As the botanical name of this particular ‘cedarwood’ implies, Juniperus virginiana is not really a true cedar but rather it belongs to the genus Juniper, of the Cupressaceae family. There are several cedarwood essential oils extracted from trees of the Cupressaceae family, but very few are used in aromatherapy.
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The genus Mentha comprises of over 20 individual species with a diversity of varieties and chemotypes, most of which have aromatic foliage. However, only the essential oil extracted from Mentha piperita and Mentha arvensis (Cornmint), has the sharp, crisp and familiar aroma we associate with the term ‘peppermint’. Read more…

From the Oleaceae family, Jasminum sambac is a slender, erect or climbing evergreen bush that is capable of growing from 1 to 3 metres in height, and is more shrubby and woody than J. grandiflorum. Its sturdy branchlets are encompassed by elliptic or obovate, dark green compound leaves and adorned with tubular, star-shaped white to pale yellow flowers that are thicker and more waxy than J. grandiflorum. They grow either as an individual blossom or in clusters at the tips of branches. Read more…

There are approximately 250 natural species of Pelargonium, with thousands of hybrids and cultivars, and surprisingly few of these species have a truly pleasing fragrance. Pelargoniums are believed to be of South African descent, but due to massive hybridisation after their introduction to Europe in the 17th century they now bear little resemblance to their original parentage. Read more…

Cypress is the common name given to several genera of evergreen, aromatic trees and shrubs that belong to the coniferous family of Cupressaceae. Only the species of the genus Cupressus are considered to be true cypress, and it is not uncommon to find ‘cypress’ essential oil derived from species other than Cupressus sempervirens being sold by less experienced oil suppliers.
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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!
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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.
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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…