Latin Name: Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale

Description: Jasmine is a climbing vine that can grow up to 30 feet high. It has dark green leaves and star-shaped white flowers. The flowers bloom at night, (hence its Indian name ‘queen of the night’), releasing their intoxicatingly fragrant scent. Harvest lasts through the night into the morning, and it is said that an experienced picker can pick 10-15,000 blossoms a night. The absolute is solvent extracted, and it takes about 1000 pounds of flowers to produce 1 pound of absolute.

Countries of Origin: India, Egypt, China and Morocco

Scent: Jasmine has a warm, deep, rich and exotic floral aroma. It blends well with citrus oils as well as sandalwood, bergamot, clary sage and rose.

Properties: Jasmine has a long history in perfumery due to its rich, seductive aroma. It is used to relax, lift depression, boost confidence and energy and assist with sexual problems. It is emotionally warming and uplifting. Jasmine absolute can also be used to help childbirth as it strengthens contractions while also relieving pain.

Precautions: Jasmine is non-toxic, non-irritating and typically non-sensitizing. It should not be used during pregnancy. The scent can be overwhelming if too much is used, so it is best to dilute in very small amounts. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of jasmine absolute. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

Image by wikipedia

Latin Name: Helichrysum italicum

Description: Helichrysum is most commonly known as Immortelle and/or Everlasting. It is a fragrant herb that grows to about 2 feet tall, with long lasting, yellow daisy-like flowers, which dry as the plant matures. There are over 500 species of helichrysum, but only a few of these produce essential oil. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowers and flowering tops.

Countries of Origin: Corsica, Croatia, France, Bosnia, Spain, Italy

Scent: Helichrysum has a sweet, fruity scent with tealike undertones. It blends well with most floral and citrus essential oils, as well as clove and clary sage.

Properties: Helichrysum is an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal oil. It is often used to treat bruises and scars. It is purported to help the body reabsorb blood back into the tissue and making bruises fade and heal very quickly. Psychologically, helichrysum is comforting and soothing and is believed to help improve creativity.

Precautions:Helichrysum is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It should not be used in children under the age of 12. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of helichrysum oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

image by Ben Norvell

Latin Name: Boswellia carterii

Description: Frankincense comes from the very hardy, fragrant Boswellia tree that grows wild in unforgiving environments (sometimes growing directly out of rocks) and can grow up to 25 feet tall. It has small leaves and tiny pink or white flowers. When the tree bark is cut or scraped, a milky-white resin bleeds out and hardens into orange brown ‘tears’. The essential oil is steam distilled from tears.

Frankincense tears

Largest Producing Countries: Ethiopia, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen

Scent: Frankincense has a fresh, woody, balsamic and spicy scent with a citrus top note. It blends well with most floral, woods, spice and citrus essential oils.

Properties: Frankincense is one of the most highly prized essential oils that has been traded for more than 5000 years and is used extensively in perfumery, aromatherapy and in religious rites. The oil is good for slowing and deepening breathing and to relieve fear and anxiety. It is considered helpful to aid meditation and prayer and in stilling the mind. It is recommended for use with dry, sensitive and mature skins, to help rejuvenate skin tone and prevent wrinkles. It has been useful in treating colds, coughs and sore throats.

Precautions: Frankincense is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of frankincense oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Description: Eucalyptus globulus is also known as Australian blue gum or fever tree. This evergreen tree can reach up to 200 feet tall. There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus trees, and 20 of those are harvested for essential oils. Eucalyptus trees have long, narrow blue-green leaves and creamy white flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs.

Largest Producing Countries: Australia, Brazil, and Spain

Scent: Eucalyptus has a distinct fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous, woody scent. Eucalyptus blends well with other wood and herb essential oils, particularly lavender and lemon.

Properties: Eucalyptus is one of the most familiar essential oils, often used as a decongestant, to clear stuffy heads and relieve headaches through inhaling and in vapor rubs. Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, so it is often used to treat respiratory problems. It is also great to use as an insect repellant and treating insect bites. Stimulating and refreshing, it is used to clear the mind and promote concentration. Helps neutralize odors, which is why it’s a natural choice to include in our Pedicure Prep Set.

Precautions: Eucalyptus oil should be avoided while pregnant and for those with high blood pressure and epilepsy. Excessive use may cause headaches. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Vintage Body Spa Products with Eucalyptus Oil: Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Salt Soak, Whipped Sugar Scrub and our Pedicure Prep Set.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of eucalyptus oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy

Latin Name: Anethum graveolens

Description: Dill is a perennial herb that grows to approximately 2 feet high with thin stems and delicate white or yellow flowers grouped in umbels. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves, stems and seeds of the plant.

Largest Producing Countries: Italy, France, Germany and Spain

Scent: Dill has a fresh, warm and spicy scent. It is very similar to caraway. Dill blends well with citrus oils, nutmeg and caraway.

Properties: Dill has been used since ancient times to ease digestive issues, calm nervous tension and sweating as well as promote healing of wounds. Add dill oil to a carrier oil to create a post-meal massage oil. Rub the oil blend in clockwise motions across the abdomen to ease stomach upset or constipation. Dill has also been used to stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers. Dill oil is also used to combat nervous tension and overwhelm.

Precautions: Dill is considered to be non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, but should not be used during pregnancy. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of clary sage oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

Clary Sage image via Wikipedia

Latin Name: Salvia sclarea

Family: Lamiaceae

Description: Clary sage is an herb that grows to approximately 1.5 feet high with large, hairy purple leaves with many small violet or white flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and the flowering tops.

Countries of origin: United States, England, France, Russia and Morocco

Scent: Clary sage has musky, nutty, herbal top notes and floral undertones. It blends well with citruses and woody scents.

Properties: Clary Sage is a euphoric essential oil that can create an almost drug-like ‘high’. It has strong antidepressant properties, and is often used to combat depression, nervousness, anxiety and stress. Clary Sage is probably best known for its use in regulating menstruation and relieving menopausal symptoms. Midwives and doulas sometimes recommend using clary sage in massage oil during early labor. It can also be used to assist in meditation and promote vivid dreams.

Precautions: Non-toxic, non-sensitizing. Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use clary sage while drinking alcohol as it can exaggerate the effects of alcohol. Overuse of clary sage may cause a headache. Because it has estrogen-like compounds, it is not recommended with estrogen-dependent types of cancer. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of clary sage oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

image via Wikipedia

Latin Name: Citrus bergamia

Family: Rutaceae

Description: Bergamot is named after the city of Bergamo, Italy where most of its trade originated. The tree can grow up to 13 feet tall and bears small, inedible (because they are sour and bitter) citrus fruits. Bergamot essential oil is expressed from the peel of the almost-ripe fruit. It takes about one hundred fruits to make 3 ounces of essential oil.

Countries of origin: Italy, Mediterranean countries and United States (California)

Scent: Bergamot has sweet, lemony top notes with warm, floral and spicy undertones. It blends well with other florals and citruses. Some may recognize the scent as it is used in Earl Grey Tea.

Properties: Bergamot is called a ‘sunny’ essential oil and may help to reduce anxiety, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The oil is cheering, calming and uplifting. Bergamot oil is also the go-to essential oil for treating urinary tract infections because it has antiseptic properties. Some also use it to regulate appetite or in facial creams to help with oily skin and acne.

Precautions: Do not use if you have very sensitive skin. With any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Phototoxicity: Bergamot oil may cause photosensitivity, which means it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds after using products containing phototoxic ingredients can lead to irritation. It is best to avoid exposure to strong sunlight or tanning bed rays for 24 hours after using products containing this essential oil.

Vintage Body Spa products containing Bergamot Oil: Our Whipped Sugar Scrub in Lavender Bergamot is a calming blend of these two wonderful essential oils.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of bergamot oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

photo by kellysblues

Latin Name: Pimpinella anisum

Description: Aniseed is a slow growing, annual herb from the parsley family which grows to about 1 1/2 feet high. The seeds are often used in flavoring, particularly in the liquor industry. The essential oil is steam distilled from dried and crushed seeds.

Countries of origin: Anise is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and western Asia regions. It is now widely cultivated mainly in Spain, India, Europe, Russia, Mexico and Egypt.

Scent: Anise has as spicy, sweet, licorice aroma.

Properties: Anise has been used to promote calmness and relieve stress. This is because one of its compounds is anethole, which is a phytoestrogen and is chemically similar to amphetamines. In the first century A.D., Pliny recommended anise to encourage milk production. Many aromatherapists recommend anise to ease menopausal symptoms. Anise oil has also been used as a cough expectorant and to ease dry coughs. Hunters and fishermen use anise oil to mask their scent and some say fish are attracted to the scent of anise.

Precautions: Anethole is an estrogen-altering compound, which may trigger hormonal changes or preterm labor, so this oil should be avoided by pregnant women. Anise may also cause skin sensitivity or irritation, so use caution.

Image via Wikipedia

Latin Name: Mentha Spicata

Description: Spearmint is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region that grows approximately three feet high. The leaves are bright green, are sharply serrated and have pink or light purple colored flowers. The oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the herb.

Countries of origin: Although native to the Mediterranean region, it is now common throughout Europe, western Asia and the Middle East. The oil is produced in Europe (Hungary, Spain, and Russia), China and America (Midwest).

Scent: Spearmint has a fresh, minty, aroma.

Properties: Refreshing and comforting, Spearmint oil has been used to promote relaxation and relieve mental fatigue. The oil is also slightly antiseptic. Spearmint oil has also been used for respiratory issues as well as for the digestive system.

Precautions: Spearmint oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.

Vintage Body Spa products containing Spearmint Oil: Salt Soak in Eucalyptus Spearmint, Daily Moisturizing Lotion in Eucalyptus Spearmint or Mojito (Spearmint & Lime essential oil blend), Butter Bar in Double Mint and Mojito Soap.

What is your favorite use for spearmint oil? What other essential oils do you like to blend with spearmint oil?

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as long as we live.”
– Mortimer Adler

I’m excited to start my training for aromatherapy certification this week, so I can offer customers additional products and services to meet their needs using essential oils. What are you doing this week to learn and grow, both personally and professionally? I look forward to hearing your answers!