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Petitgrain essential oil is captured by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara or C. bigaradia), also known as the Seville orange. The blossom of the same tree yields the precious essential oil of neroli, with orange flower water being produced as a by-product of the distillation process. … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Petitgrain
Regarded as the queen of essential oils, rose is one of the most beautiful to use. Its exquisite floral fragrance is soft yet rich, with subtle undertones of clove and vanilla. The best oil is from Bulgaria, where fresh petals of the damask rose are hand-picked at dawn and steam distilled. To create a single … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Rose Oil
Strawberry Leaf and Rose Skin Tonic If possible gather wild strawberry or blackberry leaves from the hedgerows to make this excellent astringent tonic (or aftershave lotion) for greasy skin. 5g fresh strawberry or blackberry leaves 100ml boiling water 5ml cider vinegar 1 drop pure rose otto essential oil Plastic funnel Put the strawberry or blackberry leaves into a heatproof … Read moreAromatherapy: Rose Otto for Beauty and Home
This revered ‘queen of flowers’ is believed to be one of the earliest flowering plants ever cultivated and is steeped in myth and magic. The rose has inspired poets and artists for centuries as the symbol of love and beauty. Associated with most religions, it appears in the sacred texts of ancient India and China, … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Rose Otto
You can use the healing aroma of the sandalwood tree to promote feelings of peace and serenity and also to ease various ailments of the digestive system. As it is more expensive than many oils, you are more likely to come across it as joss sticks, incense or in scented candles than as oil, but … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Sandalwood
Woodmint Bath Milk A delightfully refreshing bath to take on a summer’s morning or sultry evening. For best results, the water should be comfortably warm rather than hot. The powdered milk (from health stores) will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. 6 tbsp powdered goat’s milk 2 drops pure sandalwood essential oil 2 drops pure clary sage essential … Read moreAromatherapy: Sandalwood for Beauty and Home
Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a small, tropical evergreen tree with leathery leaves and clusters of tiny purple flowers. The tree is semi-parasitic, its roots penetrating lose of neighbouring plants, especially bamboo and palms. For several years the young tree depends on other plants for nourishment – eventually draining its hosts to death. Native to southern … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Sandalwood
Essential oil is steam-distilled from the berries, needles and wood of the evergreen juniper tree. The finest grade oils are obtained from the berries alone using this procedure, giving a sweeter oil that is virtually colourless. Herbal panacea Juniper fortifies the nerves and helps to combat the symptoms of restlessness, tension and anxiety. The unique … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Juniper Berry Oil
Salt Rub and Restorative Bath This two-step routine comprises a salt rub treatment for sloughing off dead skin cells, softening the skin and improving circulation, followed by a tonic bath to revitalise you, from head to toe. Begin by moistening your body under a lukewarm shower – or a cold shower if you are hardy. … Read moreAromatherapy: Juniper Berry for Beauty and Home
Of the 60 or so species that comprise the juniper family, it’s the berries of the common juniper (Juniperus communis) that are used as a medicine, spice and source of essential oil. The plant is a coniferous, evergreen shrub, or small tree, growing up to 6m, with reddish twigs and blueish-green, needle-like leaves. Native to … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Juniper Berry