Spring Cleaning

Fragonia has a light, cineolic, floral, spicy aroma with hints of citrus. It is said to be very emotionally balancing and uplifting, commonly being used for people with signs of depression. It is also said to be used for respiratory infections, pain relief, excess candida, and muscle and joint pain, and immune support due to its very effective antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Many aromatherapists use it as a replacement for Tea Tree as it has similar if not more effective properties.

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.

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.

Grapefruit has a fresh, clean, uplifting aroma that is slightly tart while also being pleasant and sweet. For inhalation, Grapefruit has been used to uplift the spirits and relieve stress. For skin and hair care applications, it offers astringent properties that help to balance oily skin and hair and is a useful addition to facial toners. It is also helpful for reducing cellulite and water retention as well as a digestive aid. Its properties include antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, digestive, diuretic, restorative, stimulant, and tonic.

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.

Ho Wood has a bright, woody, floral aroma similar to Rosewood. It is mainly used in perfumery as a substitute for Rosewood as it is a more renewable resource. Its properties include antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and bactericidal.

Lavandin has a very similar aroma to Lavender but is more camphorous smelling. It is a hybrid lavender similar in properties to Lavander, but less pronounced and yields more oil making it less costly. It can be included in formulations intended for pain relief or disinfection and useful in cases of muscle stiffness, aches, and pains. It also helps in easing the lungs and helps with common related ailments like coughs, colds, and flu.

Lemongrass fresh, citrusy, grassy aroma. It can help aid in toning the body and tissues and relieve muscle pain by making them supple when used in massage. It also helps with correcting poor blood circulation and is also deodorizing. Lemongrass is included in many insect repellent formulations as it helps repel insects and can be used to keep pets clean of fleas, ticks, and lice. It can also be used as a skin tonic for clearing oily skin, acne, athlete’s foot, and other issues caused by perspiration.

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.

Marjoram has a warm, spicy aroma. It is considered a strong sedative and helpful for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It has anti-spasmodic properties and can help relieve muscle pain, cramps, headaches, migraines, and stiffness.

Nutmeg has an aroma that is spicy, nutty, and warm. It helps in stimulating heart and blood circulation, activating the mind, and helps fight chronic vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. It also encourages appetite and averts constipation and because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it aids in relieving pain, especially muscular aches and pains as well as rheumatism.

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.

Oregano has a spicy, camphorous aroma. Due to high carvacrol and thymol content, it is considered to be "nature's cure-all" and is reputed to have potent antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. In topical applications, it can be used to treat itching, skin infections, cuts, wounds, and due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective against swelling and pain.

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.

Pine Needle has a fresh, evergreen aroma. It is suggested for mental and physical fatigue and because of its expectorant properties, can help loosen congestion and relax the respiratory passages. Pine Needle makes a great oil to diffuse for colds and respiratory issues.

Spearmint has a warm, sweet, mint aroma that when inhaled, has an ability to create feelings of joy and happiness. It makes a great addition to formulations meant for stress and fatigue as well as blends for migraines and headaches.