There are over 60 species of annuals, non-woody perennials and shrubs known collectively as ‘basil’. In addition, there are almost 100 cultivars and their various sub-species which display a vast range of physical and chemical variations (chemotypes), often causing confusion to all concerned!
Read more…

Sweet marjoram is a frost-tender perennial plant which can grow to a height of 60 centimetres (24 inches), producing oval leaves and pale or dark pink-purple flowers. These flowers are small but plentiful and form in spiky clusters, blooming between June and September. It is a warm climate plant, preferring lots of sun and well-drained soil.
Read more…

In the bible it is described how the three wise men transported gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus shortly after his birth. For many people, it seems almost inconceivable that frankincense and myrrh were considered as precious and costly as gold at that time. But the truth is they really were.

Frankincense is the hardened oleo-gum resin obtained from several species of trees in the Boswellia family. The trees producing the finest quality resin can be found growing around the horn of Africa; Somalia, the Hadhramaut region of Yemen, and Oman. Read more…

There are several types of chamomile essential oil used in aromatherapy, and this makes it vital that you choose the correct type of oil for the therapeutic properties that you require. In this article we are studying Roman chamomile essential oil which is the most popular of the three types of chamomiles, possibly due to its vast range of healing properties and amazing versatility. Read more…

Mandarin essential oil has a delicious aroma that never fails to bring a feeling of sunshine and happiness to any occasion, and is enjoyed equally by young and old alike. Mandarin is actually the collective name given to a class of oranges that possess thin, loose peel and a flavour much sweeter than that of the orange. This large group of citrus fruits are all characterised by brightly coloured peel and pulp, segments that separate easily and a rind that is easy to peel. Read more…

The vast genus of Eucalyptus includes almost 700 species, and continues to expand as unknown species are discovered and catalogued. The close physical similarity of many species and the wide variability in leaf biochemistry has proven to be a huge challenge to botanists ever since it was first discovered.

Initially, some species of Eucalyptus were incorrectly identified and even today revisions of taxa continue to take place in an attempt to clarify the state of affairs, with apparently varying levels of success. To say that the taxonomy of this species is confusing and incomplete would be something of an understatement! Read more…

Juniperus communis belongs to the Cuppressaceae family and is a highly variable species, presenting several morphological and geographical varieties. Juniper is divided into at least two subspecies with frequent intermediates which can differ in habit from a low, spreading bush to a small columnar, single stemmed tree.

Depending upon the geographical variety, the bushy shrub attains a height between 1 and 3 metres (3-10 ft), and the columnar tree occasionally reaches a height of 10m (32 ft). The smaller prostrate form ‘horizontalis’ is native to north-east America and the taller variety ‘erecta’ is very common throughout Europe. Read more…

Neroli essential oil is extracted from the fragrant blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium sub.sp amara), and has a beautiful aroma that appeals to men and women alike. In common with rose and jasmine, neroli oil is a complete fragrance in itself and forms the heart of one of the worlds most enduring perfumes, ‘Eau de Cologne’.
Read more…

The humble lemon is arguably the most versatile of all the citrus fruits, being employed in a vast assortment of food, beverages, skincare, perfumery and toiletry products. In addition, the lemon contains the widest range of medicinal properties of all citrus fruits.

Surprising as it may sound, the precise origin of the lemon tree has never been established. Most experts propose it was Eastern India, with a minority of others suggesting it was upper Burma or China. Like many other citrus fruits, the lemon has been hybridised so many times throughout history that it seems unlikely we will ever establish its true provenance. Read more…