G L O S S A R Y O F F L O R A
Having spent over two decades practicing aromatherapy and a lifetime honoring plants, I feel a calling to share in more detail why I choose the oils in my blends. I offer this mini-glossary in hopes that others can benefit from some of what I’ve learned over the years, and hopefully, to share in the awe and wonder I experience working with the natural world.
As a complex blender I mix from science, pulling in humanity’s knowledge of plants as healers, along with my own practice of Earth Magick.
Enjoy,
Helena
Cedarwood
Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana sparks the mind like a firecracker with its freshness, clearing space while rushing over the body to settle vibrational upset. For hundreds of years, cedarwood has been used for its meditative and relaxing qualities, guiding the mind away from anxieties, back to the present physical realm. As a base note, it grounds while opening up the lungs to aerate the body and promote deeper breathing and calm. A feel-good, softly contemplative oil.
Ethical Sourcing Tip: avoid Atlas Cedarwood, as it is endangered; we have switched to Virginia Cedarwood, which is softer in scent pitch and equal in strength.
Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir Abies balsamea with its slightly citrus notes, is a full-bodied scent. Balsam fir can reduce inflammation, slowing anxiety through expanded lung capacity and increasing blood circulation by widening pathways in the body. A game-changer when feeling emotionally unbalanced. Known for empowering the mind and as a dreamer's oil, it is often placed in sleep pillows for a nudge of creativity.
Blood Orange
Blood Orange Citrus sinensis is a rare citrus, with a watery subtlety that is actually sedating. High in Limonene, it has a surreal ability to help calm the nervous system, removing distractions and allowing creativity and inspiration to flow freely. Is it any surprise that blood orange shares some of its most active compounds with Cannabis? I blend with this when I am looking to chill out with a side of feeling fine.
Bergamot
Bergamot Citrus bergamia besides being the main ingredient in Earl Grey tea, is renowned for its adaptogenic qualities, balancing out the adrenal system's fight or flight reaction to help achieve stability. It can be a solid mood elevator for sadness and depression. In blends, it adds a lively bright quality.
Usage Tip: like most citrus oils, bergamot will intensify the sun's effects. As a photo-toxin, it can cause a sunburn when used on the skin. All of our blends use bergapten-free bergamot for this reason.
Dark Aged Patchouli
Dark Aged Patchouli Pogostemon cablin The “love me or leave me” oil is revered for its aphrodisiac and spiritually enhancing effects. Often, plants higher in natural alcohols like patchouli will invite a more relaxed, spiritually open disposition. From an energetic standpoint, vibrational frequencies that are higher than a healthy body at rest, promote a sense of wellbeing and elevation. For these reasons, dark aged patchouli is an excellent plant for meditation. We use a patchouli aged for at least ten years which is rich and mellower than most. A resin, like sandalwood and myrrh, patchouli ages like fine wine, bringing out a range of subtleties and elegance with the passing of years.
Frankincense
Frankincense Boswellia carterii is often used for clarity by applying it to the body or diffusing into the air. Traditionally, it has been used to aid with third eye and crown chakra openings. In many faiths and practices, it is harnessed to help bring one back into alignment with divinity. In essential oil as opposed to resin form, frankincense has sweeter, fresher qualities. Keeping with its history as a divine oil, frankincense is actually soothing without having sedative effects. We often use this oil for clarity and protection when out in the world and needing to stay alert and focused.
Ethical Sourcing Tip: When pulling tree oils, please always remember that trees do not grow overnight. Although frankincense has many varieties within the species and is only on the near endangered list, you should still use what you have sparingly. With all of our blends we monitor plant health and will switch up blends accordingly and actively work with reforestation affiliations.
Palo Santo
Palo Santo Bursera graveolens also known as holy wood, has been used for centuries as a spiritual remedy for purifying, cleansing, and clearing negative energy. A little-known fact is that palo santo is also excellent for respiratory ailments and allergies, as it has naturally occurring histamine blockers. We’ve worked with this oil and wood for over eight years, and are in awe of its truly magickal effects on the body and beyond.
Ethical Sourcing Tip: Palo santo is critically endangered due to overharvesting, causing this sacred plant to become inaccessible in countries where it is an integral part of ceremonies and practice. Now is the time to use palo santo sparingly and support this gift from the earth by vetting your sources. Look for Palo Santo reforestation projects when purchasing this oil, or smudge wood. Be aware that attaining the oil/wood through an Ecuadorian source does not ensure plant poaching is not occurring. One Love Holistics, Ecuadorian Hands and Floracopeia are all reputable organizations.
Rosewood
Rosewood Aniba rosaeodora is called the “beautiful oil” or “bois de rose.” A staple in natural perfumery, this oil serves many therapeutic purposes. As the romantic name suggests, it sits in the category of “feel good” oils, calming nervousness, anxiety, and stress. Rosewood is an “upper” that can bring peace during tumultuous times. We pull this sweet wood when looking for a component to loosen inhibitions. With high percentages of three naturally occurring alcohols, it acts as an aphrodisiac and stabilizer of emotions and moods.
Ethical Sourcing Tip: Rosewood is an endangered plant due to its overuse from home building to perfumery; thus, sustainable aromatherapists use a rosewood blend. This blend is constructed along with other essential oils by a master aromatherapist to replicate both the scent and action.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood Santalum album guides the mind away from distractions; it’s an oil meditative in nature, capable of instilling a sense of inner peace. As a stress reliever and a gentle antidepressant, it allows the spirit to settle comfortably into a body at ease. And as a pheremonic mimicker, a drop or two is all one needs to set off a range of reactions. This solid subtle base emerges at the end of a blend and expands – there is nothing quite like it.
Ethical Sourcing Tip: Indian sandalwood has been almost completely decimated. Australia has several farmed sandalwood and reforestation sites to source from; alternately, consider using Amyris as a substitute.
Tangerine
Tangerine Citrus reticulata we love for its naturally high occurrence of alcohols and antidepressant properties. Tangerine is uplifting, combating fatigue and sadness with the soft shade of a sunset. Heavenly. We pull this for a client or ourselves when needing a “you can do it” plant cheerleader, or an “it's way too late for another cup of coffee” moment. By deeply inhaling from the bottle, holding, and breathing out, tangerine quickly enters the bloodstream, via the olfactory system, kicking off hormonal influences. We truly adore this multifaceted oil.
Vetiver
Vetiver’s Vetiveria zizanoides traditional spiritual usage mimics the physical form of the plant itself. It is a long grass, with wooden roots spreading deep into the earth. The roots provide an anchoring useful for anxiety, quelling frustration and anger. It’s commonly employed to fight burnout and exhaustion. When the flowing grass reaches up to the sky, the stage is set for balance and meditation. Sounds like a lot, right? Well, over half of this this oil is composed of Sesquiterpenes—a relaxant, immune booster and exhaustion heavy lifter. Vetiver is a potent oil in action and scent. When properly diluted and blended it is, hands down, one of our one-and-done go to's.