Cinnamon (Bark) Essential Oil

Latin name Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Oils distilled from the bark.

Points of interest: Yellow oil which becomes brown with age.

History: Cinnamon trees grow in China and Ceylon. One of the oldest aromatic plants-mentioned in the Old Testament-cinnamon contains eugenol, a powerful antiseptic. Read more

Chamomile Essential Oil

Latin name Chamaemelum nobile formerly Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile); Matricaria recutita (German chamomile).

Effects: Soothing and harmonizing.

Aroma: Middle note.

History: Egyptian sages dedicated chamomile to the sun, because of its ability to reduce fever. Contains azulene, which has remarkable healing and antibacterial powers. There are two kinds of chamomile flowers: German, which is mild, and Roman, which is strong. Read more

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Latin name Juniperus virginiana

History: From a tree that grows in America, Lebanon, southern Europe, and the Orient, cedarwood oil may have been the first essence extracted from a plant. The Egyptians used a crude method of distillation to obtain cedarwood gum, an important ingredient in their mummifying process.

Properties: Antiseptic; astringent; sedative; digestive stimulant; expectorant (promotes spitting); aphrodisiac. Read more

Cassia Essential Oil

Latin name Cinnamonum cassia

Oil is distilled from leaves and twigs.

Warning: Can cause irritation to sensitive skins.

Points of interest: Read more

Caraway Essential Oil

Latin name Carum carvi

Oil is obtained by distillation of the seeds of the plant. Has a characteristic aroma.

Warning: May cause dermal irritation-use with care.

Points of interest: Read more

Bergamot Essential Oil

Latin name Citrus  bergamia.

Origins

Found mainly in southern Italy, the bergamot tree also grows in Morocco and West Africa.

Oil is produced by cold expression from the peel of nearly ripe fruit. It is emerald green in colour, but fades on ageing and on exposure to sunlight. It has a sweet, exotic aroma. Read more

Aniseed Essential Oil

Latin Name Pimpinela anisum

Oil extracted from the seeds of the plant.

Warning: Aniseed oil can cause irritation to sensitive skins.

Points of interest

Particularly favoured by the romans, who used the seeds to sweeten breath, as an aphrodisiac, to relieve flatulence and stimulate milk flow. Today it is used to flavour medicines, confectionary and dental preparations. Thought to help alleviate the effects of a hangover! Read more