A-Z aromatherapy Articles

Basil essential oil is great for coughs, sore muscles and joints.

Essentials oils have been used around the globe for centuries. They are used for both pleasure and medicinal purposes. Medicinally, certain essential oils can be ingested orally to have a biochemical effect on your body. Because essential oils are volatile, meaning they can evaporate into the air especially when added to hot water, they can be breathed in through your respiratory system.

This can have a local effect on your sinuses, nasal passages and lungs. They can even enter your blood circulation through being inhaled which will then have a biochemical effect on your entire body. Topically essential oils work by penetrating your skin to affect an area locally and by penetrating your skin a small amount can enter your blood stream affecting your whole body. Applied topically, essential oils are absorbed through your olfactory nerve in your nose affecting your brain and nervous system. These various pathways can affect your health both mentally and physically. The study of Aromatherapy – the medicinal use of essential oils – falls under the new science called Psychoneuroimmunology, which is the study of the interaction of your psyche, nervous system and immune system. Science has shown that when you have a positive outlook and feel relaxed your immune system works better.

Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils and resins from plants have been used in cultures globally since Biblical times. They were in such demand that they played an important role in international trade around the globe. In Egypt, high priests recorded the many medicinal uses of essential oils onto papyrus paper. Records show the Chinese used aromatic herbs and massage over 2000 years ago. And in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, essential oils were and still are used in massage and on pressure points to correct underlying imbalances and to improve health.

How To Use Aromatherapy

• inhaled through steam inhalation, humidifiers, diffusers, and vaporizers
• added to a carrier oil and applied to your skin directly or as a hot or cold compress
• spritzed onto objects like pillows, bedding and furniture
• added to infusers, potpourri and candles to enhance the odour of an indoor space
• applied to skin as perfume
• used as a gargle or mouth wash, added to toothpaste, soaps, cleaning solutions, lotions and creams, face and body spray
• added to baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, hand and foot baths and saunas

What is Basil Essential Oil?

Basil Essential Oil is oil extracted from the Basil herb widely used in cooking.

Basil Essential Oil makes for a very potent concentration of Basil with all of its health benefits.

Currently there are over 150 varieties of Basil and the variety called Ociumum basilicum is the most used for making an Essential Oil of Basil.

Health Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

Basil Oil can be used for many things. It is anti-viral and anti-bacterial. And it’s also great as a decongestant during colds, coughs or bronchitis. Basil opens your respiratory airways while it dries phlegm produced during a cough or cold. And in the process will kill the virus and bacteria causing the infection. So during a cold or cough rub Basil on your chest, neck and upper back, do steam inhalations, and put Basil Oil in a diffuser so it pervades your bedroom air at night, similar to how people use Eucalyptus Essential Oil.

Basil Oil is also great for sore muscles and joints. So if you have arthritis apply some Basil oil to the affected area a few times daily for relief of aches and pains due to strained muscles and inflamed joints.

Basil Oil is also great for headaches, migraines and menstrual pains. Apply Basil Oil topically to affected areas a few times a day for relief of pain.

How Do You Use Basil Essential Oil?

Topically: in a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grape Seed Oil:

• Sore tense muscles
• Aches and pains
• Sore joints, Arthritis
• Post exercise sore muscles
• On chest and neck for colds, coughs, asthma, sinus infections
• On affected areas for headaches, migraines or menstrual pain
• On neck, chest and upper back for colds, coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory infections
• Topically for tooth infections and tooth abscesses

Inhaled via steam inhalation, vaporizer, bath, diffuser or humidifier:

• Coughs, colds
• Bronchitis, pneumonia
• Sinusitis, sinus infections

Works synergistically with:

• For colds – Eucalyptus, Oregano, Ginger, Balsam Fir
• For sore muscles and Joints – Frankincense, Ginger, Rosemary, Balsam Fir

Citronella Plant Information

Plant History

Plant History When citronella was first discovered, it was often used as an insect repellant Authentic citronella plants are a grass plant formally known as Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus. The plant grows in warmer Asian climates such as, Sri Lanka and Java. Once citronella started being used commercially, the rest of Indonesia, Burma, India & Sri Lanka started to grow the plant quite rapidly and this is where most of the worlds citronella oils come from today. When citronella was first discovered, it was often used as an insect repellant, especially in tropical climates where mosquitos are abundant. Indonesians would also use Citronella as a flavour enhancer in their food, much like Thai's use lemongrass. Over time, it was discovered that citronella had many more uses than Just being a natural mosquito repellant. This oil also treated lice, internal parasites, migraines, sore muscles and has anti -bacterial and anti -fungal properties, which is why it's now used in many deaning products. As beneficial as citronella can be, like the tea tree plant, the citronella plant is considered an invasive species.

Botanical Information

Citronella is a grass plant that's part of the Poaceae family that can grow up to 5 feet in height and 3 feet wide. While it grows long grass -like blades and heavily resembles lemongrass, citronella has a red coloured stem, while lemongrass is fully green. It's also interesting to note, that many plants that are sold as citronella are in fact a geranium plant that's cross mixed with citronella and looks nothing like the authentic plant. Therefore, if you buy a "Mosquito Plant," know that you aren't getting the authentic citronella species. True citronella plants grow long grass stems, while the crossbreed's grow a textured foliage and don't contain the citronella oil that's used in aromatherapy.

Growing Information

Citronella thrives well all year round in warmer climates, but can survive in colder climates as an annual or if planted indoors. The soil used to grow this plant Essential Oil should be well draining since it must be watered and fertilized often. It's also important to note that this plant should be placed in an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight, too much sun may dry out the plant.

Parts Used For Citronella Oil

The stems and grass blades from citronella plants are used. The grass is used in oil extraction and the base of the stems are used in certain culinary dishes.

Citronella Oil Information

Extraction Method

Citronella oil is extracted from either citronella species (Cymbopogon nardus/Cymbopogon winterianus) through steam distillation, as are most essential oils. The grass is placed in a chamber of the steaming still and as the steam heats up, it pulls the essential oil out of the leaves. The steam and oil then travel through the apparatus and when they reach a holding chamber, the temperature cools, causing it to re -liquify. The mixture is then carried through to the separator and the oil is siphoned off the water and used in essential oils, while the fragrant water is commonly used to scent products.

Active Ingredients Found In Citronella Oil

The main active components that make up citronella oil from Cymbopogon nardus are; Citronella, Geraniol, Limonene and Methyl Isoeugenol. The active components that make up citronella oil from Cymbopogon winterianus are; Geranyl Acetate, Limonene and higher percentages of Citronella] and Geraniol.

Key Benefits & Applications of Citronella Oil

Healing SOS

Citronella is a very powerful antiseptic and can not only draw out bacteria but can help heal wounds faster. Next time you have a cut or scrape, follow one of the mixes below:
Mix 2 drops of citronella oil, 10 drops rosehip oil and 10 drops tamanu oil. Apply directly to wound, then cover wound with bandage to help keep oil in place. Mix 2 drops citronella oil with 20 drops tamanu oil In a spray bottle filled with witch hazel, shake and spray directly on wound. Mix 1 drop citronella oil with 10 drops tamanu oil and 1 teaspoon pure aloe vera. Soak a cotton ball in mixture and apply cotton ball directly to wound and tape in place if necessary.

Lice Buster

Citronella isn't only effective at keeping mosquitos away, it's also a very effective lice remedy. Follow the remedy's below to treat a lice infestation: Mix 1 drop citronella oil, 1 drop tea tree oil and 15 drops tamanu oil and apply directly to scalp. Wrap head with towel to lock in heat and leave on for 4 hours and repeat as necessary. Mix 1 drop citronella oil with 1 drop tea tree oil and 10 drops tamanu oil and apply directly to scalp, leave on all day and rinse out with shampoo. Add 1 drop citronella oil to shampoo and wash hair as normal for several days.

Muscle Spasm Relief

Citronella is very effective at stimulating the body and keeping optimal blood flow therefore, it can help relieve muscle spasms and aches. Simply: Mix 1 drop citronella oil with 2 tbsp of your favourite unscented body cream and rub on muscles or all over a tired body. Mix 2 drops citronella oil with 20 drops almond oil and rub into muscles. Mix 2 drops citronella oil with 1 cup of water. Soak cloth in mixture, wring it out and wrap cloth around muscle for 30 minutes.

Reduce Bugs

Citronella is famously known for its mosquito repelling capabilities. To keep your backyard mosquito free: Diffuse 2 drops citronella oil and place in backyard (don't sit too close to steam as citronella shouldn't be directly inhaled). Mix 20 drops argan oil in rollerball and add 2 drops citronella oil, apply to wrists, ankles and behind ears. Melt unscented wax and add 3 drops citronella oil, place melted wax into candle mold and let it harden. Light candle in backyard to keep mosquitos away.

Body Freshener

Citronella's antiseptic and stimulating qualities make it effective at detoxing the body and fighting unpleasant body odor. Mix 3 drops of this oil in a warm bath and blend oil into water. Soak for 30 minutes to an hour to pull out toxins and refresh your body. Mix 2 drops citronella oil with 20 drops tamanu oil in a roller ball and apply to underarms as necessary. In a spray bottle mix 1 drop citronella oil with 3 drops lavender oil and 10 drops jojoba oil. Fill bottle with water, shake and use as a body mist when needed. Mix 1 drop citronella oil with 2 tbsp unscented body lotion or cream and rub all over, avoiding sensitive areas.

Shopping For High Quality Citronella Oil

When selecting a citronella oil, choose one that is pure, and organic when possible. Look for a product that is steam distilled, as this yields a clean product that us solvent free. Here is a selection of high-quality citronella products.

Plant Information

Plant History

Frankincense comes from the dried sap from the Boswellia Sacra tree. These trees are native to Yemen, Oman & the Horn of Africa. The trees are tapped, much like the maple tree, releasing a milky, white sap, which is thought to cleanse the tree and therefore, is not collected. Once the milky sap stops flowing, the hole is made larger and deeper to allow for the puresap to drain. The sap runs for a couple of weeks and is collected and dried over a 4 month period. The dried sap forms little rock crystals which are then hand sorted by quality. The highest quality of oil comes from silver and clear stones, in ancient times, this grade of frankincense was only used by the king. Now it is sold at a very high price, in fact, some perfumes that use this grade of frankincense sell for over $300. The most common type of oil used in aromatherapy or for commercial use comes from the rocks with a brown-yellowish tinge.

Oman harvests the best source of frankincense and they have exported this oil for many years. In fact, frankincenseexportation made Arabia the wealthiest place on Earth back in 1000BC to 400AD. During this time, frankincense was mainly used in burial rituals, Roman Catholic mass and birthing ceremonies. It was also used to help keep flying insects away, including mosquitos, which in turn reduced Malaria outbreaks. Medicinally, people used frankincense to relieve hypertension, nausea and indigestion. It was also used for respiratory ailments like chest coughs and helped supportwomen in post-childbirth recovery with its calming and grounding effects.

Botanical Information

Boswellia Sacra trees are part of the Burseraceae family and can grow 6-7 feet in height. The bark is thin and has a paper-like texture. This tree grows small, deep green coloured leaves along each branch and blooms small, white flowers with a yellow tint. This tree thrives during the Oman summer monsoon season as well as its hot desert temperatures throughout the remainder of the year. It’s actually the drier conditions that yield the best frankincense oil. Unfortunately, the Boswellia Sacra tree is near threatened, and is set to be in decline due to overexploitation.  

Growing Information

This tree thrives best in dry, desert like conditions however, it is necessary that it receives one season of heavy rain. To grow indoors, a ceramic pot works much better than plastic. In its natural environment, this tree doesn’t grow from soil, but from marble, lime and mortar. In the clay pot, it’s best to use a soil that’s meant for succulents like cacti. This tree can be kept in indirect or full sunlight and needs adequate drainage. It thrives best when the soil is evenly moist, not too wet and not too dry. In the Winter, it needs to be indoors as it won’t survive in temperatures close to or below 0 degrees celsius. 

Parts Used For Frankincense Essential Oil

In ancient times the whole tree was used. Now only the sap is used to create the essential oil and the trees are retired after 5-6 years of being tapped. 

Frankincense Oil Information

Extraction Method For Frankincense Essential Oil

Like many essential oils, frankincense oil is steam distilled. The sap crystals are placed in the warming chamber of the still where they are heated and melted by steam. The vapour then travels through the apparatus to the cooling chamber where the contents liquify. After the contents are turned back into a liquid state, the liquid then travels through the tubing and into a separation chamber where the oil can be easily siphoned off the water. 

Active Ingredients Found in Frankincense Essential Oil

The active ingredients found in frankincense are a-pinene, actanol, linslool, octyl acetate, bornyl acetate, incensole and incensyl acetate. 

Frankincense Oil Benefits & Applications

Respiratory Support

Frankincense can to help alleviate respiratory symptoms from congestion by decreasing phlegm build up. It can also decrease inflammation in the nasal passage to allow for easier breathing. To use Frankincense for respiratory ailments:

• Diffuse 10 drops of frankincense essential oil.
• Mix 4 drops frankincense essential oil with 10ml jojoba oil and rub on chest.
• Mix 3 drops frankincense essential oil with 10ml almond oil in a roller ball to inhale when feeling congested.

Calming Effects

This oil has calming and grounding properties without leaving you feeling drowsy. Frankincense also helps reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. Below is a list of ways to incorporate Frankincense’s natural calming properties into your daily regimen.

• Mix 3 drops frankincense oil in a bowl of warm water. Soak a compress in mixture. Remove compress once saturated and move around on chest, stomach and forehead, while breathing deeply to create a relaxing atmosphere. Don’t leave hot compress in one are for more than 10 seconds.
• Diffuse 10 drops frankincense oil during meditation to help with grounding effects.
• In a bowl of warm water, add 3 drops frankincense oil and soak face cloth in mixture. Wring it out and place over forehead. Lay back for at least 10 minutes, inhaling slowly and deeply. 
• Mix 12 drops frankincense oil with 30ml almond oil and apply over body.

Antiseptic Support

Frankincense is a great natural antiseptic to help fight off infection. To use as a topical antiseptic, simply:

• Mix 4 drops frankincense oil with 10ml tamanu oil and apply directly to burn or wound. 
• Soak gauze in 10ml apricot kernel oil and 4 drops frankincense oil and apply to wound. 
• Mix 20 drops frankincense oil with 60ml almond oil in a spray bottle and spray on cuts or burns when needed. 

Skin Support

Frankincense is an astringent, which helps protect cells. It’s great to use on acne, enlarged pores and help keep the skins integrity in tact to prevent signs of aging. 

• Mix 2 drops frankincense oil with your daily face wash or moisturizer and apply avoiding eye area. 
• Add 4 drops frankincense oil to your body wash container to help support overall skin health.
• Mix 4 drops frankincense oil with 10ml rosehip oil and apply to face after you’ve applied your regular skin moisturizer. This will help lock in skins moisture. Ensure to avoid eye area. 

Shopping For Quality Frankincense

Frankincense oil should be steam distilled in order to yield a clean oil that's potent. Look to make sure the essential oil you're purchasing is not only steam distilled, but organic when possible and offers a potent aroma. Shop here for quality Frankincense.

Essential oils have been used around the globe for centuries. They are used for both pleasure and medicinal purposes. Medicinally, food-grade essential oils can be ingested orally to have a biochemical effect on your body. Because essential oils are volatile, meaning they can evaporate into the air especially when added to hot water, they can be breathed in through your respiratory system. Let's explore the key benefits of jasmine essential oil. 

How Essential Oils Help You Medicinally

Essential oils can have a local effect on your sinuses, nasal passages and lungs. They can even enter your blood circulation through being inhaled which will then have a biochemical effect on your entire body. Topically essential oils work by penetrating your skin to affect an area locally and by penetrating your skin a small amount can enter your bloodstream affecting your whole body. Applied topically, essential oils are absorbed through the olfactory nerve in your nose affecting your brain and nervous system. These various pathways can affect your health both mentally and physically. The study of Aromatherapy – the medicinal use of essential oils – falls under the new science called Psychoneuroimmunology, which is the study of the interaction of your psyche, nervous system and immune system. Science has shown that when you have a positive outlook and feel relaxed your immune system works better.

Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils and resins from plants have been used in cultures globally since Biblical times. They were in such demand that they played an important role in international trade around the globe. In Egypt, high priests recorded the many medicinal uses of essential oils on papyrus paper. Records show the Chinese used aromatic herbs and massage over 2000 years ago. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, essential oils were and still are used in massage and on pressure points to correct underlying imbalances and to improve health.

Ways To Use Essential Oils

• inhaled through steam inhalation, humidifiers, diffusers, and vaporizers
• added to a carrier oil and applied to your skin directly or as a hot or cold compress
• spritzed onto objects like pillows, bedding and furniture
• added to infusers, potpourri and candles to enhance the odour of an indoor space
• applied to the skin as perfume
• used as a gargle or mouthwash, added to toothpaste, soaps, cleaning solutions, lotions and creams, face and body spray
• added to baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, hand and foot baths and saunas

Discover Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine is a shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean, with its sprawling vines which produce beautiful odiferous white and yellow flowers. If you have ever smelled fresh Jasmine flowers at dusk, with a mix of salty Mediterranean ocean air, you will know you have experienced bliss.

To make Jasmine essential oil, oil from these white and yellow flowers is extracted.

Key Applications For Jasmine Oil

Jasmine essential oil has been used for many ailments.

Studies show Jasmine essential oil increases circulation. Apply Jasmine oil topically or on alternating hot and cold compresses for arthritic conditions or post-injuries for healing. Increased circulation concentrates nutrients and healing cells to clean up and heal injuries. Increased circulation also increases collagen production and brings oxygen and anti-inflammatory cells to degenerated and inflamed joints. Jasmine oil is great for osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, Tendonitis, Myositis, fibromyalgia, and Rheumatism. Increasing circulation to the skin helps reduce signs of aging and increases collagen production in damaged or aging skin. This is why it’s healthy to add Jasmine Oil to face creams and lotions.

Jasmine oil reduces conditions involving muscle tension and spasms. So it’s perfect for a massage with tense or hypertonic muscles. As a gargle or steam inhalation Jasmine is great to treat spasmodic coughs. It can be put in humidifiers in your bedroom for those with coughs which are worse at night. And topically it is great to help with restless legs and muscle spasms. Or use it topically on your belly monthly for menstrual pain. And for those with asthma, which is a condition producing a spasming of the bronchi, use Jasmine in a humidifier, vaporizer, steam inhalation or topically on your neck and chest.

Studies show that Jasmine contains an odour component called Linalool, which affects autonomic nerve activity and mood states. Specifically, Jasmine relaxes your nervous system, decreases heart rate and produces calm and vigorous mood states. This is effective for nervous conditions, anxiety, depression, post-partum and insomnia due to an overactive mind. Relaxing your nervousness stimulates your libido, so Jasmine is considered an aphrodisiac.

Different Ways To Use Jasmine Essential Oil 

Topically: in a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grape Seed Oil:

• tense muscles or spasms, for relaxation, and to elevate mood
• abdomen for menstrual pains
• neck and chest for colds, coughs, asthma
• joints for pain and inflammation
• hot and cold compresses for pain, inflammation and post-injury
• face creams for anti-aging

Inhaled via steam inhalation, vaporizer, bath, diffuser or humidifier:

• asthma
• spasmodic coughs
• insomnia
• relaxation

Works synergistically with:

• For relaxation – Lavender, lemon, chamomile, myrrh, ylang ylang
• Coughs – Eucalyptus, ginger, rosemary
• Injury and Inflammation – Wintergreen, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Clove
• To elevate mood – Orange, lavender, Neroli, Eucalyptus

Orange Tree Plant Information

Plant History

The orange tree grows best in tropical and subtropical locations. It originated in the Southern China region, Northeast India, and Myanmar. The earliest documentation of this plant was in Chinese literature in 314 BC.

Today, Florida is known as the capital of orange agriculture. It’s said that Ponce de Leon planted the first orange tree in the USA during the 14^th century near St. Augustine, Florida. Since then, orange trees have been thriving in the Florida climate.

Botanical Information

The citrus family consists of 60 different varieties of fruit. The orange is scientifically known as Citrus x sinensis, and it’s a member of the Rutaceae family.

Orange trees have a lifespan of up to 100 years, with 50-60 years of peak fruit production. Mature trees grow to be 16-50 feet tall, although they also come in dwarf varieties that grow up to 12 feet. Both varieties are often appreciated for their beauty, fragrant flowers, and of course, fruit.

This tree has a strong trunk and branches that grow vibrant, glossy green leaves and white, fragrant flowers. They grow spherical if pruned properly and bloom their flowers in the Spring. A mature tree blooms 250,000 flowers per season, but only 1% will grow mature fruit.

Growing Information

As mentioned, orange trees thrive in warm climates (60-90F) and need full sun exposure (10 hours daily). They should be planted in loamy, well-drained, Neutral pH-level soil.

The tree blooms in the Summer. When planted in warmer climates, they can be planted any time of year; however, if they’re planted in cooler climates, like Canada, they should be planted in the Spring or Summer. Orange trees should be sheltered if high winds are a risk as they’re susceptible to wind damage and thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11. Orange trees are toxic to pets, so if you’re planting them in your backyard, or planting dwarf trees indoors, it’s important to keep that in mind.

To plant an orange tree, dig a hole double the root ball’s size, and place the root ball in the hole so the top of the root ball sits flush with the soil line. Dwarf trees can be grown in a pot either inside or outside. All orange trees need consistent water but don’t tolerate soggy soil, while established trees need 1 inch of water/week.

When grown in cooler climates, the plant should be fertilized every month or two. In warmer climates, fertilizing year-round encourages continual growth.

Parts Used

The most used parts of the orange tree are the fruit. The fruit is enjoyed as a citrus snack, and the peel can be used for culinary zest, beverages or cold pressed for oil production.

Orange Essential Oil Information

Extraction Method For Orange Essential Oil

The best extraction method for orange and other citrus oils is cold pressing. Cold pressing yields the best citrus oils because cold pressing extracts the oil without heat or solvents.

Through cold pressing, oil is expressed from the peel and captured in water. Although other extractors can be used, Brown or JBT extractors are generally used to express the oil from the fruit or peel. Cold pressing ensures the oil is pure, potent and most importantly, solvent-free.

Active Ingredients Found in Orange Essential Oil

The main active constituents in Orange essential oil are monoterpenes (limonene, a-pinene, sabinene, ß-myrcene). Oxygenated alcohol compounds are also found in orange oil (linalool, a-terpineol), and aldehydes (citral, citral-E, citronellal).

Orange Oil Applications

Orange essential oil offers many benefits from skincare to mood enhancement. It can also be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few different ways to enjoy this oil while helping your well-being.

Mood Enhancement

Due to its zesty aroma, Orange essential oil is known to help uplift your mood and spirits. It's a great oil to use in the morning or to perk up during the afternoon or Winter time.

• Add 3-5 drops of orange oil in a diffuser and let the aroma take over your home
• Add a few drops on a washcloth and hang it in the shower so the steam can ignite its aroma
• Mix 2 drops of orange oil with your favourite body lotion and rub on the skin

Energizing Benefits of Orange Essential Oil

Due to the compounds found in orange essential oil, it is an energizing oil that will put some pep in your step. It's a great oil to use in the morning to start your day.

• Add 3-5 drops of orange oil in a diffuser and turn on in the morning
• Add a few drops of orange oil to your body wash and energize your morning shower
• Mix 3 drops of orange oil with grapeseed oil in a rollerball and use on wrists

Skincare

Orange essential oil is great for brightening your skin and lightening discolouration, naturally.

• Add 2 drops of orange oil to your nighttime face cream
• Add 3 drops of orange oil to 30ml of grapeseed oil and use on your body to lock in moisture and brighten the skin

Acne Control

Orange and other citrus oils help diminish acne breakouts due to their antibacterial properties and can help lighten acne scarring.

• Add 1 drop of orange oil to 10ml of tamanu oil to use as a spot treatment
• Add two drops of orange oil to your face cream with salicylic acid

Shopping Tips For Buying Quality Orange Oil

When shopping for orange essential oils, buy ones that are cold-pressed, fragrant and organic when possible. These high quality oils will ensure purity, and potency and will be solvent-free.

Most remember this woody aroma from the 1960s when it was popular among travelling hippies who took to wearing the oil as a perfume. The earthy, musky scent of Patchouli oil is positively unique and has been noted as a mild aphrodisiac. It was traditionally used in India to scent clothes and linen. In Japan and China, it was a remedy for various ailments, including headaches and nausea.

Key Uses of Patchouli Oil

Today, this oil is still quite popular. Its heady scent is frequently used as a lingering, earthy perfume and deodorant. In aromatherapy, it is known to be helpful for stress-related conditions; its rich, warm, musky fragrance has a calming yet uplifting effect on the mind. 

Medicinally, patchouli essential oil is used to treat many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, dermatitis, oily and/or dry skin, and athlete’s foot.

Tips For Using Essential Oils

Like any essential oil, patchouli oil must be diluted before applying to your skin. If you'd like your oil to absorb quickly, mix patchouli with grapeseed oil. If you're looking for a more oily consistency that stays on your skin's surface longer, for massage or perfume, for example, mix patchouli with avocado oil.

Important Information

Only food-grade oil should be ingested. Do not ingest essential oils. If you have a pet, make sure the essential oil you'rediffusing or using is safe for them. 

Discover the invigorating scent and many uses for peppermint essential oil.

Peppermint Plant Information

Plant History

Peppermint has been used for centuries, with its first use in 1500 BC. It can be found in Ancient Egyptian medical texts and Greek mythology. It has been documented by Roman philosophers, Monks in the Middle Ages and Jesus in the bible.

Peppermint was very valuable amongst Egyptians. They used it for stomach upset and as a form of money; this is how today’s money mints got their name. Monks used it to clean their teeth, and due to its potent smell, it would repel rodents from cheese storage rooms.

As it became more popular, this plant made its way from the Middle East to northern parts of Europe, where its medicinal properties and culinary use increased. It gained so much popularity worldwide that by the 1700s, it was listed as a medicinal agent for many health concerns, including migraines.

It didn’t take long for the benefits of peppermint to catch on, and during the 17^th century, it was first cultivated for commercial use in England.

Botanical Information

Peppermint is a hybrid plant. It’s made from the combination of Mentha and Piperita, a cross between watermint and spearmint.

Scientifically, it is known as Mentha piperita L. and belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family.

Growing Information

Peppermint is a hardy perennial that grows rapidly. It enjoys a cool, moist environment, and if planted in a garden, it can become invasive and take over; therefore, it’s recommended to grow this herb in a 2-5 gallon pot. When planting it in a pot, you need to water it more often and ensure it is in full sun.

Growing peppermint in full sun will increase its potency and medicinal properties. It tends to reach maturity in 90 days.

Parts Used

Two varieties of peppermint are used for commercial essential oils: Black Mitcham, which yields a higher-quality product, and Todd’s, which is harder and makes up most of the world’s peppermint production.

The leaves are used in essential oil extraction because the oil is found at the bottom of the peppermint leaves.

Peppermint Essential Oil Information

How To Make Peppermint Oil: Extraction Method

Quality peppermint oil is steam distilled. Steam distillation doesn’t leave any solvents or sediment behind.

When steam distilling this oil, the leaves are cut and put in a chamber that fills with steam. The steam vapour travels through tubing to a basin, and once the vapour cools, the oil sits on top of the water. The two are separated; the essential oil is bottled, and the water vapour is used to fragrant other products like household cleaners.

Active Ingredients In Peppermint Oil

The main active ingredients found in peppermint are menthol and menthyl salicylate. It also contains menthone.

Peppermint Oil Applications & Uses

This oil offers many great health benefits. It’s most commonly known to support gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas and nausea, relieve headaches, and lessen muscle pain.

Gastrointestinal Support

Peppermint is known to help relieve gas, bloating and feelings of nausea.

• Mix peppermint oil with grapeseed oil and rub in a clockwise motion on the abdomen
• Make a warm compress by placing a compress or towel in warm water with peppermint oil and placing cloth/compress on the abdomen
• Run a warm bath and place 10 drops of peppermint oil in bath water

Headache Relief

Due to peppermint's menthol properties, it can help relax muscles and lessen pain.

• Mix peppermint with grapeseed oil and rub on temples and nape of the neck
• Inhale peppermint oil either from the bottle or on a cloth
• Mix peppermint and avocado oils and massage the neck, temples and shoulders or where tension is

Muscle Pain

Since peppermint contains menthol, it can help relax muscles and lessen pain.

• Add peppermint oil to Epsom salt and use in a warm bath
• Place a cloth in warm water, add a few drops of peppermint oil, and wrap it over sore muscles
• Mix peppermint and avocado oils and massage into sore muscles

Where To Buy Peppermint Oil

There are many high-quality essential oil brands on the market. When shopping for this oil, make sure it is steam distilled so it is free from solvents and is pure, potent and aromatic. Also, consider buying organic when possible. Here’s a list of high-quality peppermint oils you can buy in Canada.

What is Rose Essential Oil?

Rose essential oil is one of the most treasured botanical extracts in natural wellness, celebrated for its delicate floral aroma and deeply nourishing properties. Carefully distilled from rose petals, this luxurious oil has been used for centuries to support emotional balance, skin health, and relaxation. In this article, we explore the origins, benefits, and modern uses of rose essential oil and why it continues to be a timeless favourite in natural health and beauty.

Rose Oil's Delicate Beauty

Requiring 180 pounds of roses to make 1 ounce of this delicate oil. This oil has an unforgettably divine aroma, sweet and floral it has been touted as feminine oil. Used throughout the middle ages in healing balms and for respiratory conditions. Rose has associated with beauty and love for thousands of years; its perfect form and alluring scent makes it truly one of kind.

Key Uses of Rose Oil

Today, rose oil is more commonly used skin care and beauty products. Aroma therapists adore the oil for its emotionally balancing properties. In a diffuser or burner this oil acts as mild anti-depressant and also has aphrodisiac properties. It is often recommended for those suffering with grief, emotional shock or melancholy. As perfume, it is divine; bestowing an appeasing floral scent. When very dilute, its soft aroma is also used to treat insomnia. Rose oil is also frequently used topically in skin products to help benefit eczema and mature skin, especially in post-menopausal women.

Cautions & Considerations

This oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to prevent irritation or sensitivity. A patch test is recommended prior to regular use, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membrane. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with underlying health conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children and store in a cool, dark place.