BENZOIN
(STYRAX BENZOIN)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the base of shoots and
leaves.
Description & History
Benzoin is excellent
for use in perfume mixtures because it is a fixative and will hold on to the lighter
notes, and because it is a preservative and will prevent oils from becoming oxidized. It is very beneficial to an irritated
nervous system and can be useful in depression, PMS, and stress.
Externally it can be used to promote the healing of wounds.
Used by estheticians for dry, irritated skin and to soften scars.
GALBANUM
(FERULA
SPECIES)
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.
HINA
(LAWSONIA
INERMIS)
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the leaves.
Description
& History
Hina is another somewhat uncommon Indian oil, often distilled
with sandalwood as an attar. The pure
oil is not really available; it is most often found as a blend.
Its used in
India
for religious ceremonies, prayers and to create connectedness
or attunement. It is excellent for
devotion, for opening psychic abilities.
The herb is used for dying hair, making it red and lustrous and promoting growth.
Caution
No cautions, but traditionally used externally.
LABDANUM
Extraction
The Resinoid of Labdanum, prepared by
treating the dark, crude gum with alcohol, then filtering and concentrating the
solution.
Description
& History
The other – way of employing the gum in a convenint form
is by preparaing alcohol – soluble resinoids.
This can be done most easily by treating
the crude gum with hot alcohol of high proof, cooling and filtering the solution,
and concentrating the clear filtrate in a vacuum still.
The very viscous resinoid possesses a balsamic, lasting and
ambergris – like odor.
Caution
However, because of the very dark colour,
its application in perfumes, cosmetics and soaps is limited.
OAKMOSS
(EVERNIA
FURFURACEA)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the trees.
Description
& History
This oil is mostly used by perfumers.
The odor is so strong that in making this oil the equipment cannot be used
for production of anything else.
It is valued because of its fixative qualities, erotic, balancing and calming effects
in blends.
Caution
Don’t take internally, extracted with solvent.
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.
SAFFRON
(CROCUS SATIVUS)
Extraction
The oil is distilled from the leaves.
Description & History
Steam-distilled saffron
can be one of the most expensive essential oils on the market and is not generally
available. More commonly available
is the medicated oil of saffron, having a weaker but pleasant effect.
It`s similar to sandalwood in that it has properties to balance the nervous
system. It promotes digestion and quietness
of the mind. It is a rejuvenator to
all the tissues of the body.
Caution
Do not use during pregnancy.