SUMMERTIME SCENTS

Chamomile
botanical name Anthemis nobilis
family Asteraceae
Roman chamomile is native to the British Isles and is a small perennial with feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. The essential oil has a fragrance resembling over-ripe apples. Its action is gentle, soothing and calming, making it suitable for babies. Chamomile flowers are widely drunk in teas.

properties analgesic, anti-anaemic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti neuralgic, antispasmodic, calming and sedative, digestive, diuretic

uses body useful for rheumatic inflammation, indigestion, headaches, menstrual problems
mind can alleviate hysteria, nervous afflictions, fear, insomnia
spirit brings patience and peace, helps to reinstate a feeling of comfort and belonging.

cautions avoid using the essential oil during the first three months of pregnancy

Geranium
botanical name Pelargonium graveolens
family Geraniaceae
With its serrated, heart-shaped leaves and brightly coloured flowers, geranium is a popular household plant. The light green essential oil comes from the aromatic leaves, and has a rose-like aroma. It is often used to dilute the very expensive rose oil in perfumes and other beauty products.

properties analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, deodorant, digestive stimulant, insect repellent, relaxant

uses body use in instances of inflammation,acne, herpes, diarrhoea, varicose veins, urinary tract infections and menstrual problems
mind alleviates grief, anger, moodiness, depression, anxiety
spirit brings order and balance, restores harmony

cautions avoid the essential oil during the first three months of pregnancy

Jasmine
botanical name Jasminum grandiflorum
family Oleaceae
Native to China and India, this creeping vine is a member of the olive family. The plant has dark-green leaves and intoxicatingly fragrant white flowers from which is extracted the essential oil. Jasmine is one of the most expensive perfume ingredients. The flowers are used to scent China tea, and garlands of them are used in the Buddhist religion to symbolize respect.

properties pain reliever, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, uterine atonic, aphrodisiac

uses body beneficial in skincare, particularly of dry and sensitive skin, it also increases skin elasticity, eases period pain and muscular aches and pains
mind helps relieve apathy, indifference, listlessness, post-natal depression, stress-related disorders
spirit liberates imagination, provokes fantasies, releases and encourages inner desires

cautions avoid the essential oil when pregnant

Lavender
botanical name Lavandula angustifolia
family Lamiaceae
This herb is extensively cultivated in England an France. It has grey-green leaves and fragrant blue-violet flowers borne on long spikes. The flowers and stems are used dried and fresh in cooking and in infusions. The essential oil is obtained from the plant's flowering tops. Lavender has been a popular for centuries and is used in a variety of beauty and household products.

properties analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming and sedative, decongestant, tonic, immunity booster

uses body skin rejuvenator, normalizes dry and oily skin, helps psoriasis and eczema, eases high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism
mind eases tension headaches, agitation, anxiety and insomnia, is useful in treatment of depression, fear, grief indecision and emotional conflict, and extreme mood swings
spirit restores peace and tranquility, eases the trauma of change, helps the individual become receptive to new ideas and experiences

cautions avoid using the essential oil during the first three months of pregnancy

Neroli
botanical name Citrus aurantium
family Rutaceae
The essential oil neroli is distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, an evergreen citrus tree native to Asia but nowadays cultivated extensively in the Mediterranean region. The expressed oil is produced in Israel, Cyprus, Brazil and the US. Neroli has a soft, floral fragrance, and is the most costly of the various orange oils.

properties antidepressant, antiseptic, deodorant, digestive, sedative, tonic, aphrodisiac

uses body beneficial in skincare, improves elasticity, is regenerative, aids in the healing of scars, thread veins and the stretch marks of pregnancy
mind relieves hysteria, anxiety, depression, insomnia
spirit calms, aids confidence

cautions no known contraindications for the essential oil

Rose
botanical name Rosa damascena
family Rosaceae
In the Valley of the Roses in Bulgaria, the highly prized damask rose is cultivated. The plant is picked at sunrise to maximize its oil yield, known as rose otto or attar of roses. The oil is distilled from the intoxicatingly fragrant petals. Other varieties of rose are also appreciated for their fragrance, either as fresh or dried flowers, or as slightly cheaper essential oils.

properties antidepressant, antibacterial, astringent, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, sexual tonic, aphrodisiac

uses body balances hormones, regulates menstruation, is helpful in cases of frigidity or impotence, improves the circulation, regulates the heart, rejuvenates and regenerates the skin mind eases guilt, jealousy, grief, resentment, depression, insomnia, tension headaches
spirit heals the heart and emotions, re-establishes connections with loved ones, brings a sense of deep relaxation and inner peace

cautions avoid the essential oil during the first months of pregnancy


Ylang ylang
botanical name Cananga odorata
family Annonaceae
The glossy-leaved evergreen tree is native to tropical Asia. The thick yellow petals yield an exotic oil used in cosmetics, soaps, detergents, lotion, perfumes, foods and drinks.

properties antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming and sedative, aphrodisiac, circulatory stimulant, reproductive tonic

uses body regulates cardiac and respiratory rhythm, relaxes muscles, is a useful tonic of dry hair and scalp, stimulates hair growth, and soothes dry, inflammed skin
mind helpful in cases of irritability, fear, introversion, shyness, stress-related disorders
spirit opens the heart, making deeper understanding possible, creates feelings of peace and warmth

cautions use the essential oil in moderation, excessive use of ylang ylang can lead to nausea and headaches