Spring Cleaning

Typically used for its aroma in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics, Cardamom offers a warm, spicy, and almost floral aroma. It is a stimulating yet soothing oil and is great for helping to refresh and uplift the mind and spirit when diffused. Cardamom has antibacterial, antiparasite and anti-infectious properties but it most well known as a spice used in cooking.

Elemi has a soft, floral, lemony aroma. Used by the Egyptians in embalming, Elemi is indicated to help with diarrhea, bronchitis, and ulcers. It is used within aromatherapy work to stimulate the immune system and treat respiratory problems. It can cause skin irritation and is, therefore, most commonly used in inhalation and other non-topical formulations. Its properties include analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, fungicidal, regulatory, stimulant, and tonic.

Oakmoss has a dry, earthy, bark-like aroma. Primarily used in perfumes and fragrances as it adds a deep earthy note and rich undertones. It is inhaled to assist with headaches and sinus infections as well as other respiratory issues. Oakmoss is typically used in spiritual practices as it is said to bring depth, visualize past wounds or hurts, and increase prosperity.

Dill has a fresh, grassy, warm, and herbaceous aroma. It is used in aromatherapy work to aid the digestive system, promote relaxation and sleep, and repel insects. It is very similar to Caraway in smell and the two are often substituted for each other in blends and in culinary preparations.

Cistus has a rich, warm and spicy aroma. It has been used as a skin rejuvenator, for treating infected wounds, skin ulcers, bronchitis, coughs, colds, as a fumigant when the infectious illness is around, and as an ambient aroma to facilitate meditation.

Galbanum has a green, woody aroma that is slightly fruity. It has a very specific scent in that one will either love it or hate it. Emotionally, Galbanum is used to help resolve old emotional and spiritual problems. It is also used to assist with respiratory issues and in skincare, for acne, cuts, and scars. Its properties include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, balsamic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, restorative, and tonic.

Cumin has a spicy, musky, and nutty aroma. It is used in formulations for a massage to assist with poor circulation and lymphatic congestion. In Ayurvedic medicine, Cumin is used for digestive issues such as gas, spasms, and indigestion and for the nervous system to help with headaches, migraines, nervous exhaustion, and insomnia. Its properties include antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, and digestive.

Davana has an interesting aroma in that is it is sweet, fruity, woody, and rich but has an adaptive smell when combined with other essential oils or on the skin. Because of this adaptive aroma, it is commonly used in blends and perfume formulations. Its properties include antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, disinfectant, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, and sedative.

Parsley Herb has a spicy, warm, green aroma. Mainly used in the flavoring industry but also can be used in cosmetics and perfumes, particularly men’s cologne. It is said to be good for digestion, flatulence, indigestion, and cellulite.

Cade has a unique aroma in that it is an oily, leathery, black smoke odor. It is most known to be helpful for skin irritations, especially dandruff, bad skin, and greasy hair, and is commonly used in hair and scalp formulations. It is also used in soaps for eczema and itchy skin as well as ointments and salves for a variety of skin problems such as psoriasis.

Celery Seed is a sweet, spicy, musky, and slightly vegetable in aroma. Celery Seed oil is indicated for anxiety and inhaled for the respiratory system.

Coriander has a warm, sweet, and spicy aroma. It is most well known for culinary but is effective for digestive issues, arthritis, fatigue, exhaustion, stiffness, and stomach cramps. This oil has a warming effect that is helpful for alleviating muscle aches and pain related to rheumatism, arthritis, and muscle spasms and strains. When diffused, it is said to help with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It can also be a beneficial addition to skin formulations as it helps balance oily skin and clear blackheads.

Basil has a sweet, spicy, green, and slightly balsamic odor. It is colorless or pale yellow in color. It is relaxing and uplifting and is an ideal remedy for mental fatigue, headaches, and insomnia. Basil is also useful for menstrual cramps, to relieve flatulence and other intestinal problems, and to stimulate hair growth.

Geranium has a strong floral aroma. It can be beneficial for menstrual, menopausal, and infertility problems as it said to be hormonally and emotionally balancing. It is said to be helpful for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and shingles. Emotionally, it is known to relieve anxiety, agitation, and nervous fatigue. Geranium also repels insects and is a good addition to insect repellent formulations.

Guaiac Wood has a warm, fresh, smoky aroma with a sweetish afternote and almost roselike. It is commonly used in perfumes and cosmetics as it has a strong pleasant aroma that lasts. It has been said to help with issues such as gout, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and in massage, helps with circulation. It is sometimes used in skin formulations for its antioxidant properties that help rejuvenate and protect the skin from free radicals as well as helps boost the immune system. Its properties include is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, and diuretic.

Litsea has a citrusy, fresh aroma with slight vegetative notes. It may be useful for depression when inhaled as it is very calming and relaxing. Along with its ability to help repel insects, Litsea can also be helpful in skincare for oily and acne-prone skin types. In Chinese medicine, it is used to aid with lower back pain, chills, headaches, and muscle pain. It is included in many air fresheners, deodorants, and toiletries for its antibacterial, deodorizing, and disinfectant properties.