Geranium

Oil properties
The oil is mostly colorless but can have a slight light green color to it, and has a watery viscosity. The geranium oil we sell is extracted from the plant Pelargonium odorantissimum.

Origin of geranium oil
The plants originated from South Africa as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to European countries such as Italy, Spain and France in the 17th century. There are about 700 different varieties of the plant, yet only 10 supply essential oil in viable quantities, since like the normal garden geranium produce far too little oil for extraction.

It is a hairy perennial shrub, often used in hedgerows, and stand up to about one meter high (3 feet) with pointed leaves, serrated at the edges and has pinkish-white flowers. In early times geraniums were planted around the house to help keep evil sprits at bay.

Extraction
The leaves and stalks are used for extraction, and the oil is obtained through steam distillation.

Chemical composition
The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes the following: Geraniol, Geranic, Citronellol, Citronellyl Formate, Linalol (Linalool), Euganol, Myrtenol, Terpineol, Citral, Methone and Sabinene.

Precautions
Geranium oil is not indicated to cause any side effects, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, yet can cause sensitivity in some people and due to the fact that it balances the hormonal system, it might not be a good idea to use in pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of geranium oil include the following: as an astringent, haemostatic, diuretic, antiseptic, antidepressant, tonic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic and anti-infectious.

Uses
Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following: acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia.

Summary
This uplifting oil has a great all-over balancing effect and this extends to the skin - where it helps to create balance between oily and dry skin, emotions - where it helps to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, and the hormone system. The strong smell is particularly good to ward off mosquitoes and head lice and is good to relieve fluid retention and help fight cellulite.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy geranium oil can be used to help relieve stress, mild depression, PMS, anxiety and tension, menopausal problems and for general energizing.

Blended oil or in the bath
Geranium oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in a bath to assist with PMS, depression, stress, anxiety and tension, fluid retention, edema, eczema, shingles, cellulite, bruises, insect repellent, ringworm, hemorrhoids and menstrual irregularities.

Blended in base cream
As a constituent in a blended base cream, geranium essential oil can be used for eczema, repelling insects, shingles, burns and scalds, cellulite, ringworm, bruises and engorgement of the breasts.

Diluted in base shampoo
Geranium oil can also be diluted in shampoo to help with head lice.

Eucalyptus

Botanical Name
Eucalyptus globulus

Method of Farming
Conventional

Country of Origin
Spain

Extraction
Steam distillation of the fresh or partially dried leaves and mature branches.

Characteristics
Colorless to pale yellow with a strong, fresh, camphorous odor and woody undertone.

Oil properties
Eucalyptus has a clear, sharp, fresh and very distinctive smell. It is pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity.

Origin of eucalyptus oil
The Australian Bluegum can sometimes reaches a height of 100 meters (300 feet), making it one of the highest trees in the world. There are over 500 species of Eucalyptus trees and they have blue-green long, narrow, tough leaves, creamy white flowers and smooth pale bark.

The 'eu' and 'kalypto' means 'well' and 'covered' in Greek, referring to the cup-like membrane that covers the flower bud and is thrown off as the flower expands. The Australian Aborigines calls the Eucalyptus 'kino'. One of their uses for it was to cover serious wounds with the leaves.

Eucalyptus was introduced to Europe in 1788, and the first oil exported to England was called 'Sydney peppermint'. It was extracted from Eucalyptus peperita which is a more industrial type of oil. The Eucalyptus uses a lot of water while growing, thus it drains land where usually malaria was found, making it a healthier climate for living.

Extraction
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.

Chemical composition
The main chemical components of Eucalyptus are: Camphene, Citronellal, Fenchene, Phellandrene and Cineole.

Precautions
Eucalyptus oil should be used with care and people with high blood pressure and epilepsy should avoid it. Excessive use of the oil may cause headaches.

Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Eucalyptus oil include: analgesic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, balsamic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, rubefacient and stimulant.

Uses
Eucalyptus has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, helping with
fevers, migraine and malaria. For the respiratory tract, it helps with coughs,
asthma, throat infections, sinusitis and catarrhal conditions. It soothes inflammation and eases mucus, clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever. Eucalyptus oil is useful as warming oil when used for muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation. In skin care it can be used for burns, blisters, herpes, cuts, wounds, skin infections and insect bites.
Eucalyptus oil can boost the immune system, and is helpful especially in cases of chicken pox, colds, flu and measles.

Summary
Eucalyptus oil is very helpful when used for headaches, fevers, on the respiratory tract, muscular aches and pains and in skin care. It has a soothing and calming effect on the whole body and helps with the immune system. The oil is also effective against bacteria - especially staphylococci.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy Eucalyptus oil be used for: frequent sneezing, hay fever, flu, respiratory problems and as insect repellant.

Blended massage or in the bath
Eucalyptus oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with: arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, mucous congestion, colds, headaches, rheumatism, sinusitis, catarrh, fatigue and muscular aches and pains. Used neat or dab on with a bud: Eucalyptus oil can be used neat on the skin for insect bites or wounds, but care should be taken when doing so.

Gargle
Diluted Eucalyptus can be used as a gargle for a sore throat

Chamomile

Botanical Name

Matricaria chamomilla

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Color

Deep Blue

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses

Abscesses, allergies,arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin,insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia,PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains,stress, wounds.

This perennial plant is also known as Roman chamomile. It can be used as a groundcover, since it grows only 4 to 12 inches in height. The foliage is feathery,with an apple scent, and it is accented by white, daisy-like flowers with down-turnedpetals.

The annual form of chamomile is also called German chamomile. It grows to 20 inches and has feathery foliage with daisy-like flowers like its cousin. The flowers are scented, but the foliage is not.

Cultivation
Roman chamomile is usually reproduced by root division, while German chamomile seeds are sown directly in early spring. The soil should be sandy and slightly acid. Full sun is preferred except in hot, dry climates where midday shade is necessary. Chamomile can also be used around the edges of containers with other herbs. After flowering, cut back to the main growth.

Harvesting and Drying
Cut the flowers from the stems with scissors and spread them out on muslin covered racks to dry.

Culinary Uses
Roman chamomile foliage can be chopped and stirred into butter or sour cream that is used to top baked potatoes.

Medicinal Uses
German Chamomile is most often used for medicinal purposes, and is usually administered as a tea. It can also be administered as a compress for external healing and as a bath for babies. Here are a few uses:
• Soothes and relaxes atbedtime.
• Relieves restlessness,teething problems, and colic in children.
• Relieves allergies, much as an antihistamine would.
• Aids digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
• Relieves morning sickness during pregnancy.
• Speeds healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.
• Treats gastritis and ulcerative colitis.

Other Uses

• Makes a relaxing bath or footbath.
• Lightens fair hair and conditions complexion. Make a rinse by simmering 2 teaspoons dried flowers in 8 ounces of water for 15 minutes.
• Potpourri (dry flowers face down).