Aromatherapy: How to use Aniseed Oil

Aromatic anise seeds, a revered digestive tonic of the Greeks and Romans, is still used in confectionary and as a flavouring for alcoholic beverages, especially Pernod and Turkish Raki. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the seeds of this perennial herb of the Middle East. It has a rich, pervasive spicy-sweet odour resembling Liquorice. A … Read moreAromatherapy: How to use Aniseed Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Fennel Oil

Warming and stimulating, fennel has a long tradition as a digestive tonic. The seeds of the herb are crushed to give a strongly scented, sweet, peppery oil. Fennel has potent properties. Used sparingly, it has an enlivening, energising and revitalising effect on the mind and body. Fennel’s main action is on the digestion, where it … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Fennel Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Frankincense Oil

Frankincense has been prized since the time of the pharaohs, who considered it an oil of enlightenment and wisdom, an exotic treasure that was more valuable than gold. Its powerful, sweet and woody fragrance is still used today as incense in temples and churches. Medication and meditation The magical properties of frankincense are best activated … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Frankincense Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Eucalyptus Oil

The potent medicinal properties of eucalyptus have been used for centuries by Australian Aborigines. Today, the powerful antiseptic properties of eucalyptus are valued all over the world. Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the partially dried leaves and twigs of the ‘blue gum’ eucalyptus tree. The oil has a pungent camphorous scent and blends well with … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Eucalyptus Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Melissa Oil

Melissa is perhaps best known as lemon balm. As a recent addition to the aromatherapy chest, it is becoming increasingly popular as a sedative tonic. Its calming action makes it valuable for depression, anxiety and emotional upsets. True melissa oil is very expensive as the leaves, flowers and stem of the herb are distilled an … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Melissa Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Clary Sage

The aromatic leaves and flower tops of clary sage are steam-distilled to create a potent oil with remarkable sedative properties. Blending with lavender, it is invaluable for easing depression and anxiety; by itself it can help treat panic attacks, stress-induced headaches and muscular cramps and is an excellent tonic for the nervous system. Euphoric and … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Clary Sage

Aromatherapy: Healing with Tea Tree

Tea tree, a wild, bushy tree native to Australia, yields one of the gentlest and most active essential oils. Its stimulating and germicidal actions are valued around the world and its strong, camphor-like scent is refreshing and uplifting, making it pleasant to use around the home. It blends well with other antiseptic oils, especially lemon, … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Tea Tree

Aromatherapy: Healing with Cypress Oil

Calming and cooling, oil from the Mediterranean cypress tree is valued for its refreshing and astringent actions. The essential oil is stem-distilled from the leaves, twigs and cones of the evergreen tree and has a sharp, clear, slightly spicy aroma, with green resinous undertones. Cypress calms and comforts your nervous system. At the same time, … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Cypress Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Scots Pine Oil

Pine oil is an effective natural weapon against infection and disease. Its penetrating, woody odour is associated with cleanliness. In Scandinavian countries, pine has been used for centuries in saunas and its needles burnt to clean and deodorise rooms. Blended with lavender and lemon in a room vaporiser, pine is invigorating, promoting feelings of strength … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Scots Pine Oil

Aromatherapy: Healing with Jasmine

Regarded as the ‘king of flower oils’, jasmine is an effective aphrodisiac, bringing out inner desires and restoring sexual energy and confidence. Used as a massage oil or to fragrance a room, jasmine is soothing and uplifting. It warms the emotions, calms the nerves and dispels feelings of apathy, indifference and listlessness, replacing them with … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Jasmine