Rosemary, lemon, geranium, lavandin, tea tree, petit grain bigarade… Behind every bottle ofessential oil lies a medicinal plant with powerful properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, relaxing, tonic, soothing, respiratory, healing… But you need to know how to choose them, how to dose them, how to dilute them, and above all how to adapt them to each use and each subject (baby, pregnant woman, allergic or asthmatic person).
This essential oil chart has been designed to answer all these questions. Classified by plant and by indication (stress, aches and pains, infections, skin, digestion…), it offers you a synthetic and reliable vision for making the right choice, without improvisation.
You’ll also find the main contraindications, precautions for use, examples of synergies and advice on how to make the most of every drop. Aromatherapy is a subtle medicine: our table is your guide to using it wisely, safely… and effectively.
Understanding essential oils before using a table
Definition and method of production
An essential oil is an aromatic concentrate obtained from a plant, rich in active volatile molecules. It’s called an “essential” product because it captures the plant’s fragrant “essence”.
They are extracted mainly by two techniques:
Steam distillation (as in the case of rosemaryrosemary lavenderlavendertea tree essential oiletc.): steam passes through the plant, drawing out the aromatic molecules, which are then condensed.
Cold expression (citrus zest : lemon, mandarin, sweet orange): pressing the pericarp releases the essence, without heating.
Finally, we distinguish :
Essential oils: derived from distillation or expression.
Essences: a name sometimes reserved for cold-expressed citrus zest.
Absolutes: solvent extracts used in perfumery (jasmine, rose…).
How do essential oils work?
Essential oils act thanks to their active molecules, which vary greatly depending on the plant: terpenes, alcohols, esters, oxides… Each molecule has an affinity for certain body systems.
Their action is multi-targeted:
The linalool inlavender essential oil acts on both the nervous system (relaxing effect) and the skin (healing).
The 1,8-cineole inravintsara essential oil stimulates the respiratory tract and has an antiseptic action.
They also influence the limbic brain via the olfactory pathway, hence their effect on emotions, sleep and stress.
Major property types (classified by function)
Essential oils can be classified by therapeutic function. Here are the main virtues:
Antibacterial : tea tree essential oil, mountain savory essential oil, thyme essential oil
Antiviral : ravintsara, laurier noble essential oilthyme essential oil
Calming / Relaxing: lavender essential oil, petit grain bigarade essential oil, roman chamomile, ylang ylang
Digestive: tropical basil essential oil, ginger essential oil, tarragon, peppermint essential oil
Healing : immortelle essential oil, lavender aspic essential oil
Respiratory : eucalyptus radiata essential oil, Scots pine essential oil, niaoulipine essential oil
- Toning : peppermint essential oil, rosemary cineole essential oil
- Cosmetics: geranium, rose, True lavender essential oil …
Summary table of essential oils
Purpose of the table
The table allows you to :
Quickly visualize the main properties of an essential oil in the list
Identify indications for use, recommended application routes and precautions
Avoid dilution and use errors
Compare and choose with common sense, even in the case of reference substitution
EO name | Main properties | Precautions for use |
Antispasmodic, digestive aid, stress | Dilute, avoid for pregnant women | |
Relaxing, nerve-balancing, fragrant | Photosensitizer | |
Liver and joint drainer, gentle tonic | Poorly documented, handle with care | |
Calming, sleep-inducing, antispasmodic | Well tolerated, suitable for children | |
Powerful antibacterial, tonic | Dermocaustic, dilute strongly, do not use in the bath. | |
Skin regenerating, liver tonic | To be diluted, beware of pregnancy | |
Decongestant, purifying, anti-cellulite | Not for pregnant or breast-feeding women | |
Healing, anti-hemorrhagic | For occasional use, dilute | |
Digestive, venous tonic, purifying | Photosensitizing, ideal for diffusion | |
Mosquito repellent, anti-inflammatory | Can be a pure irritant | |
Venous decongestant, spasmodic cough | Not recommended in cases of mastosis or hormone-dependent cancer | |
Soothing, meditation, respiratory support | Well tolerated | |
Respiratory tonic, muscular fatigue | Avoid in asthmatics without medical advice | |
Anti-inflammatory, joint pain | Dilute well to avoid irritation | |
Expectorant, antiseptic | For adults only, not for asthmatics | |
Antiviral, mild respiratory | Suitable for children > 3 years | |
Painkiller, muscle anti-inflammatory | Contains salicylates, to be avoided by allergy sufferers and those taking blood-thinning drugs. | |
Draining, joints | Not recommended in cases of renal insufficiency. | |
Healing, skin anti-infectious | Well tolerated | |
Insect repellent, skin tonic | Well tolerated | |
Digestive, general tonic | For dilution | |
Antiseptic, local anesthetic | Dermocaustic, dilute | |
Anti-haematoma, healing | Well tolerated, invaluable | |
Antiviral, mouth ulcers, bronchitis | For dilution | |
Burns, stings, healing | Camphor: caution in children | |
Relaxing, sleep, for all | Very well tolerated | |
Muscle relaxant | Less fine than true lavender, Camphor: caution in children | |
Soothing, children’s sleep | Photosensitizing, ideal for diffusion | |
Stress, digestive spasms | For dilution | |
Soothing, digestive, relaxing | Rare and precious, limited use | |
Digestive, stimulant, painkiller | Not for pregnant women, babies | |
Gentle digestive | Better tolerated than peppery | |
Anti-inflammatory, healing | Rare | |
Antispasmodic, respiratory | More soothing | |
Respiratory | More anti-inflammatory | |
Anti-infectious, respiratory | Well tolerated | |
Relaxing, digestive | Photosensitizing, ideal for diffusion | |
Antifungal, skin tonic | Well tolerated | |
Calming, anti-stress | Well tolerated | |
Respiratory, purifying | A nugget to be discovered exclusively at Boèmia | |
Decongestant, tonic | To dilute | |
Antiviral, immune | For all ages 3 and up | |
Muscular, decongestant | Not for epileptics or children | |
Respiratory, stimulating | Well tolerated | |
Liver detox | No pregnancy | |
Gentle breathing, joy | Surprisingly lemony scent | |
Antibacterial, antiviral | Very soft | |
Tonic, anti-infectious | Dermocaustic | |
Hormonal balance | Not in cases of hormone-dependent pathology | |
Antibacterial, antifungal | Very well tolerated | |
Mild anti-infective, extraordinary fragrance | Well tolerated | |
Mild antibacterial | Well tolerated | |
Mild antiviral, hepatic | Rare, dilute | |
Strong anti-infectives | Dermocaustic | |
Calming, anti-stress | Photosensitizer | |
Relaxing, hypotensive | Can be heady, dose sparingly |
Selecting and blending essential oils
How to choose the right essential oil?
There are many criteria for choosing a quality product:
Latin name (botanical precision), e.g. Lavandula angustifolia vs. Lavandula latifolia
Chemotype: majority biochemical profile (linalool thyme vs. thymol thyme)
Origin and cultivation: France, organic farming, identified producer
Chromatographic analysis (GC/MS): composition control
Part used: leaf, flower, zest, wood, …
Optimum preservation :
Amber glass bottle
Temperature < 25°C
Close tightly, protect from light and air.
Create a safe and effective aromatherapy synergy
A synergy combines several essential oils to potentiate their effects. To create it:
Combine complementary EOs, for example in a blend:
Relaxing: petit grain bigarade + ylang-ylang
Immunity: ravintsara + laurier noble
Respect the olfactory structure:
Top note (lemon, mint): immediate, volatile effect
Heart note (lavender, geranium): emotional support
Base note (cedar, patchouli): anchoring and staying power
How many essential oils to mix?
In general, 3 to 5 essential oils are sufficient per synergy.
Always dilute in a vegetable oil (sweet almond, sesame, argan…).
Avoid mixing two oils rich in aggressive molecules (phenols, aldehydes).
Example of dilution for an adult:
3 to 5 drops of EO in 10 ml of vegetable oil for occasional local use.
10 to 15 drops in 30 ml for a body massage
Limit total exposure to 10 days per month, in the spirit of risk prevention
Read between the lines
What the picture doesn't say... and what you need to know
The table summarizes, but does not replace, the context:
The same essential oil can be digestive, antispasmodic, relaxing or antiseptic: it all depends on dosage and route.
Efficiency depends on :
Synergy
carrier (vegetable oil, alcohol, aloe vera gel)
The person’s state of health
Time of day
The limits of a "by pathology" table
Thinking in terms of “problems = oil” reduces the therapeutic approach
Anxiety, for example, is not the same in a hyperactive child as in an insomniac elderly person.
Personalization is key: terrain, lifestyle, skin sensitivity, medical history…
Using a table with common sense and nuance
This table is a guide, not a prescription.
Let’s take an example:
Problem: insomnia
The table proposestrue lavender or Roman chamomile
But what about a stressed teenager? Instead, consider petit grain bigarade + gentle physical activity.
For perimenopausal women? Add clary sage + hormonal synergy + gentle diffusion
Why is it useful in practice?
Gives you greater independence of use
Better understanding of the functions of each HE
Helps choose an alternative in case of allergy or stock shortage
Promotes rational, targeted use
Precautions and responsibilities
Essential oils and sensitive subjects
Certain oils are prohibited or not recommended for :
Pregnant / breast-feeding women (sage, peppermint…)
Babies and children < 6 years
People with epilepsy, asthma or allergies
Always check product data sheets and seek professional advice if in doubt (e.g. pharmacy).
Dilution rules according to use
Localized cutaneous: 3-5% max
Extended massage: 1-2
Children < 12 years: < 1% unless otherwise specified
Diffusion: 15 to 30 minutes max in a ventilated room, never in the presence of a baby.
Never apply :
In the eyes
On mucous membranes
Pure on the skin (with certain exceptions)
If known allergy
Signs of intolerance or overdose
Pay attention to :
Redness, itching, burning sensations
Nausea, digestive disorders, headaches
Asthma attacks, dizziness, abnormal fatigue
In this case: stop immediately and consult a professional.
Conclusion: information for better choice and use
Essential oils are powerful natural allies… but demanding.
A table is a wonderful tool for finding your way around, provided you understand its limitations. It must always be cross-referenced with :
Listening to your body
Expert advice
A personalized approach
👉 Want to go further? Explore each essential oil in detail, its benefits, uses and application advice on the Boèmia website. A rigorous selection of pure, natural essential oils from responsible aromatherapy… to make every drop a real treatment. See our article on essential oil synergies.
Frequently asked questions : Using essential oils every day
What benefits can you expect from a well-chosen essential oil?
Used correctly, an essential oil can relieve joint pain, calm the nervous system, soothe the skin, or promote better breathing. Some oils, such as true lavender, Roman chamomile or ylang-ylang, are renowned for their calming and relaxing effects. Others, such as tea tree, thyme or ravintsara, are appreciated for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory or respiratory properties. The key is to dilute them well, adapt them to the subject (child, pregnant woman…) and respect the dose.
How to use essential oils at home?
A few drops ofessential oil (such as Scots pine, lemon zest or verbena) are all you need to purify the air or create a zen atmosphere. When applied to the skin, always dilute theessential oil in a vegetable carrier (such as sweet almond or hemp oil) to avoid dermocaustic reactions. Every drop counts: a natural product remains active, and sometimes powerful. Good advice? Start simple, always test on a small area, and rely on a guide or medical advice if in doubt.
How do you dilute them properly?
Essential oils should be diluted in a neutral carrier (vegetable oil, gel, cream) for cutaneous application. In general: 1 to 2% for an extensive massage, 3 to 5% for a localized area. Some essential oils, such as cinnamon or clove, are dermocaustic: strict dilution is essential to limit risks.
What's the best essential oil for the skin?
It depends on the need: lavender for healing, rose geranium for a toning effect, tea tree for pimples, palmarosa for its purifying action. In all cases, it should be diluted in a vegetable oil and applied to a test area beforehand.
Can I diffuse essential oils in a baby's room?
No, do not diffuse in the direct presence of the baby. Certain oils may be indicated (mandarin, Roman chamomile), but diffusion should be short (10 min.), in a ventilated room and away from contact. Always ask a health professional for advice.
Editor: Camille Comet
Doctor of Pharmacy University Diploma (DU) in Aromatherapy
Fascinated by the power of plants since childhood, my expertise and passion focus on aromatherapy and the production of essential oils, with an ethical and ecological vision.
