ANGELICA
(ARCHANGELICA
OFFICINALIS)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
roots and seeds.
Description
& History
Archangelica Officinalis Hoffm. is a hapaxanthic plant, native
to
Europe
, grown there and in the
United States
as garden Angelica.
In the eastern
United States
one finds also a native wild growing species, Angelica atropurpurea
L., our common master wart. This root,
however, has little commercial significance, being quite different in odor and flavor
from true Angelica. Oil of Angelica is employed chiefly
in high grade liqueurs
of the French type, such
as Benedictine and
Chartreuse blends, etc.
Gin essences, too, contain a considerable portion of angelica oil.
The oil is also useful in high – grade perfumes, to which it imparts peculiar
musk – like notes which are hard to identify.
BASIL
(OCIMUM BASILICUM)
Extraction
The oil is obtained from the flowering tops & leaves.
Description
& History
There are many varieties of Basil.
Most common in aromatherapy is the European variety.
The Indian variety known as ‘Tulsi’ or ‘Basil Krishna’ so named
for the story that
Krishna
always wore
garlands of this Basil around his neck.
It is known to be one of the sacred
plants of
India
– believed to protect against evil, used to produce faith
and devotion, – and spread from there to Ancient Greece, where it became a symbol
of hostility and insanity. It has many
properties that have been beneficial in asthma, headaches, strong effects of the
emotions like sadness. Basil can be
particularly effective when used in a warm compress over the liver and gall bladder.
Caution
It is Non-toxic, Non-irritant, possible sensitizing in
some individuals due to its eugenol
content. Avoid during pregnancy & use sparingly.
BERGAMOT (CITRUS BERGAMIA)
Extraction
The Oil is derived from the fresh ripe peel of the Bergamot
Orange after the juice has been extracted.
Description
& History
The oil is extremely useful in the treatment of digestive
problems such as colic,gastric spasms and sluggish digestion. This greenish oil,
obtained from the rind of the bergamot plant has a soft sweet odour and has been
widely used in the United States for adding scent to the toilet soaps and in mixed
perfumes. Bergamot Essential Oils blends
well with other oils to enhance their aroma and is most commonly used in commercial
perfume manufacturing, being a key ingredient of eau de Cologne.
It is powerful antiseptic and may be diluted for treating skin or scalp conditions
and for dressing wounds. It has a natural
deodorizing effect, both as a breath freshener and as a personal deodorant. Depression and anxiety are effectively
treated with this refreshing oil.
Caution
Because bergamot is a photosensitiser it should never
be used on the skin before going into strong sunlight, since pigmentation can occur.
CAJUPUT
( MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRN LINN.)
Extraction
The oil is obtained from the plant.
Description
& History
The principal producing regions of cajuput oil are located
on some of the outer islands of the Netherlands East Indies, particularly Boeroe
and the adjacent
island of Ceram
(Moluccas). As has been
Pointed out, the natives of
Malaya
use the oil as a panacea in the treatment of all kinds of
diseases – internally as a medicine for stomachic and intestinal troubles, externally
for skin diseases. Rubbed on the forehead,
it is alleged to relieve headache, probably because of its cooling effect.
It relieves in toothache, effective in insecticide.
The oil is also employed in
Malaya
as a room spray against bedbugs and all kinds of insect pests.
CARDAMOM
(ELETTARIA
CARDAMOMUM )
Extraction
The oils are distilled from the Plants.
Description
& History
The Cardamom of commerce consists of the dried ripe fruit
of Elettaria Cardamomum. There are
two varieties of this species.
1. Var. minuscule Burkhill, also called Alpha Minor.
2. Var. Bita Major,
also called Elettaria major, or Long Wild Cardamoms.
Cardamom fruit is official in most pharmacopoeias. However, the
United States
and the British Pharmacopoeias confine the definition of
cardamom to the decorticated seed only;
moreover, the British Pharmacopoeia requires that the seed must have been recently
removed from the capsules.
Like the spice itself, the essential oil is employed widely
for the flavoring of various food products, such as cakes, confectionery, ginger-bread,
sausages, and pickles. It finds use
also in spicy table sauces, curry preparations, and in certain bitters and liqueurs.
Medicinally, the oil is frequently employed as an adjuvant
or corrective of tonic, carminative, and purgative preparations.
CASSIA
(CINNAMOMUM CASSIA)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the Plant.
Description
& History
Cassia are contains medicinal qualities similar to cinnamon
but its smell is sweeter and more pleasant.
It is used to give colors to many perfume blends.
In certain areas the primitive distillation apparatus, still used, contains
copper piping which gives a red tone to the oil.
Rare because it comes from
China
and
Vietnam
.
Caution
Its too much used can be irritating to the skin.
CEDARWOOD
(JUNIPER VIRGINIANA)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the wood of the tree.
Description
& History
One of the oldest known essential oils, cedarwood was
an important ingredient in the medicine, cosmetics, and perfumery of the ancient
Egyptians. The strong balsam-like
fragrances of cedar wood essential oil make it useful
as an all-round tonic and stimulant.
It can hence be used to treat problems concerned with a sluggish system, particularly
respiratory and skin complaints. Cedarwood
is thought to posses aphrodisiac properties, presumably because of its exhilarating
scent.
Caution
It is non-toxic, non-sensitizing & non-irritant.
Avoid during pregnancy.
CHAMOMILE OIL (MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA)
Extraction
The Oil is distilled from the Plant`s flowering
tops.
Description
& History
There are many different types of Chamomile,
which has long been cultivated as a medicinal herb.
The Oils of German and Roman Chamomile share similar soothing properties. Chamomile oil became so popular in
Germany
as a medicine that it was known as “alles
zutraut”, meaning “Capable of anything”.
It has been variously prescribed to speed healing, calm inflammation and allergies,
and treat burns etc.The fragrance has a definite calming effect – a steam inhalation
can assuage insomnia and hysteria.
It is also a useful oil for natural beauty care, especially as a hair conditioner,
and is a very effective treatment for skin disorders.
Caution
It is non-toxic, non-irritant, may cause
dermatitis in some individuals.
Should be avoided by those with ragweed and pollen allergies.
CITRONELLA
(CYMBOPOGAN CONFERTIFLORUS)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the plant.
Description
& History
There are two types of Citronella oil; the
Ceylon
type and the Java type.
Ceylon Citronella oil is used chiefly
for the scenting of soaps, sprays, disinfectants, polishes, and all kinds of technical
preparations where price is of prime consideration.
Oil of Citronell Java type, is one of the most important essential oils. Oils with a low Citronellal and high
geraniol content are used for the extraction
of geraniol, and conversion of the latter into its esters.
This type of oil is lower priced, and therefore serves well for the scenting
of soaps and technical preparations, where cost is of prime consideration.
In many cases it can replace the
Ceylon
type of Citronella oil.
CLARY SAGE
(SALVIA SCLAREA)
Extraction
The Oil is obtained from the flowering tops
of the plant via steam distillation.
Description
& History
Although related, this is a completely different
oil from common sage (Salvia officinalis).
Along with bergamot oil, Clary sage oil
is a key ingredient of eau de Cologne
and lavender toilet water. Clary sage
has an astringent and tonic action, helping to stimulate the digestion, and calm
fevers, and produces a wonderfully cooling effect on the skin.
For this reason, it may be included in cosmetic preparations to cleanse the
skin, particularly dry or sensitive skin.
The oil has a marked relaxing effect
and may be used to treat stress, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. It is also excellent for the female
system.
Caution
Non-Toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitizing.
Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use this oil while drinking alcohol as it can
induce a narcotic effect and exaggerate drunkenness.
EUCALYPTUS OIL
(EUCALYPTUS GLOBULES)
Extraction
Essential
oil by steam distillation from leaves of the tree.
Description
& History
Eucalyptus are among the most aromatic plants
in the world, and the sharply scented oil has powerful healing, disinfectant, and
antiseptic uses. Well known for its
use in inhalants for treating respiratory conditions, the oil is also useful for
wounds and insect bites. Cooling to
the body, a compress made from a cool dilution of eucalyptus oil can relieve fever
and skin irritations. Used in vaporizers
or room sprays, the oil helps cleanse and disinfect the air.
Caution
It is non-toxic and
non-irritant. Do not use on broken or irritated
skin. Do not use internally.
FENNEL
(FOENICULUM
VULGARE)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the roots.
Description & History
Fennel is another essential
oil from the carrot family. It is useful
during pregnancy to prevent morning sickness, and is excellent for the traveler,
helping to reduce or prevent sea sickness.
One of the most important carminative oils, it is useful for upset stomachs, gas,
flatulence, indigestion and is traditionally used in Indian restaurants in herb
form as an after dinner promoter of digestion.
It has been recommended for reducing stomach acidity and prevention of ulcers.
FRANKINCENSE OIL
/ OLIBANUM
(BUSWELLIA THURIFERA)
Extraction
The oil is distilled
from the resin in the bark.
Description & History
Frankincense was one
of the most highly prized substances of the ancient world.
In Ancient Egypt, Frankincense was much prized as a skin tonic.
Today, this beautifully scented essential oil is recognized for its decidedly
restorative action, making it ideal for more mature skin.
It is used to treat respiratory complaints, for it has the effect of slowing
and regulating breathing. This calming
property makes it a good nerve tonic and also a useful aid for meditation.
Caution
It is non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing
oil.
GALBANUM
( MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRN LINN.)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the base of shoots and leaves.
Description
& History
The Essential oil is made from the oleogum resin of a member
of the carrot family. It is used extensively
in the perfume industry and historically as an incense and healing agent.
Used externally for wound healing, skin inflammation, arthritic plan and
female problems. Used psychologically to balance extremes or intense emotion.
Caution
Typically used externally.
GERANIUM (PELARGONIUM
GRAVEOLENS)
Extraction
The Essential oil of
geranium is mostly obtained from the leaves, via steam distillation.
Description & History
One of the most widely used essential oils in perfumery
and cosmetic production, geranium is acclaimed by aromatherapists as a good “all
– rounder”. It may be prescribed for
emotional disorders, to treat skin conditions, and as an insect repellent.
Geranium oil is astringent and refreshing, and its rich sweet aroma makes
it a popular choice for massage treatments and footbaths.
Its principal effect is on the blood, making it a wonderful relief to tired
and aching limbs. It Has been used
for centuries for skin care. It is excellent for the skin of expectant mothers and
its aromatic influence helps release negative memories.
Caution
It is non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.
GINGER
(ZINGIBER OFFICIANLIS)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the roots,
plants
Description & History
Ginger is one of the
most commonly used herbs in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.
Because of its digestive properties, it is without peer in cases of illness
due to poor absorption and assimilation. Its wonderful for regulating the blood,
for motion sickness, weight loss; Its
helpful in bringing any condition in to balance. For sea sickness, air sickness,
or problems in balance use it on a small circular bandage behind the ear.
Light often adds it to her bath on cold mornings and to daily skin massage
lotion in the winter.
Caution
Don’t use if inflammatory skin diseases, high fever, bleeding, or ulcers are present.
JUNIPER
BERRY
(JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS)
Extraction
The Essential oil of Juniper
is made from the berries and leaves/needles & wood
of the Juniper Plant.
Description & History
Known since ancient times for its antiseptic
and diuretic qualities, Juniper has a marked effect on the digestive system, the
female system, and the circulatory system. May help in eczema,
hair loss, oily complexion, accumulations of toxins and cellulite.
This oil works as a detoxifier and cleanser. Use in
Bath
, inhalation, massage, room spray, diffuser, perfume.
This woody and refreshing pure essential oil has a clean and tangy aroma that many
find reminiscent of pine. It is often used in skin care when
cellulite is present. Juniper berry promotes circulation and is said
to be an excellent addition to massage blends for aching muscles
and joints.
Caution
It is non-sensitizing, non-toxic
, may slightly irritate. Stimulates the uterine muscle & must not me
used during Pregnancy. Should not be used by those with kidney disease
due to its nephrotoxic effect.
LAVENDER
(LAVANDULA OFFICIANLIS)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation fresh
flowering tops, leaves and steams.
Description & History
Commercial perfume houses use Essential oil of Lavender as the basic ingredient of many
fragrances. A universal oil, well know, beneficial
for skin conditions may help in allergies, burns, inflammations,
good for all skin types, pains, aches, infections abdominal cramps, nervous
tensions, insomnia, depression, stress related conditions, PMS etc.
It is also used in a variety of cosmetic aids such as mouthwash,
skin tonic, and eye – lotion, in addition to making a natural insect repellent. The balancing properties of lavender
can correct emotional problems and feeling
of instability. Its calming
effect will induce a restful sleep.
Caution
It is non-irritant, non-toxic & non-sensitizing.
LEMON
(CITRUS
LIMOMUM)
Extraction
The oil is obtained from the rind of the fruit.
Description & History
This
fresh, sharply aromatic oil is used to treat nausea and to stimulate the appetite. Use it also as a massage to aid circulation.
The lemon`s antiseptic properties are well respected, and make it effective in treating
colds and sore throats and in controlling skin blemishes.
The mild sedative action will reduce fever and ease indigestion. It may also
be used as a natural cosmetic. It has a wonderful toning effect, and mild
deodorizing properties.
Caution
This oil can be phototoxic; avoid use on the skin in sunlight.
LEMON GRASS (LEPTOSPERMUM
ERICOIDES)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam
distillation from fresh & partially dried grass.
Description & History
It may be beneficial for the digestive system and has
been reported to help regenerate connective tissue. It vasodilator, anti-inflammatory,
sedative and supportive to the digestive system.
Might help in scabies, tissue
toner, muscular pains, poor circulation, colitis, indigestion, gastro-enteritis,
fever, infectious diseases etc.
It has sweet "lemony" aroma, excellent for vaporizing to banish unpleasant
smells. Uplifting and refreshing - good for tired sweaty feet or as a rinse for
greasy hair. In traditional Indian medicine, this oil has a long history of use
against infectious illnesses and fevers.
Caution
It is non-toxic, possibly sensitizing. Use
in moderation.
NEROLI
(CITRUS
AURANTIUM)
Extraction
Neroli essential oil is extracted from the
orange blossom.
Description
& History
Neroli is made from the flowers of the orange tree, and
is named after a famous Italian Princess who wore it as her signature perfume. Neroli oil is extremely expensive, but
the perfume is absolutely exquisite.
It is much used in perfumery, notably in the production
of eau de cologne. Neroli makes
a wonderful facial oil and massage blend, helping to regenerate skin cells and improve
skin elasticity. It gives confidence
and strength to the mind, has relaxing properties which help with sleeplessness,
and can be an ally during time of stress.
Caution
Avoid internal use of absolute.
ORANGE
(CITRUS
AURANTIUM / SINENSIS)
Extraction
In contrast to neroli, both the sweet
and bitter essential oils of oranges are extracted from the peel of the fruit.
Description
& History
The aroma of
Orange
essential oil is deliciously fresh, which promotes a bright
and sociable mood. Its light, tangy
crispness makes it a delightful room freshener.
It is a wonderful remedy for depression, tension, and stress.
Like neroli, it also benefits the skin – particularly
if dull and congested or troubled with cellulite, The oil is rich in Vitamin
C, making it a good treatment for colds and flu.
It is wonderful for opening the heart, is beneficial for sadness, nervousness
and anxiety.
Caution
May irritate sensitive skin when exposed to sun.
PALMAROSA
(CYMBOCODAN MARTIN)
Extraction
The oil is extensively used as a substitute of attar of roses & as a base for
perfumes & cosmetics. Palmarosa oil along with sandalwood oil is used in mosquito
repellent ointments.
Description
& History
The oil has a strong and persistent smell and is often used
as a fixative in commercial perfume production or to mask over-strong aromas in
cosmetics. It is also an effective
moth repellent. Patchouli oil is useful
as an antiseptic, particularly as a first-aid treatment for minor burns, as it has
an anti-inflammatory effect. The oil
also works on irritated nerves, calming anxiety with its strongly earthy scent. It can also be useful as a mouthwash
or a gargle. Is very beneficial
for the skin and may help prevent wrinkles or chapped skin. It is a general tonic
and stimulant and helps the digestive system.
PATCHOULI
(POGOSTEMON
PATCHOULI)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the dried branches
of the bushy patchouli, a member of the lavender family, originating in
Bengal, India
.
Description
& History
The oil has a strong and persistent smell and is often used
as a fixative in commercial perfume production or to mask over-strong aromas in
cosmetics. It is also an effective
moth repellent. Patchouli oil is useful
as an antiseptic, particularly as a first-aid treatment for minor burns, as it has
an anti-inflammatory effect. The oil
also works on irritated nerves, calming anxiety with its strongly earthy scent. It can also be useful as a mouthwash
or a gargle. Is very beneficial
for the skin and may help prevent wrinkles or chapped skin. It is a general tonic
and stimulant and helps the digestive system.
Caution
Beware of imitation fragrance oils.
PEPPERMINT
(MENTHA
PIPERITA)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the leaves and flowering tips of the plants.
Description
& History
The mint family is one of the most aromatic and useful plant
families, both for herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
Excellent for headaches and cough, peppermint is a stimulant and revitalizer. A derivative, menthol, is used as an
important component in the pharmaceutical and tobacco industries.
It is one of the best essential oils for Pitta, being cooling to
the digestive fires. It has both antiseptic
and expectorant qualities so it is useful for the respiratory tract as an inhalation;
useful in the mouth as a mouth wash; or added to toothpaste can be healing to gum
infections and canker sores. Ten drops
added to bath can have a cooling affect on the body.
Caution
Can aggravate severe chills and neurasthenia.
PINE
NEEDLE
(PINUS MUGO)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
Description
& History
Pine Neddle oil is a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid
with a pleasant, pronounced balsamic odor.
Oil of Pine Neddle is a valuable adjunct
in the scenting of soaps and in compositions
intended for use as bath salts, deodorants, room sprays, inhalants, etc.
For many years the oil has been employed in pharmaceutical preparations against
diseases of the skin and scalp, rheumatism, and ailments of the respiratory organs. It can be use in successful treatment
of bladder, inflammation, pleurisy, and tuberculosis.
ROSE
(ROSE CENTIFOLIA / DAMASCENA)
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description
& History
Rose is one of the most difficult essential oils to distill,
and takes the most raw material, hand picked at great expense, to produce a small
amount of oil. If
Neroli is the Princess of essential
oils, then Rose is the Queen.
Rose gives a sense of security and spiritual attunement. It keeps the heart open and connected to
all things. It reduces anger and strengthens
liver function. It is a special gift
to women and is important in menopause formulas.
In skin care it is important because of its astringent and antiseptic nature,
and can be especially beneficial for Pitta-type inflammation and skin allergies.
Caution
Restrain use if high Kapha condition is present. It is rare, expensive and highly
priced.
ROSEMARY
(ROSEMARINUS OFFICINALIS)
Extraction
Essential oil of rosemary is distilled
from the flowering tops and leaves of the plants.
Description
& History
Rosemary oil has been used in many preparations to ease the
processes of ageing. It is recommended
for hair care and as a scalp massage to prevent premature baldness.
With its powerful aroma, rosemary oil is an effective inhalant and decongestant,
and a strengthening massage rub for muscles.
This is the most stimulating of oils, enhancing memory, concentration, and clear
thinking. It can be beneficial for skin conditions & dandruff, and
may help fight candida and support the immune system.
It is anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, antispasmodic,
balance the endocrine system.
Caution
Rosemary oils with high camphor content are best not used regularly or at concentrations
exceeding 2 drops in 20 ml during the first five months of pregnancy or by people
who suffer from high blood pressure.
SANDALWOOD
(SANTALUM
ALBUM)
Extraction
Essential oil of Sandalwood is derived
from the wood of the Sandalwood tree, via steam distillation.
Description
& History
This exotic essential oil captures the mystique of
Asia
, where it forms part of Ayurveda, the Indian system of healing. It is probably best known as an ingredient
of perfumes and scented cosmetics.
It also has preservative qualities, and helps to give creams and lotions a longer
life. Sandalwood oil is an excellent
facial oil, being particularly soothing
and emollient for dry or irriated and sensitive skin, as it helps cleanse, heal,
and soften. This oil also has a potent
calming effect on the nerves and digestive system, making it very helpful for an
upset stomach. Sandalwood
is effective for digestive disorders such as heartburn and nausea, especially morning
sickness. It is also a sexual tonic. An emotionally balancing oil, sandalwood calms
agitation and panic, lifts despair and controls mood swings.
Caution
Do not use if high kapha or severe lung congestion is present.
SPEARMINT
(MENTHA
SPICATA )
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops.
Description & History
Spearmint is distilled
in much the same way as peppermint, in a number of small and medium sized distilleries
scattered throughout, the producing regions.
The yield is slightly higher than that of peppermint.
One acre of spearmint may yield from 35 to 40 lb. of oil.
The leaves of Spearmint are
longer, narrower, lighter green in color, and either without stems, or with only
very short ones. Instead of being thick
and blunt, the flowering spikes are more sharply pointed, long and narrow; thence
the designation spearmint. It
is antispasmodic, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.
Its hormone-like activity may help open and release emotional blocks and bring about
a feeling of balance. It has been used to increase metabolism to burn fat.
TEA
TREE
(MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the leaves via steam distillation.
Description
& History
The fresh, lemony scent of Tea tree oil is very pleasant,
having a marvelous cleansing and head-clearing effect.
Tea tree oil
is renowned as an antifungal and antiseptic treatment, and may be used directly
to treat skin conditions and wounds, or as an inhalant to treat respiratory infections. Diluted and applied topically, it is
very effective in correcting bacterial imbalances in the female system.
Tea tree oil also serves as an efficient natural insect repellent.
The oil may be used in a vaporizer to repel mosquitoes.
VETIVERT
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation of the Grass.
Description & History
Oil of vetiver is one
of the most valuable and most important perfumers raw materials, widely
used in perfumes, cosmetics and for the scenting of soaps.
The oil imparts pleasant, strong and very lasting notes to perfume compositions,
acting, at the same time, as a natural fixative.
Vetiver oil blends particularly will with those of sandalwood, patchouli,
and rose. The usually lower priced Java type is employed
chiefly in soap work, the higher priced
Reunion
type in fine perfumes.
YLANG
YLANG (CANANGA ODORATA)
Extraction
Essential oil of ylang ylang is extracted by steam distillation from the flowers
of the tropical ylang ylang tree of
java,
Indonesia
, the
Philippines
, and
Madagascar
.
Description
& History
The sweet, heady scent of ylang ylang has strong sensual
and euphoria-producing qualities, and the oil is heralded as an aphrodisiac. This essential oil is also renowned
for its restorative powers and its relaxing effect on the nervous system.
The oil is an antidepressant, and may be used therapeutically to treat stress,
frustration, anger, and shock. It can
have a balancing effect on blood pressure and distressed breathing patterns. Although it is used in many cosmetics
for its fragrance, ylang ylang is also included in skin preparations for its balancing
and toning effects.