Native to the Iberian Peninsula of Portugal and Spain, Spanish Marjoram is a wild growing Mediterranean herb, popular with herbalists the world over. Its appearance is actually more similar to Thyme than Marjoram, which is reflected in the plant’s botanical name; Thymus Mastichina. Traditionally used in Spain and Portugal as an infusion to ease coughs,…
The uplifting citrus fragrance of May Chang essential oil is derived from the small fruit of the Litsea cubeba tree, native to China, where all May Chang in the modern aromatherapy market is currently produced. Unlike other citrus essential oils, May Chang is produced from the steam distillation of the fruit, which yields a light,…
Extensively used in cosmetic balms and preparations, Melissa is otherwise known as ‘lemon balm’ or ‘common balm’. Named after the Greek word for ‘honey’ the flowers of the plant are packed full of bee attracting nectar and gives off a sweet, lemony fragrance. Steam distillation of the leaves releases a unique sweet, citrus oil which…
Neroli or Orange Blossom essential oil is a wonderfully rich and exotic addition to any aromatherapy blend. The rich fragrance, adds an element of luxury to homemade aromatherapy preparations, combining woody undertones with a delicious orange top note. Neroli essential oil is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, native to Asia and…
Black peppercorns have been used as a spice for over 4000 years in cooking and medicine in the Far East. In the 5th century AD Attila the Hun demanded 3000 pounds of peppercorns as a ransom for the city of Rome – the spice was considered as valuable as gold. In modern society the price…
Citronella is renowned for its insect repelling qualities and is a firm favourite of campers and wanderlusts alike. However, this versatile citrus essential oil can also be used to benefit both body and mind, with the practice of aromatherapy. Extracted from the leaves of a grass-like plant, native to Sri Lanka, the benefits of this…
Hailing originally from the Far East, Ginger has proved itself a popular fragrance, flavouring and medicinal compound for many years. A staple ingredient in Asian cookery, Ginger lends itself well to the treatment of digestive complaints, as well as a host of other ailments. Ginger essential oil is extracted from the same part of the…
The Juniper plant is a tough, robust evergreen with small green berries that can take up to two years to ripen. Juniper was burnt in the sickrooms of ancient Greece to purify the environment and used during the mummification process in ancient Egypt. Modern uses however are far less melancholic. Topical treatments of Juniper will…
Although the origin of Lime is not certain, botanists believe this citrus fruit began its life in the jungles of Myanmar (previously Burma) and India, and was first introduced to Europe by early Arab traders. Limes are now cultivated throughout many warm climate countries and grow natively in South America, thanks to successful naturalisation. Buy…
Originally native to China and the Far East, Mandarin is now commercially cultivated in Italy, Spain, Cyprus and the Middle East. It is thought that the name ‘Mandarin’ refers to the fruit’s popularity with the rulers of China – the Mandarins. Closer to home, Mandarins were successfully introduced to Southern Europe in the early 20th…
Orange is a fragrance and flavour popular throughout the world in cosmetics and cookery alike. The essential oil extraction process squeezes tiny pockets found in the skin of the fruit, releasing a soft, sweet orange smelling essential oil. Orange is popular as a digestive tonic and can be massaged on to the skin with a…
Peppermint essential oil comes from a hybrid of mint plants. This particular type of Peppermint oil has a very strong aroma, making it ideal for use in aromatherapy practice and fragrances. The medicinal properties of Peppermint have been documented for many years, with emphasis as a reliever for the symptoms of coughs and colds and…
Extracted from the tropical Cananga Odorata Tree grown in Madagascar, this intensely floral essential oil is a wonderful addition to feminine aromatherapy blends. The extraction process takes the beautiful, yellow, star-shaped blooms of the plant and steam distils them to yield a clear and powerfully floral oil, with many benefits to both skin and mind….
Wonderfully citrus with a woody undertone, Petitgrain essential oil is both balancing an uplifting in aromatherapy blends. Steam distillation is applied to the leaves and twigs of the Bitter Orange tree, (the same plant used to distil Neroli essential oil) to release oil held in tiny sacs on the leaves. Bursting with positivity, Petitgrain will…
In its native countries of India and Nepal, clever Vetiver is used in an abundance of ways, including household products, food and drink and even as an agricultural tool to protect the countryside from erosion, during monsoon season. The Vetiveria Zizanoides plant is tall and grassy. Essential oil is extracted from the roots of the…