Agarwood is the resin impregnated heartwood of the Aquilari species. The resin is secreted by the trees as defence reaction and deposited around the wounds over years following the injury, where the volatile compounds eventually form agarwood.

What the lion is in the animal kingdom, the cedar is among trees. Majestic and full of strength, cedars stand tall in the loftiest regions of the mountains. They demand space for their expansive branches and stand undaunted by the elements in total inner harmony.

Spruce is a large evergreen tree up to 50m tall, also known as hemlock spruce. Spruce is native to the east coast of the USA. Arctander states that the oil is usually derived from several different botanical sources.

Blue tansy oil is a relative newcomer to aromatherapy pharmacopeia. It has a soothing, blue colour and delicate, sweet herbaceous aroma, which is comforting to the body, mind and soul. I find the scent of blue tansy relaxing, reassuring and nurturing.

The scent of cardamom oil promotes clarity, motivation, focus, courage and confidence. Valerie Ann Worwood suggests using cardamom whenever we are overburdened with responsibilities. She explains that it gives us the strength and encouragement and is ideal whenever we are burdened by worries and responsibilities that challenge our endurance.

Clary sage oil calms the mind, promotes relaxation and has a mild euphoric effect. It is highly recommended for nervous and emotional tension, anxiety, emotional shock of any kind, panic and depression with anxiety or agitation. The sweet scent fosters emotional stability, while its green scent provides a calming effect.

Yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. Ex Tanaka) is a small, yellow-golden citrus fruit resembling a small orange or tangerine. It is believed to have originated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China and arrived in Japan during the Sui Dynasty or Tang Dynasty over 1,000 years ago.

The eucalyptus, otherwise just referred to as the gum tree, is a well-established feature of the Australian landscape. You may be surprised to know that there are close to 800 species of eucalyptus which are native to Australia. However, while there are so many species, less than 20 species have ever been commercially exploited for their essential oil.

The soft delicate camphoraceous scent of fragonia essential oil evokes a sense of calm and harmony. It promotes a space in which we feel physically revitalised, emotional safe and spiritually nurtured.  

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a natural oleo-gum-resin formed from the physiological exudate from the bark of various Boswellia species. For many years there has been so much confusion and little clarity about the various types of frankincense.

Hinoki is listed as ‘near threatened’ in the ICUN Red List of Threatened Species; however, this is in reference to old growth hinoki trees.1 Old growth hinoki trees are a protected species in Japan. Many Japanese people that I have spoken to were surprised that hinoki tree is a near threatened species as there are so many hinoki forests throughout Japan; however, most of these forests are plantation forests.

Lemongrass oil is produced from two distinctly different species of Cymbopogon. C. citratusand C. flexuosus are tufted perennial grasses with numerous stiff stems arising from a short rhizomatous rootstock.1 C. flexuosus is a native of India and C. citratus is possibly a native of Sri Lanka. C. citratus is widely cultivated all over the world and has been named West Indian lemongrass.

Leptospermum scoparium J.R. Forster & G. Forster Synonyms Manex, New Zealand tea tree Family Myrtaceae Botany and origins Manuka is a small tree which is a native of New Zealand. In favourable open conditions, it is fast growing, conical-shaped bush that reaches about 4 m high.1Most manuka is harvested from wild plants as very little commercial cultivation is yet carried out. Re-growth is rapid after harvesting, therefore, there are no risks of damage to...

Melissa is a sweet-scented perennial herb which grows up to 0.9 m high with serrated leaves and tiny white or pink flowers. Melissa is distilled in the south of France, Germany, Italy and Spain; however, the total production of genuine melissa oil is only a fraction of the quantity commercially offered.

Fischer-Rizzi gives us the best description of jasmine absolute when she states that no other essential oil is capable of changing our mood so intensely and that it offers little choice other than optimism. She explains that the fragrance penetrates the deepest layers of our soul, opening the doors to our emotions.

Neroli oil is produced from the flowers of several citrus species: the oil obtained from bitter orange is called neroli bigarade oil or orange flower oil, the oil from sweet orange flowers is called neroli Portugal and the oil from lemon flowers is called neroli citronier.

Orange oil is one of the first essential oils I introduce to people who are not familiar with aromatherapy. I have never had a negative response to the delightful, sweet, cheerful aroma of orange oil. It radiates so much positivity, joy and optimism.

Citrus paradisi is a hybrid between C. maxima (pomelo) and C. sinensis (sweet orange). Grapefruit is the only citrus species native to the New World and probably originated in West Indies from a natural cross between introduced parents sometime in the seventeenth century.

The lotus flower fragrance perfectly reflects its botanical form. The medium is the message. The flower rises pristine from the earth’s mud and offers a fragrance of heavenly bliss. Lotus is truly unique. All parts of the plant – the roots, stems, leaves, seeds and flowers have been used for millennia as a food source and in traditional medicines. The lotus is revered in many cultures as a symbol of purity and perfection. It...

It is no wonder that Worwood describes the scent of rose otto as one of gentleness and apparent perfection.2 Fischer-Rizzi also describes the rose has a symbol of completeness stating all parts of the rose are formed to perfection

All sandalwoods are classified as root parasites. I once upset a botanist by calling sandalwood a vampire tree. In order to survive, the roots of the sandalwood tree must attach themselves to the roots of other trees to obtain their nutrients. However, a sandalwood tree will not kill its host tree.

Also called Japanese cedar or Japanese red cedar, sugi is an evergreen tree that grows to a height of 35-60m and can attain a trunk diameter up to 4m. It is a shade tolerant species that can withstand frost. It grows in mountains and areas of high rainfall in south and central Japan. It prefers a deep, rich, moist alluvial soil and a sheltered position in full sun.

The most common species is Thymus vulgaris known as garden or common thyme. Other species include Thymus serpyllum, known as wild thyme, creeping thyme or mother thyme, Thymus zygis, known as Spanish thyme, and Thymus citriodorus, known as lemon thyme.

This essential oil connects us to earth’s energies. It is a source of vital energy and regeneration. The earthy fragrance of the oil supports all of those who have lost touch with the earth and their roots. Vetiver nourishes people who have cold feet or have their heads in the clouds. When we lose contact with the ground beneath us, with reality, we pay the price of a weakened immune system. When in touch...

Botanical name Cryptomeria japonica Botany and origins Yakusugi refers to “Japanese cedar” from the island of Yakushima, typically growing at an altitude of 500 m and higher. Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu and part of Kagoshima prefecture. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees. Trees more than 1,000 years old are called yakusugi (a combination of Yakushima and sugi,...

Ylang ylang originates from South East Asia, although it is now native in Burma, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Islands. It was introduced to the tropical countries of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the French colonies of the Indian Ocean.