A-Z essential oil benefits Articles

Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that uses the medicinal properties of essential oils for their health benefits. There's a long list of essential oils that can be used in aromatherapy, with Cedarwood essential oil offering a sweet, woody aroma that is calming and soothing. It was a favourite among the Native Americans for its healing and purification properties. Originally grown in North America, this oil can be used topically or inhaled for many purposes. 

Key Medicinal Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil

The constituents found in cedarwood oil include cedrine, cedrol, and thujopsene. It's these properties that are believed to be responsible for cedarwood's anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal and anti-fungal benefits. 

This oil was traditionally used to provide relief for skin rashes, arthritis, and respiratory infections when inhaled. It has also been noted for its ability to repel insects, especially mosquitoes and moths.

How To Use Cedarwood Essential Oil 

Today cedarwood is used in aromatherapy for a variety of applications, especially its mood relaxing benefits. This warm, comforting aroma is rejuvenating when used in an essential oil burner; it adds a refreshing woody scent to the air. It can also be diluted with a carrier oil and added to a rub for the chest to help ease congestion and in the vaporizer to clear breathing passages. 

It is also antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, and antifungal, making it very useful for supporting infections. It is a tonic, diuretic, and emmenagogue, meaning that it can promote urination and menstrual bleeding. It is particularly used topically for its ability to soothe itching of the skin, for balancing oily skin and for the treatment of dandruff.

Key Cautions & Considerations When Using Essential Oils

It's important to speak with your healthcare provider before using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You must also use caution because essential oils can irritate your skin if not diluted properly. If you have sensitive skin, you should do a spot test with your diluted oil. 

Lastly, when shopping for essential oils, you should select one that is steam distilled to ensure it's pure and potent and select organic when possible. 

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.

Botanical Information For Lemongrass

Plant History

The origins of lemongrass come from tropical climates such as; Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceanic countries. There are two main types of lemongrass, Cymbopogon Citratus and Cymbopogon Flexuosus. C. Citratus is often used in Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine to aid in digestion and C. Flexuosus is mainly used in essential oil therapy. Lemongrass is sometimes referred to as “fever grass” because it can help break high body temperatures when lemongrass leaves are muddled into tea. This plant has also been used for it’s antimicrobial properties and can treat infection, kill pesky bugs, help in cold and flu recovery and can alleviate muscle stiffness by increasing circulation. In 1905, thetherapeutic properties of this plant peaked and in 1947, lemongrass began to be grown commercially in Florida & Haiti. 

Botanical Information

Lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae family which is also home to 55 other plant species. These plants are a perennial herb and grow in clusters, often reaching 2 meters in diameter, with leaves that can grow up to 1 meter in length. These plants can also have a fragrant aroma, bringing freshness to the areas they are grown. 

Growing Information

Lemongrass needs a warm, humid climate with full sunlight in order to survive. In North America this plant would thrivebest in southern USA. You can grow lemongrass indoors or in a greenhouse, just ensure to replicate a tropical environment and plant in a pot using rich, well-draining soil and ensure the roots don’t dry out. This plant also needs to be fertilized every couple of weeks during its growing season. 

Parts of The Plant That's Used For Lemongrass Essential Oil

Once lemongrass blades reach 12” in height and the base of the stems are 1/2” thick, they can be harvested. The whole shoot can be used, the base of the stalk is edible and used in many dishes, suc as coconut curries and the leaves can be used in teas or for oil extraction. 

Lemongrass Oil Information

Extraction Method For Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass oil is extracted through steam distillation, as are most essential oils. Fresh leaves or freeze dried leaves are used in the extraction process. The leaves are 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 in cosmetics and to scent products. 

Active Ingredients Found In Lemongrass Essential Oil

The main active ingredients in Lemongrass are; Mycrene, Citronellal, Geranyl Acetate, Nerol, Geraniol, Neral, Limonene and Citral. 

Lemongrass Essential Oil Applications & Benefits

Invigorate, Revitalize, Uplift

Lemongrass oil is very uplifting and invigorating. It’s citrusy scent helps boost energy and mood. If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon energy boost, you can incorporate lemongrass oil to your daily routine: 

• Add 10-12 drops of lemongrass essential oil to a diffuser 
• Mix 1 drop of lemongrass essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba oil) and rub onto your wrists and neck
• Fill a spray bottle with water and add 3-4 drops lemongrass oil, shake and use as a make up setting spray or skin freshener to help energize your spirit and skin. 
• Mix 3-4 drops lemongrass oil to a spray bottle filled with water, shake and use as a room freshener. 

Pests Be Gone

Lemongrass oil makes for a great repellant because it’s not only effective and chemical free, but it smells great too. To use as a repellant:

• Mix 5 drops lemongrass oil to a rollerball filled with jojoba oil and rub on wrists, ankles and behind the ears or anywhere else that’s exposed
• Diffuse 10 drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser in your backyard or house to keep mosquitos, flies and fleas out of your home
• Mix 5 drops lemongrass oil and 3 drops citronella oil in a spritz bottle filled with witch hazel and water, shake well and spray over clothing as needed. 

Immune Support

Lemongrass has great anti-bacterial properties and can fight bacteria that causes cold and flu. Lemongrass can also help regulate body temperature. To use lemongrass to help combat the cold season:

• Add 3-5 drops of lemongrass essential oil in 3 cups of boiling water, place face 14 inches from bowl, close eyes and slowly inhale the steam. 
• Diffuse 10 drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser and use as you would a vaporizer
•  Add 2 drops of lemongrass oil per 2 drops of your favourite carrier oil (tamanu, jojoba) and apply it to your temples and chest to inhale during sleep. 

Headache Relief

Lemongrass oil makes a great headache remedy and can revitalize your mood at the same time. If you find yourself being effected by headache pain, but don’t have time to nap it off, these remedies can help:

• Diffuse 10-15 drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser
• Mix 3 drops lemongrass oil to a rollerball filled with jojoba oil and massage on temples and base of neck
• Add 3 drops of lemongrass oil to a bowl of hot or cold water and place a cloth in the water. Wring it out and lay or tie the cloth on forehead or at the base of your neck, depending where the headache tension is coming from. Inhale deeply for 15-20 minutes. 

Stress & Sleep Support

Revitalizing as lemongrass can be, it can also have calming properties depending on how it’s used. Many spas use lemongrass infused oils and creams to create a relaxing atmosphere. To help feel more relaxed with lemongrass:

• In a small spray bottle; add 1 ounce of witch hazel, 10 drops of lemongrass oil and 5 drops lavender essential oil. Mix with 3 ounces of water and just before bed, spray on your bed linens or pajamas for a restful nights sleep. 
• Diffuse 10-12 drops of lemongrass oil and 5 drops jasmine oil 30 minutes before bed and let it run into the night
• Apply 2-3 drops of lemongrass oil into your favourite unscented body cream or lotion and massage over body before bed.

Shopping For Quality Lemongrass Oil

When buying Lemongrass oil, you will want to follow the information listed above. Opt for one that is steam distilled as this creates an oil that's pure and clean. You can find high quality Lemongrass essential Oils here.