With so many essential oils are out there it can be hard to remember them all, let alone remember what their uses are. To help you in your quest to learn more about a variety of oils, use this list of essential oils as a reference point. It contains all the single oils currently available at doTERRA (excluding promotional products), their general aromas, and some highlights of their benefits.
While this list is not a comprehensive view of all the benefits offered by each oil, we hope that it gives you a start. A note on aroma: we’ve chosen eight different scent categories to organize each oil by. These are Citrus, Floral, Herbaceous, Camphoraceous (similar to camphor), Spicy, Resinous, Woody, or Earthy.
Arborvitae oil
Thuja plicata
- Aroma: Woody, earthy
- Benefits/Uses: Diffuse to purify the air, repel insects, and protect yourself against seasonal and environmental threats.
Basil oil
Ocimum basilicum
- Aroma: Herbaceous, slightly spicy
- Benefits/Uses: Add to a diffuser during study time to help your child focus on homework. Take internally for occasional anxious feelings, reducing gas, or for soothing support during menstruation.*
Bergamot oil
Citrus bergamia
- Aroma: Citrus, sweet
- Benefits/Uses: Use aromatically or topically if you’re feeling stressed, or need some extra self-confidence. Taken as a supplement, it can soothe the nervous system, and support a healthy metabolism.*
Black Pepper oil
Piper nigrum
- Aroma: Spicy
- Benefits/Uses: Black Pepper assists in digestion, supports healthy breast tissue in women, and promotes a healthy colon.*
Blue Tansy oil
Tanacetum annuum
- Aroma: Subtle floral, herbaceous, camphoraceous, sweet
- Benefits/Uses: This blue-tinged oil is perfect for a restoring massage when your body is tired. It is also great for skin, particularly for the appearance of blemishes or to soothe an irritation.
Cardamom oil
Elettaria cardamomum
- Aroma: Spicy, cool, mint
- Benefits/Uses: Cardamom has the ability to promote clear breathing and maintain respiratory health.* It also may help when you experience occasional indigestion.* Aromatically, Cardamom encourages calm and relaxed feelings.
Cassia oil
Cinnamomum cassia
- Aroma: Spicy, slightly woody
- Benefits/Uses: Add to water to support hydration, and to support a healthy metabolism.* Take one to two drops internally to promote the healthy function of your immune system, as well as healthy cardiovascular system function.*
Cedarwood oil
Juniperus virginiana
- Aroma: Woody
- Benefits/Uses: A skin care powerhouse, Cedarwood is great for improving the appearance of blemishes, and keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy. When you’ve had a hard day, it can help to diffuse Cedarwood to soothe your mind and unwind.
Cilantro oil
Coriandrum sativum
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: An excellent internal cleanser and detoxifier,* Cilantro is also an efficient surface cleanser. When applied to your skin, it is a soothing and cooling oil. In addition, it supports a healthy immune system and digestive tract.*
Cinnamon Bark oil
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
- Aroma: Spicy
- Benefits/Uses: Cinnamon Bark oil sustains a healthy urinary tract and kidneys.* Used as part of your dental routine, it can also cleanse the gums, mouth, and maintain clean teeth.
Clary Sage oil
Salvia sclarea
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Diffuse Clary Sage to reduce feelings of anxiousness or stress and promote calm and relaxation. It also helps promote healthy-looking hair and scalp when added to shampoo or conditioner. Or, apply Clary Sage to the abdomen during your menstrual cycle for a soothing massage.
Clove oil
Eugenia caryophyllata
- Aroma: Spicy
- Benefits/Uses: Taken internally, Clove enhances your body’s ability to absorb other nutrients, supports healthy bones, and may calm tense muscles.* Clove is also an energizing oil that can help you wake up or stay alert.
Copaiba oil
Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea, and langsdorffii
- Aroma: Woody, sweet, balsamic
- Benefits/Uses: Copaiba is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage, and can help calm and soothe your nervous system.* It can also be applied topically to promote feelings of clear breathing.
Coriander oil
Coriandrum sativum
- Aroma: Spicy, herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Use it to clean hard surfaces throughout the home. If you have oily skin, add apply it in your moisturizer to keep your complexion clear and reduce the appearance of blemishes. It helps support healthy lung and respiratory function.*
Cypress oil
Cupressus sempervirens
- Aroma: Woody
- Benefits/Uses: During times of change, diffuse to balance your emotions and to reduce any anxious feelings you may experience. Apply it to skin before any physical activity for a boost in energy.
Douglas Fir oil
Pseudotsuga menziesii
- Aroma: Woody
- Benefits/Uses: A wood oil that helps to purify the skin, and also promotes feelings of clear airways and easy breathing. Diffuse in your home to freshen and purify the air at the same time.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus radiata
- Aroma: Camphoraceous
- Benefits/Uses: Diffuse Eucalyptus or apply it to your chest to encourage feelings of clear breathing and open airways. Inhale the aroma of Eucalyptus to diminish feelings of tension and promote feelings of relaxation.
Fennel oil
Foeniculum vulgare
- Aroma: Herbaceous, licorice
- Benefits/Uses: Put a drop of Fennel in water or tea to combat any sweet tooth cravings you experience and to support the overall health of your digestive tract.* Traditionally, Fennel was used to relieve monthly discomfort during menstruation. Today, emerging scientific evidence supports this.*
Frankincense oil
Boswellia carterii, sacra, papyrifera, and frereana
- Aroma: Resinous
- Benefits/Uses: Frankincense possesses a variety of internal benefits, some of which are supporting cellular health, digestive health, healthy lung and respiratory function, and healthy joint function.* Used topically it has the power to rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and soothe. The aroma gives you feelings of peace, satisfaction, and overall wellness.
Geranium oil
Pelargonium graveolens
- Aroma: Floral
- Benefits/Uses: A major skin-and-haircare hero, Geranium helps beautify, smooth, and keep your skin and hair looking healthy. Beyond this, you can diffuse or wear it to naturally repel insects. It also supports healthy blood pressure already in the normal range.*
Ginger oil
Zingiber officinale
- Aroma: Spicy
- Benefits/Uses: It can help reduce gas, bloating, or occasional indigestion.* Or, take with you on a road-trip to put in your water or a Veggie Cap to deal with any motion sickness.*
Grapefruit oil
Citrus X paradisi
- Aroma: Citrus
- Benefits/Uses: The uplifting scent can help motivate you to stay on track with your fitness goals. Beyond this, drink a drop or two in water to support a healthy metabolism.*
Helichrysum oil
Helichrysum italicum
- Aroma: Herbaceous, floral, sweet
- Benefits/Uses: Apply it to skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. Used in a diffuser, it helps soothe feelings of mental fatigue. It may also support your nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems.*
Jasmine (absolute)
Jasminum grandiflorum
- Aroma: Floral
- Benefits/Uses: Apply directly to skin to balance mood throughout the month, and help inspire feelings of joy, peace, and self-confidence. It’s highly useful in skin care as it protects the skin and promotes a glowing complexion.
Juniper Berry oil
Juniperus communis
- Aroma: Woody
- Benefits/Uses: Juniper Berry will support your kidney and urinary tract function, and also use it as an excellent internal cleanser and detoxifier.* Used in skin care, it is a natural toner.
Lavender essential oil
Lavandula angustifolia
- Aroma: Floral, powdery
- Benefits/Uses: Restful is the defining characteristic of Lavender—it provides qualities that relax you and promote a peaceful sleep.* Diffuse it to ease feelings of tension or anxious feelings. Use it on occasional skin irritations or in your shampoo to keep hair looking healthy.
Lemon oil
Citrus limon
- Aroma: Citrus
- Benefits/Uses: Highly useful to improve mood, Lemon is also a great oil to use internally for seasonal respiratory discomfort.* It also is a great surface cleanser when added to homemade cleansing sprays.
Lemongrass oil
Cymbopogon flexuosus
- Aroma: Citrus, Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: When diffused or worn on the skin, Lemongrass can repel insects, or heighten your awareness and help you feel positive. It can also be used with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing massage on joints and muscles.
Lime oil
Citrus aurantifolia
- Aroma: Citrus
- Benefits/Uses: Used internally, Lime may support cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels already in the normal range.* It also can support healthy metabolism and weight management.*
Marjoram oil
Origanum marjorana
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Marjoram supports a healthy immune system, and may have a positive effect on the nervous system.* Can be applied topically to lessen feelings of stress.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Melaleuca alternifolia
- Aroma: Camphoraceous
- Benefits/Uses: Tea Tree protects the body against seasonal or environmental threats and supports a healthy immune system.* It also possesses reinforcing and rejuvenating properties for the hair, skin, and nails.
Melissa oil
Melissa officinalis
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Melissa supports heathy cellular function—particularly in the breast, ovaries, blood, epithelial tissues, brain tissue, and colon tissue.* It is an oil well-known for its ability to calm nervousness and promote emotional well-being.
Myrrh oil
Commiphora myrrha
- Aroma: Resinous
- Benefits/Uses: A great massage oil, Myrrh promotes emotional balance and awareness. It also offers great cleansing benefits for the body, especially when it comes to the mouth and throat.
Neroli oil
Citrus x aurantium
- Aroma: Floral, slightly herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: From the flowers of the bitter orange tree, Neroli is emotionally uplifting and may help to reduce feelings of anxiousness. It also has the ability to soothe skin and support a youthful-looking complexion.
Oregano oil
Origanum vulgare
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits: Oregano possesses significant immune-boosting properties and may be relaxing to the musculoskeletal system.* It can also be used as a powerful cleansing or purifying agent.
Patchouli oil
Pogostemon cablin
- Aroma: Earthy, musky-sweet
- Benefits/Uses: The unique aroma of Patchouli helps to balance your emotions. When it comes to skincare, Patchouli is a triple-threat: it reduces skin imperfections, blemishes, and the appearance of wrinkles.
Peppermint oil
Menta piperita
- Aroma: Both herbaceous and camphoraceous
- Benefits/Uses: The minty aroma of Peppermint very clearly helps with two issues: the occasional upset stomach and healthy respiratory function.* Apply it topically to relieve feelings of tension.
Petitgrain oil
Citrus aurantium
- Aroma: Woody, green
- Benefits/Uses: The “manly Lavender”, Petitgrain is primarily a calming and relaxing oil that can ease feelings of tension, calm the nervous system, and promote restful sleep.* It may also support the cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems.*
Roman Chamomile oil
Anthemis nobilis
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Primarily Roman Chamomile promotes youthful-looking skin, and additionally healthy-looking hair. It can also be taken internally to soothe both your body and mind.* Its aroma is soothing, helping to ease away anger and irritability.
Rose oil
Rosa damascena
- Aroma: Floral
- Benefits/Uses: Adding Rose to your skincare routine will help balance moisture levels and contribute to producing an even skin tone. It is also a romantic personal fragrance that can turn around a gloomy day.
Rosemary oil
Rosmarinus officinalis
- Aroma: Herbaceous, Camphoraceous
- Uses/Benefits: The energizing nature of Rosemary can help reduce occasional fatigue and nervous tension.* Diffusing it can help you maintain concentration on any task or naturally repel insects. Finally, it supports the healthy functioning of a variety of internal organs.*
Sandalwood (Indian or Hawaiian)
Santalum album and Santalum paniculatum
- Aroma: Woody
- Benefits/Uses: Both species of Sandalwood oil help to restore moisture to hair and give it a silky shine. They also help to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep.
Siberian Fir
Ables sibirica
- Aroma: Woody, Christmas trees
- Benefits/Uses: Stimulates the senses and helps to reduce feelings of stress while going through difficult situations. Used topically, Siberian Fir brings soothing comfort to the body after vigorous exercise or during a massage.
Spearmint oil
Mentha Spicata
- Aroma: Herbaceous, sweet
- Benefits/Uses: Similar to Peppermint, Spearmint can help reduce the occasional upset stomach and promote healthy digestion.*
Spikenard oil
Nardostachys jatamansi
- Aroma: Earthy
- Benefits/Uses: The earthy aroma of Spikenard is calming and uplifting to the mood. When used on the skin, it purifies and leaves behind a clean, healthy glow.
Tangerine oil
Rosmarinus officinalis
- Aroma: Citrus
- Benefits/Uses: Diffusing Tangerine helps to purify and cleanse the air, or using it in a homemade cleaner also cleanses and purifies surfaces. The delicious flavor of Tangerine is made all-the-sweeter with some amazing internal benefits: supporting a healthy digestive system and metabolism.*
Thyme oil
Thymus vulgaris
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Thyme is an excellent internal cleanser for the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive system.* It can be massaged into the abdomen to ease normal symptoms of menstruation in women.
Vetiver oil
Vetiveria zizaniodes
- Aroma: Earthy
- Benefits/Uses: The sesquiterpenes in Vetiver give it a grounding effect on your emotions and mood. It can also help support the immune system when taken internally.*
Wild Orange oil
Citrus sinensis
- Aroma: Citrus
- Uses/Benefits: When the weather gets cold outside, Wild Orange is a great go-to to keep your healthy immune system supported.* Wild Orange contains powerful antioxidants to maintain overall health and protect from oxidation.*
Wintergreen oil
Gaultheria procumbens
- Aroma: Herbaceous
- Benefits/Uses: Wintergreen is a useful massage oil when you need to unwind, relieve tension, or reduce occasional stress. You can add a drop or two to your facewash to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Ylang Ylang oil
Cananga odorata
- Aroma: Floral
- Uses/Benefits: Use Ylang Ylang on your scalp to help with the appearance of healthy and shiny hair. The aroma alone is helpful for promoting a positive outlook and, at the same time, a night of restful sleep.