Absolute Aromas De-Stress Epsom Salts

Country of Origin: Indonesia (Java) Plant Family: Poaceae (Gramineae). Method of Extraction: The oil is steam distilled from the dried roots. Main Theraputic Properties: Calmative, Digestive stimulant, Antispasmodic, Immune tonic, Antirheumatic. Contraindications: Non toxic and non irritant in prescribed doses. Oil Appearance: Dark Brown to Amber. Chakra: Base. Chinese Element: Earth. Vetiver grows in many parts of India, Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia. The rootlets are dried, cut and chopped, then soaked in water prior to distillation. The most important producers being Haiti and Java.

This Vetiver is Indonesian. It has a smoky note which is linked to the tradition of Javan producers burning off the grass before digging up the roots. Haitian producers cut the grass and use it for feeding cattle or for grass mats, so the oil has a different aroma, though the oil has been scarce for some time.

As Vetiver is extremely viscous, a large nozzle in the bottle will help to some extent, but it may require gentle warming of the bottle in your hands or warm water to pour a few drops out. Blend 1 drop each of Vetiver, Jasmine and Sandalwood in 10ml of Peach Kernel oil for a luxurious massage oil. To help shrug off aches and pains on cold winter nights blend a teaspoon of Sweet Almond oil, add 1 drop each of Vetiver, Patchouli and Lavender and swish into a very warm bath.

Country of Origin: Bhutan. Plant Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) Method of Extraction: The oil is Steam distilled from the leaves. Main Theraputic Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Digestive stimulant, Insecticide. Contraindications: Do not use on children under the age of 2. Do not use on sensitive or damaged skin. Avoid using on people with prostatic hyperplasia or glucoma. Do not use at more than 1% dilution on the skin. Oil Appearance: Yellow to amber. Chakra: Throat and Base. Chinese Element: Earth (& Fire). Lemongrass has a fresh, clean, citrus aroma. Lemongrass is produced from two totally distinct botanical species of Cymbopogon. Citratus is found only under cultivation, particularly in Guatemala. Despite early origins in Sri Lanka and India, it is sometimes confusingly referred to as West Indian Lemongrass. The other type is Cymbopogon Flexuosus which is only cultivated in relatively limited areas of India, particularly Kerala. Try adding one drop each of Lemongrass, Lavender and Geranium to a bowl of warm water and soaking tired feet for 10 minutes. A few drops of Lemongrass and Cedarwood in an oil burner will help keep insects away during the summer months.

Country of Origin: Madagascar. Plant Family: Myrtaceae. Method of Extraction: The oil is steam distilled from the buds. Main Theraputic Properties: Anti-infectious, Antirheumatic, Digestive stimulant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anticatarrhal, Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Immune tonic. Contraindications: Do not use on children under the age of 2. Do not use on sensitive or damaged skin. Do not use more than 2 % dilition on the skin or mucous membrane. Did you know: Cloves were combined with other herbs in a pomander to protect against the plague during the Renaissance. Oil Appearance: Pale yellow. Chakra: Sacral Chinese Element: Fire This evergreen tree grows to a height of up to 15 meters. It has green leaves and red flowers. Green buds appear at the beginning of the rainy season and before they open, they are picked from the tree and left to dry in the sun. The tree has to be 5 years old before it can produce enough essential oil for extraction. There are three different oils obtained from the clove tree - leaf, bud and stem. Of these three, bud is the safest to use because it has the lowest Eugenol content, though it is still as high as 60-90%. Clove oil is used extensively in perfumes, cosmetics and dental preparations. Cloves are often in Mulled wine and liqueurs to add a spicy note to the flavour! Try adding 1 drop of Clove Bud and 1 drop of Lavender to a bowl of hand-hot water, soak a flannel in the water and wring out. Place the flannel on the affected area and leave until it loses its warmth. To help stave off winter chills, add 1 drop of Clove Bud, 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Bergamot to the water in an oil burner or diffuser and allow the aroma to fill the room.