Aromatic Lords and Ladies of the Zodiac

An exercise in creating energetic essential oil synergies

Beverley Hawkins

Disclaimer

The information contained in this booklet is not meant to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Essential oils are to be used at your own discretion. The author disclaims any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use or misuse of the essential oils.

ISBN: 978-0-9810802-4-6

2 © Beverley Hawkins

Contents Introduction ...... 6 Essential Oil Methods of Application ...... 6 Dosages and Dilutions ...... 9 Useful Measurements ...... 10 General Safety when using Essential Oils ...... 11 Essential oils used on the skin ...... 11 Essential Oils absorbed through the Mucous Membranes ...... 12 Inhalation ...... 12 Oral Ingestion...... 12 Overdose of essential oils ...... 12 Safety Issues ...... 12 Skin Problems ...... 12 Cancer ...... 13 Epilepsy ...... 13 High or Low Blood Pressure ...... 13 Complicated Health Conditions ...... 13 Eyes ...... 13 Safety Issues for Clients with Special Needs ...... 13 Children ...... 13 Pregnancy ...... 14 Elderly & Frail ...... 14 Aromatic Lords and Ladies of the Zodiac ...... 15 Aries ...... 16 Taurus ...... 18 Gemini ...... 20 Cancer ...... 22 Leo ...... 24 Virgo ...... 26 Libra ...... 28 Scorpio ...... 30 Sagittarius ...... 32 Capricorn ...... 34 Aquarius ...... 36

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Pisces ...... 38 Essential Oil Profiles ...... 40 Basil ...... 41 Benzoin ...... 43 Black Pepper...... 45 Cardamom ...... 47 Cedarwood ...... 49 German Chamomile ...... 51 Roman Chamomile ...... 53 Clary Sage ...... 55 Clove ...... 57 Cypress ...... 59 Fennel ...... 61 Frankincense ...... 63 Geranium ...... 65 Ginger ...... 67 Jasmine ...... 69 Juniper Berry ...... 71 Lavender ...... 73 Lemon...... 75 Lemongrass ...... 77 Lime ...... 79 Marjoram ...... 81 Melissa ...... 83 Myrrh ...... 85 Neroli ...... 87 Orange ...... 89 Patchouli ...... 91 Peppermint ...... 93 Rose ...... 95 Rosemary ...... 97 Sage ...... 99 Sandalwood ...... 101 Thyme ...... 103 Vanilla ...... 105

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Vetiver ...... 107 Violet Leaf ...... 109 Putting it all together ...... 111 Creating an Energetic Synergy ...... 112 An example ...... 113 Bibliography ...... 116

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Introduction This not a book about the Science of Astrology. This book is divided into three sections: I am not going to give you an explanation of how to draw up an Astrological Chart, nor am I  Section one deals with the ways in going to go into the astrological meanings of the which essential oils are used and different houses and planets. There are many their safety precautions excellent books available today that do just that. I certainly used a number of them as  Section two gives a brief outline of reference material and they are listed in the the personality of each of Sun Signs bibliography. and the unique Lord and Lady essential oil synergy created for Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils is that sign. another subject on which many books have been written. This has been approached from  Section three consists of thirty-five many different angles and mini essential oil profiles. It was from these oils that the synergies for I didn’t want to write yet another genera each of the signs were chosen. You aromatherapy book. will also find an explanation here on how to put it all together. So, you might ask, why write this book at all? Section one will give you the practical My purpose in writing this little book is to parameters in which you need to work and illustrate how one can create unique individual create your blend. This will allow you to synergies that mirror the essence of an choose your preferred method/s of use and be individual, place, event or theme. Each is a aware of any and all safety precautions. unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, abilities and attributes. Using an Section two gives you an example of the essential oil synergy that has been created to uniqueness of each individual and/or mirror this will go directly to the heart of the situation. In this section, there are two matter. examples of essential oil synergies for each Sun Sign created to mirror the attributes, Most aromatherapists will tell you that you qualities, strengths and/or weaknesses of that, while you can get results if you use a that particular Sun Sign. recipe for a specific condition, you will get really great results if you create a synergy that The mini essential oil profiles in Section is really specific to the individual, their Three gives you a broad range of information circumstances and what they are hoping to on each oil. It is here that one will find the achieve, whether this is physical, mental, clues as to which are the right oils to choose emotional or spiritual. So how does one do for a particular blend. this? When it comes to blending energetic As most people are acquainted with their Sun synergies the choices are not always as Sign, after all there is usually a horoscope simple or as clear cut as when choosing oils column in every newspaper, I thought that for a physical or psychological synergy. On creating blends around the individual signs of the other hand if you can master this art the Zodiac would a great way to illustrate how you will create synergies that get to the to do this. very heart of an individual, a concept or a situation.

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Essential Oil Methods of Application

Method of Use Amount EO/Carrier Application Bath 3 – 8 drops of EO/blend. Fill up the bath with warm water and then Add to a teaspoon of carrier oil to add the EO or blend to the water, swirl help disperse through the water around then get in and enjoy better.

Shower 1: 1 – 2 drops EO/blend. Add to the shower floor.

Shower 2: 1 – 2 drops EO/blend. Apply to a wet washcloth or sponge and rub over the body, Soap 12 drops EO/blend. Added to 30ml of liquid soap. Inhaling deeply. Dry Brush 1 – 3 drops EO/blend. Apply to natural bristle brush, brush extremities in direction of the heart. Can be done before or after your bath or shower.

Foot Bath 5 drops EO/blend in 1 teaspoon Add to a basin of warm water and soak of carrier oil. feet for 10 minutes. Sitz Bath/Hip bath 5 – 7 drops EO /blend. Fill a basin large enough to sit in with lower portion of body covered to hip level with warm water. Add essential oil or blend and soak for 10 – 15 minutes.

Jacuzzis and Hot tubs Do not dilute in vegetable oil. Fill the bath and turn on pump before This could gradually coat the adding EO or blend. pipes. Amount of EO/blend will depend on the size of the tub. A one person size tub 6 – 8 drops. A 2 – 3 person size tub 9 – 10 drops.

Sauna 1-2 drops EO/blend mixed in Apply this to the heat source. 500ml of water.

Bath Salts 10 drops EO/blend. Add to ½ cup Epsom salts, ½ cup sea salt. This is then dissolved in the bath water.

Body Rub Good to 1 cup Epsom salts, 1 cup sea salt, Rub the mixture over the body and then exfoliate just enough carrier oil to moisten rinse off under the shower. Leaves one and hold this together 15 – 20 with a glowing feeling. drops of EO/blend.

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Method of Use Amount EO/Carrier Application Vaporizer/Diffuser 1 – 6 drops of EO/blend. Fill bowl with water and add the Includes aroma EO/blend. Add more water as it lamps, perfume evaporates away. lanterns etc. Electrical Diffusers 1 – 6 drops of EO/blend. Add to the pad and turn on. Nebulizer Fill the glass cylinder with Don’t leave on indefinitely but allow for EO/blend periods of rest in between. 15 – 30 minutes at a stretch is usually enough. Water bowl 1 – 9 drops EO/blend depending on Fill bowl with hot water and add the size of the bowl. EO/blend. The aroma should permeate the room within 5-10 minutes. Steam Inhalation 2 – 3 drops EO/blend. Fill bowl with hot water add EO/blend. Cover head with a towel and breathe in. Don’t use this method with asthmatics. Inhalers 10 - 15 drops EO/blend added Inhale as required. to cotton wick. Humidifies 1 – 10 drops EO/blend. Added to the water in the humidifier. Tissue/Q- 1 – 2 drops EO/blend. Applied to one of these and inhale as Tip/Handkerchief/ needed. Pillowcase Massage Full Body Adults 15 – 20 drops EO/blend Apply in massage. diluted in 30ml carrier oil.

Children, Frail/Elderly, Pregnant women: 5 – 7 drops diluted in 30ml carrier oil. Massage Local Area for 12 – 15 drops EO/blend diluted in Apply to the affected areas. an acute problem i.e. 15ml carrier. sciatica, sprain - one can use a stronger blend. Facial Massage Use a 1% dilution i.e. 3 – 4 drops Apply in massage to the face. EO/blend diluted in 15ml carrier. Facial steamer 3 – 5 drops EO/blend. Add to 2 cup of hot water or to water in a facial steamer. Facial Mask 1 drop EO/blend. Added to 1 teaspoon of clay (fruit, yogurt etc.) and up to 5ml hydrosol or distilled water. Hair/Scalp oil 25 drops EO/blend mixed into 30ml Apply to the head and scalp overnight carrier oil. and wash out the next morning. Hair/Scalp 1 drop EO/blend added to 1 Add this to the final rinse water. teaspoon of vinegar or cider vinegar added to 1 cup of spring or boiled water. Personal Perfume 15 – 20 drops EO/blend added to Apply as you would normally apply 10ml carrier oil or alcohol. perfume. Facial toner 8 – 10 drops EO/blend added to Choose the appropriate essential oils and 120ml distilled water or hydrosol. hydrosol. 7 © Beverley Hawkins

Method of Use Amount EO/Carrier Application

Body Spray 30 – 40 drops EO/blend added to Body Spray use as liked. 120ml distilled water or hydrosol Body Wrap Body Wrap, spray a towel with the spray, then wrap the body with the towel, cover with a plastic sheet and blanket. Leave the person to rest for 20 minutes then remove. Compress 4 – 6 drops EO/blend. Fill bowl with water, (warm for arthritic pain, Fibrositis, lower back pain etc. cold for sprains, headache or a cooling effect), add the essential oils. Wipe cloth over the surface of the water, wring out any excess and then apply to the required area. Repeat as the cloth changes temperature.

Hot and cold compresses may also be used alternately when there is a flare up of inflammation and swelling in joints. Repeat cycle of hot, then cold two to three time, each compress should be applied for 2 – 3 minutes. Always end with a cold compress.

Poultices 4 – 5 drops EO/blend. Warm your carrier oil (caster oil is good for this), add your

EO/blend and place mixture on a terry cloth and apply to affected area. This can be taped and left overnight.

Air Freshener 120 drops EO/blend added to Tighten cap, shake well before 125ml distilled water or hydrosol. spraying.

An emulsifying agent added to this mixture will help disperse the EO through the water. Mist Spray 18 drops EO/blend added to 125ml A lighter version, which can help to distilled water or hydrosol. quickly freshen up a room or help on a long drive.

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Dosages and Dilutions

For easy reference 1 ml = 20 drops

Recommended use between 1% – 5%

Easy calculation for a 2.5% dilution, measure the amount of base oil in milliliters and then add half that number of drops of essential oil e.g. to a 50ml bottle of base oil add 25 drops of essential oil which is a 2.5% dilution.

For babies (0 – 12 month) use 1 drop of Lavender, Roman/German Chamomile, Neroli, Dill or Mandarin to 10ml of carrier oil - the equivalent to 0.5% dilution.

For infants (1 – 5 year) use 2 – 3 drops of safe essential oil i.e. those that are non-toxic and non-irritant to 10 ml of carrier oils

For children (6 – 12 years) use half the recommended dosage for adults.

Frequency of treatment can be of more concern than the dosage. Much depends on the area of skin covered and how effectively the essential oils are absorbed.

For a whole body massage – twice a week is sufficient for a regular treatment.

For facial treatments or anything only involving a small part of the skin tissue, daily application is regarded as quite safe.

While these are a useful rule of thumb for mixing up small amounts of product, in reality it is not the most accurate way of measuring out essential oil. There are a number of variables, which lead to drops of one essential oil not being equal to the drops of another essential oil. Different dropper size plays a part but even when you have the exact same dropper insert the drops from different essential oils may not be equal. The viscosity of an essential oil can lead to a variety in drop size. Most often the rule of thumb of 1ml of essential oil being equal to 20 drops is on the conservative side and in fact you might find that you need 24 or 30 drops or more to make up 1 ml. occasionally, you might need fewer drops. When making up large amounts of product it is always best to use a measuring glass or pipette to make sure your measurements are accurate. Some essential oil suppliers carry graduated cylinders and they would also be available in Chemistry Supply Stores. Another easy measuring device you could use for smaller amounts would be a children’s medication measuring pipette. These can be found in most pharmacy departments

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Useful Measurements Due to the fact that dropper sizes on essential oil bottles may vary quite considerably these are only approximate measurements to give you a rule of thumb guide when working with small amounts of essential oils. When using larger amounts and blending in larger quantities it would be much more accurate to measure your oils out with a calibrated measuring cylinder or pipette

1ml essential oil = 20 drops 2ml essential oil = 40 drops 5ml essential oil = 100 drops 10ml essential oil = 200 drops 1 teaspoon = 5 ml 1 tablespoon = 15ml 30ml = 568 drops (approx.)

15 drops essential oil in 30ml carrier oil equals approximately a 2.5% dilution 20 drops essential oil in 30ml carrier oil equals approximately a 3% dilution 7 drops essential oil in 30ml carrier oil equals approximately a 1% dilution

Measurement Conversion

1/3 dram or 1/24 oz. = 25 drops 2/3 dram or 1/12 oz. = 50 drops 1 1/3 dram or 1/6 oz. = 100 drops 2 drams or 1/4oz. = 150 drops 4 drams or ½ oz. = 300 drops

5–6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil equals approx. a 1% dilution 10-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil equals approx. a 2% dilution 15-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil equals approx. a 3% dilution

Another quick rule of thumb is: 1 drop of essential oil in 5ml of carrier = 1% 2 drops of essential oil in 5ml of carrier = 2% 3 drops of essential oil in 5ml of carrier = 3% etc. etc. (5ml = 1 teaspoon)

1 fluid ounce = 29.57 ml (milliliters) 1 liquid quart = 0.9464 L (liters) 1 ounce = 28.35 gm (grams) 1 pound = 0.4536 kg (kilogram)

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General Safety when using Essential Oils

Essential oils are extremely concentrated  Soaps, detergents and solvents have chemical compounds and care should be taken been found to increase the skin’s in their use. Remember that while the correct permeability. dilution of essential oil is very important, the frequency of application is another important  Occlusion. If the skin is covered after factor to consider. application of the synergy, the area available for evaporation is reduced Essential oils used on the skin and raises the possibility of the absorption of the essential oils in the Essential oils should always be diluted before synergy. being used topically on the skin. Safe dilutions for topical application range from 1% to a When deciding on how frequently to use an maximum of 3%. Essential oils applied to the essential oil or synergy of essential oils, one face, young children, the frail and elderly and should take into consideration the safety pregnant women should not exceed a 1% precautions of the individual oils, as well as dilution. Dilutions for essential oils applied how large an area of skin is to be covered. The topically to a small problem area (tennis elbow, larger the area of skin, the more opportunity or a sprain), for a short period of time, could go the components of the essential oils have to up to 5%. However, if you are using the blend enter into the body, the lower the dilutions of on a chronic condition keep the dilution at the synergy should be and the less frequently it about 2 - 3%. When using essential oils on a will be used. For full body massage with a 2 – regular or daily basis, it is generally considered 3% dilution of essential oils, once or twice a to be a good idea to regularly change the oils in week is enough. For daily application of a face the synergy that you are using. or body lotion the dilution should be no more than 1% on the face and up to 2% on the body. There are a number of factors that can For acute conditions, short term topical increase the permeability of the skin: application of essential oils is usually over a  Damaged or diseased skin is more smaller area of skin and used over a short permeable than normal healthy skin. duration of time so the dilution used can be higher, 1 – 5% and applied two to three times a  Temperature of the skin (raised day. This application should not be continued through exercise, a sauna, warm for longer than 2 – 5 days and as always keep in hands of a therapist, warm bath mind who the blend is for and take any contra- water, warm room) indications and dilution recommendations into  When the skin has been soaked in consideration. water (e.g. in a bath) it will become more hydrated and therefore more permeable.

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Essential Oils absorbed through Overdose of essential oils The ingestion of a large quantity of neat the Mucous Membranes essential oil produces a burning sensation in Because the mucous membrane is thinner, and the mouth and throat and in some serious more fragile than skin, it is more sensitive to cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If insult, and is also more permeable to essential the overdose is extreme then lethargy, oils. Undiluted essential oils should not be ataxia and coma may follow or perhaps applied to any mucous membrane (mouth, irritability and convulsions (e.g. vagina, and rectum). Nor should essential oils pennyroyal). The pupils may be dilated be applied to or near the eyes. Essential oils (e.g. camphor) or constricted (e.g. added to a bath, sitz bath/hip bath or hot tub eucalyptus). will come into contact with sensitive mucous membranes, so keep this in mind when choosing Safety Issues the components of your synergy. While plants have been used medicinally for thousands of years this has traditionally Inhalation been in the form of the whole plant. There are a number of different ways to use Essential oils extracted from the plant essential oils that fall under the heading material are: inhalation. These would include: steam inhalations; humidifies; a drop of essential  Highly concentrated substances oil or blend on a tissue/Q- tip/handkerchief,  Chemically different from the whole cotton wool ball or pillowcase; essential oils plant added to a sauna’s heat source; aroma lamps and diffusers. Essential oils added to the Not all the chemical components of a plant bath can be classified under both essential are able to survive the extraction process. oils used on the skin and inhalation. Therefore one cannot simply ascribe the Inhalation presents a very low level of risk properties traditionally given to the plant tor most people, however, there are to the essential oil extracted from that occasions when prolonged exposure to plant. When correctly used most essential relatively high levels of undiluted essential oils represent little or no risk. Attention oil vapors could lead to headaches, dizziness, should be paid to the contraindications and nausea and lethargy. These symptoms will safety data of each essential oil. generally clear when one removes the source and is exposed to fresh air. Skin Problems People who suffer from asthma should avoid When essential oils are misused on the skin using essential oils in steam inhalations as there is the risk of skin sensitization and/or this could irritate the passages and trigger an skin irritation. Even when diluted in a attack. carrier, if misused one can run the risk of an allergic reaction after repeated contact even Oral Ingestion when there are only small amounts of the allergen present. While essential oils such as We do not recommend the oral ingestion of cinnamon and nutmeg present a higher risk of essential oils. There are very few essential irritating the skin, one can become sensitized oils that can be used safely in this way and to any essential oil including lavender, which you need to have adequate training to do so.

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many sources consider to be one of the safest sensitized to the component in the essential essential oils available. Again the watchword is oil, it is irreversible. dilution and frequency. Once one has become

Cancer avoided in cases of High Blood Pressure (hypertension) and that sweet marjoram There has been some research carried out should be avoided in cases of Low Blood recently, which provides evidence that a small Pressure (hypotension). group of essential oil components are potentially carcinogenic. These include brown and yellow camphor, calamus, sassafras, Complicated Health Conditions snakeroot and tarragon. There is some In cases of complicated Health Conditions first evidence that some phototoxic essential oil obtain the consent of the attending physician components are also photocarcinogenic. People before utilizing essential oils. with moles, large freckle patches, sunburned skin, senile patches, melanoma, pre-melanoma Eyes or other skin cancers should avoid all phototoxic Keep essential oils away from the eyes and out oils such as citrus, calamus, sassafras and of the reach of children. If you do get neat or turpentine. diluted essential oil in your eye, rinse it out immediately with lots of water. Put some Epilepsy drops of sweet almond oil in the eye to dilute any remaining essential oil and to soothe Although Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs, irritation. suggest that essential oils used externally are no more likely to cause a fit than any other fragrance or strong odor, I prefer to err on the Safety Issues for Clients with Special side of caution and therefore avoid using those Needs essential oils traditionally cautioned against in cases of epilepsy. Essential oils to avoid with Children epilepsy are fennel, hyssop, rosemary and sage. Always use a very low concentration of Essential oils to use with caution for epilepsy essential oils for babies and children. For are camphor, clary sage, peppermint, rue, babies only use one drop of roman chamomile yarrow, spike lavender and lavandin. mixed in sweet almond or calendula carrier oil. Massage for only 5 minutes. For Children High or Low Blood Pressure 18 months – 12 years use a 1% dilution of Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs in Essential essential oils. Massage a maximum of 5 Oil Safety note that: “There is no evidence that minutes for toddlers and up to 25 minutes for essential oils have an adverse effect on the children up to 12. control of blood pressure in humans, and the data from animal tests are inconclusive. We One must be aware that the quantities in therefore consider that there is no need for which essential oils are generally sold (5 – contraindication of essential oils in either 15ml) essential oils can be lethal if drunk by a hypertension or hypotension, by any route of young child and there have been recorded administration.” cases of fatalities. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children. Only keep essential On the other hand it has been traditionally taught oils on hand which have an insert dropper so that the very stimulating oils of cypress, clove, that not too much oil comes out at once. In nutmeg, pine, rosemary and sage should be cases of accidental swallowing of essential

oils, first establish which essential oil or blend has ginger, pine, cypress, peppermint, orange. In been swallowed and approximately how much. the case of a history of miscarriages it is Give the child milk to drink. Contact your local strongly recommended to avoid most of the poison centre and if necessary see that the child oils. receives immediate medical attention. Elderly & Frail Pregnancy Use only gentle essential oils (e.g. lavender, During the first trimester it is a good idea to avoid chamomile, rose, mandarin) in no more than a most essential oils. After this only use the 1% dilution e.g. 5 drops of essential oil in 20ml following oils in no more than a 1% concentration: of carrier oil. For massage use only gentle geranium, neroli, ylang ylang, petitgrain, light strokes and don’t massage for more than frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, chamomile 30 minutes. (Roman and German), rose, lavender, mandarin, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, black pepper,

Aromatic Lords and Ladies of the Zodiac

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Aries  21st March – 20th April The first sign of the Zodiac, Aries, has the archetypes of the Warrior, the Pioneer, the Daredevil and the Survivor. Planet : Mars Element: Fire Although Aries is the sign of daring and adventures at a deeper level it is about Quality: Cardinal Symbol: The ram selfishness and the right for the individual to survive. To be able to say “this is Polarity: my life and I will do whatever it is I need to or want to”. The endpoint for Masculine Aries is the perfect combination of desires and actions – freedom. Keywords: Assertively, urgently, Aries requires courage. They need courage to go forward and survive on their action. terms. And they need courage to face the inevitable stress and crises that Physical correspondence: are drawn to them like a magnet. By nature they are armed with The head and brain. belligerence, vitality and an instinct for survival. Their spirit is intense and direct and their resources include honesty, feistiness, enthusiasm, Stones: Amethyst, bloodstone, diamond, ruby. independence and a dislike of external authorities.

Flowers: Carnation, geranium Aries will always be ready for a fight and they are unlikely to back down no hollyhock, poppy, thistle. matter what the confrontation. Sometimes the battles are worthy ones but on the shadow side if they are not, Aries can get caught up in arguments Trees: All thorn bearing trees where the emotions are out of touch with reality. This can cause Aries to and shrubs. drive away friends, or lose their marriage, or destroy their career. When Colors: White, red. Aries is operating from the shadow side they will be left wounded, feeling full of hunger and frustration and wondering why everyone else is on the Herbs: Basil, catmint, chervil, garlic, horseradish, defensive. He may also be self-righteous or self-pitying. marjoram, nettle, watercress. Aries loves to start new ventures and try out new ideas. When they become excited about a project they just can’t wait to get started on it but it has to Bach Flower Remedy: be done immediately, or they lose interest. Aries are good and happy leaders Impatiens who can inspire interest and enthusiasm in others, however if they have to be Essential Oils: Cedarwood, a follower they can become discontented and down in the dumps. Aries is cinnamon, clove, quick and decisive in their actions and thinking. If prolonged hindrances cross frankincense, juniper, peppermint, pine, rosemary. their path, they can become impatient or even aggressive.

Positive Traits: A pioneering Rosemary is the signature oil for Aries. and adventurous spirit; enterprising, courageous, Rosemary can be quite restorative when Arians push themselves to the limit direct in his approach; highly and beyond. The herbalist Culpeper describes rosemary as being 'ruled by the energetic, hating restriction, Sun in Aries'. loving freedom. For Lord Aries rosemary is combined with cedarwood to enhance stability, Negative Traits: Selfish, patience and integrity; frankincense to help stabilize the emotions and an always putting himself first; unsubtle, impulsive, optional touch of lime to freshen and bring a sparkle to the blend. pugnacious; a satirist, For Lady Aries rosemary is combined with juniper to promote wisdom; pine quick- tempered, which helps one recognize the love that endures in the hearts of those we have impatient – wanting loved and an optional touch of rose which helps one to forgive others and one's everything now. self.

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Quotes reflecting the qualities of Aries:

"Move and the way will open."

Zen Proverb

"And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." T.S. Eliot

"Nothing is more real than nothing." Samuel Beckett

"And if there is not any such thing as a long time, nor the rest of your lives, nor from now on, but there is only now, why then now is the thing to praise and I am very happy with it." Ernest Hemingway

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Taurus  21st April – 20th May The second sign of the Zodiac, Taurus, has the archetypes of the Earth Spirit, the Musician and the Silent One. Planet: Venus Element: Earth Quality: Fixed Symbol: The bull Taurus seeks peace and tranquility. The endpoint for Taurus is to find Polarity: Feminine serenity and to keep it. While not all Taurus natives are nature lovers, Taurus can learn much from Mother Nature and taking time to be in Keywords: Possessively, permanently Nature. Their second great teacher is silence. Taurus is the most taciturn of the signs. They can at time find too much talking Physical correspondence: The neck, ears and throat. frustrating. They are drawn to silence and simplicity which can bring peace. Inner silence is Taurus’ true goal and through music they can Stones: Alabaster, emerald, reach this goal. Music, listened to or even better played, can bring that rose quartz, topaz. Also copper, the metal of Venus. inner silence. Of all the signs Taurus is the most physical. The sense of touch is very important to them. They need to experience the world not Flowers: Carnation, daisy, foxglove, honeysuckle, only in their minds but also through touch. jasmine, lilac, lily, mallow, poppy, primrose, rose, vine, Taurus has an aversion to drama. They instinctively seek out violet. circumstances that will allow them to find their silence and simplicity.

Trees: Ash, apple, cypress. A stable job, a reliable network of relationships, and with great patience and absolute practicality they create their world. On the Colors: Pale blue, lilac, pink. shadow side if Taurus loses sight of their inner peace they may be Herbs: Catnip, elderberry, drawn into trying to find it in the material outer world. lemon verbena, lovage, marshmallow, mint, saffron, Taurus is determined and although he may appear quiet and soapwort, strawberry, tansy, thyme, wormwood, yarrow. noncommittal on the surface, beneath the surface there is an iron will. This gives them the capacity to do anything that they are Bach Flower Remedy: Gentian resolved to do, but it can also produce inflexibility. This is something for Taurus to guard against. Essential Oils: Cardamom, patchouli, rose, vanilla, Taurus is a doer not a dreamer, and they look at whatever they do violet leaf. from a practical and realistic point of view. They are kind, Positive Traits: Practical, affectionate, seldom moody and not easily offended. But they fail to reliable, patient; adept in understand temperamental, volatile, unpredictable people as they business, having strong like to feel settled and secure. powers of endurance; a firm sense of values especially in relation to the arts, love of Rose is the signature oil for Taurus. good food, persistent, solid, determined, strong-willed; Rose embodies Taurus’ love of luxury and earthly delights. It is also one affectionate, warm-hearted; trustworthy. of the most expensive essential oils and reminds us that Taurus is a shrewd judge of value and that the more robust side of Taurus is echoed in the fact that rose bushes will grow in virtually any soil and Negative Traits: Possessive, lazy, self-indulgent, a are extremely tenacious, surviving conditions that would kill a weaker potential bore, static in his plant. opinions, lacking flexibility and originality; greedy, For Lord Taurus rose is combined with patchouli, which helps stubborn, resentful; obsessed spiritualize sexuality and facilitate the enjoyment of the senses and with routines. vanilla to encourage feelings of comfort and safety. For Lady Taurus rose is combined with cardamom to promote objectivity and violet leaf to moderate anger and comfort the heart. 

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Quotes reflecting the qualities of Taurus:

"Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine" Shunryu Suzuk

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." Shakespeare

"In singing and dancing is the voice of the law." Hakuin

"The sun shines not on us, but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing." John Muir

19 © Beverley Hawkins

Gemini  21st May – 21st June The third sign of the Zodiac, Gemini, has the archetypes of the Witness, the Teacher, the Storyteller and the Journalist. Planet : Mercury Element: Air Gemini talks and Gemini listens. They scan for clues, for meaningful Quality: Mutable Symbol: Twins gestures, for half-hidden innuendos. Nothing escapes them, no detail is Polarity: too small, no trail too cold. Communication is the major keyword for Masculine Gemini and while speaking and listening are key issues for Gemini, one needs to go deeper to the concept of perception. Gemini is born to Keywords: perceive. They must remain in motion all the time as there is so much to Communicatively, adaptable, versatile. see and know, and there isn’t a minute to waste. Gemini is the journalist rather than the philosopher. The end point for Gemini is to unravel the Physical correspondence: secret of the world, gather all the clues and see everything. An The lungs, shoulders, arms and hands. impossible task. So they need to live as intense and varied a life as possible. Predictability and boredom are unpardonable sins. Gemini is Stones: Beryl, garnet, citrine, born to talk and they need to master the art of speaking. They are also amber, agate, white sapphire. born to listen although this does not come as automatically. While quick Metal mercury. wit and even eloquence is natural to Gemini, they need to remember Flowers: Lemon balm, myrtle, that communication is two-ways. They need to remember to listen, to orchid, tansy, verbena, absorb the world. yarrow. Curiosity is Gemini’s greatest resource. A sense of the world’s wonder, a Trees: Nut trees. childlike appreciation of everything in the world. Vitality is another of Colors: Red, yellow, orange. their resources. As curiosity drives them constantly they need to have vitality to keep up with it all. Their third resource is intelligence and no Herbs: Anise, caraway, dill, fennel, lavender, licorice, other sign has a quicker mind. They have great flexibility but on the marjoram, mint, oregano, shadow side they need to be sure that they don’t reconstruct the parsley. information to hid an unpleasant truth. They don’t really lie but rather shift the emphasis with a few strategic silences and a barrage of words. Bach Flower Remedy: Cerato. Right or wrong they rarely lose an argument.

Essential Oils: Basil, dill, They like to share their affection with many people. They are adaptable lavender, lemongrass, and find little difficulty in adjusting to variety and changes of scene, peppermint. they thrive on it. Because of their constant desire to change, it will Positive Traits: Adaptable, unusual for them to go through like without changing their business, versatile, intellectual, witty and career or profession at least once. logical, busy, spontaneous, lively, talkative and amusing in Basil is the signature oil for Gemini. conversation; having a flair for writing and for languages; Basil is a very mentally stimulating oil which reflects the mental nature always youthful and up-to-date in outlook and appearance. of Gemini. The plant itself is very variable - another Gemini trait - with leaves that may be light or dark green, large or small, smooth or Negative Traits: Changeable, hairy. F restless; cunning; inquisitive, inconsistent and or Lord Gemini basil is combined with lemongrass, which may two-faced; unable to control stimulate the left brain by tempering concrete logical thoughts with nervous energy, lives ‘on his nerves’; superficial, a spirituality. Lemongrass can also be helpful when one needs gossip. discernment and is supportive in helping one to fulfill one's responsibilities. For Lady Gemini basil is combined with lavender, which brings balance and harmony and peppermint which promotes clarity of thought.

20 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Gemini:

"If you are in the future, then ego seems to be very substantial. If you are in the

present the ego is a mirage, it starts disappearing." Osho

"The two exist because of the One, But hold not even to this One." Hsin-hsin Ming

"The reverse side also has a reverse side" Japanese Proverb

"In the sun the butterfly wings like a church window." Jack Kerouac

21 © Beverley Hawkins

Cancer 

22nd June– 22nd July The fourth sign of the Zodiac, Cancer, has the archetypes of the Mother, the Healer and the Invisible Man or Woman. Ruling Planet: The Moon Element: Water Cancer’s world is all about feelings. They are totally fascinated by the Quality: Cardinal Symbol: The Crab reactive, subjective aspects of the mind. For them everything is about Polarity: Feminine how it feels to them personally. They are not concerned with an Keywords: Protectively, objective universe but rather turn inward to feel consciousness, to feel sensitively every nuance of life. They often carry a ‘shell’ around them to protect Physical Correspondence: them from the harshness of this world. The endpoint for Cancer is to The stomach and breasts. love, trust and accept all that existence offers.

Stones: Moonstone, pearl and Cancer’s ‘sensing devices’ are the most delicate in the zodiac. No other peridot. Metal silver. sign feels with the same intensity, and feeling is what life is all about for Flowers: Hyacinth, lily, lily of Cancer. However, should their emotional circuits be overloaded they can the valley, water lily, white burn out. One of their defenses is shyness, especially in early life. Later rose, wild-flowering plants on their defenses may become more sophisticated. They may learn to and all night blooming flowers. create a social persona under which the true person hides. For Cancer to evolve they need to shed their shell otherwise they could be trapped. Trees: Those rich in sap. Part of their lesson is to learn to open up and trust. Imagination, subjectivity and feelings are the raw materials of Cancer. When they Colors: Cream, white, silver- blue, smoky gray look at anyone in pain or trouble they feel tenderness and the desire to help, heal and nurture. Mothering is something that happens Herbs: Agrimony, aloe, anise, automatically for Cancer, however to love truly is far more difficult for bay leaves, cinnamon, evening primrose, ginger, lemon balm, them and not something that happens without effort. On the shadow mugwort, myrtle, parsley, side Cancer’s highest expression, Mothering is also its potential downfall. sage. Cancer is a born worrier. They are hypersensitive to little slights, hurts or insinuations and can brood about it for hours. Where love is concerned Bach Flower Remedy: Clematis they are very romantic and sentimental. Once they have decided on a goal they can show remarkable persistence. They are able to sense how Essential Oils: German others feel and are quick to give sympathy. They have a strong Chamomile is the signature instinctive urge to protect the ones that they love, however if things go oil for Cancer. Eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, Melissa, wrong in a relationship they tend to become moody or over emotional. myrrh, rose, sandalwood. They are often guided more by their feelings than by facts.

Positive Traits: Kind, sensitive, German Chamomile (Blue Chamomile) is the signature oil for Cancer. sympathetic; a powerful imagination; a strong maternal Blue Chamomile is a 'Mothering' oil: calming and soothing, gentle or paternal instinct; solicitous and protective; cautious, enough to be used for even the youngest infants and appropriate for so patriotic; tenacious, shrewd, many of the troubles of early childhood. All the chamomiles are similar thrifty; emotionally resourceful; in their action but Blue Chamomile is the one most appropriate to an excellent homemaker. Cancer because its color evokes the Water element and the ocean that

Negative Traits: Over- is the Crab's natural home. emotional, hypersensitive; For Lord Cancer German chamomile is combined with lemon to touchy, a snappy temper; increase inner joy and optimism and sandalwood to open up the heart. moody, changeable; a hard For Lady Cancer German chamomile is combined with jasmine to warm exterior hiding a weak character; an inclination to and help open up the heart and rose fur unconditional love and self- pity, unforgiving; unstable nurturing. and too easily flattered; untidy.

22 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Cancer:

"When there is no place that you have decided to call your own, then no matter where you go, you are always heading home." Muso Soseki

"All the fish needs is to get lost in water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao." Chuang-Tzu

"Things are always changing, so nothing can be yours." Shunryu Suzuki

"The knowledge beyond the knowledge is my knowledge." Kabir

23 © Beverley Hawkins

Leo  23rd July – 22nd August The fifth sign of the zodiac, Leo, has the archetypes of the King (or Queen), the Performer, the Child and the Clown. Performer, the Child Planet : The Sun and the Clown. Expression is a key to understanding Leo. Leo has no Element: Fire Quality: Fixed secrets and needs to express his mind. The endpoint for Leo is the Symbol: The Lion development of personality. Leo must learn to say yes to life, their path Polarity: Masculine is one of affirmation and positivizes. They need to banish all pettiness, Keywords: Creatively, pickiness and narrowness from their mind. Fear and suspicion have no impressively, powerful. place in their world nothing that inhibits their self-expression can be Physical correspondence: tolerated. In astrology, Leo has long been the symbol of kings, but one The spine, back and heart. should also see Leo as the symbol of the Child. The self-dramatizing, present tense spirit so often seen in children is the essence of Leo. Leos Stones: Amber, carnelian, cat’s eye, ruby, yellow topaz, should celebrate themselves. Be creative and hide no secrets. Above all tiger’s eye. Metal gold. maintaining the innocence, spontaneity and freshness of a child.

Flowers: Chamomile, Creativity and charisma are two of Leo’s resources but a large one is the marigold, rosemary, fact that Leo knows how to be happy. On the shadow side Leo has pride. sunflower. Pride may prevent them from simply asking for love. Leo needs to learn Trees: Bay, orange and all to share the vulnerability they know so well and ask for support. citrus trees, palm. They have an air of authority around them, a desire to organize and Colors: Golden yellow, control the situation and inborn leadership skills. They inspire orange. confidence and respect in others because they can generally sense their Herbs: Basil, catmint, strength of purpose; they also have a tremendous capacity for chervil, garlic, horseradish, achievement. marjoram, nettle, watercress. Leo’s are warm-hearted and generous. They are always willing to help Bach Flower Remedy: those who are less fortunate. They may however do a good deed to Vervain attract the admiration and affection that they need so much. If this is not forthcoming, Leos can resort to boasting, or showing off, or finding a Essential Oils: Benzoin, camphor, cinnamon, way to push themselves forward to be noticed. They will not be happy in frankincense, jasmine, a subordinate position for long and they don’t fancy second place. They juniper, nutmeg, orange, are loyal, sincere and frankly honest, however others will often hurt or rosemary, sandalwood. try to take advantage of them. They love to entertain lavishly. Positive Traits: Magnanimous, generous; creative, enthusiastic, a Jasmine is the signature oil for Leo. good organizer; broadminded, expansive, having a sense of Jasmine is often called the King of Oils. On a subtle level it is showmanship and drama. considered to unite and harmonize opposites thereby promoting wholeness. It is used to warm and open the heart and is helpful in Negative Traits: Dogmatic; balancing feminine and masculine energies. bullying; pompous; snobbish, For Lord Leo jasmine is combined with sandalwood supports all healing intolerant, fixed in his opinions; patronizing; work and juniper cleanses and protects. power- mad; conceited. For Lady Leo jasmine is combined with orange for gratitude and generosity and rosemary for loyalty and love.

24 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Leo:

"Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold."

Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, author

"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Lucille Ball, comedian

"Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves." Dorothy Parker, Fashion

25 © Beverley Hawkins

Virgo  23rd August – 22nd The sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo, has the archetypes of the Servant, September the Martyr, the Perfectionist and the Analyst.

Planet : Mercury Virgo’s endpoint is perfection, but first they must learn humility. It has Element: Earth been said that two visions drive Virgo. The first is a sense of the ideal of Quality: Mutable Symbol: A woman what can be. This gives Virgo their perfectionism, their ethical and Polarity: Feminine principled qualities. The second vision is a meticulous, scrupulously honest sense of what is really happening. This is where Virgo gets their Keywords: Critically, practical, orderly attributes from and their abhorrence of inefficiency. analytically. There is no sign more eager to grow than Virgo. Their attribute of Physical correspondence: perfectionism pressures them to change while their pragmatic realism The intestines, abdomen gives them the means to do so. Another very important aspect of Virgo’s and spleen. being is their need to express the self through service. Virgo sees life as it is in minute detail. They are never complacent and laziness is not part Stones: Amethyst, blue sapphire, carnelian, moss of their makeup. Meaningful work is a key issue for Virgo. Competence, agate, peridot, sardonyx. especially at tasks that require patience and precision comes naturally to Metal mercury. Virgo. On the shadow side Virgo needs to guard against sacrificing themselves too much. Virgo’s natural self-criticism must be tempered Flowers: Cornflower, by absolute self-acceptance. They must learn to love themselves jasmine, morning glory, unconditionally with an honest mind. They also need to guard against narcissus, petunias, sage, allowing their focus on detail to blind them to the larger picture. wintergreen. Small brightly Otherwise details can overwhelm them and they can be lost in fretting, colored flowers. nitpicking and self-abnegation. And there is always the danger that if Trees: Nut trees. Virgo is dissatisfied with themselves they will be dissatisfied with everything they see in the world. Virgos must learn to love themselves. Colors: Indigo, navy blue They need to learn to stop judging themselves by what they have Herbs: Caraway, chervil, dill, accomplished. Although Virgo has a tendency to plot and plan for the fennel, horehound, lavender, future, they need to learn to live in the present and to live there lily, marjoram, mint, salad lovingly. burnet, southernwood, Summer savory. Virgos are generally modest, retiring and not inclined to seek the Bach Flower Remedy: limelight if it brings them into close contact with too many people. Centaury Health and hygiene are very important to them and their home and office will generally be extremely clean. Essential Oils: Cypress, dill, fennel, lavender, Lavender is the signature oil for Virgo. patchouli, peppermint. Lavender has long been considered to be an herb of Mercury (the Ruler Positive Traits: of Virgo). Virgo is a sign of service and work and it is often described as Discriminating, analytical, meticulous; modest; tidy. being closely connected with health and healing. For Lord Virgo lavender is blended with patchouli, for its nurturing Negative Traits: Fussy, a qualities and cypress for strength and comfort and can promote worrier, hypercritical, confidence, patience and wisdom. over-fastidious; For Lady Virgo lavender is combined with peppermint for humility and abnormally conventional; fennel for mothering. finicky.

26 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Virgo

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

Agatha Christie, writer

"Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses, painter

"Try to find your deepest issue in every confusion, and abide by that." D.H. Lawrence, writer

27 © Beverley Hawkins

Libra 23rd September – The seventh sign of the zodiac, Libra, has the archetypes of the Lover, 22nd October the Artist and the Peacemaker.

Ruling Planet: Venus Libra symbolizes harmony, equilibrium and balance. Libra teaches Element: Air serenity. It represents the capacity of the mind to gain control over the Quality: Cardinal Symbol: The scales nervous system. The endpoint of Libra is to calm down. Librans have no Polarity: Masculine natural defenses for their equilibrium. Their peace must be sustained through indefatigable effort. It doesn’t happen automatically. The Keywords: Harmoniously, together paradox of Libra is that they are the symbol of calm, but their nerves are stretched tight. Their task is to learn how to ensure that their tightly Physical correspondence: strung nerves are never plucked but all the while remaining sensitive and The kidneys. calm. If Libra’s surroundings are harmonious this will translate itself Stones: Quartz, opal, jade, into inner harmony for them. This sense of harmony is Libra’s resource. emerald, sapphire, lapis Libra tolerates a paradox like no other sign. They do not need the world lazuli. Metal copper. to make sense. Opposing philosophies, opposing people, opposing alternatives, Libra accepts them all. They understand that Truth lies in Flowers: Plants with blue flowers. Daisy, foxglove, the balance of the two, and to Libra, every truth is composed of two hydrangea, pansies, roses. half-truths. On the shadow side Libra can be indecisive. A tolerance for paradox can be wisdom but in everyday life it can lead to indecision. Trees: Ash

Colors: Pink, blue, lavender. Libra needs peace and harmony in their surroundings and personal relationships; disputes and conflicts upset them. Libra seeks fulfillment Herbs: Angelica, catnip, through union and partnership. Their instinct is to compare, so they elderberry, iris, ivy, juniper, constantly weigh up the pros and cons of situations. They can usually lilies, moneywort, St John’s wort, thyme. see both sides of an argument. Because they like to judge things from all angles they can be hesitant about coming to a conclusion. Tact and Bach Flower Remedy: diplomacy are qualities usually strong in Libras and this gives them the Scleranthus qualities of a born strategist. One who can achieve their objectives Essential Oils: Rose, subtly and unobtrusively. Venus, the ruler of Libra, gives them a love of spearmint, thyme, vanilla, color, beauty, art, music and luxury. Librans are generally easy to get violet leaf. along with. They hate to hurt people’s feelings and since ‘peace at any

Positive Traits: Charming; price’ is their motto, they often have trouble saying ‘no’. Nothing gives harmony and pleasant living them more pleasure than being able to share something beautiful with condition; easy-going; someone they love. Life is not the same for them if they are alone. romantic; diplomatic; idealistic; refined. Geranium is the signature oil for Libra.

Negative traits: Indecisive, Geranium is wonderfully balancing and Libra is the sign of balance, resentful; frivolous; changeable, flirtatious; easily justice and fairness. influenced by others; gullible; For Lord Libra geranium is blended with vanilla, which is warming and oscillating between two soothing and thyme, which promotes self-confidence and courage. extremes. For Lady Libra geranium is blended with rose the oil for Venus, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, and Libra's Ruling Planet and violet leaf which evokes sweet and loving feelings and supports the emotions and the heart.

28 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Libra

"The Truth is perfect like the vastness of space, with nothing wanting, nothing superfluous." Hsin-hsin ming

"Today is absolutely today. Today is not yesterday. Today is not tomorrow." Ogui

"Do not conquer the world with force, force only causes resistance. Years of misery follow a great victory." Lao Tze

"When we return to the root, we gain the meaning. When we pursue the external objects, we lose the purpose. The moment we are enlightened within, we go beyond the voidness of a world confronting us." Hsin-hsin ming

29 © Beverley Hawkins

Scorpio 23rd October – The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio, has the archetypes of the

21st November Detective, the Sorcerer and the Hypnotist.

Ruling Planet: Pluto Scorpio has incredible intensity and its endpoint is to live with that Element: Water intensity, to burn away all pretense; to let nothing be hidden behind Quality: Fixed Symbol: A Scorpion walls of fear and to make the unconscious, conscious. Their aim is to Polarity: Feminine live every minute as if it were their last.

Keywords: Intensively, Scorpio’s principle strategy is to base their actions on feelings rather passionately than on reason, because logic is too general, too impersonal. If Scorpio Physical Correspondence: is to live each minute as if it were their last, they must create a perfect The genitals and bladder alignment between their feelings and their actions. They must have the courage to feel anything, no matter how terrifying those feelings might Stones: Agate, amber, carnelian, coral, garnet, be, or what implications they might have for their lives. Thinking about obsidian or apache tear ruby, death helps Scorpio to arrive a deep level of self-knowledge. In many topaz. Metal iron. astrology works Scorpio is often described as being sexy or preoccupied with sex, however even here it is the feelings that are important rather Flowers: Chrysanthemum, geranium, heather, thistle. than the sex. Scorpio allows their sexuality be what it is, without Plants with dark red flowers, suppression, which can create a disharmony between actions and rhododendron. feelings. Scorpio’s resource is a sharp mind, bent on clearing away every comforting lie, every soothing half-truth. A mind utterly committed to Trees: Bushy trees, blackthorn. knowing itself. On the shadow side it can be caught between too much self-knowledge and too little self-knowledge. Colors: Russet, red, maroon Scorpio has tremendous, drive, determination and intensity in every Herbs: Basil, catmint, catnip, chives, coriander, elder, aspect of life, whether it is work, play or love. They are never satisfied garlic, honeysuckle, nettles, with half measures because for Scorpio it is ‘all or nothing’. Their assets onion, sage, tarragon, are power, purpose, penetrative insight, shrewd judgment and fierce wormwood. determination. But depending on how they use it this zeal can take

Bach Flower Remedy: them up or down. They demand much of themselves and expect the Chicory same from others. Scorpio may bring an unconscious desire for destruction, perhaps even self-destructive tendencies. They may Essential Oils: Basil, clove, sometimes try to punish themselves by martyrdom in extremely harsh ginger, myrrh, patchouli, pine, vanilla, violet leaf. and difficult circumstances. They enjoy research because superficial knowledge doesn’t satisfy them and they want all the facts. Positive Traits: Powerful feelings and emotions; a sense Patchouli is the signature oil for Scorpio. of purpose; highly imaginative, discerning, Patchouli has been used to traditionally treat bites from snakes and subtle; persistent, determined. poisonous insects and Scorpio is the sign with a 'sting in its tail'. For Lord Scorpio patchouli is combined with basil, which has been used Negative Traits: Jealous, traditionally to treat scorpion stings; and clove, which has the themes of resentful, stubborn; obstinate secrets and hiddenness. and intractable; secretive and suspicious. For Lady Scorpio patchouli is combined with myrrh, which is specific for the water element, and ginger, which allows one to perceive the inner child that dwells deep in the secret recesses of the heart.

30 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Scorpio

"Those who know don't tell and those who tell don't know."

Zen Proverb

"When you seek it, you cannot find it." Zen Proverb

"It is the stars not known to science that I would know, the stars which the lonely traveler knows." Henry David Thoreau

31 © Beverley Hawkins

Sagittarius  22nd November - The ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, has the archetypes of the 21st December Gypsy, the Student, the Philosopher.

Ruling Planet: Juniper Expansion is the lifeblood of Sagittarius and it plays a dominant role in Element: Fire the lives of all Sagittarians. They cannot tolerate any restrictions or Quality: Mutable Symbol: The centaur/archer limitations, as they need plenty of freedom and independence to be Polarity: Masculine truly happy.

Sagittarius’ endpoint is to realize the ultimate meaning of life. To find Keywords: Widely, freely, one’s destiny in the cosmic scheme of things. To arrive at the Truth. In explorative their journey of expansion Sagittarius calls on the archetypes associated with this sign. The Gypsy to help release all bonds to any one culture Physical Correspondence: and remaining open to foreign ways of thinking; the Student to The liver, hips and thighs. continually learn and expand and the Philosopher to intuitively interpret the insights and experiences gathered by the Gypsy and Student. Stone: Amethyst, citrine, Sagittarius should live life as an adventure, going forward unhesitatingly, garnet, ruby, topaz, expecting miracles and always ready to take that ‘leap of faith.’ turquoise. Metal tin.

Flower: Carnation, dandelion, Personal freedom is essential to Sagittarius and they have a pronounced lime flower, narcissus, pinks, love of freedom. Faith in their ideals is Sagittarius’ greatest resource. It wallflower. doesn’t matter what form that faith takes they will live by it completely. Regardless of costs or impracticalities, Sagittarius will always do what is Trees: Ash, birch, lime, mulberry, oak. right. On the shadow side Sagittarius can be over optimistic, they can over extend themselves and sometimes just have bad judgment. Color: Blue and purple They are basically happy, optimistic people, with a cheerful, hopeful Herbs: Basil, borage, chervil, outlook on life in general. They can be frank and outspoken because they coriander, clover, nutmeg, saffron and sage. are honest and straight to the point. Sometimes they can ‘put their foot in it’. Sagittarius is an enthusiastic sign and they bubble with enjoyment Bach Flower Remedy: when their spirits are high. They do need to be careful of exaggeration Agrimony in speech, action or behavior though. They enjoy natural interests and Essential Oils: Anise, black pleasures in preference to the tinsel and glitter of sophisticated society. pepper, cedarwood, clove, Outdoors and open spaces appeal more than high-dense areas. They love frankincense, ginger, juniper, to take a chance because they have a resilient confidence in what the nutmeg, orange, rose, sage. future holds. Positive Traits: Jovial, optimistic; versatile, open- Black Pepper is the signature oil for Sagittarius. minded, adaptable, having good judgment and a As Patricia Davis says in her book Astrological Aromatherapy Black philosophical, freedom-loving Pepper is an oil that 'gets straight to the point' like the Archer's arrow, outlook; sincere and frank; whether the 'point' is a stiff, painful muscle or a tired mind. dependable and scrupulous. For Lord Sagittarius black pepper is combined with ginger, which brings Negative Traits: Prone to strength and courage to support the love of life Lord Sagittarius has and exaggeration, extremism; orange to bring in positive energy and joy. tactless, restless, careless; blindly optimistic; boisterous; For Lady Sagittarius black pepper is combined with frankincense to keep irresponsible, capricious. her grounded and centered and rose to promote love, compassion, hope and patience.

32 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Sagittarius

"Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys."

Andre Gide

"The infinite is the infinite of every instant." Zen Proverb

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure." Helen Keller

"Not to be bound by rules, but to be creating one's own rules--this is the kind of life which Zen is trying to have us live." D. T. Suzuki

33 © Beverley Hawkins

Capricorn The tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn has the archetypes of the Hermit, the Father and the Prime Minister. 22nd December – 19th January Capricorn is the symbol of integrity. In the sign’s highest expression there are no lies or pretenses. There is only a flawless mating of visible, Ruling Planet: Saturn Element: Earth public behavior and invisible personal essence. Their job and their lives Quality: Cardinal become indistinguishable. To accomplish this, Capricorn must be utterly Symbol: The goat-fish immune to applause and never play to the crowd. If they get hooked on social approval, everything can be lost. On the other hand they can Keywords: Prudently, aspiringly, calculatedly never get away from the applause. To avoid the seductiveness of power, Capricorn must seek approval within. If they want to succeed they must Physical Correspondence: become indifferent to success and failure, praise and vilification. The bones, joints, teeth and Capricorn’s endpoint is integrity and solitude. So spending time alone is knees. an effective strategy. Capricorn must have their own self-respect and Stones: Amethyst, beryl, know who they are. Like no other sign Capricorn can wait. This waiting black diamond, jet, garnet, is neither indecision, nor vacillation, but rather intense and still, frozen onyx, white sapphire, with concentration. They are also extremely self-disciplined and turquoise. Metal – lead. regardless of the pressures, once their mind is made up they stick to their course. Capricorn’s actual behavior always reflects their intentions Flowers: Coltsfoot, black and not their emotions. They have an iron will and while they may be poppy, pansy. slow they always get what they want in the end. On the shadow side Trees: Elm, pine, poplar, Capricorn’s self-control can turn them to stone and should this happen willow. loneliness will ensue.

Colors: Indigo, gray, dark Capricorn is related to the most elevated point in the heavens and green. therefore it symbolizes the highest peak of achievement one can aspire Herbs: Dill, caraway, to. In striving to achieve their goals they become the organizer and chamomile, comfrey, cumin, manipulator of people and circumstances. They will use their heartsease, marjoram, onions, environment, opportunities and even the people around them as rosemary, sorrel, tarragon. stepping stones. Unfortunately, this can lead to ruthlessness and Bach Flower Remedy: selfishness. Personal prestige, social status and position in life can be Mimulus very important to them. There is also a tendency to be cautious and conservative and they can be inclined to over-emphasize economy and Essential Oils: Vetiver is the signature oil for Capricorn. self-discipline, responsibility, respectability and the deadly serious Cypress, oakmoss, patchouli. business of just living. Unless they are able to offset these characteristics with a little spontaneous fun and gaiety, they can miss Positive Traits: Reliable, out on happiness and severely limit their self-expression. determined, ambitious; careful, prudent; a sense of humor; a sense of discipline; Vetiver is the signature oil for Capricorn. patient, persevering. As Patricia Davis says in her book Astrological Aromatherapy Vetiver Negative Traits: Rigid reflects perfectly the earthy nature of Capricorn, even to the extent outlook; over-exacting; that it is extracted from the roots of the parent plant. . . In the Far pessimistic; conventional; miserly, mean; a ‘wet East where this fragrant grass is grown, it is known as the 'Oil of blanket’. Tranquility' and may help the conscientious Capricorn who worries unduly about work or personal issues. For Lord Capricorn vetiver is combined with cypress for inner strength and comfort and lime for its uplifting freshness. For Lady Capricorn vetiver is combined with patchouli, which taps into the energies of Mother Earth and Neroli to help one to develop inner trust.

34 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Capricorn

"Do not entertain hopes for realization, but practice all your life." Milarepa

"There is nothing left to you at this moment but to have a good laugh."

Zen Master

"The believer is happy. The doubter is wise." Greek Proverb

"Bellygoat boom At ache of Day bang." Jack Kerouac

35 © Beverley Hawkins

Aquarius 20th January - The eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius, has the archetypes the 18th February Genius, the Revolutionary, the Truth Sayer, the Scientist and the Exile.

Ruling Planet: Uranus Freedom, individuality, the ability to choose one’s own path, to take (traditionally Saturn) orders from no one and do what they want to do, this is the realm of Element: Air Quality: Fixed Aquarius. Aquarius and conformity just don’t mix. Their endpoint is the Symbol: The Water Carrier flawless, uncompromising expression of self. Individuality perfected. Polarity: Masculine Aquarius needs to resist the coercions of their culture. Their strategy is

Keywords: Independently, to follow the dictates of their own individuality, making their own humanely. choices regardless of the reactions of those around them. Genius is the ability to think in ways that we have not been taught to think and Physical Correspondence: Aquarius has this quality in abundance. The other resource that they The blood vessels, calves, ankles and heels. have is their implacable, unbending stubbornness. They know that their choices are right even if no one else agrees and there is nothing that can Stones: Amethyst, hematite, move them from it. On the shadow side this same stubbornness can onyx, black pearl, sapphire, destroy them. sugalite. Metal – uranium.

Flowers: Dandelion, Aquarius is one of the most enigmatic signs of the zodiac with the result goldenrod, myrtle orchid, that it can be hard for others not born in this sign to understand their rosemary. outlook or motives. Aquarius has a detached, elusive quality that others can never pin down. They can be both friendly and remote at the same Trees: Most fruit trees. time. Aquarius is the sign of the humanitarian, which gives them the Colors: Violet and blue. nature of a universal lover rather than a personal lover. They can be tenacious when they decide on something. They consider everything Herbs: Comfrey, elder, fennel, marshmallow, mint, that they do carefully and deliberately. On the other hand their ruling rosemary, sage, wormwood, planet is Uranus and its quality of unpredictability can pop up valerian. unexpectedly, even precipitating sudden change which surprises both the Aquarian and others. Aquarius is the sign of the reformer. They are Bach Flower Remedy: Water Violet interested in new ideas, originality, shortcuts and unorthodox trends. Involvement with a group, organization or cause gives them more Essential Oils: Benzoin, satisfaction than functioning within the confines of a personal cypress, lavender, neroli, relationship. Their ideals find expression through friendship and peppermint, pine. humanity. Positive Traits: Humanitarian, independent; friendly, willing; Neroli is the signature oil for Aquarius. a progressive outlook, original, inventive; a As Patricia Davis says in her book Astrological Aromatherapy "The reforming spirit; faithful, ethereal nature of Neroli reflects the very best of the Aquarian loyal; idealistic; intellectually inclined. character. To many Aquarians the meditative quality of the oil will have an immediate appeal, but it is important for these mentally orientated Negative Traits: people to remember their bodies and treat them kindly, and the more Unpredictable, eccentric; Venusian qualities of Neroli can help them to do so." rebellious, contrary; tactless; fixed in his opinions; For Lord Aquarius Neroli is combined with benzoin to both protect and perverse, straining to be keep them grounded and pine for its creativity and playfulness. unconventional. For Lady Aquarius Neroli is combined with cypress to bring strength and comfort and them to stay balanced and lavender to balance the upper and lower chakras.

36 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Aquarius

"Life, according to Zen, ought to be lived as a bird flies through the air,

or as a fish swims in the water." D. T. Suzuki

"First thought, best thought." Zen saying

"Read not the times, read the eternities." Henry David Thoreau

"Wherever you are is the entry point."

Kabir

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Pisces  The twelfth sign of the zodiac, Pisces has the archetypes of the Mystic, the Dreamer, the Poet and the Face Dancer. 19th February – 20th March Pisces is the symbol of consciousness itself. Pisces observes the mind observing the world. The objective universe evaporates and all that Ruling Planet: Neptune (traditionally Jupiter) remains is a vast network of subjective reactions, all that remains is a Element: Water dream. The endpoint of Pisces is a realization. A subtle reorientation of Quality: Mutable the mind. A reorientation that changes nothing yet changes everything. Symbol: Two fishes It is the knowledge that wherever we go, whatever we do or see we can Polarity: Feminine only meet one inescapable reality, one’s own consciousness. Pisces Keywords: Nebulously, needs to let go of the world. One strategy would be to spend time in impressionably meditation every day, another would be through creativity. For Pisces their mind is their primary resource. With their ability to imagine they Physical correspondence: The Feet. are able to enter the world of wonder and peace with the endless fascination that awaits them there. Pisces also has an instinctive Stones: Amethyst, awareness of higher levels of consciousness to draw on. On the shadow aquamarine, blood stone, side this can lead to escapism. coral, jade, jasper, moonstone, white opal, pearl. Metal – tin. Natives of Pisces are very sensitive and impressionable to outside influences. Their actions and decisions are motivated more by feelings, Flowers: Poppy, water lily, emotions, impressions and intuition than by cold, hard facts and logical pink, thyme. analysis. They are both at an advantage and a disadvantage in being so Trees: Fig, willow and other sensitive. On the one hand they have excellent hunches and intuitive trees near water. knowledge, Pisceans often have a keenly developed psychic ability and sixth sense, and on the other hand they can be vulnerable to every Colors: White, mauve, red. influence in the environment. Pisces is the most flexible sign of all and Herbs: Borage, basil, clove, its natives are very adaptable. They can adjust to changes without great lemon balm, nutmeg, difficult. They are sentimental, romantic and easily give way to worry rosehips, sage. and fretting. They have loads of sympathy and compassion for people in Bach Flower Remedy: trouble but they have trouble with positive action. They are born Rock Rose idealists, with vivid imaginations. Because they are so sensitive they may find it difficult to cope with the harsh realities of the world they Essential Oils: Clove, eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, find themselves in. nutmeg, sandalwood. Melissa is the signature oil for Pisces. Positive Traits: Humble, compassionate, sympathetic; According to Patricia Davies in her book Astrological Aromatherapy: emotional; unworldly, sensitive; adaptable, Pisces is perhaps the most archetypal of the Water signs, and Melissa is impressionable; kind; the most 'watery' of essential oils…The healing and comforting intuitive; receptive. properties reflect the compassionate nature of the Piscean but Pisceans themselves are more than usually susceptible to depression, and at such Negative Traits: Vague, careless; secretive; easily times they need comforting and healing themselves. As an confused; unable to cope with antidepressant Melissa reigns supreme. the practical running of their For Lord Pisces Melissa is combined with clove for its comforting and lives; weak-willed, indecisive. healing properties and sandalwood to help one appreciate the Beauty of Life. For Lady Pisces Melissa is combined with jasmine to calm, soothe and lift the spirits with a touch of Lemon to help increase inner joy and optimism.

38 © Beverley Hawkins

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Pisces

"Who is awake and who is asleep?"

Lalla

"This sounds an extraordinary statement to make, but in fact all truth is very ordinary. It is peoples' fantasies of what is true that is so extraordinary." Brian Perkins

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it." Helen Keller

"Often I am still listening when the song is over."

Marquis de Saint-Lambert

39 © Beverley Hawkins

Essential Oil Profiles

40 © Beverley Hawkins

Basil The name Basil is thought to be derived from the Greek ‘Basilokos” and the Latin “Basileum” both meaning royal. Another theory is that the name was Ocimum basilicum shortened from basilisk, a fabulous creature that could kill with a look. This theory may be based on a strange old superstition that connected the plant with Family: scorpions. Parkinson tells us that 'being gently handled it gave a pleasant smell Labiatae or Lamiaceae but being hardly wrung and bruised would breed scorpions. It is also observed Growing Conditions: that scorpions doe much rest and abide under these pots and vessels wherein Basil is an annual herb that Basil is planted.' It was generally believed that if a sprig of Basil were left under grows to about 0.5 meters. a pot it would in time turn to a scorpion. Superstition went so far as to affirm It is native to Africa and that even smelling the plant might bring a scorpion into the brain. In India Basil tropical Asia and is considered to be sacred to the deities Krishna and Vishnu. Hindus used to cultivated worldwide place sprigs of basil on the chests of deceased loved ones to protect them from today. There are many evil and provide safe passage into the next life. different varieties and the There are two major types of commercial basil oil available, the true sweet basil plant is strongly affected and the exotic or Reunion basil oil. True sweet basil is distilled in Europe and by environmental factors the United States while exotic basil is produced in the Comoro Islands, the such as temperature, Seychelles and the Malagasy Republic. The two differ mainly in their contents of geographic location, soil d-camphor, linalool and methyl carvicol (estragole). Generally sweet basil does and the amount of rainfall. not contain camphor and exotic basil contains little or no linalool. Basil’s major Essential Oil: components are d-linalool and methyl chavicol. Sweet basil will have a higher A clear to yellow essential ratio of d- linalool while exotic basil will have a higher ratio of methyl chavicol. oil is produced by steam Other components include methyl cinnamate, reported to be around 28% in distillation of dried leaves sweet basil,1,8-cineoole, eugenol, borneol, ocimene, geraniol, anethrole, 10- and flowering tops with a cadinols, b- caryophyllene, a-terpineol, camphor, 3-octanone, methyleugenol. yield of around 0.08% Safrole, sesquithujene and 1-3pibicyclosesquiphellandrene.

Aroma: The volatile oil of a variety of sweet basil was shown to have anti-worm Basil has an aniseed, with activities. This study was prompted by the reported use of the fresh juice of a touch of mint type aroma this plant to treat a maggots-infested nasal disease in India. Traditionally it has and blends well with been reportedly used for head colds and a cure for warts and worms, as an bergamot, clary sage, appetite stimulant, carminative and diuretic. More widely used as a medicinal frankincense, geranium, herb in the Far East, especially in China and India. It was first described in a neroli, lime and oakmoss. major Chinese herbal around A.D.1060 and has since been in use in China for spasms of the stomach and kidney ailments among others. Used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, Psychologically, basil has antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, stimulant and tonic soaps, hairdressings, properties. It is useful for anxiety, hysteria, nervous depression, mental fatigue, dental creams and mouth mild depression or general lethargy, being generally ‘run down’, insomnia due washes. Also used as a to nervous tension and stress. Try basil if you are suffering from a hangover. On spice and in chartreuse the physiological level basil has antifungal, antispasmodic, antiviral, liqueur. The oil and bactericidal and stimulant properties and has been used for colds and flu, oleoresin are extensively muscle aches and pains, digestive complaints, arthritis and rheumatism. On a used as a flavor ingredient subtle level basil lifts the mind and clears mental fatigue. It can be helpful in in all major food enhancing creative awareness. Basil helps to raise issues of low self-esteem and products, usually in rather low self-worth. Basil can also be worn to avoid major clashes as its aroma low use levels, mostly causes sympathy between two people Basil has long been associated with below 0.005%. money in folk magic. To attract increased money, inhale the aroma and visualize your bank balance increasing or any or image you associate with Cautions: money. Use in low concentrations and avoid on sensitive skins. Do not use in pregnancy.

41 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Basil has been considered to symbolize love? In Italy it was used as a signal for love and young women would place a pot on their windowsill to indicate they were looking for a suitor. Apparently in Romania if a young lady offers a young man a sprig of basil, and he accepts, they are officially engaged.

Basil originated in India, where it was regarded as a sacred herb. In India, Hindus believed that a leaf of basil buried with them would get them into heaven. According to Jewish folklore basil will add strength when fasting.

42 © Beverley Hawkins

Benzoin Benzoin is produced by incising the bark of the tree trunk. On exposure to air and sunlight the exuded balsamic resin hardens and is collected. Several Styrax benzoin varieties are known, but Siam and Sumatra Benzoins are the most important. The incisions are made when the tree is seven years old, and in Sumatra each Family: Styracaceae tree yields about 3 lb. annually for ten to twelve years. Growing Conditions: The chief constituent of Siam Benzoin is benzoic acid (up to 38 per cent.), Benzoin is a balsamic partly free and partly combined with benzoresinol and siaresinotannol; it also resin. Benzoin producing contains vanillin and an oily aromatic liquid. When quite pure it should be Styrax species are mostly entirely soluble in alcohol and yield only traces of ash. Sumatra benzoin small to medium tress contains 18 per cent. or more of benzoic acid and about 20 per cent. of growing in tropical Asia. cinnamic acid the latter partly free and partly combined with benzoresinol and sumarisinotannol; it also contains 1% vanillin, styrol, styracin, phenyl-prophyl Essential Oil: A dark cinnamate and benzaldehyde, all of which combine to produce its characteristic brown absolute is odour. prepared from the crude benzoin by extraction Because of its antiseptic, astringent and expectorant properties benzoin has with solvents. been used in vaporizer fluids for inhalation to relieve respiratory discomforts; and as an antiseptic and styptic on small cuts. Aroma: Benzoin has a sweet, heavy aroma and Psychologically, benzoin has cheering, uplifting properties. It is helpful for blends well with grief, hysteria, panic and feeling rundown. sandalwood, rose, jasmine, frankincense, On the physiological level benzoin has expectorant, decongestant and myrrh, cypress, juniper, mucolytic properties and has been used for respiratory infections, asthma, lemon and other apices. bronchitis, chills, coughs and laryngitis.

The resinoid is On a subtle level, benzoin helps to dispel anger and negativity. Its aroma is extensively used as a very grounding and comforting. It is believed to provide psychic protection as fixative in perfumes, well as being able to steady and focus the mind during meditation or prayer. soaps, detergents, creams Benzoin can also help one to release painful emotions and give one the courage and lotions and is to face the task of self-improvement. Benzoin is also used to increase personal classified as a natural power and help awaken the conscious mind. Use benzoin to protect your home flavor and used in most and/or car. categories of foods, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and puddings.

Cautions: Generally considered non- toxic and non-irritating however this oil can be a strong skin sensitizer so do not use on the skin.

43 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Benzoin was incorporated into incense as it was thought that it could drive away evil spirits.

Buddhist and Hindu priests burned benzoin in their temples to invite divine inspiration and heighten spiritual awareness.

44 © Beverley Hawkins

Black Pepper Black Pepper is the dried full-grown but unripe fruit. White Pepper is the dried ripe fruit, the outer part of the pericarp is removed by soaking in water and Piper nigrum then rubbing the fruit. It is less aromatic than black pepper but has a more delicate flavor. The essential oil is obtained from Black Pepper and its major Family: chemical constituents include around 60% monoterpenes and 30% Piperaceae sesquiterpenes Growing Conditions: Black Pepper has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat malaria Black Pepper is native to and cholera, as well as to relieve digestive complaints such as dysentery and southwestern India and diarrhea. Indian monks include black pepper in their diet every day to help widely cultivated in them sustain their endurance and increase their energy. Pepper is one of the tropical countries. The oldest and most important spices. Black Pepper was known to the Greeks as far main producers of export back as the fourth century BC and the Romans also valued it highly and pepper today are India, imported large quantities from the East. Trade in this spice continued Indonesia, Malaysia and throughout the Middle Ages until the overland caravan routes were cut off by Brazil with Costa Rica, the advancing Turkish tribes, who levied high duties on all merchandise passing Madagascar, Kampuchea, through their territory. It was chiefly this disruption of the old overland routes Sri Lanka and Vietnam that prompted the European spice traders to look for new ways to reach India producing small amounts. by sea. It was towards the end of the fifteenth century that Vasco da Gama Other countries producing discovered an all sea passage to the Malabar Coast, which was one of the pepper do so for their principal spice-producing territories at that time. This important discovery own domestic market. heralded the onset of the modern spice trade. At first the Portuguese held the monopoly but trade was soon contested by Holland, France and England, Essential Oil: A clear to leading to long naval wars between these great sea powers. Ships loaded with pale yellow essential oil is precious spices were captured, spice plantations were raided, and planting obtained through steam material was imported to other tropical coasts in order to start new distillation with a yield of plantations. Cultivation of pepper expanded from the Malabar to the Malacca between 2 – 4%. Coast and then to the East Indian Archipelago. Aroma Black Pepper has a Psychologically, Black Pepper has analgesic, antispasmodic and tonic hot, warm and spicy properties. It can be helpful in counteracting lethargy and mental fatigue. It is aroma and it blends well said to bring courage, warm indifference and ease life changes. with other spices, citrus oils, frankincense, On the physiological level it has analgesic and warming properties and can be Jasmine, lavender, helpful when dealing with muscular aches and pains, arthritis and sciatica. It geranium, rose, ylang can also help blood circulation and by so doing help with cold hands and feet. ylang, rosemary, sandalwood and On a subtle level, Black Pepper can be used for protection and to promote marjoram. courage. It is also helpful for alertness. It can enhance the desire to get going on a new project or getting on with a new direction in life. It can be help to Cautions: Use in low bring daydreams into reality and assist in removing blockages in the energy concentrations on the field. It can also help to free the mind from envious thoughts. Black Pepper can skin as this oil can irritate be used to help one focus on what you want to manifest. It is also helpful in the skin. overcoming feelings of constraint and reducing overwhelming anxieties. It can help one to deal with anger and give one the courage to do so. Black Pepper helps one to listen to our inner intuition and to take chances.

45 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

A research study on Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms. By Rose JE, Behm FM., Nicotine Research Laboratory (151-S), V.A. Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, found that inhalation of Black Pepper was effective in helping people to quit smoking.

Cardamom Cardamom is used in some carminative, stomachic and laxative pharmaceutical properties. Often used as a flavor ingredient for pharmaceuticals. In the cosmetic industry Cardamom Elettaria cardamomum is used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. It is also used extensively as a domestic spice in curry, coffee, cakes and bread especially in Family: Zingiberaceae India, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Cardamom is used in the food industry Growing Conditions: Cardamom as a flavor component of many food products including alcoholic and non-alcoholic is a perennial herb that grows to beverages, frozen desserts, candy, baked goods and others. It is listed in the British Herbal heights of up to 4 meters. It is Pharmacopoeia as a specific for flatulent dyspepsia. native to tropical Asia and is now cultivated extensively in The essential oil is composed mainly of a-terpinyl acetate (an ester) and 1,8-cineole (an tropical regions particularly oxide) each of which may be present in up to 50% or more. Minor constituents include India, on the Malabar Coast, Sri limonene, sabinene, linalool, linalyl acetate, a-pinene, a-terpineol, camphene, myrcene, Lanka, Laos, Guatemala and El 1,4-cineole, boreol and others. Salvador. Cardamom has anti-spasmodic, anti-septic, carminative, digestive and expectorant Essential Oil: A colorless to properties. It belongs to the same family as Ginger and shares a number of the same golden yellow essential oil is warming qualities. steam distilled from the seeds with a yield of 4 – 5%. Psychologically, Cardamom has stimulating and tonic properties. It can be helpful with tension, frigidity and impotence. It can help to stir the creative energies. Aroma: Cardamom has a warm, sweet aroma with a touch of On the physiological level Cardamom has good anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic spice. It blends well with properties and has been found to be helpful with coughs, bronchitis, muscular aches and orange, anise, rose, bergamot, pains, anorexia, colic, cramp, digestion, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. caraway, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, frankincense, ylang On a subtle level Cardamom allows new energies to assimilate gently into the physical ylang, neroli, cedarwood and body. Cardamom is also considered to be an antidote to sugar cravings. It can help one to coriander. It is highly odiferous overcome blockages that could be preventing the opening of creative or sexual expression. and can easily overshadow other Cardamom can be used during visualizations for drawing love or intimate relationships smells. closer to you. Consider using Cardamom when one is overburdened with responsibilities or when one needs to allow one’s heart to open to others so we can be more gracious in our Cautions: Generally considered dealings with them. non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, however use in small doses as aromatically a little goes a long way.

Did you know?

Cardamom is used as a flavoring ingredient in Chai, a tea made popular in India.

Hippocrates recommended it for sciatica, coughs, abdominal pains, spasms, nervous disorders, retention of urine and also for bites of venomous creatures.

Cedarwood During Biblical times, the famed cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) provided one of the world’s earliest perfumes. Visitors sought solitude in this holy forest, Cedrus atlantica praying and seeking spiritual guidance. Although the oldest surviving cedar tree Family: is 2,500 years old, most Cedrus libani trees were destroyed long ago. Pinaceae Three types of cedar trees produce essential oils for aromatherapy use. Virginia Growing Conditions: Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) oil is steam distilled from the red cedar, Cedrus atlantica grows to a which in North America east of the Rocky Mountains and reaches a height of height of about 40 meters found about 33 meters. There are many cultivated varieties of this tree. Cedarwood in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. Texas (Juniperus mexicana) oil is steam distilled from a small tree that grows to about 6 meters high, found in the mountains of the southwestern United States, Essential Oil: A yellow, orange or deep amber oil steam Mexico and Central American. Both of these belong to the Cupressaceae family distilled from the wood chips. and their odors are similar. Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) oil is steam Around 29 lbs of plant material distilled from the wood of a pyramidal tree closely related to the pines. It produce 1 lb of cedarwood oil. belongs to the Pinaceae family and grows to a height of about 40 meters. Found in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria, this oil is produced primarily in Morocco and Aroma: C. atlantica has a woody has different odor characteristics to the other two. The chemical composition of aroma with a camphorous tinge. these oils, are also somewhat different. C. virginiana contains mainly a and b- Cedarwood blends well with bergamot, clary sage, cypress, cedrene (around 80%), cedrol (3-24%) and cedrenol. J. mexicana has a similar juniper, frankincense, neroli, chemical breakdown while C. atlantica contains as its major odoriferous petitgrain, rose, Jasmine, components a — and y-atlantone. Other constituents include acetone, a-ionone oakmoss, rosemary, sandalwood, and a-caryophyllene. vetiver, ylang ylang, patchouli and benzoin. All three types of cedarwood oils are primarily used as fragrance components or fixatives in cosmetic and household products, particularly soaps and detergents; others include creams, lotions and perfumes. C. virginiana has traditionally been Cautions: Generally considered used as an insect repellent. Decoctions of the leaves, bark, twigs and seeds are non-toxic, non-irritating and used to treat various illnesses including coughs, bronchitis, rheumatism, venereal non-sensitizing, it should be avoided during pregnancy and warts and skin rashes. It is also used in microscopy as a clearing agent and with those who have epilepsy. together with resins, as an immersion oil. It can serve as a source of cedrene, a starting material for fragrance chemicals. It has a yield of around 3.2% and a distinct pencil-sharpenings note. Considered by many perfumers to have a smoother and finer (but less powerful) odor than Texas oil J. mexicana has a yield of 1 — 5% and is described as having an odor that is like intense pencil sharpenings, smoky, woody notes but drier than other cedarwood oils. C. atlantica is considered to have a woody, resinous odor.

Psychologically, cedarwood’s calming, sedative properties have been found to be helpful for stress, tension, nervous disorders, fear and anger. On a physiological level, cedarwood is used for many conditions including bronchitis, cough, arthritis and cystitis. It is often used as an insect repellent.

On a subtle level cedarwood helps us to get back in touch with our true reality by affirming and clarifying our focus. It is grounding. Cedarwood can be used to clear and cleanse a room of negativity and bring in positive energy. It clears and steadies the mind and promotes a calm meditative state to better receive healing energy. It strengthens the connection with the Divine. It helps one to maintain a sense of control and balance in life.

Did you know?

Noah is said to have burned an offering of cedarwood and myrtle incense to show his gratitude for surviving the great flood.

The Temple of King Solomon was built of cedarwood to symbolize strength, nobility and dignity.

German Chamomile Chamomile blooms from the end of April to the end of May, about eight weeks after the seed is sown. A crop may be raised from seed sown early in the spring Matricaria recutita or from seed planted later. The harvested flowers are sifted in a suspended Family: Compositae sieve with a mesh diameter of 7 – 22mm to separate the flower heads from the (Asteraceae) flowers with attached stems, and from clinging bits of weed or grass. The sifted flowers are then spread out in thin layers on the floor or on sheets to dry. Five kilograms of fresh flowers gives approximately 1 kilogram of dried flowers. Growing Conditions: Native to Because the essential oil of chamomile consists chiefly of high boiling Europe and Northern and constituents steam of a relatively high pressure (7 atmospheres per square Western Asia German centimeter, in the steam generator) is applied. Distillation of one charge Chamomile has been requires from 7 – 13 hours. The essential oil yield is approximately 0.24 –1.9% naturalized in North America and is a deep blue color with a strong and characteristic odor and a bitter and is extensively cultivated aromatic flavor. Depending on the temperature it is more or less viscous. Under particularly in Hungary, the influence of light and air the deep blue color of the oil gradually changes to Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech green and finally to brown. The essential oil contains chamazulene, which gives Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Greece, Argentina and Egypt. it its rich blue color as well as farnesene, a-bisabolol oxide and a-bisabolol as its major constituents. Essential Oil: A dark blue essential oil is steam distilled German chamomile has been described in medical writings since ancient times from the dried flowers with an and it was an important plant used in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman approximate yield of 0.24 –1.9%. medicine. The name is derived from the Greek chamos meaning ground and melos meaning apple which refers to the fact that it grows low to the ground Aroma: German Chamomile has and its fresh blooms have an apple scent. Hippocrates, Dioscordies and Galen a sweet, herby aroma and blends all describe the plant in their writings. Today it is officially recorded in many well with all the citrus, clary sage, lavender, marjoram, national pharmacopeias. geranium, neroli, rose, patchouli, benzoin, lemon, ylang Chamazulene, a major component of German Chamomile, has pain-relieving, ylang and jasmine. wound-healing, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. German chamomile is frequently used in antiseptic ointments, creams and gels Cautions: Generally considered to treat cracked nipples, sore gums, inflammations, irritations of the skin and non-toxic, non-irritating and mucosa, respiratory tract inflammation and for wound healing. The essential non-sensitizing. It has a very strong aroma so it is best used in oil is also used a flavor component in most major food categories, including small amounts. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods and gelatins and puddings. Average maximum use levels reported are usually less than 0.002% for the essential oil.

Psychologically, German Chamomile has calming and analgesic properties. It is useful for headaches, insomnia, nervous tension and stressful situations. On the physiological level German Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic properties and is a great choice for any skin inflammations or problems including acne, boils, cuts, burns, wounds and sunburn. It is very useful for any digestive complaints. Personally I reach for German Chamomile for skin conditions and Roman Chamomile for digestive problems.

On a subtle level German Chamomile promotes feeling at peace with yourself and transforms negative feelings of self-disgust, anger, loneliness, abandonment and grief. German Chamomile is calming and balances the emotions. It supports the calm, clear speaking of our truth and helps one to communicate without anger, harmful ego or animosity.

Did you know?

During the Middle Ages, Europeans scattered chamomile flowers on their floors. Stepping on the flowers released a sweet fragrance into the atmosphere.

Chamomile was said to possess the power to replenish a person’s energy when they were confronted with adversity.

52 © Beverley Hawkins

Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile Roman chamomile has had a medical reputation, and especially in formerly Anthemis nobilis Europe for over 2,000 years. Ancient Egyptians and the Moors alike used Family: Compositae the herb, and it was one of the Saxon’s nine sacred herbs, which they (Asteraceae) called ‘maythen’. It was also considered to be the ‘plant’s physician’ because it promoted the health of plants nearby. Growing Conditions: Roman Chamomile is Freshly distilled Roman Chamomile is a pale blue color, which on cultivated in a number of prolonged standing and exposure to air and light gradually changes to countries including green and then later to yellow-brown. Its major chemical Belgium, England and components are isobutyl angelate and alpha-terpineol. France. Psychologically Roman chamomile is very relaxing, soothing and calming Essential Oil: Freshly distilled Roman Chamomile and it can be helpful with insomnia, anxiety, depression, anger and is a pale blue color, which fear. on prolonged standing and exposure to air and light On the physiological level it has strong anti-spasmodic and anti- gradually changes to green inflammatory properties and its use could be considered for muscular and then later to yellow- aches and pains, digestive problems, acne, dermatitis and brown. Steam distillation hypersensitive skin. of the whole plant yields from 0.2 to 0.35 per cent On a subtle level Roman chamomile can help to promote feelings of of oil. Flowering heads being at peace with yourself and can transform negative feelings of self- alone give a higher yield of disgust, anger, loneliness, abandonment and grief. Chamomile can up to 1 per cent. provide assistance to earth-bound beings afraid of going into the light. If one finds oneself in the presence of a ghost, Chamomile may be used to Aroma: Roman chamomile has an apple like aroma create a vibratory field of love around a deceased spirit. Chamomile (sometimes more like calms and balances the emotions. It promotes calm acceptance of one’s rotten apples) and blends own limitations and eases the tensions associated with excessive ego well with citrus oils, clary such as frustration and resentment. It promotes patience. Roman sage, lavender, geranium, Chamomile can assist one to find one’s spiritual path. It can be used jasmine, neroli, rose, when one is confused about one’s spiritual values and it will help one to ylang ylang, bergamot and speak to others about one’s spiritual perspective. It also helps one to oakmoss. become more patient with one’s mistakes and setbacks on one’s Cautions: Generally spiritual path. Chamomile can be used for its soothing quality of considered non-toxic, non- bringing harmony and peace to the spirit. It can be used when the spirit irritating and non- is sad. sensitizing. It is best to avoid this oil in the first This is a gentle oil and excellent for children. trimester of pregnancy.

53 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Roman Chamomile is great for conditions affecting smooth muscle. This can be attested to by its long tradition and history of being used for digestive complaints.

It was chamomile tea that Peter, of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit fame, was given by his mother to calm and comfort him after a day of mischief in the garden

54 © Beverley Hawkins

Clary Sage There are two schools of thought as to where Clary Sage got its name. Some say that it derives its name from the Latin clarus meaning Salvia sclarea 'clear', while others say sclarea comes from the Greek work skeria Family: Labiatae meaning ‘hardness’. Regardless of where the name was derived from, (Lamiaceae) during the Middle Ages it was referred to as clear eyes and it was famous for its ability to help with eye problems such as tired or Growing Conditions: Clary strained eyes. Other names given to Clary Sage over the years include Sage an erect biennial or Christ's eye and Ramona. Because of its similarity in taste to muscatel perennial herb with large hairy leaves and stout wine, it was referred to as muscatel sage in Germany. Clary Sage has hairy stem, grows up to been added to cheap wines to give it the flavor of a more expensive about 1 meter in height muscatel wine. Clary Sage has also been used as a substitute for hops and while native to when brewing beer. So there is a traditional association between Clary southern Europe is now Sage and alcoholic beverages. It has often been found that when cultivated worldwide. combining the use of Clary Sage with alcohol, the Clary Sage tends to increase both drunkenness and the unpleasantness of the ensuing Essential Oil: A colorless hangover. to pale yellow essential oil is obtained through steam Clary Sage contains 70 - 75% esters mainly linalyl acetate. After the distillation of the flowering tops and leaves. essential oil is removed by distillation, the crude material is used as a Clary Sage should be source of sclareol, which can be solvent extracted from the plant and distilled fresh, otherwise a converted to sclareolide; both of which are used in the flavoring of considerable amount of tobaccos. volatile oil is lost by evaporation. The essential Clary Sage oil is used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, oil yield is approximately creams, lotions and perfumes. Maximum use level reported for the oil is 0.1 - 0.15% 0.8% in perfumes. Clary sage is also used in the food industry to flavor wines and liqueurs with a muscatel flavor. It is also used in major food Aroma: Clary Sage has products such as alcoholic (vermouths, etc.) and non-alcoholic sweet, floral and slightly nutty aroma and blends beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and well with most oils puddings, and condiments and relishes. Highest average maximum use especially, bergamot, level reported is about 0.016% (155ppm) for the oil in alcoholic jasmine, juniper, beverages. lavender, neroli, petitgrain, pine, Psychologically, Clary Sage has calming and sedative properties frankincense, vetiver, and can be effective for depression, nervous tension, fatigue and geranium, sandalwood, stress. It can be mildly intoxicating and euphoric. It is thought to cedarwood and citrus. enhance dreaming.

Cautions: Generally On the physiological level Clary Sage has calming, anti-fungal, anti- considered non-toxic, non- inflammatory and deodorant properties and is very useful for skin irritating and non- conditions and gastric complaints. It is considered to be a uterine tonic sensitizing. Do not use during pregnancy. Do not and thought to be effective in many of the problems affecting this use while drinking and organ. It is thought to be very helpful controlling menstrual spasms and driving. labor pains.

On a subtle level Clary Sage helps clear the clutter from the mind and calm constant mind chatter. It is both calming and uplifting and can help develop intuition. It can bring inspiration and assist one to remember one’s dreams and to see clearly. Clary Sage helps one to focus on the inner spirit.

55 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

R.J. Reynolds, the tobacco company, is one of the largest growers of Clary Sage in the U.S and produces an essential oil as a by-product of its sclareol production.

The muscilage from the seeds was used for treating tumors and for removing dust particles from the eyes.

56 © Beverley Hawkins

Clove The name clove is derived from the French clou meaning nail, which in turn is derived from the Latin clavus. Cloves became known in Europe Eugenia caryophyllata after Marco Polo published information on them in 1298. During the or (Syzygium 13th Century Venice was the leading European source for cloves and aromaticum) other spices. Family: Myrtaceae Clove bud and stem oils are used extensively as fragrance components Growing Conditions: in dentifrices, soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. Clove Clove is an evergreen leaf oil is primarily used in soaps and low-cost perfumes and to a much tree that grows up to 12 lesser extent than the other oils. Cloves, clove bud, clove stem, clove meters and is native to leaf and eugenol are widely used in flavoring many food products with Zanzibar, Madagascar, cloves and clove bud oil being the most often used. Clove bud oil’s Java and Sri Lanka. major chemical component is eugenol and is present at 60 – 90%.

Essential Oil: A pale Cloves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for diarrhea, yellow essential oil is hernia and bad breath. Clove buds are recommended in the German steam distilled from the Commission E Monographs as a mouthwash for the treatment of flower buds. A dark inflammatory changes of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and for amber liquid with a topical analgesia in dentistry. harsh dry odor is steam Psychologically, Clove has analgesic, antispasmodic and stimulating distilled from the clove properties and can be helpful for depression and dispel lethargy and leaf. A pale yellow tension. liquid reminiscent of clove bud oil is steam On the physiological level Clove’s analgesic properties can be helpful distilled from the clove for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, muscular aches stem. Clove bud yields and pains, while its antiseptic and immune boosting properties are 15 – 18%; clove stems 4 effective against colds, flu and minor infections. – 6% and clove leaves 2 – 3%. On a subtle level Clove Bud encourages introspection into pain. By helping one to reflect on the root cause of fear, pain and anger it Aroma: Clove has a allows one to move forward into greater joy and spontaneity. It also sweet, spicy, typical supports the process of releasing outmoded thoughts and feelings, aroma and blends well heightens courage and helps strengthen the conscious mind. In times of with the citrus oils, bereavements, clove can bring comfort and healing. other spices, bergamot, rose, lavender, sweet marjoram, rosemary, thyme, vanilla and ylang ylang.

Cautions: Use in low concentrations on the skin as this oil can cause skin irritations. It can also cause irritations to the mucous membranes.

57 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Clove bud essential oil is used for the symptomatic relief of toothache: the oil is applied directly without pressure on the carious tooth with a small piece of cotton? It is also extensively used as a major component in preparations for the treatment of post-extraction alveolitis (dry socket) and in dental cements and fillings

During the Renaissance, pomanders were made with cloves to keep epidemics and the plague at bay.

58 © Beverley Hawkins

Cypress Both the Greeks and the Romans planted these trees on temple and burial grounds, and even today, in temperate countries this tree is Cupressus sempervirens associated with parks and cemeteries. Guenther describes Cypress as Family: Cupressaceae “...a tree of serene beauty, blending well into the Mediterranean landscape; its dark foliage contrasts with the lucid sky, and etches Growing Conditions: delicate silhouettes against the blue sea.” Cypress an evergreen conifer grows to a height of Cypress essential oil is a valuable constituent in perfumery, particularly 25 to 45 meters (62 to 142 feet). This well-known perfumes of the chypres type. Guenther also tells us that “For years the columnar, sometimes oil has been employed to alleviate the temporary distressing effects of called “Italian” cypress has whooping cough on children” (Soltmann, “Keuchhusten and been known in Cypressenoel,” Therapie der Gegenwart, March (1904) Cf. Winterseel, Mediterranean countries “Das Cypressenoel,” Inaug.-Dissert. Med. Fakultaet., Bonn (1908) “For since antiquity. this purpose a 25 per cent alcoholic solution of the oil should be Essential Oil: A colorless to dropped four times daily on the bed linen, pillowcases, and underwear pale yellow green essential of children afflicted with this disease. The number, length, and oil is obtained through intensity of the cough paroxysms are thereby greatly diminished.” steam distillation of the cones, twigs and needles. Cypress’s major chemical components include monoterpenes 75% The yield, quality and (pinenes, camphene and limonene), alcohol 10% (cedrol, terpineol, chemical components of borneol, sabinol, manool) and esters 5% (a-terpinyl acetate and the oil will depend upon the condition of the plant terpinen-4-yl acetate). material and the method and length of the Psychologically, Cypress it thought to balance the sympathetic nervous distillation. Only young system and can be helpful in relieving nervous tension and stress branches and adherent related conditions. It is also considered to be useful as a spiritual aid leaves should be used. The for transitions, particularly death. It can also help to ease the pain of yield from fresh terminal losses of all kinds, particularly when one is experiencing the loss of branches and leaves averages 0.2%. This may be someone close. higher if dried material is used. On the physiological level Cypress has antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and bactericidal properties and is useful as a tonic for Aroma: Cypress essential mature skin conditions. It is also helps to constrict blood vessels making oil has a woody, nutty and it helpful for hemorrhoids. When used regularly its balancing properties slight smoky odor and can be helpful for menopausal hot flashes & tension as well as PMS. Its blends well with bergamot and other citrus, clary bactericidal properties are helpful for respiratory complaints including sage, frankincense, asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, whooping cough and spasmodic cough. Petitgrain, pine, juniper, lavender sandalwood, On a subtle level Cypress helps one to maintain balance, to stay cedarwood, marjoram and centered and aligned with Spirit regardless of the emotions raging chamomile. around one. Cypress brings strength and comfort. It eases the pain of

Cautions: Generally losses of all kinds particularly when one is experience the loss of considered non-toxic, non- someone close. It is very helpful in time of transition. It also supports a irritating and non- willingness to change and transform. It can promote confidence, sensitizing. Do not use patience and wisdom. It can be used for blessing, consecration and during pregnancy and use protection. Cypress can be used to help one move on. with caution on people with untreated high blood pressure.

59 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

The Latin name ‘sempervirens’ means everlasting.

In Ancient Greece it was customary to send tuberculosis patients into a cypress grove to breathe the air and ease their symptoms.

60 © Beverley Hawkins

Fennel The use of the herb has a long history, apparently Pliny used it in at least 22 remedies and observed that serpents eat it 'when they cast Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce their old skins, and they sharpen their sight with the juice by rubbing against the plant.' In mediaeval times, Fennel together with St. John's Family: Umbelliferae Wort and other herbs, was hung over doors on Midsummer’s Eve to ward

off evil spirits. It was also used as a stewing herb, not only is it Growing Conditions: Fennel is a perennial herb fragrant and flavorful but it also keeps insects at bay and was used in with an erect stem that the kitchen to protect and lend flavor to food that was often far from grows up to around 1.5 m fresh, so making it palatable. In the 16th century Gerard praised it as high and is generally considered to be a native an aid to eyesight and Culpeper recommended it for poison by of the Mediterranean snakebite or mushrooms. region. The major component of the essential oil is trans-anethole with lesser Essential Oil: An almost amounts of fenchone, estragole (methyl chavicol), limonene, colorless essential oil is obtained by steam camphene, and a-pinene. The concentration of the phenol trans- distillation from the dried anethole in the essential oil varies widely and depending on the crushed ripe fruit that is varieties, sources, ripeness of the fruits and other factors it can range commonly called the seed. While there are two from 50 — 90%. varieties of fennel, common or bitter fennel Fennel and sweet fennel oil are used as a carminative or flavoring agent and sweet fennel, it is the in certain laxative preparations. In Germany, the fruits are used in sweet fennel that is used phyto-medicine for dyspeptic disorders, mild gastrointestinal in aromatherapy. The yield of essential oil is around 2 antispasmodic, as well as an expectorant for upper respiratory tract — 6% from the seed. conditions. Both bitter and sweet fennel essential oils are used as fragrance components in cosmetics, including soaps, detergents, Aroma: Fennel has a creams, lotions and perfumes. Sweet fennel oil is widely used in most strong aroma reminiscent of aniseed and it blends major food products, including alcoholic (liqueurs) and non-alcoholic well with lavender, beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and geranium, lemon, rose and puddings, meat and meat products, and condiments and relishes, sandalwood. among others. Cautions: Generally considered non-toxic, non- Psychologically, Fennel helps to ease nervous tension and stress and irritating and non- gives strength and courage. It can help to heal issues to do with sensitizing, it should be victimization, dread of new ideas and taking back of one’s power. avoided during pregnancy and with those who have epilepsy. On the physiological level Fennel has digestive, diuretic, emmenagogic, expectorant and laxative properties. It can be helpful for disorders of a nervous origin and congestion. It can be particularly helpful with conditions of the digestive system as well as for simple water retention, cellulite and obesity.

On a subtle level, Fennel helps one to identify the root causes of self- rejection and encourages the ability to embrace oneself. It heals issues to do with victimization, dread of new ideas and taking back of one’s power. It can help bring strength and courage when they are needed. It can encourage longevity in any situation where it is desired.

61 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

The ancient Greeks thought very highly of fennel and used it as a slimming aid and for treating more than twenty different illnesses.

More recently American Puritan communities called Fennel “Meeting

Seeds” because fennel and dill seeds were taken to church and eaten to allay hunger during long church services.

62 © Beverley Hawkins

Frankincense Frankincense is also known as Olibanum. Over 25 different species of Frankincense have been recorded, however the variety most often used Boswellia carterii in Aromatherapy appears to be Boswellia carterii. Family: Burseraceae The main source of the essential oil is the bark exudate. A milky white Growing Conditions: A liquid slowly oozes out of the bark and forms beads. This occurs either small shrubby tree native naturally or, more often, through cutting the bark with a deep horizontal to the Red Sea region of incision. When the tears dry in the sun they form a yellowish tear. These North-East Africa and the are then scrapped off the bark and collected into baskets. The major production areas are frankincense tears consist of 60 - 70% resin, 27-35% gum and 5 - 7% Ethiopia, Somalia and essential oil. Frankincense has a woody, spicy and slightly sweet aroma Oman. and blends well with all citrus and spice oils. Essential Oil: A pale yellow essential oil is In perusing literature one can find many instances where Frankincense obtained through steam gum has been used, not only in incense but also in treating skin distillation with a yield of complaints and other physical complaints. In some countries the bark has between 5 - 9%. been boiled to make a wash for treating fever. It has a long traditional Aroma: Frankincense has use as incense and it is used in many religious ceremonies even today. a woody, spicy and slightly sweet aroma and blends Psychologically, Frankincense has calming and relaxing properties. It can well with all citrus and be helpful with stress, anxiety, depression, irritability and panic. It is spice oils. said that it can bring peace and it is very useful in meditation.

Cautions: Generally On the physiological level it has expectorant and mucolytic properties considered non-toxic, non- irritating and non- and can be helpful when dealing with coughs, bronchitis, colds and flu. It sensitizing. deepens the breathing. Its calming properties can also be used on skin complaints and it is thought to be helpful with dry and mature skins.

On a subtle level, Frankincense can be used to awaken one’s spiritual purpose. Frankincense calms, comforts and centers one, as well as stabilize one’s emotions. It is very grounding and quiets and clarifies the mind.

63 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Frankincense was one of the first cosmetic miracle ingredients. It proved so successful when used by Egyptian embalmers that it was decided to take advantage of its rejuvenating and restorative properties for the living. Frankincense was added to cosmetics to maintain soft and supple skin.

Frankincense is well known to have been one of the gifts given to the baby, Jesus by the Three Wise Men, probably because of its great value in those days and for its connection to spirituality.

64 © Beverley Hawkins

Geranium There are over 700 varieties of cultivated geranium, however, most are grown for ornamental purposes only. The oil producing species are Pelargonium graveolens Pelargonium capitatum, Pelargonium radens and Pelargonium Family: Burseraceae graveolens. The major production of essential oil today takes place in China, Egypt, Morocco, Russia and the former French Colony - Bourbon Growing Conditions: now called Reunion, an island in the South West Indian Ocean. The well- Geranium is a bushy shrub known geranium oil "Bourbon", which comes from Reunion, is produced that has hairy, serrated, from the cultivar Rose, a hybrid of Pelargonium radens and Pelargonium heart-shaped leaves and many flowers. There are capitatum. The geranium oil produced in other parts of the world may over 700 varieties of originate from different species. The oil from China is very similar to the cultivated geranium, oil from Reunion. While that from Egypt is very different. The plant however, most are grown should be cut just before the flowers open and between 675 to 1,125 lbs. for ornamental purposes of plant material is required in order to obtain about 2lbs. of essential only. Pelargoniums oil. originate mainly in South Africa, while a few species Geranium contains large amounts of alcohols 60 – 70% (primarily l- are found in places such as citronellol and geraniol, with linalool and phenethyl alcohol in lesser Australia and St. Helena amounts); esters 20 – 30% (geranyl tiglate, geranyl acetate, citronellyl, Island. formate and citronellyl acetate), Essential Oil: A pale green Geranium is used as a fragrance component in all kinds of cosmetic essential oil is steam distilled from the fragrant products; soaps, creams, perfumes etc. and is employed as a flavoring green parts of the plant, agent in many major food categories, alcoholic and soft drinks. especially the leaves with a yield of around 0.08% - Traditionally geranium was used to stanch bleeding, heal wounds, ulcers 0.4%. and skin disorders, as well as treat diarrhea, dysentery and colic. Antibacterial properties and insecticidal actions were found when Aroma: Geranium has a geranium was screened for medicinal usage in a joint project of the sweet rose-like aroma with laboratories of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Society of a hint of mint and blends Applied Science, in Britain. well with bergamot and other citrus oils, black Psychologically geranium has sedative, uplifting and anti-depressant pepper, chamomile, clary properties, which is why its use is often considered in times of sage, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, depression, confusion, panic and anxiety. It can also be useful in patchouli, petitgrain, rose, promoting concentration. rosemary, sandalwood and vetiver. While on the physiological level geranium has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and haemostatic properties and its use could be considered Cautions: Generally for: sluggish, oily complexions and combination skin; menstrual considered non-toxic, non- problems, menopause and PMS; and hemorrhoids. Geranium can be used irritating and non- diluted as a first aid remedy on minor cuts and burns. It also acts as an sensitizing, however it is effective insect repellant. best to avoid in early pregnancy. On a subtle level, Geranium eases heartache. It can be used for any of the issues that cause conflict, heartache and abandonment. Geranium has a very gentle nurturing energy that works on the soul level. Geranium provides strong protection and can be added to happiness blends.

65 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

A drop or two of Geranium added to a teaspoon of carrier oil and rubbed in on the lower back and lower abdomen can be extremely effective for menstrual pains.

Before artificial food flavorings were produced, the Victorians used scented pelargonium leaves in the bottom of cake tines to flavor their desserts. Scented pelargonium leaves add distinctive flavor to many dishes, however they are hardly ever eaten and are removed after the cooking process.

66 © Beverley Hawkins

Ginger The pungent rhizome, in both its fresh and dried forms, is the part of the plant that is used and is commonly called ginger root. The rhizome is Zingiber officinale Roscoe firm with a skin color that varies from buff to very dark brown almost Family: Zingiberaceae black, while the color of the flesh of the rhizome ranges from pale yellow to deep orange red. Three main spice products, fresh (green) Growing Conditions: ginger, dried whole or powdered ginger and preserved ginger, are Ginger is a perennial herb obtained from the rhizome. The oil cells are distributed in the cortex with thick tuberous and pith, however the oil-containing cells are especially numerous in the rhizomes. The erect leafy aerial stem grows up to epidermal tissue resulting in the fact that peeled or scraped rhizomes approximately 1 meter in have less oil. The essential oil contains as its major components the height and has purple sesquiterpene hydrocarbons zingiberene and bisabolene. Ginger root is flowers. Ginger is native to available as both a steam distilled oil and a CO2 extraction. The CO2 southern Asia and is extraction has a marvelous yummy smell just like real ginger, however it extensively cultivated in is much more skin irritating than steam distilled Ginger so it is best to the tropics. use the steam distilled Ginger in topical applications and reserve the CO2 version for inhalation products like diffusers, inhalers, misters etc. Essential Oil: A pale yellow to light brown Ginger has been used for thousands of years as both a spice and a essential oil is steam distilled from freshly medicinal remedy. The Greeks treated stomach disorders with ginger and ground, unpeeled dried administered it as an antidote to poison while the ancient Egyptians ginger with a yield of incorporated it into their cooking to ward off epidemics. In India, it is 0.25% - 3.3%. mentioned in the earliest Sanskrit literature while in China, the first known record if from Confucius (c. 500BC) "who apparently was never Aroma: Ginger has a without ginger when he ate". In the East, Chinese doctors used ginger as typical warm and spicy a heart-strengthening tonic, as well as to strengthen the constitution and aroma and blends well relieve head congestion. They also treated any illness associated with with woods like cedar and sandalwood, citrus oils like cold, damp conditions (colds and flu, rheumatism, headaches and muscle orange and lime, as well as tension) with ginger. In Asian medical practices, dried ginger has been florals like neroli and ylang used to treat stomach ache, diarrhea and nausea for thousands of years. ylang Psychologically, Ginger has cheering and aphrodisiac properties. It is Cautions: Generally stimulating but grounding and is believed to warm cold flat emotions, considered non-toxic and sharpen the senses and assist with nervous exhaustion and tiredness. In non-sensitizing. Use in low concentrations as this oil addition it is considered to be a memory aid and be helpful in boosting can cause skin irritations. courage. According to a report by D.L. J. Opdyke, Food On the physiological level Ginger has analgesic and antispasmodic Cosmet. Toxicol., 12 properties and it has been used for arthritis, fatigue, muscle aches and (Suppl.) 901 (1974), it’s pains, neuralgia, sprains and rheumatism. Ginger has also been found to very low phototoxicity is be very useful for many digestive complaints including constipation, not considered significant. indigestion, travel sickness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and hangover.

On a subtle level Ginger helps to open up the inner eye which allows one to perceive the shadow self and befriend the inner child within. This in turn can lead to transformations and healing. Ginger brings strength and promotes courage and confidence. It invites abundance by helping us to tap into the richness of the universe. It also helps with the belief that one deserves to experience abundant life. Ginger is used in sexuality, love, courage and money attracting blends.

67 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

In Senegal and Fouta-Djalon, the women use pounded ginger root to make belts to arouse the dormant attention of their husbands?=.

To the natives of the Pacific island of Dohu, ginger is sacred and it is used in abundance in cooking, magic ritual and medicine.

68 © Beverley Hawkins

Jasmine Jasmine’s fragrant white or yellow star shaped flowers play an important role in modern perfumery. While this is a genus that includes over 300 Jasminum officinale var. species of hardy evergreen shrubs or vines, the two varieties of Jasmine that grandiflorum are generally used to extract an aromatic absolute from are Jasminum Jasminum sambac officinale var. grandiflorum, which according to Guenther grows wild in the Family: Oleaceae higher altitudes of the Maritime Alps, and Jasminum sambac, which is the national flower of both the Philippines and Indonesia. Jasmine is a classic Growing Conditions: J. example of a flower, which even after having been detached from the plant, grandiflorum was first continues to develop and emit its natural perfume. The greatest challenge to introduced into France extracting oil from Jasmine is to capture the full amount of perfume, which from Spain and has been exists when the plant is picked, as well as to capture the perfume, which extensively grown in the develops after it has been picked. Grasse region of Southern France for over two For a long time the only way that Jasmine oil was extracted was by hundred years. In addition enfleurage. However as this is a very delicate procedure, involving a great to growing in Southern deal of hand labor, it is a very expensive method and in modern times France, Jasmine is also enfleurage has, for the most part, been replaced by solvent extraction. grown in Italy, Egypt and Solvent extraction results in the production of a concrete and an absolute. Morocco. Jasmine is native This is a far more economical way of producing the oil. The absolute consists to Northern India, Persia of around 54% esters (benzyl acetate, linalyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, and China and is now methyl jasmonate, methyl anthranilate) and 24% alcohols (linalool, nerol, widely cultivated throughout the geraniol, benzyl alcohols, farnesols, terpineol, phytols). Mediterranean and North In India, Jasmine was called "Queen of the Night" and "moonlight of the Africa. groove" and was used as both an aphrodisiac and an aid to spiritual growth.

Essential Oil: The There is also a tradition that refers to Jasmine as the "King of Oils" while concrete is obtained from Rose is referred to as the "Queen of Oils". the flowers in about a 3% yield, while the absolute is Traditionally Jasmine has been considered to be excellent in easing labor obtained from the pains and encouraging contractions. It is considered to be helpful in speeding concrete at around a 50 – up the expulsion of the afterbirth and the overall recovery after giving birth. 60% yield. The concrete is While is often cited as stimulating the production of milk, there have been a pale yellow, orange-yellow couple of research studies that have shown that application of Jasmine and sometimes even flowers to the breast inhibited lactation. brown. Psychologically, Jasmine has aphrodisiac, calming and sedative properties Aroma: Jasmine has a and its use can be considered for dispelling fear, uplifting one's mood, heady sweet, floral, exotic emotional suffering, lightening of depression and stress related disorders. aroma and blends well with all florals, citrus, On the physiological level it has antispasmodic and calming properties and it clary sage, oakmoss and is thought to regulate and deepen breathing. It is also thought to be useful sandalwood. both during and after childbirth.

On a subtle level Jasmine unites and harmonizes opposites to promote Cautions: Avoid in wholeness. It calms, soothes, relaxes and lifts the spirits. It helps one to pregnancy and use with release worry and allow one to live in the present moment. It can promote caution on those who are feelings of love and sensuality. It balances feminine and masculine energy. hypersensitive or allergic Jasmine can be included in love, psychic awareness, peace and spirituality to perfumes and blends. cosmetics.

69 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Jasmine flowers are picked at night when the aroma is at its strongest?-.

The Jasmine plant was brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD. However Jasmine tea did not become popular in China until the Song Dynasty (960-1270 AD). Traditional Chinese medicine recommends it to decrease nervous tension, to increase circulation, and to break down saturated fat.

70 © Beverley Hawkins

Juniper Berry Juniperus communis The part used is the dried, mature female cone, which is generally called “berry” because of its berrylike appearance. The major chemical Family: Cupressaceae components are approximately 58% monoterpenes (a-pinene, myrcene Growing Conditions: An and sabinene limonene, r-cymene, g-terpinene, b-pinene, a-thujene, evergreen shrub or tree camphene and others). Other components found in this oil also include that can grow up to 6 small amounts of the sesquiterpenes - caryophyllene, cadinene and meters and is native to the elemene; the oxide - 1, 4- cineole; the alcohol - terpinen-4-ol and some temperate regions of the esters. Juniper berries are famous for being used to flavor gin and northern hemisphere. The alcoholic bitters however, the extracts and oils are also used in many major producers include major food categories including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Italy, Hungary, France, Austria, Czech Republic, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and puddings as Slovakia, Germany, well as meat and meat products. It is also used as a fragrance Poland, Russia and Spain. component in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes, often used in men’s fragrances where it can impart a fresh resinous top note. Essential Oil: A colorless In Traditional Medicine, Juniper Berry has been used as a carminative to pale green essential oil and diuretic as well as to treat flatulence, colic, snakebite, intestinal is obtained through steam worms and gastrointestinal infections. distillation of the crushed, dried, partially dried, or In Ancient Egypt Juniper was used in anointing preparations and it was fermented berries. The one of the ingredients used in embalming mixtures. It was also burned essential oil produced as incense for both physical and spiritual protection. During biblical from unfermented berries is considered to be times Juniper was often used to banish evil spirits and there is a legend superior in flavor qualities. that while Mary and Joseph were fleeing from King Herod they hid the The essential oil yield is baby Jesus under a juniper tree to protect him. This added to Juniper's approximately 0.2 – 3.42%. reputation of granting protection against harm.

Aroma: Juniper berry has Down the ages and in many different parts of the world, Juniper has a light, fresh, woody been traditionally used as an agent against the spread of plagues, aroma and blends well epidemics and contagious diseases. Many medieval Europeans with bergamot, considered juniper to be a cure for many things both physical: cedarwood, cypress, headaches, kidney and bladder problems, pulmonary infections, against frankincense, geranium, lavender, neroli, fevers; and more esoteric: hanging bundles of juniper berries over the petitgrain, rosemary, door to ward off witches, and burning juniper wood to deter demons. sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss, clary sage, pine, Psychologically, Juniper has aphrodisiac and relaxing properties. It is benzoin, citrus. useful for helping to reduce anxiety, insomnia, depression and jet lag. Juniper is also thought to strengthen and clear away negative energy. Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy. Prolonged use On the physiological level Juniper Berry has analgesic, diuretic and can damage kidneys. On antispasmodic properties. It can be considered in cases of acne, skin non-toxic, non-irritant dermatitis and weeping eczema. It may also be helpful when cellulite and non-sensitizing. and water retention are a problem because of its diuretic properties. Its analgesic and antispasmodic properties make it useful for muscle aches and pains.

On a subtle level, Juniper aids in strengthen spiritual will. Juniper clears and cleanses a room of negative energies. Juniper helps to strengthen will power and can ease the fear of failure. Using Juniper can help restore confidence and increase self-worth.

71 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Of the more than fifty species of juniper, there is only one, Juniperus communis, from which an essential oil is produced.

Native Americans ate juniper berries, either on their own or added to their food, and made a tea from the stems and leaves of the plant to relieve arthritis and urinary tract infection. They also applied juniper topically to cleanse infections and heal wounds, and burned the needles and branches for purification.

72 © Beverley Hawkins

Lavender The ancient Greeks and Romans prized lavender for its perfume and cleansing properties. The Romans are credited with naming lavender Lavendula angustifolia although there are two different theories of how the name came to be. Family: Labiatae One is that the name was derived from the Latin word ‘lavare’ meaning to wash and another that it was derived from the Latin world ‘lividula’ Growing Conditions: meaning bluish in color. Ancient Romans added Lavender to their baths Lavender is a hardy shrub regularly to relieve fatigue and stiff joints and of course the flowers are and grows to about 1 a blue-violet to blue-purple color. It was the Romans who introduced meter in height. It has Lavender into Britain. Because of its ability to mask household and narrow leaves and gray- street odors and its insect-repellent properties, it was used as a strewing blue flowers. There are many sub-species and herb. It was also carried in nosegays to ward off the plague and th varieties of Lavender each pestilence. In the 17 Century France began to grow huge fields of producing a different lavender for the perfume trade that have continued to this day. essential oil and they should not be confused Lavender is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils in with true Lavender as they aromatherapy and it can be used for many different conditions. will have different Lavender is also used in pharmaceuticals and as a fragrance ingredient in chemical profiles. Native cosmetic products, including soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and to the Mediterranean area, perfumes. It is also used as a flavoring ingredient in food products, Lavender is now grown all including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. over the world with the major essential oil production being in Psychologically lavender is well known for its relaxing, sedating France, Tasmania, Bulgaria properties. It has traditionally been used for a variety of nervous or and England. psychological ailments including anger, depression, insomnia, hysteria, migraines, mood swings, nervous tension and shock. Essential Oil: A colorless - pale yellow essential oils is On the physiological level it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, steam distilled from the antispasmodic, balancing and calming properties and its use could be flowering tops with a yield of 0.7 - 0.9%. considered for burns, colds, coughs, headaches, insect bites, muscle aches and pains and skin irritations (dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis). Aroma: Lavender has a light floral aroma and On a subtle level, Lavender balances all the energy centers and subtle blends well with citrus, bodies. It soothes grief and promotes and is considered useful in all cedarwood, clove, clary energy healing techniques to relax and balance. It promotes compassion sage, coriander, cypress, as well as calming, comforting and stabilizing emotions of the heart. It frankincense, geranium, promotes spiritual growth and helps one to integrate spirituality into juniper, neroli, rose, everyday life. It can help to increase the awareness and sensitivity in oakmoss, petitgrain, pine, one’s hands for healing energy work. Lavender shows us the balance point in every moment as well as helping one to release whatever is vetiver and patchouli. interfering with the present. Lavender helps to bring the lower and

higher chakras into balance and harmony. It can be included in health, Cautions: Non-toxic and love, peace and conscious mind-oriented blends. Lavender may also be non-irritating on the skin it helpful in allowing one to let go of bitterness, malice or even jealousy. can be safely used with babies and children. It is suggested that it be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy

73 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Medieval Europeans considered lavender to be an herb of love. Some believed that it has aphrodisiac properties, while others believed it would keep the wearer chaste.

During World War I and II, soldiers and medics carried lavender oil with them onto the battlefields for disinfecting wounds.

74 © Beverley Hawkins

Lemon Lemons reached Europe via Persia and the Middle East sometime in the twelfth century. In the fifteenth century, Christopher Columbus carried Citrus limon the seeds to the West Indies. Catholic missionaries were responsible for Family: Rutaceae distributing lemons throughout South America. Missionaries were also responsible for introducing lemons into California in the late eighteenth Growing Conditions: century and today this State is probably the largest single producer of Lemon is a small evergreen lemon oil. Other major producers of lemon oil include the United States, tree with very fragrant Italy, Guinea, and Cyprus. According to E.A. Weiss in his book Essential flowers. It can grow up to Oil Crops, steam distillation produces a higher yield than cold about 6 meters high and expression. The chemical composition of the two oils will be a little although native to Asia is now cultivated worldwide. different and many find the steam distilled oil inferior in aroma. Lemon oil is composed mainly of monoterpenes, approximately 90%, of which Essential Oil: A pale around 70% is limonene. Lemon oil is used as a flavoring agent in yellow to mid green pharmaceuticals as well as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, detergents, essential oil is obtained creams, lotions and perfumes. Lemon oil is also used extensively as from the fruit peel through flavor ingredients in many food products, including alcoholic and non- cold expression with a alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins yield of around 0.5 – 0.6%. A steam distilled essential and puddings, meat and meat products, breakfast cereals and fats and oil, also produced from the oils. peel is also available with a yield of 0.05% - 0.1% The juice and peel of the lemon is widely used as a domestic seasoning. more than the cold Lemons are very nutritious and high in vitamins A, B and C. In Spain and expressed oil. other European countries, Lemons are considered to be a ‘cure-all’ especially in cases of infectious illnesses. It was also used by Europeans Aroma: The expressed oil to resist malaria and typhoid fever. will smell very much like the fruit and blends well Psychologically, Lemon has calming and clarifying properties. It can help with lavender, neroli, ylang ylang, rose, one to think clearly and aid concentration. It is also thought to be sandalwood, chamomile, helpful in promoting spiritual and psychic awareness. It may be helpful benzoin, fennel, geranium, when one is faced with anger, anxiety, confusion, depression or general eucalyptus, juniper, feelings of being run down. oakmoss and other citrus oils. On the physiological level Lemon has anti-fungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal and calming properties and could Cautions: Cold expressed be helpful for combating warts, boils and corns. It is often included in Lemon Oil has mild formulas for nail and hair products. Also may be helpful for fighting sore phototoxic properties so care should be taken not throats and sinus and respiratory infections. to expose the skin to sun or UV rays for 12 hours On a subtle level Lemon helps to increase inner joy and optimism, it also clears emotional confusion and invigorates. It can promote objectivity after use. Steam distilled and mental clarity and focuses consciousness. It helps one to receive Lemon oil is considered and understand intuitive information. It dispels sluggishness and helps to safe to use on the skin. clear negative blockages and revitalize the energy. It is used in

purification and healing blends. Lemon helps to open up the heart especially if there is a fear of intimacy, a fear of commitment or a fear of being consumed by the relationship.

75 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

Lemon oil encourages the exfoliation of dead skin and enlivens the complexion. Long-term treatment with lemon oil reduces broken capillaries and varicose veins, softens scar tissue and minimizes warts and corns.

Lemon oil strengthens brittle nails.

76 © Beverley Hawkins

Lemongrass  Cymbopogon citratus Lemongrass is found in two different plants, West Indian Cymbopogon West Indian Lemongrass citratus and East Indian lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus. The major Cymbopogon flexuosus chemical constituent of both oils is the aldehyde, citral (around 80%). East Indian Lemongrass Lemongrass is used extensively as a fragrance component in soaps and Family: Gramineae detergents. It is also used in creams, lotions and perfumes, and in most major categories of foods. The dried leaves are widely used as a Growing Conditions: A ‘lemon’ flavor ingredient in herb teas and other formulations. West fast growing aromatic Indian lemongrass is used in Chinese medicine to treat colds, grass native to tropical headaches, stomach ache, abdominal pain and rheumatic pain. Both Asia it is cultivated in lemongrass oils are used as starting materials for the synthesis of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, ionones and vitamin A as well as the production (isolation) of natural the West Indies and Africa. Most of the oil is produced citral. The oil possesses biological activity against storage pests and has in Guatemala and India. C. been used as a post-harvest pesticide for some food commodities. After citratus is native to Sri the distillation process the exhausted grass is used locally to feed Lanka and now cultivated cattle. mainly in the West Indies, Africa and tropical Asia, Psychologically, Lemongrass is useful for headaches, stress related while C.flexuosus is native conditions, nervous exhaustion, irritability and lack of concentration. to eastern India and now cultivated mainly in On the physiological level Lemongrass can be used for acne, athlete’s western India. foot, skin parasites, bruises, excessive perspiration, enlarged pores, oily skin and oily hair. Essential Oil: A yellow essential oil is steam On a subtle level, Lemongrass brings light to the conscious mind. It is distilled from the fresh thought to stimulate the left brain by tempering concrete logical and partially dried grass thoughts with spirituality. It can repair holes in the auric field and with a yield of around 0.2 – 9.4%. protect the energy field from the bombardment of electromagnetic energy of radio, TV, computers, and other appliances. Lemongrass can Aroma: Lemongrass has a also help with discernment. Lemongrass can be used to clear and strong, sweet and lemony cleanse rooms. It dispels negative energy and stimulates psychic aroma and blends well awareness. Useful in purification blends. It can help clear regrets or with bergamot, chamomile shame and help one to “forgive and forget”. (Roman), clove, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, lavender, myrrh, palmarosa, patchouli, petitgrain and rosemary.

Cautions: Generally considered non-toxic, possible dermal irritant so use with care with dermal applications. Avoid in pregnancy

77 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

The leaves from Lemongrass can be used as a source of cellulose and paper production.

Lemongrass is an important ingredient in Asian cuisine lending a particular taste and fragrance to meats and vegetables. It has been suggested that using a drop or two of lemongrass for cleaning your chopping board or diffusing the oil will repel flies when cooking meat.

78 © Beverley Hawkins

Lime There are two main types of limes. One type consists of Key, West Indian and Mexican cultivars whose fruit is small, round, moderately Citrus aurantifolia seedy with thin peel, smooth and a greenish flesh. The other consists of Family: Rutaceae Persian types whose fruit is larger, seedless and mainly sold as fresh limes or lime juice. At about the same time as they brought sour orange Growing Conditions: A and lemons, limes were brought by the Arabs to Persia, Palestine, Egypt small evergreen tree with and Europe from India. Key limes are cultivated in Mexico, Peru and the small white flowers West Indies, while the Persian limes are grown mainly in Florida and produces the lime fruit. Brazil. Limes were introduced into Europe by the Moors and The tree is native to Asia subsequently taken to America by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers but is extensively around the 16th century. Distilled lime oil is used extensively in flavoring cultivated in other parts of food and beverages, especially soft drinks. Cold-pressed lime is used in the world. A large portion high-grade men’s toiletries. Lime consists mainly of monoterpenes 72%( of the oil is produced in limonene, pinenes, camphene, terpinolene, sabinene, para-cymene, the USA and Italy. The myrcene), esters 7% (geranyl acetate, methyl anthramilate) and alcohols fruit is oval and green, 4%( alpha-terpineol, linalool). smaller than a lemon.

Essential Oil: A pale Psychologically, Lime is useful for apathy, anxiety, nervousness, yellow to green essential depression, listlessness, exhaustion and stress related disorders. It oil is cold expressed from refreshes the tired mind and it can be useful in dealing with alcoholism. the peel of the fruit. Lime is also available as a steam On the physiological level Lime is an astringent, a deodorant and eases distilled oil from some inflammation. It can be helpful for coughs and congestion from colds as suppliers. To obtain a well as spasms, inflammations, arthritis and rheumatism. steam distilled oil the cold expressed oil is steam On a subtle level, Lime can be a soothing salve to traumatic memories distilled. The cold held in the etheric and physical bodies. It can help to cleanse traumatic expressed oil will smell emotions held in the cellular memory of the physical body. It can be just like the fruit. used to clear and cleanse a room. It helps to purify the mind and body and can provide psychic protection. Aroma: Cold expressed lime will smell just like the fruit and blends well with other citrus, neroli, petitgrain, lavender, rosemary, clary sage and ylang ylang.

Cautions: Cold pressed lime is generally considered non-toxic, non- irritant and non- sensitizing. Phototoxic avoid exposure to sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours after use.

Steam distilled lime is non- toxic, non-irritant, non- sensitizing and non- phototoxic.

79 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

As far back as 1795, lime juice was issued in the British navy as an antisorbutic, to protect against scurvy. After about 50 years, Americans and Australians began calling English ships and sailors 'lime-juicers,' and later 'limeys.' The term 'limey' was eventually applied to all Englishmen. Originally a contemptuous term and an international slur, 'limey' is now considered a rather affectionate designation.

80 © Beverley Hawkins

Marjoram The genus name Origanum derives from the Greek words oras, and ganos, which roughly translated is Joy of the Mountains. The ancient Origanum majorana Greeks believed that if Marjoram grew on one's grave, the deceased Family: Labiatae would enjoy eternal peace and happiness. Ancient Romans called marjoram the “herb of happiness”. Both Greek and Roman newlyweds Growing Conditions: A wore garlands of marjoram on their heads to bless them with marital tender, bushy perennial bliss. Many cultures believed marjoram could increase longevity. herb that grows to a height Growing it on a gravesite was meant to comfort the spirit of whoever of around 0.6m. Native to was buried there. In the Elizabethan era, the English used to brew wine the Mediterranean it has with marjoram, rosemary and sage to treat blackened teeth. Women been cultivated as an annual in many parts of fashioned marjoram into nosegays to mask unsavory smells and those the world. The major oil curious about the future would anoint themselves with marjoram at producing countries bedtime so that they would dream of their future mates. include France, Tunisia, Morocco and Bulgaria. The chemical components found in Sweet Marjoram are around 40% monoterpenes (pinene, terpinenes, p-cymene, myrcene, limonene, Essential Oil: A clear to ocimene, sabinene) 50% alcohols (linalool, borneol, a-terpineol, pale yellow essential oil is terpineol-4-ol) and small amounts of esters, sesquiterpenes and steam distilled from the aldehydes. Sweet marjoram oil has been used as a fragrance component dried flowering herb and had a yield of between 0.3 in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. It is also used as a – 0.8%. flavor ingredient in most food categories, including alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, Aroma: Marjoram has a puddings, meat and meat products, condiments and relishes. fresh, camphorous, thyme- like aroma with a woody In traditional folk medicine, sweet marjoram has been used as a remedy dry down and blends well for asthma, indigestion, headache, rheumatism, toothache, earache, with bergamot, cypress, flatulence, epilepsy, and to help relieve the pain of childbirth. The oil eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, rosemary, tea was used as a liniment for sprains and bruises and to promote tree, chamomile, perspiration in those suffering from the measles. cedarwood. Psychologically, Marjoram has analgesic, balancing and calming properties. It can be helpful in easing headaches, hysteria, migraine, Cautions: Generally considered non- stress problems and nervous tension. Marjoram has been used to attract toxic, non-irritating and love, happiness, health and wealth. However use with caution as non-sensitizing. Avoid or prolonged overuse might deaden the emotions. Marjoram has use with caution during traditionally been thought to be an anaphrodisiac and maybe beneficial pregnancy. Marjoram can be sedating. for those going into a period of celibacy.

On the physiological level Marjoram’s analgesic and antispasmodic properties are helpful for arthritis, lumbago, muscle aches and stiffness, sprains and spasms and toothache. It has also been used for bruises and healing wounds.

On a subtle level, Marjoram can give one the ability to embrace ones unconscious fears. It can reduce fear and comforts and supports one in moving forward. It can help to promote courage and confidence. Marjoram enhances the probability of attracting love, happiness, health and wealth. However use with caution as prolonged overuse might deaden the emotions. Marjoram may also be beneficial for those going into a period of celibacy.

81 © Beverley Hawkins

Did you know?

The Greeks associated marjoram with Aphrodite, their goddess of love, beauty and fertility who supposedly created marjoram as a gentle symbol of happiness.

Origanum majorana is identified as Sweet Marjoram to avoid confusion with Wild Marjoram Origanum vulgare L and Pot Marjoram Origanum onites L.

Melissa  Melissa officinalis Melissa is also known as lemon balm. It has been cultivated as a bee plant as its abundant nectar helps to produce some of the very best Family: Labiatae honey. Early beekeepers also used to smear Melissa leaves on the Growing Conditions: beehives so that the fresh lemony fragrance would lure the bees back Melissa is a perennial herb to the hive. It was the Arabs who discovered that Melissa was not only with bright-green oval to good for attracting bees but that is was able to relieve anxiety and heart-shaped leaves and depression and they used it as a nerve tonic and sedative. During the small, loose clusters of 14th century in France, King Charles V drank a daily dose of Melissa tea white, pink or yellowish to preserve his health. In the 16th century German scientists flowers. It is native to the recommended it for revitalizing the whole body and in the 17th century Mediterranean and is now the Carmelite Nuns created Carmelite water, of which Melissa was the cultivated in gardens all over the world. primary ingredient, to treat nervous headaches. Melissa consists of around 50% Aliphatic Aldehydes (citronellal, citral) 20% sesquiterpenes Essential Oil: A clear to (beta-caryophyllene, germacrene, alpha-copaene) and small amounts of pale yellow essential oil is esters, ketones, monoterpenes and alcohols. steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops Psychologically, Melissa’s antispasmodic, calming, hypnotic and with a very low yield of sedative properties are very helpful for anxiety, depression, insomnia, 0.01 - 0.4%. migraine, hysteria, nervous crisis, tension or exhaustion. It can also be Aroma: Melissa has a helpful for panic, shock, trauma and stress related disorders. fresh lemony aroma and On the physiological level Melissa has been used oily skin, acne, blends well with lavender, geranium, myrtle, roman allergies, insect bites, cold sores, eczema, herpes, fungal infections chamomile, petitgrain, and wounds. It is an insect repellant. It is also helpful for viral neroli, rose, other florals infections and herpes simplex. and citrus. On a subtle level, Melissa is helpful when one is dealing with issues around death. It can promote emotional clarity as well as Cautions: Generally understanding and acceptance. It can relieve emotional blocks, which considered non-toxic, non- are due to grief and it can promote spiritual growth. Use Melissa during irritating and non- times of grieving. Melissa can help to dispel fear and regret and bring sensitizing. Use in low acceptance and understanding in any situation. Melissa is said to help dilutions not more than 1% one remember past lives. as it can cause skin irritations.

Did you know?

Melissa hydrosol is wonderful for taking out the itch of mosquito and insect bites.

In spite of the plant being highly aromatic, very little essential oil is actually produced through steam distillation. This is because the plant consists of about 80% water. Because of this is it probably the most adulterated oil in the industry, often being adulterated with lemon, lemongrass and citronella.

Gum-resin Myrrh is collected from one of 80 or so species of the Commiphora Myrrh genus. The whitish gray bark has schizogenous gum-oleo-resin cavities. In order Commiphora myrrha to collect the gum, incisions are made into the bark. A pale yellow liquid also known as C. molmol extrudes from the bark but this soon hardens to form yellowish red or reddish brown tears or masses. These are then collected. Family: Burseraceae

Myrrh has played a central role in the religious and medical life of the Ancient Growing Conditions: The Egyptians, the Ancient Hebrews, the Greeks and the Romans. The name Myrrh is Commiphora species derived from the Arabic ‘murr’ which means ‘bitter’ - myrrh has a very bitter consist of thorny shrubs or taste. Myrrh has been used in Middle Eastern medicine for the treatment of small trees which can grow infected wounds and bronchial complaints for thousands of years. Myrrh up to 10 metres in height. consists of 25 - 45% resins, 30 - 40 % gum and 1.5 - 17% (usually around 8%) They are native to volatile oil. The oil contains around 40% alcohols (myrrh alcohols) and 39% northeastern Africa and sesqueterpenes (elemene, heerabolene, cadinene, copaene, curzerene, southwestern Asia, lindestrene). It has spicy, warm, balsamic odor, which has a bitter undertone. especially the Red Sea region. Myrrh is used as an astringent in certain mouthwashes and gargles. It is also Essential Oil: A pale used as a fragrance component or as a fixative in soaps, detergents, creams, yellow to brown essential lotions, and perfumes, with the maximum use level of 0.8% for perfumes. It is oil is extracted by steam also used as a flavor component in major food products including alcoholic and distillation of the resin non-alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins with a yield of about 8%. and puddings, meat and meat products. The Commission E approved myrrh for topical treatment of mild inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Aroma: Myrrh has spicy, The British Herbal Compendium indicates the use of myrrh tincture as a gargle warm, balsamic odor, to treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis, as a mouthwash for gingivitis and ulcers, and which has a bitter external application to treat sinusitis and minor skin inflammations. In France, undertone and blends well topical use of Myrrh has been approved for the treatment of small wounds and with cedarwood, cypress, for nasal congestion from the common cold. The German Standard License for frankincense, juniper, myrrh tincture indicates its use for inflammations of the gums and mouth lemongrass, oakmoss, mucosa such as gingivitis and also for prosthesis pressure marks. palmarosa, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, Psychologically, Myrrh has calming properties and can be thought of for benzoin, mandarin, thyme, weakness, emotional coldness, apathy and no incentive. It can be used to mints, lavender, pine and enhance and strengthen spirituality and purify the spiritual environment. spices. On the physiological level Myrrh has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It is useful for many skin conditions including skin ulcers, Cautions: Generally athlete’s foot, oily skin, chapped moist skin, weeping eczema, scars, wounds considered non-toxic, non- and wrinkles. Avoid use on damaged and hypersensitive skin. It can also be irritating and non- helpful for bronchitis, catarrh, cough, gum disease, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, loss sensitizing. Avoid if allergic to cosmetics and of appetite, gum infections and mouth ulcers. perfume. Avoid during pregnancy. On a subtle level, Myrrh helps to release suffering and sorrow and it also strengthens and energizes. It can be grounding during meditation and is helpful in assisting one to move forward on one’s spiritual journey. Myrrh helps one to get through the trials and tribulations of life and helps one to understand and cope with our physical, emotional and psychological wounds. Myrrh resonates with the ‘wounded healer’.

Did you know?

Myrrh was offered to Christ both at the beginning and the end of his life.

 Myrrh, together with Gold and Frankincense was one of the Gifts of the Magi, the three Wise Men of the East.

 When Jesus was on the cross myrrh was part of the drink he was offered. They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he refused it. Mark Chapter 5 - Verse 23. This fact may give us some hints as to the spiritual connection Myrrh has.

Neroli The bitter orange tree produces three different essential oils, from the rind of its fruit - Orange, from its leaves - Petitgrain and from its Citrus aurantium fragrant white blossoms - Neroli. The tradition of using orange Family: Rutaceae blossoms in bridal wreaths or bouquets originated in the South of France and this French tradition was introduced into England in the Growing Conditions: The early part of the 19th Century. Orange Blossoms were seen as a symbol bitter orange is an of purity and virginity. The orange tree was widely associated with evergreen tree with dark weddings and nuptial feasts. Young brides used to wear a wreath woven green leaves, small dark from orange blossoms. In Crete, bride and groom were sprinkled with fruit and white aromatic orange blossom water. In Sardinia orange blossoms were fastened to flowers. The tree is native to Southeast Asia from the horns of the oxen pulling the honeymooners’ cart. Neroli is thought where it spread to India, to have been named after the seventeenth century Italian Princess of Persia and the area around Neroli, Anna Maria de La Tremoille, who loved its aroma and used it on the Mediterranean more everything she could from gloves to stationery. In the 19th Century, than 2,000 years ago. particularly under the patronage of Madame de Pompadour, the Today you will find it perfume industry as well as the scented glove manufacture flourished. growing in these areas as well as in the United The flowers have to be handpicked and it takes approximately 1,000 kgs States and South America. of blossoms to produce 1 kg of essential oil. Neroli essential oil consists Major produces include of approximately 40% alcohols (linalool, alpha-terpineol, geraniol, France, Italy and Tunisia. nerol, nerolidol, farnesol, benzyl alcohol, phenylether alcohol), 35% Essential Oil: A pale monoterpenes (limonene, beta-pinene), 14% esters (methyl yellow to amber oil is anthranilate, linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate, neryl acetate ) with the steam distilled from the balance being made up of a small amount of aldehydes, ketones and fresh flowers with a yield acids. Hydrolate/hydrosol, the by-product of steam distillation, of of about 0.1%. Neroli is generally available usually under the name 'Orange Blossom Water'. It has the same uplifting and calming actions found in the Aroma: Neroli has a sweet, refreshing, floral essential oil of Neroli but as it is a hydrolate and much less aroma and blends well concentrated its action is far gentler. with many other essential oils in particular with Psychologically Neroli can have calming, relaxing, euphoric and other citrus oils such as uplifting actions, which is why its use is often considered in times of orange, lime, bergamot, anxiety, fear, unrest, depression, despair, irritability, anger and lemon, grapefruit etc., as nervous tension. well as most florals such as rose, ylang ylang, While on the physiological level the use of neroli could be considered geranium and lavender. for use when insomnia, nervous palpitations or high blood pressure due Many aromatherapists to stress needs to be dealt with. enjoy blending the three oils derived from the On a subtle level, Neroli can help one to develop the inner trust which orange tree together will allows self-acceptance and produces feelings of security and namely orange, petitgrain protection. Neroli brings in positive energy. It helps one to relax as well and neroli as they as face our emotional fears. It can help to promote sensual comfort. It harmonize very well together. eases grief and also helps one to experience joyful love. It can reunite the conscious and subconscious minds and can promote direct Cautions: communication with the spiritual world. Neroli can help one to become Generally considered non- aware of unresolved issues so that one can deal with them. Neroli can toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. also help to facilitate all kinds of creative activities when they are inspired by spiritual aspirations. Neroli is often used in happiness and protection blends.

Did you know?

Orange blossom water, the hydrolate, has been used by pastry chefs in southern and central Europe for hundreds of years and in the 1920s in particular manufacturers added it to biscuits (cookies) to enhance their crispness.

While in Sicily sprigs from the orange tree are used to decorate images of the Virgin Mary, Prostitutes of Madrid once used Neroli as their standard perfume.

Orange The bitter orange tree yields orange oil from its fruit, Neroli oil from its flowers and petitgrain oil from its foliage, while the sweet orange tree Citrus aurantium var. yields orange oil from its fruit and occasionally Neroli Portugal from its amara (Bitter Orange) blossoms. The fore bearer of all today’s varieties of orange was Citrus sinensis probably the bitter or Seville orange, which was brought to the (Sweet Orange) Mediterranean by the Arabs in the first century AD. It was, however, only during the eighth century that oranges became established in Family: Rutaceae Spain.

Growing Conditions: The major chemical component for both orange oils is monoterpenes: The bitter orange is an around 90% for Bitter Orange (limonene, α-pinene, myrcene, evergreen tree with dark terpinolene, camphene, ρ-cynene, ocimene) and 85% for Sweet Orange green leaves, small dark fruit and white aromatic (limonene, myrcene, sabinene, α-pinene). Bitter Orange has a small flowers. The tree can grow amount of esters, aliphatic aldehydes, sesquiterpenes, lactones, oxides up to 10 meters high and is and alcohols while Sweet Orange has a small amount of aliphatic Native to southern China aldehydes, ketones, lactones and alcohols. Bitter orange is used and northeaster Indian. extensively as a flavor component in most major food products. It is Cultivated in China, also used occasionally as an ingredient in certain stomachic, southern Europe and the carminative and laxative preparations. Sweet orange is by far the most United States. Its trunk is widely used in food products. Dried bitter and sweet orange peels are more resistant to plant used in tea formulations and in digestive formulas. diseases than those of other citrus trees and Psychologically Bitter orange has calming, cheering and stimulating consequently serves as properties and helpful with anxiety and vertigo. Sweet Orange has stock for the less resistant sweet orange. sedative and warming properties and helpful with nervousness, tension, stress problems and hysteria. Essential Oil: A straw yellow to orange brown While on the physiological level Sweet Orange has bactericidal and essential oil is extracted decongestant properties and can be helpful for bronchitis and chills. from the fruit peel by cold Bitter Orange has anti-aging, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expression with a yield of cell regenerator and phototoxic properties, while Sweet Orange has 0.15%. antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, useful for dull, Aroma: Orange smells just oily skin, puffiness, mouth ulcers and wrinkles. Do not use on sensitive like the fruit and blends or damaged skin. well with other citrus, clary sage, spices, On a subtle level, Orange helps to dispel negativity from the aura. It frankincense, geranium, also dispels negative thought patterns. Orange brings in positive lavender, myrrh, neroli, energy. It nourishes the soul with joy and moves stagnated energy. It patchouli, rosemary. promotes self-confidence, courage and creativity. It also promotes joy in sexuality and joyful love. Orange can help one to expel any negative Cautions: Generally feelings one might be holding in one’s heart or soul. Orange can be considered non-toxic, non- used to attract good fortune and luck. Orange is often added to irritating and non- sensitizing. It can be purification blends. Orange can help to conquer fears. phototoxic and if used on the skin do not expose skin to sun or UV rays for 12 hours after use.

Did you know?

Oranges have been associated with gratitude and generosity from the earliest times. Once called “golden apples”, they symbolized innocence and fertility.

Ancient China was the first to recognize the therapeutic value of the orange. The dried peel has been used for centuries as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine primarily to stimulate the digestion and relieve spasm. It is also a traditional symbol of good luck and prosperity in China.

Patchouli For many centuries people in China, India, Japan and Malaysia used Patchouli to fight infection, cool fevers and to tone the skin and the Pogostemon cablin body. It was also considered to be an antidote for insect and Family: Labiatae snakebites. Authentic handmade cashmere shawls from India had a lingering aroma of Patchouli. During the Victoria era, British Growing Conditions: manufactures of machine-made cashmere shawls imported patchouli oil Patchouli is a perennial to fragrance their shawls in the hopes that buyers would not be able to herb with a sturdy, hairy tell the difference. Patchouli sachets have been used in India to protect stem that grows up to clothing against insects and to scent them. Patchouli was used approximately 1 meter in traditionally as an insect repellent. In India it was used in traditional height and is native to tropical Asia (especially medicine for nervous diseases, while in traditional Chinese medicine it Indonesia and the is used to treat colds, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and Philippines) and abdominal pain. Patchouli is used extensively as a fragrance component extensively cultivated in in cosmetic preparations and it is one of the most used ingredients in the tropics. perfumes, especially Oriental types. It is also used widely in soaps and depilatory creams. Patchouli is one of the oils that improve with age. It Essential Oil: A dark has a strong penetrating and persistent fragrance and is often used as a brown oil is steam distilled from the dried leaves with fixative in the perfumery trade. a yield of 1.5 – 4%. The major chemical constituents of Patchouli are alcohols 32 – 40% Aroma: Patchouli has alcohols (mainly patchouli alcohol and pogostol, bulnesol, guaiol and strong, musty, spicy odor norpatchoulenol) 50% sesquiterpenes (mainly patchoulenes, and alpha- and blends well with guaiene, alpha-bulnesene, seychellenes, cadinene, caryophylene and bergamot and other citrus, aromadendrene). It is the patchouli alcohol and the norpatchoulenol cedarwood, clary sage, that is mostly responsible for the odor of the oil. clove, lavender, geranium, palmarosa, petitgrain, Psychologically, Patchouli is balancing and calming and is useful for rose, neroli, sandalwood, nervous exhaustion, anxiety, nervous tension, lethargy and stress vetiver, oakmoss and related problems. It is very grounding and strengthens the will to live. myrrh. It can help to relax an overactive mind. Cautions: Generally considered non-toxic, non- On the physiological level it has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, irritating, non-sensitizing antiseptic, and cell regenerator properties and may be helpful for and non-phototoxic. dermatitis, acne, athlete’s foot, cracked and dry skin, enlarged pores and simple water retention. It aids scars, wrinkles, wounds, bedsores and abscess. It is a good skincare tonic considered effective for oily hair & scalp, dandruff, eczema (weeping) and impetigo. It is also an insect repellent.

On a subtle level, Patchouli grounds and strengthens the will to live. It is very grounding and taps into the energies of Mother Earth. Patchouli can spiritualize sexuality and facilitate the enjoyment of the senses as well as awaken creativity. It can relax an over active intellect. It allows the chakras in the feet to connect with the earth and draw energy from it. Patchouli can help one to define who one is and then how to express this in the world. Patchouli is used in money, sex and physical energy blends.

Did you know?

The characteristic smell of Indian ink comes from a combination of patchouli and camphor.

In the 1960s Patchouli became the signature scent for the hippies. Its scent was used to mask the tarry odor of marijuana.

Peppermint Peppermint has a long history of traditional use and is also rich in folklore. According to Roman mythology Pluto fell in love with the Mentha piperita nymph Mentha. When his wife Persephone heard about this she was Family: Labiatae enraged and in a fit of jealousy she crushed Mentha into dust upon the ground. Although Pluto could not change her back into a nymph he did Growing Conditions: transform her into a peppermint plant, with a fresh fragrance so that Peppermint is an herb that whenever she was walked on she would smell sweet. grows to a height of 30 centimeters - 1 meter. Since ancient times Mint has been cultivated and used for its medicinal Although native to the properties. It has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1000BC Mediterranean and and the Japanese have been growing it to obtain menthol for at least western Asia, mints are 2,000 years. The Romans apparently brought it with them as they now grown in temperate regions all over the world. marched through Europe and into Britain and from there it made its Peppermint is the mint way to America with the settlers. Herbal folklore apparently dictates most commonly cultivated that rubbing peppermint on the feet of your lover will strengthen your commercially and is devotion towards one another. During the 18th century, peppermint thought to be a hybrid became a well-known medicine throughout Europe and North America. between spearmint It was used to relive common complaints such as colic, gas, headaches, (Mentha viridis or spicata) heartburn and indigestion. and water mint (Mentha aquatica). The major chemical component of peppermint is the alcohol 42% (menthol neomenthol, isomenthol, linalool) Ketones 30% (menthone, Essential Oil: A colourless - pale yellow essential oils isomenthone, pulegone) and some esters, monoterpenes and is steam distilled from the sesquiterpenes. It is used extensively in the food industry and as a fresh or partially dried fragrance component in the cosmetic industry. flowering tops and leaves with an average yield of Psychologically peppermint can clear the mind and stimulate clear about 0.4%. thinking. It can be helpful when one has difficulty in concentrating and for those who are suffering from mental fatigue. It can be invigorating Aroma: Peppermint has a to the mind. Peppermint is also considered to be cooling to the fresh, piercing and minty emotions and helpful in dissipating anger, hysteria and nervousness. odor and is highly odoriferous. It is therefore On the physiological level it has analgesic, expectorant, digestive and wise to use it sparingly. It cooling properties and its use could be considered for headaches, blends well with clary sage, eucalyptus, nausea and travel sickness and muscle aches and pains. Its use can also geranium, lavender, be considered when suffering from colds and flu that are characterized lemon, rosemary, benzoin, by sore throats, fever, congestion and headaches and it is often very marjoram and other mints. helpful with any digestive complaints. It can also be cooling to the skin.

Cautions: Generally On a subtle level Peppermint is said to activate intuition and the Higher considered non-toxic, non- Mind. The Higher Mind calms memories of terror, hysteria and fear of irritating, non-sensitizing the unknown. Peppermint can cool any resistance to new information. and non-phototoxic. Avoid Peppermint clarifies and promotes clarity in communication and in pregnancy. Keep away concentration. Peppermint also promotes healthy self-esteem, integrity from small children. and ethics. Peppermint can help to dispel the Ego and also assist in overcoming feelings of inferiority.

Did you know?

Peppermint oil has been recommended as an adjunct to colonoscopy. A diluted suspension of the oil is sprayed on the endoscope to reduce colonic spasm.

The Pharisees collected tithes in mint, dill and cumin. (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42).

Rose The rose originates from Asia and there are about 250 different species of roses and over 10,000 different hybrid varieties. Although about 30 Rosa damascena of these are described as 'odorata' only three are commonly distilled for Family: Rosaceae their perfume. These are Damask Rose (Rosa damascena), Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia) and French Rose (Rosa gallica). Rose is used as a Growing Conditions: fragrance component in all kinds of cosmetic products; soaps, creams, Small prickly shrubs that perfumes etc. and Middle Eastern cuisine uses rose water (hydrosol) in are 1 – 2.4 meters high and some dishes. generally considered natives of Europe and There is a myth that says a beautiful maiden named Rhodanthe (rhodon western Asia. Damask rose in Greek means "rose") was tirelessly pursued by three suitors. To mainly comes from escape her pursuers, Rhodanthe fled to the temple of Artemis. Her Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, India and China and attendants thought that she was even more beautiful than Artemis so Cabbage rose mainly they threw the statue of the goddess off its pedestal and demanded comes from Morocco, that a statue to Rhodanthe be put there instead. Apollo was so angry at Egypt, Tunisia, China and the insult given to his twin sister, Artemis, that he turned Rhodanthe Yugoslavia. into a rose and her attendants into thorns. The three suitors who were chasing her where changed into the three courtiers of the rose: the Essential Oil: Rose oil is bee, the worm, and the butterfly. Another myth blames the god Eros, steam distilled from the fresh flowers with a yield or Cupid, for the rose's thorny stem. Apparently he was enjoying the of 0.02 – 0.03%. Rose aroma of the thornless rose when, he was stung by a bee that had been absolute is obtained by lurking in its petals. To punish the flower he shot the stem full of petroleum ether arrows. Ever since the rose has had arrowhead-shaped thorns. extraction followed by alcohol solubilisation. Psychologically Rose has, relaxing and anti-depressant properties, it soothes the emotions and is often used in cases of anxiety, depression, Aroma: Rose has a typical nervous tension and stress-related aphrodisiac disorders. It can be floral aroma and blends helpful in dealing with anger, anxiety, sadness, disappointment and well with other florals, all heartache. citrus, cedarwood, Roman and German chamomile, While on the physiological level Rose has analgesic, astringent and tonic clary sage, frankincense, properties; it can fight infection, reduce inflammation and relieve neroli, petitgrain and sandalwood. In fact it muscle spasms. Its use could be considered for: all skin types especially could be said to blend well acne, dry sensitive skin and mature skin; poor circulation; menstrual with most oils. problems, menopause and PMS, to aid digestion and regulate bowel movements. Cautions: Generally considered non-toxic, non- On a subtle level Rose is associated with unconditional love, as well as irritating, non-sensitizing Divine Love. Rose brings in positive energy. It can gently fill in auric and non-phototoxic. holes and seal the auric field after healing work. It promotes a sense of wellbeing. Rose is very healing for emotional wounds, especially grief and it promotes love, compassion, hope and patience. It can be helpful in healing work as it is thought to energetically connect the hand chakras to the heart. Rose can help one to forgive others as well as one’s self. Rose enhances one’s connection to all creativity, the arts, and beauty. Rose is used in blends designed to attract love, confer peace, stimulate sexual desires and enhance beauty.

Did you know?

Originally the Greeks referred to the rose as "the king of flowers" but after Sappho referred to the rose as the "queen of flowers" in her Ode to the Rose, it has been known as this ever since. The Greeks believed that the rose first appeared with the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

Rose oil added to the food has been reported to have a choleretic (agent that stimulates the liver to increase output of bile) effect on cats.

Rosemary There are three major chemotypes of Rosemary available on the market today and each one has a different chemical breakdown. Rosmarinus Rosmarinus officinalis officinalis ct. cineole is the rosemary most commonly available it contains around 30% oxides (1,8-cineole), 30% monoterpenes (pinene, camphene, Family: Labiatae myrcene, limonene, cymene), 25% ketones (camphor, carvone, thujone, Growing Conditions: octanone), as well as some alcohols, esters and sesquiterpenes. Rosmarinus Rosemary is a small officinalis ct. camphor contains a much higher percentage camphor and a evergreen shrub with thick lower percentage cineole. Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone main aromatic leaves. It can chemical constituents are bornyl acetate (esters), alpha-pinene 15-34%, grow up to around 2 beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene, limonene, alpha-terpinene, terpanolene meters in height. Although (monoterpens), borneol from a trace to 7% (alcohol), verbenone 15 — 37%, it is native to the camphor 1 — 19% (ketones), 1,8-cineole from a trace — 20% (oxide). Mediterranean region it is Because of their different chemical makeup, there are some differences as cultivated worldwide. to how the oils would be used and where they might be more effective. For example Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor has neuromuscular and tension Essential Oil: A clear to relieving properties and make it most effective for muscular cramps and pale yellow essential oil is steam distilled from the spasms, as well as rheumatism and arthritis. Rosmarinus officinalis ct. flowering herb. The cineole is especially suited for catarrhal conditions, while Rosmarinus essential oil yield is around officinalis ct. verbenone is especially effective at the beginning mucolytic 0.5%. treatment of bronchial and cold conditions.

Aroma: Rosemary has a Rosemary oil is used extensively in cosmetics as a fragrance component fresh, camphoraceous and/or a masking agent. It is used in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, aroma and blends well and perfumes — especially colognes and toilet waters. The oil is also used with basil, cedarwood, extensively in the flavoring of many different foods and beverages. citrus, frankincense, Rosemary has a long history of traditional use. In Europe it has been used as lemongrass, lavender, a tonic, stimulant and carminative and in treating indigestion, stomach peppermint, petitgrain, pains, headaches, head colds and nervous tension. In China, the leaves and pine, citronella, oregano, branches of the herb have been used for similar conditions particularly thyme, cinnamon and headaches. It also has a tradition of being associated with memory and other spices. The different remembrance. chemotypes smell different too. Psychologically, Rosemary has stimulating properties. It is an excellent oil to consider when there is physical exhaustion, feeling rundown, headaches, Cautions: Generally migraines, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion. It is excellent to use in considered non-toxic, non- the mornings when one needs a bit of help in getting going. Probably best irritating, non-sensitizing and non-phototoxic. Avoid to avoid its use at night, as it might prove too stimulating and make it during pregnancy and use difficult to sleep. It is also excellent for memory. with extreme caution if On the physiological level Rosemary has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, suffering from epilepsy and high blood pressure. antispasmodic, antiviral, expectorant and mucolytic properties. It is said to strengthen and promote hair growth. It can be useful for many respiratory conditions as well as muscular aches and pains, cramps and spasms. Also considered to be helpful in cases gout. As many oils distilled from culinary herbs it is useful when suffering from upset stomachs, flatulence and constipation.

On a subtle level, Rosemary can be used for loyalty and love. It can comfort emotional heartbreak, and may be appropriately used to help achieve closure to a relationship. It can be used in any grief blend. Rosemary clears and cleanses a room.

Did you know?

In ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was considered a symbol of remembrance, love and death where it was used in both wedding and funeral rites signifying enduring love. It is considered to be the herb of fidelity.

During Medieval times there was also the belief that Rosemary grows well in the garden when the wife dominates, poorly in the garden when the husband dominates and not at all in the gardens of the unjust and unrighteous.

Sage Sage’s medicinal properties have been valued since ancient times and the Latin name is derived from the same root as ‘salvation’ since sage Salvia officinalis was considered to be able to save people from illness and death. The Family: Labiatae Greeks used it to heal ulcers, consumption and snakebites. The Romans called sage called ‘herba sacra’ (sacred herb). Because sage reacts with Growing Conditions: Sage iron salts, a special knife, not made of iron was used to cut sage. The is a shrubby perennial with sage gatherer had to wear clean clothes, have clean feet, and make a woody stems near the base sacrifice of food before the ceremony could begin. Sage was held to be and herbaceous ones good for the brain, the senses, and memory. It also made a good gargle above. It grows to a height and mouthwash and was used as toothpaste. There is also evidence of around 0.8 meters. It is native to the that the Chinese valued it highly, apparently in the 17th century Dutch Mediterranean region and merchants found that the Chinese would trade 3 chests of China tea for cultivated worldwide, 1 chest of sage leaves. First Nations people have a long tradition of Albania, Turkey, Greece, smudging with wild sage for protection and purification. Sage was Italy and the United States considered to be able to save people from illness and death. First among others. Nations people have a long tradition of smudging with wild sage for protection and purification. Essential Oil: A pale yellow essential oil is Sage has been used in European phytomedicine for dyspeptic symptoms steam distilled from the dried leaves. The yield is and diaphoretic effects. It has also been used in gargles and rinses for around 1 – 2.8%. inflamed mucous membranes of the oral mucosa and throat. Sage is used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions Aroma: Sage has a fresh, and perfumes. It is also widely used as a flavor ingredient in baked herby, camphor-like aroma goods, meat and meat products, condiments and relishes, processed and blends well with vegetables, soups, gravies, fats and oils and others. The dried leaves bergamot, cajeput, clary are used as a tea ingredient. In Traditional Medicine, sage has been sage, eucalyptus, used as a tonic, digestive, antiseptic, astringent and antispasmodic. It geranium, ginger, lavender, myrtle, niaouli, is used to reduce perspiration (e.g. night sweats), to stop the flow of orange, peppermint, pine, milk, to treat nervous conditions (e.g. trembling, depression and rose, rosemary and tea vertigo, dysmenorrheal, diarrhea, gastritis, sore throat, insect bites, tree. usually in the form of a tea or infusion. Like rosemary sage can serves as a source for antioxidants. Cautions: Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid its use Psychologically, Sage has analgesic, antispasmodic and tonic properties for people with epilepsy or and can be helpful for depression, mental strain and exhaustion. high blood pressure. Use with care and only for On the physiological level sage has antifungal, antiseptic properties short periods of time. and has been used for skin ulcers, cold sores, radiation burns, herpes and shingles. It can aid in the formation of scar tissue and in the regulation of excessive perspiration. Sage helps one to surrender to Spirit. Native Americans traditionally use sage during purification rituals. Sage is also thought to connect one to Ancestral memories. Sage cleanses and purifies.

On a subtle level Sage helps one to surrender to Spirit. It is thought that using sage can help one to connect to Ancestral memories. Sage cleanses and purifies.

Did you know?

The name of the genus Salvia, is derived from the Latin salvere 'to be saved.

Sage was considered to be able to save people from illness and death.

It was once believed that sage would thrive or wither, in accordance with whether the business of the person who planted the sage prospered or failed. Yet another tradition holds that when sage grows vigorously in the garden, the wife would rule the household.

Sandalwood Sandalwood is another oil, which is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain or at least the genuine article. Sandalwood has a long history in Santalum album the spiritual and cultural life of Asia. Sandalwood incense is burned in Family: Santalaceae Buddhist and Hindu temples and it has been used as a meditational aid for thousands of years. It quietens the mental chatter that can so often Growing Conditions: A distract the meditator. It also has an important place in Ayurvedic, parasitic, evergreen tree Tibetan and traditional Chinese medicines. and can grow to a height of about nine meters or 29 Sandalwood’s major chemical components are alcohols (80 - 90%) feet. It has leathery leaves santalols, tricycloekasantalol, borneol. Sandalwood is reported to have and small purple flowers. It is native to southern diuretic and urinary antiseptic properties. It is extensively used as a Asian with most of the fragrance ingredient in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes, world’s production being also commonly used in incenses. It is used as a flavor component in in the Mysore region of major categories of food products including alcoholic and non-alcoholic eastern India. The Indian beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, and gelatins and government now only puddings. In Chinese medicine, sandalwood is reportedly used to treat permits the harvesting of stomach-ache, vomiting and gonorrhea. It was formerly used in Europe mature trees that are for pains, fevers and ‘strengthening the heart’. approaching the end of their long lives (thirty to sixty-four years). Psychologically, sandalwood has calming, sedative and tonic properties and is useful for depression, insomnia, nervous tension, and neuralgia Essential Oil: A yellow and stress problems. It helps feelings of isolation, aggression, grief and brown essential oil is irritation. On the physiological level sandalwood has calming, diuretic, steam distilled (or hydro anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and has been used for distilled) from the coarsely urinary bladder infections, cystitis, any inflammation or congestion of powdered dried heartwood kidney and bladder; digestive problems; muscle spasm, sciatica, lumbago by steam or water distillation with a yield of and neuralgia. Used often in meditation blends. 3 — 5%. On a subtle level, Sandalwood supports all healing work. It helps clam Aroma: Sandalwood has a and comfort, and is grounding. Sandalwood helps one reconnect to one’s sweet, spicy, woody aroma sense of being. By stilling the mind sandalwood promotes deep and blends well with meditation and wisdom. It can also promote positive self-esteem. It can bergamot, cedarwood, help to promote spiritual sensuality and teach one to delight in one’s cypress, frankincense, juniper, jasmine, senses and sexuality and to appreciate the beauty of life. Sandalwood is lavender, patchouli, pine, used in spirituality, meditation, sex and healing blends. rose, ylang ylang, vetiver, clove, black pepper, Note: There is a lot of concern these days about the sustainability of Sandalwood. The oil rosewood, geranium is becoming rarer and rarer. The Indian Government has placed restrictions on the trade in Sandalwood but in spite of this there is still a lot of illicit trading in the wood. Although oakmoss, benzoin and most of the wood is not felled for the essential oil trade the spill off reaches us as well. myrrh. Australian Sandalwood Santalum spicatum has been suggested by a number of people as a possible substitute. According to Mark Webb the chemical constituents of Australian Cautions: Generally Sandalwood is similar to that of East Indian Sandalwood. East Indian Sandalwood contains considered non-toxic, non- about twice as much santalol as Australian Sandalwood and Australian Sandalwood irritating, non-sensitizing containing higher levels of farnesol and alpha-bisabolol. Australian Sandalwood is a bit and non-phototoxic. different aromatically with the top note not as sweet as East Indian Sandalwood and slightly resinous. Research has shown Australian Sandalwood has excellent anti-microbial properties as well as good anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is required on its potential for helping with skin conditions. Traditionally the aborigines of Western Australia made a cough medicine from S. spicatum by soaking or boiling the inner bark in water. The inside of the nuts was used as a rubbing medicine for colds and stiffness. It is considered to be useful in quietening mental chatter and still the mind, allowing one to move into deep meditative states. - Bush Sense, Australian Essential Oils and Aromatic Compounds.

Did you know?

In ancient times, caravans carried sandalwood from India to Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The Polynesians added powdered sandalwood to massage oils to treat earaches, headaches, and skin ailments.

Hindus apply a paste of sandalwood powder to the forehead at religious ceremonies.

Thyme There are a couple of different theories as to where the name Thymus comes from. One is that it originated from the Greek word thymon, which Thymus vulgaris means to ‘fumigate’, another that it is derived from the Greek word thumus, meaning ‘courage’ as the plant was associated with bravery. Family: Labiatae According to Greek mythology, thyme is said to have developed from the Growing Conditions: teardrops of Helen of Troy. The Greeks used thyme in perfumes, fumigated Thyme is a hardy perennial their houses with thyme to protect against infectious diseases and treated that grows to a height of nervous disorders with it. They also burned thyme incense at their altars 10 – 40 centimeters. to honor their gods. Apparently during the Middle Ages drinking thyme was Native to the part of a ritual to enable one to see fairies. Mediterranean region and now grows in temperate In the essential oil industry, thyme essential oil is divided into two distinct regions throughout the types: red thyme and white thyme. White thyme is obtained from red world. There are more thyme through re-distillation. It has been reported that white thyme is than 300 different often subjected to a great deal of adulteration. The chemical profile of varieties of thyme the essential oil will vary depending on the particular chemotype that you including the common have. Thymus vulgaris ct thymol and Thymus vulgaris ct carvacrol will both thyme. There are at least contain around 40% phenols, however in Thymus vulgaris ct thymol the bulk six different chemotypes of the phenols is made up of thymol with just a small amount of carvacrol of thyme; the three most and in Thymus vulgaris ct carvacrol the bulk of the phenols consists of common chemotypes are carvacrol with just a small amount of thymol. Both these oils contain thymol, carvacrol and monoterpenes around 25% (para-cymene, y-terpinene, alpha-pinene, linalool. All are steam camphene, myrcene, limonene, terpinolene); alcohols 17% (borneol, distilled from Thymus vulgaris; thymol and linalool, terpinene-4-ol); ketones 9% (camphor, thujone); Oxides 4% carvacrol from thyme (1,8cineole, linalool oxide); esters 2% (linalyl acetate, terpinyl acetate); growing at low altitude; sesquiterpenes 1.5% (beta-caryophyllene). On the other hand Thymus and linalool at thyme vulgaris ct linalool has a different chemical profile. It contains around 40% growing at higher esters (linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate); sesquiterpenes 4% (beta- altitudes. caryophyllene); alcohols 54% (linalool, or geraniol) and phenols 2% (thymol). From both an olfactory and a therapeutic perspective Sweet Essential Oil: A clear to thyme differs from Red or White thyme. As this chemotype has very few brown essential oil is phenolic compounds it is considered ideal to use for children and has more steam distilled from the immuno-stimulant properties than antibacterial ones. Thyme is widely dried flowering herb with used, as a flavor component, in most major food products. Thyme is also a yield of around 1%. used in toothpastes, soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. Aroma: Thyme has a Psychologically, Thyme can be helpful for general fatigue, depression, warm, herbaceous and insomnia, headaches and stress related tiredness. It gives courage and is slightly spicy aroma and uplifting. blends well with lavender, lemon, marjoram, On the physiological level Red/White Thyme is the great disinfectant. It is rosemary, bergamot and an air antiseptic and helpful for sinusitis and tonsillitis. Also helpful for pine. asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, catarrh, colds, coughs, sore throat and Cautions: Avoid in whooping cough. Sweet Thyme has antiseptic properties can be considered pregnancy and high blood for bronchitis, bronchial spasm, sinusitis, sore throat and tonsillitis. Thyme pressure. Because of its can be used for chills, colds, flu and all infectious diseases. high phenol content it can be a skin sensitizer and a On a subtle level, Thyme relieves fear and apathy and helps to promote potential skin irritant to self-confidence and courage. It also promotes focus and concentration. It people with sensitive or can help to restore spiritual fortitude. Thyme can be helpful to those who fragile skins. have been separated from the world (especially in an extended retreat) to re-enter and return. It also helps one to eliminate old habit patterns that may still be clinging on. It is strengthening and energizing.

Did you know?

That during the Middle Ages, St. Hildegarde prescribed thyme for the plague, leprosy and body lice.

Thyme oil, together with lemon and clove essential oils, was used as a disinfectant in hospitals until World War I.

Vanilla According to Totonac mythology, the tropical orchid, Vanilla, was born when Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the Vanilla planifolia or forest with her lover. The lovers were captured and beheaded. The vine of Vanilla fragrans the tropical orchid grew out of the ground touched by their blood. In the Family: Orchidaceae fifteenth century, Aztecs invading from the central highlands of Mexico conquered the Totonacs, and soon developed a taste for the vanilla bean. Growing Conditions: They named the bean "tlilxochitl", or "black flower", after the mature bean, Vanilla is a large green- which shrivels and turns black shortly after it is picked. Subjugated by the stemmed perennial Aztecs, the Totonacs paid tribute by sending vanilla beans to the Aztec herbaceous vine that can capital, Tenochtitlan. Vanilla was enjoyed by the Aztecs in a drink called reach a length of about 25 Xoco-lall, which was made from cocoa and vanilla beans and spiced with a meters or more in its wild variety of herbs and spices, chili pepper, red peppers, maize flour and state. It is native to honey. Hernan Cortéz, one of the Spanish conquistadors responsible for the tropical America fall of the Aztec Empire, sampled this drink and returned to Spain with (especially Mexico) and is reports that it contained magical powers. The Aztecs used chocolate to treat also cultivated in the dysentery and diarrhea and considered it to be an aphrodisiac. Europeans tropics (Madagascar, mixed vanilla beans with their tobacco for smoking and chewing, and Comoros Islands, French considered it a miracle drug. In old medicinal literature, vanilla is described Polynesia, Tahiti, as an aphrodisiac and a remedy for fevers. These purported uses have never Indonesia, Reunion, Seychelles, Mexico, been scientifically proven, but it has been shown that vanilla does increase Tanzania, Uganda, etc.). levels of catecholamines (including epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline), and as such can also be considered mildly addictive. Essential Oil: A resinoid (often called an oleoresin) The first attempts to cultivate the vanilla plant outside Mexico and Central is extracted by solvent America proved futile because of the symbiotic relationship between the extraction from the tlilxochitl vine that produces the vanilla orchid and the local species of ‘cured’ vanilla beans. Melipona bee. It wasn't until 1837 that Belgian botanist, Charles François Sometimes an absolute will Antoine Morren, discovered this fact and pioneered a method of artificially be produced by further pollinating the plant. Unfortunately, the method proved financially and extraction from the commercially unviable. In 1841, a 12-year-old French-owned slave by the resinoid. A CO2 extraction name of Edmond Albius, discovered that the plant could be hand pollinated. is also available. This allowed for the global cultivation of the plant. Commercial vanilla production is extremely labor intensive and this has led to Vanilla being the Aroma: Vanilla has a second most expensive spice available, after Saffron. vanilla aroma and blend Vanilla consists of around 86% Phenolic ethers (mainly vanliiin, with some 4- well with sandalwood, vetiver, benzoin, hydorxybenzyl methyl ether); Aromatic Aldehydes 8.5% (benzaldehyde) and bergamot, rose, balsams about 1% Esters. Vanilla is used extensively in the food industry as a and spice oils. Due to the flavoring agent and as a fragrance ingredient in the perfumery industry. high price of vanilla and the low cost of vanillin, Psychologically, it can help calm emotions and ease tension. Vanilla is also vanilla is often extensively considered to be helpful in times of anger and frustration and brings warm adulterated and there is memories. Vanilla is said to have an aphrodisiac quality. On the no simple method to physiological level vanilla may be helpful in curbing sweet cravings. Its detect with certainty familiar comfort food aroma may also be useful in stimulation appetite for whether or not a vanilla those who have lost their appetite. On a subtle level Vanilla encourages extract is authentic. feelings of safety and comfort. It may also promote sensuality.

Cautions: Generally considered non-toxic, non- irritating, non-sensitizing and non-phototoxic.

Did you know?

That sniffing vanilla could help to combat cravings for sweets. Researches at St George's Hospital, London, found that wearing a vanilla scented patch was as effective as some of the new slimming drugs, but without the side effects.

A Columbia University Medical Center study, found that subjects who smelled vanilla while completing stress tests had more stable heart rates and blood pressure readings than those who took the tests in an unscented environment.

Vetiver The main rootstock is a stout, branching rhizome developing an extensive but not deeply penetrating fibrous mat of aromatic roots. The plant and Vetiveria zizanioides rhizome have been prized in India for their aromatic properties and are mentioned in the Hindu Atharvaveda. In India it is known as ‘khas-khas’ or Family: Gramineae (Poaceae) ‘khus-khus’, it is also known in India and Sri Lanka as the ‘oil of tranquility’. In India and other Asian countries aromatic fans, mats and Growing Conditions: screens are made out of the plants and rhizome. Rhizomes are used a lot Vetiver is a densely tufted to scent the air in rooms and house, the Rhizomes can be hung up in the perennial grass growing to house, sometimes bags of wet rhizomes are placed in front of electric fans a height of up to 3 meters. to cool and scent rooms, or they can be added to sachets to perfume It is native to India and is a clothes. Because the plant’s root system extends deep into the earth, grass of the wet tropics. Vetiver is often planted to counteract the effects of soil erosion. Farmers In India it usually grows and conservationists have found that barriers of vetiver grass can halt below 300 meters but landslides. altitude appears to be less important than climate as The essential oil is found in the rhizomes and the oil content can vary quite it is also planted up to 700 considerably depending on where the plant is grown and how old the roots meters in other countries, are. Roots less than 15 months old generally have low oil content and the which include Java and oil has a harsher, grassy or earthy odor. Roots over 24 months old have Reunion. The grass has to high oil content, a lower proportion of fibrous material, yield high quality be at least two years old oil, but distilling time is prolonged. The average oil content of Indian before the roots can be material seldom exceeds 2% and the oil content collected from wild plants dried in the hot sun, then is below 1% averaging around 0.15%. According to E. A. Weiss it is only the they are cut up very finely and steam distilled. very low cost of collection and distilling that allows this system to continue. Essential Oil: A dark amber essential oil is Oils collected from the wild (mainly in the north), is differentiated from steam distilled from the oils collected from the cultivated vetiver (mainly in the south) by calling roots (rhizomes) with a the oil from wild plants khus oil and the oil from cultivated plants vetiver. yield of around 2% for the Over-distilled oils have a poor, less persistent odor. The main component cultivated plant and below is vetiverol, a sesquiterpenol, normally less than 75% and often around 50%. 1%, averaging around This oil has a very complex chemical structure. The highest quality oil is 0.15% for the wild plant. often believed to come from Reunion. While Indian oil is of good quality it is seldom available owing to the strong domestic demand. Aroma: The aroma of Vetiver is very tenacious. Psychologically, vetiver has calming, sedative and tonic properties. It can It is strong, sweet, woody help be helpful for depression, insomnia, nervous tension and stress related and earthy and blends well disorders, mental and physical exhaustion. It is very grounding. Useful with clary sage, with feelings of light-headedness as it is very grounding and grounds one cedarwood, citrus, back to the earth. jasmine, lavender, patchouli, petitgrain, On the physiological level it can be used for acne, cuts, oily skin, irritated neroli, oakmoss, rose, wounds, infections and inflammations as well as arthritis, muscle aches, sandalwood and ylang pains, sprains and stiffness, rheumatism. It is thought to aid impotence ylang. and frigidity. Cautions: Generally On a subtle level, vetiver helps to ground and attune one to the earth. It is considered to be non- an excellent oil to use for energetically clearing or cleansing a room. It aids toxic, non-irritant, non- sensitizing and non- those who feel like they are a psychic sponge or those who feel too phototoxic. sensitive to outside forces. Vetiver is considered to be a money scent.

Did you know?

Vetiver is considered by many to be a money scent. There are some who will place a piece of vetiver root in the cash drawer to increase business. Of course most of us don't have access to the rhizome but anointing the cash with the essential oil or putting a cotton bud impregnated with the oil in the cash box could do the trick.

Because vetiver repels moths, it is also known as ‘moth root.

Violet Leaf Sweet violets grew in Persia, Syria and turkey during the first century AD. Violets were introduced into many countries and are now cultivated Viola odorata in several for their perfume. The Violet leaf used for perfumery is Family: Violaceae mostly grown in southern France (Grasse) and to a lesser extent in Italy and China. It is used in high-class perfumery work and occasionally in Growing Conditions: This flavoring of confectionery. small tender, perennial plant has dark green, There are many legends associated with Violet. One Greek legend has it heart-shaped leaves, that Zeus fell in love with a beautiful maiden called Io. He turned her fragrant violet-blue into a cow to protect her from his jealous wife Juno (Hera). The earth flowers and an oblique grew violets for her food and the flower was named after her. The underground rhizome. It is violet has also been considered to be the flower of Aphrodite, the native to Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa goddess of love and of her son, Priapus, the god of gardens. The and now cultivated in ultimate mark of reverence shown by the Greeks for the plant was that gardens worldwide. they made violet the symbol of Athens.

Essential Oil: A concrete The leaf and the flowers have been used in traditional herbal medicine and absolute is solvent for congestive pulmonary conditions and sensitive skin conditions. The extracted from the fresh leaf has also been used to treat cystitis and as a mouthwash for leaves and flowers. The leaf absolute is an intense infections of the mouth and throat. It is mostly used in perfumery and dark green while the skin care. It acts as a sedative and a circulatory stimulant. flower absolute is a yellowish –green liquid. On a psychological level, violets have traditionally been associated with Violet flower absolute is death, especially the death of young people. Poets have long pointed out expensive and sometimes the ‘modesty and humility’ of the violet. It was also considered to evoke difficult to find. In The sweet and loving feelings. Violet has been associated with sentimental Essential Oils, Vol 5, feelings of loyalty tinged with wistfulness and longing. Ernest Guenther tells us that it takes about 1,000 – On the physiological level, Violet Leaf is used for the treatment of many 1,100 kg of violet leaves to skin problems such as acne, eczema, thread veins and wounds. It has yield 1 kg of the concrete. also been considered for use in cases of dizziness, headaches, insomnia Aroma: Violet Leaf has an and nervous exhaustion. It may be helpful in cases of fluid retention and earthy aroma with a slight as an effective expectorant of the respiratory tract. floral overtone and blends well with tuberose, On a subtle level, Violet Leaf protects those who are shy or champaca, clary sage, hypersensitive. It also helps to increase spirituality. tarragon, cumin, basil and other florals.

Cautions: Generally considered to be non- toxic, non-irritant with possible sensitization in some individuals.

Did you know?

Violets will produce flowers in both spring and autumn. The spring flowers are fully formed and sweet-scented, but are generally barren and produce no seeds. These flowers are full of nectar and constructed for pollination by bees, but oddly, bloom before bee season. The autumn flowers are very small, nearly insignificant, hidden among its leaves, and, while having neither petals nor scent, produce an abundance of seeds. Also, the fertile flowers of autumn are self-fertilizing. The plant also propagates itself each summer after flowering via runners from the main plant which give rise to new plants.

Putting it all together

When creating a unique blend for a client, the Aromatherapist will usually start their consultation off by taking an in depth client case history. The reason for this is to collect as much information as possible, both about the client and the conditions/issues they are facing.

This information will help them to identify the focus of the synergy and at the same time ensure that no oils that are contra-indicated for that particular client would be used.

The consultation then continues to include information that will allow the aromatherapist to assess what methods of application would be best for both the issue and for the client’s ability to follow through. There is no point in telling the client to use the essential oil synergy in the bath, if they tell you that they don’t like taking baths. If you’re lucky they may do it once or twice but they are unlikely to follow through to the end of a protocol series. At this time they will also consider which oils to include in the synergy, how often it should be applied and over how long a period. All these factors will influence the dilution that the synergy is used at. If a synergy is to be used frequently, over a long period of time, the dilution of essential oil synergy is higher, i.e. more carrier oil and less essential oil synergy.

When it actually comes to formulating the synergies, there are several methods used. If the focus of the blend is to be aromatically pleasing to the client, as in the case of a personal fragrance, or an ambience spray or diffuser blend, one will want to ensure that the final synergy is a well-balanced and aromatically pleasing, to them. Factors such as whether the individual oils are top, middle or base notes and what their aroma intensity is (how strong their smell is) will be taken into consideration. Essential oils that have mainly a top note quality to their aroma will be quickly detected but their aroma will also fade quickly, oils with a base note quality may take a while to detect but the aroma will last a long time. Essential oils classified as middle or ‘heart’ notes will balance the blend and hold the other two together. By putting a top note together with a base note, you are able to lighten the aroma of your synergy and increase its staying power, add the middle or ‘heart’ note and you tie it all nicely together. Another factor that is important to consider would be the one of aroma intensity. If you were to blend together, in equal amounts, an essential oil that has a very strong aroma, with one that has a very weak aroma you would completely ‘drown out’ the more subtle oil. The art comes in adjusting the proportions so that the oils ‘marry’ beautifully together to create a wondrous synergy.

When blending for more physical conditions, aromatherapists will often blend according to the chemical composition of the essential oils. By taking the chemical composition of each of the oils in the synergy into consideration, they are able to create a synergy that is higher in one chemical functional group than another thereby eliciting more of the desired physical response. An example of this would be when creating a blend for someone with a cold, one would choose oils that are high in oxides, so that the resultant synergy is high in oxides. Oxides have expectorant and immune stimulating properties expectorants.

So what is different when we want to blend on an energetic level? There are some similarities and some differences. The similarity is that we want the synergy to be as aromatically pleasing to the person using it as possible. The difference is, that once an essential oil has been identified as being important for the issue, it will be included in the synergy, whether or not it is aromatically pleasing to the individual for whom the synergy is being created. This is where the art of blending comes in. One

cannot simply follow a set recipe or formula when blending this way. Instead one must allow oneself to be guided by both one’s ‘heart’ and one’s ‘nose’.

As an example of how to create an energetic synergy, I will walk you through how I created the synergy for Aries. By following these principles you will be able to create your own energetic synergies for people, places, themes, ideas or any set of issues. You are only bound by your imagination. As I said in the beginning I chose the signs of the Zodiac for my examples because most people have some knowledge of the different sun signs and more in depth information is easily available. On the other hand I would just note that each Sun Sign synergy is a generalized synergy, based on the qualities of the sign, however when creating a synergy for a specific person additional and sometimes different things would be taken into consideration.

Creating an Energetic Synergy When creating energetic blends for other people, places, themes, ideas or any variation of this, your first task is to collect as much information as you can about them. This information will form the framework on which you will build your synergy.

Once you have this information, you then look at interpreting this through the medium of essential oils. This is a time to create with your ‘heart’, your instincts and your mind.

In Section Three I have profiled 35 different essential oils. Of course, there are others but for this exercise I have mostly stayed with the oils used in the Aromatic Lords and Ladies of the Zodiac Blends.

Each essential oil profile is layered. There is:

 The physical description of the plant and where it is cultivated.  The description of the essential oil, how it is extracted, it yield and its aroma.  Information on any contraindications and precautions.  Information on some of the psychological, physiological and subtle uses.  Information on the history and folklore surrounding the oil and the plant, as well as the traditional uses. Interestingly, it is sometimes these descriptions that give us an understanding of the inner energetics of the oil.

The Doctrine of Signatures can also be an excellent way of tapping into the energetics of the different oils. The Doctrine of Signatures is a very old notion. The most famous advocate of plants having signatures was Paracelsus von Hohenheim (1493-1541 and he published his literary theory entitled Doctrine of Signatures. This theory proposes the idea that God gave everything in nature its unique healing powers and left a clue for us to discover this in the appearance of each plant or substance.

So the challenge is to find the energetic fit in the essential oil profiles to match up with the energetic feel of the person, place, theme or idea you are creating the synergy for. It requires an open mind, one that is flexible and willing to think outside of the box, as well as, a bit of detective work. It can be a lot of fun and extremely rewarding, and I have found that blends created in this way, truly do seem to get to the ‘heart’ of the issue.

An example Let us take a look at the Lord Aries Blend.

If we look back at the section on Aries we will see a generalized description of people who fall under this sign.

The information in this section is quite extensive, so how do we go about sifting out what is important? This is where you have to let your instincts guide you.

As we read through the description of the sign, we see that Aries archetypes include the Warrior, the Pioneer, the Daredevil and the Survivor. We also see that their Positive Traits include a pioneering and adventurous spirit; highly energetic people who are direct in their approach. Their Negative Traits include being impulsive and quick-tempered. As we read through the different sections we start to get a real feel of the energetics underlying this Sign.

Now let us look at the Synergy I created for Lord Aries: Rosemary, Cedarwood, Frankincense and an optional addition of Lime.

Rosemary: is the anchor of the blend because it is considered to be the signature essential oil for Aries. In Astrological Aromatherapy, Patricia Davis explains this by saying “Rosemary is a warming, stimulating oil with an incisive, no-nonsense aroma that is very like the directness of the Arian. The Rosemary bush grows fast and vigorously and is one of the first of the aromatic shrubs to flower in the spring.” Aries rules the head and brain and rosemary is an excellent remedy for headaches. The herbalist Culpepper also describes rosemary as being ‘ruled by the sun in Aries’.

Cedarwood: was added to enhance stability, patience and integrity. Cedarwood helps maintain a balance in life and this is something that Aries with their impulsiveness could use.

Frankincense: was added to help stabilize the emotions. Arian’s can be impulsive and quick tempered.

Lime: the optional touch of lime was added to freshen up and bring a sparkle to the blend. Lime can also help to cleanse traumatic emotions held in the cellular memory of the physical body. This is something that can be helpful to Arians as they tend to get caught up in arguments where their emotions are out of touch with reality.

Now it is time for you to play and experiment with your own energetic synergies!

Bibliography

Blumenthal, Goldberg, Brinckmann Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs , 2000

Scott Cunningham, Magical Aromatherapy, The Power of Scent, Llewellyn Publications.1989

Scott Cunningham, The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews, Llewellyn Pub.1986 reprinted 1994

Patricia Davis, Astrological Aromatherapy, 2002

Deborah Eidson, Vibrational Healing, Frog, Ltd, 2000

Steven Forrest, The Inner Sky, Astrology for Beginners, ACS Publications, 1988

Ernest Guenther, The Essential Oils, Krieger Publishing Company, 1952, reprint 1976

Mrs. M. Grieves, A Modern Herbalwww.botanical.com

Beverley Hawkins, Aromatherapy 201 Course 1999 revised 2000, 2001,2002, 2003, 2004

Ixchel Susan Leigh, Aromatic Alchemy, Mansion Publishing, 2001

Leung and Foster, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, John Wiley & Sons, 1996

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Joni Keim Louchrran and Ruah Bull, Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques, Frog Ltd, 2000

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Gabriel Mojay, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, New York, NY, Henry Holt & Co,1996

Derek and Julia Parker, The Complete Astrologer, 1971, 1975

Shirley Price, Aromatherapy and your Emotions, Thorsons 2000,

Richard Sterling, Astrology the Richard Sterling Way, 1992

E.A. Weiss, Essential Oil Crops, CAB International, Oxon, UK & New York, NY, 1997

Valerie Ann Worwood, The Fragrant Mind, London, Transworld Publishers, London,1995

Valerie Ann Worwood, The Fragrant Heavens, New World Library, 1999