ANGELICA ROOT OIL

ANGELICA ROOT OIL (Angelica archangelica) The oil is distilled from the dried roots of Angelica Archangelica, a tall plant which is cultivated in Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Hungary, and Northern India. Angelica Root Oil is a water-white or pale yellow to orange-brown coloured liquid. Its colour and viscosity varies according to the root material used for distillation and according to the age of the oil. The oil has light, somewhat peppery topnote. Beneath the peppery topnote grows a rich, somewhat herbaceous-earthy, woody-bodynote of unique tenacitiy and great diffuse power. The note is also musky-animal-like with a spicy undernote. Various lactones, occurring in trace amounts in the oil, are held responsible for these special effects of the oil and for the synergistic effect it imparts to other perfume materials in composition. Angelica Root Oil is very highly esteemed in perfumer and flavour work. In flavours, the oil finds wide application in liqueurs, particularly those of the Cointreau" type. ANGELICA SEED OIL (Angelica archangelica) The oil is distilled by steam from the seeds (fruits) of the same plant which yields angelica roots. The seeds are produced in the third year of growth. The plant is cultivated in Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Hungary, and Northern India. The oil is a water-white or very pale yellow, mobile oil of strong, fresh, light and peppery odour. The topnote is distinctly terpene-like, at time almost harsh in its roughness, but also quite characteristic and there is less woodiness, less earthiness in the seed oil than in the root oil. The flavour is somewhat pungent, terpene-like, but quite powerful. Angelica Seed Oil was initially used in chypres, fougeres and similar complex fragrances. It has also been used in Continental types of toothpaste flavours. The main constituent is a monoterpene Phellandrene which is prone to polymerise or resinify when the oil is improperly stored. Cool, dark, and dry storage in well-filled small containers of glass is recommended. ANISE OIL (Pimpinella anisum) True Anise Oil is steam distilled from the dried and crushed fruits (seeds) of the annual herb, Pimpinella anisum. The herb originated in the Near East, and is now cultivated in many countries, also in Hungary. Only a few of these countries produce Anise Oil. Anise Oil is a water-white or very pale yellow liquid of intensely sweet and clean odour, truly reminiscent of crushed fruit. A very common description is that of "licorice odour". Anise Oil and its derivatives are used as flavouring ingredients in licorice candy. The flavour of Anise Oil is also sweet, soft and mild, although, at the same time, it is quite rich and powerful in effect. It is used mainly in flavours. It is an important ingredient in the flavouring of licorice candy, cough-drops, baked goods, pharmaceutical preparations, liqueurs, brandies ("raki" in Turkey, "anisette" in France and overseas French territories), spice blends, canned foods, pickles, etc. It is also used in certain types of tobacco flavour, e.g. pipe tobaccos. In perfumes, the oil finds some use as a masking agent for obnoxious odours such as hydrogen sulfide, e.g. in cold-wave preparations and depilatories. It is also useful for masking the odour of Cod Liver Oil and other rancid odours, particularly in combination with sweet Orange Oil and Coumarin. BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A tender annual herb, with very dark green, ovate leaves, greyish-green beneath, an erect square stem up to 60 cms high, bearing whorls of two-lipped greenish or pinky-white flowers. The whole plant has a powerful aromatic scent. DISTRIBUTION Native to tropical Asia and Africa, it is now widely cultivated throughout Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Pacific Islands, North and South America. The European, French or ’true’ sweet basil oil is produced in France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, Hungary and the USA. HERBAL/FOLKS TRADITION Widely used in Far Eastern medicine especially in the Ayurvedic tradition, where it is called tulsi. It is used for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, ’flu and emphysema but is also used as an antidote to poisonous insect or snake bites. It has also been used against epidemics and fever, such as malaria. It improves blood circulation and the digestive system and in China it is used for stomach and kidney ailments. In the West it is considered a ’cooling’ herb, and is used for rheumatic pain, irritable skin conditions and for those of a nervous disposition. It is a popular culinary herb, especially in Italy and France. ACTIONS Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, nervine, prophylactic, restorative, stimulant of adrenal cortex, stomachic, tonic. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the flowering herb. CHARACTERISTICS ’True’ sweet basil oil is a colourless or pale yellow liquid with a light, fresh sweet-spicy scent and balsamic undertone. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, lime opopanax, oakmoss, citronella, geranium, hyssop and other ’green’ notes. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS Linalol (40-45 per cent), methyl chavicol (23,8 per cent) and small amounts of eugenol, limonene and citronellol, among others. SAFETY DATA Relatively non-tonic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. Avoid during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE SKIN CARE: Insect bites (mosquito, wasp) , insect repellent. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Gout, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Bronchitis, coughs, earache, sinusitis. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea. GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cramps, scanty periods. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, fever, ’flu, infectious disease. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension: ’Oil of Basil is an excellent, indeed perhaps the best, aromatic nerve tonic. It clears the head, relieves intellectual fatigue, and gives the mind strength and clarity. OTHER USES: The oil is used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumery; it is also used extensively in major food categories, especially savouries. BERGAMOT (Citrus bergamia) DESCRIPTION Citrus Bergamia is a small tree about 4.5m high with smooth oval leaves. It belongs to the same family as the orange tree. The essential oil comes from the small round fruits which ripen from green to yellow, similar to oranges in appearance. The Rutacaea family is extremely large covering over 30 genera. DISTRIBUTION Native to Morocco and tropical Asia it is grown commercially in the Ivory Coast and is extensively cultivated in Calabria in Southern Italy. It was first cultivated around Bergamo, from where it takes its name. HISTORY / TRADITIONS The fruit has been used for hundreds of years in Italian folk medicine however the fruit was unknown outside Italy and the fruit was not exported until recent times. The oil was primarily used for the treatment of fever and intestinal worms. EXTRACTION The essential oil is produced by cold expression of the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. Although there have been many oils produce by mechanical processes the best quality oil remains that which is produced by hand. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The oil is a light greenish yellow liquid with an uplifting citrus aroma and balsamic overtones. On aging the oil turns to a brownish olive colour. The oil is known to have about 300 components the main being linalyl acetate 30-60%; linalol 11-22% and other alcohols, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, alkanes, and furocoumarins 0.3-0.39% AROMATHERAPY USES Bergamot oil has a strong affinity for the urinary tract and is valuable in the treatment of cystitis and urethritis. It should be used in the bath or as a local wash at a 1% dilution. In helping with mental and psychological states Bergamot is most valuable for its uplifting effects. For tension anxiety or depression bergamot should be used in a massage oil or in a dally bath. The fragrance blends well with lavender, neroli, jasmine, geranium, chamomile, lemon, cypress and juniper. bergamot can be used in the treatment of tensions causing dietary problems such as over and under eating. The antiseptic qualities of Bergamot make it ideal for the treatment of skin complaints such as acne, oily skin and all infections of the skin. Bergamot is cooling in feverish conditions and has effective insect repellent properties. Bergamot has an inhibiting effect on certain viruses in particular Herpes simplex 1 which causes cold sores. Bergamot will also allay the pain of shingles and ease chicken pox in small children. OTHER USES Bergamot is used extensively as a fragrance and is also found in toiletries and cologne. SAFETY DATA Certain furocumarins (including bergapten found in Bergamot) are photo toxic on human skin. This causes sensitivity and skin pigmentation when exposed to sunlight. Therefore exercise caution when using Bergamot in sunny weather. Bergamot should never be used undiluted on the skin. Severe burning may result. BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum) DESCRIPTION A perennial woody vine up to 5m (16ft) high with heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers. The berries turn from red to black as they mature black pepper is the dried, fully grown, unripe fruit. ETHENOMEDICINAL PRACTICE Both black and white pepper have been used in the East for over 4,000 years for medicinal and culinary purposes. In Chinese medicine, white pepper is used to treat malaria, cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea, stomach-ache and other digestive problems. In Greece it is used for intermittent fever and to fortify the stomach. The mendicant monks of India who cover daily considerable distances on foot, swallow 7 - 9 grains of pepper a day. This gives them remarkable endurance. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the black peppercorns, dried and crushed. ('Light' and 'heavy' oils are produced by the extraction of the low or high boiling fractions respectively). An oleoresin is also produced by solvent extraction, mainly for flavour use. CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSTITUENTS A water - white to pale olive mobile liquid with a fresh, dry-woody, warm, spicy scent. It blends well with frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, marjoram, spices and florals (in minute quantities). Mainly monoterpenes (70 - 80%): thujene, pinene, camphene, sabinene, careen, myrcene, limonene, phellandrene; and sesquiterpenes (20 - 30%) and oxygenated compounds. Mainly piperene, which is identical in composition to morphia, volatile oil, a resin called Chavicin. ACTIONS AND USES Analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aperitif, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, stimulant (nervous circulatory, digestive), stomachic, tonic. Used in certain tonic and rubefacient preparations. Used for unusual effects in perfumery work; for example, with rose or carnation in oriental or floral fragrances. The oil and oleoresin are used extensively in the food industry, as well as in the food industry, as well as in alcoholic drinks. Aromatic, stimulant, carminative is set to possess febrifuge properties. It will correct flatulence and nausea. It has also been used in vertigo, paralytic and arthritic disorders. Used to overcome obstinate constipation of dyspeptics. CALAMUS (Acorus calamus va. Angustatus) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A reed like aquatic plant about 1 metre high, with sword-shaped leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers. It grows on the margins of lakes and streams with the long-branched rhizome immersed in the mud. The whole plant is aromatic. DISTRIBUTION Native to India; the oil is mainly produced in India and Russia and to a lesser extent in Europe. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION The name derives from the Greek calamos meaning ’reed’. The properties of the herb are mainly due to the aromatic oil, contained largely in the root. It used to be highly esteemed as an aromatic stimulant and tonic for fever (typhoid), nervous complaints, vertigo, headaches, dysentery, etc. It is still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, for ’acute and chronic dyspepsia, gastritis, intestinal colic, anorexia, gastric ulcer.’ In Turkey and especially in India (where it is valued as a traditional medicine), it is sold as a candied rhizome for dyspepsia, bronchitis and coughs. ACTIONS Anticonvulsant, antiseptic, bactericidal, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, hypotensive, insecticide, spasmolytic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the rhizomes (and sometimes the leaves). CHARACTERISTICS A thick, pale yellow liquid with a strong, warm, woody-spicy fragrance; poor quality oils have a camphoraceous note. It blends well with cananga, cinnamon, labdanum, olibanum, patchouli, cedarwood, amyris, spice and oriental bases. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS Beta-asarone (amounts vary depending on source: the Indian oil contains up to 80 per cent, the Russian oil a maximum of 6 per cent), also calamene, calamol, calamenene, eugenol and shyobunones. SAFETY DATA Oral toxin. The oil of calamus is reported to have carcinogenic properties. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE None. ’Should not be used in therapy, whether internally or externally.’ OTHER USES Extensively used in cosmetic and perfumery work, in woody / oriental / leather perfumes and to scent hair powders and tooth powders in the same way as orris. Calamus and its derivatives (oil, extracts, etc.) are banned from use in foods. CARAWAY OIL (Carum carvi) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A biennial herb up to 0,75 metres high with a much-branched stem, finally cut leaves and umbels of white flowers, with a thick and tapering root. The small seeds are curved with five distinct pale ridges. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and western Asia; naturalised in North America. Now widely cultivated especially in Holland, Poland, Hungary and Egypt. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Used extensively as a spice, especially in bread, cakes and cheeses. Traditional remedy for dyspepsia, intestinal colic, menstrual cramps, poor appetite, laryngitis and bronchitis. It promotes milk secretion and is considered specific for flatulent colic in children, according to the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. ACTIONS: Antihistaminic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aperitif, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, larvicidal, stimulant, spasmolytic, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge. EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried ripe seed or fruit (approx. 2-8 per cent yield). CHARACTERISTICS: Crude caraway oil is a pale yellowish-brown liquid with a harsh, spicy odour. The redistilled oil is colourless to pale yellow, with a strong, warm, sweet-spicy odour, like rye bread. It blends well with jasmine, cinnamon, cassia and other spices; however, it is very overpowering. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly carvone (50-60 per cent) and limonene (40 per cent), with carveol, dihydrocarveol, dihydrocarvone, pinene, phellandrene, among others. SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-sensitising, may cause dermal irritation in concentration. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Respiratory system: bronchitis, coughs, laryngitis. Digestive system: dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, gastric spasm, nervous indigestion, poor appetite. See also sweet fennel and dill. Immune system: Colds. OTHER USES: Used in carminative, stomachic and laxative preparations and as a flavour ingredient in pharmaceuticals; also to mask unpleasant tastes and odorous. Fragrance component in toothpaste, mouthwash products, cosmetics and perfumes. Extensively used as a flavour ingredient in most major food categories, especially condiments. The German brandy 'Kummel' is made from the seeds. GARLIC (Allium sativum) GENERAL DESCRIPION A strongly scented perennial herb up to 1,2 metres high with long, flat, firm leaves and whitish flowering stems. The bulb is made up of several cloves pressed together within a thin white skin. DISTRIBUTION It is said to have originated in south west Siberia and then spread to Europe and Central Asia. It is naturalised in North America and cultivated worldwide. Major oil-producing countries include Egypt, Bulgaria, France, China, Germany and Japan. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION It has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal virtues: for respiratory and urinary tract infections; digestive disorders and infestations; skin eruptions; heart disease, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, as well as epidemics and fever. It was used in the First World War for preventing gangrene and sepsis. It has a high reputation in the East: in China it is used for diarrhoea, dysentery, tuberculosis, diphtheria, hepatitis, ringworm, typhoid and trachoma, among others. It is also held in high regard in the West: specific in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for chronic bronchitis. Its properties have been attested to by modern experimental and clinical research. ACTIONS Amoebicidal, anthelmintic, antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitoxic, antitumour, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, hypocholesterolemic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, fungicidal, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, insecticidal, larvicidal, promotes leucocytosis, stomachic, tonic. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the fresh crushed bulbs. CHARACTERISTICS A colourless to pale yellow mobile liquid with a strong, unpleasant, familiar garlic-like odour. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE Due to its unpleasant and pervasive smell, the oil is not often used externally. However, the capsules may be taken internally according to the instructions on the label for respiratory and gastro-intestinal infections, urinary tract infections such as cystitis, heart and circulatory problems, and to fight infectious diseases in general. OTHER USES The oil is made into capsules and also included in many health food products mainly to help reduce high blood pressure and protect against heart disease. Extensively employed as a flavour ingredient in most major food categories, especially savouries. CARROT SEED OIL (Daucus Carota) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Annual or biennial herb, with a small, inedible tough whitish root. It has a much-branched stem up to 1,5 metres high with hairy leaves and umbels of white lacy flowers. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa; naturalised in North America. The essential oil is mainly produced in France, Holland and Hungary. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A highly nutritious plant, containing substantial amounts of Vitamins A, C, B1 and B2. The roots have a strong tonic action on the liver and gall bladder, good for the treatment of jaundice and other complaints. The seeds are used for the retention of urine, colic, kidney and digestive disorders, and to promote menstruation. In the Chinese tradition it is used to treat dysentery and to expel worms. The dried leaves are current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for calculus, gout, cystitis and lithuria. ACTIONS: Anthelmintic, antiseptic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant, tonic, vasodilatory and smooth muscle relaxant. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried fruit (seeds). CHARACTERISTICS: A yellow or amber-coloured liquid with a warm, dry, woody-earthy odour. It blends well with costus, cassie, mimosa, cedarwood, geranium, citrus and spice oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Pinene, carotol, daucol, limonene, bisabolene, elemene, geraniol, geranyl acetate, caryphyllene, among others. SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitising. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, revitalising and toning, mature complexions, wrinkles. Circulation, muscles and joints: Accumulation of toxins, arthritis, gout, oedema, rheumatism. Digestive system: Anaemia, anorexia, colic, indigestion, liver congestion. Genito-urinary and endocrine systems: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, glandular problems, PMT. OTHER USES: Fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. Flavour ingredient in most major food categories, especially seasonings. CHAMOMILE BLUE OIL (Matricaria recutica) BOTANICAL NAME: Matricaria recutica. Also called M. chamomilla, camomile, blue chamomile, matricaria, Hungarian chamomile, sweet false chamomile, single chamomile, chamomile blue (oil). GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual, strongly aromatic herb, up to 60 cms tall with a hairless, erect, branching stem. It has delicate feathery leaves and simple daisy-like white flowers on single stems. In appearance it is very similar to the corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) but can be distinguished from it because the latter is scentless. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and north and west Asia; naturalised in North America and Australia. It is cultivated extensively, especially in Hungary and Eastern Europe, where the oil is produced. OTHER SPECIES: There are many varieties of chamomile, such as the pineapple weed (Chamaemelium suaveolens) and the Roman chamomile (C. nobile), both of which are used to produce an essential oil. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: This herb has a long-standing medicinal tradition, especially in Europe for 'all states of tension and the visceral symmptoms that can arise therefrom, such as nervous dyspepsia and nervous bowel, tension headaches, and sleeplessness, especially useful for all children's conditions, calming without depressing...' An excellent skin care remedy, it has many of the same qualities as Roman chamomile, expect that its anti-inflammatory properties are greater due to the higher percentage of azulene. ACTIONS: Analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti.inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispamodic, bactericidal, carlminative, cicatrisant, cholagogue, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, fungicidal, hepatic, nerve sedativ, stimulant of leucocyte production, stomachic, sudorific, vermifuge, vulnerary. CHARACTERISTICS: An inky-blue viscous liquid with strong, sweetish warm-herbaceous odour. It blends well with geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, benzoin, neroli, bergamot, marjoram, lemon, ylang ylang, jasmine, clary sage and labdanum. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Chamazulene, farnesene, bisabolol oxide, en-yndicycloether, among others. (NB The chamazulene is not present in the fresh flower but is only produced during the process of destillation.) SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant; causes dermatitis in some individuals. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Acne, allergies, boils, burns, cuts, chilblains, dermatitis, earache, eczema, hair care, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin, teething pain, toothache, wounds. Circulation, muscles and joints: Arthritis, inflamed joints, muscular pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains. Digestive system: Dyspepsia, colic, indigestion, nausea. genito-urinary system: Dysmenorrhoea, menopausal problems, menorrhagia. Nervous system: Headache, insomnia, nervous tension, migraine and stress-related complaints. OTHER USES: Used in pharmaceutical antiseptic ointments and in carminative, antispasmodic and tonic preparations. Extensively used in cosmetics, soaps, detergents, high-class perfumes and hair and bath products. used as a flavour ingredient in most major food categaroies, including alcoholic and soft drinks. CHAMOMILE ROMAN OIL (Anthemis nobilis) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A small, stocky, perennial herb, up to 25cms high, with a much-branched hairy stem, half spreading or creeping. It has feathery pinnate leaves, daisy-like white flowers that are larger than those of the German chamomile. The whole plant has an applelike-scent. DISTRIBUTION: Native to southern and western Europe, naturalised in North America. Cultivated in England, Belgium, Hungary, United States, Italy and France. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: This herb has a medical reputation in Europe and especially in the Mediterranean region for over 2OOO years, and it is still in widespread use. ACTIONS: Analgesic, anti-anaemic, antineuralgic, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, hypnotic, nerve sedative, stonathic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation of the flower heads. CHARACTERISTICS: A pale blue liquid with a warm, sweet, fruity-herbaceous scent. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, oakmoss, jasmine, labdanum, neroli, rose, geranium and lavender. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly esters of angelic and tiglic acids (approx. 85 per cent), with pinene, farnesol, nerolidol, chamazulene, pinocarvone, cineol, among others. SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant; can cause dermatitis in some individuals. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: See Chamomile Blue,Oil. CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) ORIGINS The Chinese believed that no remedy or treatment was complete without cinnamon. It is one of the oldest spices known-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, cinnamon has a distinctive hot, peppery aroma and taste. The twigs and leaves are picked and distilled to produce a sweet, pungent and bitter aromatic oil, which is a dark yellow-brown in colour. Its warm, spicy essence is often used in perfumery. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS Useful for fatigue and depression, it is also a tonic for the respiratory and digestive systems, especially useful for coughs, colds, flu, stomach ache and diarrhoea. An aphrodisiac, it may also help impotence. USES Inhalation and massage. Burn to prevent the spread of flu virus, or add bark or oil to spice up a pot pourri. To relieve muscular spasms use in a compress or massage. CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon nardus) DESCRIPTION A tall, aromatic, perennial grass, which has derived from the wild - growing 'managrass' found in Sri Lanka. ETHENOMEDICINAL PRACTICE It is used in Chinese traditional medicine for rheumatic pain. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation of the fresh, part - dried or dried grass. (The Java citronella yields twice as much oil as the Sri Lanka type.) CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSTITUENTS A yellow-brown, mobile liquid with a fresh, powerful, lemony scent. The Java oil is colourless to pale yellow with a fresh, woody-sweet fragrance; it is considered of superior quality in perfumery work. It blends well with geranium, lemon, bergamot, orange, cedarwood and pine. Mainly geraniol (up to 45 % in the Java oil), citronella (up to 50% in the Java oil) with geranyl acetate, limonene and camphene, among others. The Sri Lanka variety contains more monoterpene hydrocarbons. ACTIONS AND USES Antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, fungicidal, insecticide, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge. Extensively used in soaps, detergents, household goods and industrial perfumes. Employed in insect repellent formulations against moths, ants, fleas, etc., for use in the home and in the garden. The Sri Lanka oil is used in most major food categories, including alcoholic and soft drinks. CLARY SAGE (Salvia sclarea) GENERAL DESCRIPTION Stout biennial or perennial herb up to 1 metre high with large, hairy leaves, green with a hint of purple, and small blue flowers. DISTRIBUTION Native to southern Europe; cultivated worldwide especially in the Mediterranean region. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION This herb, highly esteemed in the Middle Ages, has now largely fallen out of use. It was used for digestive disorders, kidney disease, uterine and menstrual complaints, for cleansing ulcers and as a general nerve tonic. The mucilage from the seeds was used for treating tumours from the seeds was used for treating tumours and for removing dust particles from the eyes. Like garden sage, it cools inflammation and is especially useful for throat and respiratory infections. ACTIONS Anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, regulator (of seborrhoea), sedative, stomachic, tonic, uterine. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the flowering tops and leaves. CHARACTERISTICS A colourless or pale yellowy-green liquid with a sweet, nutty-herbaceous scent. It blends well with juniper, lavender, coriander, cardomon, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, pine, labdanum, jasmine, frankincense, bergamot and other citrus oils. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE SKIN CARE: Acne, boils, dandruff, hair loss, inflamed conditions, oily skin and hair, ophthalmia, ulcers, wrinkles. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: High blood pressure, muscular aches and pains. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, throat infections, whooping cough. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence. GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Amenorrhoea, labour pain, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Depression, frigidity, impotence, migraine, nervous tension and stress-related disorders. OTHER USES The oil and absolute are used as fragrance components and fixatives in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. The oil is used extensively by the food and drink industry, especially in the production of wines with a muscatel flavour. CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum) DESCRIPTION A slender evergreen tree with a smooth grey trunk, up to 12m (39ft) high. It has large bright green leaves standing in pairs on short stalks. At the start of the rainy season long buds appear with a rosy - pink corolla at the tip; as the corolla fades the calyx slowly turns deep red. These are beaten from the tree and, when dried, provide the cloves of commerce. The flowers have a strong refreshing odour if the seed are allowed to mature, most of the pungency is lost. Each berry has only one seed. The trees fruit usually about eight or nine years after planting. The whole tree is highly aromatic. The finest cloves come from Mallacca and Pemba and also East & West Indies, Mauritius and Brazil. ETHENOMEDICINAL PRACTICE It is used as a domestic spice world-wide. Tincture of cloves has been used for skin infections (scabies, athlete's foot); for digestive upsets; to dress the umbilical cord; for intestinal parasites; to ease the pain of childbirth (steeped in wine); and notably for toothache. The tea is used to relieve nausea. In Chinese medicine the oil is used for diarrhoea, hernia, bad breath and bronchitis as well as for those conditions mentioned above. EXTRACTION Essential oil by water distillation from 1. the buds and 2. the leaves and by steam distillation from 3. the stalks or stems. A concrete, absolute and oleoresin are also produced from the buds in small quantities. CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSTITUENTS 1. Clove bud is a pale yellow liquid with a sweet - spicy odour and a fruity-fresh top note. The bud oil is favoured in perfumery work. It blends well with rose, lavender, vanillin, clary sage, bergamot, bay leaf, lavandin, allspice, ylang-ylang and cananga. 2. Clove leaf is dark brown oil with a crude, burnt-woody odour. 3. Clove stem oil is a pale yellow liquid with a strong spicy-woody odour. 1. Bud: 60-90% eugenol, eugenol acetate, caryophyllene and other minor constituents. 2. Leaf : 82-88% eugenol with little or no eugenol acetate, and other minor constituents. 3. Stem: 90-95% eugenol, with other minor constituents. Volatile oil, gallotannic acid, two crystalline principles - Caryophyllin, which is odourless and appears to be a phylosterol, Eugenin; gum, resin, fibre. ACTIONS AND USES Anthelminthic, antibiotic, anti-emetic, antihistaminic, antirheumatic, antineuralgic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, carminative, counter-irritant, expectorant, larvicidal, spasmolytic, stimulant, stomachic, vermifuge. Used in dental preparations, and as a fragrance component in toothpastes, soaps, toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes. Extensively employed as a flavour ingredient in major food categories, alcoholic and soft drinks. Used in the production of printing ink, glue and varnish; clove leaf oil is used as the starting material for the isolation of eugenol. The most stimulating and carminative of all aromatics; given in powder or infusion for nausea, nemesis, flatulence, languid indigestion and dyspepsia, and used chiefly to assit the action of other medicines. It is a strong germicide, a powerful antiseptic, a feeble local anaesthetic applied to decayed teeth, and has been used with success as a stimulating expectorant in phthises and bronchial troubles. CORIANDER LEAF OIL (Coriandrum Sativum) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A strongly aromatic annual herb about 1 metre high with bright green delicate leaves, umbels of lacelike white flowers, followed by a mass or green, round seeds. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and western Asia; naturalised in North America. Cultivated throughout the world, the oil is mainly produced in the USSR. OTHER SPECIES: Various chemotypes of the same species are found according to geographical location. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb with a long history of use the seeds were found in the ancient Egyptian tomb of Rameses II. The seeds and leaves are widely used as a granish and domestic spice, especially in curries. It has been used therapeutically, mainly in the form of an infusion for children s diarrhoea, digestive upsets, griping pains, anorexia and flatulence. In Chinese medicine the whole herb is used for dysentery, piles, measles, nausea, toothache and for painful hernia. ACTIONS: Analgesic, aperitif, aphrodisiac, anti-oxidant, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, depurative, digestive, carminative, cytotoxic, fungicidal, larvicidal, lipolytic, revitalizing, stimulant (cardiac, circulatory, nervous system), stomachic. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the crushed ripe seeds. An essential oil is also produced by steam distillation from the fresh and dried leaves. CORIANDER SEED OIL (Coriandrum Sativum) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A strongly aromatic annual herb about 1 metre high with bright green delicate leaves, umbels of lacelike white flowers, followed by a mass or green, round seeds. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and western Asia; naturalised in North America. Cultivated throughout the world, the oil is mainly produced in the USSR. OTHER SPECIES: Various chemotypes of the same species are found according to geographical location. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb with a long history of use the seeds were found in the ancient Egyptian tomb of Rameses II. The seeds and leaves are widely used as a granish and domestic spice, especially in curries. It has been used therapeutically, mainly in the form of an infusion for children s diarrhoea, digestive upsets, griping pains, anorexia and flatulence. In Chinese medicine the whole herb is used for dysentery, piles, measles, nausea, toothache and for painful hernia. ACTIONS: Analgesic, aperitif, aphrodisiac, anti-oxidant, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, depurative, digestive, carminative, cytotoxic, fungicidal, larvicidal, lipolytic, revitalizing, stimulant (cardiac, circulatory, nervous system), stomachic. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the crushed ripe seeds. An essential oil is also produced by steam distillation from the fresh and dried leaves. CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, woody-spicy, slightly musky fragrance. It blends well with clary sage, bergamot, jasmine, olibanum, neroli, petitgrain, citronella, sandalwood, cypress, pine, ginger, cinnamon and other spice oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: mainly linalol (55-75 per cent), decyl aldehyde, borneol, geraniol, carvone, anethole, among others, constituents, vary according to source. SAFETY DATA: Generally non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Stupefying in large doses-use in moderation. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Circulation, muscles and joints: Accumulation of fluids or toxins, arthritis, gout, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, stiffness. Digestive system: Anorexia, colic, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, piles, spasm. Immune system: Colds, flu, infections (general), measles. Nervous system: Debility, migraine, neuralgia, nervous exhaustion. OTHER USES: Used as a flavouring agent in pharmaceutical preparations, especially digestive remedies. Used as a fragrance component in soaps, toiletries and perfumes. Employed by the food industry especially in meat products and to flavour liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Benedictine; also used for flavouring tobacco. DILL SEED OIL (Anethum sowa) Dill Seed Oil is steam distilled from the crushed dried, mature fruit of Anethum graveolens. It is cultivated in the USA, Hungary, Holland, Italy, England, Germany, India, and Pakistan. Dill Seed Oil is pale yellow or almost colourless (when fresh) and very mobile. Its odour is light and fresh, warm-spicy and reminiscent of caraway and spearmint, although less sharp. The taste is warm, slightly burning, but pleasant and powerfully aromatic-sweet. Dill seed is extremely popular in Sweden where many types of bread are flavoured with the seed. The American "rye bread" is flavoured with Caraway Oil or Carvone. DILL WEED OIL (Anethum graveolens) Dill Weed Oil also known as Dill Herb Oil. The dill plant, Anethum Graveolens, is one of the many umbellifers which supply us with culinary herb material. The plant grows wild in most parts of Europe, the Middle East up to southern Russia, all around the Mediterranean Sea widely in India and Fareast Asia, in Italy and in Kenya. In most of these areas, it is harvested for use as dry botanical material. In England and Hungary. The plant is distinguished by having yellow flowers in contrast to the white flowers of most other umbelliferes. Dill Weed Oil is distilled from the partially dried, fully grown herb which is harvested immediately prior to maturity of the seed. Dill Weed Oil is an almost colorless or pale yellow mobile liquid with a powerful and fresh, sweet spicy, peppery and aromatic odor, reminiscent of elemi oil, spearmint oil, citrus oils, with a sweet, nutmeg like backnote. The taste is warm and slightly burning, but pleasant and not pungent although very peppery and spicy, with a faint anisic backnote. EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) DESCRIPTION A beautiful, tall, evergreen tree, up to 90 metres high. The young trees have bluish-green oval leaves while the mature trees develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy-white flowers and a smooth, pale grey hark often covered in a white powder. HISTORY / TRADITIONS A traditional household remedy in Australia, the leaves and oil are especially used for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and croup, and the dried leaves are smoked like tobacco for asthma. It is also used for feverish conditions (malaria, typhoid, cholera, etc.) and skin problems like burns, ulcers and wounds. Aqueous extracts are used for aching joints, bacterial dysentery, ringworms, tuberculosis, etc. and employed for similar reasons in western and eastern medicine. The wood is also used for timber production in Spain. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs. DETAILS OF OIL A colorless mobile liquid (yellows on ageing), with a somewhat harsh camphoraceous odour and woody-sweet undertone. It blends well with thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, cedarwood and lemon. (The narrow-leaved eucalyptus (F. radiata var. australiana) is often used in preference to the blue gum in aromatherapy work, being rich in cineol but with a sweeter and less harsh odour.) PROPERTIES SKIN CARE: Burns, blisters, cuts, herpes, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, skin infections, wounds. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, etc. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections. GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cystitis, leucorrhoea. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Chickenpox, colds, epidemics, 'flu, measles. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Debility, headaches, neuralgia. OTHER USES The oil and cineol are largely employed in the preparation of liniments, inhalants, cough syrups, ointments, toothpaste and as pharmaceutical flavourings also used in veterinary practise and dentistry. Used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents and toiletries - little used in perfumes. Used for the isolation of cineol and employed as a flavour ingredient in most major food categories. PHYSICAL EFFECTS Analgesic, anti neuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary. CONTRA INDICATIONS Externally non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing. 'When taken internally eucalyptus oil is toxic and as little as 3.Sml has been reported as fatal'. COMPONENTS Cineol (70-85 per cent), pinene, limonene, cymene, phellandrene, terpinene, aromadendrene, among others. FENNEL OIL (Foeniculum vulgare) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Biennial or perennial herb up to 2 metres high, with feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers. There are two main varieties of fennel: bitter or common Fennel, slightly taller with less divided leaves occurring in a cultivated or wild form and sweet fennel (also known as Roman, garden or French fennel) which is always cultivated. DISTRIBUTION: Bitter fennel is native to the Mediterranean region, found growing wild in France, Spain, Portugal and North Africa. It is cultivated extensively world-wide, the main oil producers being Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Italy and India. Sweet fennel is thought to have originated on the island of Malta, having been introduced by monks or crusaders thousands of years ago. It is now grown principally in France, Italy and Greece. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb of ancient medical repute, believed to convey longevity, courage and strength. It was also used to ward off evil spirits, strengthen the eyesight and to neutralize poisons. In eastern and western herbalism it is considered good for obstructions of the liver, spleen and gall bladder and for digestive complaints such as colic, indigestion, nausea and flatulence (an ingredient of children's 'gripe water'). It has traditionally been used for obesity, which may be due to a type of oestrogenic action, which also increases the milk of nursing mothers. Still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, used locally for conjunctivitis, blepharitis and pharyngitis. ACTIONS: Aperitif, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, laxative, orexigenic, stimulant (circulatory), splenic, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation. CHARACTERISTICS: 1. A colourless to pale yellow liquid with a very sweet, anise -like, slightly earthy-peppery scent. It blends well with geranium, lavender, rose and sandalwood. 2. The seed oil is a pale yellow liquid with a sharp, warm camphoraceous odour. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Anethole (5O-6O per cent), limonene, phellandrene, pinene, anisic acid, aisic aldeyde, fenchone, camphene, limonene, among others. SAFETY DATA: Non-irritant, relatively non-toxic, narcotic in large dosis. Can cause sensitization in some individuals. Use in moderation. USE: In pharmaceutical products it is known as codex fennel oil, used in cough drops, lozenges, etc., also used in carminative and laxative preparations. Extensively used as a flavour ingredient in all major food categories, in soft drinks and especially in alcoholic drinks such as brandy and liqueurs. Fennel oil is used in soaps, toiletries and perfumes. It also provides a good masking agent for industrial products, room sprays, insecticides, etc. GERANIUM (Geranium macrorrhizum) DESCRIPTION There are several aromatic pelargoniums. This particular variety grows to about two feet high, has serrated, pointed leaves and small pink flowers. The whole plant is aromatic. It is found on waste land, in hedgerows and on the outskirts of woods. There are several oil producing species such as P. odorantissimium and P. radens, but P. gravelolens is the main one commercially cultivated for its oil. Native to S Africa, widely cultivated in Russia, Egypt, Congo, Japan, Central America and Europe. The three main regions for producing are Reunon, Egypt and Russia. HISTORY / TRADITIONS It was used by the ancients as a remedy for wounds and tumors. The essence is clear to light green with a delightful scent. The British plant Geranium robertianum and the American cranesbill G. maculatum are the most widely used types in herbal medicine today. "It is under the domination of Venus, and is commanded to stay blood, where or however flowing: it speedily heals all green wounds, and is effectual in old ulcers" Nicholas Culpeper EXTRACTION Essential oils is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, stalks and flowers. An absolute and concrete are also produced in Morocco. DETAILS OF OIL Non-toxic, non-irritant, generally non-sensitising; possible contact dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals, especially with the bourbon type oil. Geranium blends well with Lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper, neroli, bergamot and other citrus oils. The bourbon oil is a greenish-olive liquid with a rosy-sweet, minty scent. The bourbon oil is generally preferred in perfumery work. PROPERTIES It is a mild analgesic and sedative, and may be used for neuralgia, and where there is pain of perhaps more nervous that physical origin. As an analgesic-cicatrisant-antiseptic it is an excellent remedy for burns, renowned for its efficacy. Geranium can be used in the treatment of inflammation, with its mild, soothing effect. The action on the nervous system is pronounced, being a sedative with uplifting characteristics. It is a stimulant of the adrenal cortex and can be used to balance the production of androgens or octoroons, such as occurs during the menopause. Geranium is a good insecticide due to its terpine content making it effective as a mosquito repellent. It can also be used in the treatment of lice and ringworm. Geranium has great value in skin care and can be used on almost any type of skin. OTHER USES Used as a fragrance in all kinds of cosmetic products: soaps, creams, perfumes etc. Extensively employed as a flavouring agent in most major food categories, alcoholic and soft drinks. COMPONENTS Citronellol geraniol, linalol, isomenthone, menthone, phellandrene, sabinene. GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus paradisi) Grapefruit is one of the citrus fruits that has a sharper, almost bitter taste. It is grown in the United States, Caribbean countries, Spain and also in Israel. It is larger than the orange or lemon and generally has a yellow skin. Pink grapefruit, less common but equally good, has a pink tinge to the skin and pink flesh. The taste of a grapefruit is such that it feels as if it is beneficial to the health, and it is. The sharp, fresh taste feels cleansing on the palate and wakes up the senses at the start of a day. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C and is recommended as part of a detoxifying diet. Essential oil of grapefruit is obtained from the skin and rind of the fruit by expression (machine pressing). The oil has a pleasant, fresh and sharp smell, much like the fruit, and is used by the cosmetic industry in many bath products, shampoos, soaps, etc. The effects of grapefruit oil are primarily cooling, cleansing and detoxifying. A few drops of grapefruit oil in the bath act as a wonderful boost to flagging spirits. The bather will emerge feeling clean, fresh and new. In massage it can be used to help combat cellulite. Grapefruit is a valuable detoxifying agent and acts on the liver and kidneys to help the body to eliminate waste and toxins. It will play a useful part in any detoxifying regime, and some people recommend it as an aid to the process of drug withdrawal. Grapefruit oil also helps in the digestive process, and gentle abdominal massage will help to relieve a sluggish digestion or constipation. Used in inhalation or in vaporizers, grapefruit oil combines well with many others in a harmonious blend. In skin preparations, the actions of grapefruit oil are cleansing and astringent, making it ideal for the treatment of excessive oiliness. It has a similar effect in hair treatments. Suitable methods of use Bathing, compresses, inhalation, massage, hair care, skin care, vaporizer/diffuser. HELICHRYSUM (Helichrysum angustifolium) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A strongly aromatic herb, up to 0,6 metres high with a much-branched stem, woody at the base. The brightly coloured, daisy-like flowers become dry as the plant matures, yet retain their colour. DISTRIBUTION Native to the Mediterranean region, especially the eastern part and North Africa. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION In Europe it is used for respiratory complaints such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and whooping cough; also for headaches, migraine, liver ailments and skin conditions including burns, allergies and psoriasis. Usually taken in the form of a decoction or infusion. ACTIONS Anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitussive, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, cicatrisant, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hepatic, nervine. CHARACTERISTICS 1. A pale yellow to red oily liquid with a powerful, rich honeylike scent with a delicate tealike undertone. 2. A yellowy-brown viscous liquid with a rich, floral, tealike scent. It blends well with chamomile, boronia, labdanum, lavender, mimosa, oakmoss, geranium, clary sage, rose, Peru balsam, clove and citrus oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS Nerol and neryl acetate (30-50 per cent), geraniol, pinene, linalol, isovaleric aldehyde, sesquiterpenes, furfurol and eugenol, among others. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE SKIN CARE: Abscess, acne, allergic conditions, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammation, spots, wounds etc. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, strained muscles. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, whooping cough. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Liver congestion, spleen congestion. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Bacterial infections, colds, ‘flu, fever. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Depression, debility, lethargy, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, stress-related conditions. OTHER USES Used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. The absolute is used to flavour certain tobaccos; used for the isolation of natural anethole. HOPS OIL (Humulus lupulus) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Perennial creeping, twining herb up to 8 metres high, which bears male and female flowers on separate plants. It has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and greeny-yellow flowers. A volatile oil, called lupulin, is formed in the glandular hairs of the cones or strobiles. DISTRIBUTIONS: Native to Europe and North America, cultivated world-wide, especially in the USA (California and Washington), Yugoslavia and Germany. The oil is mainly produced in France, UK and Germany. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Best known as a nerve remedy, for insomnia, nervous tension, neuralgia, and also for sexual neurosis in both sexes. It supports the female neurosis in both sexes. It supports the female oestrogens, and is useful for amenorrhoea (heavy periods). 'A mild sedative, well known in the form of the hop pillow where the heavy aromatic odour has been shown to relax by direct action at the olfactory centres... it is the volatile aromatic component that appears to be the most active.' It has also been used for heart disease, stomach and liver complaints, including bacterial dysentery. In China it is used for pulmonary tuberculosis and cystitis. It is used to make beer. Current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for restlessness with nervous headaches and/or indigestion. ACTIONS: Anodyne, an aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, antiseptic, bactericidal, astringent, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, emollient, oestrogenic, properties, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, soporific. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried cones or catkins, known as 'strobiles'. (An absolute is also produced by solvent extractions for perfumery use.) CHARACTERSTICS: A pale yellow to reddish-amber liquid with a rich, spicy-sweet odour. It blends well with pine, hyacinth, nutmeg, copaiba balsam, citrus and spice oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly humulene, mycrene, caryophyllene and farnesene, with over 100 other trace components. SAFETY DATA: Generally non-toxic (narcotic in excessive amounts) and non-irritant, may cause sensitization in some individuals. Should be avoided by those suffering from depression. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Dermatitis, rashes, rough skin, ulcers. Respiratory system: Asthma, spasmodic, cough. Digestive system: Indigestion, nervous dyspepsia. Genito-urinary and endocrine sys.: Amenorrhoea, menstrual cramp, supports female oestrogens, promotes feminine characteristics, reduces sexual overactivity. Nervous system: Headaches, insomnia, nervous tension, neuralgia, stress-related conditions. OTHER USES: Employed as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, especially spicy or oriental types. Used in flavour work in tobacco, sauces and spice products, but mainly in alcoholic drinks, especially beer. HYSSOP OIL (Hyssopus officinalis) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An attractive perennial, almost evergreen subshrub up to 6O cms high with a woody stem, small, lanceshaped leaves and purplish-blue flowers. DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Mediterranean region and temperate Asia, now grows wild throughout America, Russia and Europe. It is mainly cultivated in Hungary and France, and to a lesser degree in Albanian and Yugoslavia. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Although hyssop is mentioned in the Bible, it probably does not refer to this herb but to a form of wild marjoram or oregano, possibly Oreganum syriacum. Nevertheless H. officinalis has an ancient medical reputation and was used for purifying sacred places, and employed as a strewing herb. It is used principally for respiratory and digestive complaints, and externally for rheumatism, bruises, sores, earache and toothache. It is also used to regulate the blood pressure, as a general nerve tonic, and for states of anxiety or hysteria. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for bronchitis and the common cold. ACTIONS: Astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cicatrisant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, sedative, sudorific, tonic (heart and circulation), vermifuge, vulnerary. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops. CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless to pale yellow-green liquid with a sweet, camphoraceuos top note and warm spicy-herbaceous undertone. It blends well with lavender, rosemary, myrtle, bay leaf, sage, clary sage, geranium and citrus oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, estragole, borneol, geraniol, limonene, thujone, myrcene, caryophyllene, among others. Non-irritant, non-sensitizing, the oil is moderately toxic due to the pinocamphone content. It should be used only in moderation and avoided in pregnancy and epileptics. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Bruises, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammation, wounds. Circulation, muscles and joints: Low or high blood pressure, rheumatism. Respiratory system: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, whooping cough. Digestive system: Colic, indigestion. Genito-urinary system: Amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea. Immune system: Colds, flu. Nervous system: Anxiety, fatigue, nervous tension and stress-related conditions. OTHER USES: Employed as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, especially eau-de-cologne and oriental bases. Used as a flavour ingredient in many food products, mainly sauces and seasonings, also in alcoholic drinks, especially liqueurs such as chartreuse. JUNIPER BERRY OIL (Juniperus communis) The best oil is steam distilled from the crushed, dried or partially dried, ripe berries (fruits). The shrub, Juniperus communis, grows wild all over Central and Southern Europe, South-West Asia, Northern Asia, North Africa, and North America. The best berries are collected in Northern Italy, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and France. Juniperberry Oil is water-white or very pale yellow, mobile oil, having a fresh, yet warm, rich-balsamic, woody-sweet and pine-needle-like odour. The flavour of the oil is warm, slightly bitter-aromatic, balsamic and rich. The bitterness is quite persistent at all levels of dilution. Juniperberry Oil is used in perfumery for its fresh-balsamic notes, as a modifier for various pine needle oils (with which it blends very well), with citrus oils in room spray perfumes, in ambres, fougeres, chypres, after-shave fragrances, spice compositions, colognes, etc. In flavour, it is customary to use a sesquiterpeneless oil, produced from a high-grade true Juniperberry Oil. The natural oil is poorly soluble in ethyl alcohol. LAUREL LEAF (Laurus nobilis) GENERAL DESCRIPTION an evergreen tree up to 20 metres high with dark green, glossy leaves and black berries; often cultivated as an ornamental shrub. DISTRIBUTION Native to the Mediterranean region; extensively cultivated especially for its berries, in France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Yugoslavia, China, Israel, Turkey and Russia. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION a popular culinary herb throughout Europe. The leaves were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to crown their victors. Both leaf and berry were formerly used for a variety of afflictions including hysteria, colic, indigestion loss of appetite, to promote menstruation and for fever. It is little used internally these days, due to its narcotic properties. A ’fixed’ oil of bay, expressed from the berries, is still used for sprains, bruises, earache, etc. ACTION Antirheumatic, antiseptic, bactericidal, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hypotensive, sedative, stomachic. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried leaf and branchlets. ( An oil from the berries is produced in small quantities.) CHARACTERISTICS A greenish-yellow liquid with a powerful, spicy-medicinal odour. It blends well with pine, cypress, juniper, clary sage, rosemary, olibanum, labdanum, lavender, citrus and spice oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS Cineol (30-50 per cent), pinene, linalol, terpineol acetate, and traces of methyl eugenol. SAFETY DATA Relatively non-toxic and non-irritant; can cause dermatitis in some individuals. Use in moderation due to possible narcotic properties attributed to methyl eugenol. Should not be used during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite. GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Scanty periods. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, ’flu, tonsillitis and viral infections. OTHER USES Used as a fragrance component in detergens, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes, especially aftershaves. Extensively used in processed food of all types, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. LAVANDIN (Lavandula intermedia) Lavandin is a hybrid plant, developed by crossing the true lavender plant (Lavandula Officinalis) with the aspic or spike lavender. The resulting plant is called lavandula Hybrida and it exists in a great number of forms, a few of which are distinctly more interesting than the others. Lavandin Oil is a pale yellow to almost colorless liquid. The odor is strongly herbaceous with a very fresh camphene cineole like topnote which should not be distinctly camphoraceous. The rich, woody herbaceous notes of the body components will usually become predominant within the first 60 seconds on a perfume blotter. Lavandin Oil is used for its fresh, refreshing notes and is often used in very high concentration in the perfume formula. For detergent perfumes, liquid cleaners and dishwasher liquids, this oil gives excellent results and does not need strong fixation. In soap perfumes, a good fixation of the lavandin oil is necessary, as in hair preparations. LAVENDER (Lavandula Angustifolia) GENERAL DESCRIPTION An evergreen woody shrub, up to 1 metre tall, with pale green, narrow, linear leaves and flowers on blunt spikes of a beautiful violet-blue colour. The whole plant is highly aromatic. DISTRIBUTION Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, now cultivated all over the world. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION Lavender has a well-established tradition as a folk remedy, and its scent is still familiar to almost everyone. It was used to ‘comfort the stomach’ but above all as a cosmetic water, an insect repellent, to scent linen, and as a reviving yet soothing oil ‘The essential oil, or a spirit of lavender made from it, proves admirably restorative and tonic against faintness, palpitations of a nervous sort, weak giddiness, spasms and colic… A few drops of lavender in a hot footbath has a marked influence in relieving fatigue. Outwardly applied, it relieves toothache, neuralgia, sprains and rheumatism. In hysteria, palsy and similar disorders of debility and lack of nerve power, lavender will act as a powerful stimulant.’ ACTIONS Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. CHARACTERISTICS 1. The oil is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, floral-herbaceous scent and balsamic-woody undertone; it has a more fragrant floral scent compared to spike lavender. It blends well with most oils, especially citrus and florals; also cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, labdanum, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, etc. 2. The absolute is a dark green viscous liquid with a very sweet herbaceous, somewhat floral odour. SAFETY DATA Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE Generally regarded as the most versatile essence therapeutically: SKIN CARE: Abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete’s foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insect repellent, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sores, spots, all skin types, sunburn, wounds. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Lumbago, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, halitosis, laryngitis, throat infections, whooping cough. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Abdominal cramps, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea. GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cystitis, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea. IMMUNE SYSTEM: ‘Flu. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Depression, headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension and stress-related conditions, PMT, sciatica, shock, vertigo. OTHER USES Used in pharmaceutical antiseptic ointments and as a fragrance. Extensively employed in all types of soaps, lotions, detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, etc, especially toilet waters and colognes. Employed as a flavouring agent in most categories of food as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. LEMON (Citrus limon) 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 fully appreciated in the first aid kit and used to treat cuts, bruises and insect stings. DESCRIPTION The lemon tree, which has white-pink flowers and bright yellow fruits, is cultivated in most Mediterranean countries, Brazil, USA, Argentina, Israel and Africa. The pale yellow oil is expressed from the rind and peel of the fruit and has classically been used in perfume for its intense, sharp, citrus-fresh aroma. The essence becomes cloudy, and deteriorates over time, if not properly stored. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS Lemon is highly antiseptic and astringent, and so is naturally used for skin complaints including boils, warts and veruccas. Also good for lowering blood pressure, colds, digestive problems, fever and gallstones. USES Inhalation, baths and massage. Lemon, as with most citrus oils, is a good cleanser inside and out. Use in skin-care preparations, for oily skin. Evaporated in a fragrancer it will help colds and act as an insect repellent. LOVAGE LEAF OIL (Levisticum officinale) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A large perennial herb up to 2 metres high with a stout hollow stem and dense ornamental foliage. It has a thick fleshy root and greenish-yellow flowers. The whole plant has a strong aromatic scent. DISTRIBUTION: Native to southern Europe and western Asia; naturalised in North America. It is cultivated in central and southern Europe, especially in France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Germany. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb of ancient medical repute, used mainly for digestive complaints, oedema, skin problems, menstrual irregularities and fever. It was also believed to be good for the sight. The leaf stalks used to be blanched and used as a vegetable or in salads. The root is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for flatulent dyspepsia and anorexia. ACTIONS: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, carminative, depurative, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant (digestive), stomachic. LOVAGE ROOT OIL (Levisticum officinale) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A large perennial herb up to 2 metres high with a stout hollow stem and dense ornamental foliage. It has a thick fleshy root and greenish-yellow flowers. The whole plant has a strong aromatic scent. DISTRIBUTION: Native to southern Europe and western Asia; naturalised in North America. It is cultivated in central and southern Europe, especially in France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Germany. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb of ancient medical repute, used mainly for digestive complaints, oedema, skin problems, menstrual irregularities and fever. It was also believed to be good for the sight. The leaf stalks used to be blanched and used as a vegetable or in salads. The root is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for flatulent dyspepsia and anorexia. ACTIONS: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, carminative, depurative, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant (digestive), stomachic. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the fresh roots. An amber or olive-brown liquid with a rich, spicy-warm, root-like odour. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly phthalides (up to 70 per cents) such as butylidene, dihydrobutylidene, butylphthalides and lingystilides, with lesser amounts of terpenoids, volatile acids, coumarins and furocoumarins. SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization/phototoxic effects. Use with care. Avoid during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Circulation, muscles, and joints: Accumulation of toxic, congestion, gout, oedema, poor circulation, rheumatism, water retention. Digestive system: Anaemia, flatulance, indigestion, spasm. Genito-urinary system: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, cystitis. OTHER USES: It is used as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. The oils and extracts are used as savoury flavouring agents and in liqueurs and tobacco. MANDARIN (Citrus reticula) DESCRIPTION A small glossy evergreen tree up to six metres high, fragrant flowers and bearing fleshy fruit. There are many cultivators: the terms Mandarin, Tangerine and Satsuma are all interchangeable. HISTORY / TRADITIONS In France Mandarin is regarded as a safe remedy for indigestion and also for the elderly as it helps to strengthen the digestive system and the liver.Native to Southern China and the Far East, it was brought to Europe in 1805 and to America forty years later. The fruit takes its name from the fact that in the past the fruit was traditionally offered as gifts to the Mandarins. EXTRACTION The essential oil is extracted by cold compression of the outer peel. A Mandarin Petitgrain oil is also produced in small quantities by steam distillation of the leaves and the twigs. DETAILS OF OIL The essential oil has a delicate odour true to the scent of the fruit and is golden yellow in colour, with a slight blue/violet fluorescent tint in bright light. It blends well with other citrus oils, especially Neroli, and spice oils such as Nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. Tangerine oil is an orange liquid with a fresh sweet orange like aroma. PROPERTIES Antiseptic, ani spasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, laxative, sedative, stimulant (digestive and lymhatic) tonic. A major application of Mandarin is in treating digestive problems as it has a tonic and stimulating effect on both the stomach and the liver. Its effect on the intestines is calming and has been found to be even more effective when used in synergistic combination with other citrus oils. Because of its gentle action, mandarin is often regarded in France as a children’s remedy. It is often used to treat tummy upsets, burps and hiccups. Mandarin is one of the oils that is safe to use during pregnancy, a blend of Lavender, Mandarin and Neroli in 10mls of sweet almond oil and 2mls of wheat germ oil can be used for the prevention of stretch marks. Mandarin is also useful for treating acne, oily skin and spots. It is also indicated as a treatment for fluid retention and obesity. OTHER USES Mandarin oil is used in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes, especially colognes. It is also used as a flavouring agent in liqueurs sweets and drinks. SAFETY DATA Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, Possibly photo toxic although this has not been demonstrated decisively. COMPONENTS The major constituents are limonene, metyl methylanthraniate and smaller amounts of geraniol, citral and citronellal. MARJORAM OIL, SWEET (Marjorana hortensis) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A tender bushy perennial plant (cultivated as an annual in colder climates), up to 60 cms high with a hairy stem, dark green oval leaves and small greyish-white flowers in cluster, or knots. The whole plant is strongly aromatic. DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Mediterranean region; Egypt and North Africa. Major oil-producing countries include France, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Bulgaria and Hungary. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A traditional culinary herb and folk remedy. It was used by ancient Greeks in their fragrances, cosmetics and medicines; the name oregano derives from a Greek word meaning 'joy of the mountains'. It is a versatile herb which has a soothing, fortifying and warming effect; it aids digestive and menstrual problems, as well as nervous and respiratory complaints. It is comforting in cold diseases of the head, stomach, sinews and other parts, taken inwardly or outwardly applied ... helps diseases of the chest, obstructions of the liver and spleen. It is also very helpful for muscular and rheumatic pain, sprains, strains, stiff joints, bruises, etc. ACTIONS: Analgesic, anaphrodisiac, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypotensive, laxative, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator, vulnerary. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation of the dried flowering herb. An oleoresin is also produced in smaller quantities. CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow or amber-coloured mobile liquid with a warm, woody, spicy-camphoraceous odour. It blends well with lavender, rosemary, bergamot, chamomile, cypress, cedarwood, tea tree and eucalyptus. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Terpinenes, terpineol, sabinenes, linalol, carvacrol, linalyl acetate, ocimene, cadinene, geranyl acetate, citral, eugenol, among others. SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Not to be used during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Chilblains, bruises, ticks. Circulation, muscles and joints: Arthritis, lumbago, muscular aches and stiffness, rheumatism, sprains, strains. Respiratory system: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs. Digestive system: Colic, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence. Genito-urinary system: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, PMT. Immune system: Colds. Nervous system: Headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension and stress-related conditions. OTHER USES: The oil and oleoresin are used as fragrance components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. Employed in most major food categories, especially meats, seasonings and sauces, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages such as vermouths and bitters. MILFOIL (YARROW) OIL (Achillea millefolium) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A perennial herb with a simple stem up to 1 metre high, with finely dissected leaves giving a lacy appearance, bearing numerous pinky-white, dense flowerheads. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Eurasia; naturalised in North America. Now found in most temperate zones of the world. The oil is mainly distilled in Germany, Hungary, France and Yugoslavia, also the USA and Africa. HERBAL/FOLK TRADTIOIN: An age-old herbal medicine used for a wide variety of complaints including fever, respiratory infections, digestive problems, nervous tension and externally for sores, rashes and wounds. Its use in the teratment of wounds is said to go back to Achilles who used it for injuries inflicted by iron weapons. It is used in China mainly for menstrual problems and haemorrhoids. In Norway it is also used for rheumatism. The stalks are traditionally used for divination in the I Ching, the Chinese classic. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for thrombotic conditions with hypertension. ACTIONS: Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, haemostatic, hypotensive, stomachic, tonic. Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried herb. CHARACTERISTICS: A dark blue liquid with fresh, green, sweet-herbaceous, slightly camphoraceous odour. It blends well with cedarwood, pine, chamomile, valerian, vetiver and oakmoss. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Azulene (up to 40 per cent), pinenes, caryophyllene, borneol, terpineol, cineol, bornyl acetate, camphor, sabinene and thujone, among others. Constituents, especially azulene levels, vary according to source. SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitisation in some individuals. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Acne, burns, cuts, eczema, hair rinse(promotes hair growth), inflammations, rashes, scars, tones the skin, varicose veins, wounds. Circulations, muscles and joints: Arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombosis. Digestive system: Constipation, cramp, flatulence, haemorrhoids, indigestion. Genito-urinary system: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, cystitis and other infections. Immune system: Colds, fever, 'flu, etc. Nervous system: Hypertension, insomnia, stress-related conditions. OTHER USES: Occasionally used in pharmaceutical bath preparations for skin conditions. Limited use in perfumes and aftershaves. Employed as a flavour ingredient in vermouths and bitters. NEROLI (Citrus sinensis) ORIGINS Neroli is believed to have been discovered by the Romans. In 1680 it was used to scent the bath water and gloves of Anna Maria Orsini, Prinecss of Nerola, who brought the fragrance into fashion amongst the Italian aristocracy. DESCRIPTION Neroli oil is better know as orange blossom. It comes from the white blossoms of the bitter orange tree, which originated in China but also grows in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, USA, Italy and southern France. The pale yellow oil is expensive to produce since it takes approximately one ton of flowers to extract just 2 lb ( 1 kg ) of oil. These are hand picked as they are just about to open and then distilled. Its powerful, wonderfully uplifting, floral fragrance is reminiscent of lilies and is extensively used in eau-de-Cologne. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS An excellent sedative and anti-depressant, neroli counters anxiety, hysteria, shock and palpitations, and combats insomnia. It is helpful for dermatitis and dry skin, pre-menstrual tension and menopausal problems. Uses Inhalation, baths and massage. Use in the bath or as a body oil to alleviate the symptoms of pre-menstrual tension and generally improve circulation, or just for the benefits of its delightful fragrance and relaxing properties. BLENDING NOTE Blends well with benzoin, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense , geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, parsley, patchouli, rose, rosemary, ylang ylang. ORANGE (Citrus aurantium v Citrus senensis) ORIGINS China was the first home of the orange tree and the fragrant qualities of sweet and bitter orange oils have long been prized for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal use. DESCRIPTION The sweet and the bitter oils are similar and both are extracted by cold pressing of fresh orange peel ( it is only neroli oil which is extracted from the blossom ). The bitter and sweet oils range from yellow to brown in colour and are used extensively for their fresh top notes in perfume. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS Refreshing but sedative, orange is a tonic for anxiety and depression. It also stimulates the digestive system and is effective for constipation. Its antiseptic properties work well for mouth ulcers. USES Baths and massage. These essential oils are used widely throughout the food and cosmetics industry in products ranging from bath and body oils to chocolate-orange confectionery. ORIGANUM (Origanum vulgare) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A hardy, bushy, perennial herb up to 90 cms high with an erect hairy stem, dark green ovate leaves and pinky-purple flowers. A common garden plant with a strong aroma when the leaves are bruised. DISTRIBUTION Native to Europe, now cultivated all over the world. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION This is the ‘true’ oregano of the herb garden, which also has a very ancient medical reputation. It has been used as a traditional remedy for digestive upsets, respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis, coughs, etc), colds and ‘flu as well as inflammations of the mouth and throat. In China it is also used to treat fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice and itchy skin conditions. The (diluted) oil has been used externally in herbal medicine for headaches, rheumatism, general aches and pains, and applied to stings and bites. ACTIONS Analgesic, anthelmintic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, choleretic, cytophylactic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, fungicidal, parasiticide, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried flowering herb. CHARACTERISTICS A pale yellow liquid (browning with age), with a warm, spicy-herbaceous, camphoraceous odour. It blends well with lavandin, oakmoss, pine, spike lavender, citronella, rosemary, camphor and cedarwood. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE None. ‘Should not be used on the skin at all.’ OTHER USES Used as a fragrance component in soaps, colognes and perfumes, especially men’s fragrances. Employed to some extent as a flavouring agent, mainly in meat products and pizzas. ONION (Allium cepa) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A perennial or biennial herb up to 1,2 metres high with hollow leaves and flowering stem, and a globelike fleshy bulb. DISTRIBUTION Native of western Asia and the Middle East, it has a long history of cultivation all over the world, mainly for culinary use. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION Onion has an ancient reputation as a curative agent, highly extolled by the schools of Galen ans Hippocrates. It is high in vitamins A, B and C and shares many of the properties of garlic, to which it is closely related. Raw onion helps to keep colds and infections at bay, promotes strong bones and a good blood supply to all the tissues. It acts as an effective blood cleanser which along with the sulphur it contains, helps to keep the skin clear and in good condition. It has a sound reputation for correcting glandular imbalance and weight problems; it also improves lymphatic drainage, which is often responsible for oedema and puffiness. Onion has long been used as a home ‘simple’ for a wide range of conditions: ‘As a poultice they are invaluable for the removal of hard tumours. In this form they afford relief in cases of suppressed gout or obstructed circulation… Onions tend to soothe the nerves and induce sleep. They stimulate the action of the skin and remove obstructions of the viscera… raw onions, bruised are good for burns and scalds in the absence of other remedies … applied to the sting or bite of any poisonous insect often proves all that is desired.’ ACTIONS Anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antisclerotic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, depurative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hypocholesterolaemic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge. CHARACTERISTICS A pale yellow or brownish-yellow mobile liquid with strong, unpleasant, sulphuraceous odour with a lachrymatory (tear-producing) effect. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS Mainly dipropyl disulphide, also methylpropyl disulphide, dipropyl trisulphide, methylpropyl trisulphide and allylpropyl disulphide, among others. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE None, due to its offensive smell. OTHER USES Used in some pharmaceutical preparations for colds, coughs, etc. The oil is extensively used in most major food categories, especially meats, savouries, salad dressings, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. It is not used in perfumery work. PARSLEY LEAF OIL (Petroselinum sativum) Also known as Parsley Leaf Oil, this oil is produced by steam distillation of the top of the flowering parsley plant, Petroselinum Sativum. Parsley is a native of the eastern Mediterranean countries and it has been known and used in food for more than 2000 years. The plant seems to have come to England as late as 1548 and to the U.S.A. about a century later. For those who know parsley, it might be easier to describe the odor of the oil as being very similar to that of the fresh cut herb. Parsley Herb Oil is used very rarely, if used at all, in perfumery. PARSLEY SEED OIL (Petroselinum sativum) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A biennial or short-lived perennial herb up to 70 cms high with crinkly bright green foliage, small greenish-yellow flowers and producing small brown seeds. DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Mediterranean region, especially Greece. It is cultivated extensively, mainly in California, Germany, France, Holland, Hungary and Egypt. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: It is used extensively as a culinary herb, both fresh and dried. It is a very nutritious plant, high in vitamins A and C; also used to freshen the breath. The herb and seed are used medicinally, principally for kidney and bladder problems, but it has also been employed for menstrual difficulties, digestive complaints and for arthritis, rheumatism, rickets and sciatica. It is said to stimulate hair growth, and help eliminate head lice. ACTIONS: Antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, depurative, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypotensive, laxative, stimulant (mild), stomachic, tonic (uterine). EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the seed. CHARACTERISTICS: A yellow, amber or brownish liquid with a warm woody-spicy herbaceous odour. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly apiol and myristicin, tetramethoxyally-benzene, pinene and voliatil fatty acids. SAFETY DATA: It is moderately toxic and irritant-myristicin has been shown to have toxic properties, and apiol has been shown to have irritant properties; otherwise non-sensitising. Use in moderation. Avoid during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Circulation, muscles and joints: Accumulation of toxins, arthritis, broken blood vessels, cellulitis, rheumatism, sciatica. Digestive system: Colic, flatulence, indigstion, haemorrhoids. Genito-urinary system: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, to aid labour, cystitis, urinary infection. OTHER USES: Used in some carminatve and digestive remedies, such as 'gripe waters'. The seed oil is used in soaps, detergents, colognes, cosmetics and perfumes, especially men's fragrances. It is used extensively in many types of food flavourings, especially meats, pickles and sauces, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita) DESCRIPTION: Commonly used as a flavouring ingredient and beverage tea, peppermint aids in digestive activities due to its active ingredients of menthol and carvone. Considered one of the strongest antibiotic oils tested, peppermint inhibits the growth of bacteria as well as viruses. For this reason, candy made of peppermint contains very few micro-organisms. HERBAL USES Peppermint has long been used as a digestive aid and for the symptomatic treatment of cough , colds, and fever. Peppermint oil is used for chest congestion and as a local anaesthetic. Recently, the oil has also been used to treat irritable bowel disease, also known as spastic colon. SUPPLEMENTAL USES Irritable bowel syndrome: The German Commission E has approved the use of peppermint oil for the treatment of colicky pain in the digestive tract. However, the scientific evidence remains contradictory (1,2,3,4,5). Colds and flus: Peppermint oil is also approved for the relief of mucus congestion in the lungs and sinuses. Gallstones: There may be evidence that peppermint may help treat Gallstones(6). Candida yeast infections: While no evidence exists to support its use for yeast infections, peppermint has been a recommended treatment. There is evidence that demonstrates its ability to inhibit viral and bacterial growth (7,8,9). Other stated benefits of peppermint include the following: combats gas, increases bile flow, relieves indigestion, prevents Ulcers and reduces Inflammation. SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS Peppermint appears to be quite safe when used at normal dosages in healthy adults (10, 11). However, excessive amounts of peppermint oil can be toxic, causing nausea, loss of appetite, heart problems, loss of balance, and other nervous system problems. Excessive use can even cause kidney failure and death. Some people may be allergic to peppermint. Menthol-containing drugs (including peppermint) can be fatal to infants if applied to the nose. In general, peppermint should be kept away from new-born babies, as it can cause jaundice. INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS Regular use of peppermint may affect the absorption of tetracycline derivatives, oral anticholinergis, phenothiazines, digoxin, isoniazid, phenytoin, and warfarin. Peppermint may affect the urinary excretion of alkaline drugs, such as amphetamines or quinidine. Peppermint may interact with analgesics, anaesthetics, chlorprothixene HCl, haloperidol, CNS drugs, and tranquillisers. Anticholinergics may affect the action of peppermint. PINUS SILVESTRIS (Pinus sylvestris) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A tall evergreen tree, up to 40 metres high with a flat crown. It has a reddish-brown, deeply fissured bark, long stiff needles, which grow in pairs, and pointed brown cones. DISTRIBUTION Native to Eurasia; cultivated in the eastern USA, Europe, Russia, the Baltic States and Scandinavia, especially Finland. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION The young macerated shoots are added to the bath for nervous exhaustion, circulatory disorders, slow, healing wound, arthritis, rheumatism and skin disorders. It was used by the American Indians to prevent scurvy, and to stuff mattresses to repel lice and fleas. As an inhalation it helps relieve bronchial catarrh, asthma, blocked sinuses, etc. The pine kernels are said to be excellent restoratives for consumptives, and after long illness. ACTIONS Antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, hepatic), antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cholagogue, choleretic, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticidal, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant (adrenal cortex, circulatory, nervous), vermifuge. CHARACTERISTICS 1. Pine needle oil is a colourless or pale yellow mobile liquid with a strong, dry-balsamic, turpentine-like aroma. It blends well with cedarwood, rosemary, tea tree, sage, lavender, juniper, lemon, niaouli, eucalyptus and marjoram. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE SKIN CARE: Cuts, lice, excessive perspiration, scabies, sores. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Arthritis, gout, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, sore throat. GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cystitis, urinary infection. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, ‘flu. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions, neuralgia. OTHER USES Used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, toiletries (especially bath products) and, to a limited extent, perfumes. Employed as a flavour ingredient in major food products, alcoholic and soft drinks. ROSE (Rosa damascena) ORIGINS The rose has been loved for its fragrance at least since Roman times, when it was used in garlands, scented baths and perfumes, often in ostentatious public displays. But the rose has its private uses too: Cleopatra reputedly carpeted her bedroom in rose petals to aid her seduction of Mark Antony. DESCRIPTION The Damascena rose is cultivated in Bulgaria. The flowers are picked at dawn and the yellow-brown oil is extracted within 24 hours. It takes approximately five tons of blossoms to produce just 2 lb. (1 kg) of oil-not surprisingly one of the most expensive in the world. Centifolia roses, also yielding a richly fragrant oil, are cultivated in France, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS An aphrodisiac and mood enhancer, rose is a general tonic and fortifier, useful for circulatory problems, constipation, headaches and mental fatigue, menstrual and menopausal problems, and skin disorders. USES Baths and massage. One of the least toxic of all essences, it is particularly good for older, drier, skins, and is useful for pot pourri or to perfume bed linens and underwear (add a few drops to the final rinse). ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) GENERAL DESCRIPTION A shrubby evergreen bush up to 2 metres high with silvery-green, needle-shaped leaves and pale blue flowers. The whole plant is strongly aromatic. DISTRIBUTION Native to the Mediterranean region, now cultivated worldwide in California, Russia, Middle East, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Morocco, China, etc. The main oil-producing countries are France, Spain and Tunisia. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION One of the earliest plants to be used for food, medicine and magic, being regarded as sacred in many civilizations. Springs of rosemary were burnt at shrines in ancient Greece, fumigations were used in the Middle Ages to drive away evil spirits, and to protect against plague and infectious illness. It has been used for a wide range of complaints including respiratory and circulatory disorders, liver congestion, digestive and nervous complaints, muscular and rheumatic pain, skin and hair problems. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for ‘depressive states with general debility and indications of cardiovascular weakness.’ ACTIONS Analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, parasiticide, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant (circulatory, adrenal cortex, hepatobiliary), stomachic, sudorific, tonic (nervous, general), vulnerary. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation of the fresh flowering tops or the whole plant. CHARACTERISTICS A colourless or pale yellow mobile liquid with a strong, fresh, minty-herbaceous scent and a woody-balsamic undertone. Poor quality oils have a strong camphoraceous note. It blends well with olibanum, lavender, lavandin, citronella, oregano, thyme, pine, basil, peppermint, labdanum, elemi, cedarwood, petitgrain, cinnamon and other spice oils. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE SKIN CARE: Acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, greasy hair, insect repellent, promotes hair growth, regulates seborrhoea, scabies, stimulates scalp, lice, varicose veins. CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Arteriosclerosis, fluid retention, gout, muscular pain, palpitations, poor circulation, rheumatism. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders, hypercholesterolaemia, jaundice. GENITO-URINARY: Dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, ‘flu, infections. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Debility, headaches, hypotension, neuralgia, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress-related disorders. OTHER USES Extensively used in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, household sprays and perfumes, especially colognes. Also used as a masking agent. Extensively employed in most major food categories, especially meat products, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. Serves as a source of natural anti-oxidants. SAGE OFFICINALIS (Salvia officinalis) GENERAL DISCRIPTION An evergreen, shrubby, perennial herb up to 80 cms high with a woody base, soft, silver, oval leaves and a mass of deep blue or violet flowers. DISTRIBUTION Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated worldwide especially in Albania, Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, France, Chine and the USA. OTHER SPECIES There are several different species and cultivars which have been developed, such as the Mexican sage (S. azurea grandiflora) and the red sage (S. colorata) both of which are used medicinally. Essential oils are also produced from other species including the Spanish sage (S. lavendulaefolia) and clary sage (S. sclarea) – see separate entries and Botanical Classification section. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION A herb of ancient repute, valued as a culinary and medicinal plant – called herba sacra or ‘sacred herb’ by the Romans. It has been used for a variety of disorders including respiratory infections, menstrual difficulties and digestive complaints. It was also believed to strengthen the senses and the memory. It is still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for inflammations of the mouth, tongue and throat. ACTIONS Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypertensive, insecticidal, laxative, stomachic, tonic. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried leaves. CHARACTERISTICS A pale yellow mobile liquid with a fresh, warm-spicy, herbaceous, somewhat camphoraceous odour. It blends well with lavandin, rosemary, rosewood, lavender, hyssop, lemon and other citrus oils. The common sage oil is preferred in perfumery work to the Spanish sage oil, which, although safer, has a less refined fragrance. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE None. OTHER USES Used in some pharmaceutical preparations such as mouthwashes, gargles, toothpastes, etc. Employed as a fragrance component in soaps, shampoos, detergents, anti-perspirants, colognes and perfumes, especially men’s fragrances. The oil and oleoresin are extensively used for flavouring foods (mainly meat products), soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, especially vermouth. It also serves as a source of natural anti-oxidants. SANDALWOOD OIL (Santalum album) The oil is steam distilled or water distilled from the coarsely powdered wood of billets and roots of Santalum Album, a comparatively small tree. The tree originates in India, Ceylon, Indonesia and surrounding islands and it grows wild in the Portuguese island of Timor and on Celebes, among other places. East Indian Sandalwood Oil is a pale yellow to yellow, viscous liquid, having an extremely soft, sweet woody and almost animal balsamic odor, presenting little or no particular topnote and remaining uniform for a considerable length of time due to its very good tenacity. SAVORY (SUMMER TYPE) OIL (Satureja hortensis) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual herb up to 45 cms high with slender, erect, slightly hairy stems, linear leaves and small, pale lilac flowers. DISTRIBUTIONS: Native to Europe; naturalised in North America. Extensively cultivated, especially in Hungary, France, Yugoslavia and Germany. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A popular culinary herb, with a peppery flavour. It has been used therapeutically mainly as a tea for various ailments including digestive complaints (cramp, anusea, indigestion, intestinal parasites), menstrual disorders and respiratory conditions (asthma, catarrh, sore throat). Applied externally the fresh leaves bring instant relief from insect bites, bee and wasp stings. ACTIONS: Anicatarrhal, antiputrescent, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, stimulant, vermifuge. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the whole dried herb. ( An oleoresin is also produced by solvent extractions.) CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless or pale yellow oil with a fresh, herbaceous, spicy odour. It blends well with lavender, pine needle, oakmoss, rosemary and citrus oils. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Carvacrol, pinene, cymene, limonene, phellandrene and borneol, among others. SAFETY DATA: Dermal toxin, dermal irritant, muscous membrane irritant. Avoid during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: None. OTHER USES: Occasionally used in perfumery work for its fresh herbaceous notes. The oil and oleoresin are used in most major food categories, especially meat products and canned food. SAVORY (WINTER TYPE) (Satureja montana) GENERAL DISCRIPTION A bushy perennial subshrub up to 40 cms high with woody stems at the base, linear leaves and pale purple flowers. DISTRIBUTION Native to the Mediterranean region, now found all over Europe. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION It has been used as a culinary herb since atniquity, much in the same way as summer savory. It was used as a digestive remedy especially good for colic, and in Germany it is used particularly for diarrhoea. When compared against many varieties of thyme, rosemary and lavender, recent research has shown ‘the net superiority of the antimicrobial properties of essence of savory.’ EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the whole herb. (An oleoresin is also produced by solvent extraction.) CHARACTERISTICS A colourless or pale yellow liquid with a sharp, medicinal, herbaceous odour. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE None. ‘Should not be used on the skin at all.’ OTHER USES Occasionally used in perfumery work. The oil and oleoresin are employed to some extent in flavouring, mainly meats and seasonings. SMOKE FLAVOUR This natural flavour is made from oak. SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata) DESCRIPTION A hardy branched perennial herb with bright green, lance - shaped, sharply leaves, quickly spreading underground runners and pink or lilac - coloured flowers in slender cylindrical spikes. From creeping root-stocks, erect, square stems rise to a height of about 2 feet, bearing very short-stalked, acute-pointed, lance-shaped, wrinkled, bright green leaves, with finely toothed edges and smooth surfaces, the ribs very prominent beneath. ETHENOMEDICINAL PRACTICE It was used by the ancient Greeks as a restorative and to scent their bathwater. The distilled water is used to relieve hiccough, colic, nausea, indigestion and flatulence. 'Applied to the forehead and temples, it cases the pains in the head, and is good to wash the heads of young children with, against all manner of breaking out, sores or scabs… being smelled unto, it is comforting to the head.' EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the flowering tops. CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSTITUENTS A pale yellow or olive mobile liquid with a warm, spicy - herbaceous, minty odour. It blends well with lavender, lavandin, jasmine, eucalyptus, basil and rosemary and is often used in combination with peppermint. L-carvone (50 - 70%), dihydrocarvone, phellandrene, limonene, menthone, menthol, pulegone, cineol, linalool, pinenes, among other. ACTIONS AND USES Anesthetic (local), antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. Used as a fragrance component, mainly in soaps and colognes. Used primarily as a flavour ingredient in a wide range of products, including toothpaste, chewing gum, confectionery, alcoholic and soft drinks. Its principal employment is for its febrifuge and diuretic virtues. Spearmint is chiefly used for culinary purposes. TARRAGON OIL (Artemisia dracunculus) GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS: A perennial herb with smooth narrow leaves; an erect stem up to 1,2 metres tall, and small yellow-green, inconspicuous flowers. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe, southern Russia and western Asia. Now cultivated world-wide, especially in Europe and the USA. The oil is mainly produced in France, Holland, Hungary and the USA. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The leaf is commonly used as domestic herb, especially with chicken or fish, and to make tarragon vinegar. The name is thought to derive from an ancient use as an antidote to the bites of venomous creatures and 'madde dogges'. It was favoured by the maharajahs of India who took it as a tisane, and in Persia it was used to induce appetite. The leaves, which are chiefly used, are heating and drying, and good for those that have the flux, or any prenatural discharge. The leaf was also formerly used for digestive and menstrual irregularities, while the root was employed as a remedy for toothache. ACTIONS: Antihelmic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitif, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic, stimulant, stomachic, vermifuge. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves. CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless or pale yellow mobile liquid (turning yellow with age), with a sweet-anisic, spicy-green scent. It blends well with labdanum, galbanum, lavender, oakmoss, vanilla, pine and basil. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Estragole (up to 7O per cent), capillene, ocimene, nerol, phellandrene, thujone and cineol, among others. SAFETY DATA: Moderately toxic due to 'estragole' (methyl chavicol): use in moderation only. Possibly carcinogenic. Otherwise non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Digestive system: Anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, hiccoughs, intestinal spasm, nervous indigestion, sluggish digestion. Genito-urinary system: Amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, PMT. OTHER USES: Used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. Employed as a flavour ingredient in most major food categories, especially condiments and relishes, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks. TEA TREE (Melalenca alterifolia) ORIGINS The antiseptic properties of the tea tree were discovered centuries ago by the Aborigines of Australia who used it medicinally for treating sunburn and many bacterial / fungus infections, from ringworm to athlete's foot. It was known as an antidote for venomous snake bites. DESCRIPTION A native of Australia and Tasmania, it is often referred to as the swamp tree. It produces white hanging flowers on a long spike, but the pale green oil is extracted from the twigs and leaves, which have a strong aromatic odour. The oil itself has a camphor's smell, reminiscent of eucalyptus. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS A strong disinfectant and antiseptic, it is ideal for skin complaints including athlete's foot, burns, cold sores, mouth ulcers, verrucas, thrush and warts. Also effective for many respiratory complaints. USES Inhalation and baths. It can be used to kill fleas on pets but is more commonly used as a deodorising / antiseptic foot bath. Dab on cold sores. Inhale to alleviate laryngitis and bronchitis. Diluted in water, it can be used as a mouthwash (not swallowed) to soothe ulcers. THYME, COMMON (Thymus vulgaris) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A perennial evergreen subshrub up to 45 cms high with a woody root and much-branched upright stem. It has small, grey-green, oval, aromatic leaves and pale purple or white flowers. DISTRIBUTION: Native to Spain and the Mediterranean region; now found throughout Asia Minor, Algeria, Turkey, Tunisia, Israel, the USA, Russia, China and central Europe. The oil is mainly produced in Spain but also in France, Israel, Greece, Morocco, Algeria, Germany, Hungary and the USA. HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: One of the earliest medicinal plants employed throughout the Mediterranean region, well known to both Hippocrates and Dioscorides. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in the embalming process, and by the ancient Greeks to fumigate against infectious illnesses, the name derives from the Greek thymos meaning 'to perfume'. It is also a long-established culinary herb, especially used for the preservation of meat. It has a wide range of uses, though in western herbal medicine its main areas of application are respiratory problems, digestive complaints and the prevention the treatment of infection. In the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia it is indicated for dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, children's diarrhoea, laryngitis, tonsillitis and enuresis in children. ACTIONS: Anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiputrescent, antirheumatic, antiseptic (intestinal, pulmonary, genito-urinary), antispasmodic, antitussive, antitoxic, aperitif, astringent, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypertensive, nervine, revulsive, rubefacient, parasiticide, stimulant (immune system, circulation), sudorific, tonic, vermifuge. EXTRACTIONS: Essential oil by water or steam distillation from the fresh or partially dried leaves and flowering tops. 1. 'Red thyme oil' is the crude distillate. 2. 'White thyme oil' is produced by further redistillation or rectification. (An absolute is also produced in France by solvent extraction for perfumery use.) CHARACTERISTICS: 1. A red, brown or orange liquid with a warm, spicy-herbaceous, powerful odour. 2. A clear, pale yellow liquid with a sweet, green-fresh, milder scent. It blends well with bergamot, lemon, rosemary, melissa, lavender, lavandin, marjoram, Peru balsam, pine, etc. PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS.: Thymol (up to 60 per cent), carvacrol, cymene, terpinene, camphene, borneol, linalol. Red thyme oil, serpolet (from wild thyme), 'thymol' and 'carvacrol' type oils all contain quite large amounts of toxic phenols (carvacrol and thymol). They can irritate mucous membranes, cause dermal irritation and may cause sensititzation in some individuals. Use in moderation, in low dilution only. they are best avoided during pregnancy. White thyme is not a 'complete' oil and is often adulterated. AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Skin care: Abscess, acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, lice, gum infections, oily skin, scabies. Circulation, muscles and joints: Arthritis, cellulitis, gout, muscular aches and pains, obesity, oedema, poor circulation, rheumatism, sprains, sports injuries. Respiratory system: Astma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, sinusitis, sore throat, tonsillitis. Digestive system: Diarrhoea, dyspepsia, flatulence. Genito-urinary system: Cystitis, urethritis. Immune system: Chills, colds, 'flu, infections, diseases. Nervous sys.: Headaches, insomnia, nervous debility and stress-related complaints-'helps to revive and strengthen both body and mind'. OTHER USES: The oil is used in mouthwashes, gargles, toothpastes and cough lozenges. 'Thymol' is isolated for pharmaceutical use in surgical dressings, disinfectants etc. Used as a fragrance component in soaps, toiletries, aftershaves, perfumes, colognes, etc. Extensively employed by the food and drink industry, especially in meat products. WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium) GENERAL DISCRIPTION A perennial herb up to 1,5 metres high with a whitish stem, silvery-green, divided leaves covered in silky fine hairs, and pale yellow flowers. DISTRIBUTION Native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia; naturalized in North America. HERBAL / FOLK TRADITION Used as an aromatic-bitter for anorexia, as a digestive tonic and as a choleretic for liver and gall bladder disorders, usually in the form of a dilute extract. It is also used to promote menstruation, reduce fever and expel worms. It was once used as a remedy for epilepsy and as an aromatic strewing herb to banish fleas. ACTIONS Anthelmintic, choleretic, deodorant, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insect repellent, narcotic, stimulant (digestive), tonic, vermifuge. EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops. CHARACTERISTICS A dark green or bluish oil with a spicy, warm, bitter-green odour and a sharp, fresh topnote. The ‘de-thujonized’ oil blends well with oakmoss, jasmine, orange blossom, lavender and hyacinth. AROMATHERAPY / HOME USE None. ‘Should not be used in therapy either internally or externally.’ OTHER USES Occasionally used in rubefacient pharmaceutical preparations and as a fragrance component in toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes. Widely employed (at minute levels) as a flavouring agent in alcoholic bitters and vermouths; also to a lesser extent in soft drinks and some foods, especially confectionery and desserts. YLANG-YLANG (Cananga odorata) ORIGINS A tropical tree, its first medicinal uses were to treat malaria, soothe insect bites and generally fight in factions. It antiseptic qualities were appreciated but it was also recognized as an aphrodisiac and a tonic to the nervous system. In the past, the flowers were mixed with coconut oil to perfume and condition the body and hair. DESCRIPTION A native of Indonesia and the Philippines, the ylang-ylang tree reaches a height of 60 feet (10 metres). The yellow flowers are freshly picked in the early morning and the oil extracted by steam-distillation. It has a narcotic, floral-sweet, jasmine-like aroma which adds warmth to perfumes. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS A great relaxer (if used sparingly) and highly recommended for anxiety, depression, insomnia and frigidity. It also has benefits in treating high blood pressure and skin conditions. USES Baths and massage. This oil can soothe away all forms of stress when used as a bath oil or massaged onto the body. Its lasting fragrance is often used in facial and skin preparations, pot pourri and pomanders. It blends well with bergamot, melissa, sandalwood and jasmine.