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Essential Oil Reference Chart: Quick Guide to 50 Popular Oils

Comprehensive quick-reference chart for 50 essential oils including benefits, safety notes, blending notes, and common uses. Perfect for aromatherapy practice.

Written bySarah Mitchell
Published
Reading time12 min
Essential Oil Reference Chart: Quick Guide to 50 Popular Oils

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This comprehensive reference chart provides at-a-glance information for 50 commonly used essential oils. Use this as a quick reference during blending, client consultations, or study. Each entry includes key properties, safety considerations, and blending information.

How to Use This Chart

Key:

  • Note: T (Top), M (Middle), B (Base) - refers to evaporation rate and blending position
  • Safety: General safety notes; always verify with detailed resources for specific situations
  • Blends With: Oils that combine well aromatically and therapeutically

Floral Oils

Chamomile, German

  • Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla
  • Note: M-B
  • Key Properties: Deeply calming, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing
  • Common Uses: Skin irritation, inflammation, stress, sleep support
  • Safety: Avoid with ragweed allergy; generally gentle
  • Blends With: Lavender, rose, bergamot, geranium, clary sage

Chamomile, Roman

  • Latin Name: Chamaemelum nobile
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Calming, gentle, soothing
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, children's blends, skin care, relaxation
  • Safety: Very gentle; suitable for children (properly diluted)
  • Blends With: Lavender, geranium, bergamot, neroli, clary sage

Geranium

  • Latin Name: Pelargonium graveolens
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Balancing, skin-supportive, emotionally uplifting
  • Common Uses: Skin care, hormonal balance, emotional support, insect repellent
  • Safety: Generally safe; patch test for sensitive skin
  • Blends With: Rose, lavender, bergamot, citrus oils, clary sage

Jasmine (Absolute)

  • Latin Name: Jasminum officinale/grandiflorum
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Deeply relaxing, euphoric, sensual
  • Common Uses: Depression, anxiety, romance, luxury skin care
  • Safety: Use low concentrations; may be sensitizing for some
  • Blends With: Rose, sandalwood, citrus oils, ylang ylang

Lavender

  • Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Calming, versatile, skin-healing, balancing
  • Common Uses: Sleep, stress, burns, skin care, first aid
  • Safety: One of safest oils; generally well-tolerated
  • Blends With: Almost everything; especially citrus, florals, herbs

Neroli

  • Latin Name: Citrus aurantium (flowers)
  • Note: M-B
  • Key Properties: Deeply calming, rejuvenating, precious
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, skin regeneration, emotional trauma, luxury blends
  • Safety: Generally safe; expensive—often adulterated
  • Blends With: Citrus oils, rose, jasmine, sandalwood, frankincense

Rose (Absolute/Otto)

  • Latin Name: Rosa damascena
  • Note: M-B
  • Key Properties: Heart-opening, skin-renewing, precious
  • Common Uses: Grief, skin care, hormonal support, emotional healing
  • Safety: Generally safe; use low concentrations
  • Blends With: Geranium, sandalwood, frankincense, neroli, bergamot

Ylang Ylang

  • Latin Name: Cananga odorata
  • Note: M-B
  • Key Properties: Euphoric, calming, sensual, balancing
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, romance, skin and hair care, blood pressure
  • Safety: Can cause headache in excess; use sparingly
  • Blends With: Bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, vetiver, sandalwood

Citrus Oils

Bergamot

  • Latin Name: Citrus bergamia
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Uplifting, calming, balancing mood
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, depression, skin care, digestive support
  • Safety: Phototoxic (expressed); use bergapten-free for sun exposure
  • Blends With: Lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, frankincense, cypress

Grapefruit

  • Latin Name: Citrus × paradisi
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Energizing, uplifting, cleansing
  • Common Uses: Energy, mood lift, cellulite blends, air freshening
  • Safety: Mildly phototoxic; short shelf life
  • Blends With: Other citrus, geranium, lavender, peppermint, rosemary

Lemon

  • Latin Name: Citrus limon
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Cleansing, clarifying, energizing
  • Common Uses: Cleaning, focus, immune support, mood lift
  • Safety: Phototoxic (expressed); short shelf life
  • Blends With: Lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, rosemary

Lime

  • Latin Name: Citrus aurantiifolia
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Fresh, energizing, cleansing
  • Common Uses: Energy, mood lift, cleaning, tropical blends
  • Safety: Phototoxic (expressed); steam-distilled is safer
  • Blends With: Other citrus, lavender, neroli, clary sage

Mandarin

  • Latin Name: Citrus reticulata
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Gentle, calming, child-friendly citrus
  • Common Uses: Children's blends, anxiety, skin care, digestive support
  • Safety: Mild phototoxicity; gentlest citrus for children
  • Blends With: Lavender, chamomile, neroli, other citrus

Orange, Sweet

  • Latin Name: Citrus sinensis
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Uplifting, warming, cheerful
  • Common Uses: Mood lift, anxiety, digestive support, cleaning
  • Safety: Mild phototoxicity; short shelf life
  • Blends With: Cinnamon, clove, lavender, frankincense, other citrus

Petitgrain

  • Latin Name: Citrus aurantium (leaves)
  • Note: T-M
  • Key Properties: Calming, refreshing, affordable neroli alternative
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, skin care, deodorant blends, relaxation
  • Safety: Generally safe; not phototoxic
  • Blends With: Lavender, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, clary sage

Herbaceous Oils

Basil, Sweet

  • Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
  • Note: T-M
  • Key Properties: Clarifying, stimulating, digestive support
  • Common Uses: Mental fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, focus
  • Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; use in moderation
  • Blends With: Bergamot, geranium, lavender, lemon, marjoram

Clary Sage

  • Latin Name: Salvia sclarea
  • Note: M-B
  • Key Properties: Deeply relaxing, hormone-balancing, euphoric
  • Common Uses: Menstrual support, labor, stress, emotional balance
  • Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; not for use with alcohol
  • Blends With: Lavender, bergamot, geranium, frankincense, cedarwood

Marjoram, Sweet

  • Latin Name: Origanum majorana
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Warming, muscle-relaxing, comforting
  • Common Uses: Muscle pain, grief, anxiety, sleep, circulation
  • Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; generally gentle
  • Blends With: Lavender, bergamot, cypress, rosemary, eucalyptus

Oregano

  • Latin Name: Origanum vulgare
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Powerful antimicrobial, immune-supporting
  • Common Uses: Immune support, respiratory, cleaning (diluted)
  • Safety: Highly irritating; maximum 1% dilution; avoid on skin for most
  • Blends With: Lemon, lavender (to quench), tea tree, rosemary

Peppermint

  • Latin Name: Mentha × piperita
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Cooling, energizing, digestive, clearing
  • Common Uses: Headaches, nausea, energy, focus, muscle cooling
  • Safety: Not for children under 6; avoid near face of infants
  • Blends With: Lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, tea tree

Rosemary

  • Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Stimulating, clarifying, circulation-boosting
  • Common Uses: Memory, focus, muscle pain, hair care, respiratory
  • Safety: Avoid with epilepsy, high blood pressure, pregnancy
  • Blends With: Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, cedarwood, lemon

Spearmint

  • Latin Name: Mentha spicata
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Gentler mint, uplifting, digestive
  • Common Uses: Children's blends, nausea, focus, freshening
  • Safety: Gentler than peppermint; child-friendly alternative
  • Blends With: Lavender, citrus oils, rosemary, eucalyptus

Thyme (ct. linalool)

  • Latin Name: Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Antimicrobial, respiratory, immune support
  • Common Uses: Immune support, respiratory, cleaning
  • Safety: Linalool chemotype is gentlest; still use caution
  • Blends With: Lemon, lavender, bergamot, rosemary, eucalyptus

Wood and Resin Oils

Cedarwood (Atlas)

  • Latin Name: Cedrus atlantica
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Grounding, calming, respiratory support
  • Common Uses: Sleep, focus, skin care, hair care, meditation
  • Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; generally gentle
  • Blends With: Lavender, rosemary, bergamot, cypress, frankincense

Cypress

  • Latin Name: Cupressus sempervirens
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Astringent, respiratory, circulation support
  • Common Uses: Circulation, respiratory, grief, transition support
  • Safety: Generally safe; avoid during pregnancy
  • Blends With: Cedarwood, pine, lavender, bergamot, clary sage

Frankincense

  • Latin Name: Boswellia species
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Grounding, meditative, skin-rejuvenating
  • Common Uses: Meditation, skin care, respiratory, emotional support
  • Safety: Generally safe; one of the gentlest base notes
  • Blends With: Almost everything; especially lavender, citrus, myrrh

Juniper Berry

  • Latin Name: Juniperus communis
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Cleansing, detoxifying, grounding
  • Common Uses: Detox blends, muscle pain, skin care, meditation
  • Safety: Avoid with kidney disease; avoid during pregnancy
  • Blends With: Cypress, cedarwood, lavender, grapefruit, rosemary

Myrrh

  • Latin Name: Commiphora myrrha
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Deeply grounding, healing, meditative
  • Common Uses: Skin healing, meditation, oral care, wounds
  • Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; thick, may need warming
  • Blends With: Frankincense, lavender, sandalwood, patchouli

Pine

  • Latin Name: Pinus sylvestris
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Fresh, respiratory, energizing
  • Common Uses: Respiratory, muscle pain, freshening, cleaning
  • Safety: Can be sensitizing when oxidized; use fresh
  • Blends With: Eucalyptus, cedarwood, rosemary, lemon, lavender

Sandalwood

  • Latin Name: Santalum album (Indian) or S. spicatum (Australian)
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Deeply calming, meditative, skin-nourishing
  • Common Uses: Meditation, skin care, anxiety, sleep
  • Safety: Generally very safe; sustainability concerns (source carefully)
  • Blends With: Rose, lavender, bergamot, frankincense, ylang ylang

Vetiver

  • Latin Name: Vetiveria zizanioides
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Deeply grounding, stabilizing, calming
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, ADHD support, grounding, sleep
  • Safety: Generally safe; very thick (warm bottle for easier dispensing)
  • Blends With: Lavender, sandalwood, ylang ylang, grapefruit, bergamot

Spice Oils

Black Pepper

  • Latin Name: Piper nigrum
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Warming, circulation-boosting, digestive
  • Common Uses: Muscle pain, circulation, motivation, warming
  • Safety: Can be irritating; use in low concentration
  • Blends With: Frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, bergamot, ginger

Cardamom

  • Latin Name: Elettaria cardamomum
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Warming, digestive, mental clarity
  • Common Uses: Digestive support, nausea, focus, romantic blends
  • Safety: Generally safe; may be sensitizing in high concentrations
  • Blends With: Orange, bergamot, frankincense, ylang ylang, cinnamon

Cinnamon Bark

  • Latin Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Strongly warming, antimicrobial, stimulating
  • Common Uses: Immune support, warming blends, seasonal diffusing
  • Safety: Highly irritating; maximum 0.1% on skin; prefer cinnamon leaf
  • Blends With: Orange, clove, vanilla, frankincense (small amounts)

Clove Bud

  • Latin Name: Syzygium aromaticum
  • Note: M-B
  • Key Properties: Warming, analgesic, antimicrobial
  • Common Uses: Dental pain (traditional), warming blends, immune support
  • Safety: Irritating; maximum 0.5% on skin; short-term use only
  • Blends With: Orange, cinnamon, vanilla, bergamot, ginger

Ginger

  • Latin Name: Zingiber officinale
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Warming, digestive, anti-nausea, circulation
  • Common Uses: Nausea, muscle pain, digestive support, warming
  • Safety: May be photosensitizing; moderately warming
  • Blends With: Lemon, orange, frankincense, cedarwood, eucalyptus

Medicinal/Camphoraceous Oils

Cajeput

  • Latin Name: Melaleuca cajuputi
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Clearing, respiratory, pain-relieving
  • Common Uses: Respiratory, muscle pain, colds, clearing
  • Safety: Similar to eucalyptus; avoid with young children
  • Blends With: Eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, lemon

Eucalyptus (Globulus)

  • Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Powerful respiratory, clearing, antimicrobial
  • Common Uses: Congestion, respiratory, muscle pain, cleaning
  • Safety: Not for children under 10; not near face of young children
  • Blends With: Peppermint, tea tree, lavender, lemon, pine

Eucalyptus (Radiata)

  • Latin Name: Eucalyptus radiata
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Gentler respiratory, clearing, antimicrobial
  • Common Uses: Respiratory (gentler option), children over 3
  • Safety: Gentler than globulus; still caution with young children
  • Blends With: Lavender, tea tree, lemon, rosemary, peppermint

Niaouli

  • Latin Name: Melaleuca quinquenervia
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Respiratory, skin-supportive, antimicrobial
  • Common Uses: Respiratory, skin healing, immune support
  • Safety: Generally gentle; similar to tea tree
  • Blends With: Lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon

Ravintsara

  • Latin Name: Cinnamomum camphora ct. cineole
  • Note: T
  • Key Properties: Antiviral, respiratory, immune-boosting
  • Common Uses: Immune support, respiratory, cold/flu season
  • Safety: Generally gentle; child-friendly over age 3
  • Blends With: Eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, frankincense, lemon

Tea Tree

  • Latin Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
  • Note: M
  • Key Properties: Antimicrobial, skin-healing, immune-supporting
  • Common Uses: Skin infections, acne, cleaning, immune support
  • Safety: Generally safe; may cause sensitization with repeated use
  • Blends With: Lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, geranium

Earthy Oils

Patchouli

  • Latin Name: Pogostemon cablin
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Grounding, skin-regenerating, balancing
  • Common Uses: Skin care, grounding, meditation, balance
  • Safety: Generally safe; strong aroma (use sparingly)
  • Blends With: Lavender, geranium, bergamot, ylang ylang, vetiver

Spikenard

  • Latin Name: Nardostachys jatamansi
  • Note: B
  • Key Properties: Deeply calming, grounding, spiritual
  • Common Uses: Anxiety, insomnia, meditation, skin care
  • Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; generally gentle
  • Blends With: Lavender, frankincense, vetiver, rose, neroli

Quick Therapeutic Cross-Reference

For Sleep

Lavender, Roman chamomile, vetiver, cedarwood, marjoram, ylang ylang, spikenard

For Stress/Anxiety

Lavender, bergamot, frankincense, ylang ylang, neroli, vetiver, Roman chamomile

For Focus/Energy

Peppermint, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus, grapefruit, basil

For Respiratory

Eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, ravintsara, frankincense, pine, cajeput

For Pain/Muscles

Peppermint, marjoram, eucalyptus, lavender, ginger, black pepper

For Skin Care

Lavender, tea tree, frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, rose, neroli

For Immune Support

Tea tree, eucalyptus, ravintsara, lemon, frankincense, oregano (caution)

For Mood/Depression

Bergamot, ylang ylang, rose, neroli, grapefruit, orange, jasmine

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I use this chart? As a quick reference during blending or practice. Always verify safety information with comprehensive resources for specific situations, especially with vulnerable populations.

What do the notes (T, M, B) mean? Top notes evaporate fastest (first impression), middle notes form the body of blends, and base notes evaporate slowest (lasting impression). Use this for balanced blending.

Is this list complete? This covers 50 common oils. Hundreds more exist. As you advance, you'll explore oils not listed here—apply the same research approach.

How do I know which oils blend well together? The "Blends With" suggestions are starting points. Oils in the same note category or family often blend well. Experimentation develops your blending intuition.

Why are some oils marked with more cautions? Each oil has unique chemistry. Some contain compounds that can irritate, sensitize, or interact with medications. Always respect individual safety profiles.

Last updated: December 2025. Safety guidelines evolve with research. Verify current recommendations for specific applications and populations.