German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a flowering medicinal plant that has truly stood the test of time, with over 2,000 years of documented medical use by luminaries such as Asclepius, Galen, Hippocrates and Culpepper. It would be almost impossible to find a herbal book published during the past 500 years that does not include the virtues of this amazing healing herb. Read more…

Pines are coniferous trees belonging to the genus Pinus, which comprises of about 120 different species that are divided into 3 sub-genera based on cone, leaf and seed characteristics. Over 140 varieties of Pinus sylvestris have previously been described and catalogued in botanical references, but after reclassification only 4 varieties of this species are currently acknowledged as being genetically distinct. The species normally used in aromatherapy is Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestris, which is also known as Scots pine. Read more…

Largely ignored for 9 months out of the year here in the United Kingdom, citronella essential oil is currently enjoying its 3 months reign as king of the insect repellent oils. This seems such a shame, because although it is very effective in this role it could hardly be considered mainstream aromatherapy, and yet the oil is capable of delivering so much more therapeutically. Let’s look at the background of this essential oil and see what else it has to offer in aromatherapy. Read more…

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the fruit of a small tree, known botanically as Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia. Exactly where this tree originated has never been established, despite various theories regarding its true origin and cultivation. The most plausible theory regarding its source claims that Christopher Columbus brought the bergamot tree back on a voyage from the Canary Islands to Barcelona, Spain.
Read more…

Grapefruit essential oil is one of the most popular citrus oils used in aromatherapy, with a fresh and tangy fragrance that never fails to bring a welcome boost to the senses. Like all citrus fruits, the grapefruit belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is a large family of shrubs, trees and occasionally herbs.
Read more…

Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus) is derived from a versatile plant that has been used for countless centuries throughout Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and India in folk medicine and cuisine. The fragrant leaves are still used to treat a wide range of illnesses, sometimes using methods which are specific only to a certain area.
Read more…

Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) is unmistakable, and for those of a certain generation its sweet earthy aroma will often trigger happy memories of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Adopted by the counterculture that began in the USA and quickly swept the western world, patchouli will be forever associated with hippies, psychedelia, Hare Krishna and marijuana; although not necessarily all of those or in that order!
Read more…

September sees the launch of a new addition to our expanding Aroma-botanicals personal care range, and as always it has been designed to care for your skin, the natural way.

Quinessence Lavender Hand Wash is a luxurious, creamy, botanical soap infused with the very finest organic Lavender essential oil from Provence and enriched with moisturising and skin-softening Aloe Vera – plus a whole host of other botanical goodies to cleanse and soften your hands. 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…