Aromatic Plants With Healing Oil Properties

Some plant families naturally release aromas that serve its purpose in aromatherapy for treatment of various conditions, depending on the quality of the aroma and the properties contained in the plant material itself. The aromatic essences extracted from these plants are commonly referred to as essential oils in aromatherapy, which can vary in toxicity levels.

There are a few common aromatic plant families that are widely used in aromatherapy and other medicinal purposes. Essential oils produced from plants belonging to the same plant family can have similar characteristics and can produce the same results. Learn more about what these aromatic plants are below.

Plants belonging to this family are those in the conifer class, which contain antiseptic properties. These aromatic plants are also extracted into essential oils that are used to cure respiratory conditions. The plants belonging to this family are relatively small in size. To learn more about which plants belong to this plant family that are commonly used in aromatherapy, they are listed below:

• Cedarwood


• Ylang Ylang

Apiaceae and Asteraceae

The aromatic plants belonging to both of these families have similar appearance. Each of them are equipped with flower heads that are look like an umbrella. Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants belonging to the Apiaceae family are rich in either phenolic ethers or ketones, which can be potentially hazardous. Most of these plants contain uterine stimulant properties, but can activate its abortive properties without properly following instructions in terms of usage.

The seed oils extracted from these plants are beneficial in creating a balance in your digestive functions. Those aromatic plants belonging to this family are the following:

• Dill


• Fennel


• Coriander

Meanwhile, plants belonging to the Asteraceae family are characterized by having daisy-like flower heads wherein it is made up of small flowers as opposed to having petals. Some of the most beneficial properties of these aromatic plants include anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, digestive, and it also provides an excellent natural treatment for your skin. Aromatic plants belonging to this family that are commonly used in aromatherapy are as follows: German chamomile, Romam chamomile, Moroccan chamomile, and helichrysum.

Aromatic plants belonging to this family are widely recognized in aromatherapy for its expectorant qualities that produce effective treatment against respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis and coughs. In addition to that, these plants also contain properties that help speed up the healing process of wounds and ulcers, while reducing the possibility of developing scar tissue.

Cupressaceae plants are also rich in medicinal properties that can help reduce cellulite, and effectively combat stress, nervous tension, and insomnia. Some of the aromatic plants belonging to both of these plant families are:

• Frankincense


• Cypress


• Juniper Berry

Lamiaceae Plant

Majority of the plants that are used in aromatherapy belong to this specific family. The essential oils from these aromatic plants are extracted through the leaves since these volatile oils are normally stored on the surface. Moreover, these plants are chemically complex, wherein it contains a combination of aldehydes and alcohol. But do not be concerned since they are safe to use in aromatherapy application.

Some of the plants belonging to lamiaceae plant that are commonly used in aromatherapy are as follows:

• patchouli


• lavender


• peppermint


• rosemary


• sweet marjoram


• sage


• basil


• clary sage


• melissa

These aromatic plants contain therapeutic properties that cure headaches, provide relief for muscular pain, and relieve nasal congestion.

The Leuraceae plants contain rich amount of therapeutic properties that provide a wide range of health benefits. These aromatic plants include rosewood, cinnamon, and litsea that contain such properties as anti-fungal, bactericidal, stimulant, tonic, and anti-viral properties.

Those plants that belong to the Myrataceae family are especially useful in treating respiratory conditions. This is made possible by the presence of various therapeutic properties such as tonic, stimulant, and antiseptic properties. Essential oils belonging to this family of aromatic plants include:

• clove


• tea tree


• eucalyptus

Poaceae and Rutaceae

These plants are extracted with essential oils to use for pain relief or to improve blood circulation. Moreover, it also contains properties that make it effective in curing acne problems. On the other hand, Rutaceae aromatic plants contain citrus wherein most of plants' essential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit.

Below is a list of aromatic plants belonging to this family that is often used in aromatherapy:

• citronella


• palmarosa


• neroli


• petitgrain


• lemon


• mandarin


• bergamot


• orange sweet


• orange bitter


• grapefruit

More Aromatic Plants

There are literally thousands of species and families of aromatic plants that are found in various parts of the world. Each of them contain various properties, which enable them to treat different illnesses, depending on the existing medicinal properties.

Below is a list of plant families with some of the most common plant species belonging to the same family:

• Geranium from the Geraniaceae family


• Jasmine from the Olaceae family


• Nutmeg from the Myristicaceae family


• Rose Otto from the Rosaceae family


• Black Pepper from the Piperaceae family


• Sandalwood from the Santalaceae family


• Benzoin from the Styraceae family


• Ginger from the Zingiberaceae family


• Valerian from the Valerianaceae family