Essential oils, from ancient civilizations to the twenty-first century.
Medicinal plants have been used for healing as long as humans have been on the planet. Herbs have traditionally been used to optimize health and to prevent and treat virtually every symptom and disease that people suffer from. Whether due to traumatic injury or chronic health conditions, inflammation and pain have always been part of the human experience. Until recently, medicinal herbs were the primary source that people utilized to treat these symptoms. Many of the drugs that are currently used for the treatment of inflammation and pain were originally manufactured from chemical constituents extracted from herbs that were and still are used for a similar purpose. Examples include a wide variety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that were originally derived from salicylic acid, a relatively common plant constituent that is found in many species of herbs from many plant families. Similarly, steroidal anti-inflammatories were originally derived from plant steroids found in a number of species of wild yam.
Around the time humans settled into agriculture-based communities, they learned how to press vegetable oils from plant material. Previously, the various ways that medicinal plants were used involved the use of water based preparations. People quickly learned that the chemical constituents of herbs can also be extracted by infusing them in vegetable oil. Many of the plants that were prepared in this way were very aromatic. It was soon discovered that these oil infusions not only smelled nice, but they had very important therapeutic benefits when applied topically. We now know that this is because, unlike water-based compounds, oils and lipid soluble substances are readily absorbed through the skin. The use of oil-based herbal infusions was already well developed at the advent of recorded history in early Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, Greek, and Roman civilizations.
With the development of the distillation process in the 11th century, it was discovered that the aromatic constituents of medicinal plants could be extracted and purified into highly concentrated and medicinally potent extracts. These eventually became known as essential oils or volatile oils. In spite of the name, these substances are not oils. They were called “oils” because they feel oily to the touch, most of them float on the surface of water and they readily dissolve in lipids (oils and fats). They are also not single substances. The essential oil from any given plant may contain anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of different – but chemically related – chemical constituents. Essential oils are perfectly suited to topical applications because they contain chemical constituents of low molecular weight that readily dissolve in lipids. As a result, they easily pass through our skin and penetrate deep into our tissues.
Fast forward to the 21st century, we source the highest quality raw materials for producing the oils. With thorough quality controls, each product is developed and tested to ensure the natural properties provide the needed powerful results whilst being produced in line with the most stringent of standards.
Glossary of Essential Oils
Aloe Vera Oil (Aloe Barbadensis)
Aloe vera has been popularly used for years to treat skin wounds, burns, cuts and several other skin disorders. It is moisturising, has anti-inflammatory properties, is skin repairing and conditioning in a natural way. It can also be used for the relief of insect bites, itching and sunburn.
Anise Oil (Pimpinella anisum)
Anise oil is derived from the perennial herbal plant anise or aniseed (Pimpinella anisum). One of its primary uses was to promote digestive health.
Avocado Oil
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in avocado oil help your skin stay smooth, strong, and elastic.
Babassu Oil (Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil)
Babassu oil is a clear light yellow oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa), which grows in the Amazon region of South America. The oil is rich in healthy fatty acids, primarily lauric and myristic acids, and when on contact with the skin, it’s a very effective moisturizer.
Basil Oil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil oil is calming in nature and a natural relaxant oil. Whether inhaled, or applied topically, this essential oil may help ease discomforts from migraines, nervous tension, anxiety, depression, fatigue, mental strain, and other mental conditions.
Bay Leaf Oil
This oil works as a skin toner and can help against razor burns and breakouts on the skin.
Bergamot Fruit Oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil)
Bergamot oil is a clean, nuanced citrus oil, with a classic tangy-green top note. This essential oil revives and can be used as a gentle antiseptic.
Black Pepper Oil (Piper nigrum)
Black Pepper Essential Oil is a powerful circulatory stimulant which helps to ease muscular aches and pains. This Essential Oil stimulates, energises and warms.
Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil)
Camellia Seed Oil is very mild, moisturizing, excellent for the care of dry and irritated skin as well as against eczema. Due to its high content of antioxidant Vitamin E, it helps to protect against UV radiation damage on the skin.
Camphor Oil White (Cinnamomum camphora)
This essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its cooling, menthol-like aroma, and anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties.
Capsicum Oil (Capsicum annuum)
This essential oil is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Also used for various problems with digestion.
Cardamom Oil (Elettaria cardamomum)
This essential oil can be attributed to its ability to reduce spasms, neutralize the adverse effects of chemotherapy, reduce nausea, as well as its qualities as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, astringent, digestive, stomachic, stimulant, and diuretic substance.
Carrot Seed Oil
This essential oil helps promote clear and lustrous skin.
Cedarwood Oil (Juniperus virginiana)
Cedarwood essential oil is known to have active components beneficial to health such as cedrol. Cedarwood oil is extremely strong and should not be used internally.
Chamomile Oil German (Chamomilla Recutita Oil )
Camomile blossom oil has a wound-healing, antibacterial, calming and anti-inflammatory effect and is one of the most proven active ingredients for a healthy, pure and robust complexion. The bisabolol contained in the essential oil not only allows acute inflammations to heal faster, but also promotes the new formation of cells.
Clary Sage Oil
Helps fight bacteria that thrive in the digestive system, urinary tract as well as calming the nervous system, especially during times of stress.
Clove Bud Oil (same as Clove Oil)
Clove oil uses are incredibly impressive, ranging from improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation to helping acne and boosting gum health. One of the best-known clove oil uses is to reduce the pain associated with dental problems.
Clove Oil (Syzygium Aromaticum Oil)
Clove oil is mainly used as care oil for the skin and is also considered a natural weapon against bacterial acne.
Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
This oil helps the body remove excess water and salt that can lead to fluid retention. It also stimulates circulation by increasing blood flow.
Elemi Oil (Canarium luzonicum)
It is a fragrant resin with a sharp pine and lemon-like scent.
Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil)
This essential oil is effective against infections. It can kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also has antioxidant and muscle-relaxing effects. Most helpful in reducing uncomfortable symptoms of colds, the flu, and other respiratory problems.
Geranium Oil (Geranium Maculatum)
In skin care, geranium oil is considered to be astringent, skin tightening and highly caring, antiseptic, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing. It offers the optimal ingredient to promote cell regeneration. It is also effective against cellulite and supports the healing of dry eczema, inflammatory skin, psoriasis and burns.
Ginger Oil
Ginger oil can be taken internally to treat health conditions or rubbed topically with a carrier oil on an area of pain. This essential oil is used to treat nausea, upset stomach, menstrual disorders, inflammation and respiratory conditions.
Grapefruit Seed Oil
Grapefruit Essential Oil helps to improve circulation and is a natural digestion stimulant. It’s refreshing aroma helps to refresh and boost energy.
Guaiac Wood Oil
It is used as an anti-inflammatory and is commonly used to relieve joint and muscle pains, as well as other symptoms of arthritis, gout, and rheumatism.
Hazelnut Oil
This oil is used for hair care and as a carrier oil for aromatherapy or massage oils. Hazelnut oil can also be used as a skincare product. It’s loaded with skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids that help protect skin against sun damage, boost collagen production, and more.
Helichrysum Oil (Helichrysum Immortelle Absolute)
Helichrysum Oil helps your skin stay soft, smooth and moisturized, and prevents it from being dehydrated and from cracking. It can help promote healing, fight infections and reduce inflammation.
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil)
Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Topical application may help relieve dryness, flaking, itching, and related symptoms.
Juniper Oil (Juniperus Mexicana Oil)
Juniper oil is a detoxifier and with its cleansing properties encourage joint and muscle health. The scent of Juniper Berry oil is woody and spicy.
Labdanum Oil
Labdanum oil is excellent for treating swollen nodes in the neck (through the application of a warm compress), for stomach problems caused by the cold and for chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema and to aid the healing of wounds in diabetes, or any slow healing wound for that matter.
Lavender Oil (Lavandula Hybrida Oil)
Lavender essential oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.
Lemon Oil (Citrus Limon)
Lemon essential oil has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps to strengthen your immune system and fight respiratory diseases. Its antiseptic and astringent properties help in the treatment of pimples and various other skin diseases. It tightens the skin, promotes cleansing and shrinks the pores. Lemon oil helps against obesity, cellulite, connective tissue weakness, varicose veins.
Marjoram Oil
Marjoram essential oil offers a wide range of health benefits. It has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which is why it is good to use it on open external wounds as well as internal wounds
Mandarin Oil (Citrus Reticulata)
Mandarin oil is really good for treating any form of skin disorders. The oil helps keep the skin healthy and helps maintain moisture balance. Mandarin oil is great for all types of digestive issues including diarrhoea and constipation.
Myrtle Oil
Myrtle essential oil works for mental and emotional health, as it can help relieve nervousness and stress.This oil has strong properties in antimicrobial, astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, decongestant and stimulant properties
Neroli Oil (Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil)
Neroli oil has a relaxing effect on body and mind. Its intensive scent invigorates the mood and at the same time has a relaxing effect. Neroli oil has a deep, nourishing and rejuvenating effect on the skin and makes it look more alert and alive. The oil can also help relieve muscle cramps and reduce minor pain and inflammation.
Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Dulcis Peel Oil)
The essential oil is a natural digestive aid and has an energizing and refreshing effect. In skin care, it tightens flabby connective tissue and can help against cellulite. It is also effective against pain and weakness, in the mental area it has an exhilarating effect on us and calms us in stressful times.
Palmarosa Oil (Cymbopogon Martini Oil)
Palmarosa has antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, can reduce fever and thus protect the body from further health damage. The oil also aids digestion. In cosmetics, the essential oil, which smells of roses, is used as a skin care product for acne and wrinkles and as a fragrance.
Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil)
Patchouli oil has long been used in traditional Asian medicine. It is used to treat skin and hair problems as well as healing wound and scar reducing properties.
Pennyroyal Oil
Pennyroyal oil can be applied to the skin to kill germs, keep insects away, and treat skin diseases. It is also used topically for gout, venomous bites, and mouth sores and as a flea-killing bath.
Peppermint/Cornmint Oil (Mentha Arvenis Leaf Oil)
Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic and carminative properties and its ability to treat indigestion.
Rosehip Oil (Rosa Canina Seed Oil)
Rosehip oil supports skin regeneration like hardly any other oil and is ideally suited for the treatment of dry and scaly skin, scars and pigmentation spots. The extremely well-tolerated facial oil stimulates cell renewal and is often used in night care products. Rosehip oil promotes collagen production and thus improves moisture absorption.
Rosemary Leaf Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil)
Rosemary essential oil is known to stimulate hair growth, reduce pain, soothe inflammation, eliminate headaches, strengthen the immune system, and condition hair to make it look and feel healthy.
Sage Oil (Salvia Officinalis Oil)
Sage is used for flavouring, and its deodorising and antiperspirant properties are also valued.
Sandalwood Oil
In Eastern cultures, sandalwood essential oil is used in holy ceremonies and religious rituals. It marks significant events like weddings and births, as decorations and ceremonial rites.
Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil helps treats the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, lowers blood pressure, fights stress and depression, maintains good skin health, detoxifies skin and has innate anti-cancerous properties,
Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)
It is used as a skin conditioning due to its penetrating, smoothing, softening and moisturising properties. It has the ability to calm your skin irritations caused by eczema.
Tangerine Oil
Tangerine oil uses topically to help promote feelings of happiness. supports healthy digestion and metabolism, help promote balance in the mind, body, and spirit, supports a healthy immune and respiratory system.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)
Tea tree oil has an antibacterial effect, kills fungi and can keep viral diseases under control. It cares for the scalp, actively prevents dandruff and prevents oily hair from the root.
Thyme Oil (Thymus Vulgaris)
Thyme oil is one of the strongest antioxidants known, and it has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Thyme supports the immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous and other body systems.
Valerian Oil (Valeriana Officialis Root Oil)
Since the 17th century, valerian has been one of the most important medicinal herbs when it comes to restlessness and sleep disorders. It is mainly used as a room spray or soothing bath. Valerian oil can also help with nervous stomach complaints.
Verbena Oil
The entire plant has a strong smell of lemons, as does the essential oil, which also bears a light-green colour.
Vetiver Oil (Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil)
Vetiver is generally said to have a grounding, calming and stabilizing effect. Vetiver strengthens the immune system and is able to balance out a confused hormone level. The oil is effective for nervous disorders, deep anxiety or stress. It cares for scars and makes the skin supple. It promotes the regeneration of the skin and tissue. With its beneficial effect, you can also use vetiver oil for massage
Ylang Ylang Oil (Canaga Odorate Flower Oil)
The Ylang-Ylang oil spreads a sweet and flowery scent. It has a positive effect on the immune system, blood circulation and emotions. In India it is used as a love oil and is said to have a strong aphrodisiac effect.