Spermint (Mewntha spicata)

Plant description
A hardy perennial herb with green lance shaped leaves and sharp serrated edges. Underground runners enable this herb to be easily propagated. The flowers are pink or lilac coloured and appear on cylindrical spikes.

History
Used throughout history as a culinary herb for its help in settling the digestive system. Ancient Greeks used spearmint to scent bathwater to freshen the senses. Applied to the forehead and temples to ease headaches throughout Europe.

Botanical Family

Lamiaceae

Key constituents

L-carvone (50-70%) dihydrocarvone, phellandrene, limonene, menthone, menthol, cineol, linalol and pinenes.

Main therapeutic properties
Anesthetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stomachic.

Main therapeutic uses

Congested skin, acne, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, fevers, headaches, migraine, nervous tension.

Blends well with

Lavender, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Basil & Rose Not suitable to use with homeopathic remedies.

Additional information
The oil is produced from the flowering tops of the Spearmint plant and is a pale yellow or 'olive' colour with a spicy minty scent. Very similar properties to Peppermint but is a milder version and more suitable for use with children and during pregnancy. Widely used as a flavouring compound for toiletries, toothpaste, confectionary and chewing gum.

Spearmint has a cooling effect on the skin and a fresh deodorising scent, excellent to use with body scrubs and for massage on a hot day to cool and freshen.

http://ellwoodsofdumfries.co.uk/acatalog/Essential_P_Z.html

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Plant description
A tall evergreen tree up to 30 foot high. The young trees have a bluish-green oval leaves while the mature trees develop long, narrow leaves. Creamy white flowers and a smooth pale grey bark often covered with a white powder.

History
A traditional household remedy in Australia, the leaves and oil are used especially for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and croup, the dried leaves are smoked like a tobacco for asthma. The Aboriginal people used the burning leaves in the form of a fumigation for the relief of fever.

Botanical Family
Myrtaceae

Key constituents
Cineol (70-80%) Pinene Limonene Cymene Phellandrene Terpinene Aromadendrene among others

Main therapeutic properties
Analgesic, Antineuralgic, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Balsamic, Decongestant, Deodorant, Depurative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hypoglycemic, Parasiticide, Rubefacient, Stimulant, Vermifuge, Vulnerary

Main therapeutic uses
Burns, blisters, insect bites, insect repellent, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, cystitis, flu & colds.

Blends well with
Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Pine, Peppermint, Cedarwood and Lemon

Safety data
Externally non toxic and non irritant and in dilution non sensitizing.
If taken internally this oil is toxic and as little as 3.5ml has been reported as fatal.
Do not use with homeopathic remedies.

Additional information
There are several species of Eucalyptus which we will cover over the next few months. Often used a drop at a time on the pillow at night to help relieve stuffy noses and aid breathing whilst asleep.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)

Plant description
A tall evergreen tree with glossy leaves and large yellow fruits.

History

The nutritional qualities of citrus oils have been known for many years. High in Vitamins A, B, and C they are often used as protection against infectious illness, colds and flu. All citrus oils are considered in Chinese medicine to be ‘cooling’. Grapefruit contains Furocoumarins but is not a photosensitiser as other components of the oil have a neutralising effect, so can be used when skin is likely to be exposed to the sun. An uplifting oil, non sedative and mentally stimulating, an excellent choice to combat depression and lethargy in the winter months.

Botanical Family

Rutaceae

Key constituents
Mainly Limonene (90%), cadinene, paradisiol, geraniol plus esters, coumarins and furocoumarins.

Main therapeutic properties

Antiseptic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, stimulant (lymphatic, digestive), antidepressant, diuretic, antiviral.

Main therapeutic uses

Acne, oily skin, skin tonic, Cellulitis, muscle fatigue, obesity, water retention, colds & flu, depression, headaches & nervous exhaustion.

Blends well with
Lemon, Bergamot, Orange, Rosemary, Cypress, Lavender, Geranium, Rose Geranium, Palmarosa Rosewood, Frankincense, Juniperberry and Ylang Ylang.

Safety data

Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising and non-phototoxic.

Additional information

Grapefruit as with other citrus oils oxidises quickly so has a short shelf life. Buy in small quantities and we recommend using within six months.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Plant description

A small tree or shrub with abundant pinnate leaves and white or pale pink flowers. It yields a natural oleo gum resin from which the oil is distilled.


History
Used since antiquity as an incense in India, China and in the West by the Catholic Church. Frankincense induces deep breathing and therefore has a peaceful effect on the body and mind which is why it has been used in meditation for so long. In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks, cosmetics and perfumes. It has been used medicinally in the East and West for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Botanical Family

Burseracea

Key constituents
Mainly monoterpene hydrocarbons, notably pinene, dipentene, limonene, thujone, phellandrene, cymene, myrcene, terpinene. Also octyl acetate, octanol, incensole among others.

Main therapeutic properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Cytophylactic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Sedative, Tonic, Uterine, Vulnerary.

Main therapeutic uses
Mature and dry complexions, scar tissue, wounds, wrinkles, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, anxiety, nervous tension, stress related conditions.

Blends well with
Sandalwood, Pine, Vetivert, Geranium, Lavender, Mimosa, Neroli, Orange, Bergamot, Camphor, Basil, Black Pepper, Cinnamon. Frankincense modifies the sweetness of citrus blends.

Safety data
Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising and non-phototoxic.
Best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Additional information
Frankincense has the ability to slow down and deepen the breath which is very conducive to prayer and meditation. The gum and oil are used as a fixative and fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes especially oriental and men’s fragrances. It is used in some pharmaceuticals such as liniments and throat pastilles.
For some years it was increasingly difficult to obtain good Frankincense because drought had caused the desert to spread into the marginal lands throughout Somalia which is the natural habitat of the Frankincense tree. Also war in the producing areas had made the collection of raw resin increasingly difficult.
There are other varieties of Frankincense available such as Boswellia thurifera from India and Boswellia serrata from Nigeria which both provide an excellent oil.

Sandalwood (Santalum Austrocaledonicum)

Plant description

A small evergreen parasitic tree with a brown grey trunk and smooth slender branches.

History

One of the oldest perfume materials with at least 4000 years of use. Often used in traditional incense, perfume and as an embalming oil throughout the East. Wood is often used in building temples and for cremations. In India Sandalwood is mixed with Rose oil to produce the famous Aytar scent.

Botanical Family

Santalaceae

Key constituents

Santalols, santene, teresantol, santalene, bergamotol, lanceols, nuciferolsMain therapeutic propertiesAnti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, insecticidal, sedative.

Main therapeutic uses

Acne, dehydrated skin, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, nausea, cystitis, depression, insomnia, nervous tension and stress related conditions.

Blends well with

Rose, Violet, Clove, Lavender, Black Pepper, Bergamot, Rosewood, Geranium, Labdanum, Benzoin, Vetivert, Patchouli, Myrrh and Jasmin.

Safety data

Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising.

Additional information

Sandalwood from India is severely restricted and has become difficult to obtain a good quality oil that has not been adulterated. Other varieties are available but care should be taken in choosing as East Indian Sandalwood (Amyris balsamifera) bears no botanical relation to the Santalum family.Sandalwood produced on the Vanuatu Islands (Santalum Austrocaledonicum) is produced with both ethical concerns for the local people and environmental issues to ensure the minimum of damage is caused whilst producing a high quality oil from sustainable sources.