Angelica Seed - Angelica archangelica, A. officinalis, A. glauca (Family, Apiaceae [Umbelleferae]) - U.K. - Perfume Note=Base to middle / A warm, musky, earthy aroma with excellent staying power. Only small quantities are needed to create an effect in a perfume. / Source: Seed (also root), France, India, Germany, Hungary & U.K. - Production method: steam distillation / Blends well with: patchouli, clary sage, citrus oils, frankincense / Aromatherapy: anchoring, restorative, strengthening. Also used for depression. / Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy & Avoid use in the sun / Main Constituents:- Phellandrene, pinene, limonene, linalol, borneol.
Aniseed (Anise Seed) - Pimpinella anisum, Anisum officinalis (Family, Apiaceae [Umbelliferae]) - Spain - Perfume Note=Middle / Aids muscle aches, bronchitis, indigestion. Known for its use in fisherman's soap.... said to remove human scent so that fish will be more likely to bite. Added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance. / Source: ripe fruit, China, Spain and Turkey / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: energizing, toning / Aroma type: anise traditional use: deodorant / Blends well with: amyris, bay, cardamon, caraway, cedarwood, coriander, fennel, galbanum, mandarin / CAUTION: Safety Information: slight dermal toxicity.
Balsam Peru - Myroxylon balsamun var. pereirae Harms, Family, Fabaceae [Legumunosae] - USA - Used on chafed skin to soothe. Exotic aroma, anchoring, strengthening and imparts a rich, earthy scent to perfumes. / Perfume Note=Base.
Basil - Ocimum basilicum L. (Family, Labiatae) - India - Invigorates body and spirit: helps refresh the mind allowing concentration, especially when tired. A good nerve tonic after a stressful day. It has a sweet liquorice-like fragrance. / Perfume Note=Top / Blends well with Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage and Geranium. / CAUTION: Do not use Basil during pregnancy, can be a skin irritant. / Source: leaves, Madagascar, France, India / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing, energizing, toning / Aroma type: anise / Traditional use: deodorant, soothing agent, insect repellent, muscle relaxant / Blends well with: bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, geranium, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, neroli / Safety Information: use recommended dilution or less / Main Constituents: Linalol, methyl chavicol, eugenol, limonene, citronella.
Bay - Laurus nobilis (Family, Lauraceae) - Morocco - AKA Sweet Bay or Laurel / Uplifting / Steam Distilled / Perfume Note: Top / Uses: Amenorrhea, colds, dyspepsia, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis. / Constituents: Cineol, pinene, linalol, terpineol, acetate and traces of methyl eugenol and/or methyl chavicol. Safety Information: can be narcotic, cause dermatitis and should not be used in pregnancy.
Benzoin - Styrax benzoin, S. tonkinensis (Family, Styacaceae) - Sumatra: Benzoin is a warming, vanilla scented resin absolute from Sumatra with uplifting and soothing properties. / Perfume Note=Base / Add to carrier oil/cream for protecting skin against chapping or cracking. / AKA Friars Balsam
Bergamot - Citrus bergamia (Family, Rutaceae) Italy - This light, fruity citrus oil is uplifting, antiseptic, and relaxing. Relaxes and refreshes and is good for confidence building. Uplifts the spirit and emotions with its fresh and invigorating citrus fragrance. Useful for caring for oily and blemished skin. Lovely light citrus aroma. Use in vaporizer to disperse unpleasant odors. It is familiar to many as the flavoring in Earl Grey Tea. / Perfume Note=Top / Warning Do not apply to skin or use in bath prior to exposure to the sun - It can increase the susceptibility of the skin to severe burning. / A bergapten free Bergamot is available which reduces the susceptibility to photosensitising. / Source: fruit peel / Production method: expression / Aromatherapy class: calming, balancing / Aroma type: citrus / Skin type: oily, blemished, normal to combination / Traditional use: antiseptic, deodorant, perfume, soothing agent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: chamomile, coriander, cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, neroli, ylang ylang / Safety Information: photo toxic / Main Constituents: Linalyl, acetate, linalol, sequiterpenes, terpenes, furocoumarins.
Birch, Sweet - Betula Lenta, B. capinefolia (Family, Betulaceae) - USA - This has a sweet, bracing aroma. It is said to be effective on arthritic and muscular pain and can be a stimulant to the circulation. CAUTION: Keep in secure location - it smells somwhat like candy. Sweet Birch contains the active ingredient in aspirin, methyl salicylate, and is the original "natural" source for same. It is highly concentrated and can be toxic (you can get an aspirin overdose) especially if you are using other products which contain aspirin or methyl salicylate.
Birch, White - Betula pendula Roth (Family, Betulaceae) - Russia - Can help to clear the skin and help with psoriasis and eczema. Believed to assist in removing toxins and boosting the circulation. / Source: wood and bark / Production method: steam distillation / Aroma type: woodsy / Traditional use: soothing agent, muscle relaxant / Blends well with: patchouli, vetiver, copaila / Safety Information: should be avoided by pregnant women.
Cajeput - Melaleuca cajaputi (Family, Myrtaceae) - Indonesia - Improves mood, increases resistance to infections. A good 'unwinding' oil. Can be used in a Steam inhalation to help clear the nasal passages, also helpful when treating oily skin and spots. / Perfume Note=Top / Warning Cajaput is a stimulant and an irritant and must be used with care. / Source: leaves and stems / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing, stimulating, energizing / Aroma type: camphoraceous / skin type: blemished / Traditional use: antiseptic, deodorant, insect repellent / Blends well with: bergamot, birch, cardamom, clove, geranium, lavender, myrtle, nutmeg, rose, thyme / Main Constituents: Cineol, terpoineol, pinene, eucalyptol, nerolidol.
Camphor, White (AKA Ho Wood) - Cinnamomum camphora (Family, Lauraceae) - Japan - Can be used as a deodorant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac, muscle relaxant and to care for oily skin and, has also been used as an insect repellent. Also used in detergents, soaps, disinfectants, deodorants, room sprays etc. / Source: wood / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: balancing, stimulating, toning, cooling / Aroma type: camphoraceous / Blends well with: olibanum, ylang ylang, orange, mandarin / Safety Information: Camphor should be used sparingly and completely avoided by those suffering from epilepsy, and should be avoided by pregnant women.
Cardamom - Elettaria cardamomun (Family, Zingiberace ae)- India - The sweet, spicy, warming fragrance of cardamom has been enjoyed since the days of the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a perfume and incense. It can be used as an aid to digestion and makes an excellent bath oil as a tonic which refreshes and invigorates. / Note=Top / Source: seeds / Production method: steam distillation / aromatherapy class: stimulating, toning / aroma type: spicy / Uses: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent / Blends well with: coriander, olibanum, galbanum, geranium, juniper berry, lemon, myrtle / Constituents: terpinyl acetate, cineol, liminene, sabinene, linalol, linalyl acetate, pinene, zingiberene.
Carrot Seed - Daucus carota, Family, Apiaceae [Umbeliferae]) - France - From the seed, this essential oil has the same sweet, earthy fragrance of the vegetable. Considered to be particularly beneficial for dry, mature skin-types and can help to restore elasticity to the skin and could therefore reduce wrinkles. The root oil is used in food coloring, (yellow), and in sun tan lotions. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: seeds / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, toning / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac / Blends well with: bergamot, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lime, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rosemary.
Cedarwood, Atlas - Cedrus atlantica (Family, Pinaceae) - Morocco: Warm and woody, with a hint of camphor, this oil eases aches and pains and is especially good in cosmetic preparations for oily skin. Helps to clear the breathing passages and is used in hair and skin care products. / Main constituents: Atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene.
Cedarwood, Texas - Juniprus ashei - USA: The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the heartwood and wood shavings of this small, alpine evergreen native to the Southwestern U.S., Mexico an Central America. Traditionally, it has been used for skin problems, arthritis and rhematism and is also said to aid nervous tension and stress. CAUTION: used externally it is relatively non-toxic but can cause significant local irritation of skin and possible sensitization. Should be used with care. For general home use, Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica) is a better choice since the latter is non-irritating and non-sensitizing and has similar properties.
Chamomile, Blue (German Chamomile) - Matricaria chamomilla or M. recutia (Family, Asteraceae [Compositae]) - Egypt - An Absolute. German chamomile AKA blue chamomile or chamomile matricaria. The blue color is from azulene which is formed during the distillation of the oil. The odor is sweet and adds a warm, long-lasting undertone in perfumes. All the Chamomiles are used in massage oils and herbal mixtures. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: flowers / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing, toning / Aroma type: fruity / Skin type: sensitive, blemished / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, aphrodisiac / Blends well with: bergamot, jasmine, labdanum, neroli, clary sage, rose / Main constituents: Chamazulene, (Produced during steam distillation, not present in the fresh plant), bisabolol oxide, enyndicycloether, farnesene
Chamomile, Roman - Anthemis nobilis (Family, Asteraceae [Compositae]) - U.K. - Roman Chamomile has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming. It is soothing to all types of skin and is a wonderful addition to a massage oil for sore muscles. Known for its strong soothing effect on mind and body. The Roman and German are excellent for protecting dry skin. They have many uses e.g. can be used to treat nerve, headache, insomnia, menstrual disorders and the Roman is a comforting oil during high pollen count.(Unless you have an allergy to the ragweeds). A gentle oil suitable for the young and fragile. One of the few essential oils that can be used on inflamed skin conditions. Blends well with Lavender, bergamot, jasmine, neroli, and clary sage. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: flowers / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: calming / Aroma type: fruity / Skin type: sensitive / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner / Blends well with: galbanum, eucalyptus, rosemary / Main constituents: Esters, pinene, fanesol, nerolidol, chamazulene, pinocarvone, cineol.
Cinnamon Leaf - Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees, C verum, Laurus (Family, Lauraceae) - Sri Lanka - Warms and stimulates. A strong antiseptic, it has a cleansing effect. Used as a comforting oil during the cold season, A lovely room fragrance, especially during Xmas. / Perfume Note=middle (only room scent) / Source: leaves and stems / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, energizing / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: anti-inflammatory agent, aphrodisiac, skin conditioner, deodorant / Blends well with: caraway, citrus oils, clove, myrtle, nutmeg, olibanum / Safety Information: can cause skin irritation; moderate dermal toxicity / Main constituents: (Bark oil), Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, benzaldehyde, pinene, cineol, phellandrene, furol, cymene, linalol. (Leaf oil) Eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamaldehyde, benzyl benzoate, linalol.
Cistus (Labdanum or Rock Rose) - Cistus ladanifer (Family, Cisgaceae) - Spain - An excellent fixative in perfumery, used in some expensive brands. Helpful in meditation and counseling - has calming, stress reducing and mood uplifting properties. Cistus is a good choice as an addition to a lymph drainage massage blend,and, in a warm compress, is said to be an effective treatment for swollen lymph glands. / Source: resin / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, toning, soothing / Traditional use: aroma fixative, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, cypress, juniper berry, lavender, olibanum, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver.
Citronella - Cymbopogon nardus L, Andropogon nardus (Family, Poaceae [Gramineae]) - Indonesia - Light, fresh and uplifting oil, obtained from the grass, it is a natural deodorizer, and is useful as an insect and cat repellent. / Perfume Note=Top / Source: aerial parts / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: soothing aroma type: citrus / Traditional use: insect repellent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, lemon, orange, lemongrass.
Clary Sage - Salvia sclarea, (Family, Lamiaceae [Labiatae]) - Bulgaria / Russia - With a warm, nutty, herbaceous scent, Clary has uplifting and relaxing properties. It encourages sleep and is said to promote dreaming. Soothes, relaxes and warms. uplifts the spirit. Contains a hormone-like compound similar to estrogen that regulates hormonal balance. Massage on muscles and on abdomen before and during menstruation. Induces feeling of well-being. Helpful with oily hair and skin, dandruff and treating wrinkles. Sensual properties. / Perfume Note=Top/Middle / Source: flowering tops, Morocco / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: balancing, calming, toning / Aroma type: herbaceous / Skin type: normal to combination / Traditional use: skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, aphrodisiac, muscle relaxant / Blends well with: cedarwood, labdanum, citrus oils, lavender, lavandin / Safety Information Do not use during pregnancy. Do not drink alcohol or drive. / Main constituents: Linalyl acetate, linalol, pionene, myrcene, sclareol, phellandrene.
Clove Bud - Eugenia caryophyllata Thumb., Syzygium aromaticum, E. aromaticia, E. caryophyllus (Family, Myrtaceae) - Madagascar - An antiseptic and stimulating oil useful in mouthwash and gargle. Comforting rubbed onto gums, traditionally used to relieve toothache. Could be an effective mosquito repellent. CAUTION: Clove is a powerful skin irritant and should be used carefully. Do not use during pregnancy. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: flowers / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating, energizing / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent / Blends well with: basil, black pepper, cinnamon, citronella, grapefruit, lemon, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, rosemary, rose / Safety Information: use ½ recommended dilution or less; can cause skin irritation / Main constituents: (Clove bud) Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene. (Clove Leaf) Eugenol, some eugenyl acetate.
Coriander - Coriandum sativum (Family, Apiacea [Umbelliferae]) - Russia - A sweet-smelling, spicy essence. It makes a good massage blend to relieve stiffness and muscle ache. In the bath it is refreshing and stimulating. Warning Due to its slight toxicity this oil should be used sparingly. / Perfume Note=Top / Source: seeds / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: warming, stimulating / Aroma type: spicy / Traditional use: muscle relaxant, deodorant, soothing agent, aphrodisiac / Blends well with: bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon, citronella, cypress, galbanum, ginger, jasmine, lemon, neroli, orange / Main constituents: Linalol, decylaldehyde, borneol, geraniol, carvone, anethole.
Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens (Family, Cupressaceae) - Spain - Cypress is a soothing oil that eases aches and pains and coughs. It has a sweet, smoky, balsamic odor. With its smoky woody fragrance it refreshes, restores and tones. An astringent oil useful for refreshing and caring for oily and blemished skin, As an antiperspirant it is good for sweaty feet. Massage on abdomen during menstruation and where there is cellulite. Good menopausal oil. Natural deodorant. Blends well with Lavender and Sandalwood. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: leaves and stem / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating / Aroma type: coniferous / Skin type: oily, blemished / Traditional use: insect repellent, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, soothing agent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood / Safety Information: FLAMMABLE / Main constituents: Pinene, champhene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol.
Cypress (organic) - Organic Cupressus sempervirens (Family, Cupressaceae) - Spain - Cypress is a soothing oil that eases aches and pains and coughs. It has a sweet, smoky, balsamic odor. With its smoky woody fragrance it refreshes, restores and tones. An astringent oil useful for refreshing and caring for oily and blemished skin, As an antiperspirant it is good for sweaty feet. Massage on abdomen during menstruation and where there is cellulite. Good menopausal oil. Natural deodorant. Blends well with Lavender and Sandalwood. / Perfume Note=Middle / Source: leaves and stem / Production method: steam distillation / Aromatherapy class: stimulating / Aroma type: coniferous / Skin type: oily, blemished / Traditional use: insect repellent, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, soothing agent, skin conditioner / Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood / Safety Information: FLAMMABLE / Main constituents: Pinene, champhene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol