aromatics..

Aromatic oils extracted from flowers, fruits, leaves, barks, resins and roots have been used for many years for their healing properties and fragrances.
Hundreds of essential oils are used in modern world industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and perfumery.
This section on the site will explain some of the most common, versatile and safe oils. It will help you get to know their characters, origins, and will help you discover your favourite.


Please browse through the types of aromatics..

Basil Bay Benzoin Bergamot Cedarwood Chamomile Cinnamon Eucalyptus Fennel Frankincense

Geranium Hyssop Jasmine Juniper Lavender Lemon Myrrh Neroli Orange Parsley

Peppermint Pine Rose Rosemary Sage

Basil:

Origins

Basil was used in baths and body massage for its fragrant perfume. The Egyptians used the aromatic fragrance in their offerings to the gods and also mixed it with essences of myrrh and incense to embalm bodies.

Description

Native of Africa and the Seychelles and now grown as a culinary herb in Europe. The essence is taken from leaves and is a light greenish - yellow colour.

Therapeutic Effects

Ideal for nerve tonic, to lift fatigue, anxiety and depression.

Uses

Inhalation, baths and massage

Cautionary note

A powerful depressant if over-used. Also best to avoid during pregnancy.

Bay:

Origins

Roman emperors used this aromatic for a sign of wealth and to ward off evil spirits. Greeks chewed the leaves as a breath freshener.

Description

Popular as a culinary herb. The spicy smelling oil is extracted from the leaves of a yellowish brown color.

Therapeutic Effects

Helps relieve bronchitis, colds and flu.

Uses

Inhalation, baths and massage

Benzoin:

Origins

In the far east the gum from the benzoin tree was one of the main ingedients to drive away evil spirits.

Description

The benzoin tree is refined in Borneo, Java, Malaysia, Sumatra and Thailand. The Gum is taken from the bark and is a dark colour with reddish brown streaks.

Therapeutic Effects

Treating urinary infections, bronchitis, coughs and colds.

Uses

Inhalation, massage and in cough medicines.

Bergamot:

Origins

Morocco, it wasn't until bergamot rooted in Italy before its essential properties were recognized.

Description

The Bergamot tree belongs to the same family as the orange tree and the essential oil is expressed from the fresh peel of the fruit.

Therapeutic Effects

Powerful uplifting and refreshing action. As an antiseptic it has proved effective in the treatment of mouth and skin infections and sore throats.

Uses

Popular in perfumery. In massage it can stimulate or soothe depending on the oils which are mixed.

Cedarwood:

Origins

Used by the Egyptians in the embalming process. Originally it was made from the Lebanon cedar, but over felled for furniture, this is now very scarce and the red cedar is primarily used in its place.

Description

Grown in North Africa and the USA. Extracted from waste woods using steam.

Therapeutic Effects

Used for skin problems such as danduff, alopecia and eczema.

Uses

Inhalation and massage. Increase sexual response.

Cautionary note

Will irritate the skin in high concentrations.

Chamomile:

Origins

The Egyptians thought it was a sacred flower. It was used in ritual ceremonies and medically to stop fits and feaver.

Description

Grows throughout Europe, North Africa and often found growing wild. They have fine leaves with tiny white, yellow centred daisy like flowers.

Therapeutic Effects

Particularly noted for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.

Uses

Body, Bath and hair products for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon:

Origins

The Chinese beleived no remedy or treatment was complete without cinnamon. Used by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks and it was also mentioned in the old testament.

Description

Grown in the Far East, East Indies and China. The twigs and leaves are picked and distilled to produce a sweet, pungent and bitter aromatic oil, which is dark, yellow-brown in colour.

Therapeutic Effects

Useful for fatigue and depression.

Uses

Inhalation and massage. Burn to prevent the spread of flu virus.

Cautionary note

Use only with very low concentrations or under professional advice.

Eucalyptus:

Origins

One of the tallest trees in the world. It originated in Australia but later grew in Tasmania, China, USA, Brazil and the Mediterranean.

Description

Silvery, blue-green leaves produce a pale yellow oil which has a cool, camphorous smell.

Therapeutic Effects

Helpful for asthma, bronchitis, flu, sinusitis, skin infections, rheumatism and sores.

Uses

Baths, inhalation and massage.

Fennel:

Origins

The acient Greeks and Romans encouraged the strongly flavoured fennel seeds to give them strength.

Description

Found in Europe, often by the sea. Have a delicate bright green feathery foliage. The sweet oil is extracted from crushing the seeds.

Therapeutic Effects

Found to be effective for colic, constipation, digestive problems, kidney stones, nausea and obesity.

Uses

Massage.

Frankincense:

Origins

Used by the Egyptians to clear the air of sickrooms and during religous ceremonies to drive away the evil spirits. According to the bile it was given to the three Kings to celebrate the bith of Jesus.

Description

To make the gum a deep incision is made into the tree trunk which is found in Arabia and Africa.

Therapeutic Effects

Has uplifting effects and is an aid for concentration.

Uses

Inhalation, Bath and massage.

Geranium:

Origins

Geranium originates in Africa and was not brought to Europe until 1960. It was used in ancient times as a remedy for burns and wounds.

Description

Widely Grown throughout Europe, it reaches around two feet in height. There are hundreds of different species but only the aromatic pelargonium give rich yields of the sweet yellowy green essential oil.

Therapeutic Effects

Both sedative and uplifting, and so invaluable for treating nervous tension and depression.

Uses

Massaged or inhaled for its relaxing and refreshing qualities.

Hyssop:

Origins

Ancient alchemists used the powdered leaves and roots as a purgative and in ointments to spread over the stomach to combat worms.

Description

Hyssop has long stalks with narrow leaves and blue flowers. The oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers.

Therapeutic Effects

Hyssop is used for disorders of the cardiovascular system and is both stimulating and sedative. It can also reduce blood pressure.

Uses

Massage or inhale. Is also used in cough mixtures.

Cautionary note

Use only in extremely small quantities. Do not use during pregnancy.

Jasmine:

Origins

Ancient favourite of the Arabs, Indians and Chinese. Used for perfuming the body, scenting rooms and flavouring herbal teas.

Description

Its delicate white flowers produce a honey-sweet floral bouquet with fruity undertones. The deep red oil is produced by effleurage, and has an intense rich fragrance.

Therapeutic Effects

Jasmine is a good mood enhancer, lifting anxiety and depression.

Uses

Inhalation, bathing and massage.

Juniper:

Origins

Grown in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. This is a small shrub with aromatic leaves and berries. Was popular for burning in religious ceremonies.

Description

An evergreen bush with thick branches and narrow needle leaves. Both the berries and leaves have strong aromatic fragrances. The oil is extracted from the berries.

Therapeutic Effects

Diuretic and antiseptic, it is especially effective for the urinary tract and an excellent treatment for cystitis.

Uses

Inhalation, bathing and massage.

Lavender:

Origins

Lavender comes from the Roman word 'Lavare' meaning to wash. It was one of the favoured aromatics used by the Romans in their daily bathing ritual. Both Greeks and Romans burned lavender as a room purifier to ward off plague.

Description

An evergreen bush with thick branches and narrow needle leaves. Both the berries and leaves have strong aromatic fragrances. The oil is extracted from the berries.

Therapeutic Effects

Its Sedative and tonic effects are a great balancer of the nervous and emotional systems. Excellent for migraine.

Uses

Inhalation, bathing, room spray, and massage.

Lemon:

Origins

Early seafarers stocked up with fresh lemons before a long voyage to help prevent scurvy and to purify the ship's drinking water. Its astringent and antiseptic properties were valued in the first aid kit.

Description

The lemon tree is cultivated in most Mediterranean countries, Brazil, USA, Israel and Africa. The oil is extracted from the rind and peel of the fruit.

Therapeutic Effects

Highly antiseptic and astringent. Used for skin conditions and also good for lowering blood pressure.

Uses

Inhalation, bathing and massage.

Myrrh:

Origins

The Egyptians and the Greeks prized Myrrh as a precious commodity. It was used for both civilizations in worshipping their gods, celebrating rituals, cosmetics, perfumes and herbal treatments.

Description

A small tree, like a bush, myrrh is native in Arabia, Somalia, Ethiopia and other North African countries. The resin is distilled to produce viscous, yellow essential oil.

Therapeutic Effects

Anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Useful for bronchitis, catarrh, coughs and colds.

Uses

Inhalation and massage.

Neroli:

Origins

Neroli is believed to be discovered by the Romans. in 1680 it was used in bathing water.

Description

Neroli is also known as orange blossom. It comes from the white blossoms of the bitter orange tree which originated in China. The pale yellow oil is expensive to produce as it takes one ton of flowers to extract just 2 lb of oil.

Therapeutic Effects

Excellent sedative and anti-depressant. Also useful for dermatitis and dry skin.

Uses

Inhalation, baths and massage.

Orange:

Origins

China was the first home of the orange tree. Orange oils have long been prized for culinary, cosmetic and medical use.

Description

The sweet and the bitter oils are extracted by the cold pressing of fresh orange peel.

Therapeutic Effects

Orange is a tonic for anxiety and depression. It also stimulates the digestive system and is effective for constipation.

Uses

Baths and Massage.

Parsley:

Origins

A lot of folklore surrounds the parsley plant. It was a medieval belief that it grew in the garden only if the manor woman of the house was "honest". When chewed it would keep away the devil and reduced bad breath.

Description

Native to Asia Minor, it is now found all over the world. The highest content of oil comes from the ripe seeds but the leaves are also used in distillation. It has a warm, spicy smell and is used in many herbal perfumes and cosmetic products.

Therapeutic Effects

Used for kidney and urinary problems and water retention. Also high in Vitamin A which is essential for healthy hair, skin, teeth and eyes.

Uses
Used for massage.

Peppermint:

Origins

The Egyptians used this aromatic herb in flavouring wine and food. Culpeper recorded in the 17th century that it was the herb most useful for stomach complaints such as wind and vomiting.

Description

The leaves of pepper mint are shorted and broader than spearmint. A British classic, it has spread throughout the world.

Therapeutic Effects

Excellent for digestion and for skin disorders. Used for colds, flu, headaches and flatulence.

Uses
Inhalation, baths and massage.

Cautionary Note
For skin complaints do not use in a concentration of more than one per cent as it can cause irritation.

Pine:

Origins

The Scandinavians have traditonally used pine in the sauna or steam bath for its refreshing and antiseptic qualities.

Description

This species of conifer grows wild all over Europe, North America and the USSR. General pine oil comes from the heart of the wood but best essences are distilled from the pine needle.

Therapeutic Effects

Acts as an antiseptic and its particularly useful for treating the respiratory tract for bronchitis, colds and sinusitis.

Uses
Inhalation, baths and massage.

Rose:

Origins

The rose is loved for its fragrance, especially in the Roman times when it was used in scented baths and perfumes.

Description

The Damascena rose is cultivated in Bulgaria. It takes around five tons of blossoms to produce just 2lb (1kg) of oil and is not surprisingly one of the most expensive. Centifolia roses are cultivated in France, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt.

Therapeutic Effects

An aphrodisiac and mood enhancer. Is also a general tonic and fortifier, useful for circulatory problems and headaches.

Uses

Baths and massage. Also useful for pot pourri.

Rosemary:

Origins

Originally favoured by the Egyptians. It was also popular with the Greeks and Romans who believed it symbolized love and death.

Description

A small shrub that grows around 3 feet high. The colour of the leaves are a grey-green with pale blue-white flowers. The clear oil is steam distilled from the flowers and has a powerful warm aroma.

Therapeutic Effects

Helps with circulation and memory.

Uses

Baths and massage. When massaged, it stimulates the lymphatic system.

Cautionary Note

Use in low concentration, excessive doses can lead to epileptic fits or convulsions. Do not use in early pregnancy or if you have high blood pressure.

Sage:

Origins

Used by the Egyptians to help cure infertility in women. The Chinese have used it medicinally for centuries.

Description

Shrub like herbs with rough leaves. The oil is distilled from the dried leaves and has a powerful fresh fragrance.

Therapeutic Effects

Helps relieve bacterial infections, throat infections and water retention.

Uses

Used in baths and massage.

Cautionary Note

Use in low concentration, excessive doses can lead to epileptic fits. Avoid in early pregnancy.






Reference:
McGilvery, C and Reed, J (The Essential Aromatherapy Book, 1996, Anness Publishing Limited)



IMPORTANT

Visitors of this site should not consider the recommendations, ideas and techniques expressed and described on the site. This is only an information site and users should get advice from a qualified medical practitioner. It is at the users own risk to make use of any of these recommendations, ideas and techniques.