Aniseed China Star Illicium Verum

 

Origin: China.

Part of plant used: Seeds.

Method of Extraction: Steam distillation.

 

Originally native to Greece and Egypt, now widely cultivated. Description: An annual herb, less than a metre high, with delicate leaves and white flowers. Characteristics: Spicy-sweet scent similar to fennel. Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, stimulant, stomachic. Blends well with: bay, cedar wood, eucalyptus, dill, fennel, ginger, mandarin, petitgrain, peppermint, rosemary.

 

 

Basil  Ocimum Basilicum

 

Source: India.
Family name: Labiatae.

Basil oil is produced by distilling the leaves of the herb. It has a slightly licorice aroma. Basil originated in India and Hindus have used it for centuries in medicine. Some traditional uses: to brighten mood, strengthen nervous system, improve mental clarity and memory, for relieving headache and sinusitis. Emotional profile: for relieving indecision and doubts, lack of direction. Blends with: bergamot, clary sage, citronella, and geranium.

 

Bay Leaf  Pimenta Racemosa

 

Source: West Indies.

The benefit of Bay oil lies in its calming and warming effect on emotions and general aches and pains, including rheumatic pains. It also settles the digestive system and acts as a tonic on the liver and kidneys.Bay essential oil is also helpful with hair and scalp conditions.

 

Benzoin  Styrax benzoin

 

Origin: Phillipines.  

Family: Styacaceae.

Part of plant used: Resin.

Method of Extraction: Solvent extraction.

 

A Birch-like tree growing to 20 feet high,  producing white sap which becomes hard and brittle, and yellowish-brown in colour. The tree grows rapidly but is only "worked" after seven years. The bark is deliberately cut, causing the sap to run, and it is collected from the bark. Characteristics: Golden brown. Viscous, treacle-like. Warm, balsamic, chocolate-vanilla. Not to be confused with other benzoin species which are used in the perfume trade. Properties - Antiseptic,antidepressant, vulnerary, expectorant, pectoral. Blends well with: Bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, coriander, frankincense, ginger, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, may chang, jasmine, marjoram, niaouli, nutmeg, orange, patchouli, palmarosa, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang. Precautions: Non-toxic but occasionally sensitising.

 

Bergamot  Citrus Bergamia

 

Source: Ivory Coast.

Family name: Rutaceae.

 

The bergamot fruit is not edible because the pulp is far too sour. As a result, the bergamot tree is primarily cultivated for its valuable essential oil. Bergamot oil is cold pressed from the fruit peel. It has a sweet & fruity scent. Bergamot oil is documented in old herbal texts. Some traditional uses: balancing nervous system, relieving anxiety and stress, lifting melancholy, for restful sleep,
antiviral, cold sores, psoriasis, eczema and insect repellent. Bergamot may cause skin sensitivity to bright sunlight. Emotional profile: to relieve helplessness, hopelessness, emptiness and grief. Blends with: lavender, neroli, jasmine, coriander, juniper, chamomile, lemon, geranium, and cypress.

 

Cajaput Melaleuca Cajaputi

 

Origin: Indonesia.  

 

The oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the cajaputi tree. The name Cajaput comes from the Malay 'Caju-Puti' meaning white tree. This oil was used as the traditional remedy for rheumatism and cholera and revered for its antiseptic qualities. It has been used since the 17th century by Europeans. The yellowish-green essential oil has a penetratingly, sweet, herbaceous aroma. It inhibits the spread of bacteria prevalent in sinus, throat, bronchial cough and respiratory infections, giving temporary relief to these symptoms. It is a germ killer, excellent for coughs and gives temporary relief to muscular and rheumatic aches and pains. Emotions / mind and nervous system: Cheering, sense enhancing, mildly euphoric. Aids relaxation and emotional balance. Calming, for insomnia. Genito-urinary: Cystitis, urinary infection, urethritis. Respiratory and
immune system: Used for flu, asthma, catarrh, bronchitis, colds and coughs, sinusitis, sore throat, viral infections. Expectorant. Skin/hair: used for oily or spotty skin and insect bites. Actions: Mildly analgesic, antimicrobial,antineuralgic, antispasmodic, antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, intestinal), anthelminthic diaphoretic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, sudorific, tonic. Blends well with: Bergamot, Cypress, Juniperberry, Lemon, Pine, and Rosemary.

 

 

Carrot Seed Daucus Carota Sativa

Origin: Hungary.

Family name: Umbelliferae.

Distilled from the dried seeds.

 

Carrot seed has a dry-woody, earthy and sweet scent. Some traditional uses: for toning and rejuvenating mature skin, wrinkles and scars, eczema, psoriasis, as a stimulant to immune and lymphatic systems, for relieving PMS and regulating monthly cycles, to ease anxiety and stress. Traditionally helps with inner vision.

Blends well with: Bergamot, cypress, fennel, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange rosemary, rose otto, rose absolute, sandalwood.

 

Cedarwood Juniperus Viriniana

 

This calming and soothing oil is beneficial for all states of tension and anxiety, instilling feelings of peace. It is used for meditation. Cedarwood stimulates the lymphatic system and is excellent for "clogged up" individuals. Beneficial for the respiratory system, cedarwood appears to break up catarrh and help to expel mucus. Effective for the urinary tract, easing vaginal infections and discharges. Recommended for burning pains and itching. Helpful for oily skin, acne, cellulite and chronic skin conditions. Blends well with: Bergamot, cypress, frankincense, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, neroli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, vetiver.Best avoided during pregnancy

 

Chamomile  Amthemis Nobillis

 

Source: UK.

Family name: Compositae.  

 

The oil is distilled from the flowers. It has a sweet and fruity aroma. Chamomile was a sacred herb of the Saxons. Some traditional uses: to relieve muscular pain, as a sedative, ease anxiety and nervous tension, to help with sleeplessness. Chamomile should be avoided during early pregnancy. Emotional profile: to relieve anger, hysteria, fear, spirit disconnection, grief, worry. Blends with: bergamot, cypress, jasmine, juniper, neroli, frankincense, clary sage, vetiver, rosemary and ylang ylang.  

 

Cinnamon  Cinnamomum Zeyfanicum

 

Source: Sri Lanka.

 

Rich in colour and smell, a powerful, deliciously agreeable spicy oil with warming and stimulating properties. Excellent for exhaustion, weakness and muscular aches, particularly resulting from flu. Particularly good for the elderly during winter for prevention as well as speedy recovery. Useful for coughs and colds and correcting imbalances resulting in flatulence, diarrhoea, colic and sluggish digestion. Blends well with: Basil

 

Citronella  Cymbopogon Nardus

 

Source: Java.

Family name: Graminacaea.

 

The oil is distilled from the herb. It has a fresh grassy-woody scent. Traditional Chinese medicine currently uses this herb for rheumatic pain. Some traditional uses: as a mosquito (or any insect) repellent, for colds, flu and neuralgia, to relieve pain of rheumatism and arthritis, melancholy. Avoid using on sensitive or damaged skin. Blends well with: Bergamot, cajeput, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, sage, tea tree, thyme.

 

Clary Sage Salvia Sclarea

 

Source: France.

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Clary sage oil is distilled from the flowering tops and the herb. It has a spicy, hay-like aroma. It has been called "clear eye" and was used for healing eye problems in times past. Some traditional uses: relieving stress and tension, lifting melancholy, easing pain, restful sleep, as an aphrodisiac; contains estrogen-like hormone, for menopause and PMS, relieving nervous exhaustion. Clary Sage should be avoided during pregnancy, or if you have endometriosis, breast, ovarian and uterine cysts and other estrogen dependant conditions (cancers).

Emotional profile: for relieving worry, crying, guilt, obsessions and compulsions, hostility, panic. Blends with: juniper, bergamot, lavender, frankincense, coriander, cardamon, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, pine and jasmine.

 

Clove Bud  Eugenia Caryophyllata

 

Source: Madagascar.

Family name: Myrtacaea.

 

Clove bud oil is distilled from the flower buds. Oil from the bud is much less likely to cause skin irritation. It has a spicy, fruity, warm and sweet aroma. Some traditional uses: for toothache, colds, flu and fungal infections, as a mosquito repellent, to relieve fatigue and melancholy, as an aphrodisiac. Blends with: rose, ylang ylang, clary sage, bergamot, and bay laurel

 

Coriander Seed  Coriandum Sativum

 

Source: Russia.

Family name: Umbelliferae.

 

Coriander oil is distilled from the seeds. It has a spicy, sweet and fragrant aroma. Coriander seeds were found in the Egyptian tomb of Ramses II. Some traditional uses: relieving muscular aches and pains, increasing circulation, for colds, flu and rheumatism, for help with sleep and nervous exhaustion. Use in moderation and avoid if you have fibrosis or breast cancer. Emotional profile: to relieve doubt, fear of failure, feelings of vulnerability, weariness and irritability. Blends with: clary sage, ginger, bergamot, cypress, pine, jasmine, frankincense, Neroli, Citronella, and Sandalwood.

 

Cumin Seed Cuminum Cyminum

 

The aroma is very powerful and diffusive. Small amounts are used in spicy, herbal, woody-floral and Oriental perfumes. Cumin oil blends well with lavender, rosemary, galbanum and rosewood oils. Aromatherapy benefits: energizing, toning, warming.

 

Dill Seed Anethum Graveolens

 

Origin: Hungary.

 

Dill seed has a sweet, spicy scent. Uplifting, harmonizing. Blends well with Cypress, Spice and Citrus Oils. Dill oil is primarily used for the benefit of the digestive system. It is carminative and antispasmodic so, when used in massage in particular, will relieve uncomfortable and distressing flatulence and colic. It also acts as a general aid to digestion. Dill oil, like fennel oil, can be used to help promote lactation in nursing mothers. It can also be used to treat amenor-rhoea (absence of menstruation). Used in an oil burner, Dill will combine successfully with a variety of other essential oils to give a room a pleasant fragrance.

 

Eucalyptus  Eucalyptus Globulus

 

Source: China.

Family name: Myrtaceae.

 

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the leaves and is imported from China. It has a strong camphorous odour. Aborigines have used eucalyptus leaves to remedy many ills. Some traditional uses: for colds, as a decongestant, to relieve asthma and fevers, for its bactericidal and anti-viral actions, to ease aching joints. Avoid if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy. Emotional profile: to help with explosive-heated emotions, irrational thinking. Blends with: rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, cedarwood, and lemon.

 

Fennel Foeniculum Vulgare

 

Source: Ukraine.  

Family name: Umbelliferae.

 

It is distilled from the fruit. It has a earthy-peppery aroma. In times past, fennel was used to ward off evil spirits. Some traditional uses: for neuro -muscular spasms, rheumatism and arthritis; bronchitis, whooping cough, as a nerve tonic in relieving stress and nervous tension. Use in moderation and avoid if you are pregnant or have epilepsy. Emotional profile: to aid with mental and emotional blocks, resisting change, fear of failure, creativity blocks. Blends with: geranium,
lavender, rose and sandalwood.

 

Frankincense Bowellia Carterii

 

Source: Oman.

Family name: Burseraceae.

 

Frankincense oil is steam distilled from oleo-gum-resin of the tree. It has a spicy, balsamic aroma. Frankincense was known as one of the most precious substances to ancient man and is associated with religious practice. Some traditional uses: to calm, enhance meditation, elevate mind and spirit, help breathing, for psychic cleansing; for care of mature skin and scars. Emotional profile: for healing fears, grief, repressed feelings, self-destruction and dis-asssociation /disconnection. Blends with: sandalwood, pine, vetiver, geranium, lavender, neroli, orange, bergamot, and basil.

 

Geranium   Pelargonium Graveolens

 

Source: Egypt.

Family name: Geraniaceae.

 

Geranium oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant. It has a leafy rose scent. Geranium has been long revered for its fragrance. Some traditional uses: reducing stress and tension, easing pain, balancing emotions and hormones, PMS, relieve fatigue and nervous exhaustion, to lift  melancholy, lessen fluid retention, repel insects. Emotional profile: to aid with acute fear, rigidity, abuse, lack of self-esteem, discontentment, heartache. Blends with: lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, neroli, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper and bergamot.

 

Ginger Zingiber Officinalis

 

Source: India.
Family name: Zingiberaceae.

Ginger oil is distilled from the root of the plant. It has a warm, spicy-woody odour. Ginger has been used as a healing remedy for thousands of years. Some traditional uses: reducing muscular aches and pains, increasing circulation, relieving bronchitis and whooping cough, nervous exhaustion, in healing colds flu and fever and to stimulate appetite. Emotional profile: for sexual anxieties, lack of direction, confusion, loneliness. Blends with: sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, cedarwood, coriander, rose, neroli, and orange.

 

Grapefruit  Citrus Paradisi

 

Source: Israel.

Family name: Rutacaea.

 

Grapefruit oil is cold pressed from the peel of the grapefruit. It has a fresh, sweet, citrus scent. Some traditional uses: to lift melancholy, relieve muscle fatigue, as an astringent for oily skin, to refresh and energize the body, stimulate detoxification, as an airborne disinfectant. Emotional profile: for use with self-doubt and criticism, dependency, frustration and grief. Blends with: lemon, palmarosa, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, cardamon, geranium, lavender and cypress

 

Ho Wood  Cinnamon Camphora Var. Glavescens

 

Source: China.

Very similar to Rosewood in chemical composition but produced from a renewable resource. It is non-toxic and non-irritant but with possible sensitisation in some individuals. Use for acne, dermatitis, frigidity, general skin care, headaches, immune system stimulation, infections, nausea, scars, sensitive skin, stress, tension, wounds, wrinkles

 

Hyssop Hyssopus Officinalis

 

Origin: Slovenia.

Family name: Lamiaceae.

 

Distilled from the leaves and flowering tops and imported Slovenia. It has an sweet, warm, and spicy-herbaceous aroma. It has a long medicinal and religious history. Avoid during pregnancy, with epilepsy, and fever. Some traditional uses: to heal bruises, for healing respiratory complaints and bronchitis, low or high blood pressure, indigestion, stress and tension. Emotional profile: to increase creativity, to lessen anger, greed, jealousy, despair, desire, stress and tension, and mental and verbal aggression. Blends with: lavender, bay, geranium, clary sage, rosemary, and all citrus oils.

 

Jasmine  Jasminum Officinale

 

Source: India.

Family name: Oleaceae.

 

Jasmine oil is extracted from the flowers. It has a rich, sweet scent. Some traditional uses: to lift melancholy, for muscular spasm, painful periods and labour pains, to relieve anxiety and nervous exhaustion, an aphrodisiac. Emotional profile: to relieve repressed feelings, bitter jealously, low self-esteem, guilt, emotional abuse. Blends with: Bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, orange, mandarin, neroli, palmarosa, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

 

Lavender  Lavandula Angustifolia

 

Source: France.

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Lavender oil is distilled from the flowering tops of the plant and is imported from France. It has a sweet, fresh scent. Lavender has been used for centuries as a fragrance and a medicine. Some traditional uses: balancing emotions, relieving stress, tension and headache, to promote restful sleep, heal the skin, to lower high blood pressure, help breathing, for disinfecting. Emotional profile: for panic, hysteria, fears, insecurity, trauma, worry, burnout, addiction, obsessive and agitated behaviors. Blends with: most oils including citrus, florals, cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, vetiver, and patchouli. High Alpine Lavender is a cultivated, robust plant that grows high in the mountains at an altitude of 900 to 1600 metres. Its essential oil has a sweet, floral and softly herbaceous aroma

 

Lemon Citrus Limonum

 

Source: Italy.

Family name: Rutaceae.

 

Lemon is cold pressed from the lemon peel. It has a fresh lemon scent. Some traditional uses: to balance the nervous system, as a disinfectant, to refresh and uplift, for purifying the body. May cause skin sensitivity to the sun or irritate sensitive skin. Emotional profile: to relieve bitter resentment, distrust, irrational thinking, apathy. Blends with: lavender, neroli, juniper, eucalyptus, geranium, fennel, chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood, rose and ylang ylang.

 

Lemongrass Cymbopogon Citratus

 

Source: Guatamala.

Family name: Graminacaea.

 

Lemongrass is distilled from the leaves. It has a powerful, lemongrass aroma. There has been recent research in India which shows that Lemongrass acts as sedative on the central nervous system. Some traditional uses: as an insect repellent and deodorizer, for athlete's foot, as a tissue toner, to relieve muscular pain (sports-muscle pain), increase circulation, for headaches, for nervous exhaustion and other stress related problems. Use with care and avoid in pregnancy. Blends with: Citronella, Vetiver and Palmarosa.

 

Lemon Tea Tree  Leptospermum petersonii

 

Origin: Australia

Australia's 'forgotten' tea tree, becoming very popular in the USA, and will be in the UK. Also known as Leptospermum citratum. Mainly composed of Citral and Citronella, and said to have antiseptic, anti-microbial, carminative and sedative properties, Lemon Tea-Tree has a much nicer, rounder "lemony" scent than Citronella or Lemongrass.Has antiseptic, anti-microbial, carminative and sedative properties, it is used in aromatic blends for the oil burner to combat coughs and colds. It is also successfully used as a powerful insect repellent. This oil provides the clinical advantages of tea tree oil with a pleasant aroma. Also reputed to be anti-viral. Often used by Chiropodists to treat fungal infections or chronic foot odour. Makes an excellent antiseptic room spray.

 

Lemon Verbena  Aloysia Triphylia

Origin: Spain.  

Family: Verbenaceae.

Part of plant used: Leaves.

Method of Extraction: Steam distillation.

 

Description: A handsome deciduous perennial shrub up to 5 metres high with a woody, stem, very fragrant, delicate, pale green, lanceolat leaves arranged in threes, and small, pale purple flowers. Often grown as an ornamental bush in gardens. Characteristics: A pale olive or yellow mobile liquid with a sweet, fresh, lemony, fruity-floral fragrance. Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, detoxifying, digestive, febrifuge, hepatobiliary stimulant, sedative (nervous),
stomachic. Blends well with: neroli, palmarosa, olibanum (frankincense), lemon and other citrus oils

 

May Chang Litsea Cubeba

 

Origin: China.

Family: Lauraceae.

Part of plant used: Fruit.

Method of Extraction: Steam distillation.

 

Originally native to Asia, especially China. It is cultivated in Taiwan and Japan. China is the main producer of the essential oil. Description: A small tropical tree with fragrant, lemongrass-scented leaves and flowers. The small fruits that it produces are similar to peppers, from which the name 'cubeba' is derived. The
essential oil is chemically similar to lemongrass Melissa and other oils rich in citral, and the therapeutic effects are similar to Lemongrass. Its odour, however, is finer than lemongrass, it is more lemon like closer to a true verbena oil, but at a fraction of the cost. Characteristics: A sweet citrus and fruity fragrance. Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cordial, galactagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, stimulant, tonic. Blends well with: Basil, bergamot, geranium, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, rosewood, ylang ylang. Precautions: Non-toxic, non-irritant and possibly sensitising in some individuals.

 

Mandarin  Citrus Nobilis

 

Source: Italy.  

A general tonic and natural tranquilliser, which can help with insomnia, stress and nervous tension - add to a warm bath for an uplifting effect. During pregnancy use in massage oils to boost the circulation and discourage water retention. Good for acne, congested and oily skin, spots and stretch marks.

 

Manuka Leptospermum scoparium

 

Source - New Zealand.

This oil from New Zealand has a long history of use by the Maori people, for bronchitis, rheumatism and similar conditions. It is only very distantly related botanically to Tea-tree. The name is due to the similarities of application between Manuka and Australian tea tree. Manuka, however, has properties that Tea-tree does not. Manuka plants are bushy shrubs that grow wild. The best Manuka oil comes from plants growing at high altitudes. They are more antibacterial than that from lower altitudes. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves. The oil is virtually colorless. It has a sweet and gentle smell.

Active Ingredients: Caryophyllene, Geraniol, Pinene, Linalol, Humulene, Leptospermone.

 

Manuka oil is analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-histamine, anti- infectious, antiseptic, decongestant, insecticide and highly bactericidal across a wide spectrum. Anti-Viral, Anti-Fungal And BactericidalUseful for all respiratory tract infections: colds, catarrh, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc. Its decongestant properties help here too. Manuka oil can be used in the bath, as a gargle or applied directly over the cold sores or on the skin. It can also be used in vaporisers during an epidemic. As an antiseptic for use on the skin, manuka can be applied to cuts, spots, boils, ulcers, etc. It is especially indicated where healing has been slow.Manuka has a drying effect, that is taken advantage of in the treatment for acne and for oily conditions of the skin. For a good massage dilute the oil with a carrier to get a dilution between 1.5% and 2%. Use a carrier oil such as avocado or jojoba oil for use on people with dry or sensitive skin. Anti-histamine and anti-allergic. Good for: allergic rashes, asthma, and hayfever. Analgesic: For Muscular pain and RheumatismInsecticide: Great for use in air sprays or burners. Use it diluted in water with a dispersant, to keep fleas and insects from pets. Anti- infectious: Manuka oil is a good alternative to Teatree as an anti- infectious oil

 

Marjoram Sweet  Thymus Masticina

 

Source: Egypt.

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Marjoram oil is distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It has a warm & spicy aroma. Sweet marjoram was used medicinally by Romans and ancient Greek physicians. Some traditional uses: to relax tense muscles and relieve spasms, calm and promote restful sleep, ease migraine headache, for comforting the heart, lowering high blood pressure, to help breathing,
disinfecting. Marjoram should be avoided during pregnancy. Emotional profile: for hysteria, anger, feelings of isolation. Blends with: lavender, eucalyptus, tea-tree, cedarwood, cypress, chamomile, bergamot, and rosemary.

 

Melissa Melissa Officinale

 

Origin: Australia.  

 

Helpful with allergies, insect bites, eczema, asthma, bronchitis and chronic coughs. Often used to aid anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia and migraine headaches.

 

Myrrh  Commphora Myrrha

 

Source: Somali.

Family name: Burseraceae.

 

Myrrh oil is distilled from the resin. It has a sharp, warm balsamic aroma. In Egyptian lore, Myrrh is said to have come from the tears of Horus. Some traditional uses: to heal wounds and nurture mature skin, for bronchitis and colds, to relieve apathy and calm. Avoid use on damaged or sensitive skin. Emotional profile: in relieving emotional coldness, lack of will, lack of spirit connection, emotional blocks. Blends with: frankincense, sandalwood, cypress, juniper, geranium, patchouli, lavender, and pine.

 

Neroli Citrus Aurantium

 

Source: Tunisia.

Family name: Rutaceae.

 

Neroli oil is extracted from the flower of bitter orange tree. It has a refreshing, bitter-sweet aroma. In times past, orange flower blossoms were worn at weddings as a symbol of purity. Some traditional uses: for healing thread veins, scars and nourishing mature skin, increasing circulation, in relieving anxiety, melancholy and nervous tension, bronchitis, as an aphrodisiac. Emotional
profile: for emotional crisis, longing, grief, abuse, hopelessness. Blends with: chamomile, coriander, geranium, lemon, ylang ylang, lavender, jasmine, and clary sage

 

Niaouli Melaleuca Vindiflora

 

Source: Indonesia.

Niaouli is very soothing. Traditionally used for promoting increased circulation. Helps to ease muscle tension after exercise and is often inhaled to maintain healthy easy breathing. Also an excellent boost for the immune system.

 

Nutmeg Myristica Fragrans

 

Source: Indonesia.

Family: Myristicaceae.

 

Distilled from the nutmeg seed. It has a spicy, nutmeg fragrance. Some traditional uses: for warming muscles, easing muscle aches and pains, to invigorate or stimulate the mind, an aphrodisiac, to stimulate heart and circulation, for relieving nervous fatigue. Avoid during pregnancy and use with care (can be moderately toxic if over-used). Emotional profile: For focus, relieving grief, guilt, agitation, to improve self-image. Blends with coriander, bay leaf, petitgrain, lime, orange, geranium, rosemary and clary sage.

 

Orange Citrus Sinensis

 

Source: Brazil.  

Family name: Rutaceae.

 

Orange oil is cold pressed from the orange peel. It has a fruity, sweet scent. Orange trees were once rare and native only to China and India. Some traditional uses: to brighten mood, calm and reduce stress, as an environmental disinfectant. Emotional profile: to relieve apathy, emotional abuse, worry, addiction, burnout, hopelessness, self-consciousness. Blends with: lavender, clove, myrrh, clary sage, lemon, and neroli.

 

Palmarosa  Cymbopogon Martini

 

Source: India.

Family name: Graminacaea.

 

Palmarosa oil is distilled from the tops of the plants. It has a flora-rose grassy scent. Palmarosa is used today in Ayurvedic medicine. Some traditional uses: to stimulate cellular regeneration and moisturize skin, for nervous exhaustion and stress conditions, to calm and uplift. Emotional profile: for irritability, apathy and tension. Blends with: geranium, florals, cedarwood and sandalwood

 

Parsley Petroselinum crispum

 

The parsley plant is very nutritious in vitamins A and C. It is also widely used as a herbal remedy to stimulate hair growth and suppress numerous ailments. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, especially Greece but has been cultivated for so many centuries that it hardly can be found in its wild state any more. Cultivation for the purpose of producing seed for distillation is actually not very common. France, Germany, The Netherlands and Hungary are the largest Parsley Seed Oil producing countries in the world. Parsley seed oil is largely used as a food flavouring and also a fragrance ingredient.

Helps with rheumatism, muscular aches, bronchitis, coughs, asthma, stress-related disorders, nervous strain, battles common cold and influenza reduces nausea, helps with diarrhoea.

This oil is non-toxic and will not irritate or sensitise the skin. Parsley Seed should not be used directly on the skin. The oil should first be mixed with a diluting or carrier oil.

 

Patchouli  Pogostemum Patchouli

 

Source: Indonesia.

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Patchouli oil is distilled from the leaves. It has an intense earthy, balsamic-woody aroma. Some traditional uses: for athlete's foot, as an aphrodisiac, to relieve stress and nervous exhaustion. Emotional profile: to relieve indecision, lethargy, mood swings. Blends with: vetiver, clary sage, myrrh, bergamot, neroli, rose, lavender, clove, geranium, cedarwood, and sandalwood.

 

Peppermint  Mentha piperita

 

Source: India.

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Peppermint oil is distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It has a sweet, mint aroma. Herbalists in ancient Greece and Rome used peppermint for nearly every ailment. Some traditional uses: for energy, and brighter mood, reducing pain, to help breathing, improve mental clarity and memory. Peppermint may irritate sensitive skin and should be avoided during pregnancy. Emotional profile: for shock, overwork, apathy, helplessness. Blends with: rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, marjoram, and lavender.

 

Petitgrain  Citrus Aurantium Amara

 

Source: Paraguay.

Family: Rutaceae.

 

Distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange. It has a sweet, woody-orange floral scent. Petitgrain was one of the ingredients of the original "eau-de-cologne". Some traditional uses: for relieving respiratory infections, to ease nervous tension muscle spasms, for relieving joint inflammation, to balance the central nervous system, for stress relief and restful sleep. Emotional profile: To relieve feelings of betrayal, sadness, pessimism, trauma and disharmony. Blends with clary sage, rosemary, lavender, jasmine, geranium, bergamot, neroli, palmarosa and clove bud.

 

Ravensara  Ravensara Aromatic

 

Source : Madagascar

 

Smooth, earthy and moderately licorice. Helps with ; anti-viral, antibacterial, expectorant, nervine, anti-infection and cystitis. Muscle Fatigue, frigidity, headaches, nausea, nervous tension, stress-related conditions, insomnia, Colds, coughs, fever, infections, immune system stimulant, bronchitis, cholera, flu, hepatitis, mononucleosis (infectious), sinusitis, asthma, pneumonia,
rhinopharyngitis, cold sores, shingles, herpes, burns, cuts, wounds  etc.

 

Rose  Rosa Centfolia

 

Source: Morocco.

Family name: Rosaceae.

 

Rose Absolute is extracted from the rose flower. It has a rich rosy fragrance. Avicenna, a 10th century Arabian alchemist, gave us our first rose oil. Some traditional uses: for brighter mood, menopause, to help reduce wrinkles, for calming and reducing nervous tension, to promote restful sleep, as an aphrodisiac. Emotional profile: for grief, fears of loving and being loved, sexuality, jealously, self-destruction, vengeance and bitterness. Blends with: geranium, bergamot, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood and patchouli. It takes two tons of fresh petals from flowers in full bloom to extract just 1 kg of oil.

 

Rose Geranium         Pelargonium Graveolens & P/Rosa Egypt

 

Source : Egypt.

Geranium with more than hint of rose! Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following: acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia.

 

Rosemary  Rosemarinus Officinalis

 

Source: Tunisia.

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Rosemary oil is distilled from the flowering tops of the herb. It has a camphor like aroma. Ancient Greeks and Romans gave rosemary sacred status for its many beneficial uses. Some traditional uses: to energize, for muscle pains, cramps or sprains, brighten mood, for improving mental clarity and memory, easing pain, to relieve headaches, disinfecting. Rosemary should be avoided if you are pregnant, if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure. Emotional profile: for disorientation,  indecision, burnout. Blends with: frankincense, cedarwood, peppermint, basil, pine, citronella and lavender.

 

Rosewood  Aniba Rosaedora

 

Source: Brazil.

Family name: Lauraceae.

Rosewood is distilled from the wood. It has a sweet, woodsy-floral, spicy scent. Some traditional uses: to relieve stress and balance the central nervous system, for easing jet lag, to create a calm for meditation, for easing colds and coughs, to stimulate the immune system, as an aphrodisiac and in skin care. Blends with: lavender, orange, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, cedarwood,
palmarosa, geranium and most oils.

 

Sage  Salvia Officinalis

 

Source: Spain.

A member of the same plant family as Clary Sage, Lavender and Rosemary,Sage oil is another general tonic and stimulant. It is suitable for all kinds of fatigue, general debility, convalescence, those with weak constitutions and for building up children who are delicate. More specifically it is a circulatory decongestant helpful with lymph gland disorders, normalising low blood pressure. The diuretic action helps to alleviate fluid retention. It relieves aches and pains, particularly for over-exercised and stiff muscles, including rheumatism. Traditionally it is used for sore throats and laryngitis. Sage regularises and improves scanty or painful periods and help with the menopause.

 

Sandalwood Amyris Amyris balsamifera

Source : Jamaica.

Family: Rutaceae.

 

Also known as Amyras, West Indian Sandalwood, Jamaican Sandalwood, West Indian Rosewood. Sandalwood Amyris is distilled from the wood and branches using steam. It is a small bushy tree with compound leaves and white flowers which grows wild in thickets. Used for torches by fishermen and traders. Known as 'candle wood' because of high oil content, contains Caryophyllene, cadinene and cadinol.A pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid with a musty, faintly woody scent, quickly fading away. Calming and an aid to stress relief. It has sedative properties and helps meditation. Muscle relaxant, emollient, soothing agent, stimulant. A cheap alternative to Sandalwood Mysore.Blends well with: lavender, citronella, cedarwood, oakmoss.

 

 

Sandalwood Australian       Santalum Spicatum

Source : Australia.  

Sandalwood oil is steam-distilled from the heartwood. It has a woody, balsamic aroma. Australian Sandalwood is regarded as an acceptable substitute for traditional East Indian Sandalwood (santalum album), which has become rarer and hence more highly priced. This sandalwood is grown in Western Australia and is from an environmentally friendly, renewable resource.

 

 

Spikenard  Nardostachys Jatamansi

 

Origin: India.

Family name: Valerianaceae.

 

Spikenard oil is distilled from the roots and is imported from India. It has a strong valerian aroma. Spikenard is herb used by Mary Magdalene to anoint Christ's feet before the last supper. Some traditional uses: to relieve migraines, stress and tension, for rejuvenation of mature skin, to calm and promote restful sleep, for wounds, to inspire devotion. Avoid use during pregnancy. Emotional profile: for inner conflict, emotional / spirit / physical imbalances, restlessness. Blends with: lavender, patchouli, pine, and vetiver.

 

Tangerine  Citrus Reticulata

 

Origin: Spain.  

Family: Rutaceae.

 

Cold pressed from the tangerine peel and imported from Brazil. It has an sweet, citrus scent. Some traditional uses: for relieving muscle spasms, to soothe and calm nerves, for stress relief and relaxation, to stimulate the liver and increase lymphatic drainage. May cause skin sensitivity to bright sunlight. Emotional profile: to heal inner child issues, for relieving anxiety, obsession with the past, emotional trauma. Blends with: spice oils, nutmeg, clove bud, lemon, neroli, bergamot, lime, orange and grapefruit.

 

Tea Tree  Melaleuca Alternifolia

 

Source: Australia.  

Family name: Myrtaceae.

 

Tea-tree is distilled from the leaves and is imported from Australia. It has a spicy, medicinal aroma. Tea-tree is one of the most scientifically researched oils. Some traditional uses: as an immuno-stimulant particularly against bacteria, viruses and fungi, for relieving inflammation, as a disinfectant. Blends with: lavender, clove, marjoram, rosemary, clary sage, pine, and geranium.

 

Vetiver Vetiveria Zizanoides

 

Origin: Java.

Family name: Graminacaea.

 

Vetiver is distilled from the rootlets and is imported from Haiti. It has a heavy, woodsy, earthy-sweet scent. Some traditional uses: for muscular aches, to increase circulation, to relieve melancholy and nervous tension, for restful sleep. Emotional profile: for fears, obsessions,      scattered thoughts, anger and hurt, unworthiness, neurotic behaviour, addiction. Blends with:     sandalwood, ylang ylang, clary sage, lavender, patchouli, jasmine and rose.

 

White Camphor  Cinnamomum Camphora

 

Origin: China.

Family: Lauraceae.

 

Steam distilled from the wood of the camphor tree. It has a camphorous, piney, minty scent. It is a middle note in perfumery. Blends well with mandarin, orange, rosemary and ylang ylang. Used for circulation, muscles and joints: aches and pains, arthritis, muscle relaxant, rheumatism, soothing agent, sprains and strains. Emotions / mind and nervous system: balancing, clarifying, cooling, purifying, stimulating, an aphrodisiac. Respiratory and immune system: used colds and coughs, bronchitis, chills, fever. Skin / hair: used for oily or spotty skin and acne. An insect repellent, especially for moths.

 

White Thyme Thymus Vulgaris

Source: Spain.  

Family name: Labiatae.

 

Thyme is distilled from the leaves and flowering. It has a sweet, intense herb-medicinal odour. Thyme was used by ancient Greeks to disinfect air and inhibit infectious diseases. Some traditional uses: To heal colds, bronchitis, for relieving muscle aches and pains, to aid concentration and memory, for relieving fatigue and said to heal anthrax. Avoid use if pregnant or with high blood pressure. Blends with: bergamot, lemon, rosemary, lavender and sweet marjoram

 

Ylang Ylang Cananga Odorata

 

Source: Comores.  

Family name: Annonaceae.

 

Ylang Ylang oil is distilled from the flowers of the plant. It has an exotic sweet floral scent. Ylang Ylang is heralded by many as an aphrodisiac. Some traditional uses: brightening mood, relieving anger and anxiety, relaxing tense muscles, to calm and promote restful sleep, lower high blood pressure, an aphrodisiac. Emotional profile: to release emotional guilt, resentment, jealousy,
obstinance, frustration and irritability, impatience and self-absorption. Blends with: jasmine, bergamot, rose, citram.