Spikenard comes from a plant called Nardostachys jatamansi, which is native to the Himalayas and used in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and perfume for centuries. The plant grows at elevations of 9,800 – 16,400 feet above sea level. It will grow to about 3 feet tall with pink, bell shaped flowers. It was also used for special incense used in Jewish religious practices, it is known as Ketoret. Ancient Rome left records of its use in food, though it was used sparingly. The rhizomes are the part that is harvested, crushed, and distilled into the essential oil. Overall it would surprise readers to know just how widely used this oil was in the ancient world considering how specific the growing area is. Records can be found throughout Europe, India, the Middle East and further.
Uses:
Diffused;
Tension, stress, migraine, nervous indigestion, insomnia
Topically;
Allergies, skin inflammations, rashes
Cautions:
No specific cautions.
First aid:
If skin irritation has occurred apply cornstarch or similar to absorb excess.
If gotten in the eye rinse with clear water for 15 min, if irritation persists for more than 30 min seek professional help.
When it comes to chamomile, the herb has little functional difference between types but the increase in concentration that happens when you make an essential oil changes that. You may be most familiar with it in the context of tea, during a cold or right before bed, it’s also helpful for digestion and a good choice for children who may be sick. The dried herb is strong enough to have known drug interactions with anti-platelet drugs so caution is warranted with the essential oil. Some gardeners may find challenges with growing chamomile simply due to the fact that the plants can be prone to a few different diseases including powdery mildew. Being a plant from temperate regions it prefers cooling growing temps with partial shade, it can however grow in full sun. The plants grow to about 20-30 inches tall and will readily self seed once established. In aromatherapy chamomile essential oils are useful for anxiety, insomnia, and digestion.
Roman chamomile:
Uses:
Diffused;
Allergies, irritability, asthma.
Topically;
Allergic skin reactions, minor wounds, acne, dry skin, menstrual pain.
Cautions:
Pregnant women should avoid due to risk of miscarriage.
First aid:
If skin irritation has occurred apply cornstarch or similar to absorb excess.
If gotten in the eye rinse with clear water for 15 min, if irritation persists for more than 30 min seek professional help.
If a pregnant woman has been exposed monitor closely for signs of labour or miscarriage.
German chamomile:
Uses:
Diffused;
Anxiety and overthinking, allergies.
Topically;
Allergic skin reactions, any sort of flakey skin issue, menstrual pain, menopausal complaints.
Cautions:
Pregnant women should avoid due to risk of miscarriage.
First aid:
If skin irritation has occurred apply cornstarch or similar to absorb excess.
If gotten in the eye rinse with clear water for 15 min, if irritation persists for more than 30 min seek professional help.
If a pregnant woman has been exposed monitor closely for signs of labour or miscarriage.
Geraniums are a large family of flowering plants that are more commonly known as cranesbills. Within this large family of plants are all types including annuals, bi annuals, and perennials. The majority of species are found in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, however temperate regions around the world, along with some mountainous tropical regions, have species that grow there. The foliage does provide larval food for some butterfly and moth species. It is useful to know that true geraniums and garden geraniums are broadly in the same family however they are two separate groups. The easiest way to tell them apart is the flowers, in true geraniums there are 5 equal petals but in the garden geraniums there are 2 shorter petals on top with 3 longer petals on the bottom of the flower. In aromatherapy geranium essential oil is useful for inflammation, anxiety, and acne.
Uses:
Diffused;
Stress, anxiety, tension, generally energizing, insect repellent.
Topically;
Ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema.
Cautions:
Hormone balancing, use caution if pregnant.
First aid:
If skin irritation has occurred apply cornstarch or similar to absorb excess.
If gotten in the eye rinse with clear water for 15 min, if irritation persists for more than 30 min seek professional help.
If a pregnant woman has been exposed monitor closely for signs of labour or miscarriage.
Rose geranium is native to parts of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, it can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and spread up to 1 meter wide. Many cultivars exist, each having the same fragrant foliage as the original, however the exact scent can differ greatly from citrus to cinnamon or even mint. The oil produced from the foliage is used extensively in the perfume industry, it is also used an adulterant in rose absolute. The foliage and flowers are also used in pastry and ice cream making. Scented geraniums as a whole like particular growing conditions; warmth, soil that drains well and isn’t over saturated with nutrients, partial shade to full sun exposure, withstands pruning to create a bushier plant. Many gardeners who choose to grow these plants create a collection in their houses and/or gardens to maximise the scent of their growing space. In aromatherapy rose geranium essential oil is useful for scars, general skin care, and fungal infections.
Uses:
Diffused;
Depression, anxiety, stress.
Topically;
Burns, wounds, ulcers, fluid retention, edema, eczema, shingles, bruises, ringworm.
Cautions:
Some people do experience allergic reactions, do a patch test first.
Hormonal balancing effects, best avoided during pregnancy.
First aid:
If skin irritation has occurred apply cornstarch or similar to absorb excess.
If gotten in the eye rinse with clear water for 15 min, if irritation persists for more than 30 min seek professional help.
If a pregnant woman has been exposed monitor closely for signs of labour or miscarriage.
MAY
2019
