When we peel an orange, or walk in a rose garden, or rub a lavender sprig between our fingers, we distinguish with our olfactory ability, a special sensation of these plants. But what exactly is it that we can smell? More generally, it is essential oils that give spices and herbs their own feel and taste, or flowers and fruits, that give their own aroma. The essential oil of an orange peel is not difficult to identify. It exists in such abundance, that when we peel an orange, the essential oil "shoots" from the pores of the skin. However, the amount is so small that it evaporates immediately, leaving its characteristic aroma to linger. However, not all plants have essential oils in such abundance. The aromatic content of a rose is so little that it takes a ton of petals to produce 300g of oil. The reason why some plants contain essential oils while others do not is not yet fully understood. It is clear that the aromatic quality of oils plays a role in attracting or repelling certain insects or animals. One conclusion is that they play the role of actualizing life, which evolves through the plant itself, and the role of protection against disease. Essential oils have been described as the "hormones" or "souls" of plants because of their concentrated ethereal nature. Aromatic oils can be found in various parts of a plant, such as seeds, bark, root, leaves, flowers, wood, balsam and resins. For example, from an orange tree, the oil is produced from the peel of the fruit, petitgrain oil from the leaves and twigs, and neroli oil from the neroli flowers. Clove produces different types of essential oils from the buds, stem and leaves, while Scots pine produces it from the needles, wood and resin. The wide range of aromatic materials is sourced from natural sources and the art of extracting and using it has evolved slowly over time, but the origins reach far back into the heart of the most ancient civilizations.
Elettaria cardomum (Family, Zingiberaceae) Middle note Reviving, stimulant, cool oil mainly mixed with other essential oils, for mental fatigue, and nervous intensity. Used for peptic problems, nausea and diarrhea but also a an aphrodisiac because it act as a peptic, antispasmodic, diuretic,..
Daucus carota (Family, Apiaceae [Umbeliferae]) Middle Note This essential oil has the same sweet, earthy fragrance of the vegetable. Considered to be particularly beneficial for dry, mature skin-types and will can help to restore elasticity to the skin and could therefore reduce wrinkles...
Juniperus virginiana J. communis(Family, Cupressaceae) Base note Has a reputation as an aphrodisiac because of its invigorating effect on the body as a whole reducing stress and tension. As a mild styptic it is used for acme mainly for young boys, due to its ‘masculine’ scent. Is also ..
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C verum, Laurus cimmamomum (Family, Lauraceae) Middle note An oil with qualities as an anticonvulsant (colic, intestinal disturbances, menstrual pain), antiseptic (care of teeth and gums), stimulant (vascular, cardio, respiratory, atony, exhaustion, stress). Used as a ..
Cymbopogon nardus, Andropogon nardus (Family, Poaceae [Gramineae]) Top Note An essential oil with an intense lemon scent. Used mainly as an insect repellant. Due to its antiseptic and bactericidal properties it is a good deodorant against excessive sweating and oily skin. Avoid use during pregnanc..
Salvia sclarea (Family, Lamiaceae [Labiatae])
Top Note
The ideal essential oil to cause relaxation and euphoria. Acts positively in mental and emotional hypertension and depression. For muscle problems as a muscle relaxant, peptic (cramps, distention), menstrual pain. Also for care of oily hai..
Clove (Bud, Leaf & Stem) Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata, E. aromaticia, E. caryophyllus (Family, Myrtaceae) Middle note This oil must be used in small doses. Its anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, anti-convulsive, stomachic, stimulative, anti-emetic, antibiotic, anti..
Coriandum sativum (Family, Apiacea [Umbelliferae]) Top Note Is known from ancient Egypt. Used mainly for its therapeutic qualities against anorexia, dyspepsia, diarrhea, tympanism, distention, nausea. Acts as an analgesic for muscular pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, arthritis, helps with good b..
Cupressus sempervirens (Family, Cupressaceae) Middle note Its antispasmodic action makes it useful for problems with bronchitis, asthma, laryngitis. As an antirheumatic for muscular pain and rheumatism. Its antiseptic and styptc action, for oily skin, pyorrhea, varicose veins, cellulitis, hemorrho..
Canarium commune, C. luzonicum (Family, Bursecracae) Stimulate the immune system, (a good essential oil to use in debilitated persons). It has been used to help asthmatics. Good for meditation and during counselling sessions. Aids sleep...
Eucalyptus globulus (Family, Myrtaceae) Top Note Outstanding for its antipyretic, bactericidal, and antiviral action. Useful for conditions of the respiratory, peptic disorders (diarrhea, dysentery) and as an antiseptic for skin disorders and female problems (cystitis). Used also for muscula..