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ALLSPICE BERRY
(Pimenta officinalis)
Jamaica
Excellent for baking. It's fragrance provides a spicy scent
in potpourris. The oil is also used to flavor beverages, candy,
condiments and baked goods.
Aromatherapy: warming, cheering, sense-enhancing
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
ALMOND, BITTER
(Prunus armeniaca)
United States
The source of natural cherry and amaretto flavors. Almond
Bitter is the most potent of all flavors; use one drop per
pint.
Aromatherapy: strengthening, sense-enhancing
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid use in sun.
ANGELICA ROOT
(Angelica archangelica)
Belgium, Holland, France, Germany
A warm, musky, earthy aroma with excellent staying power.
Only small quantities are needed to create an effect in a
perfume. The flavor is bitter and reminiscent of a blend of
parsley and celery.
Aromatherapy: anchoring, restorative, strengthening
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
ANISE (Pimpinella
anisum)
Spain, France, Italy, Morocco
Gives licorice candy and chewing gum their distinct flavor.
Anise is also added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance.
Aromatherapy: cheering, sense-enhancing, mildly euphoric
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BALSAM
PERU (Myroxylon pererae)
El Salvador
May be used to soothe chafed skin and impart a rich, earthy
scent to perfumery.
Aromatherapy: exotic, anchoring, strengthening
BASIL (Ocimum
basilicum)
France, United States
Wide range of culinary uses. Basil's floral, spicy odor is
also excellent for use in perfumes.
Aromatherapy: clarifying, uplifting, energizing, strengthening,
refreshing
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. Avoid use in sun.
BAY (Pimenta
racemosa)
Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica
Often used in hair treatments to stimulate the scalp. It has
a powerful, spicy, sweet aroma and is used to produce bay
rum fragrance.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, warming
BERGAMOT, BERGAPTENE
FREE (Citrus bergamia)
Italy
From an uncommon citrus fruit. Its fruity, floral scent is
excellent when used as a room spray.
Aromatherapy: uplifting, normalizing, confidence-building
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
BLACK PEPPER
(Piper nigrum)
India, Indonesia, Malaysia
One of the oldest known spices, primarily used in flavoring.
Particularly interesting effects are obtained when it is
used sparingly in perfume blends, especially with rose.
Aromatherapy: warming, vitalizing, invigorating.
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CAMPHOR,
WHITE (Cinnamomum camphora)
China, Japan
Commonly used in scenting detergents, soaps, disinfectants,
deodorants, room sprays and other household products.
Aromatherapy: clarifying, energizing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
CARDAMOM SEED
(Elettaria cardamomum)
India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka
Appropriate (in very small quantities) for a wide variety
of culinary uses. The oil has a spicy aroma with floral undertones
and can
be used in masculine and floral perfumes.
Aromatherapy: sense enhancing, warming, exotic
CARROT SEED
(Daucus carota)
France
Used to provide a spicy-sweet aroma for exotic and natural-type
perfumes. In skin care, carrot seed oil is used to tone and
stimulate elasticity and for cleansing purposes (should be
diluted 1 part carrot seed to 10 parts carrier oil).
Aromatherapy: replenishing, nourishing, restoring
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum
cassia)
China (Wild)
The distinct spicy flavor of cinnamon bark. It is used to
flavor every kind of food as well as toothpaste, mouthwash
and chewing gum.
Aromatherapy: euphoric, energizing, warming.
Usage Warning: Cinnamon is very irritating to the skin and
can cause an allergic reaction with repeated use.
CEDARWOOD (Juniperus
mexicana scheide)
United States
A woody balsamic aroma. It is used in perfumery to add body
and a warm note to any blend. Cedarwood can also be
applied to the inside of a wood chest for a cedarwood scent.
Aromatherapy: harmonizing, relaxing, anxiety-reducing
CELERY SEED
(Apium graveolens)
France, India, United States
A spicy, warm flavor used to enhance flavor in soups, sauces,
vegetable juices, meats and pickles. This oil can also be
used in minute quantities in perfumery.
Aromatherapy: nourishing, warming
CHAMOMILE, GERMAN
(Matricaria chamomilla)
Hungary, Morocco, Germany, Russia
Oil of German chamomile (also known as blue chamomile). The
blue color comes from the component azulene which is formed
during the distillation of the oil. The odor is sweet and
apple-like and adds a warm, long-lasting undertone in elegant
perfumes.
Chamomile is used in massage oils and other herbal preparations.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, soothing, nourishing
CHAMOMILE, ROMAN
(Anthemis nobilis)
Hungary, Belgium, France
Often used in perfumery. It blends well with bergamot, jasmine,
neroli, and clary sage, lending a warm, fresh note when added
in small quantities.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, replenishing
CINNAMON LEAF
(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Indonesia, Ceylon
Used to flavor spiced fruits, baked goods, pickles and candy.
The flavor and aroma are more reminiscent of cloves than cinnamon.
It provides a hot, spicy and somewhat bitter flavor.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, vitalizing
CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon
nardus)
Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Lemony, grassy aroma. It is used for scenting room and outdoor
sprays, as well as household products.
Aromatherapy: purifying, vitalizing
CLARY SAGE (Salvia
sclarea)
France
Blends well with a wide variety of essential oils for perfumery
with a sweet, spicy scent.
Aromatherapy: centering, euphoric, visualizing
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.
CLOVE BUD (Eugenia
caryophyllata)
Madagascar, Indonesia, Comoro Islands
Used in mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing gum and dental preparations.
It is useful in the kitchen for both sweet and savory dishes.
The oil has a powerful, spicy-fruity aroma.
Aromatherapy: warming, sense-enhancing
Usage Warning: Clove oil is highly irritating, avoid contact
with skin. Avoid if pregnant.
CORIANDER SEED
(Coriandrum sativum)
France, Holland, Russia
Wonderfully mild, sweet taste. It can be combined with bergamot
for a popular candy flavor.
The fragrance of the oil is spicy, aromatic and pleasantly
sweet.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, gently clarifying
CYPRESS (Cupressus
sempervirens)
France (Cypress)
Has a refreshing, spicy and pine needle-like aroma often used
as a modifier in pine fragrances.
Aromatherapy: purifying, balancing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
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EUCALYPTUS
(Eucalyptus globulus)
Spain, Portugal, Australia, France, China
Commonly used to scent topical preparations such as liniments
and salves. It also serves as a flavoring in cold
and cough products such as inhalants, cough drops and syrups.
Aromatherapy: purifying, invigorating, cooling
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
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FENNEL,
SWEET (Foeniculum vulgare)
Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Japan
Sweet, warm-spicy, aromatic oil for both flavoring and fragrance.
Fennel is used extensively in imitation maple extracts,
candy, anisette liqueur, baked goods and desserts.
Aromatherapy: restorative, warming, invigorating
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid if pregnant.
Avoid use in sun.
FIR NEEDLE (Abies
alba)
Russia, Austria (Wild)
Fresh spicy scent. A few drops on a light bulb, in the carpet,
or through a diffuser will evoke the thick fir forests of
the
high country. During the holidays, this oil will fill a room
with the festive aroma of a freshly cut Christmas tree.
Aromatherapy: centering, refreshing, harmonizing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Dilute well, skin irritant.
FRANKINCENSE
(Boswellia carteri)
Somalia, Ethiopia, India
Sweet-woody, peppery fragrance. Frankincense is used extensively
for incense and fine perfumery.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, restorative, gently clarifying, visualizing,
meditative
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
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GERANIUM
(Pelargonium graveolens)
France, Morocco, China
Delightfully sweet scent. An important ingredient in all types
of fragrances, it has a powerful, leafy-rose aroma with minty
undertones.
It is also used in skin care products for both its fragrance
and astringent cleansing properties.
Aromatherapy: balancing, normalizing
GINGER (Zingiber
officinale)
China, Jamaica
An important culinary oil with a spicy-woody flavor. It is
used to flavor fruit dishes, cookies, cakes, condiments, meats,
liqueurs and soft drinks -- especially ginger ale.
Aromatherapy: warming, strengthening, anchoring
GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus
paradisi)
United States
Citrus aroma and flavor. It can be used as a flavoring in
candy, frozen desserts, baked goods and carbonated beverages.
Aromatherapy: balancing, refreshing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
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HYSSOP
(Hyssopus officinalis)
France, Italy
A spicy, camphor-like strong scent. Hyssop blends well with
clove, lavender, rosemary, sage, clary sage and other citrus
oils.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, cleansing
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure
should avoid. People with epilepsy should avoid.
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JASMINE
ABSOLUTE (Jasminum grandiflorum)
Morocco, France, Italy
A very powerful fragrance with a full, rich, honey-like sweetness.
The fragrance of jasmine is a component in so many
perfumes that there is an old saying "No perfume without
jasmine." A tiny amount will go a long way.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, sensual, exotic, romantic
JUNIPER BERRY
(Juniperus communis)
Italy, Yugoslavia
A balsamic, woody, pine-needle scent. It is used with citrus
oils in room sprays, and in masculine perfumes, aftershaves
and spicy
colognes. Juniper is also used as an ingredient in gin, and
for flavoring bitters, liqueurs, meats and baked goods.
Aromatherapy: strengthening, refreshing, restoring
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.
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LAVENDER
(Lavendula angustifolia)
China, France, Tasmania
A classic scent for perfume and a wide array of skin and hair
products. It has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma. It is
occasionally used as a flavoring in chewing gum, fruit flavors,
candy and beverages.
Aromatherapy: balancing, soothing, gently clarifying, normalizing
LEMON (Citrus
limomum)
United States
Widely used in beauty care. This oil is cold pressed from
the rind; three dozen lemons are used to produce each 1/2
ounce.
Aromatherapy: energizing, uplifting, refreshing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun. Dilute well, skin irritant.
LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon
citratus)
Guatemala, Haiti, Sri Lanka, China
A cleanser for oily skin and used in shampoo to add luster
to the hair. It has a powerful, citrus aroma and is
a preferred fragrance in room and outdoor sprays, soaps and
detergents. Lemongrass is widely used in perfumes and in the
production of vitamin A.
Aromatherapy: vitalizing, cleansing
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant.
LIME (Citrus
aurantifolia)
United States, Mexico
Dozens of limes are needed to produce 1/2 oz. of oil. Uses
of the oil include beverages, sherbet and hard candy.
Aromatherapy: equalizing, refreshing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
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MARJORAM,
WILD (Thymus masticina)
Spain (Wild)
Useful in massage oil for sensitive skin. (Marjoram hortensis,
called sweet marjoram, is the commonly used
cooking spice -- wild marjoram is used in aromatherapy and
body care.)
Aromatherapy: purifying, clearing, strengthening
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Avoid use if pregnant.
MELISSA (Melissa
officinalis)
France
Produced from the herb lemon balm. It takes up to 600 pounds
of fresh lemon balm plants to yield one ounce of oil.
The oil has a lemony aroma and sharp, floral-lemon flavor.
Aromatherapy: relaxing
Usage Warning: dilute well, skin irritant.
MYRRH (Commiphora
molmol)
Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia
One of the oldest-known perfume materials. Mentioned 3,700
years ago, myrrh has a long history of use as incense,
especially with frankincense, during the Christmas season.
Aromatherapy: centering, visualizing, meditative
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Avoid use if pregnant.
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NEROLI
(Citrus aurantium)
Morocco, France, Italy, Tunisia
Distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Neroli
has a refreshing, spicy, aroma. It is one of the most widely
used
floral oils in perfumery. Neroli is also used in preparations
such as a massage oils, skin creams, and bath oils.
Aromatherapy: centering, relaxing, soothing, exotic, sensual
NUTMEG (Myristica
fragrans)
Indonesia, East Indies
Contains the characteristic flavor and fragrance of nutmeg
spice. It is used in cooking as a replacement for the spice.
One or two drops are sufficient in most recipes. It is also
used in men's fragrances and spicy perfumes.
Aromatherapy: rejuvenating, uplifting, energizing
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ORANGE,
SWEET (Citrus sinensis)
Brazil, United States, Spain
One of the most popular flavors in the world. Orange is widely
used in foods of all types. In perfumery sweet
orange is often used as the heart of floral blend.
Aromatherapy: cheering, refreshing, uplifting
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
ORMENIS (Ormenis
mixta)
Morocco (Wild)
Used diluted in vegetable oil to condition and bring out highlights
in blond hair. In perfumes it provides a long-lasting sweet
undertone.
Aromatherapy: soothing, nurturing, relaxing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
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PATCHOULI
(Pogostemon cablin)
Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia (Wild)
A widely used fixative in perfumes. The very intense aroma
is described as earthy, rich, sweet, balsamic, woody and spicy.
Aromatherapy: romantic, soothing, exotic, sensual
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
PEPPERMINT (Mentha
piperita)
United States
A strong, cool, minty flavor. Peppermint oil is refreshing
in both taste and aroma. A popular flavor in breath lozenges,
toothpaste and mouthwash.
Aromatherapy: vitalizing, refreshing, cooling
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid use if pregnant.
PETITGRAIN (Citrus
aurantium)
France, Italy, Morocco, S. America
Made from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree.
This oil has a fresh and sweet fragrance with a woody undertone.
It is added to massage and bath oils and hair care products.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, soothing, stabilizing
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ROSE,
ABSOLUTE (Rosa centifolia)
Morocco, France
A sweet, deep, long-lasting aroma. Rose absolute is an economical
alternative fragrance to rose otto essential oil. It is used
extensively in medium and high-priced perfumes of all types
for its aroma and fixative qualities.
Aromatherapy: romantic, creative, gently uplifting
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.
ROSE OTTO (Rosa
damascena)
Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey
A warm, intense, immensely rich fragrance. Rose oil is one
of the oldest and best known of all essential oils. It is
used in all types of perfumes
to lend beautyand depth to the aroma. A drop or two in a massage,
facial, or bath oil creates a luxurious, soothing experience.
The oil is also used in skin creams, powders, and lotions.
Aromatherapy: romantic, creative, gently cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.
ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus
officinalis)
France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia (Wild)
Used in hair care, fragrance, cooking and cosmetics. Brush
on or wash into dark hair to condition and bring out color
highlights.
Aromatherapy: clarifying, warming, invigorating
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure
or epilepsy should avoid.
ROSEWOOD (Aniba
rosaeodora)
Brazil
Also known as Bois De Rose. Rosewood is a spicy oil used to
enliven the scent of dried flowers, soaps, lotions, and massage
oils.
Aromatherapy: gently strengthening, relaxing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
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SAGE
(Salvia officinalis)
France, Spain, Yugoslavia
Used in cooking and scented products. There are many types
of this common garden herb, all closely related.
Spanish sage grows wild throughout Spain.
Aromatherapy: warm, soothing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure
or epilepsy should avoid.
SANDALWOOD (Santalum
album)
India, Indonesia
Rare perfume used in ancient rituals as a spiritually purifying
ointment. Sandalwood is a valuable fixative
which blends well with other oils. It is a very mild oil suitable
for dry skin.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, centering, exotic, sensual
SPEARMINT (Mentha
spicata)
United States, China
Energizing to the mind and body. Use in bath water for its
refreshing effect. Make a facial
steam of spearmint oil in a pot of boiling water to help cleanse
and refine pores.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, cooling, gently vitalizing
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TANGERINE
(Citrus reticulata)
United States, Brazil
Great astringent (must be properly diluted) for oily skin.
Tangerine is also a tasty addition to beverages and desserts.
Aromatherapy: cheering, uplifting
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.
TEA TREE (Melaleuca
alternifolia)
Australia
Delivers a warm, spicy, medicinal aroma. It is used in colognes
and aftershaves and as a scent in
room sprays, antiseptics, gargles,
shampoo, acne creams, soaps and other skin care products.
Aromatherapy: cleansing, purifying, uplifting
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Dilute well, skin irritant.
THYME, RED (Thymus
vulgaris)
Spain (Wild)
An intense, herbaceous aroma and flavor. Thyme is used to
scent soaps, colognes and aftershaves and for
cooking meats, vegetables and soups.
Aromatherapy: cleansing, purifying.
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid if pregnant.
People with high blood pressure should avoid.
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VETIVER
(Vetiveria zizanoides)
Reunion, India, Indonesia, Philippines
A rich, woody scent. It is used as a perfume fixative, like
sandalwood.
Aromatherapy: soothing, relaxing, anchoring
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
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WINTERGREEN
(Gualtheria promcumbens)
China
Fresh, cleansing mint flavor.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, bracing,invigorating.
Usage Warning: Harmful or fatal if taken internally.
As little as one teaspoon can be fatal if ingested by a child.
Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid if pregnant.
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YLANG
YLANG III (Cananga odorata)
Comorro Islands, Reunion, Madagascar, Indonesia (Wild)
Means "flower of flowers." Ylang Ylang is a richly
fragrant oil, best used for body perfume and massage oil.
Aromatherapy: sensual, euphoric
YLANG YLANG
EXTRA (Cananga odorata)
Comorro Islands, Reunion, Madagascar, Indonesia
Distilled from the early-morning-picked flowers of the cananga
tree. The first oil drawn off is the highest quality and is
graded "Extra." Ylang Ylang Extra has an intense,
floral, jasmine-like aroma. It is used in exotic and floral
perfumes.
Aromatherapy: romantic, alluring, exotic
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