Essential Oil Resouces | Young Living

Essential oils are important and, as you might have noticed essential oil popularity and awareness is on the rise. With so many people exploring the world of aromatherapy and essential oils, it’s even more crucial for aromatherapists and essential oil enthusiasts to know where to go for reliable, research-based information on the great natural oils we love.

4 Reliable Essential Oil Databases

For an aromatherapist or an essential oil user, essential oils are important. And, as you might have noticed in recent years, essential oil popularity has risen dramatically. With so many people venturing into the world of aromatherapy, it’s even more crucial for aromatherapists and essential oil enthusiasts to know where to go for reliable, research-based information on the oils we love.

AromaWeb: Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Founded in 1997 by ACHS graduate Wendy Robbins, AromaWeb is dedicated to supplying extensive information on essential oils and holistic aromatherapy.
American Botanical Council – HerbalGram: Essential Oils The American Botanical Council is a nonprofit research and education organization that provides reliable information on plant-based products that support research. ABC has a dedicated site with resources such as HerbalGrams, monographs, an herbal database, and research dedicated specifically to essential oils. A majority of these resources are available free to the general public, while some require a membership to be accessed.
ScienceDirect – Essential Oils ScienceDirect is a peer-reviewed, scholarly literature database that consists of full-text health, scientific, and technical publications. While not specifically an essential oil resource, ScienceDirect has an extensive amount of research articles dedicated to essential oils. Using keywords essential and oils in the basic search box, I was able to locate approximately 280k+ free research articles on essential oils!
PubMed Central (PMC) – Essential Oils PMC is a “free archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature at the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine…As an archive, PMC is designed to provide permanent access to all of its content”. Similar to ScienceDirect, PMC is not a dedicated essential oil resource, but it does contain a vast amount of essential oil research articles that are free to the public. So, if you are diving into that research paper on essential oils, this might be a good resource for you.

Check out the resources below for more information on Essential Oils.

Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Essential oil uses are nearly limitless once you become comfortable with using them. As far as using your essential oils you have three options to reap the benefits of each essential oil. Young Living Essential oils can be used aromatically, topically or internally.Essential oils are the literal essence of the plant. Because they are the most pure way to use benefit from a plant they make a wonderful choice for internal treatment. Different methods of use will provide different results.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

This sandalwood variety is native to India and is steam distilled at our partner farm in Australia’s tropical northern outback to ensure its authenticity and purity. Sacred Sandalwood essential oil provides an uplifting, warm, woodsy, and sweet aroma, while offering a variety of skin benefits.

Copaiba Essential Oil

Known for its gentle, woodsy aroma, Copaiba essential oil is a product of steam distilling the gum resin tapped from the Brazilian Copaifera reticulata tree. Copaiba oil has high levels of beta-caryophyllene and a uniquely sweet aromatic profile, which helps create a relaxing atmosphere when it is diffused or applied topically. Copaiba is a great addition to your daily routine and skin care. Add it to a neutral moisturizer to utilize its natural fragrance and moisturizing properties.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has origins in Southeast Asia, it is distilled from the leaves and woody stalks of the lemongrass plant, and it produces a subtle citrus-herb scent. Lemongrass oil offers a sophisticated and relaxing aroma that can transform your home’s environment into a comforting sanctuary. Lemongrass oil’s relaxing aroma also makes it a great complement to a post-workout massage.

Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli oil is carefully extracted through steam distillation of a low bushy shrub native to tropical regions in Southeast Asia. Although the plant is part of the mint family Patchouli essential oil has a powerful musky scent and because of its complex aroma Patchouli oil uses often include perfumes soaps incense and essential oil blends. Use its calming relaxing aroma during meditation or yoga practice or apply topically to improve the appearance of skin.

Oregano Essential Oil

As an herb, oregano shines in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; but as an essential oil, it has a wealth of benefits and uses outside the kitchen. Oregano essential oil’s warm, herbaceous scent is excellent at purifying the air when diffused with oils such as Peppermint.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Today Myrrh oil is valued around the world but anciently it was popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean. The oil is now recognized for its beautifying properties and grounding aroma and Myrrh essential oil is common in cosmetic and aromatic industries. Its calming complex aroma brings a deeper sense of spirituality to practices such as yoga and meditation and its moisturizing and cleansing properties have made it popular in high-end skin care and beauty products.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens) was used by the Egyptians to promote beautiful, radiant looking skin. Today, this potent oil is often used in high end perfumes and skin care products. Add Geranium to lotion, body wash, and hair care to enhance the aroma of your personal care products. Because Geranium oil has versatile benefits, you can also diffuse it to invite a peaceful, spiritual feeling in your living room or meditative space.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon Bark essential oil’s warm and comforting aroma exudes a familiar scent from the naturally occurring constituent cinnamaldehyde. There’s no doubt that Cinnamon Bark is a favorite during the winter seasons, as its sweet and spicy scent evokes memories of the holidays. For a festive note, diffuse Cinnamon Bark with Frankincense, Orange, Tangerine, Clove, or Nutmeg. Cinnamon Bark can also be applied topically if diluted properly to avoid skin irritation.

Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine essential oil (Jasminium officinale) has a rich sultry aroma that makes this oil feel alluring and romantic. Jasmine oil is widely used in aromatherapy, this essential oil contains the plant’s aromatic compounds which are believed to have various health benefits including skin care and stress reduction. To maximize the fragrance of Jasmine oil the flower must be picked at night before sunrise adding to the oil’s mystique and allure.

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger oil is a popular essential oil with a warm, soothing energizing aroma. Ginger is steam distilled from the rhizome of the ginger plant and is part of the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger essential oil benefits include its topical and aromatic uses whether the oil is being diffused during a long road trip or applied during a massage

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum oil’s sweet, earthy aroma is perfect to diffuse when you work on your next project; the invigorating scent helps create a stimulating, refreshed environment. Steam distilled from the tiniest of flowers, the delicate blossoms produce a rich oil with a complex profile. These tiny flowers pack a punch, aromatically and topically, as Helichrysum oil provides many benefits for the skin, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil has a broad range of uses, from enhancing spiritual and meditative practice to use in beauty routines. Create a safe and comforting environment by diffusing this oil’s empowering aroma, particularly when you are seeking purpose or engaged in prayer or meditation. In addition to elevated spiritual experiences, Frankincense can help you maintain the appearance of radiant skin and its ability to smooth the appearance of healthy skin.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil is steam distilled from a perennial shrub with needle-like leaves that can remain evergreen in warmer climates. The botanical which is part of the mint family is native to Mediterranean regions and has blue or purple flowers that give it an understated beauty. Rosemary essential oil uses include topical application and direct inhalation and its complex woodsy aroma can help create an energizing environment and promote a sense of clarity.

Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper essential oil is steam-distilled from the berries of the Piperceae. It’s an oil high in monoterpenes, a chemical constituent know to have a powerful impact on the body in many ways. The aroma of black pepper is spicy, musky, warm, and you of course…peppery. Therapeutically, black pepper oil is mostly used as a supplement for digestive and nervous system support and wellness. For this reason many people will use the oil as a flavoring in their cooking, just as you might with crushed black pepper. You wouldn’t use a full teaspoon of black pepper oil, but rather start off with a drop or less to find the right amounts for your recipes.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil’s woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma creates a relaxing, calming, and comforting atmosphere when diffused to help support a relaxing nighttime routine. The cleansing and moisturizing properties associated with Cedarwood essential oil also make it a great addition to your favorite skin care products. When applied topically, it can help maintain the appearance of healthy, youthful skin. You can also massage Cedarwood oil into your scalp to enhance the appearance of healthy-looking hair.

Citronella Essential Oil

The anti-inflammatory compound in citronella essential oil can help reduce inflammation that causes pain. It works especially well to fight inflammation in the GI tract and can ease digestion. For those who prefer to use all natural alternatives to medications, citronella essential oil can induce feelings of happiness and hope. With strong anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, citronella essential oil can kill many of the germs that cause odors and illness in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s a natural anti-fungal, which can control mold and mildew. The many antioxidant properties of citronella essential oil have been shown to increase blood flow and stimulate circulation throughout the body. This can work well to ease symptoms in those who suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Fennel Essential Oil

Young Living Fennel essential oil is best known as a powerful ingredient for good digestive health. Like its root plant, it has an aroma that’s developed from crushing the seeds of the fennel plant and going through a process of steam distillation. It provides phenomenal digestive support and can help you to find balance in your diet. Fennel oil is steam distilled from the crushed seeds of the fennel plant.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil provides a familiar, recognizable scent, but Peppermint is so much more than just a nostalgic, fresh aroma. This oil can be diffused to create a stimulating, focused atmosphere for daily tasks. You can also apply it topically to create a cool, tingling sensation on the skin, which can be very soothing after hard physical activity. We recommend using Peppermint essential oil aromatically or topically anytime you want to add a pleasant variety to your routine!

Hyssop Essential Oil

Hyssop oil is one of many essential oils that is increasing popularity as a possible alternative to conventional anti-inflammatories and antimicrobials. While classified as “natural,” the oil still poses a risk of side effects, especially when used orally or topically. What is hyssop essential oil? Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) essential oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the plant bearing the same name. Hyssop has a slightly sweet scent and was considered a sacred oil in ancient Egypt Israel and Greece. Today, hyssop is considered a multipurpose essential oil among alternative practitioners. The oil has a purifying scent that’s a cross between minty and flowery. It’s also considered a body purifier with numerous benefits.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil has a light citrus aroma which makes it a great oil to help you get going in the morning or refresh your kitchen before dinner. The peel of the yellow-green orange-shaped fruit is cold pressed to create the pure Young Living Bergamot oil found in homes around the world. Bergamot’s distinctive, citrusy scent is used in both men’s and women’s personal care products. It can be found in perfumes, cologne, toiletries, and cosmetics. Edible bergamot oil is used as a food and drink flavoring. It also has medicinal value according to many case studies conducted by scientist around the world.

Basil Essential Oil

Basil Essential Oil is derived from the leaves of the Ocimum basilicum botanical, better known as the Basil herb. Basil essential oil has a fresh herbaceous aroma that can be calming and refreshing. Basil Oil emits a warm, sweet, freshly floral and crisply herbaceous scent that is further characterized as airy, vibrant, uplifting, and reminiscent of the scent of licorice. The natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-depressant, and diuretic qualities of Basil made it a common component in the traditional medical practices of Asia, such as in India, where it was known as “Tulsi” and was thought of as sacred. One of Basil essential oil’s benefit is it supports nervous system health when consumed internally.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world and used for their medicinal properties. Their healing power comes from eucalyptus tree oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are then dried, crushed, and distilled by Young Livings Seed to Seal process to release the essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as medicine. There are many other Eucalyptus Radiata uses loved by essential oil enthusiast including using it in invigorating massage after physical activity.

Lemon Essential Oil

With its bright and joyful aroma, Lemon oil benefits skin and hair as much as its aroma enhances your environment. This best-selling oil can be used in a variety of ways: Mix it with your cleaning products, use it during your nighttime skin care routine, or add a drop to your conditioner for a great scent. This oil is a key ingredient in many hair and skin care products, Thieves® cleaning products, and other essential oil blends. Because citrus oil can cause photo sensitivity, avoid applying Lemon to exposed skin before spending time outside.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree essential oil, also known as Melaleuca or Melaleuca Alternifolia oil, is one of the most widely used and extensively researched essential oils, making it a must-have for every home. Because the benefits of Tea Tree oil include cleansing properties and a refreshing scent, this versatile oil can be used for everything from home cleaning solutions to skin care. You can also find a world of uses for Tea Tree oil in your personal care and beauty routine. Incorporate this moisturizing yet cleansing oil into skin care applications and hair treatments for a spa-quality upgrade!

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It’s this dynamic aroma that has made the flower a classic for perfumes, soaps, fresheners, and beauty products. Lavender essential oil isn’t just a favorite because of its classic scent—it’s also highly versatile. From skin care products to relaxing routines, this oil can infuse and enhance many areas of your life.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) has a spicy warm scent that’s instantly familiar because of its connection to fall and winter holidays. To produce Clove essential oil the flower bud and plant stem are steam distilled and the rich strong oil that results from this process contains eugenol. Clove oil has traditionally been used for a variety of purposes, including: as an antimicrobial, to help kill bacteria as a pain reliever for conditions such as toothache and muscle pain for digestive upset to relieve respiratory conditions like cough and asthma. Clove oil is a unique and powerful option that you can utilize even outside the kitchen. It is a popular choice for adding spice to a meal, administering a warming massage, freshening your breath, and more.

Neroli Essential Oil

Extracted from orange blossoms Neroli has a citrusy floral scent. Neroli oil is an essential oil, extracted from the flowers of bitter orange trees (Citrus aurantium var. amara). The oil is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation. Neroli oil emits a rich, floral scent, with citrusy overtones. It’s used as a base note in perfumes and scented products. Because of its soothing effect on mood, neroli oil is often used as an ingredient in body lotions and cosmetics. It can also be used in aromatherapy. Neroli oil is typically used in aromatherapy, and by applying it directly to the skin. You can use it by itself, or combine it with other essential oils in a diffuser, or spritzer.

Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress has a fresh herbaceous aroma that can promote a sense of security and grounding. Cypress oil is an essential oil made from the twigs, stems, and leaves of the cypress tree. Most cypress essential oil is made from Cupressus sempervirens, also known as Mediterranean cypress. The majority of studies focus on essential oil made from this particular tree. Cypress oil has many health benefits, as it has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. You could inhale cypress oil by using it in a diffuser. Try adding a few drops of the essential oil diluted with a carrier oil to a warm bath, and then breathing in deeply. Remember that essential oil is extremely concentrated. It should be diluted in a carrier oil if you plan on using it on your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Produced from distillation of the seeds of the wild carrot plant Carrot Seed has a mildly sweet aroma with earthy herbaceous notes. Carrot seed oil is a type of essential oil. It’s extracted via steam distillation from the seeds of the Daucus carota plant. Carrot seed oil is sometimes confused with carrot oil, which is made from a mixture of crushed carrot roots immersed in a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil. Carrot oil isn’t an essential oil, however. Cold pressed carrot seed oil is cold pressed from the carrot seeds, and it’s used in cosmetics for anti-aging properties in skin care. Carrot seed essential oil has shown antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Like other essential oils, carrot seed oil isn’t meant to be ingested. In this way, it differs from carrot oil, which is often used for cooking.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

We cold press Grapefruit essential oil from the peels of the fresh fruit for a citrusy oil with the bright aroma of a grapefruit orchard. It’s this sweet, invigorating scent that associates the essential oil with feelings of joy, satisfaction, and playfulness. Not only is Grapefruit a wonderful essential oil to diffuse, but it’s also a great addition to DIY skin care products. Combine it in a salt body scrub with other skin-toning essential oils—such as Lemon and Juniper—for a home spa experience that gives your skin a smooth-looking glow. Grapefruit essential oil has distinct properties that may offer a variety of health benefits — including reduced blood pressure and stress levels.

Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram is a plant. You probably recognize it as a common cooking spice. Marjoram is a key oil used in the Raindrop Technique and can be used in massage after exercise. The herbaceous flavoring of Marjoram oil can be used to spice up stews, dressings, soups, and meat dishes and can take the place of dried marjoram when cooking. Aside from its culinary benefits, Marjoram can be taken internally to help support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system.* Marjoram can also be used topically and aromatically for its calming properties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system.* The aroma of Marjoram oil is warm, herbaceous, and woody and helps promote a calming atmosphere.

German Chamomile Essential Oil

German Chamomile has a calming aroma that helps create feelings of peace and patience. This oil can be applied neat or as part of massage to desired areas. German chamomile oil is broadly used in the cosmetic industry, especially in formulations designed to improve dry, inflamed or irritated skin. It is also added in shampoos and conditioners.

Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa essential oil comes from the Melissa plant which is also known as lemon balm and is part of the Lamiaceaeâ or mintâ family. Young Living Melissa oil comes from there St. Maries farm in Idaho where the oil is steam distilled from aerial parts of the plant before it flowers. Melissa essential oil has a grassy lemony scent that creates a pleasant calming atmosphere. Melissa essential oil contains strong soothing properties, when used aromatically or topically it can help promote feelings of relaxation. Melissa oil is also valued for its fresh, sweet, and citrus-like aroma.

Essential Oil Resources