CEDARWOOD

Cedar oil exudes a balsamic warmth and embodies strength, self-esteem and tenderness. It has a soothing effect on the
respiratory system. It is used as a hair and scalp tonic and is known to deter moths and other insects (mosquitoes etc.).

(Cedrus atlantica Manetti – Pinaceae)

Cedarwood has been prescribed internally in the past, but stomach problems with intense
burning sensations, thirst and nausea were recorded. Never take the oil internally. Externally, it
can sometimes be used neat or diluted, depending on need.

ITS USES

In illness
Over the last 100 years, cedarwood’s beneficial effect on eczema, skin eruptions and
disease has been noted, and it is highly valued in dermatology. For eczema and
rashes, add 8 drops of cedarwood oil to 20 ml (4 tsp) wheatgerm oil. Apply three to
four times daily.

As a stimulant, cedarwood can be added to your body oil, or to men’s products. Add
4 – 5 drops to a cold cream, and apply after shaving.
As the oil is also considered a sexual stimulant, it could be used for men’s body
preparations. Cedarwood oil on its own, though, is rather dull, and needs to be mixed
with oils with livelier notes like lavender or rosemary. (See also cystitis, dermatitis,
oedema and pneumonia.)

In beauty
Cedarwood has a very therapeutic action on the scalp in cases of alo¬pecia, falling hair and
dandruff. In France, it is included in commercial shampoos and hair lotions for alopecia. For any
loss of hair – for both men and women, whether after illness, or during stress or pregnancy
¬cedarwood can be very helpful. Mix 35 ml (a good 2 tbsp) grape seed oil, 5 ml (1 tsp) first
pressing virgin olive oil, 5 drops of wheatgerm oil and 20 drops of cedarwood. Rub this gently into
the scalp a few hours before shampooing. Add 15 drops of cedarwood to an average sized bottle
of mild shampoo.

If you have fair hair, use cedarwood with discretion. The oil has a tendency to darken the hair
colour.

Other uses
Cedarwood essences, wood, wood shavings or powders were used in early pot-pourris and anti-
moth bags. Many expensive fish are smoked over cedarwood.

Cypress
Cypress organic, 5ml
These trees are a characteristic feature of the landscapes of Tuscany and Provence. It is a tangy-balsamic scented oil, which
conveys dignity, courage and determination. Cypress has a calming, balancing effect, enforces comfort and peace, cleanses the
spirit and aids concentration. Three drops on a handkerchief can help in stressful situations. It is very good combined with
lemon.

Description: This is produced by steam-distillation of the fresh leaves and cones. It is colourless
or a very pale yellow, with a woody and balsamic, agreeable amber scent.
The principal constituents: Terpenes (65 per cent, in particular B-pinene and terpineol), cedrol,
cypress camphor, some acids and tannin.

ITS USES

In illness
Dr Leclerc has also confirmed that cypress acts as a vaso-constrictor, and should be prescribed for all circulatory problems like
varicose veins and haemorrhoids. For varicose veins, mix together 50 ml (2 fl oz) grapeseed oil, 3 drops wheat germ oil and 15
drops cypress. Massage the legs every day. As a decoction for the same problems – and for menopausal symptoms, cypress is
wonderful at this time – boil 15 g ( 1/2 oz) crushed cypress cones for a few minutes in 1.1 litres (2 pints) water. Infuse for 10
minutes and then drink a cup full three times a day.

Dr Jean Valnet used to use cypress in hospital for coughs and bron¬chitis: a few drops of cypress oil on the patient’s pillow
stopped the coughing. I’ve found this effective too. In France, cough pastilles were once made from crushed cypress cones.
(See also arthritis, bruises, dysmenorrhoea, fatigue, fever, frostbite, menstrual cycle problems, oedema and pneumonia.)

In beauty
Broken veins or capillaries are another circulatory problem that cypress can benefit. Mix 5 drops
of cypress oil into 25 ml (1 fl oz) almond oil and 3 drops wheatgerm oil. Massage gently into the
cheeks twice a day, morning and night, until the symptoms improve.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis – Labiatae)

Dangers: It is the pinocamphone that can cause the use of the oil to have toxic effects, and
hyssop essential oil should not be sold to the public, only prescribed by doctors or reputable
aromatherapy practitioners. Much research – by Gad/ac and Meunier (1889), by Dr Leclerc and
Professor CauJolle (this century) among others – has proved that the oil can cause epileptic fits if
the dosage is not properly respected. It should never be used on sensitive people, as its action
on the nervous system can be fatal. Some deaths have been registered in France due to the
wrong dosage, and as a result the Ministry of Health has limited its sale to prescription only. I use
hyssop oil with enormous care, mainly in combination with other plant essential oils as an
inhalation. You can, however, safely use the plant itself.

ITS USES

GALBANUM (Ferula galbaniflua – Umbelliferae)

In illness
The plant grows especially well in Iran and India, and even today the resin is applied as a plaster to skin ulcers, snake and
insect bites, abscesses and skin inflammation. I find galbanum useful for skin disorders such as abscesses or inflammations,
and it is particularly effective for encouraging the formation of scar tissue. Mix together 5 ml (1 tsp) each of wheatgerm and
almond oils, and 5 drops galbanum. Apply four to six times a day, until better, covering with a piece of gauze each time.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare – Labiatae)

Oregano is the most important antiseptic oil in aromatherapy. Its propor¬tion of phenol – the
constituent responsible for the strongest antibacterial action – is the highest of all aromatic plants.
The chemical constituents of the plants, however, vary from one species to another, and depend
on the provenance. The soil in which it is grown is particularly important. Oregano oils are
normally high, from 80 – 90 per cent, in phenols (thymol and carvacrol); there is a little borneol,
pinene and terpineol, and traces of esters.

It is also good for late periods. Make a massage oil with 5 ml (1 tsp) almond oil and 4 drops
oregano oil, and massage clockwise gently on the stomach and lower part of the back for a few
minutes. Repeat three times a day, morning, midday, and late afternoon.
For a rheumatic remedy, make up a poultice (see pages 23 – 4), using 1 cup linseed, 300 ml (10
fl oz) boiling water and 10 drops oregano oil. Clean the work surface first with a few drops of
oregano oil before preparing the poultice. Apply the poultice and leave in place until cool.

Afterwards apply an oil made from 10 ml (2 tsp) almond oil, 2 drops wheatgerm oil and 8 drops
oregano oil, and massage gently into the affected part. This oil would also be effective for
sciatica, tennis elbow and lumbago.
(See also abscesses and boils, bronchitis, colic, coughing, diarrhoea, flatulence, migraine,
pneumonia and stings and bites.)

TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia – Myrtaceae)

ITS USES

In illness
In 1933 the British Medical Journal reported that the oil was a powerful disinfectant, non-
poisonous and non-irritant, and in 1930 the Australian Medical Journal reported astounding
results gained in general practice, ranging from rapid healing of septic wounds to scar
regeneration:

, … a striking feature being that it dissolved pus and left the surfaces of infected wounds clear so
that its germicidal action became more effective and without any apparent damage to the tissues.
This was something new, as most germicides destroy tissue as well as bacteria.’ (E.M.
Humphrey)

In 1955, the United States Dispensatory reported that tea tree oil was actively germicidal – with
an antiseptic action eleven to thirteen times that of carbolic acid.
As a germicide, it was tested in Australia in 1980 in a solution of only 4 parts essential oil to 1000
parts water. Against virulent organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans,
the results were, at 7, 21 and 35 days, no growth detected for any organism. (As a result of this,
tests are now being carried out on the virus responsible for genital herpes and the potent typhoid
bacillus.)

As a bacteriostat, results from a skin sterilization trial conducted in 1983 by and at the Associated
Foodstuff Laboratories of Australia, were amazing. Using swabs, the bacteria count on unwashed
hands was over 3,000 per 50 cm (20 in); the count on hands after washing in distilled water was
over 2,000 per 50 cm (20 in); after washing in tea tree oil, the bacteria was less than 3 per 50 cm
(20 in), the bacteria actually not detectable. Think how effective a single drop could be, simply
added to dish washing-up water.

The oil also has an application in burn treatment, gynaecological conditions such as trichomonal
vaginitis, skin ailments and ear, nose, throat and mouth infections. The potential use of tea tree
oil could extend to baby care, hospital, dental and domestic products, and veterinary medicine
and indeed commercial companies are now exploring many of these avenues.

I have used the oil very successfully in curing a septic finger (see page vii), and it has proved very
effective in inhalations for colds and ‘flu, for skin abrasions, and for acne, applied on a cotton bud.
As first aid, it is better than anything else I know.
(See also abscesses and boils, anthrax, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, chest infections, chilblains, cold
sores, cuts and wounds, fever, folliculitis, hayfever, headaches, impetigo, mouth ulcers,
neuralgia, pneu¬monia, sinusitis and stings and bites.)

LAVENDER (Lavandula augustifolialofficinalis – Labiatae)

ITS USES

In illness
Lavender is the oil most associated with burns and healing of the skin. Anyone who is at all
interested in aromatherapy will have heard the story of Dr R M Gattefosse, one of the founding
fathers of the therapy, and lavender. When he severely burned his hand in the laboratory, he
plunged it accidentally into the nearest bowl, full of essential oil of lavender. The pain ceased and
the burn healed very quickly thereafter. At home, apply pure oil on a burn and cover with gauze of
muslin (to let the skin breathe). Or, if there is no oil available, get some lavender flowers or leaves
from the garden, apply to the burn, and wrap as above. It is also good for other skin problems,
see below.

Lavender is very effective in treating cystitis, vaginitis and leucor¬rhoea. Make a herbal tea with 5
ml (1 tsp) dried lavender flowers and 600 ml (1 pint) boiling water, infuse for 5 minutes, sweeten
with honey and drink six times a day until the symptoms have disappeared. The tea can also be
added to cold water in the bidet for the same problems, for urinary infections, and for those who
have problems after intercourse (or add 3 drops of the oil to warm water in the bidet).
The herbal tea above is also good as a morning tonic for convalescents, as a digestive after
meals, and for rheumatic conditions, and at the first appearance of a cold or ‘flu. For the latter,
gargle tea with a couple of drops of the oil added and drink, at least five times a day.
Because it is so gentle, lavender can be used during pregnancy (although its smell gave two of
my client’s nausea). To prevent circulatory problems such as varicose veins, massage the legs
with an oil consisting of 3 drops cypress, 2 drops each of lavender and lemon, and 25 ml (1 fl oz)
of soya oil.

Lavender is reputed to cure headaches (pickers used to put a Sprig under their hats).
Shakespeare recorded its possible aphrodisiac use:
Perdita in The Winter’s Tale offers ‘hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram. .. These are flowers of
middle summer, and I think they are given to men of middle age.’
(See also abscesses and boils, anaemia, arthritis, backache, bronchitis, bruises, colic, coughing,
cuts and wounds, fatigue, gout, menopause, oedema, pediculosis, shingles, stings and bites and
stress.)

In beauty
Just as lavender can help heal burns quickly, so it can help problems such as bruises, frostbite,
acne, dermatitis and swelling. Add 3 drops to 10 ml (2 tsp) soya oil, and apply. Use the oil in a
facial sauna for acne. Add some drops of the oil to a warm bath to help cellulite.

A lavender tea as above is good for oily skins, and the plant helps normalise the secretions of the
sebaceous glands. Lavender water (available from chemists, or make you own) is a good toner
for the skin for the same reason. It is also useful for oily hair (especially dark hair) as a rinse.

Other uses
The leaves of young lavender were eaten by the Elizabethans in salads, and they have been
substituted for mint in savoury jelly.

The plants were used as hedging in Elizabethan knot gardens, and as strewing herbs: Thomas
Tusser’ list included ‘Lavender, lavender spike, lavender cotton (santolina). Ladies would sew
sachets of lavender into their skirts, and use the flowers in pot-pourris (lavender is second only in
popularity to rose). In the fourteenth century, Charles VI of France would sit on lavender-stuffed
pillows. Lavender bags for scenting clothes and linen are still as popular today as in Elizabethan
times, if lavender smelling salts and vinegars have somewhat waned. Bunches of lavender were
used to scrub floors, and the oil to polish furniture. Even today, lavender is the most common
fragrance in perfumes, soaps, furniture and floor polishes.

Lavender can deter dog and cat fleas and moths.

MYRRH (Commiphora myrrha – Burseraceae)

ITS USES
In illness
As long as myrrh is pure, it is a great healer for all skin problems, scars, skin infections and
ulcerations. For treating skin problems such as acne and dermatitis, and to reduce inflammations,
mix 10 ml (2 tsp) soya oil with 2-4 drops myrrh and apply externally.

Used with another essential oil for flavour, like mint or cardamom, it myrrh oil makes a good
mouthwash and is antiseptic and balsamic for all throat and gum problems. Add 1 drop of myrrh
and 1 drop of mint or cardamom to a glass of water. Use to rinse the mouth and gargle, but do
not swallow. It also makes a good antiseptic inhalation during sinusitis.
(See also halitosis.)

In beauty
A simple tincture of myrrh, like benzoin, can be used as a toner, to close pores.

(See also nails.)

Other uses
Myrrh is one of the principal ingredients of incense, and it can be used at home as a ‘burning
perfume’. Like benzoin, it is also a good fixative, and is an ingredient of many pot-pourris and
pomanders.

MYRTLE (Myrtus communis – Myrtaceae)

In illness
Because of its astringent action, due to the high tannin content, myrtle is very effective against
haemorrhoids. Add 6 drops myrtle to 30 g (1 oz) cold cream, and mix well. Apply a few times per
day, when the pain and swelling are at their worst.

(See also haemorrhoids, shingles and stings and bites.)

In beauty
Because the leaves are astringent, they were used in the sixteenth century to clean the skin. A
special perfumed water called ‘eau d’anges’ was prepared in France and used for its tonic and
astringent action.

Myrtle is very effective in bad cases of acne, especially when there are painful boils with white
heads. Mix 10 ml (2 tsp) grape seed oil, 1 drop wheatgerm and 7 drops myrtle, and apply a few
times per day until better. Cleanse the skin before and after applying the myrtle oil with a lotion
made from 50 ml (2 fl oz) rosewater and 5 drops myrtle. This has a particularly astringent action
on the greasy skin which is so often associated with bad acne.

In cookery
Meat and the small birds which are a delicacy in Mediterranean countries can be wrapped in or
stuffed with myrtle leaves: these impart their flavour after the meat or bird is cooked. Myrtle
branches and twigs can be burned on a fire or barbecue beneath meat. The berries are edible,
and were once dried like pepper: they can be used much like juniper, although they are milder.

ther uses
Myrtle has an anti-insect effect much the same as eucalyptus, and it would be worth planting a
few shrubs for this purpose if you suffer from mosquitos, for example. Not only will you be bite-
free, but you will also purify the room with the fresh, clean, camphory fragrance, which will be
beneficial to the respiratory system.

Myrtle flowers can be dried for use in pot-pourris; the oil-rich leaves were once used as an
aromatic polish for wooden furniture; and the bark and roots (presumably because of the tannin
content) were used in tanning.

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare – Umbelliferae)

In illness
Fennel has long been associated with digestion, and it is an ingredient, along with its fellow
umbellifer, dill, of baby gripewater. (If a baby has colic, some boiled carrot and fennel water could
help.) Fennel is marvellous as a tonic for muscular energy, particularly useful for athletes and
people who practise a lot of sport. It is also good for convalescence after illness. There is
enormous benefit to be had from eating the herb and its vegetable relative as often as possible
and from drinking fennel tisanes.

For a fennel tisane, put 7.5 ml (1/2tbsp) crushed seeds in a teapot, and pour on 600 ml (1 pint)
boiling water. Let it stand for 7 minutes before straining and drinking. Sweeten with honey if you
like (good for athletes) and drink as a tonic in the morning or during the day.
For a tonic bath, add 10 drops of the essence to the hot water while it is running, then lie in it and
relax for 10 minutes. (This is also good for urinary problems, such as cystitis.) Afterwards,
massage legs, arms, torso, back of the neck and feet with a body oil consisting of 50 ml (2 fl oz)
soya oil, 4 drops wheatgerm oil and 15 drops fennel oil.
(See also appetite, loss of, constipation, dysmenorrhoea, halitosis and muscular pains.)

In beauty
An infusion of fennel seeds can be cleansing and gently toning for the skin.

Fennel is also very helpful for eye inflammations, puffiness and conjunctivitis. Boil 15 ml (1 tbsp)
crushed fennel seeds in 600 ml (1 pint) water for a few minutes. Leave to infuse and cool then
strain. Use in an eye bath and clean both eyes several times. If you do this several times a day,
the problem should disappear fairly rapidly. Consult your doctor or ophthalmologist if symptoms
persist.

In cookery
Fennel is the herb most associated with fish: the feathery leaves are used in fish sauces, soups
and salads; the dried stalks are often placed under a whole fish to be grilled on the barbecue.
The leaves can be used to flavour herbal oils and vinegars, and make a wonderful white sauce
for asparagus along with parsley. The seeds flavour Italian salami and are one of the Chinese
five spices. They are often used in curries, baked on breads, and can flavour a pounded sea salt
as does lovage. The seeds go particularly well with cucumbers, and can also be mixed with
cheese and sprinkled over steamed vegetables. The stalks can be cooked as celery, and the
roots were once candied.

The plant and the oil are used in some alcoholic drinks, mainly of the aniseed or pastis variety
(which usually use star anise). A French herb liqueur, La Tintaine, is sold in a bottle with a fennel
stem.

The bulb fennel possesses many of the properties of the herbal plant, and can be eaten raw in a
salad or cooked. To eat raw, trim (keeping the feathery leaves for use as a herb), and cut into
slices. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, first-pressing olive oil and some salt and pepper to taste.
This is a good side salad, for fish especially.

JASMINE Jasminum officinale – Oleaceae)

Jasmine Egyptian 5% (95% alc.) 5ml

The scent of «The Queen of the Night» is sweet and warm, mysterious and delicate. Picking is
done from midnight until dawn, because the fragrance of the flowers diminishes with increasing
sunlight. Jasmine is a very sensuous and feminine oil; it soothes anxiety, helps to build up self-
confidence and is often used to help us understand the limits of our existence. (e.g. birth, death).

Myrrh 80% (20% alc.) wild crop, 5ml

The myrrh tree belongs to the balsam-yielding plants and loves the burning sun of the Arabian
desert regions. Myrrh gives a lift to feelings of weakness of mind and enhances the spirit. It has
been used in prayer, meditation and rituals since time immemorial. Extremely valuable essential
oil in the care of skin and mouth sores. Myrrh has a strong purifying and balancing effect.

Caution:should be avoided during pregnancy.

Tea Tree organic wild crop, 10ml

We are able to offer genuine «bush oil», which denotes a high quality product from its original
area, with the right soil quality for the development of the tea tree’s active substances. Very
purifying. An ideal disinfectant. For use as a room freshener, helps to eliminate spots and
blemishes, and is good for cleansing greasy skin. Consult the specialist literature.