Lemon verbena includes 70 varieties, used in aroma blends. The fresh leaves can be crushed and added to refresh teas. as an essential oil, lemon grass is usually added to lemon verbena. The leaves make very little essential oil. Know your source.

The last essential oils added to a blend are Top or Head notes. They are the first aromas you smell upon opening a blend. They will evaporate quickly so you can experience the heart essential oils and the composition of the blend. Top Or Head notes are familiar scents, inexpensive and available.

Heart notes define an aromatherapy blend, lending a bridge from heavier base notes to highly intense top notes. They can guide and transform all the essential oils into a unique exquisite aromatic experience. Knowing compatibility is a great part of the art of aromatherapy.

Base aromas are the most ancient, anti-inflammatory and versatile scents to explore. Their scents include vanilla- like aromas, floral, amber, woody, herbaceous, balsamic and earthy. Blending together or using them singly sets the mood, scent sensation for a lasting unique aroma blend or perfume. Learn the most important base essential oils, how to use them and compatible essential oils to blend like a professional aromatherapist and perfumer.

 The high frequency of roses enhances our emotions and well-being. We can learn ways to use them in culinary, aromatherapy, beverages, foods and skincare.

Obesogens are Phthalates and Parabens in lotions, skin and nail care products that may disrupt normal metabolism and encourage fat storage leading to obesity. The average person absorbs 168 obesogens daily from common skincare.

Tangerine essential oil is derived from the mandarin orange tree. The aroma is uplifting and used in skincare and haircare.

Tips on making blends and perfumes with Lavender officinalis.

Petitgrain essential oil has an intense herbaceous, woody undertone with a floral, yet tart scent. Use it in blends as a top note, added at the finale of a blend. The oil is harvested from the leaves and twigs of orange and lemon trees. Use it in colognes, perfumes and to revitalize a blend that has lost its unique scent.

Medieval Aromatherapy Revisited

            As Europe blossomed from the Dark Ages, many aromatic herbs and their essential oils were rediscovered.  Much of the knowledge of distillation, extraction and medicinal properties taught by Greek and Roman physicians was lost, only to be reintroduced by Islamic physicians and alchemists linking their ancient art to the modern world of science.

            Herb gardens flourished in the later 1500’s at every commoner’s home.  Aromatic herbs were grown for strewing, cooking, home remedies and many households uses.  These herbs and their fragrant waters were often worn to cover the smell of unwashed bodies.  Bathing was considered unhealthy for the skin and general condition of the body.  Incense and strewing herbs helped during church and public gatherings, but very intimate encounters required special considerations.  Soon lovers developed a language of flowering herbs from the heavenly scents masking their personal odors.

A particular favorite was sweet Marjoram, Majorana hortensis, believed to enhance marital bliss.  It was worn in nosegays, sweet powders and washing waters to perfume clothing.  Sprigs were hung outside a maiden’s window to attract a good husband…. or announce availability.  Finger bowls were scented with marjoram and other sweet-smelling herbs from the garden by floating them in the water bowls.  Guests would dip their fingers at the end of the meal, having used their fingers as utensils. 

 Marjoram is not used for pregnant mothers or infants. Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. during pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare practitioner before using and use small, diluted doses on clean skin.

References:  Mother Nature’s Herbal, Judy Griffin

                     Medieval Gardens of the Cloisters, NYC