What is Aromatherapy?
History of Aromatherapy
How Does It Work?
Which Problems can Aromatherapy Help? 
Safety Issues
Essential Oils for Relaxation
Description of Some Essential Oils for Beginners
Types of Aromatherapy
Try Yourself
Recipes
Essential Oil Directory

The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds with distinctive therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties, which improve and prevent illness. There are about 150 essential oils. Most of these oils have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant and expectorant. Other properties of the essential oils which are taken advantage of in aromatherapy are their stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, and diuretic properties. To get the maximum benefit from essential oils, it should be made from natural, pure raw materials. Synthetically made oils do not work.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Aromatherapy is already slowly getting into the mainstream. In Japan, engineers are incorporating aroma systems into new buildings. In one such application, the scent of lavender and rosemary is pumped into the customer area to calm down the waiting customers, while the perfumes from lemon and eucalyptus are used in the bank teller counters to keep the staff alert.

History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy had been around for 6000 years or more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The Egyptian physician Imhotep recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massage, and for embalming their dead nearly 6000 years ago. Imhotep is the Egyptian god of medicine and healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used aromatherapy baths and scented massage. He used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague.

The modern era of aromatherapy is dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burned hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits.

During world war II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.

Aromatherapy works the best when it works on the mind and body simultaneously.

How Does It Work?

Essential oils stimulates the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.

Studies with brain wave frequency has shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.

Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes. The effect of these chemical components are summarized in the accompanying table.
 
 

Each essential oil contains as much as 100 chemical components, which together exert a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is predominating in an oil, the oils act differently. For example, some oils are relaxing, some soothes you down, some relieves your pain, etc. Then there are oils such as lemon and lavender, which adapt to what your body needs, and adapt to that situation. (These are called "adaptogenic"). The mechanism in which these essential oils act on us is not very well understood. What is understood is that they affect our mind and emotions. They leave no harmful residues. They enter into the body either by absorption or inhalation.

A fragrance company in Japan conducted studies to determine the effects of smell on people. They have pumped different fragrances in an area where a number of keyboard entry operators were stationed and monitored the number of mistakes made as a function of the smell in the air. The results were as follows:

• When exposed to lavender oil fragrance (a relaxant), the keyboard typing errors dropped 20 percent. 
• When exposed to jasmine (an uplifting fragrance), the errors dropped 33 percent 
• When exposed to lemon fragrance (a sharp, refreshing stimulant), the mistakes fell by a whopping 54 percent! 

Aromatherapy is particularly effective for stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic induced problems, muscular and rheumatic pains, digestive disorders and women's problems, such as PMS, menopausal complaints and postnatal depression. Here is a summary of the results from clinical studies:

Behavior

Considerable evidence exists that fragrant compounds have a profound effect on our mind and behavior. Animal studies have found that hyperexcited mice (as a result of consuming a large quantity of caffeine) was calmed by the aroma of lavender, sandalwood, and other oils sprayed into their cages.The same mice were found to become very irritable when exposed to the aroma of orange terpines, thymol, and some other substances. These oils were all detected in their bloodstream after about an hour.

Sleep

In a study reported in the British Medical Journal Lancet, elderly patients slept "like babies" when a lavender aroma was wafted into their bedrooms at night. These patients had complained of difficulty falling asleep and had to take sleeping pills to get sleep prior to the aromatherapy.

Postpartum discomfort

In a double blind study, 635 women applied lavender oil to their perineal area (part of the body between the vagina and the rectum) after child birth. The women reported a distinct improvement between the third and fifth day. (The discomfort is the worst during this time for patients in the control group.)

Colds

It has been well established that chicken soup is good for cold (both historically and scientifically). Studies were conducted to find out whether the effect was due to the action of the hot steam on the lining of the nostrils or whether the aroma of the chicken soup has anything to do with it. The results indicated that chicken soup was more effective than the steam indicating the effectiveness of the aroma.

Stress

In a study conducted at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York, patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported 63 percent less claustrophobic after getting exposed to the aroma of vanilla. There was no change in their heart rate. Obviously, the aroma reduced their anxiety probably by the pleasant memories evoked by the vanilla aroma or by some other physiological response.

In another study, 122 patients who were in an intensive care unit, reported feeling much better when aromatherapy was administered with the oil of lavender (compared to when they were simply given a massage or allowed to rest.) No changes in the patients who were given aromatherapy was observed in the blood pressure, respiration, or heart rate. As we mentioned before, Japanese have reported less mistakes by keypunch operators when exposed to fragrance.

Male Sexual Response

Circulation to the male sexual organ was found to have improved substantially by treatment with licorice or lavender with pumpkin pie. Doughnut with black licorice was also very effective. Men who are considered the most sexually active responded well to lavender, cola, and oriental spice; older males preferred the fragrance of vanilla. These studies prove that aromatherapy is an effective therapy for the treatment of male impotence from the blood vessel disease or from psychogenic factors.

Safety Issues:

If used as recommended, and under the care of a qualified practitioner, aromatherapy is very safe. Please remember that essential oils are very concentrated. Do not use too much. (Too much is not better in case of essential oils.) Also, please be wary of any allergies people have to essential oils. (Try on a small spot to see whether there is any allergic reactions before exposing the whole body). Caution is particularly recommended for patients who are pregnant, have allergy, high blood pressure or epilepsy. Be careful with young children or babies. If you accidentally spill the essential oils on your skin or eye, wash it off immediately with plenty of water. If you consume the oil by accident, drink lot of milk, eat soft bread, and go to the nearest poison control center for appropriate action.

Oral consumption of aromatic oils are strongly discouraged unless you are under the care and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Many of these essential oils are very toxic. You should not apply the undiluted essential oil on your body as these are very concentrated and you may experience discomfort. The exception to this is lavender oil which can be applied safely in the undiluted form for burns and insect bites.

It is a very good idea to keep your eyes closed while inhaling the aromatic oil. This helps build up your imagery which enhances the effect of the essential oil. It also prevents the "fumes" from irritating the eyes at close range. Don't apply any oils close to your eyes.

Certain oils such as mint oil causes insomnia. Do not use it at night (if you want go to sleep.)The following oils and spices are useful for relaxation.
 
 

Types of Aromatherapy

Cosmetic Aromatherapy

Massage Aromatherapy

Olfactory Aromatherapy

Try Yourself

Here are some ideas for incorporating essential oils into your life. Exact recipes depend on the potency and concentration of the essential oils used. A safe dilution for adults is between 1% and 3%, or 6 and 18 drops of essential oil per ounce of vegetable carrier oil. Our recipes use a 2% dilution rate. You can always add an extra drop or two to a recipe if needed, keeping in mind that more is not always better. (Make sure you know the proper way to handle essential oils before you start.)

Diffusion

Inhalation is probably the simplest form of diffusion. Start with 2 to 5 drops of essential oil, applied to a handkerchief or tissue. Hold under your nose.

Ceramic diffuser lamps gently warm a mixture of water and essential oils over a candle flame or small light bulb to diffuse the aroma. Most ceramic diffusers can hold up to 1/4 cup of the water and essential oil mixture. Start with 10 to 15 drops of oil. Add more drops as needed.

Electric diffusers consist of a small air pump and nebulizing chamber in which air and the essential oil vapor are mixed and released into the surrounding atmosphere. Simply attach a 1/3 or 1/2 ounce bottle of your favorite essential oil or blend.

Unglazed porous clay diffusers absorb essential oils and gradually release their aromas. This type of diffuser is available in many styles. Hollow-bodied ornament style diffusers release their aromas at room temperature, but hanging them in a sunny window intensifies the aroma. Lamp ring diffusers are also popular. Apply essential oils to the channel of the scent ring and place on a standard light bulb. Heat from the light bulb activates the aromas. For most types of clay diffusers, start with 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Add more drops as needed.

Full-Body or Foot Bath

Skin and Hair Care

Essential oils known for their skin rejuvenating properties include chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree and ylang ylang. For sensitive or oily skin, neroli is a good oil to try. For normal to dry skin, try rose. Remember to always dilute essential oils in a vegetable carrier oil before applying to the skin.

You can also treat your skin to an aromatic facial steam. Fill a basin with very hot water. Add 1 drop of essential oil per cup of water after the water is drawn. Gently stir to disperse the oil. Immediately tent your head with a towel and, keeping eyes closed, hold face approximately 10 to 12 inches over basin. Steam for 3 to 5 minutes.

Many essential oils are also beneficial to the scalp and hair. Give yourself a hair treatment by putting a teaspoon of rosemary (for dark hair) or chamomile (for blond hair) in a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo or conditioner. For a monthly treatment, blend a half teaspoon of rosemary (or chamomile) and lavender oils into 4 ounces of jojoba oil. Apply sparingly to the scalp and hair and leave on overnight. (Store leftover blend in the refrigerator). Wash your hair thoroughly the next morning and enjoy the extra body and highlights the essential oils impart.

Massage

Air Freshening

Relaxation and Meditation

Create a memory association (lock) with a special meditating scent (key). This then creates a scent anchor for the mind so that each time the special meditating scent is diffused, the mind's immediate memory response is to slow down and move inward for guidance.

An Environment of Scent

• The woodsy scents of pine, fir and spruce are great for use in the bathroom. 
• The relaxing qualities of lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, marjoram and frankincense are excellent for use in the bedroom. 
• The refreshing qualities of cinnamon, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange and peppermint help eliminate food and cooking odors in the kitchen. 
• The air freshening qualities of lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree cleanse and freshen homes that are shut tight during cold winter months. 
• The familiar scents of orange, peppermint, cinnamon and lemon cleanse stagnant air throughout the entire house. 
• The energizing qualities of peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, rosemary, basil and petitgrain are great for the home or office. 
• The meditative qualities of cedar, frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood provide anchors when the mind needs quieting and inward focusing. 
• The soothing qualities of jasmine, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang and clary sage enhance romantic times. 

Recipes

• Environmental Fragrance: Add 10 drops lemon, 3 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops rosewood to 4 to 8 ounces water. Place in an atomizer, shake well and spray throughout the house to purify and freshen the air. 
• Massage Blend: Add 10 drops lavender, 3 drops rosemary and 2 drops eucalyptus to one ounce pure vegetable carrier oil. 
• Romantic Blend: Add 6 drops lavender, 4 drops sweet orange, 3 drops ylang ylang and 2 drops clary sage to one ounce pure vegetable carrier oil. Creates a sensual, exotic blend for intimate times. 
• Suncare Blend: Add 14 drops lavender and 1 drop peppermint to 4 to 8 ounces water. Place in an atomizer, shake well and apply to skin as needed to refresh and soothe skin after sunning. 

Allspice Berry - Pimenta dioica/Jamaica/Fruit. The oil has the warm, spicy sweet flavor and aroma of the spice. It is used in spicy or masculine scents. It combines well with ginger, geranium, lavender, ylang ylang and patchouli. Eugenol, the main constituent of allspice berry oil, is also the chief component of clove oils and allspice leaf oil. Aromatherapy benefits: warming, cheering, sense-enhancing.

Almond, Bitter (FFPA) - Prunus species/United States/Kernel. The oil of bitter almond is produced from the kernels of bitter almond, peach or apricot. There are two major components of the essential oil, benzaldehyde and prussic acid. Prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid) is toxic and is therefore removed from the oil leaving almost pure benzaldehyde. Almond oil sold as FFPA means "free from prussic acid." The oil has an intense almond aroma. Aromatherapy benefits: strengthening, sense-enhancing.

Amyris - Amyris balsamifera/Haiti/Wood. Amyris is also known as West Indian sandalwood, although unrelated to the true Indian sandalwood. It has a woody, slightly sweet, balsamic aroma, suggestive of sandalwood, Amyris is used as a fragrance fixative. It blends well with lavandin, sassafras, citronella and oak moss scents and is a component of soap fragrances. Aromatherapy benefits: strengthening, centering.

Angelica Root - Angelica archangelica/Belgium, Holland, France, Germany/Root. The oil has a warm, musky, earthy green-like aroma that has excellent staying power. Only small quantities are needed in a perfume. It blends well with patchouli, clary sage and vetiver. This oil darkens with age, especially under the influence of light and air. Caution: Angelica oil may cause a reaction such as redness or burning if used on the skin, then exposed to sunlight. Aromatherapy benefits: anchoring, restorative, strengthening.

Anise Seed - Pimpinella anisum/Spain, France, Italy, Morocco/Seed. The oil of anise and star anise are often used and sold interchangeably because they are similar in aroma. The primary constituent of both is anethole, a sweet substance that solidifies at room temperature. Anise oil lends a sweet, rich note to a variety of perfumes. Aromatherapy benefits: cheering, sense-enhancing, mildly euphoric.

Basil, Sweet - Ocimum basilicum/France, United States/Leaf. There are many types of basil, but the two generally used are sweet basil and Comoros or Reunion basil. The odor of the Reunion type is coarser with a hint of camphor. Sweet basil oil has a floral-spicy odor with a lasting sweetness. It is preferred for perfumes. Clary sage, bergamot and lime oil work well with basil oil. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, uplifting, energizing, strengthening, refreshing.

Bay - Pimenta racemosa/Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica/Leaf. Bay oil is distilled from the leaves and small twigs of the bay rum tree. It has a powerful, spicy, sweet aroma with a distinctive clove note. It is used to produce bay rum fragrance and as a component of fresh, spicy cents. Bay oil darkens easily when exposed to light or stored in metal containers. Aromatherapy benefits: relaxing, calming, warming.

Benzoin Absolute - Styrax tonkinensis/Thailand/Oleoresin. Benzoin oleoresin is extracted with hot alcohol. The alcohol is then removed leaving a concentrated tincture known as a resin absolute. Benzoin resin absolute is a thick, brownish-yellow oil with a sweet, balsamic odor and a hint of vanilla. The warm, stimulating fragrance has been used in incense blends for thousands of years. A rose and benzoin combination is a pleasant, soothing scent. Aromatherapy benefits: soothing, comforting, warming, stimulating.

Bergamot and Bergamot BF - Citrus bergamia/Italy/Fruit Peel. Bergamot oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. The aroma of bergamot oil is fresh, lively, fruity and sweet. It is excellent as a room spray in musty areas. It contains a constituent called bergaptene that increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. The oil used undiluted on exposed skin can cause severe burning. Bergamot BF means "bergaptene free." Removing the bergaptene makes this oil safe to use in skin care products when there is a possibility of exposure to ultraviolet light. Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, normalizing, confidence-building.

Cajeput - Melaleuca minor/Indonesia/Leaf and Twig. Cajeput has a powerful, eucalyptus, camphor-like odor. It is used mainly to scent soaps and detergents, and occasionally it is in creams, lotions and perfumes. Caution: Avoid contact with mucous membranes. Its main constituents are identical to eucalyptus oil. Aromatherapy benefits: stimulating.

Calamus Root - Acorus calamus/India/Root. Oil of calamus has a warm, woody-spicy, earthy scent. It is used in woody-Oriental, herbal, spicy, or leather-based perfumes. It blends especially well with cinnamon, frankincense, patchouli and cedarwood. It also acts as a fixative oil in perfumes and potpourris. Aromatherapy benefits: stimulating, euphoric.

Camphor, White - Cinnamomum camphora/China, Japan/Wood. The true essential oil distilled from the wood of camphor trees is 35 to 40% crude camphor and 60 to 65% crude oil. The oil is redistilled to produce 50% crude camphor. This remaining oil is separated into three fractions: white, brown and blue. White is the grade preferred to scenting detergents, soaps, disinfectants, deodorants, room sprays and other household products. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, energizing.

Cardamom Seed - Elettaria cardamomum/India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka/Seed. The oil has a spicy, aromatic, penetrating, camphor-like aroma with floral undertones. It is a spicy toner in masculine perfumes and imparts a warm note to floral perfumes. It blends well with bergamot, frankincense, ylang ylang, cedarwood and coriander. The oil darkens quickly when exposed to light. Aromatherapy benefits: sense-enhancing, warming.

Carrot Seed - Daucus carota/France/Seed. This oil is distilled from the seed of the common carrot. Its aroma is dry-woody, somewhat sweet and earthy. In perfumery, carrot seed oil is appreciated for the fatty-woody note it lends to Oriental, fantasy, and nature-type perfumes. It is an excellent addition to skin care oils at levels of up to 10%. Aromatherapy benefits: replenishing, nourishing, restoring.

Cassia Bark - Cinnamomum casia/China/Bark. Cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, is the spice sold as cinnamon in the United States. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is considered the true cinnamon in most of the rest of the world. They are similar in taste, though Ceylon cinnamon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor. The oils of both contain cinnamic aldehyde as the major component, with cassia having the larger amount. Caution: Cassia oil is very irritating to the skin and should be handled with care. (See Cinnamon.) Aromatherapy benefits: euphoric, energizing, warming.

Cedarwood, Atlas - Cedrus atlantica/Morocco, Algeria/Wood. The Atlas cedar grows in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It is actually a pine, not a cypress like the red cedar of the United States, and the oils are quite different. The aroma of Atlas cedar is woody, oily and slightly camphor-like. The tree is believed to be closely related to the famous, ancient, perhaps thousand-year-old biblical Lebanon cedars now protected from further destruction by law. Lebanon cedar has a long history of use in medicine, cosmetics and perfumery. Atlas cedar is used for its aroma and fixative powers in soaps and perfumes. It blends well with woody, woody-floral and labdanum types of fragrances. Aromatherapy benefits: stabilizing, stress-reducing, self-enhancing.

Cedarwood, Red - Juniperus virginiana/United States/Wood. Red cedarwood oil is distilled from sawdust. The wood is popular for making cabinets, chests and lining closets. The oil has the oily-woody balsamic aroma typical of the wood. It is used in perfumery where it adds body and a warm note to a blend. It combines well with vetiver and sandalwood oils. It is also used to scent room sprays, disinfectants, insecticides and soaps. Aromatherapy benefits: grounding, meditative, relaxing.

Celery Seed - Apium graveolens/France, India, United States/Fruit. Celery seed oil has a powerful, long-lasting, spicy-warm aroma typical of crushed celery seed. It is used in natural, floral and fantasy-type perfumes but only in minute quantities because of its strength. Aromatherapy benefits: nourishing, warming.

Chamomile, German - Matricaria recutita/Hungary, France/Flower. The oil of German chamomile is also known as blue chamomile. The color of the oil is deep blue, turning green then brown with aging and exposure to light. The odor is sweet and fruity and adds a warm, long-lasting, rich undertone in perfumes. Chamomile is a mild, soothing oil and is popular in massage oils and other herbal preparations. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, relaxing, soothing, nourishing.

Chamomile, Roman - Chamaemelum nobile/Hungary, Belgium, France/Flower. Roman chamomile contains the intense blue component azulene, which gives German chamomile its color, but at much lower levels. It is commonly used in perfumery. It blends well with bergamot, jasmine, neroli and clary sage, lending a warm, fresh note when added in small quantities. The aroma is not long-lasting like that of the German chamomile but it is a mild, soothing oil. Aromatherapy benefits: relaxing, replenishing.

Chamomile, Wild - Ormenis multicaulis/Morocco/Flowering Top. Wild or Moroccan chamomile is related to Roman chamomile. While the fragrance of these two are somewhat similar, wild chamomile is distinct enough to have earned its own place in perfumery. Wild chamomile has a fresh, herb top note and a rich, balsamic, sweet undertone which is very long-lasting. It blends well with wood fragrances like cypress, citrus oils and musky scents. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, soothing, nurturing, relaxing.

Cinnamon Bark - Cinnamomum zeylanicum/Indonesia, Sri Lanka/Inner Bark. Also known as Ceylon cinnamon, this is the true cinnamon of world commerce. Its aroma is similar to cassia, or Chinese cinnamon. The aroma of Ceylon cinnamon is preferred to cassia for perfume where it gives a warm, cozy effect. Cinnamon oil blends well with oriental-woody notes and is often combined with frankincense. It is a skin irritant and should be handled with care. (See Cassia.) Aromatherapy benefits: centering, strengthening.

Cinnamon Leaf - Cinnamomum zeylanicum/Indonesia, Sri Lanka/Leaf. Cinnamon leaf oil is distilled from the leaves of the same tree that produces cinnamon bark oil. The aroma is more reminiscent of cloves than cinnamon due to the large amount of eugenol in the oil. It is often used in Oriental fragrances. Aromatherapy benefits: refreshing, vitalizing.

Citronella - Cymbopogon nardus/Sri Lanka/Herb. There are two types of citronella: the Java type and the Ceylon type. We offer the Ceylon type. While the grass that produces the Java oil is grown in many parts of the tropical world, the Ceylon type is cultivated in Sri Lanka. The oils produced from the two types of grasses vary somewhat in composition, aroma and flavor. The odor of Ceylon citronella is fresh, grassy and warm-woody. It is preferred for scenting outdoor sprays, room sprays and household products. Java oil has a sweeter, more floral aroma which is preferred in perfumery. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, vitalizing.

Clove Bud - Syzygium aromaticum/Madagascar/Flower Bud. The best clove oil is distilled from the buds. Inferior oils are distilled from the leaves and stems and are sometimes sold as clove oil without any designation of the source. Clove bud oil has a powerful, spicy-fruity, warm, sweet aroma. Clove oil is highly irritating to the skin and should be handled with caution. Clove oil becomes darker and thicker as it ages and upon exposure to air. Aromatherapy benefits: warming, sense-enhancing.

Coriander Seed - Coriandrum sativum/France, Holland, Russia/Fruit. Coriander oil has a delightful fragrance: spicy, aromatic and pleasantly sweet. It blends well with clary sage, bergamot, cinnamon bark, jasmine and frankincense for use in spicy, masculine perfumes or light, floral colognes. Aromatherapy benefits: relaxing, stabilizing, gently clarifying.

Cumin Seed - Cuminum cyminum/Turkey, China/Fruit. The aroma is very powerful and diffusive. Small amounts are used in spicy, herbal, woody-floral and Oriental perfumes. Cumin oil blends well with lavandin, rosemary, galbanum and rosewood oils. Caution: Applied to the skin, cumin oil may cause a reaction in the presence of sunlight. This oil is especially sensitive to light and air and should be stored carefully to maintain its quality. Aromatherapy benefits: energizing, tonifying, warming.

Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens/France/Leaf and Twig. The oil has a refreshing, spicy, juniper and pine needle-like aroma and is often used as a modifier in pine fragrances. It blends well with lavender, clary sage, citrus and musk scents. It is excellent for reducing unpleasant scents. A few drops in a foot or dog bath can be effective. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, balancing.

Elemi - Canarium luzonicum/Philippines/Oleoresin. The trees that produce elemi oil are in the same family as those which produce myrrh and frankincense. The oil has a light, lemony, peppery, balsamic aroma that is useful as a freshener and top note in perfumes, soaps and lotions. It has excellent fixative properties. Because the main constituent, phellandrene, is unstable, only fresh oil should be used. Aromatherapy benefits: strengthening, balancing, centering, meditative.

Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus/Spain, Portugal, Australia, France, China/Leaf. Of the 300 species of eucalyptus trees in the world, Eucalyptus globulus is the best known. Eucalyptus has long been used in topical preparations such as liniments and salves. Eucalyptol is the major constituent. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, invigorating, cooling.

Eucalyptus, Lemon - Eucalyptus citriodora/Brazil/Leaf. The odor of Eucalyptus citriodora is similar to the odor of citronella. Both contain citronellal as a major component. Eucalyptus citriodora has a fresh, rosy, grass-like aroma. It is used to scent household products made with other eucalyptus oils because it improves their aroma. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, relaxing.

Fennel, Bitter - Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare/Spain/Fruit. There are two varieties of fennel used to produce oil, sweet fennel and common or bitter fennel. Bitter fennel is similar to sweet fennel in aroma, but has more of a camphor-like, earthy note. 
Caution: Bitter fennel oil should not be used on the skin as it may cause an allergic reaction. Aromatherapy benefits: strengthening, energizing.

Fennel, Sweet - Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce/Spain/Fruit. Sweet or Roman fennel oil has a very sweet, peppery aroma due to its primary component, anethole. Sweet fennel usually contains more anethole than bitter fennel oil. Aromatherapy benefits: restorative, warming, invigorating.

Fir Needle, Siberian - Abies sibirica/Russia, Austria/Needle and Twig. Siberian fir needle oil is the most popular of the many types of fir needle oil available. It has a fresh, balsamic odor reminiscent of a pine forest. It is used extensively in perfumery in masculine, outdoors and unconventional scents. Lavender, other pine or fir oils, citrus oils, rosemary, juniper berry and patchouli oils all blend especially well with this essential oil. Aromatherapy benefits: elevating, strengthening, energy-releasing.

Frankincense - Boswellia carteri/Somalia, Ethiopia/Gum Resin. Frankincense trees grow wild throughout Western India, Northeastern Africa and Southern Saudi Arabia. The oil is distilled from the gum resin that oozes from incisions made in the bark of the trees. The oil is spicy, balsamic, almost green-lemon-like with a certain pepperiness. It modifies the sweetness of citrus oils such as orange and bergamot. It is also the base for the incense types of perfumes and is important in Oriental, floral, citrus, spice and masculine scents. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, restorative, gently clarifying, visualizing, meditative.

Galbanum - Ferula species/Iran/Gum Resin. There are two types of galbanums: hard, or Persian, and soft, or Levant, galbanum. Soft galbanum contains considerably more oil and is used to produce galbanum oil. The oil is used in floral, herbaceous and forest scents where it adds a leafy character. Galbanum oil has a very strong green, dry-woody aroma. It is also an excellent fixative oil. Aromatherapy benefits: soothing, relaxing, warming.

Garlic - Allium sativum/China/Bulb. Garlic oil has an extremely intense scent. While it is reminiscent of the odor of fresh garlic, it is different because of changes that occur during distillation. One drop of this potent oil can be too strong. Take care to avoid spills and the odor last a long time. Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, purifying, stimulating.

Geranium (Bourbon) - Pelargonium graveolens/Reunion/Leaf. This oil is one of the most important perfumery oils and is an important ingredient in all types of fragrances. It has a powerful, leafy-rose aroma with fruit-minty undertones. Bourbon oil, from the island of Reunion, is considered the finest grade, and has the best staying power. It is used in skin care products for both its fragrance and its astringent and cleansing properties. Aromatherapy benefits: soothing, mood-lifting, balancing.

Ginger - Zingiber officinale/China, Jamaica/Rhizome. Ginger oil has a warm, spicy-woody odor. Aromatherapy benefits: warming, strengthening, anchoring.

Grapefruit - Citrus paradisi/Israel, Italy/Peel. Our oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the common grapefruit. It has a fresh, sweet, bitter, citrus aroma. It is used to scent citrusy perfumes and colognes, soaps, creams and lotions. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, refreshing, cheering.

Helichrysum - Helichrysum angustifolium/France/Flowering Top. Helichrysum oil, also known as immortelle, is distilled from the flowering tops of several species of life everlasting flowers. The oil has an intense, honey-chamomile, tea-like aroma that is very long-lasting. Helichrysum oil blends well with citrus oils, chamomile, lavender and clary sage. It is used in floral, herbaceous and fantasy perfumes. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, comforting, uplifting.

Hyssop - Hyssopus officinalis/France, Italy/Herb. Historically, hyssop herb was regarded as a sacred plant and was used as a strewing herb and an incense to purify holy places. The scent of the oil is reminiscent of the herb; spicy, camphor-like, sweet, woody and strong. It blends well with clove, lavender, rosemary, myrtle, sage, clary sage and other citrus oils. Aromatherapy benefits: refreshing, cleansing.

Jasmine Absolute - Jasminum grandiflorum/Morocco, France, Italy/Flower. The fragrance of jasmine is a component in so many perfumes that there is an old saying: "No perfume without jasmine." Artificial jasmine cannot begin to compete with the full, rich, honey-like sweetness of the aroma of true jasmine, despite the efforts of the best perfume chemists in the world. Great expense goes into producing pure jasmine oil. The flowers must be hand-picked before dawn when the essence is at its peak, and large quantities are needed to produce small amounts of oil. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, relaxing, sensual, romantic.

Juniper Berry - Juniperus communis/Bulgaria, France/Fruit. Juniper berry oil is distilled from the dried ripe berry of the juniper tree. Juniper oil from the unfermented berry has a fresh, warm, balsamic, woody-pine needle odor. It is used with citrus oils in room sprays and in masculine and outdoorsy perfumes, aftershaves and spicy colognes. Aromatherapy benefits: strengthening, refreshing, restoring.

Laurel Leaf - Laurus nobilis/France/Leaf. This oil is produced from the leaf of the sweet bay tree. It's used in perfumery for its strong, spicy, sweet forest scent and is prevalent in men's colognes and aftershaves. Laurel combines well with citrus oils, spice oils, and piney or woody oils. Aromatherapy benefit: stimulating.

Lavandin - Lavandula intermedia/Spain, France/Flowering Top. Lavandin is a hybrid plant, the result of a natural cross-pollination of true lavender and spike lavender. The oil has woody, spicy-green odor with a hint of camphor. It is also used in all types of perfumes and blends well with numerous other oils including cypress, geranium, citronella, clove, cinnamon leaf, pine, thyme and patchouli. The scent is not very tenacious and requires the addition of a fixative when it needs to last more than a few hours. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, calming, normalizing.

Lavender Flower - Lavandula angustifolia/Bulgaria, France/Flowering Top. Lavender oil is used in baths, room sprays, toilet waters, perfumes, colognes, massage oils, sachets, salves, skin lotions and oils. It has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma which combines well with many oils including citrus, clove, patchouli, rosemary, clary sage and pine. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, soothing, gently clarifying, normalizing.

Lavender Spike - Lavandula latifolia/Spain/Flowering Top. The oil from the flowering plant has fresh, eucalyptus-like odor, somewhat like lavender. It is used to scent room sprays, deodorants, soaps, disinfectants and insect repellents. In perfumery, it is used with many oils such as rosemary, lavandin, eucalyptus, lavender, rosewood, petitgrain, spice oils and pine needle oils. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, normalizing.

Lemon - Citrus limon/United States, Israel/Peel. Our lemon oil is cold-pressed, a much better oil than distilled. The scent is representative of the fresh ripe peel. Lemon does not keep well and should not be exposed to light, moisture or air. Lemon oil in the bath or in massage oils should be well diluted as it can cause skin irritation. Caution: Use no more than three drops per ounce of carrier oil in a massage oil and only one to three drops in a bath. Avoid using the oil in body care products when going out into the sun as it can cause redness and burning of the skin. Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, refreshing, cheering.

Lemongrass - Cymbopogon citratus/Guatemala, Haiti, Sri Lanka/Leaf. Lemongrass oil is distilled from a tropical grass native to Asia. It has a powerful, lemony, grassy aroma. It is used in insect repellents, room sprays, soaps and detergents. Aromatherapy benefits: vitalizing, cleansing.

Lime - Citrus aurantifolia/United States, Mexico/Peel. Two types of lime oil are commonly sold: distilled and cold-pressed. Distilled oil is pale yellow or clear in color with a perfumey-fruity, limeade aroma. Pressed oil, which we offer, is yellowish-green in color, with a rich, fresh, peel-like aroma that is longer lasting than the fragrance of distilled oil. While pressed lime oil is produced in smaller quantities and is more expensive than distilled lime oil, it is preferred in perfumery. Lime oil applied to the skin, may, in the presence of sunlight, cause a skin reaction. Aromatherapy benefits: equalizing, refreshing, cheering.

Marjoram, Sweet - Majorana hortensis/France/Herb. Sweet marjoram is distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the same plant that produces the culinary herb. The aroma of the oil is warm and spicy, with a hint of nutmeg. In perfumery, it is used in masculine, Oriental, and herbal-spicy perfumes and colognes. Most essential oils sold as marjoram oil are wild marjoram, rather than sweet marjoram. Aromatherapy benefits: warming, calming.

Marjoram, Wild - Thymus mastichina/Spain/Herb. Wild marjoram oil is distilled from a species of wild thyme which grows in Spain. The oil has a strong, sweet-spicy, eucalyptus fragrance and is often used in massage oils and for care of sensitive skin. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, clearing, strengthening.

Myrrh - Commiphora species/Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia/Gum Resin. Natural myrrh resin is one of the oldest known perfumery materials. The oil has a sharp, balsamic, warm and spicy aroma that blends well in Oriental, woody and forest-type perfumes. It is also used in ointments and other skin care products. Myrrh has a long history of use as incense, especially with frankincense, during the Christmas season. Aromatherapy benefits: centering, visualizing, meditative.

Myrtle - Myrtus communis/Tunisia/Leaf and Twig. Myrtle is an evergreen shrub that grows wild throughout the Mediterranean. The oil has a distinct, spicy, camphor-like aroma. The better oils, such as those produced from Tunisian myrtle, exhibit a sweeter, fresher note. Myrtle oil is used to add a spicy-herb component to outdoors and natural-type colognes. It also blends well with bergamot, lavandin, lavender, rosemary, clary sage and lime oils. Long known for its skin-care properties, myrtle was once the main ingredient in "Angel's Water," a popular 16th-century lotion. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, cleansing, strengthening.

Neroli - Citrus aurantium/Morocco, France, Italy, Tunisia/Flower. Oil of neroli is distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. It has a very strong, refreshing, spicy, bittersweet aroma and is one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery. It is an ingredient of the true eau de cologne and blends well with citrus oils and floral oils. Neroli is also used in good quality natural cosmetic preparations such as massage oils, skin creams and bath oils. The oil must be carefully stored in a cool, dark, well-sealed container or it will lose its freshness after several months. Aromatherapy benefits: centering, calming, soothing, sensual.

Nutmeg - Myristica fragrans/Indonesia, East Indies/Fruit. Nutmeg oil is distilled from whole, dried nutmegs that have been cut into small particles and pressed to remove the fixed oil, also known as nutmeg butter. The oil has the characteristic fragrance of the spice. Nutmeg oil is a component in men's fragrances and spicy perfumes. Aromatherapy benefits: rejuvenating, uplifting, energizing.

Orange, Mandarin - Citrus reticulata/Italy, United States/Peel. Although botanically the differences between mandarin and tangerine are slight, the oils expressed from each differ in aroma and are not considered interchangeable. The floral undertones of this sweet, citrus smelling oil are found in combination with other citrus oils in colognes and fantasy-type perfumes. (See Tangerine.) Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, cheering, balancing, warming.

Orange, Sweet - Citrus sinensis/United States, Brazil/Peel. More sweet orange oil is produced than any other citrus oil. Two kinds of sweet orange oil are available: distilled or expressed. Distilled oil is a by-product of juice making and has an inferior aroma. It is often used as an adulterant in expressed or pressed oil. Our oil is pressed from the peels and the sweet orange. It has a lively, fruity, sweet aroma. It is used to scent citrus, fruity and eau de cologne fragrances. All citrus oils are quick to deteriorate and should be stored in a cool, dry, dark area in full containers. Aromatherapy benefits: cheering, refreshing, uplifting.

Palmarosa - Cymbopogon martinii/India, Brazil/Top. Palmarosa is distilled from a grass closely related to citronella and lemongrass. The oil has a floral-rose grassy odor. It is used extensively in perfumes and soaps to add or enhance a rose note. Palmarosa is a good addition to skin care products such as bath and massage oils. Aromatherapy benefits: vitalizing, cleansing.

Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin/Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia/Leaf. Used in countless perfumes and fragrances, patchouli is noted for its long-lasting fragrance and fixative ability. It borders on the exotic and even the name patchouli evokes images of heady aromas, dark, rich colors, candlelight, incense and intrigue. The aroma is very intense; it can be described as earthy, rich, sweet, balsamic, woody and spicy. Patchouli oil is one of the few essential oils that improve with age. Aromatherapy benefits: romantic, soothing, sensual.

Pepper, Black - Piper nigrum/India, Indonesia, Malaysia/Fruit. Black pepper oil is distilled from the fruit which yields the common spices black and white pepper. The aroma of the oil is warm and peppery. Aromatherapy benefits: warming, vitalizing, invigorating.

Peppermint - Mentha piperita/United States/Herb. Peppermint has a powerful, sweet, menthol aroma which, when inhaled undiluted, can make the eyes water and the sinuses tingle. Aromatherapy benefits: vitalizing, refreshing, cooling.

Peru Balsam - Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae/El Salvador/Oleoresin. Peru Balsam is collected from wild trees along the "Balsam Coast" of El Salvador. Peru Balsam oil has a very sweet, balsamic, rich, vanilla-like aroma. It has outstanding staying power and is one of the best fixatives. It blends well with spicy, floral, Oriental and balsamic scents. Aromatherapy benefits: anchoring, strengthening.

Petitgrain - Citrus aurantium/France, Italy, Morocco, South America/Leaf and Twig. Petitgrain oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. The fragrance of petitgrain is sweet, woody-floral and reminiscent of orange flowers, but a little less bitter than neroli. It combines well with geranium, frankincense, bergamot, lavender, rosemary and clary sage. There are several types of petitgrain available. Our is Petitgrain bigarde, which means it is from the European bitter orange tree only. Aromtherapy benefits: relaxing, soothing, stabilizing.

Pine - Pinus sylvestris/Russia, Austria/Twig and Needle. Our pine oil is distilled from the twigs and needles of the Scotch or Norway pine that grows throughout much of Europe and Asia. It has a fresh, resinous, pine odor. The oil is used to scent a number of household and personal care products such as room sprays, detergents, vaporizer liquids, cough and cold preparations and masculine perfumes. When used in skin care preparations, pine oil should always be well diluted as it can be irritating to sensitive skin. Aromatherapy benefits: refreshing, stimulating.

Rose Absolute - Rosa centifolia/Morocco, France/Flower. This is an economical, high-quality alternative to distilled rose essential oils such as our rose otto. (Rose absolute works well for scenting purposes, but to experience full aromatherapy benefits, we recommend using rose otto.) Rose absolute has a sweet, deep-rosy, long-lasting aroma. It is used in perfumes for both its scent and fixative qualities. Aromatherapy benefits: romantic, uplifting.

Rose Otto - Rosa damascena/Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey/Flower. Rose oil is one of the oldest and best known of all the essential oils. Up to 3,200 pounds of roses are used to produce one ounce of this oil. Known as otto of rose or attar of rose, the fragrance is associated with love. It is warm, intense, immensely rich and rosy. It is used in perfumes to lend beauty and depth. A drop or two in a massage, facial or bath oil is luxurious and soothing. The oil is used in skin creams, powders and lotions. Aromatherapy benefits: romantic, supportive, gently uplifting.

Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis/France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia/Flowering Top. Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance. The plant produces an almost colorless essential oil with a strong, fresh, camphor-like smell. It's used in many citrus colognes, forest and Oriental perfumes, and eau de cologne. Rinses for dark hair often contain rosemary, as do room deodorants, household sprays, disinfectants and soaps. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, warming, invigorating.

Rosewood - Aniba rosaeodora/Brazil/Wood. Rosewood, or bois de rose as it is sometimes called, is a tropical evergreen tree growing wild in the Amazon basin. It has a sweet-woody, floral-nutmeg aroma that finds extensive use in fantasy-type perfumes and colognes. It is also used to scent soaps, creams, lotions, bath oils and massage oils. Aromatherapy benefits: gently strengthening, calming.

Sage, Clary - Salvia sclarea/France/Flowering Top, Herb. Clary sage oil has a spicy, hay-like, bittersweet aroma with bergamot undertones. It combines well with coriander, cardamom, citrus oils, sandalwood, cedarwood, geranium and lavandin. The aroma of clary sage is long-lasting and the oil is valued as a fixative for other scents. Aromatherapy benefits: centering, euphoric, visualizing.

Sage, Dalmatian - Salvia officinalis/Spain, France, Bulgaria/Leaf. Three types of sage oil are commonly sold: Dalmatian, Spanish (Salvia lavandulaefolia) and clary (Salvia sclarea). Each has a unique flavor and fragrance and the oils are not interchangeable. Dalmatian sage oil has the characteristic aroma of the herb that is "sage" to most of us. Sage oil is occasionally used in perfumery in herb-type, spicy, and masculine scents. Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, relaxing.

Sandalwood - Santalum album/India/Heart Wood and Root. Mysore sandalwood, white or yellow sandalwood, and East India sandalwood refer to the trees growing primarily in the Mysore state of India. It takes a minimum of 30 years to produce trees for distillation. Sandalwood from Australia and West Indian sandalwood (amyris) may be offered in place of or as an adulterant of Mysore sandalwood, but neither matches the rich, exotic beauty of true sandalwood. Mysore sandalwood oil has a sweet-woody, warm, balsamic aroma that improves with age. The fragrance blends wonderfully with most oils, especially rose, lavender, neroli and bergamot. Sandalwood oil is also an excellent cosmetic oil and is used in massage and face oils, bath oils, aftershaves, lotions and creams. Aromatherapy benefits: relaxing, centering, sensual.

Savory, Summer - Satureja hortensis/France, Spain/Herb. Savory herb produces an oil with a medicinal-spicy, fresh aroma. It blends well with lavender, pine needle and rosemary oils. Aromtherapy benefits: warming, stimulating.

Spearmint - Mentha spicata/United States, China/Flowering Herb. Aromatherapists use spearmint to energize the mind and body. A few drops in bath water has a refreshing effect and facial steam of spearmint oil helps cleanse and refine pores. Aromtherapy benefits: refreshing, cooling, gently vitalizing.

Spruce - Picea, Tsuga species/Canada/Leaf and Twig. Several species of spruce are used to produce the pleasant, balsamic, sweet-oily, fresh essential oil. The oil is used as a fragrance for household products by itself or with other pine needle oils to produce a fresh pine scent. Applications include air fresheners, room sprays, disinfectants, detergents and soaps. It blends well with cedarwood, galbanum, rosemary and all pine needle oils. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, grounding.

Tagetes - Tagetes minuta/Egypt/Herb and Flower. Tagetes is the oil distilled from various species of the common marigold, not calendula as is sometimes mistakenly believed. It has an orange-yellow color and an intense herb-like odor, yet it's also strongly sweet and fruity and somewhat reminiscent of spearmint. It blends well with fruity-herb and tobacco-like notes such as those of bergamot, clary sage and citrus oils. Tagetes oil solidifies on standing and therefore must be stored carefully in full bottles away from light. Aromatherapy benefits: comforting, strengthening.

Tangerine - Citrus reticulata/United States, Brazil/Peel. Our tangerine oil is pressed from the peel of ripe fruit. It is an orange-colored oil with the mouth-watering fragrance of tangerines. Tangerine oil is used in colognes and occasionally in perfumes. Generally it's preferred in perfumery for its floral, rather than citrus, emphasis. (See Mandarin Orange.) Aromatherapy benefits: cheering, uplifting.

Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia/Australia/Leaf. The leaf of the tea, or ti, tree had a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of Australia before tea tree was "discovered" by the crew of the famous English explorer James Cook. The aroma of the oil is warm, spicy, medicinal and aromatic. It is occasionally used to scent spicy colognes and aftershaves. It blends well with lavandin, rosemary and clove oils. Aromatherapy benefits: cleansing, purifying, uplifting.

Thyme, Red and White - Thymus vugaris/Spain/Herb. Red thyme oil is the natural essential oil produced from wild-growing thyme plants. White thyme has been redistilled to remove the red color, which is caused by contact with iron either in the distillation process or in storage. In the process, a small amount of the oil is also removed which slightly changes the chemical composition and thus the scent of the oil. White thyme oil will turn red again if stored in a metal container or combined with other oils which contain iron. Red thyme oil has an intense, sweet, herb-medicinal odor and a sharp biting flavor. The aroma of white thyme oil is a bit milder. Both are used to scent soaps, colognes and aftershaves. Caution: Thyme oil is irritating to the skin and should be used cautiously. Aromatherapy benefits: Red - cleansing, purifying; White - stabilizing, energizing, strengthening.

Tolu Balsam - Myroxylon var. balsamum/Venezuela/Oleoresin. The oil of tolu balsam is distilled from the fluid gum that oozes from incisions made in the trunks of wild tolu trees. The balsam is a semi-solid, yellowish-brown mass. The balsam and the oil are used in perfumery for their fragrance and fixative properties. They exude a sweet, hyacinth-like odor that is very long-lasting. The oil is added to floral-type scents and blends well with sandalwood, bergamot, neroli and ylang ylang. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, grounding.

Vanilla Absolute - Vanilla planifolia/Madagascar/Fruit. This sweet, warm fragrance comes from a tropical orchid native to Mexico. Vanilla is excellent in body lotions, bath oils and perfumes. It's also a favorite scent for diffusion in candle lamps. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, consoling, soothing.

Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanioides/Indonesia/Rootlet. The aroma is heavy, woody, earthy, sweet and improves when aged. Vetiver oil is used extensively in perfumery for its fixative effects as well as its fragrance. Bourbon vetiver, the grade we offer, is the finest quality oil. Aromatherapy benefits: soothing, calming, relaxing, anchoring.

Wintergreen - Gaultheria procumbens/China/Leaf. This oil was once an important perfumery and flavoring material, but has been replaced by less expensive and more reliable supplies of synthetic methyl salicylate. It is used in toothpastes, chewing gum, candy and baked goods. It can be harmful if too much is consumed because of its methyl salicylate content. As little as one teaspoon of pure oil can be fatal if ingested by a child. Aromatherapy benefits: refreshing, bracing, invigorating.

Ylang Ylang Extra - Cananga odorata/Comoro Islands/Flower. Ylang ylang oil is distilled from the early morning, fresh-picked flowers of the cananga tree. The distillation process is interrupted at various points and the oil accumulated is removed. The first oil to be drawn off is the highest quality and is graded "extra." Ylang ylang extra has an intense floral, sweet, jasmine-like, almost narcotic aroma. Aromatherapy benefits: sensual, euphoric.