Category: Essential Oils

Daucus carota The common carrot is well known as one of the most nutrient-rich vegetables, rich in vitamin A and full of health-promoting, rejuvenating properties. However, the essential oil derives from the seeds of its …

Cedrus atlantica The sacred Cedars of Lebanon and the Atlas Mountains became victims of their own popularity a long time ago. The decimation started in pre-Biblical times and still continues. At one time these grand …

Juniperus virginiana The true identity of Virginian Cedarwood has caused much confusion, for it is not so much a Cedar, but a Juniper – Red Juniper, to be precise. Virginian Cedarwood is native to North …

Matricaria recutica There has been much confusion over Roman (English) and German (Blue) Chamomile. German (Blue) Chamomile is the more powerful oil for healing purposes and was well-known and widely used in the ancient world. …

Chamaemelum nobile (formerly known as Anthemis nobilis) The sunny and beautifully fragrant little Chamomile flowers spread cheer and contentment. Humble though it may be, it is a powerful healer – not just for humans, but …

Champaca is regarded as one of the most sacred trees of India and tropical Asia. Its flowers exude a divine fragrance that is exceedingly pleasing to the Gods and to the women. Thus it is …

Cinnamomum zeylanicum What would Christmas be without the sweet, warming scent of Cinnamon wafting from kitchens and sweetening the air’ Cinnamon, a precious herb from the East, made its way to Europe along the old …

Cistus ladanifer The Cistus or Rock-Rose family is well represented throughout the western Mediterranean and has adapted perfectly to the challenges of coping with hot, dry summers and cold winters. They are most commonly found …

Cymbopogon nardus Citronella belongs to a family of fragrant grasses native to Sri Lanka, where it has long been cultivated. The lemony scent is reminiscent of Melissa, a much more expensive oil it is often …

Salvia sclarea Clary Sage is closely related to common Garden Sage, but as an essential oil proves much less toxic and is thus preferred. Its modern name is a corruption of its old name ‘Clear …

Syzygium aromaticum ‘Flower of the Gods’ is what Cloves are called in Asia. At home in the Spice Islands and the Philippines, Cloves have long been known and used in the West. They arrived via …

Copaifera officinalis Copaifera is a genus of tropical trees in the pea family. The trees are remarkable in that they produce a vast amount of oleoresin. A crude balsam with a high volatile oil component …

Coriandrum sativum Coriander, also known as Chinese Parsley, is among the oldest known spice plants. It not only has a long history of flavouring our dishes, but it has also been highly esteemed for its …

Cuminum cyminum A member of the carrot family, Cumin is mostly associated with the exotic cuisines of Asia and Asia Minor. In ancient Greece, it was a common culinary herb mentioned by all the old …

Cupressus sempervirens Like dark, serene guardians of the threshold, rows of pencil-straight cypresses are often planted near cemeteries to keep watch over the entrance to the Otherworld. Cypresses have always been associated with death and …

Artemisia pallens Davana, a feathery-leaved, highly aromatic herb, is native to India and related to the Artemisias, like Mugwort or Wormwood. It shares its habitat with that of the Sandalwood trees of Mysore. Davana is …

Canarium luzonicum Gum Elemi derives from a tropical tree native to the Philippines. It belongs to the same family of trees as Frankincense and Myrrh. ‘Gum Elemi’ is not so much a gum, but rather …

Eucalyptus globulus Eucalyptus globulus is an iconic species of Australia and Southeast Asia. Blue Gum, its common name, alludes to the bluish hue of the young leaves, which are covered by a waxy layer that …

Foeniculum vulgare Who would have thought that the lowly Fennel played a pivotal role in the evolution of human consciousness’ According to mythology, Prometheus is said to have carried the sacred fire from Olympus back …

Agonis fragrans Fragonia essential oil is an exciting new addition to the aromatherapist’s collection. It has only been available since 2006 but has rapidly gained popularity. Fragonia is distilled from the stems and branches of …