Chemicals

Petitgrain and neroli are both oils yielded by the orange tree. The leaves contain tiny sacs of oil that, steam-distilled, release petitgrain oil, while petals are steam-distilled to give neroli oil. Petitgrain’s haunting fragrance is reminiscent of neroli, but is lighter and more refreshing. The sweet and the creamy The sweet aroma of petitgrain makes … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Neroli and 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The intensely sweet floral aroma of ylang ylang is regarded as a symbol of love in the Orient, and its name originates from a Malayan work meaning ‘flower of flowers’. Its petals are hand collected in the early morning Sun from high in this tropical tree an are then steam distilled to make an exquisite … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Ylang Ylang

Bright and cheerful, the delicate, sweet, tangy aroma of mandarin is refreshing and uplifting. Mandarin essential oil, expressed from the peel of mandarin fruit, has a range of gentle therapeutic properties. Its soft citrus scent is mild enough for babies and children and can be used throughout pregnancy. Astringent action Mandarin’s primary action is as … Read moreAromatherapy: Healing with Mandarin