The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Sitka Spruce
Sitka spruce’s essential oil chemistry unveils a bit of a different profile as it is heavily tipped with 60% monotepenes and very few esters at only 8%.
The Plant Behind The Oil
This monthly series will introduce you to the plants behind your essential oils! We have a deep love of plants and a passion for natural healing and sustainable living. In this series, we'll share a wealth of knowledge so that you can better understand your essential oils and the beautiful plants they come from.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Hyssop
The humble hyssop is a cheerful, hardy, potently fresh yet pleasantly sweet member of the mint family that has been humans' faithful ally for thousands of years, revered for its wide range of cleansing, health-supportive properties from ancient times to the present day.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Spikenard
Spikenard was highly valued throughout ancient trade routes. It was transported from its native regions in the Himalayas and other parts of Asia to the Mediterranean and Middle East. Its rarity and exotic nature contributed to its high cost and demand.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Nutmeg
Nutmeg can be one of those sleepy oils that is often overlooked in an aromatherapist’s arsenal.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Patchouli
Patchouli oil is extremely important in the perfume industry. Apart from its characteristic heavy, woody, earthy and slightly sweet odor, it has long-lasting and strong fixative properties preventing rapid evaporation of the perfume.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Rose
In researching and writing this month's Plant Behind the Oil, I found at times that I was overwhelmed with information and left wondering how I could do it justice without leaving out any important details.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Atlas Cedarwood
Native Americans traditionally use cedar for smudging and ceremonial sweat lodges, which include rites of preparation, prayer and purification.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Coriander
In the United States, the leaves and stems are called cilantro, while coriander is the name for its dried seeds.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Yarrow
From this day forward I will share with students, “The art of blending is finding that perfect balance, from many different perspectives, while using the least amount of oil for the maximum benefits.”
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Copaiba Balsam
Copaiba oleoresin, or copaiba balsam, has been known for a long time by Brazilian natives for its therapeutic properties.
The Plant Behind The Oil
Plant Behind the Oil-Palmarosa
Our aromatic plants and their volatile oils can provide similar or the same therapeutic benefits they utilize to keep themselves healthy and vital.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Tea Tree
Whether we are looking at this aromatic tree from the gifts it brings via its essential oil or how it was first used by indigenous people we can see the significant role it has played.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Bergamot
Energetically, bergamot is considered exceptionally harmonizing. It has an ability to simultaneously soothe and uplift, and it encourages coherence between the mind, body, and emotions.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Opopanax
Despite its disputed origins, this ancient healing resin has been known and renowned for centuries. Woven within the layers of its vibrant aroma are mysterious and wonderful stories of a tenacious tree sweetly scenting the air of a wild, arid land.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Ginger
This remarkable rhizome has proved its value over thousands of years and firmly established itself in the cuisines and healing traditions of cultures across the globe.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Douglas-fir
Humans have utilized Douglas-fir for centuries, and the native peoples of North America have a long and rich history with these conifers. The trees were appreciated as a source of firewood, construction material, and medicine.
The Plant Behind The Oil
The Plant Behind the Oil: Cardamom
One of the world’s oldest known spices, cardamom, has repeatedly proven its value over the centuries.
The Plant Behind The Oil
Juniper Berry
Juniper has always been esteemed for its protective qualities