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.

Roman Chamomile is most often used in aromatherapy. German Chamomile makes the best tea. Both are calming and easy to grow or find in markets.

 Blue Chamomile is the German variety, producing a blue absolute, containing azulene, rarely used alone.

Choose Roman Chamomile for aromatherapy blends.

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.

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.

Carrier Oils

 Essential oils are diluted in fatty oils, called carrier oils, for application. Direct application of essential oils, with few exceptions, is harmful to the skin. Unsaturated fatty oils support the healing process. They help the skin breathe, absorb vitamin D from sunlight and regulate temperature. Choose carrier oils that are cold pressed and unprocessed before expelling. The skin cannot utilize mineral oils. They are made from petroleum and block absorption. Choose oils for the skin that are edible. (Avoid canola oil.) These oils will enhance elasticity and soften the skin. They also provide nutrients, which can be utilized by the skin. Carrier oils are chemical compounds of glycerol and fatty acids.

 Carrier oils are best used for massage as essential oil dilutions for the face and skin. They are safe for babies as well as adults. To date, most commercial baby oils and lotions contain mineral oil and are not healthy for massage or dilutions. Choose a carrier oil that best suits the area of application, for example, jojoba oil is best used for facial applications. It absorbs rapidly without an oily residue. Jojoba oil is beneficial for all skin types. The shelf life of carrier oils is 8 to 10 months.

 Sweet Almond Oil is the most popular and versatile carrier oil. It benefits every skin type, releasing the healing qualities of the essential oil or blend slowly through the skin. Almond oil is odorless and light in texture. 

 Jojoba Oil is not oil, but a liquid wax derived from the fruit of a Native American desert plant. Jojoba Oil has unique properties, of fat, fatty acid and alcohol, producing a natural emulsifier that does not oxidize or become rancid. As an emulsifier, jojoba is beneficial in creams, shampoos and lotions. The Native Americans have used jojoba oil for protection.

 Grape seed Oil is an odorless oil used for oily skin. It blends well with other carrier oils for massage.

 Coconut Oil is a rich solid massage oil that melts at 76 degrees. It is used as a massage lotion and face cream. Melt the solid oil in a container by placing the container in a pan of hot water. As it softens, add essential oils and stir gently. Refrigerate or allow to set at room temperature in a covered container prior to application. 

Aloe Vera Gel can also be used for essential oil dilution. Add 2 drops of grape seed oil to reduce oxidation. 

Mineral oil and canola oil (most canola is genetically modified and it is suggested to avoid this oil,) are not recommended as carrier oils and should be avoided in aromatherapy.