Category: Essential Oils

Bursera graveolens Palo Santo, the Sacred Wood, is a New World relative of Frankincense and Myrrh. It is at home in the seasonally dry forests found between the Yucatan Peninsula and the coastal regions of …

Pogostemon cablin There are few essential oils that provoke more extreme reactions -people either love Patchouli, or they hate it, there is no middle ground. Most of the time, Patchouli conjures up images of hippydom …

Mentha piperita Mints are sobering and clear-headed herbs, aloof, even. In mythology, they are descended from a nymph called Mentha, who had surrendered to Pluto’s desires. His jealous wife Persephone (or according to some accounts, …

Citrus aurantiumThe bitter orange tree is one of the most generous plants as far as its oil yield is concerned. It provides three different types of oils, each as wonderful as the next: Neroli, derives …

Pimenta dioica Pimento berries derive from a tropical member of the Myrtle family. It seems as though this tree couldn’t quite make up its mind as to how it wanted to smell and so combined …

Pinus sylvestris Pines embody the essence of resilience and determination, an arboreal image of ‘mind over matter’. Growing among rocks and stones in inhospitable places where there is almost no soil, exposed to wind and …

Ravensara aromatica ‘Good Leaf’ is what the locals call this plant. Ravensara is a wonderful fragrant tree native to the montane rainforest of Madagascar. Its bark, leaves and nuts all emit a scent resembling that …

Rosa centifolia No other flower has inspired as much poetry, lyrics, love or longing, and no other flower expresses them better. Rose worship flourished 5000 years ago and it never much let up. Her scent …

Rosemarinus officinalis Rosemary carries the energy of a stern teacher. Although it is an herb of the sun, it is not bright and sunny, but rather, serves as a constant reminder of our highest consciousness …

Salvia lavendulaefolia ‘Sage, the saviour’ has been revered since time immemorial. The Latin name ‘Salvia’ derives from ‘salvere’ – to be well, and an old Latin proverb asks: ‘Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in …

Santalum album Sandalwood, the holiest of holies, the most sacred of trees, has been revered throughout the ages. Its heartwood produces a most valuable essential oil, widely sought after for incense, perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy. …

Mentha spicata Few herbs produce as many variants as the mint family and each tastes, smells and acts a little bit different. Spearmint is delightful, much less harsh and pungent than the more commonly used …

Nardostachys jatamansiA sacred healing herb of old – Spikenard was considered precious even in Biblical times when Mary Magdalene used it to anoint Jesus’ feet at the last supper. No wonder it was precious, coming …

Picea mariana Black Spruce is a North American Pine species, abundant in Canada and the northeastern United States. Newfoundland even proclaimed it as its ‘provincial tree’ – an iconic species chosen to represent the province. …

Citrus reticulata Tangerines, Mandarines, Mandarine-Oranges or Clementines? It is not always easy to determine which is which. The bright orange fruits are all subspecies of Mandarines, but each has its unique taste and aroma. Tangerines …

Tanacetum annum A member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae), Blue Tansy is at home in the arid regions of the southwestern Mediterranean Basin. Also known as Moroccan Chamomile, it is cultivated in northern Morocco and …

Melaleuca alternifoliaTea Tree oil is relatively new to aromatherapy, but what an impact it has had since its debut. Tea tree is without a doubt one of the most widely used essential oils and one …

Thymus vulgaris The least conspicuous plants are often the most precious. Thyme creeps low across the ground, closely hugging the body of Mother Earth and clothing her in fragrant robes. Yet, its tiny leaves are …

Polianthes tuberosa Tuberose is a seductive queen of sensual delight, who sends out her sweet enchanting scent into the night, a call for love and enthralling sensual pleasures. Tuberose, a native of the New World, …

Valeriana officinalisPliny aptly named this herb ‘Phu’, a most descriptive term to summarise its scent. However, only the dried root smells ‘phu’, and even here, it must be said, tastes differ: cats, rats and even …