Often seen in the lapel of the awkward but dashing tuxedoed teen on prom night, this familiar scent is traceable in its oil form to ancient Greece. Its common nature makes it a popular and very affordable essential.
Category: Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy: Properties of Cinnamon Oil
For ages, the scent of this Asian tree bark has graced the culinary shelf as well as the magickal altar. It has been favored as an incense ingredient for centuries and was a highly valued commodity along the early trade routes. With such a rich history, it is unfortunate that many modern-day aromatherapists and magicians have let it slip from their list of ingredients. However, this is not without good reason. Cinnamon oil is perhaps one of the most irritating of all the essentials. Some of the more sensitive of us may find the burning sensation caused by the slightest skin contact nearly unbearable. So, although it is included in this presentation, it is imperative that its properties as an irritant are emphasized. Avoid direct skin contact! Also be aware that, should the skin come into contact with cinnamon oil, wash with cold water. Hot water will open the pores and compound the irritation.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Cedarwood Oil
Originally, cedarwood oil was derived from the Lebanon cedar. However, over time and continued usage, there are not enough of these trees remaining to satisfy the demand. Presently, products are developed in Morocco from the Atlas cedar and in North America from the red cedar.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Civet Oil
Natural civet is derived from the musky secretion of an African cat. Because of cost and the necessity of destroying these animals in order to gain the essential, true civet is not readily available. There are some excellent synthetics, however, that capture the essence of the original. Here it might be noted that, in the application of synthetic oils, it is absolutely crucial to know the quality of your commercial supplier. While many oil providers do not even carry this particular scent, my contacts have uncovered two that do. One version might be a good base oil. Although it captures the spirit of the essence, it is very mild. The other is a powerfully scented blend. Where it might take an entire dram, or 1/8 ounce, of the first variation, the second would be overstated if more than 3 drops are used in an oil formula.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Cypress Oil
The cypress tree from which this essential oil is extracted originated as an oriental plant. Over the years, however, this tree has been cultivated in many lands.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Cyclamen Oil
Cyclamen oil derives from the flowers of the same name. These red, white, or pink blossoms, when pressed into an essential oil, do not enjoy the popularity of many other essentials but the end product has a definite place on the shelf of the experienced magickal aromatherapist. Of the family primrose, cyclamen was once widely used as a love scent but is now more appreciated for its therapeutic virtues. It still survives in some of the old traditional magical formulas, however as an oil of love.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Clove Oil
Another common resident of the kitchen spice rack, clove. It is derived from the dried flower bud of an Asian tree. It is another skin-irritating oil. Although the sensation is not as intense as that of cinnamon, the aromatherapist should be well aware that it could have ill effects if physical contact takes place.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Eucalyptus Oil
This is a scent familiar to anyone who has ever taken a cough drop to allay the symptoms of a cold. It is the famed staple of the koala bear. Like its well-loved devotee, the eucalyptus is native to Australia. It is of the ever-green family and is at home in Australia and Tasmania. Another variation, known as blue gum, thrives in the American soils of Florida and California.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Elderberry Oil
Oil is pressed from the fruit of the elder tree. While there are several plants in the elder family, it is necessary to be aware that there are some important differences between them. This is especially true if one chooses to prepare their own essentials from the raw plant. While the American black elder yields fruit that is accommodating enough to be used in pies and preserves, the berries of the European black elder have laxative properties. The seeds contained within the fruit of the red elder are poisonous.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Galangal Oil
Originating in China, galangal is a relative of the ginger root and very similar to it in its scent, appearance, and properties.