We can understand the properties of essential oils in many different ways, from their effects on our emotions or body systems to the scientific properties of the compounds in each oil.
Learning about oils by their classification is particularly helpful for beginner essential oil users. Knowing the general characteristics and attributes of the oils in each of the 8 classifications can be a great starting point for choosing oils to use for specific purposes.
Why Is It Helpful To Classify Essential Oils?
Oils can be divided into 8 classifications: Leaves, Roots, Woods, Herbs, Spices, Florals, Citrus, and Resins. Within each classification, the oils will have common characteristics. Of course, it’s also important to keep in mind that each individual oil also has more specific, and often unique, properties.
While there is so much complexity to appreciate in each and every doTERRA essential oil, learning the basics of each of the 8 classifications is an ideal starting point.
Essential Oil Classifications
Here are the oils in each classification and their top shared properties, as well as the energy and emotions heightened or addressed by those oils.
Leaf essential oils:
Eucalyptus, Lemon Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Wintergreen
Leaves are an outgrowth of the plant stem that manufacture plant nutrients by photosynthesis. Oils are steam distilled from the leaves. Oils derived from leaves are invigorating and soothing, and they can protect our health in a wide variety of ways.
Top properties:
Antiseptic, Invigorating, Anti-inflammatory, Insecticide, Analgesic (reduces pain sensation), Antibacterial, Antimicrobial
Positive energy and emotions heightened by leaf oils:
Accepting, Yielding, Receiving, Invigorated, Enhanced, Unattached, Trusting, Progressing, Enlightened, Relieved
Negative energy and emotions addressed by leaf oils:Stubborn, Refusing, Unyielding, Confused, Hindered, Degraded, Obstinate, Doubtful, Stalled, Limited, Inundated
Root essential oils:
Spikenard, Vetiver
Roots are the fibres that attach plants to the ground and receive water and nourishment. Essential oils are distilled from roots. The Roots are such an interesting group of oils: They’re centering, calming, and offer incredible protective effects for our brains, nervous systems, and emotions.
Top properties:
Calming, Nervine (beneficial effect on nerves), Grounding, Neurotonic (improves tone of the nervous system), Sedative, Restorative, Neuroprotective (protects from damage to nervous system)
Positive energy and emotions heightened by root oils:
Rooted, Flowing, Centered, Elevated, Aware, Peaceful, Meditative, Prioritized
Negative energy and emotions addressed by root oils:
Ungrounded, Obstructed, Discontented, Erratic, Inattentive, Agitated, Scattered
Wood essential oils:
Arborvitae, Birch, Black Spruce, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Juniper Berry, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Siberian Fir
Wood oils are derived from trees of all kinds. Oils are distilled from the leaves, twigs, branches, needles, berries, bark, and inner wood.
Top properties:
Anticatarrhal (clears mucus), Regenerative, Relaxing, Grounding, Steroidal, Analgesic (reduces pain sensation), 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
Herb essential oils:
Basil, Blue Tansy, Cilantro, Dill, Marjoram, Melissa, Oregano, Patchouli, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme
Herbs are seed-bearing, flowering plants that do not have woody tissue in the stem. Their oils are distilled from the green, leafy parts of these low-growing plants. I love the fresh and invigorating aromas of the herb oils!
Top properties:
Immunostimulant, Detoxifier, Antiviral, Antifungal, Carminative (reduces gas & bloating), Antibacterial, Antiparasitic
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
Spice essential oils:
Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cassia, Celery Seed, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger
Spices are aromatic, flavourful plants. The oils are distilled from the bark, roots, seeds, and buds of the plant.
Top properties:
Warming, Digestive stimulant, Immunostimulant, Aphrodisiac, Antiemetic (prevents vomiting & nausea), Anti-infectious, Antiparasitic
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-centered, Uncertain, Denied, Dominated, Apprehensive, Apathetic, Somber, Disinterested, Bored
Floral essential oils:
Clary Sage, Geranium, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Magnolia, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang
Floral oils are distilled from the petals or aerial parts of flowers.
Top properties:
Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic (prevents/relieves spasms, convulsions, contractions), Relaxant, Antihistamine, Analgesic (reduces pain sensation), 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
Citrus essential oils:
Bergamot, Grapefruit, Wild Orange, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Green Mandarin
Citrus trees grow in warm climates and produce juicy fruit with a pulpy rind. The oils are cold-pressed or steam-distilled from the rind.
Top properties:
Stimulating, Uplifting, Antiseptic, Calming, Antimicrobial, Energizing, Antioxidant
Positive energy and emotions heightened by citrus oils:
Invigorated, Joyful, Energized, Validated, Worthy, Enlivened, Restored, Productive, Mindful
Negative energy and emotions addressed by citrus oils:
Discouraged, Gloomy, Distressed, Depleted, Drained, Oppressed, Faint, Mindless
Resin essential oils:
Copaiba, Frankincense, Myrrh
Resins are natural, sticky substances that come from certain trees and are insoluble in water. Essential oils are distilled from hardened resins. Their restorative and strengthening properties, and their versatility, are impressive.
Top properties:
Anti-inflammatory, Cytophylactic (encourages new cell growth), Analgesic (reduces pain sensation), Restorative, Antidepressant, Immunostimulant, Antimutagenic
Positive energy and emotions heightened by resin oils:
Unified, Connected, Grounded, Nurtured, Enlightened, Bonded, Awakened
Negative energy and emotions addressed by resin oils:
Separated, Disconnected, Stressed, Malnourished, Unprotected, Abandoned, Darkened, Weak
Ongoing Education
With essential oils, there is always more to learn and appreciate. Even after years of using these incredible products, I still find myself discovering new uses and new combinations, and being amazed by the new offerings and groundbreaking research from doTERRA’s scientists. Please reach out to me if you have questions or are curious about delving deeper into oil education!
