EXOTIC AROMAS

Black Pepper
botanical name Piper nigrum
family Piperaceae
Cultivated in India and Malaysia, the ripe red berries of this climbing vine are picked and dried, turning them black. Peppercorns are used both whole and ground or distilled to produce the essential oil.

properties analgesic, antidepressant, expectorant

uses body relieves coughs, colds, poor circulation
mind eases suppressed anger, relieves indifference
spirit brings courage, renews enthusiasm

cautions can cause skin irritation


Cinnamon
botanical name Cinnamomum zeylanicum
family Lauraceae
The inner bark of this tropical tree is dried to produce quills of cinnamon spice. Both the leaves and the bark produce an essential oil.

properties anti fungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, circulatory stimulant, digestive

uses body revives sluggish digestive, lymphatic and/or circulatory system, helps fight infections of the skin
mind relieves mental fatigue and aids concentration
spirit awakens the body and mind

cautions the bark oil cannot be used on the skin, the leaf oil can be but in concentrations of 0.5 per cent or less, avoid during pregnancy

Cloves
botanical name Syzgium aromaticum
family Myrtaceae
Native to the Molucca Islands, the brilliant red flower buds of this slender, evergreen tree turn red-brown when dried. The essential oil is distilled from the buds, leaves and stalks, and the dried buds are used in infusions and cooking.

properties analgesic, antibiotic, anaesthetic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral

uses body useful as preventive treatment for colds and flu, clears blocked sinuses
mind eases mental fatigue and mental restlessness, assists concentration
spirit promotes sense of well being

cautions can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, use the oil in low concentrations, as a vaporizer, avoid use during pregnancy

Eucalyptus
botanical name Eucalyptus globulus
family Myrtaceae
Native to Australia, the leaves of these trees have traditionally been smoked to alleviate asthma, and bound onto wounds to help them heal. The essential oil is distilled from the leaves.

properties analgesic, anti-infectious, antiseptic, decongestant, digestive stimulant

uses body fevers, infectious illness, respiratory conditions, coughs, colds
mind extreme mood swings, mental exhaustion, poor concentration
spirit creates a feeling of freedom and space

cautions do not use with young children, or if suffering from high blood pressure or epilepsy, do not use in higher concentration than 1 per cent, may counteract homeopathic remedies

Frankincense
botanical name oswellia carteri
family Burseraceae
These pink-flowering trees grow in north-east Africa and Arabia. The tree exudes a white serum, which solidifies on exposure to the air. These solid "tears" are distilled for their oil.

properties analgesic, antiseptic, anticatarrhal, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, energizing

uses body relieves asthma and respiratory tract disorders, rejuvenates aging skin
mind eases anger, anxiety, nervous tension
spirit awakens the soul to higher levels of consciousness

cautions no known contraindications

Ginger
botanical name Zingiber officinale
family Zingiberaceae
Native to Asia, the essential oil is distilled from the creeping rhizome of this herb, which is also used both fresh and dried in the kitchen.

properties analgesic, anticatarrhal, digestive stimulant, expectorant, general and sexual tonic

uses body reduces flatulence, constipation, warms stiff joints
mind combats self-doubt, emotional coldness
spirit builds self-confidence

cautions possible skin irritant, should not be used in higher concentration than 1 per cent

Myrrh
botanical name Commiphora myrrha
family Burseraceae
This small tree grows in the deserts of Africa and Arabia. The wood secretes a resin that hardens into small "tears" on exposure to the air, from which is produced the essential oil.

properties anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, cooling, expectorant, sedative, tonic

uses body promotes healthy teeth and gums, eases throat and mouth inflammation, aids in skincare
mind helps in states of heated emotion
spirit soothes and calms, expands awareness

cautions avoid during pregnancy

Nutmeg
botanical name Myristica fragrance
family Myfisticaceae
Grown in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, the ripe fruits split open to reveal the kernel (nutmeg) wrapped in its net-like arils (mace). The nutmeg and mace are used dried in cooking. The oil comes from crushed nutmeg.

properties analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, stimulant, tonic, warming

uses body revives sluggish digestion, eases nausea, vomiting, bad breath
mind relieves tension, sexual inhibitions
spirit aids intimacy with loved ones

cautions avoid during pregnancy, always use in concentrations of 0.5 per cent or less, over-use can cause nausea, hallucinations and stupor

Sandalwood
botanical name Santalum album
family Santalaceae
This slow growing evergreen tree is native to India, where it is a protected species. When the nature trees are cut down, termites are used to remove the sapwood, leaving the fragrant heartwood, which produces the essential oil.

properties anti-infectious, diuretic, immune stimulant, moisturizing, sedative

uses body combats urinary infections (such as cystitis), acts as a digestive aid, relieves nausea
mind alleviates fear, guilt, insomnia and stress
spirit uplifts and revives, aids dreaming

cautions inhalation may cause drowsiness, avoid alcohol consumption before or after use

Tea tree
botanical name Melaleuca alternifolia
family Myrtaceae
This small yellow-flowered tree is native to Australia, and was long used by the Australian Aborigines for its many medicinal properties

properties analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, immune stimulant

uses body helps in the treatment of respiratory disorders, Candida albicans (thrush), infected wounds
mind eases shock, nervous exhaustion
spirit strengthens and protects, deeply cleansing

cautions no known contraindication