Essential Oil Properties For Use In Feng Shui
By Sharon Stasney

Benzoin \

An oil commonly used in incense, benzoin was said to drive away evil spirits. Feng
shui applications include using benzoin to clear a room after an argument.

Bergamot

A sweet fruity scent. In an oil diffuser, its refreshing uplifting quality has made it a
favorite for combating anxiety and depression.

Chamomile

Considered one of the nine healing plants by the Saxpns and revered by the
Egyptians, chamomile is used worldwide for its relaxing, de-stressing properties.
Especially helpful in calming an upset stomach, nervous tension, or ulcers,
chamomile blends can ease tensions and help to keep people from getting upset.

Eucalyptus

There are two primary types of eucalyptus, a broad-leafed peppermint variety and a
lemon-scented variety. Aborogines use the peppermint variety to relieve fevers,
whereas the lemon-scented variety is used to repel cockroaches. Medically,
eucalyptus is often used to clear the sinuses and to ease muscular aches.
Eucalyptus in the office encourages deep breathing, which oxygenates the body and
clears the head.

Frankincense

A deep base note, frankincense is grounding and comforting. Introduce frankincense
into the office when you are feeling scattered and lacking focus. Frankincense is
collected from small trees as a resin and is commonly used by both the Chinese
and the Catholic church in incense.

Geranium

A strong rose-like scent, use geranium sparingly. Although used historically to
reduce inflammation, including inflamed tempers, geranium can overpower the
room and cause headaches.

Jasmine

A heady floral scent, the Chinese traditionally used jasmine to induce an overall
feeling of optimism and confidence. A general feeling of euphoria and well-being
makes this a favorite scent in office spaces, especially for salespeople.

Lavender

One of the most commonly used oils, lavender is like an herbal first-aid box. It is
useful in combating daily upsets, as well as soothing emotions after a major trauma
or shocking experience. For people who tend to worry a lot, lavender calms the mind
and assists in the release of obsessive thoughts.

Lemon

A fresh citrus scent without the sweetness of other citrus fruits, lemon adds a clean
refined sharpness to the atmosphere. When things feel confusing, use lemon oil to
find clarity.

Marjoram

A warm woodsy and spicy scent, marjoram is considered fortifying as well as
calming. Marjoram helps ground the energy in a room.

Myrrh

The use of myrrh has been common for over 3700 years in both Eastern and
Western medicine. Myrrh has a warming, drying property which made it important for
embalming purposes. The Chinese use myrrh in feng shui to solidify a shifting
energy. Because it is not liquid at room temperature, myrrh is more easily introduced
into a room through incense.

Patchouli

A deep, earthy scent, patchouli is calming and grounding. Because the scent is
heavy, it helps hold lighter scents in place when used in blends.

Rose

A deep sweet floral scent, rose will overpower just about any other scent if not
blended correctly. The symbolism of roses is probably more intricate than that of any
other flower, and its association with Venus, the goddess of love, has not gone
unnoticed by perfume makers (rose oil from one of the 10,000 rose varieties is used
in over 46 percent of men’s fragrances and over 90 percent of women’s). For feng
shui purposes, it activates the senses and arouses the passions, making it a scent
to avoid in office spaces.

Rosemary

A stimulant for the circulatory system, rosemary is often used to combat mental
fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Rosemary has a fresh pungent herbaceous scent.

Rosewood

The production of rosewood oil is damaging to the South American rain forests, so
the oil is being replaced by the synthetic form. As such, it has primarily perfumery
use. Rosewood is said to aid headaches and lessen nausea.

Sandalwood

The sandalwood from East India is known for combating depression and uplifting
the spirits. A deep, soft woodsy scent, sandalwood relaxes the muscles and has a
general aphrodisiacal influence.

Sweet basil

A powerful aromatic scent, basil is known as a “cooling” herb, soothing nervous
tension and general irritability. If anyone in your office is feeling grouchy, try adding
basil.

Tangerine

More pungent and less intensely sweet than its cousin-scent mandarin, tangerine is
refreshing and can rejuvenate the spirits and lagging energy in the late afternoon.

Tea Tree

A deep, earthy scent, patchouli is calming and grounding. Because the scent is
heavy, it helps hold lighter scents in place when used in blends.

Ylang Ylang

Said to have high, middle, and base note qualities contained within a single oil,
Ylang Ylang is an aphrodisiac and is not usually appropriate for work settings.

This article is excerpted from Feng Shui Your Work Spaces by Sharon Stasney.  

Written by Sharon Stasney

Having worked with hospitals and healers from numerous disciplines, Sharon Stasney integrates Chinese
medicine, traditional feng shui teachings, Jungian psychology and shadow-therapy work into her feng shui
consultations. She is the author of Feng Shui Living and Feng Shui Your Kitchen. Sharon currently runs Self
Start, a training center in Salt Lake City, Utah, that provides advanced business training and mentoring for feng
shui consultants, professional organizers, and life coaches.  
AromaLisa