Bergamot essential oil is distilled from the peel of the fruit of Citrus bergamia, better known as the bitter orange tree. Bergamot (the extract, not the essential oil) is best known for its use as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea as well as in Turkish delight; and Bergamot essential oil possesses the same fresh floral, herbal and citrusy aromas – easily recognizable to anyone familiar with either the tea or the confectionery.
Best known for its mood balancing and skin healing properties, Bergamot essential oil can also be used for such things as pain relief, breaking up chest congestion, reducing fever and treating digestive problems.
Clove essential oil is extracted from the dried aromatic flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree native to the Maluku islands of Indonesia. Just like the popular cooking spice, Clove essential oil provides a powerful spicy, warm and woody aroma with just a hint of fruitiness which makes it an excellent compliment for citrusy, sweet and spicy essential oil diffuser blends.
Medicinally, clove oil is very well known for its pain relieving properties and for its use in dental applications. However it’s uses go far beyond that. Clove essential oil can also be used to reduce inflammation, treat nausea and other digestive ailments, freshen the breath and even clear up acne!
Eucalyptus essential oil may refer to the essential oils extracted from any number of different trees in the genus Eucalyptus. Dependent upon which species it is derived from, each variety of eucalyptus oil carries its own unique fragrance and health benefits. However, the most popular of these oils and the one to which we are referring in this instance is distilled from the leaves and young stems of Eucalyptus globulus.
Easily recognizable by its bold, fresh minty aroma, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is well known for its use in decongestant chest rubs as well as in many topical pain relievers. However, its uses don’t stop there. Eucalyptus essential oil is also a powerful anti-microbial and immunostimulant, making it ideal for staying healthy during cold & flu season. It can also be used in aromatherapy to provide mental clarity and a boost of energy, or even as a natural insect repellent!
One of the oldest and most useful essential oils is the world, Frankincense essential oil is extracted from the resin of one of four species of the genus Boswellia – the most popular of which is Boswellia carterii (also known as Boswellia sacra), a hardy tree which grows wild in the arid woodlands of the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. Frankincense resin is well-known as a traditional incense (thus the name Frank-incense) and has been used throughout history in countless spiritual and religious ceremonies.
Frankincense is unique in that its mellow aroma is a perfect combination of wood, earth, balsam and citrus – making it a good (if not perfect) compliment to just about every other essential oil in existence. Furthermore, because it is a base note Frankincense essential oil would be a ‘must have’ in every collection even if it didn’t come with an impressive list of health benefits.
Some of the many uses and benefits of Frankincense essential oil include as a mood enhancer and stress reducer, an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, as well as a digestive aid. Frankincense oil can help to fade scars and heal wounds faster. It can also be used to ease itching and reduce swelling of insect bites and other skin ailments.