Latin Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum Everyone recognises the familiar aroma of sweet cinnamon which triggers memories of baked pastries and of festive aromas of Easter Hot cross buns and Christmas blends. There are three main oils from the bark or the leaves, and lesser known root oil. Here we discuss the bark oil which is intensely aromatic. This oil can sometimes be confused with Cassia oil which is a different essential oil. The bark oil is extracted by steam distillation of the dried bark yielding a powerful aroma with a sweet warming spicy note that lasts a long time. As it dries out a powdery note remains, this oil lingers and is so impactful that when blending a little is more. Traced back to ancient historical references like the Bible cinnamon is believed to be introduced as with many spices to Europe via the ancient spice and trade routes. Pharmaceutical: Due to its powerful aromatic profile cinnamon is often used to mask unpopular smells and flavours. In Germany it is used in digestive preparations for its soothing, carminative properties. Food & drinks: Widely used in cooking and baking, Cinnamon is also one of the ingredients in popular cold drinks. Inviting aromas of baked Danish pastries, hot cross buns and powdered on custard tarts are smells that entice buyers into the stores. Used in  Teas and infusions to settle digestive upset. Mixologist usually use the actual bark in their drinks and cocktails rather than the oil and infusions are often created with...

Latin Name: Cymbopogon winterianus Intensely refreshing, lemon scented grasses which grow in tropical climates with a root system that can withstand droughts and allow growth in a variety of soil conditions. The long, narrow leaves of the grass are steam distilled to give a sweet, powerfully lemony aroma. The Java citronella has a stronger lemon note than the Sri Lankan citronella and as both grow prolifically this oil is relatively cheap to produce. Perfumery: Traditionally used for its fragrance in perfumes and colognes, it is also used for fragrancing many household products. Often used to adulterate Rose and Geranium oils due to its geraniol content. Cosmetics & toiletries: used in soaps and lemon fragranced products for its cheapness and is also used for its anti-insecticide properties in sprays, candles and other deterrent products. Citronella is antiseptic but can overwhelm a product with its fragrance, so use this oil sparingly. Not often used in aromatherapy, but when used its uplifting refreshing aroma revives nervous exhaustion. Methyl Eugenol content will dictate the use of this oil on the skin.

Native to the Mediterranean Basin, Salvia Sclarea is a perennial flowering herb. It flourishes in high-temperature areas, found growing extensively in Europe, Russia, UK and USA. The oil is extracted from the flowering heads and leaves of the plant, giving a refreshing, fruity, herbaceous, floral, warm aroma profile. Clary sage is rich in esters contributing not only to its fruity aroma but to its relaxing, soothing and sedating properties. It’s refreshing aroma makes it an appealing prospect as a skin balm. It is also used in diffusers during aromatherapy treatment. The oil has numerous therapeutic benefits particularly for women’s health. It also helps with kidney and digestive disorders. Perfumery: Clary Sage is used in cosmetic fragrances, and as a flavouring agent in food and beverages.  Spa: Immensely euphoric yet wonderfully relaxing, clary sage is a great antidepressant, balancing and toning, soothing the mind and easing stresses and tension. Midwifery: Clary sage must not be used during pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus, however it is a brilliant oil to be used during childbirth for that reason.

Latin Name: Eugenia Caryophyllus Clove bud oil is a yellow oil extracted by distillation from the flower buds and has a strong, sweet characteristic clove spicy note. Clove bud oil has a range of Eugenol content between 91-95% which is extremely high so caution is advised when using it in skincare. Cloves were imported to Europe via the spice route in early civilisations  eventually arriving in Zanzibar where the largest clove exports are now from. Classically used in ancient medicines to ward off disease like the orange with clove buds in it during the plagues of the Middle Ages. Renowned for its use to soothe toothache, clove has powerful numbing properties. General: Antiseptic, antimicrobial, deodorising and renowned for its localised numbing effect used in dentistry for toothache, these properties make this oil a must have in the pharmaceutical world. Spa: Due to its irritancy on the skin, it is not usually found in aromatherapy. However, it is used for Festive diffuser blends and are a warming signature fragrance for some Spas. Pharmaceutical: Found in many dental preparations and in muscular liniments for its powerful effect on soothing everyday muscular aches and pains or post injury to numb the area allowing time to rest and recuperate Dentistry: For localised numbing to soothe pain due to toothache. Mouth washes and gargles for maintaining oral health. Due to its strong antimicrobial powers, it is often used to line a cavity before filling. Do not use near children and during pregnancy.

Latin Name: Mentha arvensis Also known as Japanese mint. This is a herb native to Europe, China and Japan, although it presence is now quite widespread. Extracted from the flowering heads and leaves by steam distillation and has a very high Menthol content between 70-95%.  It has a strong, menthol fresh sweet note and is often dementholised to reduce the high menthol content. Pharmaceutical/Medicinal: Used in cough syrups, lozenges because of its menthol content. Found in congestion relieving inhalation products, and muscular ointments and gels for its soothing effect on overworked or painful muscles and joints. Cornmint is primarily used commercially for its menthol yield. Aromatherapy: Use peppermint or spearmint instead. Food &Drinks: Commercially used for flavouring confectionery, chewing gum and liqueurs. Cosmetics & Toiletries: Cornmint is often used in soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, detergents and in cosmetics products where menthol is required. Perfumery: Cornmint is used in industrial fragrancing rather than for general perfumes, although it does have a role in fragrances.

Eucalyptus Globulus Oil comes with great healing power. It is extracted from fresh or partly dried leaves and is steam distilled to yield a fresh camphoraceous cephalic oil.  Eucalyptus globulus is one of 600 species within the Eucalyptus family. The globulus variety is the most common and most recognised Eucalyptus oil. High in 1,8-cineole  which is an activity found within the oil with anti-microbial, antiseptic, expectorant and highly anti-bacterial properties. Refreshing, cleansing, energising Eucalyptus has multiple uses not least using its camphoraceous aroma profile. General: Used in food flavourings, drinks, soaps, gargles and throat lozenges. It is also used in industrial detergents and disinfectants. Not often used in perfumery. Medical: Eucalyptus is used extensively in medicines for inhalation, throat lozenges. It is commonly used across households for cold and flu relief in vaporisers or just as drops on tissues. Spa: Eucalyptus has many therapeutic properties which makes it a popular oil to use in aromatherapy treatments. Use in a footbath with peppermint, mix into a massage blend for sports activities and post exercise, use in diffusers to sterilise a treatment room, refresh and revive changing room.

Latin Name: Eucalyptus Kochii Eucalyptus Horistes is a smaller tree with a canopy of leaves and branches native to Western Australia. It has a grey smooth bark with fibrous rough bark at the base of the tree. The oil has a typical eucalyptus aroma with a strong, refreshing, zingy camphoraceous note, and is steam distilled from the leaves. It is also known as Eucalyptus Borealis and has a high level of 1,8-Cineole in the oil, therefore it is considered to have powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and insecticidal properties. General: A stimulating, deodorising oil used for air purifiers, refreshing pot pourri, insect repellent sprays. Food and Drink: Used for flavouring baked goods, confectionary and beverages due to its spicy cooling taste. Cosmetics/Toiletries: used in creams and lotions for its cooling minty smell. Makes a good anti-mosquito spray or body oil diluted with fractionated coconut carrier  oil. Pharmaceutical: due to its powerful medicinal properties it is often used in cough syrups to suppress coughs, in mouthwashes, for nasal inhalation and in throat lozenges. Spa: Generally used like other Eucalyptus oils but due to its high cineole content it makes great blends to support the respiratory system and the skin, and its cooling sensation makes this an ideal oil for muscular and joint support post exercise.

Latin Name: Pelargonium Graveolens It is believed that Geraniums originated in South Africa, but were then taken and introduced to European countries where the plants are cultivated extensively. Geraniums appear as the signature plant with flowers in many Mediterranean destinations. Cultivation and hybridisation of the original plants occurred, and geraniums are now cultivated for the oils in many countries of the World namely Reunion (known for the Bourbon Geranium), China which is similar to the Bourbon, Egypt and Morocco which yields a very different oil. Geranium oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of Pelargonium graveolens plant. The oil has a yellow, slightly green oil but has a beautiful sweet rosy, herbaceous aroma profile used often to extend the rose note in blends and perfumes. Softer and rounder inn profile than the Bourbon Geranium  which has a more pronounced leafy rosy scent. The Bourbon variety is still considered to be the best in its species, however it depends on what it is used for. General: Geraniums are referred to in many ancient scripts, Discorides mentioned it in Materia Medica, the Romans used them, and it appears in Culpeper’s Herbal remedy book. In olden times it was used medicinally to soothe the smooth muscle of the digestive system, now it is known for different therapeutic effects across a number of industries.  Spa: Geranium oil is to balance oiliness in oily combination and problem skin types, it has diuretic properties which makes it a valuable decongesting addition to slimming body...

Latin Name: Lavandula hybrida var grosso Native to the mountains of Southern France and is now cultivated in Spain, Yugoslavia, Hungary and South America. It is a cross between True Lavender and Spike Lavender with larger vigorous plants with bigger flowering tops that have a higher yield of oil. It is extracted from the steam distillation of the flowering tops, yielding a pale yellow oil with a rich camphoraceous top note and woody, herbaceous base. It has a less floral note than Lavandin Super. General: Lavandin gives a higher yield than true Lavender. Mainly used in the cosmetics and perfumery industries. Spa: Used in the same manner to true Lavender but due to its deeper penetration and warming, stimulating properties it is an ideal oil to support the respiratory, circulatory or muscular systems. Perfumery: Used extensively in Perfumes, eau de toilettes and eau de colognes. Used in soaps, candles, as dried flowers and in household cleaning goods, detergents and room sprays.  

A versatile and multipurpose oil, it is distilled from the flower tops and stalks of Lavandula Angustifolia.  Lavender Oil is one of the oldest essential oils used in fragrances. There are many species used but the most popular are true lavender, spike lavender, lavandin and L. stoechas. Grown predominantly in France and Bulgaria although grown in the UK, Hungary, Northern Africa, Australia, India and Russia. A sweet, fresh, herbaceous, floral aroma which has gentle undertones of wood. The principal constituents that contribute to its properties are its Linalyl acetate and Linalool components. The name Lavender comes from the Latin “Lavare” which means to wash. Encountered by Maurice Gattefosse in his laboratory when he burnt his hand and immediately dowsed his hand in a vat of lavender oil. His hand recuperated at a much faster rate than normal. General: A firm family favourite that can be used diluted by all the family. Antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial, this highly versatile oil is a great oil to diffuse in a bedroom at night for deep restful nights.  A complimentary oil for bath and shower products, soaps, room fresheners, household cleaning goods and furniture polishes. Spa: Powerfully antiseptic makes it the go-to oil for any skin distress, helping the skin to recuperate quickly. Great for supporting healthy skin, harmonising and balancing for nervousness and anxiety, beneficial for respiratory health as well as a great natural remedy for soothing the “Itch” from insect bites and stings. Add to massage blends, facial serums and footbaths. Perfumery:...

Latin Name: Backhousia citriodora Another beautiful, powerful essential oil packed with therapeutic properties that is grown in Australia. It has lemon scented leaves, and these are steam distilled to yield the essential oil. It has a sweet lemony scent and is quite overpowering, so little is more. Citral and citronellol contribute largely to its scent and it has been compared with lemongrass although it is sweeter and lacks any grassiness. At one time, this oil was used for flavouring, but it was soon replaced by less expensive high Citral oils such as lemongrass. During the Second World War it was used to flavour soft drinks and more recently has been adopted by the Australian culinary industry to be used in specific Australian seafood and chicken cuisine. The Aboriginal peoples long used Lemon Myrtle for medicinal and culinary purposes. General: Lemon Myrtle has many properties as an oil but the main ones are antibacterial due to its high citral content, uplifting and mood improving with its lemony scent and soothing to the stomach and digestive system. Food & Drinks: The leaves of the lemon myrtle tree are used as fresh or dried herbs and is now established as a herbal tea or infusion. The leaves have replaced Kaffir lime leaves used in Asian cooking. Used in flavouring soft drinks and foods. Spas: Lemon myrtle has an uplifting, refreshing smell and due to its strong antimicrobial properties, it is used to freshen and sanitise reception areas and therapy rooms. It can cause...

Latin name: Citrus Limon There are many varieties of Lemon cultivated, and is related to lime, bergamot and cedrat. Lemon grows wild in the Mediterranean, in Spain and Portugal and is also cultivated in Sicily, Italy, Cyprus, Israel and USA. Here we refer to the Italian lemon. The oil is extracted by cold expression of the peel and has a fresh, astringent sharp citrus aroma. Astringent, diuretic, highly antibacterial, lemon oil has a high level of limonene which contributes to its antiseptic, refreshing mood improving, tonic to the immune system. Lemon aroma lifts mood and is said to help overcome mental fatigue. Its sharp note is said to also help with focus and concentration. General: Native to South east China. It is believed that Columbus took lemon seeds to the West Indies in 1493. Lemon trees produce fruit all the year around and are an important contributor to many industries. In ancient times, mariners took lemons on their voyages to keep away scurvy, due to their high Vitamin C content. An excellent diffusing oil in sickrooms and offices to prevent “Bugs” from spreading. The Italian source especially Sicilian lemon gives a wonderful rounded, almost cooked lemon meringue note which is loved by perfumers. Spa: Used for diffusing creating a refreshing, uplifting citrus aroma. In Massage blends, it helps to tone the lymphatic system, reducing fluid build up and swelling, acting also on local circulatory vessels to tone capillaries and smaller veins. Cosmetics: As an astringent oil, lemon is used for...

Latin Name: Cymbopogon Citratus  A grass that is heavily scented with lemon aroma also known as West Indian or Guatemalan lemongrass. The plant is widely cultivated but the citratus variety tends to come from Guatamala, Madagascar, Brazil, Malaysia and Vietnam and is thought to be native to Sri Lanka. Lemongrass oil is steam distilled from the fresh or slightly dried long thin leaves. The oil has a strong, green, grassy, citrus odour with an earthy undertone. Lemongrass gives an exotic tropical aroma note to massage blends, fragrances and in culinary dishes. General: Used in traditional Asian medicine for fighting infections  and fevers. Research has found a calming, sedating effect on the Nervous system making this a good oil for stressful conditions and for general relaxation. Antiseptic, mood improving, refreshing, revitalising, relaxing, antimicrobial and a good anti-oxidant. A general toning oil to body and mind. In TCM, the oil is used to soothe digestive disorders, while in India the leaves were macerated into water to create an invigorating hair rinse and a toilet water(EDT) splash. Like it citrus counterpart lemon, it makes a medicinal diffusing blend with eucalyptus, peppermint, niaouli and rosemary. Food & Drinks: Widely used in soft drinks, cocktails (use of the stem of the lemongrass as a stirrer), alcoholic drinks and in Asian foods particularly Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Perfumery: Lemongrass adds a fresh, green tropical note to fragrances and is often used in this industry. Lemongrass oil is often used to isolate Citral and can be...

Citrus Aurantifolia is primarily cultivated in warm climates all over the world. The fruity Lime Oil is extracted from the plant through steam distillation of the peel.  Again as with most citrus oils it has a high terpene content so it shares common properties. It is however the joyous aroma profile of this oil that makes it a popular ingredient of bath and shower products, shampoos, flavouring for both food and beverages, and is used in perfume formulas for both men and women. This is a popular flavour profile in the confectionery industry. Limes were brought into Europe by the invasion of Moors from where it spread to the Americas through settlements and explorers. Generally properties are mood enhancing, antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, soothing to the digestive system and a stimulant to the lymphatic and peripheral circulatory network. Works as a tonic to physical and psychological body. Steam distilled lime is known to be non-phototoxic so safe for use on the skin at all times. General: Similar to the effects of orange on the psyche, Lime oil has a more refreshing and revitalising fruity note, is more stringent in effect and its composition can vary seasonally. As with other citrus fruits such as lemons and grapefruits, its Vitamin C content was used by ancient mariners to prevent and soothe Scurvy. Spa: Lime oil is a wonderful oil for facial treatments particularly for combination, oily and problem skin types, as it reduces the production of sebum. It is an uplifting oil for...

Latin Name: Leptospermum scoparium Manuka oil has in recent years become more well known through the introduction of Manuka honey into the health and wellbeing industry. Access to Australian oils and the lesser known oils of New Zealand was limited. Now the oils and extracts are available to therapists and other industries and except for when natural disasters occur such as the raging bush fires of recent years, these oils have collectively become centre point in the pursuit of health and wellbeing. Manuka is a small tree native to New Zealand. It is the flowers of this small tree that the bees fee on giving rise to Manuka honey. The oil is steam distilled from the flowers, leaves and twigs of Leptospermum scoparium. The aroma is fresh, herbaceous, slightly spicy aroma profile. The oil is harvested from trees growing in the wild, with studies showing that this special oil is stronger than Tea Tree in the some bacterial infections. Antibacterial, soothing for inflamed skin, muscles and tissue, deodorising, stimulating to the immune system, insecticidal and deeply relaxing are just a few therapeutic properties of this very special oil. General: Very much embraced by local Maori tradition for the treatment of skin problems, burns, irritated skin conditions and to this day the honey and oils are used in hospitals, hospices and by Clinical Aromatherapists to help with wound regeneration and stubborn leg ulcers in compresses packed with the honey steeped in the oil. A powerfully. balancing and protective skin oil. Food...

Commonly called Orange Blossom or Neroli Bigarade, this essential oil is water distilledfrom the flowers of the Bitter Orange tree citrus aurantium var amara.The Orange flowers must be distilled straight after picking, to retain freshness andaroma. General: This classic perfumery ingredient brings warmth, light floral scent and providesand inspiring, uplifting feeling. Spa: Gentle antibacterial, skin tonic, soothes nervous tensions and improves mood. 2drops of Neroli blended with a drop of Jasmine and Orange to a spoonful of sunflower oil make for a rich, pleasant uplifting bath for an instant pick me up. Perfumery: Neroli is traditionally used in colognes. It can be used as a top note forreconstitutions of orange blossom or gardenia. When blended with orange blossomabsolute, neroli adds a simple and effective freshness

Nutmeg or Myristica Fragrans fruit has a hard shell protecting the inner kernel or seed. The oil is extracted via steam distillation from the dried kernel. Found naturally in the Far East and West Indies, its tall tree is covered with green leaves and fascinating yellow flowers which have no petals. Its fruits are yellow containing the nut. The outer covering of the nut is a husk called mace used as a spice in cooking.  Nutmeg has a refreshing, warm, spicy aroma note with a sweet and slightly woody base note. High in terpenes, nutmeg has properties that range from soothing everyday aches and pains to provoking deep restful sleep due to presence of Myristin and Licarin-B. It is antiseptic, a general tonic and stimulating circulation and digestion. Myristin is known to have protective properties for the liver. General: As an essential oil it is extensively used in perfumery and pharmaceuticals. It is also a popular natural flavouring agent for baked goods, beverages, syrups and sweets. Perfumery: Nutmeg is found in many male fragrances, for seasonal candles and in some toiletry formulas. Spa: Nutmeg oil needs to be used in moderation in topical applications, but it can be used in antiseptic foot baths before pedicures, as a compress, massage blend at between 0.8%-5% depending on where it is from. For diffuser blends or inhalation it encourages feelings of comfort, calm and inner peace. Do not use nutmeg during pregnancy.

A by-product of the juice industry, Citrus Sinensis is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. The oil is obtained from the rind of orange through a process called Expression (cold pressing). ** Be aware of its mild phototoxicity so do not use it on the skin before going into the sun. General: Its pleasant, uplifting aroma makes it an appealing component for perfumes and household cleaners. It is also used as a flavouring agent in food and beverages. A great oil for children, sweet orange can be diffused in the home to enhance mood, uplift and help with concentration. Spa: Soothes the digestive system,  is an antiseptic and wonderful anti-depressant reminding the user of childhood memories, of sunshine days, and of good times. A stimulating tonic to the circulatory and lymphatic organs. Sweet Orange Oil is known to soothe everyday stresses and strains, and is used in aromatherapy to support anxiety and depression.