Essential Oil Classifications
Understanding plant classifications helps with getting to know your essential oils categorically. This then gives us broader knowledge of the general attributes and characteristics, improving our ability to identify oils that best serve in a particular set of circumstances. It is important to acknowledge that while oils within a classification have common characteristics, each individual oil has far more specific and unique properties.
FLORALS 🌺
Florals are flowers. Oils are distilled from the petals or aerial parts of the plants.
Known to promotes states of Calm and Harmony, this group includes- Boronia, Carnation, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Yarrow, and Ylang-Ylang.
Top Properties- Anti inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Relaxant, Antihistamine, Analgesic, Regenerative, Antiviral
Positive energy and emotions heightened by floral oils:
Better able to express oneself, reassured, mended, purposeful, light filled, loved exuberant, expressive.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by floral oils:
Fearful, worried, hurt, unheard, wounded, neglected, frustrated, depressed, isolated, burdened.
Positive Personality Traits-(Abundant Self)
Enterprising, artistic, energetic, dynamic, confident, genuine, loving, passionate, sensuous.
Balanced Floral personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are sensitive, soft hearted individuals who intuitively sense the mood of those around them and will always strive to uplift the spirits of those who need it. Florals are artistic, lovers of dance, art, music, all the finer things in life.
Florals Generally are- Flirtatious, romantic, vulnerable, sensitive, self-promoting, status conscious, friendly, dreamers.
Negative Personality Traits- (Impoverished Self)
Insensitive, shallow, competitive, envious, manipulative.
When Floral personality types are unbalanced, or existing in an impoverished state they may become manipulative and underhanded- to the point of ruthlessness if it serves their desire to be centre stage- receiving all of the admiration and acclaim they feel entitled to.
FRUITIES/ (CITRUS) 🍊
Fruities are defined as those essential oils which are extracted from the fruit of a plant or tree.
Known to promote states of Uplift and Detoxification, this group includes- Bergamot, Black Pepper†, Cardamom, Clove†, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarine, Orange, Tangerine, Tonka bean and Vanilla.
Top Properties- Stimulating, Uplifting, Antiseptic, Calming, Antimicrobial, Energising, Antioxidant.
Positive energy and emotions heightened by Fruit oils:
Invigorated, joy, energised, validated, feeling worthy, enlivened, restored, productive, mindful.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by Fruit oils:
Discouraged, gloomy, distressed, depleted, drained, oppressed, mindless.
Positive Personality Traits-(Abundant Self)
Appealing, lovable, engaging, emotionally balanced, loyal, enthusiastic, inspirational, self-aware, empathetic.
Balanced Fruitie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are hard working, friendly, committed, supportive and encouraging. This personality loves seeing projects come together, as they are naturally great organisers, with loads of positive energy, enthusiasm and innate sense of responsibility. Fruities are self-aware, emotionally balanced and are usually bright, joyful and playful, liked by most people because of their engaging positivity and friendliness.
Fruities Generally are- Compliant, respectful, organisers, realistic, emotionally secure, assertive, can be rebellious.
Negative Personality Traits- (Impoverished Self)
Contradictory, indecisive, hesitant, cautious, defensive, immature, self-sacrificing, illogical, clingy, self-abasing, masochistic.
When Fruitie personality types are unbalanced, or existing in an impoverished state, which can occur if they’re taken advantage of, they can become world weary, depressed and tend to withdraw from their life and friends. Insecure, indecisive, and self critical an impoverished Fruitie is uncharacteristically disheartened and defensive. Becoming more and more impatient, touchy and sensitive a Fruitie might employ aggression or a sharp tongue to avoid being used or hurt again.
HERBIE 🪴
Herbie’s are defined as those essential oils which are extracted from plants generally thought of as Herbs. Herbs are seed-bearing, flowering plants that do not have woody tissue in the stem. Oils are distilled from the green leafy part of these low growing plants.
Known as Cleansing and Activating, this group includes- Basil, Blue Tansy, Cilantro, Clary Sage, Dill, Geranium, Marjoram, Melissa, Oregano, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint and Thyme.
Top Properties- Immunostimulant, Detoxifier, Antiviral, Antifungal, Carminative, Antibacterial, Anti-parasitic.
Positive energy and emotions heightened by herb oils:
Accepting, yielding, open- minded, invigorated, enhanced, unattached, trusting, progressing, enlightened, relieved.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by herb oils:
Stubborn, angry, unyielding, confused, hindered, degraded, obstinate, doubtful, stalled, limited, inundated.
Herbie’s Aspirations- To love and be loved unconditionally, to be appreciated and needed.
Positive Personality Traits-(in balanced state)
Loving, empathetic, charitable, compassionate, unselfish, big-hearted, generous, welcoming, caring, supportive, giving, encouraging.
Balanced Herbie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are the salt of the earth. Herbies are nice, solid, dependable people who love to give service; whether that is in the form of picking up your groceries, taking out the rubbish or baking a cake. Thoughtfulness is their middle name, they plan ahead to help people, doing whatever they can or whatever they think people might need. Herbies are interested in other people and consider it a privilege to be allowed into their lives.
Herbies Generally are- Friendly, neighbourly, sympathetic, welcoming, emotional, demonstrative, self-sacrificing, enthusiastic, smothering, nosey, gushing, home bodies, down-to-earth.
Negative Personality Traits- (when unbalanced)
Resentful, anguished, manipulative, guilt-inflicting, hypochondriac.
When Herbie personality types are unbalanced, they can resent the fact that they seem to do everything for others with little reciprocation-not having the self awareness to acknowledge the innate drive within to serve. Being such home-bodies, Herbies have a strong tendency to live vicariously- this thirst for details of other’s lives can lead to Herbie’s having a very “nosy” tendency. Herbies can get too intimate, smothering even-and when a person becomes exasperated by the intrusion and cuts off all contact- Herbie tends to become jealous and possessive- using guilt as a weapon and form of manipulation.
LEAFIES 🍃
Leafies are defined as essential oils which are extracted from leaves of trees or plants.
Known to promote states that are both Invigorating and Soothing, this group includes- Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Cinnamonˠ, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Citradora, Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Piperita, Fir, Myrtle, Niaoli, Patchouli, Pettigrain, Pine, Ravinsara, Tea Tree.
Top Properties- Antiseptic, Invigorating, Anti-inflammatory, Insecticide, Analgaesic, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial.
Positive energy and emotions heightened by Leaf oils:
Accepting, yielding, receiving, invigorated, enhanced, unattached, trusting, progression, enlightened, relieved.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by Leaf oils:
Stubborn, refusing, unyielding, confused, hindered, degraded, obstinate, doubtful, stalled, limited, inundated.
Leafies Aspirations-to connect with the environment, understand the global perspective, and gain wisdom.
Positive Personality Traits- (in balanced state)
Visionary, knowledgeable, wise, creative, perceptive, innovative, focused, insightful, observant, attentive, inspirational, contributive.
Balanced Leafie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are wise visionaries, who know where we have come from and their minds are always on alert. They take everything in in an instant and shake it down to its core components, storing it away for future reference. Lateral thinking is standard practice for Leafies, as is thinking holistically.
Leafies Generally are- Cerebral, thoughtful, logical, solitary, idealistic, imaginative, non-conformist, complicated, revolutionary, vulnerable, melancholic.
Negative Personality Traits- (unbalanced state)
Compulsive, obsessive, paranoid, cynical, scornful, hostile, hypersensitive, confused, defeatist, suppressed.
When Leafie personality types are unbalanced, they can become cynical, and paranoid. Whilst Leafies are intellectually brilliant- they can be wrong sometimes, and if in their unbalanced state, will take great offence to anyone questioning their conclusions-this can lead to a detachment- a withdrawal, which may in extreme cases be followed by melancholy and paranoia.
RESINIE- 🌏
Frankincense etc.
Resinies are defined as those essential oils that come from Resin- the naturally sticky substance that comes from certain trees and that are insoluble in water. Oils are distilled from hardened resins.
Known as Restoring and Strengthening, this group includes- Benzoin, Canadian Balsam, Copaiba, Frankincense and Myrrh.
Top Properties- Anti-inflammatory, Analgaesic, Restorative, Antidepressant, Immunostimulant.
Positive energy and emotions heightened by resin oils:
Unified, Connected, Grounded, Nurtured, Enlightened, Inoculated, Bonded, Awakened.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by herb oils:
Separated, Disconnected, Stressed, Malnourished, Unprotected, Abandoned, Darkened, Weak.
Resinie’s Aspirations-To have position and purpose.
Positive Personality Traits-(in balanced state)
Liberal, charitable, merciful, wise, truthful, spiritual, principled, honest, kind, caring, reasonable.
Balanced Resinie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are the sort that you can always go to for advice of the no-nonsense variety. Realism and tolerance temper their advice, which is given honestly and with genuine care. Resinies are people who command respect because their high principles are obvious for all to see.
Resinies Generally are- Perfectionists, efficient, orderly, strong- willed, persistent, persuasive, high-minded, utopian, self-controlled, precise, difficult, emotionally withdrawn.
Negative Personality Traits- (when unbalanced)
Critical, Indignant, Angry, Abrasive, Obstinate, Dogmatic, Judgemental, Discouraged, Depressed, Arrogant.
When Resinie personality types are unbalanced, they can find themselves disappointed in people-most of all themselves as their constant drive for perfectionism takes a terrible toll. Perfectionists as they are, especially in regard to themselves, if they’ve made a mistake, resinies are overcome with shame, guilt and self-reproach which is difficult for them to shake off as they come to the acceptance of their own fallibility.
ROOTIES🍃
Rooties are defined as essential oils which are extracted from the roots of the plants. Roots are the plant fibres that attach it to the ground and receive water and nourishment for the plant.
Known to promote states that are Centering and Calming, this group includes- Angelica, Galangalˠ, Gingerˠ, Turmericˠ, Spikenard, Valerian, Vetiver.
Top Properties- Calming, Nervine, Grounding, Neurotonic, Sedative, Restorative, Neuroprotective.
Positive energy and emotions heightened by Root oils:
Rooted, Flowing, Centred, Elevated, Aware, Peaceful, Meditative, Prioritised
Negative energy and emotions addressed by Leaf oils:
Ungrounded, Obstructed, Discontented, Erratic, Unattentive, Agitated, Scattered.
Rooties Aspirations- Peacemaker- to have union with everything and traditional values.
Positive Personality Traits- (in balanced state)
Peaceful, responsive, open-minded, helpful, hopeful, patient, content, composed, assured, strong minded, supportive, observant, giving, thoughtful, humble, solid, loyal.
Balanced Rootie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are very good natured, easy-going, laid back and serene. Acceptance of life as it is, is second nature to a balanced Rootie. Stability is a definite characteristic of this personality, as they can accept everything with equanimity, perhaps because they simply trust themselves and others. This is the peacemaker-ever kind and supportive, they have a way of making everyone feel comfortable. Rooties are the ultimate mediators because they are fundamentally harmonisers and healers. Among their many great qualities are humility, a capacity ot give, great powers of observation, reliability and loyalty.
Rooties Generally are- Easygoing, passive, good listener, modest, pacifier, traditionalist, tries to please, original, dislikes change; controlled, modest, satisfied.
Negative Personality Traits- (unbalanced state)
Neglectful, suppressed, obstinate, disorganised, confused, easily upset, apathetic, discontented, moody, uncaring, downhearted, absent-mindedness.
When Rootie personality types are unbalanced, they can become neglectful, disorganised and apathetic. Rooties have to watch out not to become too submissive- doormat type. Inertia can overtake them and in their unbalanced state, it is possible for them to become caustic, moody and sneaky if they have been suppressing emotions in order to keep the peace.
SEEDIE- 🌱
Seedies are defined as those essential oils that come from the seeds of a plant. This group includes- Angelica seed, Anise (Star), Aniseed, Caraway, Carrot seed, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel (Sweet), Nutmeg, Parsley seed.
Top Properties- Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Digestive, Antioxidant, Respiratory.
Seedie’s Aspirations-To create beauty and understanding in themselves and others.
Positive Personality Traits-(in balanced state)
Creative, inspirational, intuitive, knowledgeable, harmonious, genuine, sensitive, honest, joyful.
Balanced Seedie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, have incredibly strong powers of intuition-so finely tuned they are able to pick up other people's feelings as if they were being transmitted via the radio. This intuition is also very much apparent in relation to there own feelings-they know and trust what feels right or not right for them. Seedie personalities are sensitive, self-aware, considerate and insightful.
Seedies Generally are- Deeply feeling, misunderstood, artistic, introverted, expressive, caring, fragile, amiable, tolerant, dreamer, even-tempered, self-indulgent.
Negative Personality Traits- (when unbalanced)
Disillusioned, melancholy, disrespectful, aloof, contemptuous, emotionally burnt- out.
When Seedie personality types are unbalanced, they can become emotionally overwhelmed or mentally exhausted, depression can set in. Emotion burn- out may cause Seedies to become suspicious, undemonstrative, and emotionally cold.
SPICIES
Spices are aromatic, flavourful plants. Oil is distilled from the bark, roots, seeds, and buds of the plant.
Known to promote states that are Warming and Protecting, this group includes-Black pepper, Cardamom, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger.
Top Properties- Warming, Digestive stimulant, Immunostimmulant, Aphrodisiac, Antiemetic (prevents vomiting), Anti-infectious, Anti-parasitic
Positive energy and emotions heightened by Spice oils:
Honest, charitable, bold, receptive, supported, participating, activated, empowered.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by Spice oils:
Repressed, self-centred, uncertain, denied, dominated, apprehensive, apathetic, sombre, disinterested, bored.
Spicies Aspirations-To have it all- the hedonistic lifestyle!
Positive Personality Traits-(in balanced state)
Joyous, zealous, animated, exhilarating, appreciative, vivacious, magnanimous, debonair, dynamic, multi-faceted, practical, gracious, seductive, charming,
Balanced Seedie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are joyous, exhilarating and animated- Spicies love life and at their best are sparkling, happy, warm-hearted, spontaneous and entertaining.
Spicies Generally are- Extrovert, entrepreneurial, pleasure- seeker, connoisseur, materialistic, dynamic, sophisticated, attentive, over-confident, arrogant, controlling, achiever, wilful.
Negative Personality Traits- (unbalanced state)
Superficial, jaded, debauched, discourteous, impolite, greedy, self-centred, resentful, mean, jealous.
When Spicie personality types are unbalanced, they can become selfish, entitled, arrogant and treat all around them with disdain. To the unbalanced Spicie, people are there to be used and their needs are completely irrelevant.
WOODIES- 🪵
Woods are typically grown high off the ground and are characterised by a single trunk. Oils are distilled from the leaves, twigs, branches, needles, berries, bark and wood.
Known to promote states that are Grounding and Renewing, this group includes-Arborvitae, Birch, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Juniper Berry , Manuka, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Siberian fir.
Top Properties- Anticatarrhal, Regenerative, Relaxant, Grounding, Steroidal, Analgaesic, Astringent.
Positive energy and emotions heightened by Wood oils:
Receiving, devoted, collected, stimulated, progressing, alone, courageous, composed.
Negative energy and emotions addressed by Wood oils:
Blocked, uninspired, unsure, congested, stalled, cowardly, overzealous, grieving, sad, ashamed.
Woodies Aspirations-To be in control and have an impact on the world through self-determination.
Positive Personality Traits-(in balanced state)
Steadfast, wise, courageous, magnanimous, inspiring, supportive, trustworthy, gallant, powerful, energetic, authoritative, principled, champion of causes, warm-hearted, expansive, compassionate, honest, ethical, defender.
Balanced Woodie personalities, those existing in their abundant state, are strong, independent people, bold and forthright. They know what they want and they go for it, striving for their place in the world. Woodies are ruled by intellectual culture, civil rights, civil justice and wisdom, which they pursue with intelligence, dynamism, and assertion. Woodies will do anything for a cause in which they believe- once they’ve established the validity of it. Woodies are often turned to for help because people recognise that they are ethical, trustworthy and wise.
Woodies Generally are- Intellectual, self-reliant, assertive, influential, steadfast, faithful, content, enterprising , perceptive, unmoveable, persistent, individualistic.
Negative Personality Traits- (unbalanced state)
Domineering, dictatorial, argumentative, harsh, mean, severe, inflexible, vengeful, egotistical, suffocating, moody.
When Woodie personality types are unbalanced, they can easily become a dictatorial tyrant, wilful, hostile, ruthless and moody. An unbalanced woodie personality is one that we definitely would not want as a boss!