alive

Used extensively as a domestic spice and as a traditional remedy for dyspepsia, intestinal colic, menstrual cramps, poor appetite, laryngitis and bronchitis.

Antihistaminic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aperitif, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, larvicidal, stimulant, spasmolytic, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge.

A pale yellowish-brown liquid with a harsh, spicy odor that blends well with jasmine, cinnamon, cassia and other spices; however, it is very overpowering.

Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, irritant in high concentration due to rubefacient properties. Use in moderation only.

• Respiratory Conditions: Bronchitis, coughs, laryngitis.
• Digestive System: Dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, gastric spasm, nervous indigestion, poor appetite.
• Immune System: Colds.

It has been used for thousands of years in the east for a wide range of complaints including colds, ’flu, digestive and menstrual problems, rheumatism, kidney troubles and as a general stimulant.

Anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, antidote (to poison), antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-putrescent, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, haemostatic, orexigenic, parasiticide, refrigerant, spasmolytic, stimulant (circulatory, cardiac, respiratory), stomachic, and vermifuge.

A yellow to brownish liquid with a warm-spicy, somewhat harsh odor.

The leaf oil is relatively non-toxic, though possibly irritant due to cinnamaldehyde. Its major component, eugenol, causes irritation to the mucous membranes: use in moderation.

• Skin Care: Lice, scabies, tooth and gum care, warts, wasp stings.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Poor circulation, rheumatism.
• Digestive System: Anorexia, colitis, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, intestinal infection, sluggish digestion, spasm.
• Immune System: Chills, colds, ’flu, infectious diseases.
• Nervous System: Debility, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

It was used for digestive disorders, kidney disease, uterine and menstrual complaints, for cleansing ulcers and as a general nerve tonic.

Anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, antidote (to poison), antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-putrescent, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, haemostatic, orexigenic, parasiticide, refrigerant, spasmolytic, stimulant (circulatory, cardiac, respiratory), stomachic, and vermifuge.

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.

Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use clary sage oil while drinking alcohol since it can induce a narcotic effect and exaggerate drunkenness. Clary sage is generally used in preference to the garden sage in aromatherapy due to its lower toxicity level.

• Skin Care: Acne, boils, dandruff, hair loss, inflamed conditions, oily skin and hair, ophthalmia, ulcers, wrinkles.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: High blood pressure, muscular aches and pains.
• Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, throat infections, whooping cough.
• Digestive System: Colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence.
• Nervous System: Depression, frigidity, impotence, migraine, nervous tension and stress-related disorders.

Used since the earliest times as a medicinal and culinary herb. In Germany and Scandinavia especially, it is used with fish and cucumber, and the seeds baked in bread. In the west and east it is used as a soothing digestive aid for indigestion, wind, colic etc. especially in children.

Antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, galactagogue, hypotensive, stimulant, stomachic.

A colourless to pale yellow mobile liquid with a light fresh warm-spicy scent.

Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.

• Digestive System: Colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, indigestion.

Fresh ginger is used in China for many complaints including rheumatism, bacterial dysentery, toothache, malaria, and for cold and moist conditions such as excess mucus and diarrhoea. It is best known as a digestive aid, especially in the West.

Analgesic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aperitif, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, tonic.

A pale yellow, amber or greenish liquid with a warm, slightly green, fresh, woody-spicy scent. It blends well with sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, rosewood, cedarwood, coriander, rose, lime, neroli, orange and other citrus oils.

Non-toxic, non-irritant (except in high concentration), slightly phototoxic; may cause sensitization in some individuals.

• Muscle and Joint Pain: Arthritis, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, sprains, strains etc.
• Respiratory Conditions: Catarrh, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, sore throat.
• Nervous System: Nervous tension, neuralgia and stress-related conditions.

Lemon peel has been used in folk tradition and the culinary world as a flavoring for hundreds of years. Upon the discovery of its vast nutritional attributes (high content of Vitamins A, B, and C) it became even more popular and was used as a sort-of “cure-all” for symptoms of infection like fever or scurvy. When taken internally, Lemon juice is very effective in addressing acidic conditions like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-anaemic, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antisclerotic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, insecticidal, rubefacient, stimulates white corpuscles, tonic, vermifuge.

Lemon essential oil begins as a pale green-yellow liquid, and begins to brown with aging. It has a very light, sharp, and citrus scent - making it perfect for blending with oils like Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Geranium, Eucalyptus, and other citrus oils.

Internally, Lemon essential oil is non-toxic. However, external use can lead to sensitivities and Lemon essential oil is phototoxic, so it should not be applied dermally in areas that will be exposed to direct sunlight.

• Skin Care: Can be used or applied to the skin (in low volumes, and in a carrier oil) to address symptoms of acne, anaemia, brittle nails, boils, cuts, greasy skin, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, varicose veins, and warts.
• Muscle and Joint Care: Lemon essential oil is often used by people looking to relieve pain from arthritis, nosebleeds, obesity, poor circulation, and rheumatism.

It is used for similar purposes including fever, infections, sore throat, colds, etc. It used to be used as a remedy for dyspepsia with glycerin of pepsin.

Antirheumatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, antiviral, aperitif, bactericidal, febrifuge, restorative, tonic.

A pale yellow or olive-green liquid with a fresh, sweet, citrus-peel odor.

Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. However, the expressed ‘peel’ oil is phototoxic (but not the steam-distilled ‘whole fruit’ oil).

• Skin Care: Acne, anaemia, brittle nails, boils, chilblains, corns, cuts, greasy skin, herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, varicose veins, warts.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Arthritis, cellulitis, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, obesity (congestion), poor circulation, rheumatism
• Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, catarrh.
• Digestive System: Dyspepsia.
• Immune System: Colds, ’flu, fever and infections.

The name comes from the fruit which was a traditional gift to the Mandarins of China. In France it is regarded as a safe children’s remedy for indigestion, hiccoughs, etc, and also for the elderly since it helps strengthen the digestive function and liver.

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic (mild), laxative (mild), sedative, stimulant (digestive and lymphatic), tonic.

Mandarin oil is a yellowy-orange mobile liquid with a blue-violet hint, having an intensely sweet, almost floral citrus scent. It blends well with other citrus oils, especially neroli, and spice oils such as nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. Tangerine oil is an orange mobile liquid with a fresh, sweet, orangelike aroma. It has less body than mandarin and is little used in perfumery work.

Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Possibly phototoxic, although it has not been demonstrated decisively.

• Skin Care: Acne, congested and oily skin, scars, spots, stretch marks, toner.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Fluid retention, obesity.
• Digestive System: Digestive problems, dyspepsia, hiccoughs, intestinal problems.
• Nervous System: Insomnia, nervous tension, restlessness. It is often used for children and pregnant women and is recommended in synergistic combinations with other citrus oils.

Spanish Marjoram was used in traditional herbal medicine by the Greeks and Romans, the latter whom crowned newlywed couples with wreaths made from the plant as a symbol of love, honor and happiness. In a medicinal sense, the leaves and flowers were used to make tea which was often used by vocalists to preserve their voices, and by regular townsfolk to battle cold and flu-like symptoms.

Decongestive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic and antifungal.

Spanish Marjoram essential oil is spicy and camphoraceous in smell and has a thin consistency. Typcially, the oil has an orange or amber hue after distillation.

Possibly hypoallergenic in some users. Do not use internally or in young children or while pregnant.

• Skin Care: Athlete’s foot, cuts and sores.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Sprains and stiff joints.
• Nervous System: Nervous tension, stress-related concerns, depression, anxiety, and hysteria.

At one time the oil used to be extracted from the green unripe oranges when they were still the size of a cherry – hence the name petitgrain or ‘little grains’. One of the classic ingredients of eau-de-cologne.

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, digestive, nervine, stimulant (digestive, nervous), stomachic, tonic.

A pale yellow to amber liquid with a fresh-floral citrus scent and a woody- herbaceous undertone. It blends well with rosemary, lavender, geranium, bergamot, bitter orange, orange blossom, labdanum, oakmoss, clary sage, jasmine, benzoin, palmarosa, clove and balsams.

Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic.

• Skin Care: Acne, excessive perspiration, greasy skin and hair, toning.
• Digestive System: Dyspepsia, flatulence.
• Nervous System: Convalescence, insomnia, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

Rosemary is arguably the first plant to have been used for food, medicine, and magic - as it was widely regarded as sacred in many civilizations. In these ancient cultures, Rosemary was burned and fumigated to rid shrines and villages of evil spirits and plagues. As time moved forward, practical use increased, and Rosemary began to be used more in addressing the symptoms of illnesses like colds, congestion, ‘flu, digestive issues, rheumatic pain, and skin issues.

Analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, 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.

Rosemary essential oil is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a strong, fresh, and herbaceous overtone, with a pleasant undertone of woody-balsamic mint. Because of its broad profile, Rosemary blends well with many other oils, including lavender, citronella, oregano, thyme, peppermint, and other spice oils.

Rosemary is non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. However, it is advised to avoid use during pregnancy, and avoid use altogether if you have epilepsy.

• Skin Care: Rosemary essential oil has vast uses on the skin including reducing acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and lice - and can assist with seborrhea, scabies, varicose veins, and greasy hair.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Can be a wonderful remedy to pain caused by arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, poor circulation, and gout, as well as muscle pain.
• Respiratory Conditions: Has been used extensively in combating asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough.
• Digestive Issues: It’s herbaceous and minty qualities make it a wonderful potential remedy for flatulence, cramps, and other digestive conditions including colitis, dyspepsia, hypercholesterolaemia, and jaundice.
• Immune System: Can fight the symptoms of colds, ‘flu, and other infections.
• Nervous System: Often employed to fight the symptoms of headaches, hypertension, neuralgia, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and other stress-related disorders.

Commonly used by the indigenous aboriginal tribes of Australia, Tea Tree has been cultivated for hundreds of years and has been used as a remedy for a variety of immune-system related conditions. Because it is an immunostimulant, it’s been used to boost the response time and effectiveness of the immune system in fighting the symptoms of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections alike.

Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immuno-stimulant, parasiticide, vulnerary.

Tea Tree essential oil is pale yellow to pale green-white in color and has a warm, fresh, and spicy overtone, with a mildly camphoraceous undertone. Tea Tree is a great inclusion in any blend, as it combines wonderfully with lavender, clary sage, rosemary, geranium, marjoram, and other herbaceous and spicy oils.

Tea Tree oil can cause sensitivity on the skin of some consumers, but is otherwise non-toxic and non-irritant.

• Skin Care: Used in addressing acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff, insect bites, rashes, spots, warts, and infected flesh wounds.
• Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis, whooping cough, and tuberculosis.
• Immune System: Colds, ‘flu, fever, chickenpox, other infectious illnesses

Thyme is derived from the Greek word thymos that means 'perfume'. It was used in herbal medicines by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, as incense in Greek temples, and in embalming by the Egyptians. During the Middle Ages it was given to jousting knights for courage, and a sprig of thyme was later carried into courtrooms to ward off diseases

Positivant, anti-infectious, immunomodulant, general tonic, uterotonic, anti-asthenic, aphrodisiac.

Clear liquid with a yellow-orange color and a powerful and typical aroma. Strong and spicy.

May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with eyes should be avoided, and must be diluted well before use.

• Skin Care: Astringent, sores.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Arthritis, muscular aches and stiffness, rheumatism, sprains, strains.
• Immune System: Colds.
• Nervous System: Headache, migraine, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.

When vanilla was grown in cultivation the deep trumpet-shaped flowers had to be hand-pollinated.

Anodyne, anti-dandruff, diuretic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, depressant of the central nervous system, hypnotic, hypotensive, regulator, sedative, stomachic.

A viscous dark brown liquid with a rich, sweet, balsamic, vanilla-like odor. It blends well with sandalwood, vetiver, opopanax, benzoin, balsams and spice oils.

Non-toxic, common sensitizing agent.

• Nervous System: Insomnia, migraine, restlessness and tension states.

Historically, Ylang Ylang has been used as a piece of symbolism in marriage ceremonies, but it’s also been used as a symptomatic remedy for a variety of conditions like depression, anxiety, colds, ‘flu, and other infections inside and out.

Aphrodisiac, antidepressant, anti-infectious, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, regulator, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory), tonic.

Ylang Ylang essential oil is pale yellow in color, with a far more oily texture than other oils. The scent is tantalizingly sweet, soft, and floral, while the undertones are slightly spicy. While it’s an awesome perfume in its own right, it combines wonderfully with jasmine, bergamot, rose, and many other oils like lavender and frankincense.

Due to its strong scent, use Ylang Ylang sparingly to avoid headache or nausea, otherwise, Ylang Ylang is entirely non-toxic and non-irritant.

• Skin Care: Acne, insect bites, irritated skin, and other general skin care practice.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Can increase circulation to the muscles and joints, relieving pain.
• Nervous System: Can be very effective in fighting depression, impotence, insomnia, nervous tension, and other nervous system disorders.