Tag: essential oils

Essential Oil Profile: Marjoram

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Marjoram

Latin Name: Origanum marjorana, Marjorana hortensis

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Plant Part: Plant (Leaves, Flowers/Buds)

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Middle. Element: Wood.

Functional Groups: Terpene,sesquiterpene, alcohol, ester

Type: Relaxing

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balances): Vata, Pitta, for Kapha substitute Spanish Marjoram (Thymus mastichina)

Scent: Herbaceous, warm, camphoraceous, sweet, woody

For skin Type: None

IMG_3668

(Photos by AromaAngie)

Caution: Not during pregnancy. Not for low blood pressure. Not for asthma. Not before love love-making since it is anaphrodisiac (discourages sexual feelings).

Physical Uses: Insomnia, muscle & joint pain, colds, cough, flu, PMS, headache, migraine, indigestion, menstrual cramps, palpitations, nervine, sedative.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Stress,  comforting, grief, numbing.

Other Uses: combine with Rose for grief. Combine with Lavender for headache.

Blends Well With: Leaves, citrus, lavender

Possible Substitutions: Lavender, Don’t confuse sweet Marjoram with Spanish Marjoram (Thymus mastichina).

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level, 2001-2011.

Lawless, Julia, The Complete Illustrated Guide To Aromatherapy, Boston,MA, Element Books Limited, 1997, p 200.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/marjoram-oil.asp

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/marjoram-oil.html

http://aromatherapybible.com/marjoram/

 

 

  

Essential Oil Profile: Mandarin Red

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Mandarin Red

Latin Name: Citrus reticulata

Other Mandarin Varieties: 

Citrus nobilis- King

Citrus deliciosa- Mediterranean

Citrus unshiu– Satsuma

Family: Rutaceae

Plant Part: Peel      

Method: Expression

Note/element: Note: Top Element: Earth, Mandarin Green is Earth, Wood

Functional Group: Terpene, alcohol, ester, aldehyde

Type: Relaxing, balancing

Ayurvedic Dosha ( Balances): Mandarin Red: Vata ( for emotions, too drying for the skin), Pitta, Kapha  Mandarin Green: Kapha

Scent: Citrus, Orange, soft, smooth, sweet, fruity

For Skin Type: Oily

Cautions: Do not oxidized oil, Use within 6 months

Physical Well With: Digestion, nausea, lymphatic drainage, stretch marks, water retention, cellulite

Mental/Emotional Uses: Calming, insomnia, creativity, depression, anxiety, stress, cheering

Other Uses: Calms children

Blends Well With: Almost anything

Possible Substitutions: Sweet Orange, Petitgrain, Tangerine, Mandarin Green is from the immature peel of Citrus reticulata, and is more moving and stimulating rather than relaxing.

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level, 2001-2011.

https://www.quinessence.com/blog/mandarin-essential-oil

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/mandarin-oil.asp

 

 

 

Essential Oil Profile: Lime

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Lime

Latin Name:  Citrus aurantifolia

Family: Rutaceae

Plant Part: Peel

Method: Expression

Note/Element: Note:Top. Element: Wood.

Functional Groups: Terpene, alcohol, ester, aldehyde

Type: Stimulating, refreshing

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balancing): Pitta, Kapha

Scent: Fresh, citrus, sweet, slightly tart

For Skin Type: Oily, acne

Cautions: Do not use oxidized oil. Use within 6 months. Phototoxic, skin sensitizing. Distilled Lime is not Phototoxic or skin sensitizing.

Physical Uses: Cellulite, fever, colds, flu, digestion, acne, varicose veins, asthma,tonic.

Mental/Emotional Uses: refreshes, cheering, cooling to a hot temperature, improves concentration,restorative.

Other Uses: Disinfectant, purify the air, men’s cologne and aftershave

Blends Well With: Almost anything

Possible Substitutions: Lemon or Lime Sweet (Citrus limetta)

Shelf Life: Use within six months.

References:

Graf, Katherine:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level, 2001-2011.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lime-oil.asp

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/lime-essential-oil.html

Lawless, Julia, The Complete Illustrated Guide To Aromatherapy, Boston,MA, Element Books Limited, 1997, p184.

http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/health-benefits-of-lime-essential-oil

 

 

Essential Oil Profile: Lemongrass

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Lemongrass

Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)

Plant Part: Leaves (Grass)

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Top. Element: Wood.

Functional Group: Alcohol, aldehyde

Type: Relaxing

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balances): Pitta, Kapha (use with care sensitizing)

Scent: Lemony, bright, fresh, earthy.

For Skin Type: Oily

Cautions: Not during Pregnancy. Skin-sensitizing. Not with estrogen dependent cancers.

Physical Uses: Cellulite, muscle & joint pain, digestion, immune system, swollen glands, fungal skin issues (athlete’s foot, ring worm), fever, menstrual pain,excessive perspiration .

Mental/Emotional Uses: Stress, depression, uplifting, exhaustion

Other Uses: Insect repellent, during long drives to uplift yet relax

Blends Well With: Grasses, citrus, woods, roots, flowers

Possible Substitutions: Citronella, Melissa

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level, 2001-2011.

https://www.aromafoundry.com/blogs/aroma-foundry/lemongrass-oil-uses-descriptions

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 1998, 28,38,39.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lemongrass-oil.asp

https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-lemongrass-essential-oil/

Essential Oil Profile: Lemon

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Lemon ( Citrus limon)

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Latin Name: Citrus limon

Family: Rutaceae

Plant Part: Peel

Method: Expression, distillation.

Note/Element: Note: Top. Element: Earth

Functional Group: Alcohol, aldehyde, sesquiterpene, terpene

Type: Stimulating, refreshing

Scent: Citrus, fresh, clean

For Skin Type: Oily

Cautions: Cold pressed oils are phototoxic, steam distilled is not. Not before sunbathing (some say not to use 72 hours prior) . Not on sensitive skin.  Do not use oxidized oil. Use within 6 months.

Physical Uses: Cellulite,circulation, bleeding gums, paper cuts, fever, colds, flu, digestion, acne, varicose veins, warts, current research show promise with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, some pregnant say helps with nausea, headaches & migraines, cold sores.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Clarity, refreshing, uplifting, cooling to a hot temperament, depression, stress.spripedlemonphoto

Other Uses: Disinfectant, purify the air, house cleaning, insecticide.

Blends Well With: Almost anything

Possible Substitutions:  Lime, Grapefruit

IMG_3856

(Photos by AromaAngie )

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Foundation Level, 1999-2010.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lemon-oil.asp

https://healthyfocus.org/top-10-benefits-of-lemon-essential-oil/

http://essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/lemon.htm

Essential Oil Profile: Lavender

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Lavender

Latin Name: Lavandula vera, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Plant Part: Flowers/Buds, leaves

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Top/Middle Element: Wood, Fire. Lavender Spike (Lavandula latifolia) is also Metal.

Functional Groups: Alcohol, ester, ketone, oxide, sesquiterpene, terpene

Type: Relaxing, balancing

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balances): Vatta, Pitta, Kapha

Scent: Floral, crisp, sweet, herbaceous, slightly champhorous

For Skin Type: Oily, Normal, Dry, Mature, Acne

Cautions: Not during first trimester

Physical Uses: Insomnia, allergies, cuts, burns, bruise, sunburn, insect bites, colds, flu, cough, muscle pain, candida, menstrual/stomach cramps, headache, migraine, blemish, rash, itching, rheumatism, stretch marks, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, normalizes blood sugar, treats infected hair folicles.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Depression, tension, stress, anxiety, restlessness, PMS, hyperactivity

Other Uses: Children, seniors, insect repellent, primary first aid, cleansing

Blends Well With: Flower, Leaf, Needle, Peel

Possible Substitutions: Lavandin

Lavender Lovers

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Master Level, 1999-2010.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lavender-oil.asp

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 1998, 3,35,55,75-76,113, 116, 122.

http://roberttisserand.com/2011/08/lavender-oil-skin-savior-or-skin-irritant/

Essential Oil Profile: Juniper

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Juniper

Latin Name: Juniperus communis 

Family: Cupressaceae

Plant Part: Berries, Needles

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Top/Middle Element: Metal, Water

Functional Group: Terpene, alcohol, ester

Type: Stimulating

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balances): Kapha

Scent: Woody, fresh, earthy, sweet

For Skin Type: Acne, oily

Cautions: Not during pregnancy, Not with kidney disease. Not with high blood pressure. May irritate sensitive skin. Per R. Tisserand & R. Young regarding pregnancy and kidney disease not accurate by current research. Kurt Schnaubelt states juniper berries are ok because they have no monoterpenes.

Physical Uses: Detoxifying, cellulite, cystitis, diuretic, colds, flu, muscle & joint pain, menstrual cramps, skin conditions, improves circulation.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Stress, mental clarity, anxiety, studying, clearing stagnant thoughts, burn-out, helps dispel negative emotions, natural antiseptic.

Other Uses: Jet lag

Blends Well With: Woods, needles, citrus, leaves

Possible Substitutions: Cedar Texas (Juniperus mexicana),

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level, 2001-2011.

https://www.quinessence.com/blog/juniper-berry-essential-oil

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/juniper-berry-oil.asp

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 1998, P 46.

 

Essential Oil Profile: Jasmine Absolute

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Jasmine Absolute

Latin Name: Jasminum officinalis

Family: Oleaceae

Plant Part: Flower

Method: Solvent Extraction (Ethel Alcohol or Carbon Dioxide)

Note/Element: Note: Middle/Base Element: Fire

Functional Groups: Alcohol, ester, ketone

Type: Euphoric

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balances): Vata, Pitta

Scent: Heady, floral, sweet, rich, warm

For Skin Type: Oily, normal, sensitive & dry

Cautions: Not during pregnancy. Avoid on sensitive skin or rash.

Physical Uses: Labor (relieves the child birth process), menstrual cramps, nourishing and toning to face, relieves pain, headaches, coughs.

Mental/Emotional Uses: PMS, depression, postpartum, depression, self-esteem, tension, stress, anxiety, confidence, creativity, helps dispel anger, jealousy, and disappointment.

Other Uses: Perfumery, aphrodisiac

Blends Well With: Flower, peel

Possible Substitutions: Jasmine sambac, Ylang Ylang

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Foundation Level, 1999-2010.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/jasmine-absolute.asp

http://www.floracopeia.com/Essential-Oils/essential-oils-sub/organic-jasmine-oil-night-blooming.html

http://purenaturalessentialoil.com/pages/importanceofjasmineoil.html

Photo by AromaAngie

Essential Oil Profile: Hyssop decumbens

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Hyssop decumbens

Latin Name: Hyssop officinalis var. decumbens

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Plant Part: Flower, buds & leaves

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Middle. Element: Metal.

Function Groups: Oxide, Terpene, Sesquiterpene, Alcohol, Ester, Ketone (small amount)

Type: Stimulating

Ayurvedic Dosha: Vata, Kapha

Scent: Sweet, camphorous, warm, spicy, herbaceous, powerful.

For Skin Type: None

Cautions: Not during pregnancy or with children. Do not confuse with Hyssopus officinalis L. *  High blood pressure Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 1998, Pages 49 .

Physical Uses: Colds, sinusitis, sore throat, congestion, coughs, bronchitis, hay fever, asthma, nail fungus, strongly antiviral ( fever blisters & herpes) and anti-bacterial, colic, regulate high blood pressure *.

Mental/Emotional: Nervous system tonic, grief, addiction

Other Uses: Space clearing ritual, natural perfumery

Blends Well With: Flower, Fruit, Leaf.

Possible Substitutes: Lavender Spike, Rosemary 1.8

News You Can Use: Hyssop has a history as a strewing (plants that are scattered over floors and dwellings) and purifying herb.

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Master Level, 2001-2012.

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/hyssop-essential-oil/profile

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 1998, Pages 28, 49, 102, 112, 123.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/hyssop-oil.asp

https://www.edenbotanicals.com/hyssop-decumbens.html?

 

Essential Oil Profile: Helichrysum

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Helichrysum, Immortelle, Everlasting

Latin Name: Helichrysum italicum

Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Plant Part: Flowering Plant

Method: Distillation

Note/Element:  Note: Base Element: Wood

Functional Groups: alcohol, ester, ketone, sesquiterpene, terpene.

Type: Relaxing

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balancing): Vata, Kapha

Scent: Herbaceous, rich, warm, earthy, fresh.

For Skin Type: Acne, oily, sunburn & mature.

Cautions: Not during pregnancy. substantial amount of ketones.

Physical Uses: Bruise, inflammation, sore throat, colds, flu, cough, mucus, muscle & joint pain (rheumatoid arthritis), sprain, scar, eczema, wounds, skin care for it’s regenerating tissue abilities.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Emotional bruising, addictions, stress.

Other Uses: Perfumery fixative.

Blends Well With: Flower, peel, resin, root.

Possible Substitutions: Lavender, Arnica macerate.

 

References:

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Foundation Level, 1999-2010.

https://www.anandaapothecary.com/archive/pain-relief-from-essential-oils-using

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/helichrysum-oil.asp

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 1998, Pages 27,55,113,116 .