The plant is harvested in midsummer, left to dry for a couple of days to maximize the aroma, then distilled. Wild French lavender, grown at high altitude — over 2, 800 feet — is categorized as “true” French lavender, particularly when grown in the Alpes de Haute region of Provence. Generally in France, lavender grows above 1, 650 feet. Today lavender is grown in many countries, each version having somewhat different properties. The ancient Greeks, Persians, and Romans burned lavender in rooms where people were sick. The word lavender is derived from the Latin word lavera, “to wash, ” because the Romans used the flowers in their baths.

• Principal places of production France, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, China, Russia, Tasmania
• When buying look for Colorless to yellow-tinged liquid with a fresh, soft, floral, herbaceous aroma
• Therapeutic properties Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antivenomous, calmative, cicatrizing, cytophylactic, sedative, soporific, spasmolytic, vulnerary
• Therapeutic uses Inflammatory conditions, skin infection, wounds, cuts, grazes, rashes, itching, stress-related eczema, nervous psoriasis, sunburn, burns, muscular spasm, muscular contraction, abdominal cramp, headache, migraine, insomnia, nervousness and related conditions, acne, pimples, insect bites, stress, tension, anxiety, tension, panic; insect deterrent Blends well with: Basil linalol, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile german, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, ginger, ginger lily root, grapefruit, greenland moss, immortelle, juniper berry, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, manuka, marjoram (sweet), melissa, myrtle, niaouli, orange (sweet), oregano, palmarosa, petitgrain, pine, plai, ravensara, ravintsara, rose maroc, rosemary, rose otto, spearmint, spikenard, spruce, tangerine, tea tree, thyme linalol, valerian, vetiver, yarrow Precautionary advice: No contraindications known. GRAS status.
• Blends well with Basil linalol, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile german, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, ginger, ginger lily root, grapefruit, greenland moss, immortelle, juniper berry, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, manuka, marjoram (sweet), melissa, myrtle, niaouli, orange (sweet), oregano, palmarosa, petitgrain, pine, plai, ravensara, ravintsara, rose maroc, rosemary, rose otto, spearmint, spikenard, spruce, tangerine, tea tree, thyme linalol, valerian, vetiver, yarrow
• Precautionary advice No contraindications known. GRAS status

Bergamot is the main flavoring in Earl Grey tea. It’s also widely used in eau de cologne. It was named after the north Italian town of Bergamo but is mainly produced in southern Italy. There is an annual herb that is also called bergamot (Monarda didyma) but is unrelated to bergamot essential oil. “FCF” indicates the oil is bergapten- or furocoumarin-free.

• Principal places of production Argentina, United States, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Greece, South Africa, China
• When buying look for A pale-yellow to faintly greenish liquid with a sweet, light, fruity, fresh citrus aroma
• Therapeutic properties Anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, calmative, carminative, cicatrizing, circulatory, depurative, digestive, diuretic, hemostatic, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge
• Therapeutic uses Digestive problems, loss of appetite, detoxifying, cellulite, bronchial conditions, influenza, sore throats, laryngitis, acne, skin infections, herpes, abscesses, physical exhaustion, fatigue, debilitation, insect bites, anxious depression, nervous tension, inability to concentrate or focus
• Blends well with Most other essential oils: bay (West Indian), bay laurel, black pepper, cananga, cedarwood, chamomile maroc, chamomile roman, cinnamon leaf, cistus, clary sage, coriander seed, cypress, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus peppermint, eucalyptus radiata, fennel (sweet), fragonia, frankincense, galbanum, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, immortelle, jasmine, juniper berry, lavandin, lavender, linden blossom, manuka, myrtle, orange (sweet), oregano, peppermint, pimento berry, ravintsara, rose absolute, rosemary, rose otto, sage, spearmint, tarragon, tea tree, thyme linalol, vetiver, ylang ylang
• Precautionary advice Expressed lemon oil is a photosensitizer; do not apply to the skin prior to sun exposure. Distilled lemon oil is a nonphotosensitizer. May cause irritation on highly sensitive skin; skin patch test is advisable. GRAS status.

Essential oil of lime is produced in two ways: steam distillation and cold expression. All parts of the lime are widely used throughout the world in cooking. Lime is utilized in the soft drinks and food industry and in perfumes, aftershaves, and deodorants. Lime is indigenous to Asia and was introduced into Europe by Arabian traders, and then into the Americas by the Spanish, probably earlier than the sixteenth century.

• Principal places of production Mexico, Peru, India, Brazil
• When buying look for A colorless to greenish-yellow liquid with a typically fresh, fruity, tangy, citrus aroma
• Therapeutic properties Anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, cholagogue, depurative, digestive, restorative
• Therapeutic uses Digestive problems, loss of appetite, detoxifying, cellulite, throat infection, tonsillitis, sore throat, influenza, lethargy, chronic fatigue, mental exhaustion, intestinal parasites
• Blends well with Bay (West Indian), benzoin, black pepper, cardamom, citronella, clary sage, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus peppermint, geranium, fragonia, frankincense, ginger, juniper berry, lavandin, lemon, manuka, myrtle, nutmeg, orange (sweet), pimento berry, rose absolute, rosemary, sage (Greek), tangerine, tuberose, turmeric, vanilla, vetiver, ylang ylang
• Precautionary advice Expressed lime oil is a photosensitizer; do not apply to the skin prior to sun exposure. Distilled lime oil is a nonphotosensitizer. GRAS status.

Native to northeast Africa and areas of Arabia adjacent to the Red Sea. The tree produces a pale yellow liquid from cuts in its bark, which on contact with air becomes a hard, brittle reddish-brown. The resin is often exported, then distilled in Europe. Myrrh was used by the ancient Egyptians, for embalming and as a medicine and an incense ingredient; the resin has been found in pots placed in burials and tombs. Known as a wound healer for millennia. Famously given as a gift to baby Jesus. Myrrh has been in use as a spiritual fumigant for thousands of years and remains today in the British Pharmacopoeia.

• Principal places of production Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan


• When buying look forA viscous, dark greenish-yellow through amber-brown liquid with a warm, slightly musty, earthy, balsamic aroma. The term sweet myrrh usually refers to the essential oil of opoponax, which is generally not used in aromatherapy.


• Therapeutic properties Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrizing, expectorant, pectoral, vulnerary


• Therapeutic uses Coughs, catarrh, bronchitis, bronchial congestion, wounds, sores, ulcerations, eczema, skin infection, ringworm, scabies, insect bites, parasitic bites, intestinal disorders, excess mucus, gum disease, mouth ulcers, fungal nail infection


• Blends well with Benzoin, black pepper, cajuput, cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile german, chamomile roman, elemi, frankincense, geranium, ginger, greenland moss, hyssop decumbens, lavandin, lavender, lemon, mastic, may chang, myrtle, niaouli, turmeric


• Precautionary advice Avoid during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.

The fragrant flowers of the bitter orange tree are nestled in the leaves and must be carefully hand-picked early in the morning. It takes 220 pounds of flowers to produce 2½ fluid ounces of neroli oil. Highly prized in perfumery. The name neroli was given to the fragrance of orange blossom after it was made fashionable in the seventeenth century by the Princess of Nerola in Italy. Neroli blossom was traditionally used by brides to decorate their hair, as it was associated with purity and marital fidelity. The bitter orange tree, also known as Seville orange, is cultivated for making marmalade and for bitter orange essential oil, which is used in food manufacture and perfumery. The essential oil from the leaves, twigs, and small unripe fruits is called petitgrain.

• Principal places of production Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, France, Egypt
• When buying look for A pale-yellow to golden-yellow liquid that turns darker with age, with a highly radiant, light, sweet, floral aroma
• Therapeutic properties Antidepressant, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, calmative, carminative, cicatrizing, circulatory, cytophylactic, regenerative, restorative, sedative, spasmolytic, tonic
• Therapeutic uses Insomnia, convalescence, indigestion, abdominal spasm, intestinal cramp, stress and related conditions, scar tissue, scarring, skin regenerating, acne, problematic skin, stretch marks, menopausal anxieties, insomnia, sleep disorders, nervousness, depression, tension, emotional exhaustion
• Blends well with Bergamot, black pepper, cananga, cardamom, chamomile roman, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, magnolia leaf, mandarin, orange (sweet), petitgrain, rose otto, rosewood, sandalwood, tangerine, ylang ylang
• Precautionary advice No contraindications known

Some patchouli leaves are distilled fresh; others are left in a pile in the shade so slight fermentation can take place, breaking down the secretory cell walls before distillation. Patchouli leaves used to be placed between the valuable paisley-designed pashmina scarves the British brought back from colonial India in the nineteenth century. Fakes could be identified because they didn’t have the characteristic patchouli aroma.

• Principal places of production India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Madagascar, China
• When buying look for a viscous, dark-yellow to reddish-brown liquid with a rich, earthy, sweet, smoky aroma. The younger oil: a dark-yellow liquid with a rich, sweet, lighter aroma.
• Therapeutic properties Antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, calmative, cicatrizing, cytophylactic, nervine
• Therapeutic uses Fungal infection, parasitic skin infection, ringworm, scabies, mites, scalp infection, problematic skin conditions, sores, abscess, cuts, grazes, insect repellent, insect bites and stings, premenstrual syndrome, depression, moodiness, irritability
• Blends well with Bergamot, black pepper, cananga, cardamom, chamomile roman, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, magnolia leaf, mandarin, orange (sweet), petitgrain, rose otto, rosewood, sandalwood, tangerine, ylang ylang
• Precautionary advice No contraindications known

Rosemary has been used throughout known history, and it appears in all old herbals. It has long been recognized as a plant that can enhance memory. Historically, in Europe, rosemary was widely used at weddings and funerals, while in law courts the herb was placed in the prisoner’s dock as a preventative against “jail fever.”

• Principal places of production France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia
• When buying look for A colorless to pale-yellow, slightly green-tinged liquid with a fresh camphor like, green, woody, herbaceous aroma Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cicatrizing, decongestant, depurative, diuretic, immunostimulant, restorative, spasmolytic, stomachic, stimulant
• Therapeutic properties Antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, calmative, cicatrizing, cytophylactic, nervine
• Therapeutic uses Analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cicatrizing, decongestant, depurative, diuretic, immunostimulant, restorative, spasmolytic, stomachic, stimulant
• Blends well with Basil linalol, basil tulsi, chamomile german, chamomile roman, cistus, citronella, coriander seed, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus radiata, geranium, greenland moss, hyssop decumbens, immortelle, juniper berry, lavandin, lavender, lavender (spike), lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, marjoram (sweet), niaouli, peppermint, petitgrain, ravensara, ravintsara, saro, spearmint, spruce, tangerine, tarragon, thyme linalol, turmeric, ylang ylang
• Precautionary advice Best avoided during preganancy

Native to Australia but now grown commercially elsewhere. The Aboriginal people of Australia have used the medicinal properties of tea tree for untold millennia. Findings of its medicinal properties were first presented to the scientific community by an Australian government scientist, Dr. A. R. Penfold, in 1923. Tea tree oil was so valued by the 1940s that cutters and producers were exempted from military service during the Second World War until sufficient supplies were available to provide all military personnel with a personal supply in their first aid kits.

• Principal places of production Australia, Tasmania, Kenya
• When buying look for Colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a strongly medicinal, slightly spicy, camphorous aroma
• Therapeutic properties Anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, immunostimulant, vulnerary
• Therapeutic uses Bacterial skin infection, parasitic skin infection, respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, wounds, ulceration, pimples, acne, abscesses, head and body lice, fungal infection, athlete’s foot, warts, verrucas
• Blends well with Bergamot, black pepper, chamomile german, chamomile roman, elemi, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus radiata, fragonia, geranium, ho wood, lavandin, lavender, lavender (spike), lemon, manuka, orange (sweet), palmarosa, peppermint, ravensara, rosemary, tangerine
• Precautionary advice May cause irritation

Harvesting takes place every year and a half. First, the grass is cut low to the ground — this will be woven into floor mats, screens, and fans that deter insects. Then the roots are dug up, washed, and dried in the shade before distillation. The roots are extremely numerous, and the plant is very hardy and useful in preventing soil erosion. Small pieces of root are placed between stored clothing to deter insects. This is a very pungent essential oil, and it can easily overpower other essential oils in a blend.

 

Cultivated trees are often cut back to 6 feet so the flowers can easily be reached. Harvesting takes place year round, with each flower hand-picked only when its maturity is signaled by a red tinge at its base. The flowers are picked very early in the morning and distilled immediately. Ylang ylang was native to southeast Asia but is now cultivated in other tropical or subtropical areas, particularly on the island of Nosy Bé and the Comoro Islands, north of Madagascar, and Réunion, to the east, which approaching sailors called “the perfumed isles.” The essential oil has a reputation as an aphrodisiac and has long been a component in some of the most expensive perfumes. Some flowers are processed by fractional steam distillation, resulting in oils of different densities, classed as grades: extra, first, second, and third. Extra grade is produced after two hours of distillation, whereas grade three is the result of up to 20 hours of distillation. The fragrance intensity is strongest in the extra oil, reducing with each grade to third. Complete essential oil results from a single distillation process, which can take up to 10 hours. The essential oil of cananga is produced, usually in Asia, from a tree of the same genus and species as ylang ylang but a different variety. It has an aroma similar to ylang ylang but not as floral, but it is sometimes sold as ylang ylang.