9 Floral Essential Oils & How to Use Them Effectively

If you’re interested in floral essential oils I suggest you choose one from the list and get started with that one first. Get to know it well. Make the most of it. Whichever you choose, I’m sure you’l be hooked in no time. I definitely am!

Floral oils are simply WONDERFUL. I use them in my cosmetics and can’t get enough of them. Rose and jasmine are INTOXICATING although I must confess it took me around one and a half years to get inebriated by their potent, sensual and incredibly intoxicating aroma.

At first I didn’t really ‘get’ it. Yes, floral essential oils did smell wonderful but maybe I just did not have the ‘nose’ for them (they seemed somewhat strong and maybe too concentrated or powerful, I wasn’t sure how to define them – overwhelming??) but in the last couple of months or so these powerful scents have TRULY conquered my heart to the point where I can say I feel I’m under a spell with them.

Rose Otto and Jasmine. My Overall Favourites!

I very often find myself ‘thinking’ about rose and jasmine essential oils’ scent. It is a sort of addiction. Yes; their aroma is incredibly alluring as well compelling and attractive – all at the same time – and I can totally see how we’re on a different ‘league of essential oils’ when we talk about these two floral essential oils.

I’ve compiled some information in this floral essential oils group which I cover below. Even though I have FALLEN IN LOVE with both rose otto and jasmine (and you will too over time as well, believe me), I’d like to introduce an essential oil list that covers the flower oils.

You might just want to try one first and get started this way OR you might want to get yourself a nice little floral essential oils kit and explore their powerful scent range and therapeutic capabilities. Up to you, but don’t let these wonderful scents pass you by!

Let’s get started.

Why Floral Essential Oils?

Oils scents are wonderful but when we talk about floral oils we’re on a different league in terms of scent all together.

The beauty of floral oils entails not only their scents; they also possess very powerful healing properties.

Here’s how floral oils can help keep you a healthy lifestyle:

They’re anti-inflammatory (i.e. rose essential oil is a fantastic anti-inflammatory)
They’re relaxing (lavender essential oil is famous for being a great relaxant)
They uplift mood (mild anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects)
They’re good for balancing your biorhythm (i.e. geranium is a great balancing essential oil)
Beneficial for symptoms of PMS, irritability and generally have an impact regulating the female hormonal system and hot flashes (clary sage is great for helping with this)
Can lower high blood pressure (i.e. ylang-ylang is known for helping particularly with this with massage or inhaled)
Oh, as cooling essential oils they also have low dermotoxic potential

In order to understand them better, we’re going to organise the flower essential oils into two groups:

Medicinal floral essential oils (we’ll cover clary sage, lavender, rose geranium, blue chamomile & helichrysum)
Exotic floral essential oils (we’ll cover jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose otto & neroli)

1. MEDICINAL FLORAL ESSENTIAL OILS

1.1 Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Essential Oil

The “woman’s oil”, clary sage has calming properties both on the body and mind. It supports the female emotional system and can be used as part of a massage blend to treat body heat. In fact, it is a great essential oil to treat feminine reproductive conditions like menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms.

In short, clary sage can soothe stress as well as emotional upheavals provoked by the hormonal feminine cycle.

How to Use Clary Sage Essential Oil

Use it in your diffuser for a feeling of soothing relief
Use in your diffuser to help with hot flushes
Blend with lavender and geranium for a beautiful relaxing mix
Excellent at night time, useful to calm and get you ready for a night sleep
Direct palm inhalation for directly inhaling clary sage when you’re feeling upset, sad or worried
If your skin is red or feels hot mix a few drops into your body lotion or facial moisturiser to promote a clear complexion

Clary Sage Essential Oil Recipes for Menstrual Cramps and Balancing Mood

For menstrual Cramps: Add to 30ml grapeseed oil the following: 6 drops clary sage, 4 drops cardamom, 4 drops roman chamomile, 4 drops angelica oil. Mix well and massage.
MFor balancing your mood: Add to 30ml grapeseed oil the following: 5 drops clay sage, 7 drops bergamot, 2 drops jasmine absolute. Mix well and massage.

Safety Consideration for Clary Sage Essential Oil

Non-toxic and non-irritant. Non- to mildly sensitizing. Consult your health care professional before using during pregnancy. Do not take clary sage essential oil internally.

Organic Clary Sage Essential Oil

1.2 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil

When I was a little girl I used to hate the smell of fresh lavender because it somehow reminded me of older people.

How much things have changed! I couldn’t envision myself without the presence of this wonderful scent around me. I also grow lavender in my finca and I’m planning on growing more as time goes by.

My lavender has grown quite a lot in only a matter of months.

Probably the most sold essential oil in the world, this should be a staple essential oil in every home. This is a cooling and relaxing oil with uplifting effects (when I smell lavender I feel like smiling, it also makes me feel happily grounded).

It can be used regularly to reduce feelings of insecurity, agitation, anger, etc.

Lavender essential oil can have a really nice effect on people who feel nervous or tense (just looking at the flowers relaxes me); and also works well on those who are sensitive in terms of their emotions, nose, chemicals, etc.

It is an anti-microbial and can be added at 50% together with the respiratory oils in your diffuser.

Lavender essential oil is a mild oil and ben be put directly on burns (it has an anti-inflammatory, cooling effect).

If feeling stressed, nervous, mentally ‘fast-paced’, agitated or worried just diffuse this beautiful oil at home. It will also help you sleep at night.

Make sure to avoid adulterated versions of lavender (being such a popular oil); “it is estimated that 90% of all products labeled “lavender essential oil” are either derived from another species such as lavandin, or are diluted, or are outright synthetic fabrications.” (Source).

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil

Direct inhalation (place a drop in the palm of your hands, gently rub your palms together and inhale deeply for immediate effects)
In your diffuser at home for a lovely, fresh fragrance and to help you relax
For restful sleep add a couple of drops to a cotton ball and tuck under your pillow

Lavender Essential Oil Recipe for Deep Rest

For a deep rest: Add to your diffuser 5 drops lavender, 1 drop cedarwood and 3 drops Roman chamomile.

Safety Considerations for Lavender Essential Oil

Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Do not take lavender essential oil internally.

Organic Lavender Essential Oil

1.3 Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Essential Oil

Rose geranium is a different flower to the one we grow in our gardens. Look at how beautiful it is!

My Neal’s Yard Remedies body wash with geranium essential oil and orange essential oils is to die for. I love the combo!

Geranium essential oil actually compliments lavender really nicely. Geranium has more intense and stronger fragrance and it might take time to get used to. I didn’t like it that much at first, but over time and when mixed with other essential oils it does add that depth that make the aroma so beautifully balanced.

Being a flower geranium is a relaxant but it can also give you more energy if you feel tired. It magically works both ways. If you have low energy and are usually chronically tired geranium essential oil is for you.

If you suffer from fatigue mix lavender and geranium in your diffuser for a deep nice sleep.

Geranium essential oils is both grounding as well as calming. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety and worry. It can also uplift your mood and promote feelings of well-being.

How to Use Rose Geranium Essential Oil

In your diffuser: A floral, earthy, also herbaceous and sweet floral fragrance. Again, it might take you some time to get ‘used’ to it. If you’re not that keen on the scent, for an uplifting and calming effect mix it with bergamot (lemony) and lavender (fresh).
Direct inhalation: Place a drop in the palm of your hands, gently rub your palms together and inhale deeply for immediate effects

Rose Geranium Essential Oil Recipe for Combination Skin

Add to your facial moisturiser (for combination skin): Add 3 drops rose rose geranium oil, 2 drops rosewood oil and 3 drops ylang-ylang oil into ½ oz of your facial moisturiser.

Safety Considerations for Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Non-toxic, non-sensitising, non-irritant. Do not take geranium essential oil internally.

Organic Rose Geranium Essential Oil

1.4 Chamomile, Blue (Matricaria chamomilla) Essential Oil

Blue chamomile’s really high azulene content (produced during the process of distillation) is what gives chamomile essential oil rich blue colour. It is also attributed to restore as well as nourish our defense system.

The German ‘blue’ chamomile essential oil is well known for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties as well as a wide range of other beneficial properties including supporting healthy function of the joints as well as promoting deep, relax, restful sleep.

This truly gentle oil is ideal for the elderly, those with sensitive skin and children. The oil has a sedative effect and promotes feelings of well being for people of all ages.

How to Use Blue Chamomile Essential Oil

In your diffuser: diffuse a few drops of blue chamomile to your diffuser to enhance well ness as well as helping you relax and feel calm.

Blue Chamomile Essential Oil Skincare Recipe

In a facial cream: Add 10 drops to 2 tablespoons of your favourite facial cream. Being a repairing oil, it will sooth, calm and repair your skin. It has been shown to promote fast tissue regeneration than corticosteroids (Source). With mildly astringent properties chamomile essential oil will help you clean any blocked pores.

Safety Considerations for Blue Chamomile Essential Oil

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Do not take blue chamomile essential oil internally.

Organic Blue Chamomile Essential Oil

1.5 Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Essential Oil

Helichrysum has traditionally been known as “immortelle” (meaning ‘everlasting’) and has a profound healing effect on the skin. It could be said that this is the most medicinal of the floral essential oils!

This oil is truly a class of its own. It is so medicinal it has a deep spiritual dimension to it and can be categorised as a sacred oil. This is without the shadow of a doubt the best oil for healing the skin. Also the best oil for skincare products. In fact, this is the best oil for treating a variety of skin conditions: it rejuvenates, it is protective, it tackles wrinkles, ageing spots, etc.

A class of its own. It’s so medicinal and has so many spiritual dimensions to it that it can be categorised as a sacred scent also. The best oil for healing the skin. The best oil for skincare products with great cleansing effect. The best oil for treating a wide variety of skin conditions. Protective, can rejuvenate, great for wrinkles, ageing skin, spots, damaged skin etc. A truly wonderful essential oil.

Medically it can remove and or dissolve scar tissue, and it does this through a primary biochamical action which improves the microcirculation under the skin (I learnt this at my Floracopeia Essential Oil Course).

This makes it the number one essential oil for wounds. It will help close an open cut as well. Because it can enhance circulation it is a great essential oil for pain, soft tissue injuries and bruising.

Helichrysum is can support cell regeneration and heal tissue. Great for restorative serums and general skincare.

Helichrysum essential oil helps with anger issues and plays a supportive role when it comes to emotional healing. Use when feeling overworked or tired. It can uplift your mood as well.

How to Use Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum oil can be applied topically or diffused. You can directly inhale the oil by putting a couple of drops in the palm of your hands and rubbing them gently; then inhale. It can be diluted or also applied neat on the skin.

In a diffuser: Add 3 or 4 drops to a diffuser to create a relaxing and calming environment. It will soothe nerves effectively.
As a skin toner: Add to your facial toner for a fresh, toned effect. It will help with appearance of skin blemishes as well as fine lines. Remember to shake well before applying to your face.

Helichrysum Essential Oil First Aid Recipe

As a first aid: Add 8 drops helichrysum essential oil and 8 drops blue chamomile essential oil in a cream as an effective emergency treatment for cuts, grazes and burns.

Safety Considerations for Helichrysum Essential Oil

Safety Considerations for Helichrysum Essential Oil: Non toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Do not take helichrysum essential oil internally.

Organic Helichrysum Essential Oil

2. EXOTIC FLOWER ESSENTIAL OILS

Exotic flower essential oils are those EOs that have a profound effect on our consciousness. They provoke a kind of ‘euphoric’ effect. This is very true, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, Rose and Jasmine EOs both make me feel a strange ‘high’. I’m TOTALLY ADDICTED to them and I just can’t explain what I feel when their scent invades all of my senses. It is such an experience. This is probably why these exotic flower essential oils are the ones usually used for perfumery.

2.1 Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) Essential Oil

As mentioned before, jasmine essential oil can ‘tamper’ with my psyche as well as emotions making me feel gloriously intoxicated with wellness. I believe there is power inside this flower and its potent scent. When I smell its exhilarating aroma I find that I am connected to my Self. Any thoughts/feelings of sadness or worry instantly disappear. It brings feelings of self love and deep peace. This is such an exquisite oil. Jasmine is known to bring optimism, confidence and also produce feelings of euphoria. I can actually attest to this, so true! Jasmine essential oil is both delicate and powerful. Yes, most definitely a truly exquisite essential oil.

How to Use Jasmine Absolute Essential Oil

As a perfume oil or to uplift yourself: Place one drop on the neck area and wrists to instantly benefit from its powerful, intoxicating perfume. Its alluring fragrance will delight everyone.
As a luxurious treat in your diffuser: Just the one drop will be enough to transfix you because of its exotic powers. This is true aromatic potency!
To support your lungs: A few drops in your diffuser as a therapeutic way to support your lungs.

Jasmine Absolute Essential Oil Romance Recipe

For a true romance blend: Add to your diffuser 4 drops jasmine essential oil, 4 drops rose absolute oil, 2 drops cardamom essential oil and 2 drops sandalwood essential oil.

Safety Considerations for Jasmine Absolute Essential Oil

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. If nursing, consult your health care practitioner before using jasmine absolute oil as it can prevent lactation. Do not take jasmine absolute oil internally.

Jasmine Absolute Essential Oil

2.2 Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang is odourless. In order to get its magnificent scent the distillation process is quite unique.

I wasn’t that keen on ylang-ylang at first but as time has gone by I’ve truly learned to fall in love with this wonderful floral essential oil.

How can I best describe the scent? It is deep, it is sensual, it is velvety, it is profoundly involving, it is soft and gentle and incredibly luxurious at the same time. Not easy to describe! If I was to choose one word, I’d say “sophisticated”.

Ylang-ylang is a cooling oil, like all flower essential oils it is calming. it is a regulator of skin sebum and has a balancing effect on the skin.

As part of a massage blend or through inhalation, ylang-ylang helps lower high blood pressure. It is good for depression and can give you a gentle euphoria helpful to soothe a heavy mind. It will ground you and support you during times of upset and even fear.

An essential oil that raises the spirits and inspires creativity. It can boost your self-esteem and promote joy. This essential oil is simply a wonderful treasure.

How to Use Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

Direct inhalation to relax after a busy day: Simply add a drop of ylang-ylang to the palm of your hands, rub gently and breath in deeply. It will promote relaxation and a feeling of calmness.
As part of your body lotion: Add 5 drops to 2 tablespoons of an unscented, natural body lotion. It is simply divine! I add it to my DIY natural body lotion and can’t get enough of how wonderful it smells.

Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Skincare Recipe for Combination Skin

Facial cream for combination skin: Add 2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil into ½ oz of your favourite facial cream.

Safety Considerations for Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang is classed as non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing, however excessive use has been reported to lead to headaches and nausea. Do not take ylang-ylang essential oil internally.

Organic Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

2.3 Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena) Essential Oil

Rose otto equals fine perfumery. This essential oils is hydrodistilled at low temperatures from the wonderfullly elegant damascus rose. Rose otto essential oil heals at an emotional level and is synonym of floral luxury.

With a GLORIOUS scent, rose has a toning, calming, uplifting, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effect. It supports cell and tissue regeneration and also is excellent at minimising the appearance of broken capillaries on the skin.

With antimicrobial properties against 15 strains of bacteria, rose essential oil enhances wellbeing by increasing feelings of vitality. It supports women’s health by helping to easy heavy periods and provides relief from premenstrual tension.

How to Use Rose Otto Essential Oil

With its intoxicating perfume, rose otto is a gem when it comes to therapeutic effects. Use Rose Otto as an intoxicating perfume, or a therapeutic gem for its healing wonders.

As perfume and/or for therapeutic effect: place one drop of rose otto essential oil on the neck area and wrists (pulse points). Rub to warm into the skin. That’s all it takes for you to feel the benefits of this ethereal essential oil.
Add to your favourite facial cream or facial serum: add one drop of rose otto to your favourite facial cream or facial serum to reap the benefits. It helps repair sun-damaged skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. Remember it also supports cell and tissue regeneration.
Enhances wellbeing: This oil can create a sense of relaxation and feelings of wellbeing helping increase your vitality in general. Add a drop to your favourite diffuser blend.
Direct inhalation: Place one drop in the palm of your hand. Gently rub your palms together and inhale slowly and deeply to take in the scent together with its therapeutic benefits.

Pure Rose Otto Essential Oil (2.5 mL, Non-Diluted)

Pure Rose Absolute Essential Oil (5 mL, Non-Diluted)

Diluted Rose Essential Oil in Jojoba (30%/70% Ratio)

2.4 Neroli (Citrus aurantium) Essential Oil

Neroli almost comes accross as a timid flower. Its scent is pure sensual potency though.

An almost ‘shy’ flower, neroli essential oils is such a light and sweet (and delicate) oil! I love the tanginess in the scent, it reminds me of the orange trees here in La Finca.

Neroli is uplifting, soothing, promotes emotional support for women, supports skin renewal and has rejuvenating properties.

Combine with other citrus oils to give you a wonderful uplifting feeling. Neroli can lift your mood and supports feelings of wellbeing and calm. It promotes restful sleep and will make you feel inspired during the day.

How to Use Neroli Essential Oil

Direct inhalation: Place 2 drops of neroli essential oil in your palms. Rub gently and breath in deeply and slowly. The scent will truly transform you in an instant by lifting you with such gentleness and care. It is such a delicate perfume!
Add to your favourite facial cream: 1 drop of neroli essential oil in your favourite facial cream will support radiant, even and smooth skin.
To relax you: Add 2 drops of neroli essential oil and 4 drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser for a deep, restful sleep. And a fresh smell!

Safety Considerations for Neroli Essential Oil

Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant. Do not take neroli essential oil internally.

Neroli Essential Oil

Choose One or Two to Get You Started

If you’re new or new-ish to essential oils I don’t think you should be getting the whole range of floral essential oils. Just get started with one or two, follow the recipes and ideas regarding the oil and look for more ideas online. Get to know that oil and make the most of it.

You can always expand your floral essential oil collection as you go along. Some of these oils can be quite expensive and we need to be watchful on how we use them, which should be with care and respect. These plants have spent many years growing for you to get the one drop of gloriousness in your hands!

Patri xx

Keywords: floral essential oils, flower essential oils, best smelling floral essential oils, best floral essential oils

Resources

Floral Essential Oils Uses (Young Living)
Using the Floral Oils (doTERRA)