Essential oils are a staple in my house. They are “essential” ingredients (pun intended) in my cleaning recipes, home remedies, and homemade baby products.

Here is a quick reference chart of the oils that I use the most, their properties and links to the recipes that I use them in.

Note: You should always research essential oils carefully before using them on the body. Some are not suitable for children, nursing mothers or pregnant women. And many should not be use neat (undiluted). The chart below does not provide a complete list of safety information or contraindications. See my Disclaimer Page here and resource list below for tips to help you with your own research. 

 

Essential Oil Chart:

Essential Oil	Properties	Recipes	Cautions
To dilute essential oils mix with a carrier oil like olive or almond oil.
Cedarwood	Antiseptic	Hand Soap	Avoid: Pregnancy
Cinnamon	Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antiseptic, Antifungal, Anti-parasitic, Antimicrobial		Dilute. Avoid: Pregnancy, children under 6. Skin test first. Possible skin irritant
Citronella	Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-parasitic	Bug Spray	Possible skin irritant.
Clove	Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Analgesic	Tiny Oil, Throat Soother, Air Freshener	Potent. Dilute. Skin test first. Possible skin irritant.
Cypress	Antibacterial, Antimicrobial
Eucalyptus	Antifungal, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial		Photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight. Toxic if taken internally.
Geranium	Antifungal, Antiviral	Hand Soap
Grapefruit	Antiseptic	Hand Soap, Linen Spray	Photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight.
Lavender	Antifungal, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Analgesic	Laundry Soap, Bug Spray, Throat Soother, Diaper Spray, Linen Spray
Lemon	Antifungal, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antiseptic	Bug Spray, Cleaning, Linen Spray	Photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight.
Lime	Antibacterial, Antiviral	Cleaning	Photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight
Orange	Antibacterial, Antiseptic	Cleaning, Air Freshener	NOT Photosensitive. Safe for sunlight.
Pine	Antibacterial, Anti-infectious, Anti-parasitic
Rosemary	Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-parasitic	Bug Spray	Avoid: Pregnancy
Tea Tree (Melaleuca)	Anti-infectious, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, Anti-parasitic, Antiseptic, Analgesic	Tiny Oil, Cleaning, Bug Spray, Diaper Spray, Ear Drops	Avoid: Sensitive skin

Resources: (Disclosure Page)

The Essential Oils Handbook
The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning
Hopewell Essential Oils website.

If you would like a more comprehensive chart, consider my handy, dandy Herb and Oils Quick Reference Chart.