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.
Aromatherapy: Properties of Frankincense Oil
Resins collected from the bark of the tree called boswellia carteri are used to produce this ancient scent. The resin, as it is collected, is in hard, pebble-like droplets. To produce the oil, these bits of resin are steamed, thereby producing the essential product.
Continue reading Aromatherapy: Properties of Frankincense Oil
Aromatherapy: Properties of Honeysuckle Oil
Visions of childhood years of running along the hedges abundantly starred with the sweet white and yellow flowers—awaken with the scent of honey-suckle. The taste of the tiny blossoms’ sweet nectar is not unlike the sweetness of the fragrance they carry.
Continue reading Aromatherapy: Properties of Honeysuckle Oil