ZESTY AND REFRESHING SCENTS

Bergamot
botanical name Citrus bergamia
family Rutaceae
The essential oil of this ornamental citrus tree is expressed from the peel of the inedible fruit. The oil is used in eau de Cologne, and the leaves are used to flavour Earl Grey tea.

properties antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, calming

uses body eases digestive problems, useful in treating oily skin
mind combats grief, anxiety, depression
spirit increases self-confidence

cautions do not expose the skin to sunlight for two hours after using the essential oil

Grapefruit
botanical name Citrus paradis
family Rutaceae
The delicious, large, yellow fruits of this tropical tree are eaten whole or used for their juice. The yellow essential oil is obtained from the peel and is used in perfumery.

properties antidepressant, antiseptic, diuretic, digestive, stimulant, tonic
uses body effective in treatment of oily skin, cellulite, obesity
mind alleviates depression, melancholy
spirit uplifts and revives

cautions use the essential oil within six months, seek medical advice before using if taking immuno-suppressant drugs

Cypress
botanical name Cupressus sempervirens
family Cupressaceae
Some of these tall, evergreen conifers are believed to be more than 3000 years old. The essential oil is distilled from the tree's leaves, cones and twigs while the durable wood is used in furniture making and ship building.

properties antibacterial, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, astringent, calming, deodorant

uses body aids respiratory disorders, asthma, tickly coughs, improves greasy hair and skin, acne, acts as hormone regulator for menstrual problems
mind eases grief, insomnia, mental sluggishness
spirit soothes in stressful times of transition, particularly during difficult change such as a divorce or bereavement

cautions avoid using the essential oil during pregnancy

Juniper
botanical name Juniperus communis
family Cupressaceae
The juniper tree is a small evergreen from the same family as cypress. It has short spiny leaves and blue-black berries from which is distilled the sweetly fragrant essential oil. Juniper berries are also used to make gin.

properties analgesic, antiseptic, detoxifying, digestive tonic, diuretic, purifying, stimulant

uses body aids acne and oily skin problems, cystitis, water retention, cellulite
mind eases guilt, jealousy, emotional exhaustion, insomnia
spirit helps to reconnect with inner vision

cautions avoid the essential oil during pregnancy, do not use with conditions associated with kidney disease

Lemon
botanical name Citrus limon
family Rutaceae
The lemon tree is native to Asia but grows wild in many Mediterranean countries,and is also cultivated in many parts of the world. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and their juice and peel are widely used in cooking. The essential oil is expressed from the fruit's peel.

properties anti-anaemic, antibacterial,anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic

uses body relieves coughs, colds, respiratory infections, combats greasy skin and hair, acts as a detoxicant
mind alleviates sluggishness and indecision, eases depression, apathy and fear
spirit brings freshness, clarity

cautions do not expose the skin to sunlight or a sunbed for two hours after using the essential oil, like all citrus oils, the oil has a short shelf life use within six months

Lime
botanical name Citrus aurantifolia
family Rutaceae
The smallest member of the true citrus family, the lime resembles the lemon, but its fruits are rounder an greener. Today it is extensively grown in Italy and tropical America. The oil is expressed from the fruit's peel.

properties antiseptic, astringent, restorative

uses body relieves pain from insect bites, acts as a detoxicant and appetite stimulant, reduces greasy skin and scalp
mind relieves listlessness, depression
spirit uplifts the spirits

cautions do not expose the skin to sunlight or a sunbed for two hours after using the essential oil, use the oil within six months

Orange
botanical name Citrus sinensis
family Rutaceae
Native to China, oranges were probably known to the Ancient Greeks and may have been the mythical Golden Apples of the Hesperides, and today the evergreen tree is cultivated in many parts of the world. Oranges have a long tradition in both therapeutic and culinary use. The golden yellow essential oil is obtained from the peel.

properties antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, sedative, tonic, mellow, warming

uses body improves poor circulation, eases indigestion, colds and flu
mind helps alleviate depression, sadness, nervous tension, stress related disorders
spirit restores optimism, enthusiasm and joy, encourages spontaneity

cautions as with other citrus oils, do not expose the skin to sunlight or a sunbed for two hours after using the essential oil, may cause dermatitis

Pine
botanical name Pinus sylvestris
family Pinaceae
The pine tree grows widely throughout northern Europe and Russia. This tall tree has a reddish, fissured bark and long stiff needle-like leaves with brown cones. The essential oil comes from the leaves, while the dried bark and cones can be used in potpourri.

properties analgesic, antibacterial, anti fungal, strongly antiseptic, deodorant, cleansing
uses body fights respiratory tract infections, hay fever, cystitis, rheumatism
mind eases melancholy, pessimism, fatigue
spirit inspires and revitalizes, cleanses and opens up the aura

cautions no known contraindication