Oil of the Month Profiles

Petitgrain Oil – Cistus aurantium subsp. amara.

Petitgrain oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves, buds, and small branches of various citrus species such as bitter orange and mandarin. It is a pale yellow or amber coloured liquid which has a fresh, floral, sweet odour with a faint woody-herbaceous undertone.

Petitgrain oil produced in France is referred to as petitgrain bigarade and oil produced in Paraguay is referred to as petitgrain Paraguay. French producers are known to distill only the leaves and are said to be mindful that the leaf matter is distilled quickly with wet steam to prevent hydrolysis of linalyl acetate which is one of the most important constituents. Linalyl acetate, which has antispasmodic properties, invite activity of the para-sympathetic nervous system thus promoting ease to the digestive system and relaxation of involuntary muscles. 

Petitgrain indications: Digestive and antispasmodic – suggested  for dyspepsia. Stabilising effect on the nervous system; suggested for nervous exhaustion and stress related disorders. Relaxing effect may be used for insomnia due to stress. Skin tonic – helpful for acne and skin blemishes.

Lemon Oil – Citrus Limon

Lemon oil is obtained from the peel of lemons by cold expression. It is a pale yellow or yellow/green coloured liquid which has a light, fresh, tart, tangy odour very much like the ripe peel.

Lemon oil is mostly cultivated in Southern Europe, Florida and California in the U.S.A. Historically, lemon juice was considered the best of all antiscorbutics – remedy for scurvy. The oil is comprised mostly of limonene, a monoterpene hydrocarbon. Lemon oil has exhibited antimicrobial properties. As noted by R. Tisserand, studies in Japan found that when diffused in an office, lemon oil reduced typing errors by 54%.

Lemon oil indications: Tonic for circulatory system – suggested to help reduce cholesterol, tonify blood vessels and has been used for varicose veins, broken cappilaries, nose bleeds and haemerrhoids; suggested as having immune stimulating properties in that the stimulation of production of white blood cells help to fight off invading bacteria; antimicrobial qualities for treating symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma; mild detoxifier; is reputed to clear the mind and aid in the decision making process without over-stimulating the mind. Can be calming when emotionally over wrought. Subtle properties suggest alleviation of fears of emotional involvement; spiritually cleansing.

Lemon oil can be sensitive to the skin. Lemon oil is phototoxic and should not be used on skin prior to exposure to the sun.

Eucalyptus Oil -eucalyptus globulus var. globulus/radiata

Eucalyptus is of the myrtaceae family and is grown in Australia, North and South Africa, India, and Southern Europe. This beautiful, tall, evergreen tree which grows up to 90 meters high is indigenous with a few exceptions to Australia and Tasmania. The young trees have bluish-green oval leaves while the mature trees develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy white flowers and a smooth, pale gray bark often covered in a white powder. There are over 700 different species of eucalyptus, of which at least 500 trees produce a type of essential oil.
Extraction of the essential oil is by steam distillation from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.

Eucalyptus has been used as a traditional household remedy in Australia. The leaves and oil are especially used for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and croup, and the dried leaves are smoked like tobacco for asthma.

It is also used for feverish conditions (malaria, typhoid, cholera, etc.) and skin problems like burns, ulcers and wounds. Aqueous extracts are used for aching joints, bacterial dysentery, ringworms, tuberculosis, etc. and employed for similar reasons in western and eastern medicine.
The wood is also used for timber production in Spain.

The oil and cineol component are largely employed in the preparation of liniments inhalants, cough syrups, ointments, toothpaste and as pharmaceutical flavorings. It is also used in veterinary practice and dentistry.
Eucalyptus oil is used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents and toiletries—it is little used in perfumes. As well, it is used for the isolation of cineol and employed as a flavor ingredient in most major food categories.

Eucalyptus is considered have a fairly volatile evaporation level.
It blends well with Basil, Cajeput, Frankincense, Ginger, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Marjoram, Myrtle, Niaouli, Pine, Tea Tree and Thyme.

Therapeutic Action: Conditions that may benefit from Eucalyptus Oil are the following: poor circulation, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, throat infections, muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, viral infections, headaches, claustrophobia.

Divine Passion Blend – Patchouli, Saffron, Ashwagandha

Enriched with a precious blend of oils that enhance both the spiritual and sensual nature within us. The skin softening elixer of saffron, patchouli and mogra is extremely beneficial for hydrating and soothing dry, stressed and roughened skin. These oils combined together with ashwagandha and jojoba will provide the skin with the extra moisture and protection that it needs and promote a radiant glow.

Ginger, Peppermint, Ashwagandha

This unique complex of strengthening and rejuvenating essential oils combined with the fortifying base oils of Ashwagandha and Black Sesame is great for the sporty personality, athletes, the young and the elderly. This strong body blend is also great for winter blues.

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