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The earthy, balmy aroma of patchouli remains a symbol of the psychedelic 1960s, associated with ‘flower power’ and relaxed sexuality. Patchouli’s highly tenacious, spicy aroma becomes sweeter as the harsher top notes evaporate to leave a rich velvet, musky scent. It is widely used in oriental perfumes and in incense and joss sticks, when it … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Patchouli
Patchouli, Honey and Almond Bath Milk This heavenly, exotically-scented soak leaves the skin feeling like satin, and calms nerves. If jasmine is too expensive, use ylang ylang instead. 2 tbsp ground almonds 1 tbsp clear honey 200ml organic milk 10ml carrier oil 1 drop patchouli oil 3 drops jasmine oil 2 drops geranium oil Blend the ingredients in a food processor until … Read moreAromatherapy: Patchouli for Beauty and Home
Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli or P. cablin) is a bushy herb which grows to a height of one metre and has soft, hairy, oval-shaped leaves and spikes of white, purple-tinged flowers. When rubbed, the leaves emit the peculiar, charasmatic scent of patchouli. Native to Southeast Asia, the shrub grows in Sumatra and Java between altitudes of … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Patchouli
Peppermint has been used as a tonic for centuries, and its fresh aroma is evident in toothpastes and mouthwashes today. Peppermint is a powerful digestive stimulant; it aids the digestion of fats and strengthens liver function. This makes it an excellent oil for relieving indigestion and treating gastric fevers and diarrhoea. Decongestant properties Peppermint stimulates … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Peppermint
Peppermint Mist Skin Freshener This delightful mist spray can help cool your skin on hot summer days. It’s especially suitable for oily to combination skins. Ideally, use the freshener straight from the fridge. Make a cup of peppermint tea – use a tea bag or put 2tsp of dried peppermint into a teacup and top … Read moreAromatherapy: Peppermint for Beauty and Home
The mint family contains 25 species and numerous natural hybrids. Although native to Mediterranean countries and western Asia, many varieties are now cultivated all over the world. These include water mint (Mentha aquatica), field mint (M. arvensis) and spearmint (M. spicata). However, peppermint (M. piperita) – thought to be a natural hybrid between water mint … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Peppermint
The sweet, fresh floral scent of geranium oil with its fruity and minty overtones makes it a fragrant addition to massage and bathing blends. It combines well with many oils, especially complementing the scents of lavender, bergamot, neroli, rose and sandalwood. The essential oil is distilled from the leaves and stems of the geranium plant … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Geranium
Skin Tonic This refreshing tonic is especially good for oily skins. If you don’t wish to filter the mixture as suggested in the recipe, use only 2 drops of essential oil and shake the bottle each time before use. 5ml cider vinegar 4 drops pure geranium essential oil 100ml distilled water Plastic funnel Coffee filter paper Pour the … Read moreAromatherapy: Geranium for Beauty and Home
The various ‘geranium’ oils used in aromatherapy derive from cultivated species of rose-scented pelargoniums, primarily P. graveolens, P. adoratissimum, P. radens, P. capitatum and hybrid varieties such as P. x asperum. Pelargoniums belong to a family comprising more than 400 species of tender shrubs. A native of South Africa, the geranium is mainly cultivated throughout the world for ornamental … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Geranium
Palmarosa comes from a tropical grass that is closely related to lemongrass and citronella and shares some of their uplifting qualities. Originally from India, there are two varieties: sofia and motia, of which sofia gives a finer aroma. To test the quality of palmarosa, tap the bottle on the palm of your hand, if the … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Palmarosa