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.

 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.

Great question!  No, essences and essential oils have different properties when grown and produced in different climates and terrains.Essences and Essential oils may have different qualities when grown in different terrains and climates. The amount of sunshine, rain, humidity and altitude may activate different chemicals in plants. Some may be stronger than others. The soil composition and Ph also affect the chemical and subtle properties in plants. The availability of sunshine, rain and nitrogen from lightening strikes catalyzes  the potency of plants.

When and how plants are harvested and cared for also make a difference in potency and quality. The time of day for harvesting makes a difference. For example, roses are harvested before noon, most often in the spring. Neroli is harvested before the buds are open. Rosemary, sage, thyme and helichyssum are most potent harvested in the heat of summer afternoons. Most plants become more potent with heat and pruning or cutting, but too much heat and low rainfall require more compassionate care. In north Texas, I do not harvest in August because it is too hot and dry. I also don't harvest right after a rain to avoid the spread of fungal and viral disease. I also leave some blooms for bees and beneficial insects to thrive. Hand picking  blooms and plants do no damage. I distill with glass to produce the highest quality products.

We can enjoy quality essences and essential oils in tune with the environment. Many plants producing essential oils and essences are endangered from over production. Awareness of the environment is vital for the continuation and availability of healing plants. We must also benefit the plants we encounter. We all heal together, encouraging different properties and information from the plants we encounter.

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.

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

The orange tree, Citrus aurantium, is the only plant that yields 3 essential oil and 1 absolute. I will discuss each in detail. First, let’s investigate the history of this unusual tree, Seville orange, or bitter orange.

        Bitter orange trees were introduced to the Mediterranean in the tenth and eleventh century after Arab conquests. Europeans enjoyed the oranges for 500 years before other varieties of oranges were introduced.

        By the 17^th century, the Princess of Neroli, introduced the essential oil of orange blossoms to Italian society. It soon became fashionable to wear, bathe and fragrance gloves, clothes and stationery with the scent of orange blossom. The princess Anna Maria De La Tremoille was a member of the powerful Italian Orsini family who introduced the fragrance to the courts of Europe. The essential oil, Neroli, was named in her honor.

        Neroli is the product of the steam distillation of the delicate orange blossoms of the Citrus aurantium tree. The blossoms are picked on a warm, sunny day as they begin to open. Steam distillation takes place immediately on the site before the fresh scent fades from the flower. One thousand pounds of blossoms will yield only 4 cups of essential oil at a very expensive price. The scent is light and fragrant with a hint of orange and a sweet, lasting undertone. It blends with most essential oils, except the heavier scents, such as vanilla. The best blends for Neroli are other citrus oils and floral scents. Neroli aroma is so delicate; it can easily be overwhelmed by a predominant scent, such as ginger and other spices or base oils.

Ancient cultures believed Frankincense (Boswellia thurifer) and Myrrh 

 (Commiphora Myrrha) resins to be holy. Their fragrance was believed to reach the heavens and commune with God. Pleasant fragrances were associated with the presence of God Afterlife and paradise was associated with exquisite odors. Burning incense and diffusing fragrant odors nourished the souls of the community. The use of fragrant herbs was limited to the priest and priestesses. With the scent released, people sent offerings and prayers, especially for health.

 Recorded history gives a glimpse of wealthy societies number of fragrant herbs burned in religious rituals. Babylon burned over 57 thousand pounds frankincense in 1 year. Assyria used almost 60 tons of frankincense for one religious feast. Arabia kept a special fleet of ships to transport frankincense from southern Arabian forests.

            And, in the Bible, the three kings brought baby Jesus Frankincense and Myrrh 

Gifts given only to the kings. Then were burned on hot rocks to release their fragrance and provide a feeling of protection. Their scent was sacred. Both fragrance and the repetition of holy words and sounds were part of every ritual. Early churches also used Frankincense and Myrrh to purify their temples. The smoke cleaned the air of any evils or negative energy.

       The essential oil of frankincense is both sweet and spicy with a hint of camphor. The oil is thick, resinous with a yellow-green color. Its properties are calming, centering and astringent. 

          Ancient Egyptians used the resins in many skin preparations for health and beauty.

            The essential oil of Frankincense is steam distilled from the oleo gum resin produced by trees in North Africa. The resin solidifies into amber colored, pea size lumps. The solidified product is steam distilled, producing essential oil.

            . Myrrh originates from a tree in East Africa. The tree bark is scored to collect resin that is steam distilled to produce essential oil.

             Ancient Egyptians used it to embalm their dead. It was used to preserve the skin. The essential oil is generally safe and nonirritating.

          Here are a few more recipes for relaxation.

                         Massage Oil

In 1 ounce of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

3 drops Frankincense

6 drops orange

3 drops Myrrh

1 drop thyme

Allow to cure 1 hour before applying to clean skin.