Cacao

Quick Overview

Absolute  of Cacao is derived from West African seeds and distilled in France.  This is a heavenly chocolate oil; very rich and complex. It is an  excellent aromatic for uplifting the spirit and inspiring sensual creativity.
 

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
 

The word 'cacao' is ancient and likely originated with the pre-Mayan people. It is translated as 'the food of the gods'. Native to  Central American rain-forests, the Cacao tree was cultivated by the  original   tribal peoples of small regions. Later, the seeds (also  called beans) were used as currency between peoples and spread traded  to the Mayans, Toltecs, and Aztecs who also began cultivation. Cacao is not to be confused with 'cocoa', which is the dried,  powdered Cacao beans, roasted and processed with alkali, to make it more soluble in water. This absolute was extracted in France from the  raw, dried cacao beans--and truly, this has quite a wonderful  chocolate aroma!

Method of Extraction: Hexane Free extraction
Parts Used: Bean
Country of Origin: France

Cultivation Method: Wildcrafted

Blends Well With:
 

Scent: Sensual, heady,   delicious and intriguing
 

About the Oil
This essential oil is extracted from the seeds (pods) of wild, sustainably harvested trees in West Africa. The complexity of the Cacao seed serves as a reminder of the great potential of the rainforest botanicals for enhancing our well-being.
 

Aromatherapy Notes
Cacao is an excellent choice of ingredient for erotic  formulations. Cacao is a 'potentiator', enhancing the character   of the  other essential oils with which it is blended. Deep, royal and earthy  aroma enveloped in rich hazelnut liquor and fine   smoky notes of the finest dark chocolate. Use Cacao absolute with confidence as a rich middle note in all 'love' blends.

Traditional Uses

Thorough in their quest to understand the properties of all plants in their realm, the Aztecs trained a class of medicinal botanists to explore far and wide bringing back living Cacao specimens to the royal    botanical gardens for research. With such expertise and so many  fabulous   and intriguing botanicals available, it is fitting that they  determined the seeds of the Cacao tree to be of such superior value.  There were times when no person in except the King and his court were  allowed to ingest the seeds.

Cacao has long been thought of as a natural   medicine; its diverse  therapeutic qualities of the plant include a   decrease in depression;  an increase in general health; a lessening of stress and enhancements  in sensual pleasures, including sex.

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Aphrodisiac, Immune booster, Nutrient.

Safety

Cacao absolute is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

Note that while Cacao absolute is perfect in creams and with other essential oils, it will sometimes separate from fixed oils.

Quick Overview

This  Cardamom essential oil is extracted from the whole fruits of the  Cardamom plant, organically cultivated in Guatemala. This oil benefits  greatly from the CO2 process, retaining a wonderful spicy complexity.
 

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum

Native to Sri Lanka and Southern India, Cardamom is reed-like  perennial herb that grows to a height of three meters with small yellow flowers with violet tips and small yellow fruits that contain  the reddish-brown seeds used to make essential oil.
 

Known as 'grains of paradise' in the   Middle East, these seeds serve as the basis for an array of traditional culinary Indian and European  dishes. 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Seeds, fruit

Country of Origin: India

Cultivation Method: Wildcrafted

Blends Well With:  Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedar Atlas, Cinnamon, Clove Bud,  Coriander Seed, Fennel-Sweet, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Cistus /  Labdanum, Lemon, Lemongrass, May Chang (Litsea cubeba), Mandarin, Neroli  (Orange Blossom), Frankincense, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli,  Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Vetivert, and Ylang Ylang.
 

Scent: Distinctively spicy, fruity, warm, and balsamic odor  
 

Contraindications: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing  

About the Oil

This Cardamom essential oil is sourced from the seeds of plants organically cultivated in Guatemala and distilled using carbon dioxide  (instead of water). This distillation process works better in relation  with this herb to preserve its warm, spicy nature. Other processes can  render the oil 'flat' and ruin its complexity.   

Aromatherapy Notes

This essential oil is deep yellow, rich and of medium viscosity. It  has a rich and complex aroma: warm and moderately spicy, it has hints  of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange oil and camphor upfront, followed by  menthol, and a slight herbaceous undertone.   

Traditional Uses

Cardamom has been used for over 3,000 years in Chinese and  traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medical practices and was adopted by  Greek physicians in the 4th century BC, including Hippocrates, the  father of Western medicine. The essential oil has traditionally been used as a tonic to the  digestive, pulmonary and urinary systems and to reduce fevers.  It has also been used for centuries as a component of many sensual  aphrodisiac blends.   

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aperitif, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Cephalic, Digestive, Diuretic, Sialogogue, Stimulant, Stomachic. Cardamom oil is extensively noted for its antiseptic properties, and may  stimulate phagocytic action of the immune system.   

Safety

Cardamom essential oil is a non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant if used correctly and in proper dosage. 

Quick Overview

Carrot Seed essential oil hydro-distilled from the seeds of Queen Anne's Lace (Wild Carrot) from France. Carrot seed is one of the premier essential oils for care of aging skin,  and skin that may be lacking vigor due to poor environment orlifestyle. It is also highly regarded for liver support, detoxification and cell regeneration.
 

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

Also known as Queen Anne's Lace, and considered by some as a common weed, the wild carrot is a native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It was introduced to North America in the 1600s, and the seeds were used medicinally and for seasoning food and drink, yet cultivation of this varietal for seed oil extraction mostly occurs in France today. An annual herb, it has a white, inedible root (unlike the common eating varietal). It has a distinctly branched stem and umbels of small, white flowers.

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Seeds

Country of Origin: France

Cultivation Method: Wildcrafted

Blends Well With: Cinnamon, Cedar Atlas, Geranium, Rose, All Citrus Oils & All Spice Oils.
 

Scent: Herbaceous, warm, woody-earthy and spicy odor
 

About the Oil
This essential oil is steam distilled from the seeds of carrots wild-grown in France. It is pale yellow and is light and fluid in viscosity.  
 

Aromatherapy Notes
This Carrot Seed oil has a unique warm, mildly sweet top note, a mildly earthy, woody middle note and a light, musty, herbaceous undertone. It combines well with Frankincense, Geranium, citrus oils such as Grapefruit or Lemon and spice oils such as Cardamom. This is a particularly delicate and complex Carrot Seed oil that would lend itself well to natural perfumery.

Traditional Uses

Being a highly nutritious plant, the seeds from the Daucus carota plant have been used in traditional Eastern and Western medical practice for centuries. 

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Tonic to liver and gall bladder, stimulant, liver re-generator,  lowers cholesterol, used externally for skin problems, regulates thyroid, jaundice, kidney and digestive disorders, promotes  menstruation, muscle relaxant, dysentery, and expels worms.

Safety

Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.

Quick Overview

This  South African wild-harvested relative of chamomile offers a stunning  translucent blue essential oil rich in therapeutic compounds. Its exquisite range of fruit and floral notes make it perhaps the most  aromatically appealing of all chamomile oils.
 

Botanical Name: Eriocephalus punctulatus
Cape chamomile enjoys the distinction of being extraordinarily high in esters, which accounts for its outstanding fragrant, sweet, fruity aroma. Like its cousin German chamomile, Cape chamomile is  highly regarded for its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response and immune health.
 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Country of Origin:  South Africa

Cultivation Method:  Certified Organic

Blends Well With:   Floral oils such as geranium, lavender, rose, ylang ylang, and citrus  oils bergamot, lemon, and neroli; also, clary sage, benzoin, and  patchouli
 

Scent: Complex floral and fruity, strong, sweet, and herbaceous 
 

About the Oil
Chamomile comes from the Greek  chamos, or ground, for its low growing habit, and melos, or apple, for the sweet apple-like scent of its blossoms.
 

Aromatherapy Notes
Though they share some therapeutic   properties, German, Roman, Moroccan, and Cape chamomile oil are all different species.  Both Cape and German chamomile contain azulenic compounds.
 

Cape chamomile’s therapeutic profile   includes its rare ability to  relax without depressive effects, supporting stress reduction for  people in all phases of life, including children. Diffusing cape  chamomile essential oil is especially effective to promote calm and  relaxation and support deep sleep. It is soothing   and supportive to  musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. Gentle in its action, this variety of chamomile has a high level of safety.
 

Traditional Uses

Chamomile was worshipped by the   Egyptians for its healing  properties, widely employed in Hispanic folk   medicine and is today one  of the most widely used healing herbs, in the   form of teas and  tinctures, in the West.

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Cape chamomile is highly regarded for   its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response and immune health.  Cape chamomile, in particular, is known for its ability to support feelings of well being  and like other chamomile oils, is   indicated for supporting health  muscle and joint function.  Cape chamomile oil shines as an supportive  agent for skin healing,   particularly that of skin irritations. It  encourages a healthy inflammatory response and supports the skin's  ability to regulate sebum or skin oil making it an excellent promoter of skin health.

Safety

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. 

Quick Overview

Moroccan  Chamomile (Ormenis Flower) essential oil is not from a true chamomile  plant. It is used mainly in perfume blends,   and for aromatherapy. The plant is an annual that grows in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East.
 

Botanical Name: Ormenis mixta, Chamaemelum mixtum, or Ormenis multicaulis
 

Chemical and olfactory, it is distinctly different from any other oil. It should not be treated as a replacement for Roman or German Chamomile.  
 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Country of Origin:  Morocco

Cultivation Method:  Certified Organic

Blends Well With: Cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, lavender, oakmoss, vetiver
 

Scent: Fresh, herbaceous, balsamic undertone
 

About the Oil
Moroccan chamomile oil has a short history.  It is mostly used in  perfumery. The essential oil is an excellent skin-care remedy; it has  many of the same qualities as Roman chamomile, except that its  anti-inflammatory properties are greater because of a higher percentage of azulene.
 

Aromatherapy Notes
This is a product new to the market, it does not have a long  history of traditional uses like true chamomile. Used by naturopaths  and herbalists as an analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory,  antispasmodic, antibacterial, carminative, hepatic, digestive, febrifuge, fungicidal, nerve sedative, sudorific, vermifuge, a stimulant of leucocyte production and as a vulnerary agent.
 

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, headache, insomnia, irritability, migraine, sensitive skin. This oil may add a rich herbaceous note to a blend. Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, sedative.

Safety

Generally considered safe. Non-toxic, non-irritant, may cause dermatitis in some individuals.

Quick Overview

100%  pure cinnamon essential oil is CO2 distilled from the bark of Cinnamon trees naturally grown in its native Sri Lanka. This is a truly    wonderful cinnamon oil ~ exceptionally potent, with a warm, sweet and spicy aroma. We find the cold-process natural CO2 distillation to make the very best 'spice' essential oils, and this Cinnamon is absolutely one of the finest available.
 

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum ceylanicum
The Cinnamon tree is native to many countries with tropical climates    such as Southern India, Burma, Madagascar but the Ceylon Cinnamon tree originated in Sri Lanka. Each country has a different species, each with differing aromatic compounds. These trees are evergreen and  typically grow up to 15 meters in height with strong, thick branches and the Sri  Lankan varietal producing thin, smooth bark with a  light-yellowish brown color. It is this bark that is harvested for essential oil production and then allowed to re-grow.
 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Bark

Country of Origin:Ceylon or Madagascar

Cultivation Method:  Certified Organic

Blends Well With:  Bay Laurel, Balsam, Bergamot, Cardamom, Clove Bud, Coriander Seed,  Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, May Chang  (Litsea cubeba), Mandarin, Sweet Marjoram, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli,  Petitgrain, Rose, Vanilla, and Ylang Ylang.
 

Scent: Spicy, woody, fruity, with a bite note
 

Contraindications:  Use with caution. Cinnamon is a skin irritant when undiluted. Bark oil is a dermal toxin, irritant and sensitizer.  It is also an irritant to the mucous membranes when  undiluted. Use only 1-10% in a blend or 1/4% in massage oil.  Do not use in pregnancy, on babies/children or the elderly.
 

About the Oil
This Cinnamon oil is a medium yellow hue and is distilled using CO2  from the inner bark of naturally cultivated Sri Lankian Cinnamon  trees.
 

Aromatherapy Notes
This Cinnamon essential oil has a deep orange-like top note, followed by a sweet and warmly spiced middle note and a dry, powerful  savory undertone.

Cinnamon oil typically blends well with all citrus oils (particularly lemon and orange), Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary and Cardamom.

Traditional Uses

Cinnamon has been employed for centuries to provide rapid relief of    bladder and urinary tract infections, digestive tract issues, as well  as   enzymatic deficiency in the gut. It was also used as a powerful  anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-infectious, anti-viral, and    anti-fungal. The oldest known uses include treating toothaches and fighting bad breath. Regular ingestion is believed to stave off the common cold and help digestion.

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, Antidiarrhoeal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiputrescent, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Carminative, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Orexigenic,  Parasiticide, Stimulant, Stomachic, Vermifuge. 

Safety

The oil should not be inhaled directly from a diffuser, as may irritate the nasal membranes except in low concentration blended with  other oils.

Quick Overview

100% pure Clove select essential oil CO2 distilled from clove buds grown in India. This is a wonderfully rich, spicy Clove oil, benefiting significantly from the Supercritical CO2 distillation - highly recommended for all aromatherapeutic uses.
 

Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
This Indonesian medium-sized tree's buds produce a yellow, spice, warm, and sweet liquid with a crisp top note.
 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Bud

Country of Origin: Sri Lanka or Madagascar

Cultivation Method:  Certified Organic

Blends Well With:  Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Chamomile-Roman, Clary Sage, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Palmarosa, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Ylang Ylang.
 

Scent: Warm, very spicy, woody with a subnote of leather
 

Contraindications:  Skin and mucous membrane  irritant.  Must be diluted at 1% or less in a massage oil.  Do not use  in pregnancy, with babies/children, or the elderly.
 

About the Oil 

Known for its strong anti-microbial and antiseptic actions, Clove Essential oil is used in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a variety of gastrointestinal complaints, toothache, and bad breath. Clove Oil is also strongly anti-parasitic.
 

Aromatherapy Notes
A spicy, warm, red top note, Clove blends well with: Bergamot, Cardamom,   Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Ginger, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Vanilla, and   Ylang Ylang. A potent mental tonic, Clove mixed with  Peppermint wards   off drowsiness. 

Traditional Uses

During the Renaissance, Clove oil was used to prevent the spread of epidemics and plague, thanks to its strong anti-microbial actions. In TCM, the oil was used to treat hernia, bad breath, and diarrhea. Currently, the whole and ground spices are principally used for culinary spices, and to produce pickles and sauces. Indonesia is one of the largest consumers of cloves, mostly for the manufacture of the kretek cigarette.

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stomachic.

Safety

Clove Essential oil has been reported to be a dermal (skin) irritant, and sensitizer. When using topically, take care to dilute blends with carrier oil. Keep out of reach of children.

Quick Overview

100% pure and steam distilled from Cypress trees organically grown in France. This is a wonderful example of this very important therapeutic  oil.
 

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens

A tall evergreen tree with slender branches and a statuesque conical  shape, the Cypress grows to a height of 25-45 meters (75-147 feet), bearing small flowers and round brownish-grey cones or nuts.
 

Native to Southern Europe, this Italian varietal (Cupressus sempervirens) has spread to North Africa and North America and is now cultivated in France, Spain, and Morocco. 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Needles and twigs

Country of Origin: Spain

Cultivation Method: Certified Organic

Benefits:  Rheumatism, poor circulation, asthma, bronchitis, menopause, colitis,    prostate, stimulates pancreas, warming, stimulating, soothing, relaxing, for overactive sweat glands, edema, inhale for strength and comfort after a loss.
 

Scent: This Cypress oil has a distinct musty and  citrus-like top note with a   crisp, pine-like middle note and sweet  balsamic undertones.  
 

Blends well with: Cedarwood, Pine, Juniper, Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Benzoin, Cardamom, and Sandalwood.  
 

About the Oil
This essential oil is steam-distilled from the fresh dark green  needles and twigs of Cypress trees, organically grown in France.  

Traditional Uses

First used in ancient Egypt for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, Cypress oil was also employed by the ancient Assyrians for its astringent properties. The Greek physician Galen (165 AD) used it for    stopping internal bleeding and diarrhea.

It has also been employed for centuries to slow or regulate fluid  loss in cases of menstruation, the urinary system and diarrhea.

Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature

Antidepressant, Antirheumatic, Antiperspirant, Antiseptic,    Antispasmodic, Astringent, Deodorant, Diuretic, Hepatic, Styptic, Sudorific, Vasoconstrictive.

Safety

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.