Indian Lemon, a Delightful Summer Aroma                         The lemon tree is a native of India.  Citrus limonum was brought to Europe in the twelfth century with returning Crusaders.  Today, it is cultivated in Sicily, Italy; Florida and California in the United States.  It is a member of the rue...

Healing Waters             Healing waters are the steam condensation that carries essential oils in a distillation process. The water is distilled with all the properties of the plant and a tiny amount of essential oil.             Distillation is a process that has been used for at least five thousand years....

Hair Care             Creating a therapeutic aroma shampoo will increase immunity, memory, and enhance natural beauty. Hair is an extension of skin and can be treated as a skin condition. Choose essential oils that you can enjoy because you will smell the aroma all day. Treating the condition of the...

Geranium: Also Out of Africa- Blog 25   Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, P. odorantissemum, is a native of South Africa. It was exported to France in the late seventeenth century where it was hybridized and distilled. The leaves and stems are distilled to produce essential oil when the small flowers begin...

Garden Party               Organically grown aromatic herbs provide a variety of beauty aids.  Summertime brings an abundance of fresh herbs for health and beauty.  Many of these plants offer protection from too much fun in the sun.   Sunburn Remedy               To 4 ounces of apple cider vinegar,...

Exotics Part 2; Blog 13   Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood of the tree. My sore grade is the finest, perfume grade, essential oil, preferred by aroma therapist. It is also very expensive. Most sandalwood oil is Agmarked, a grade guaranteed to comply with...

Eucalyptus, the herb of the Aborigines               Eucalyptus, the blue gum tree, originated in Australia.  Today, it is also cultivated in India, California, North Africa, Egypt, and Spain, prized for its essential oil.  It is a member of the Myrtle family.  There are at least 50 species of eucalyptus...

                                                      Skin   Renewal   Part 3       Eczema and contact dermatitis affect millions of people. Both display symptoms of red, inflamed skin. Flaky skin,...

EARTH TONES Part III   Patchouli Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin, is a tall herb in the mint family indigenous to southeast and tropical Asia. The leaves are huge, furry and topped with tiny white and purple flowers.  Fermented leaves are steam distilled to produce a dark amber essential oil, thick and...

EARTH TONES Part II               Ginger is a powerful and ancient root, indigenous to India.  Zingiber Officinale is A rhizome, an underground stem that grows like a root, spreading simultaneously in every direction.  The tuberous roots are perennial, harvested in the fall after several months of growth.  Rhizomes grow...