By: Ann
Essential Oils:
Grapefruit – Our oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the common grapefruit. It has a fresh, sweet, bitter, citrus aroma. It is used to scent citrus perfumes and colognes, soaps, creams and lotions. Aromatherapy benefits: refreshing, cheering.
Bergamot – Bergamot oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. The aroma of bergamot oil is fresh, lively, fruity and sweet. It is an excellent deodorizer. It contains a constituent called bergaptene that increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Bergamot BF means “bergaptene free.” Most of the sensitizing bergaptene constituent has been distilled out of this product but traces may still remain. Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, inspiring, confidence-building.
Cedarwood – Red cedarwood essential oil actually comes from a type of juniper known as Juniperus virginiana, whose common name is eastern red cedar. The balsamic-woody aroma of cedarwood oil evokes a feeling of inner strength and centeredness. It is quite useful in times of emotional stress and anxiety to overcome feelings of powerlessness.
Cypress – The oil has a refreshing, spicy, juniper and pine needle-like aroma and is often used as a modifier in pine fragrances. It blends well with lavender, clary sage, citrus and Angelica. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, balancing.
Eucalyptus – Of the 300 species of eucalyptus trees in the world, Eucalyptus globulus is the best known. Eucalyptus has long been used in topical preparations such as liniments and salves. Cineole is the major constituent. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, invigorating.
Lavender – Lavender oil is used in baths, room sprays, toilet waters, perfumes, colognes, massage oils, sachets, salves, skin lotions and oils. It has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma which combines well with many oils including citrus, clove, patchouli, rosemary, clary sage and pine. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, soothing, normalizing, calming, relaxing, and healing.
Neroli – Oil of neroli is distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. It has a very strong, refreshing, spicy, floral aroma and is one of the most widely used flower oils in perfumery. It is an ingredient in eau de cologne and blends well with citrus oils and floral oils. Neroli is also used in premium natural cosmetic preparations such as massage oils, skin creams and bath oils. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, soothing, sensual.
Rosemary – Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance. The plant produces an almost colorless essential oil with a strong, fresh, camphor aroma. It’s used in many citrus colognes, forest and Oriental perfumes, and eau de cologne. Rinses for dark hair often contain rosemary, as do room deodorants, household sprays, disinfectants and soaps. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, invigorating.
Herbs:
Basil – Basil is a tender annual that has a strong, spicy flavor. Chopped fresh basil leaves are added to vegetables, salad dressings, eggs, and breads. The herb also tastes good added to homemade tomato sauce and steamed with rice. Basil compliments garlic and can be combined to make a delicious loaf of bread.
Ginger – Antioxidant, antimicrobial effect on sores and wounds. Colon cleanser, reduces spasms and cramps, stimulates circulation. Recommended for bowel disorders, circulatory problems, fever, hot flashes, indigestion, morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting.
Rosemary – Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance. The plant produces an almost colorless essential oil with a strong, fresh, camphor aroma. Rinses for dark hair often contain rosemary, as do room deodorants, household sprays, disinfectants and soaps. Aromatherapy benefits: clarifying, invigorating.
Thyme – Antiseptic. Recommended for: croup and other respiratory problems, fever, headache, liver problems, cholesterol, scalp itching and flaking caused by candidiasis. Eliminates gas and reduces mucus.
Recipe:
Fennel, Grapefruit, and Apple Salad
2 bulbs fennel, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 green apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 red grapefruit – peeled, white pith cut off, and sectioned
2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts, or to taste
1 tablespoon torn basil leaves, or to taste
2 teaspoons lemon juice, or to taste
2 teaspoons lime juice, or to taste
2 teaspoons grapefruit juice, or to taste
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
Layer fennel, onion, and apple slices in a salad bowl and drizzle apple with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Top salad with red grapefruit sections, toasted walnuts, and basil leaves.
Whisk 2 teaspoons lemon juice with lime juice, grapefruit juice, and olive oil in a small bowl; season to taste with salt and black pepper. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve.
