With a history spanning over a century, Tea Tree Oil has seen an immense increase in popularity. Melaleuca Alternifolia is obtained through steam distillation from foliage and terminal branchlets. Tea Tree is an Australian oil. The entire process from sowing to harvest takes around 12-15 months.  Tea tree is highly recommended for its powerful antiseptic, antibacterial properties and is a high terpene content oil making it a useful oil for inhibiting a wide range of micro-organisms. General: Tea tree oil is often added to soaps, mouth and throat gargles, toothpastes and mouthwashes, deodorants, and in general household cleaning goods with disinfectant properties. Spa: Blend a couple of drops of Tea Tree with 1 teaspoon of a carrier/vegetable oil such as Sweet Almond, Sunflower, Coconut or Jojoba to make a highly therapeutic blend which is antibacterial, purifying and supports a healthy respiratory, integumentary and immune system. For podiatrists, chiropodists and hand and feet specialists: Tea tree remains the main player essential oil that can be added to footbaths, creams and lotions for massage, and as a concentrate 2.5% for nail health. For pets: A couple of drops of tea tree oil can be added to shampoos for insect repellent properties and is known to be a good oil for maintaining skin health. Be aware that cats are highly sensitive to essential oils. Never use oils undiluted and proceed with caution. Do not use 100% essential oils on any pets.

Pink/red grapefruit oil is very similar in properties to the white grapefruit oil although pink is more commonly found due to its demand as fruit in the juice industry. The pink grapefruit oil has a sweeter top note than its white counterpart, but grapefruit oils generally recognised for their uplifting, mood improving, stress reducing properties across a wide sector of industries. Like most cold expressed citrus oils, Grapefruit oil has phototoxic effects on the skin in the presence of strong sunlight. General: Extracted from the peel by cold expression, this is a pale yellow oil. In the 18th century, Grapefruit was named the “Forbidden Fruit” and in Barbados it is still considered of one their “Seven Wonders”. In the 19th century it was renamed Grapefruit due to its clusters of fruit on branches which looked similar to clusters of grapes. Spa/Skincare: pink grapefruit is like the white variety, a popular choice as a detoxification oil. It is great in muscular blends to soothe muscle fatigue and stiffness post exercise. As with the white oil, in facial treatments this oil helps with congested, oily and problem skin types, supports rosemary in stimulating healthy hair growth and is a general skin tonic. Food & Drinks: More popular than the white fruit for its juice and flavouring in foods, soft drinks and spirit cordials. Mental Health: Grapefruit as with most citrus oils has very uplifting, mood improving revitalising refreshing aroma properties and is a great oil in combination with bergamot and comforting oils...

High in Vitamin A, B and C, Organic Orange (Citrus sinensis) Oil is an immune boosting gem. The oil is a great antioxidant, a delicate solution, it is also used to create baby care products and anti-ageing formulas. The colour and aroma of the oil make it popular in food formulations as well. Organic Orange Oil is extracted physically from the fruit peel. Food & Drink: Used extensively for flavouring foods, soft drinks, sweets, desserts, ice creams and as tinctures used by bakers and mixologists within the cocktail industry. Spa: an effective mood enhancing oil used in treatments to help with mental health and wellbeing.

Organic farming techniques are adopted to aid the growth of tall and evergreen Eucalyptus trees. The oil is then extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and twigs. This sweet aromatic oil comes with a woody undertone. It is widely used as a component in skin products. It is also used in insect repellents. 

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.

The evolution of Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)has played a massive role in the preservation of whale lives. It was discovered as a substitute for sperm whale oil, putting a stop to killing whales for harvesting the oil. Not strictly an oil but a wax, produced via cold pressing, Jojoba Oil resembles the skin’s natural oil in sebum. Spa: Jojoba is readily absorbed and used by the skin to restructure, to act as a barrier preventing moisture loss without clogging the pores, and to balance the skin’s own sebum flow. It is a useful oil for promotion of a healthy skin particularly where congestion and over productive oiliness is a problem on the face. Jojoba due to its very makeup, supports a healthy acid mantle protective layer on the skin preventing bacterial imbalances. Due to these qualities, it is used extensively in hair and skincare products.  Product manufacturers: The thick butter is used in the production of creams, hand products and hair conditioners.

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.

Cold pressed Camellia Oil (Camellia sinensis) also known as Tea Seed Oil is highly recommended for skin and hair care products. Known as Camellia sinensis, the plant grows in Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, China and Japan. It is extracted from the seeds by cold pressing, it is rich in Vitamin A,B E, Fatty acids, polyphenols, and oleic acid (80%). Product manufacturers: It has great penetration qualities with squalene nourishing and supporting the skin, reaching the roots of hair to provide nutrients improving hair strength and growth. For hair oils it can be used to take nutrients deeper down the hair shaft to maximise therapeutic effects for the hair root. For face creams use Camellia to take actives deeper into the layers of the skin where most needed. Spa: Camellia Oil is a popular component in face creams and hair care products and is an excellent hand and nail emollient. A light oil Camellia makes an excellent facial oil for massage or as a face serum mixed with other carrier and essential oils. It is astringent and does not clog pores. Pets: Make a fine spray to use after your pets bath, spray lightly over skin and fur and massage in, then brush well. Their coats will be shiny and healthy and any irritated skin conditions will improve.

Latin Name: Pinus Sylvestris Also known as Scotch Pine, Norway Pine or Forest Pine. Extracted from the needles, young twigs and some cones as this yields the safest oil for use therapeutically. The heartwood of the tree is used to produce Turpentine. Mentioned in many folklore and ancient herbal medicinal practices, pine shoots were used added to baths to soothe wounds, stimulate sluggish circulation and everyday aches and pains in joints. Said to be used by Native American Indians to add to mattress fillings to ward away fleas and bed mites. Pine oil’s main use is in the maintenance of a healthy respiratory system and after long illnesses as a support to the immune system and for its uplifting, clearing aroma. General: Pine is known to be antimicrobial, antiseptic, decongesting and restorative. It deodorises so is often used in household cleaning products and room sprays.Pine oil has a strong, balsamic turpentine aroma note. Spa: The oil is used with others such as Eucalyptus to add to saunas for its refreshing cleansing note. It is often added to muscular liniments and body blends to support muscular activity by stimulating the circulation of the blood and lymphatics, oxygenating fatigued muscles and removing the by-products of exercise. As a tonic to the respiratory system, to the kidneys and nervous system it is a under rated oil in therapy and this could be because of its over use in household cleaning products. A warming, drying oil it can be used in blends dry out...

Oozing with great qualities for internal and external usage, Organic Sesame Oil has been a popular product for generations. Sesame seeds are rich in zinc, which aids in increasing skin elasticity and cell regeneration. It is also a popular antioxidant, and thus used in massages. The presence of high concentration of Vitamin D, B and E also make it popular in the creation of sun-care products. This organic oil is obtained by cold pressing.   

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...

Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) oil is anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and readily absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, it is able to transport nutrients and supportive actives to the fine circulatory vessels within the deeper skin. It is believed to have natural sun protection, to contain phytosterols Sesamol and Sesamin which act as preservatives, lignans which help balance sebum levels on the skin and high moisturising properties. Sesame oil contains Vitamins A, B E with calcium, magnesium and phosphorus supporting its mineral balance.  Food & Drink: The culinary oil is usually extracted for toasted sesame seeds, which is a heavier more aromatic oil which flavours salads and dishes and can be used for low temperature cooking. Spa:  The oil used in skin and haircare tends to be the non-toasted version which is less heavy and more readily absorbed by the skin with a mild aroma.  Antibacterial, calming and soothing for irritated skins and a superb foot oil dealing with common foot skin issues. Product manufacturers: Use for soap making by infusing the oil with herbal extracts and mixing with other carrier oils for balance.

One of the most popular essential oils in the market, Organic Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is produced by steam distillation. It is an extremely versatile product, and can be utilised for varied applications like cleaning, pet care, massage, skin and hair care formulations. Traditionally, it is known to possess antiseptic, anti-microbial and skin health properties. Additionally, Organic Tea Tree Oil is also known to target problem skin, soothing and improving health and wellbeing generally. Medicinal: Tea Tree has a beneficial therapeutic effect on the respiratory tract issues due to its antibacterial properties. Useful for throat gargles and mouth washes and for inhalation through diffusing or nasal inhalation. Spa: Foot treatments benefit from the inclusion of Tea Tree oil for its properties that protect and soothe foot irritation. Many customers now look for organic oils over the non-organic versions. Certification is essential for the selection of organic essential oils. 

The aromatic rosemary herb is steam distilled to procure Organic Rosemary Oil. It has a refreshing aroma and is a popular component in cosmetics and food. In fact, the oil is believed to be one of the oldest used for culinary purposes. It is a natural antioxidant and has soothing properties for the muscular system.  Rosemary oil is great for clearing mental fog so useful for times of concentration and focus.

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.  

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: 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.

Latin Name: Citrus Paradisi White Grapefruit oil is extracted by cold expression of the peel of the fruit. The oil has a citrus aroma profile less sharp than lemon, sweeter more rounded retaining a refreshing citrus burst that blends with other citrus oils, florals, spices and woods. Cultivated in USA, Brazil and Africa where it is grown for its juice. The white grapefruit oil is believed to have a higher aldehyde content and is less volatile (does not evaporate as fast) than the pink or red variety. The grapefruit note is supposedly from the nootkatone molecule on the chemical make-up and this has strong insecticidal properties especially against mosquitoes and ticks. Grapefruit is a high source of Limonene and its antimicrobial actions are similar to Lemon although its aroma profile is softer and sweeter. General: Astringent, antiseptic, diuretic and a general all round tonic. It is known to be stimulating to the lymphatic system hence reducing fluid build up in the body and promotes a healthy digestive system cleansing and detoxifying. Uplifting for the mood, antiseptic, disinfecting and a tonic to the body. Great for diffusing in the home to add a cheerful note that eases the stress and tensions of the day. Food & Drinks: Grapefruit oil is often used for flavouring soft drinks and by mixologists in the creation of citrus more exotic cocktails. Used in culinary arenas in desserts. Spa: Its antiseptic and toning qualities make this a perfect oil to add to body treatments for stimulating...