Lavender Hydrosol can be used for pets.  Use it to help calm an animal before a visit to the vet, by spraying on a cloth and putting it near the animal’s nose.  It can also be used to clean any cuts, scrapes or wounds the animal might encounter.  (Lavandula angustifolia) Family: Lamiaceae Plant Description:  Lavender is a fragrant hardy shrub, with narrow leaves and grey-blue flowers.  Although the fragrance can be found throughout the plant, the essential oil is only extracted from the flowering tops. History/Folklore:  There are apparently two suggestions for th ..read more

Roman Chamomile Hydrosol is one of the most popular and most widely used hydrosols available.  Gentle enough for babies, with excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties than can be helpful for many challenges no matter what the age.  It can be effectively used with pets too. (Chamaemelum nobile)  Family: Asteraceae Plant Description:  Roman chamomile is a perennial herb which grows to a height of up to ten inches and has hairy, branching stems. The leaves are feathery, consisting of finely divided thread-like segments. The flowers, which bloom during the height of ..read more

This research on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reviews two different studies done on Ginger to explore its effectiveness in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.  In the first, ginger, cardamom and tarragon we blended together in equal parts. While in the second only ginger was used in inhalation.  Both studies showed success in the alleviation of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Research on Ginger Study 1 International Journal of Aromatherapy Volume 16, Issue 1, 2006, Pages 15 – 20 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.11.002 A trial of a mixture of three essential oils ..read more

True Witch Hazel Hydrosol can be hard to find.   It has a short shelf life and many aromatherapy suppliers sell it as a distillate with something added, usually alcohol, as a preservative.  I was however, able to find the true hydrosol listed on Nature’s Gift.com in the US, and The Aromatherapist.com in Canada.  (Hamamelis virginiana)  Family: Hamamelidaceae Plant Description:   Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub growing between 10 – 25 feet tall.   The genus name, Hamamelis means ‘together with fruit’ and refers to the simultaneous occurrence of flow ..read more

The research on Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) shared here explores how effective Lavandin’s therapeutic properties might be.  The first study considers its calming properties and explores whether using this oil will help to reduce preoperative anxiety in surgical patients. The second study investigates its potential antibacterial and antifungal activity, while the third compares its antioxidant potential against that of true Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Research on Lavandin Study 1   Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Volume 24, Issue 6, December 2009, Pages 348 – 355  ..read more

Did you know that according to Steffen Arctander in his book Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, Lavandin essential oil was unknown until the late 1920’s?  Today it is one of the most largely used perfume oils extracted from nature.  He says: Lavandin oil is used for its fresh, refreshing notes, and is often used in very high concentration in the perfume formula. For detergent perfumes, liquid cleaners, dishwasher liquids, etc. this oil gives excellent results and does not need strong fixation.  Guenther in his Volume III of The Essential Oils says: From spike lavend ..read more

Basil Hydrosol is not easy to find, however with more Artisan distillers entering the market, more opportunities to acquire this hydrosol are becoming available.  I would recommend that if you want to use this hydrosol source out a reputable essential oil supplier, or consider distilling a small amount yourself.  (Ocimum basilicum)  Family: Lamiaceae Plant Description:  Basil is a tender annual herb growing up to 60 cm high, with dark green, ovate leaves and bears whorls of two-lipped, greenish or pinky-white flowers.  The whole plant has a powerful aroma. History/Folk ..read more

Black Pepper research explores its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and warming properties.  This indicates that it is helpful for dealing with pain. I’m sharing a couple of studies around this here.   Some interesting Black Pepper research reviewing the effectiveness of this essential oil on nicotine cravings is also available. I reviewed this oil earlier this month.  You might also find the article on how to stop smoking using essential oils interesting. Study 1  The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Vol. 20, Issue 10, October 2014, Pages 771 – 779 http ..read more

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