3 Reasons to Always Use the Botanical Name with Essential Oils

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Written by Maria Fiordalisi

3 Reasons to Always Use the Botanical Name with Essential Oils

Essential oils are everywhere. If you use them, it’s important to do so safely, effectively, and responsibly. One of the simplest yet most powerful habits you can adopt is to always use the botanical (Latin) name when referring to and shopping for essential oils.

Here’s why:

1. To Avoid Confusion

Every essential oil has both a common name and a botanical name. Most people use the common name, but this can cause confusion because different plants can share the same common name.

Take Lavender as an example. There are many types of lavender essential oil, each with different chemistry, aroma, and therapeutic properties—not to mention different safety considerations.Using the botanical name (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia) ensures you know exactly which plant species is in your bottle, avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring you get the intended benefits(1,2).

Professionalism and Ethics: The Heart of Practice

Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Ethical practice is what protects clients and upholds the integrity of the field. Certified aromatherapists follow codes of conduct that emphasize:

  • Safety first: using oils responsibly and with proper dilution.
  • Respect and confidentiality: honoring client privacy and informed consent.
  • Transparency: being clear about qualifications, methods, and potential risks.²

Professional associations like the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) set these standards, requiring members to uphold them.³,⁴

2. For Safety & Therapeutic Reasons

Let’s stick with lavender. There are over 70 species of Lavandula. Two common ones are:

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – High in esters such as linalyl acetate, known for calming the nervous system, supporting skin healing, and easing muscular aches(3).
  • Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) – Contains higher amounts of camphor and 1,8-cineole, making it more stimulating and useful for respiratory congestion, coughs, and inflammation(3,4).

Both are “lavender,” but their chemical profiles and ideal uses differ significantly. Without the botanical name, you could unintentionally use the wrong oil for your needs.

3. For Conservation

Some essential oil bearing plants are threatened or endangered due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and unsustainable trade. As essential oil use grows, it’s our responsibility to be informed consumers.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(5):

  • Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi syn. N. grandiflora) – Critically Endangered
  • Sandalwood (Santalum album) – Vulnerable
  • Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) – Endangered
  • Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) – Endangered

By knowing the botanical name, you can research the conservation status of the plant and choose sustainable alternatives when necessary.

Bottom line:

Using botanical names isn’t just for botanists – it’s for anyone who values accuracy, safety, and sustainability in aromatherapy. It’s a small habit with a big impact.

References

  1. AromaWeb. Directory of Essential Oils Alphabetized by Botanical Name. Available at: https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-botanical-names.php. 
  2. Carballo R. The Correct Essential Oil Names. GR Scents. July 28, 2021. Updated July 29, 2023. Available at: https://www.grscents.com/post/the-correct-essential-oil-names.
  3. Tisserand R, Young R. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2014.
  4. Abundant Health. Common and Botanical Name Index. Available at: https://abundanthealth4u.com/pages/common-and-botanical-name-index.
  5. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org.

Maria Fiordalisi is an educator and holistic wellness practitioner specializing in reflexology therapy, clinical and holistic aromatherapy, and a student of Ayurveda. She is the founder of Helianthus Holistic Arts, a multidisciplinary school offering certification programs in aromatherapy and reflexology. Through her teaching and practice, Maria weaves story, science, and sensory experience to help others cultivate balance, resilience, and connection. Stay connected with her work at mariafiordalisi.ca.