential oil for its beautifying properties, such as promoting clear skin. It can also help calm nerves and induce a sense of wellbeing.

Grapefruit Another great option to aid the easing of nervous tension and stress symptoms, grapefruit oil may also have antifungal properties. Avoid exposing skin to the sun’s UV rays when applying topically as it’s highly photosensitive.

Jasmine Sweet-smelling jasmine essential oil has traditionally been used to help reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood. It may also boost libido, relieve menopause symptoms and ease muscle cramps, spasms and painful periods.

Juniper Berry Use juniper berry to support the relief of mild arthritis, reduce mild joint swelling, ease muscular pain and menstrual cramps, support healthy kidney and urinary tract function and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes. Used in a diffuser, it has a calming, grounding effect and purifies the air.

Kunzea (Australian native) With a clean medicinal aroma not unlike eucalyptus, kunzea is used in aromatherapy to help relieve painful symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, muscle aches, and cold and flu symptoms. It may also help lift the mood and lower stress levels.

Lavender Well-known for its calming, restorative properties, this versatile oil can help relieve tired muscles, aid sleep, relieve cold and cough symptoms and treat eczema, mild acne and minor burns. Inhaling may help alleviate headaches, and it may reduce itching and swelling from bug bites when applied topically.

Lemon Helpful in reducing inflammation, ramping up energy and concentration levels, supporting healthy digestive function and blood circulation, and uplifting the mind. Lemon’s antimicrobial properties also make it beneficial for use on for minor cuts. Avoid sun exposure when applying topically.

Lemon Myrtle (Australian native) Diffuse the fresh, zesty oil to purify the air and boost feelings of wellbeing and energy. It may also reduce and clear cold sores, treat acne, and have toning and pore-shrinking skin benefits.

Lemongrass Use lemongrass essential oil to help treat digestive issues and high blood pressure. It also contains antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lime Fresh and zesty, uplifting lime essential oil works wonders for nervous tension and sore throats. Thanks to its astringent properties, lime essential oil may also help clear oily skin when applied topically.

Mandarin Sweet-smelling mandarin is a gentle, nurturing oil that calms the mind, aids sleep and helps maintain digestive health.

Marjoram Floral and woody, this essential oil supports cardiovascular and immune system health, and may help relive mild arthritis, muscle aches and pains, headaches, cold symptoms and mild anxiety.

Neroli Extracted from the flowers of bitter orange trees, neroli can help with depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, seizures and menopause. It may also relieve nervous tension and assist in sleep.

Orange Packed with skin-loving vitamin C, orange essential oil can help brighten the complexion, making it appear clearer and smoother. It may also assist in relieving pain, as well as easing common cold symptoms and stress.

Patchouli Use to help boost healthy, glowing, smooth skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and acne. Patchouli is also good for relieving nervous tension.

Peppermint Traditionally used to ease an upset stomach or digestive issues and discomfort (particularly after a heavy meal), peppermint essential oil can also help maintain respiratory health and clear the sinuses.

Roman Chamomile Roman chamomile’s soothing properties can offer relief from menstrual cramps, stress, anger and irritability, and can help calm the mind. It’s also a top pick for dry skin, eczema and inflammation.

Rosalina (Australian native) Rosalina oil may help treat colds, respiratory infections and skin irritations, including boils, tinea and cold sores. It can help even skin tone and has a calming effect, helping reduce mental fatigue.

Rose Otto This is a skincare must-have, with its hydrating and soothing properties helping relieve dry skin, and ease skin inflammation and mild dermatitis. It may also offer a calming effect in times of stress.

Rosemary A fragrant oil to help maintain focus and concentration, reduce mental fatigue and nervous tension, promote hair and scalp health, ease headaches and support digestive and respiratory health.

Sandalwood (Australian native) For centuries, this essential oil has been heralded in the alternative medicine field. Studies suggest it may boost alertness, help manage anxiety, support healing of wounds and fight bacteria.

Tea tree Bursting with antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can effectively help cleanse wounds, ease eczema, boils and acne, treat staph infections and bug bites, and even relieve fungal skin conditions like tinea. It may also be useful as a hand sanitiser, insect repellent and mouthwash!

Ylang Ylang A nurturing and soothing oil to diffuse in times of distress or unrest , ylang ylang helps boost positive emotions and outlook and may also be used to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions.