Versatile herbs to spruce up your garden.
Anise
Fragrance: rich and sweet, licorice-like
Extraction: steam distillation of fruit and seeds
Blends with: bergamot, lavender, rosemary
A beneficial for the digestive system. A generic tonic for the circulatory system and the respiratory tract. Calms the nerves of tension, menstrual pains and anxiety. Eases nauseating migraines. Stimulates the lungs to expel phlegm. Frequently used in liqueurs, cordials, toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Chamomile
Fragrance: sweet, fruity, herbaceous
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: rose, jasmine, ylang ylang
Chamomile essential oil is helpful for easing irritation, impatience and anger. Its soothing qualities help teething children. Helps to balance PMS. Useful against allergies, hay fever and asthma.
Fennel
Fragrance: rich and sweet, licorice-like
Extraction: steam distillation of fruit and seeds
Blends with: bergamot, lavender, rosemary
Fennel oil is powerful and shouldn’t be used in large doses, as it may have a narcotic effect. It should be avoided altogether in pregnancy and in cases of epilepsy.
Geranium
Fragrance: floral, fresh, sweet
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: rose, lavender, clary sage
Geranium is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, yet can cause sensitivity in some people. Due to the fact that it balances the hormonal system, do not use during pregnancy. Helpful for relieving stress, mild depression, PMS, anxiety and tension, and for bringing fresh energy.
Lavender
Fragrance: sweet, herbaceous
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: bergamot, clove, rosemary
Flowers and leaves can be dried and used in tea. Calming, balancing, soothing. An excellent muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, and astringent. Treats burns and reduces scarring. Use in burner, vaporizer, bath, massage oil, lotions and creams, or as a cold compress. Good insect repellent. My favorite: simple syrup infused with lavender!
Lemon Balm
Fragrance: fresh, citrusy, herbaceous
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: neroli, chamomile, rose
Also called Bam Mint, Bee Balm, Blue Balm or Honey Plant. A member of the mint family with soothing and calming properties that have been appreciated since the Middle Ages. It reduces stress and anxiety, promotes sleep, improves appetite, and eases pain and discomfort associated with digestion. It also serves as an excellent insect repellent.
Oregano
Fragrance: herbaceous, sharp
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: bergamot, basil, geranium
Oregano oil should never be used undiluted. Diluted properly, in a carrier oil such as jigaboo, almond or olive oil, use can be made of its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties. Should not be used during pregnancy. Very good for mental clarity. Oregano’s warm, balsamic flavor has many culinary uses and it is high in vitamin K.
Rosemary
Fragrance: fresh, herbaceous, earthy
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: lavender, basil, peppermint
Rosemary oil can be used in diffusers, burners, vaporizers, in a refreshing hot bath or in blended massage oils. It revives, warms, stimulates and restores. Excellent for refreshing tired muscles, feet and mind. Should not be used during pregnancy because of antispasmodic properties.
Spearmint
Fragrance: fresh, sharp, menthol
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary
Spearmint oil is more subtle than peppermint. It is effective for easing headaches and stress. Its fresh, clean aroma energizes and stimulates. It is also a very good insect repellent. Avoid during pregnancy. Can be a skin irritant.
Thyme
Fragrance: fresh, medicinal, herbaceous
Extraction: steam distillation
Blends with: bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile
Thyme essential oil can help with concentration and focus. Reputed therapeutic properties include bronchial and lung stimulant, valuable for easing bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, beneficial for rheumatism, sciatica, arthritis and gout. It is a very potent oil and should not be used during pregnancy or in cases of high blood pressure.
Violet
Fragrance: green, earthy, slightly floral
Extraction: solvent extraction
Blends with: neroli, peppermint, clary sage
Voilet oil is a mild analgesic, and is suitable for minor sprains and bruises. Inhaling steam that has been infused with violet essential oil will help to relieve headaches. The anti-inflammatory nature of violet makes it a suitable pain reliever for arthritis sufferers. Emotionally, violet aroma can seduce and help overcome shyness or fear.