Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Essential Oil

Myrrh Essential Oil

BOTANICAL NAME
Commiphora myrrha

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Gum

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Base

AROMA
Dry, creamy, resinous

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Somalia

TRADITIONAL USE
In the fragrance industry the oil is used as a fixative.

Myrrh oil is effective against excessive mucus in the lungs and helps to clear ailments such as colds, catarrh, coughs, sore throats and bronchitis. It is used for diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence and hemorrhoids (haemorrhoids).

It is very good for mouth and gum disorders, such as mouth ulcers, pyorrhea (pyorrhea), gingivitis, spongy gums and sore throats. On the skin, it is used with great success on boils, skin ulcers, bedsores, chapped and cracked skin, ringworm, weeping wounds, eczema and athlete's foot.

Furthermore, it is of great help to promote menstruation and for relieving painful periods and to ease difficult labor in childbirth.

Myrrh oil is of great benefit to the respiratory tract, the digestive system, for gum and mouth disorders, in skin care, as well as urino-genital and gynecological problems.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, myrrh oil can be useful with bronchitis, catarrh, colds and coughs. It is also great for enhancing spirituality and is most useful when meditating.
Blended massage oil or in the bath
In a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, myrrh oil is great for bronchitis, catarrh, colds, coughs and infections, as well as the variety of female problems listed above. It also has a wonderful effect on the skin.
Mouthwash
It can be included when mixing a mouthwash for all dental infections.
Cold compress
Myrrh oil can be used diluted on a cold compress for sores, skin care and wounds.
Cream or lotion
When used in a cream or lotion, amazing results are achieved in the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers. It accelerates wound healing and sorts out athlete's foot, as well as weeping eczema. Bedsores, deeply chapped and cracked skin, boils, carbuncles, acne and all other skin ailments show dramatic results when myrrh oil is used to treat them, and it can also be applied with a cotton bud directly on sores, wounds and other skin infections.

PROPERTIES
Anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, sedative, stomachic, tonic, uterine, vulnerary

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of myrrh oil are a-pinene, cadinene, limonene, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, m-cresol, heerabolene, acetic acid, formic acid and other sesquiterpenes and acids.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Bergamot, chamomile, clove, cypress, eucalyptus lemon, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, ylang ylang

OF INTEREST
Myrrh has been prevalent throughout history. It was used in the mummification process by the Egyptians. It has been used in religious rituals all over the world, and it is utilized in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines.

It is a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) high with light bark and knotted branches, few leaves and small white flowers. It is native to Somalia, Arabia and Yemen.

When the bark is cut, the gum resin exudes as a pale yellow liquid, which dries into reddish-brown lumps the size of a walnut from which the oil is distilled.

Myrrh was very popular in the ancient world and was used as a medicine by the Chinese and Egyptians, and as part of the Egyptian sun-worshipping ritual and mummification. It was used in cosmetics, while Greek soldiers took a phial of Myrrh oil with them into battle, to stop bleeding wounds.
SAFETY DATA
Avoid while pregnant.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Essential Oil

Lemongrass Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Cymbopogon flexuosus

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Grass

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Top

AROMA
Heavy, lemony, green

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Nepal

TRADITIONAL USE

The oil is widely used as an addition to bug repellants, and for its lemony aroma. It is also used for the isolation of citral.

Lemongrass oil revitalizes the body and relieves the symptoms of jetlag, clears headaches and helps to combat nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

It is a great overall tonic for the body and it boosts the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a boon when recovering from illness, as it also stimulates glandular secretions.

It is useful with respiratory infections such as sore throats, laryngitis and fever and helps prevent spreading of infectious diseases. It is helpful with colitis, indigestion and gastro-enteritis.

Lemongrass oil helps tone the muscles and tissue, relieves muscle pains by making the muscle more supple. It helps with correcting poor circulation and cures cellulite. It helps to keep pets clean of fleas, ticks and lice and is an insect repellant

It also is used for clearing up oily skin and acne, as well as athlete's foot. It alleviates excessive perspiration.

Lemongrass oil has great benefits as a muscle and skin toner, and revitalizes the body and mind, helps with infections and keeps the family pet flea and tick free and smelling nice.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, Lemongrass oil can be used for nervousness and as an insect repellant. It is also great to revive the mind when feeling lethargic and to energize as well as relieving fatigue.

Blended massage oil or in the bath
Lemongrass oil can be used in blended massage oil or diluted in the bath to assist with cellulite, digestive problems, as a diuretic, for infections, nervousness, for over exerted ligaments and as a general tonic.

Cream or lotion
When used in a lotion or a cream, it has value in clearing cellulite, as well as toning the skin, opening blocked pores and helping with acne. The antiseptic properties are useful in treating athlete's foot and other fungal infections.

Note
Although some people may have an allergic reaction to lemongrass oil, most people do not show an allergy when it is used in concentrations lower than 3%. Since our oil only contains trace amounts of citral (whereas West and East Indian lemongrass (Andropogon flexuosus and A. citratus contains nearly 79%) the possibility of irritation or allergy is less.


PROPERTIES
Analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, fungicidal, insecticidal, nervine, sedative, tonic

BLENDS WELL WIT
Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, coriander, cypress, fennel, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, vetiver, ylang ylang

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The main chemical components of lemongrass oil are myrcene, citronellal, geranyl acetate, nerol, geraniol, neral and traces of limonene and citral.

OF INTEREST
It is a perennial fast-growing aromatic grass, growing to about 1 meter (3 feet) high with long, thin leaves and originally was growing wild in India. It produces a network of roots and rootlets that rapidly exhaust the soil.

In India it is known as 'choomana poolu' and is also referred to as 'Indian Verbena' or 'Indian Melissa oil' and used in Ayurvedic medicine to help bring down fevers and treat infectious illnesses. It is a valuable ingredient in perfumes and citrus-type soaps and is also an insect deterrent.

Often times the spent plant material from distillation is used as food for cattle.

SAFETY DATA
May cause skin irritation.

Cajeput (Melaleuca minor) Essential Oil

Cajeput Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Melaleuca minor

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distillation

PARTS USED
Leaves and twigs

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Top

AROMA
Strong, slightly sweet, camphoraceous, medicinal.

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Nepal, Indonesia, and Australia

TRADITIONAL USE
It is known for producing a sensation of warmth. In Australia the crushed leaves and twigs have been utilized in traditional medicine applications.
By promoting sweating, cajuput oil cools down the body and helps with infections such as colds, laryngitis and bronchitis. It is also helpful for asthma, sinusitis and a sore throat.

It calms the digestive system, soothes colic, enteritis, dysentery, vomiting. Spasms, arthritis, rheumatism and muscular aches and pains can also benefit from it.

Not only does it help with skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis, it is also used to ward off insect bites from lice and fleas.

The greatest benefit of cajuput oil lies in its antiseptic properties for the respiratory tract and the urinary system, the combating of infections such as colds, bronchitis and laryngitis and its pain relieving properties for headaches, earache, toothache, gout and rheumatism.

Burners and vaporizers
Cajuput oil can be used in vapor therapy for the respiratory tract, relieving infections and pain. It also helps to promote clear thoughts and dispels a feeling of sluggishness.
Massage oil
It helps for pain relief and is useful in gout, rheumatism, arthritis and general aches and pains. Its antispasmodic properties make it useful for treating painful periods, delayed menses and spasmodic dysmenorrhoea.
In the bath
In the bath cajuput oil can help to reduce fevers by exerting a cooling influence - but take care not to irritate the mucus membranes.
Blended cream
When used  as part of a formulation, it can be helpful to sort out persistent and chronic conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

PROPERTIES
Analgesic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, sudorific, tonic, vulnerary

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The main chemical components of Cajuput oil include a-pinene, b-pinene, myrcene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol and a-terpineol.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Clary sage, geranium, lavender, marjoram, oakmoss, pine, rosemary, spice oils, ylang ylang

OF INTEREST
Also sometimes referred to as the white tea tree, the cajuput tree originates from the Malayan coastal plains.

An evergreen, vigorous growing tree, it can reach 30 meters (98 feet) and has a whitish spongy bark with a crooked trunk. It is known in ancient India as Kayaputi and was also revered in the East for all its uses.

Not only was it used as an ingredient for cosmetics and perfumes, it was also well known for its antiseptic properties and was a traditional remedy for the stomach, for rheumatism, cholera and as an insecticide.

Cajeput is a good addition to bug repellants. It has a sweet, fruity middle note.

SAFETY DATA
Avoid while pregnant. May cause skin irritation.

Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum) Essential Oil

Anise Seed Essential Oil 


BOTANICAL NAME
Pimpinella anisum

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTIONSTEAM DISTILLATION
PARTS USED
Seed

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Middle

AROMA
Fresh, sweet, spicy, licorice-like

TRADITIONAL USE



Aniseed oil can be useful in the treatment of muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, bronchitis, whooping cough, colic, cramp, flatulence, indigestion, catarrh and hangovers.

Aniseed oil is not only helpful for its effect on the digestive system, it is also a general tonic to the circulatory system and the respiratory tract. It helps to calm the nerves of tense and anxiety ridden people. It also calms menstrual pains and eases nauseous migraines, while stimulating the lungs to expel phlegm.


The oil eases the discomfort of introverted and fearful people, while aiding the digestion, boosting the lungs and easing migraines and headaches

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, aniseed oil is useful for asthma, colds and all breathing problems, as well as quelling nausea and vomiting.
Drops of oil on a handkerchief
When used on a handkerchief to smell at, it is useful for settling digestive problems and can also benefit migraine and vertigo sufferers.
Anise seed has a long history of use as a spice and medicine. Raki, a popular drink in Turkey, is flavored with the seed. Writings by Pliny suggest anise as a morning pick-me-up.





PROPERTIES
Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitive, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic

Chemical composition

The essential oil includes the following chemical compounds; a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, linalool, cis-anethole, trans-anethole, safrole, anisaldehyde and acetoanisole.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Bay, black pepper, ginger, lavender, orange, pine, rose, cardamom, caraway, cedarwood, coriander, dill, fennel, mandarin, petitgrain and rosewood.

OF INTEREST
 Anise seed oil will crystallize at cool temperatures due to the anethole content in the oil.

Aniseed originated from the Middle East and is now cultivated in Europe, USA and North Africa. It is an annual herb, about 80 cm (2 feet) high with delicate feathery leaves, tiny white flowers and grayish-brown seeds.

Aniseed oil was revered by ancient civilizations, especially by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks. The Romans used it in a spicy cake know as 'mustaceus', the Egyptians used it in bread, while the Greeks used it for its calming influence on the digestive tract.

Aniseed is used in liqueurs and cordials, toothpastes and mouthwashes. In India it is used  as a breath sweetener and in Turkey, a popular alcoholic drink called 'raki ' is made from the seeds.



SAFETY DATA
Avoid while pregnant or breast-feeding. May cause skin irritation.

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) Essential Oil

Benzoin Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Styrax benzoin

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Solvent extraction (Ethanol)

PARTS USED
Resin

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Base

AROMA
Soft, sweet, warm, vanilla-like

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Morocco and Indonesia

TRADITIONAL USE
Benzoin has been used for centuries in Asia and India as an incense and perfume.

Benzoin oil can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers.

Benzoin oil's greatest benefit lies in that it has a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, a warming effect on circulation problems and a toning effect on the respiratory tract.

It furthermore boosts the pancreas, which in turns helps digestion, and is thought to be involved in controlling blood sugar, which makes it valuable for sufferers of diabetes.

The effect it has on the skin is to improve elasticity, helping cracked skin, while aiding the healing of sores and wounds and at the same time reducing redness, irritation and itching.

Burners and vaporizers

In vapor therapy Benzoin oil can be used for the nervous system, calming and bringing comfort to the depressed and emotionally exhausted.

Blended massage oil or in the bath
Benzoin oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with general aches and pains, arthritis and rheumatism, as well as chronic bronchitis and coughing. Poor circulation will also benefit from this oil, as well as stiff muscles. It also has a calming effect, helps to ease depression and protects from nightmares by forming a psychic shield. It furthermore gives the skin a general boost by increasing elasticity, reducing redness, irritation and itchiness, while helping wound healing.

Blended in a cream
Benzoin oil is a good remedy for dry, cracked skin, cuts and wounds, as well as for acne and irritable and itching skin, while at the same time improving elasticity.

PROPERTIES
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, styptic, vulnerary

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Benzoin oil's main chemical components are benzoic, cinnamic acids, benzyl benzoate, benzoic aldehyde, vanillin and coniferyl benzoate.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Black pepper, copaiba balsam, coriander, cypress, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, juniper, lemon, myrrh, rose, sandalwood

OF INTEREST
Benzoin is an excellent fixative for perfume and soap blends adding a rich, sweet note.

The tree is from Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet). Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree, from which the grayish colored sap exudes. When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark.

Benzoin, also known as gum Benjamin, is one of the classic ingredients of incense. In ancient civilizations it was used in fumigation and it is also an ingredient of 'Friar's balsam', an aid to respiratory problems. It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry.

SAFETY DATA
Avoid while pregnant. Not for internal use.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Essential Oil

Clary Sage Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Salvia sclarea

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Leaf and flower

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Middle

AROMA
Dry, musky, bittersweet floral

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
USA, France, and Bulgaria

TRADITIONAL USE
This oil has an extensive history in perfumery. It is considered a fixative, and adds a warming note to a blend.



Clary sage is calming to the nervous system, particularly in cases of depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension. It furthermore is a good tonic for the womb and female functions in general, such as painful periods, scanty menstruation and relaxation during labor, thus encouraging a less painful birth.

During menopause, clary sage oil can help reduce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, irritability, as well as headaches and dizziness.

It is good for muscle pains, digestive disorders, kidney diseases and the cooling of inflammation of the skin.

Clary sage oil's greatest benefit lies in its calming and sedating influence on the nerves, emotions, female functions, kidneys and digestive system.

It also helps with skin conditions like acne, boils and ulcers and cools painful muscles and joints.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, clary sage oil can be used for nervous tension, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and menopause. It is particularly effective to help ease depression and create a more positive outlook on life and can also help to boost the creative side and intuition.
Blended massage oil or in the bath
Clary sage can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with muscle pains, frigidity, depression, anxiety, menstrual problems, PMS, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, cramps and addiction.
In a cream or lotion
Used in a cream or lotion, clary sage oil can be beneficial for skin problems, back pain and a stiff neck, as well as for body odors, PMS, skin problems and cramps. It is particularly good for balancing the production of sebum of the skin and to clear greasy complexions.

PROPERTIES

Antibacterial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, nervine, sedative, stomachic, vulnerary, antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, uterine and nerve tonic.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The main chemical components of clary sage are linalool, linalyl acetate, caryophyllene, a-terpineol, geraniol, neryl acetate, sclareol and germacrene D.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Bay, bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile, coriander, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon balm, lime, mandarin, patchouli, petitgrain, pine, rose, sandalwood, tea tree

OF INTEREST
The herb derives its name from the Latin clarus, meaning, “clear,” and was nicknamed “clear eyes” during the Middle Ages for It is a native to southern Europe and is a stout biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall with large, hairy leaves and small blue/ white flowers growing directly off the long, thin stem. It is cultivated for oil production in France and Russia.

The name is derived from the Latin 'Claris' that means 'clear' or from the Greek 'Skeria' meaning 'hardness', referring to the hard parts of the flower petals and perhaps for its ability to clear tired or strained eyes and blurred vision. It was known in the Middle Ages as 'Oculus Christi' - the 'Eye of Christ' and was a highly esteemed medicine.

In Jamaica, it was used amongst the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes.

SAFETY DATA
Avoid while pregnant

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) Essential Oil

Rosewood Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Aniba rosaeodora

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Wood

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Base

AROMA
Spicy, floral and sweet smell.

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
South America

TRADITIONAL USE
When feeling overburdened by the world, this oil will lift your spirits and have a balancing action effect on the mind and body. It is used with good results in reducing headaches, colds, coughs, fever and infections and is a boost for the immune system.

Its aphrodisiac properties are useful to sort out sexual problems such as impotence and frigidity. It is an excellent oil to use in skincare, as it sorts out dull, dry and oily skin, while having a cell stimulant and tissue regenerating action on the skin which promotes rejuvenation of the skin.


Although rosewood oil does not have wide therapeutic properties, it has a place in aromatherapy and could help with the respiratory system, with sexual problems, with stress-related conditions and with great success for skin care.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy rosewood oil can help with colds, coughs, infections, headaches, nausea and stress-related problems, while lifting depression and helping to counter any sexual problems.

Blended massage oil or in the bath
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, rosewood oil can help with colds, coughs, infections, headaches, fevers and nervous tension, as well as frigidity and impotence, while giving the skin a boost.

Lotions and creams
As part of a lotion or cream rosewood oil is most effective to stimulate the cells and regenerate tissue, therefore aiding rejuvenation of the skin and making it particularly attractive for use with more mature and wrinkled skin.

PROPERTIES
Anti-depressant, mildly analgesic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, cephalic, deodorant, insecticide and stimulant.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The main chemical components of rosewood oil are a-pinene, camphene, geraniol, neral, geranial, myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, benzaldehyde, linalool oxides and a-terpineol.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Most oils, citrus and floral oils.

OF INTEREST
This Brazilian evergreen tree can grow up to 40 meters (125 feet) high and  has a reddish bark and yellow flowers and is extensively felled in the South American rainforest, but now legislation requires distilleries to plant a new tree for each tree cut down.

The wood is used for building, French cabinet making, carving, for the production of chopsticks in Japan and of course, essential oil.

It is extracted from the wood chippings by steam distillation.

SAFETY DATA
Generally considered safe.