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ORAC Values of Common Essential Oils

Here is a table of ORAC values (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) for well-known essential oils. ORAC is a measure of antioxidant power – the higher the value, the greater the oil’s ability to neutralize free radicals.

Essential Oil	Botanical Name (Plant)	ORAC Value (µmol TE/g)	Key Notes & Components
Clove Bud	Syzygium aromaticum	10,000,000 – 14,000,000	By far the highest antioxidant capacity. Main component: Eugenol.
Cinnamon Bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum	1,500,000 – 4,000,000	Extremely high value. Use with caution (dermal irritant).
Oregano	Origanum heracleoticum	500,000 – 1,500,000	Potent antioxidants: Carvacrol, Thymol.
Thyme (Thymol CT)	Thymus vulgaris (ct. thymol)	200,000 – 800,000	Very high value, varies by chemotype.
Lemon Balm (Melissa)	Melissa officinalis	150,000 – 500,000	Highly valued, potent, and often expensive oil.
Tea Tree	Melaleuca alternifolia	800 – 1,200	Moderate antioxidant value, prized for broad antimicrobial properties.
Lavender	Lavandula angustifolia	300 – 600	Soothing, versatile oil with mild antioxidant support.
Peppermint	Mentha piperita	300 – 600	Invigorating; main component: Menthol.
Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis	200 – 500	Known for cognitive support; varies by chemotype (cineole, camphor).
Eucalyptus (Globulus)	Eucalyptus globulus	200 – 400	High in 1,8-cineole; primarily used for respiratory support.
Lemon	Citrus limon	100 – 200	Bright, cleansing; note: phototoxic. High in limonene.
Frankincense	Boswellia carterii	100 – 300	Highly revered for spiritual and skin-regenerative properties.
Sandalwood	Santalum album	50 – 150	Woody, grounding oil valued in perfumery and meditation.
Ylang Ylang	Cananga odorata	50 – 150	Floral, relaxing oil often used in aromatherapy for stress relief.
Bergamot	Citrus bergamia	50 – 100	Citrusy and calming; FCF type is non-phototoxic.
Roman Chamomile	Chamaemelum nobile	50 – 100	Gentle, soothing oil excellent for skin and relaxation.

⚠️ Critical Practical Implications:

ORAC is a Lab Measurement: An extremely high ORAC value does not mean the oil should be used undiluted or ingested. Oils like Clove and Cinnamon Bark are potent dermal irritants and mucous membrane sensitizers.
Dilution is Non-Negotiable: Always dilute essential oils in a suitable carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, almond, coconut) before topical application. A typical safe dilution is 1-2% for adults (approx. 1-2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil).
Not for Ingestion: Do not ingest essential oils based on their ORAC value. Ingestion should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Synergy is Key: In aromatherapy, blending oils with different propety