Saturday, August 2, 2025

Cade


Juniperus oxycedrus also known as Juniper Tar or Prickly Cedar. The essential oil is obtained by destructive distillation from the berries, needles, branches and heartwood and this gives the oil a smoky scent. Almost all Cade oil is rectified. Has an intense, tar-like, woody, dry, leather-like smoky odor—a strong charred wood, and ashy smell, like a campfire the next day.  Cade is used widely in perfume industry, especially in men's fragrances and the food industry giving foods a smoky flavor. (I use it diluted as a substitute for “liquid smoke” in certain recipes.) Veterinary practitioners use the oil for parasitic skin problems. Pharmaceuticals use Cade oil in many of their skin preparations.  

 

 CAUTIONS: Cade oil is a potent substance and should be used with caution, particularly when applied topically.  Dilute it in a carrier oil (e.g., coconut, almond, jojoba) before applying it to the skin to minimize the risk of irritation or sensitization.


CHARACTER: “Strong Foundation” Safe, Prosperous, Protective, Yang     

CRYSTALS:  Dragon Blood stone, Tiger eye/tiger Iron, Indigo Gabbro, Mookaite, Obsidian, Onyx, Pyrite

CHAKRAS:  Solar, Root and Brow      

ELEMENT:  Earth, Fire        

 NOTE:  Base (very strong!)    

 ASTRO:  Taurus, Jupiter, Sun

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE TRAITS:   Decision Making, Success, Safe, Prosperous, starting over, grounded, relaxation, focus, concentration, strengthen intentions

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS:  Lack of security, major life changes, bereavement, lethargy, sluggishness, mental fatigue, stress, anxiety 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: snakebites, soothe toothaches, relieve aches and pains, kill lice and their eggs, dandruff, dermatitis, itching, chronic skin diseases of the scaly and moist types, such as eczema, psoriasis, and prurigo; acne, parasitic disorders and various types of ringworm, tick removal

PROPERTIES:  Analgesic, antimicrobial, antipruritic, antiseptic, disinfectant, parasiticide, vermifuge. 

CONSTITUENTS:  Cadinene, creosol, ( Creosol is is a powerful skin antiseptic. In Greek, the word cresote means "flesh-saving" which refers to the powerful antiseptic action it has on the skin.) cadinal, guaiacol

BLENDS WITH:  Cedarwood; Clove Bud; Labdanum; Rosemary; Thyme 

BLEND(S):  Into the Woods

ARCHETYPES:  DEFENDER, EXORCIST, HERO, OLYMPIAN, PROTECTOR, RESCUER, WARRIOR, WIZARD

PERSONALITY: (similar to Juniper)

+All experiences are valuable.

+ Great sense of humor.

+Considered “rugged” and can evoke a sense of mystery.

+Connects easily with the natural world with a strong bond.

+Practicality and Stability are important, but there is a deeply spiritual side.  Drawn to spiritual path, but privately.

 +Prefer to be dictated by their own intuition or religious belief.

-If negative, they appear vulnerable, uneasy, doubtful, depressed.

-Doesn’t take kindly to dictatorial authority or being the underdog.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Turmeric


Curcuma longa or Curcuma aromaticum steam distilled or CO2 extracted from the deep roots or tubers that are vivid orange on the inside and about 2 feet long. Has the same spicy, fresh woods aroma as the powdered spice used in Eastern cuisine. Many would argue that the oil is more brilliant, and more aromatic. 


CAUTIONS: Turmeric essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil. It can increase UV sensitivity if used topically. May interact with diabetes medications. Can have irritating and toxic effects when used in large concentrations, but mostly non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

  

CHARACTER: "Honest Giver" “Golden goddess”  Purity, prosperity        

CRYSTALS:  Sunstone, Autumn jasper, Tiger eye, Cinnamon aventurine

CHAKRA:  Root and Solar        

ELEMENTS:  Earth        

 NOTE:  Base    

 ASTRO:  Jupiter, Saturn, Capricorn    

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE TRAITS:   Decision Making, Acceptance, Protection, emotional balance, Mental Clarity, Focus, Tranquility, Relaxation, Memory booster, cognitive function

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS:  Stress, anxiety, depression

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Acne,  joint pain, arthritis, respiratory relief, gastro-intestinal, wounds, gum disease, oral health problems, blood pressure, anemia, cardio-vascular health, herpes, colds, flu, cough, allergies, gout, dandruff, healthy hair, supple skin, liver congestion, gall bladder stimulation, 

PROPERTIES:  Antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, de-toxifier, anti-parasitic, anti-tumoral, bacterialcidal, hypotensive, insect repellent 

CONSTITUENTS (hundreds):  Sesquiterpene, zingeribene, gingerol, phellandrene, cineol, sabinene, borneol, valeric acid, ketones, tumerones, curcumin

BLENDS WITH:  Ginger, other spice oils, Ylang-Ylang, Clary Sage, Cistus, Black Pepper, 

ARCHETYPES:  ADENTURER, COMPANION, EXPLORER, HEALER, PIONEER, RESCUER, SAMARITAN, SHAMAN

PERSONALITY:

  • +Has deep roots in ancient cultures, Yearns for traveling the trade routes.

+Interested in commerce, trade and exchanges.

+Remote villages hold an attraction for them.

  • +Versatile and Vibrant
  • +Naturally healthy and imbued with a sense of well-being.

+ Friendly, supportive, and very honest. Will give you the “shirt off his back”.

+Feels a connection with the earth. Interested in Green issues and the esoteric side of life, particularly voyages to uncover the earth mysteries, journeys of Shamans. 

 +May travel with groups, but as they get older, will search for their roots.

 

 

  

Monday, March 15, 2021

Opopanax

 

Commiphora erythraea or guidotti-- Also called (Bisabol-Myrrh or Sweet Myrrh)-- steam distilled from the sun dried exudation of the bark.  A warm climate is necessary to produce an oleo gum resin of the first quality. For this reason, the oil from France is deemed inferior. Has a bittersweet undertone with some herbaceousness. Warm, balsamic, woody, root-like, faint celery undertones and exotic.  Works well in perfumes and blends that have an oriental character.

Moderate risk of skin sensitization, avoid use on hypersensitive, diseased, or damaged skin and on children less than 2 years of age; a maximum dermal use level of 0.6% is recommended. Dilute  well before using.  

 CHARACTER:  "Sure Precision"  Logical, No room for error, Direct , Balancing, Opening, Centering, Supportive, Purifying

ETHERIC COLORS:  Red Brass, Yellow, Deep Green

CRYSTALS:  Clear Quartz, Selenite  

CHAKRA:  Upper Three

NOTE:  Middle/Base, Fixative        

ELEMENT:  Water, Metal, Air      

ASTRO:  Saturn, Mars, Pluto, Capricorn, Scorpio, Moon

ENERGY TYPE: 4, 3

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Sesquiterpene

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Attention to detail, clarity, calmness, spiritual revelation, lucid dreaming, "slows" the mind

 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Free one from evil thoughts, wooly thinking, confusion, fluffy daydreaming or living in a cloud cuckoo land.

 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  Skin ulcers, diabetes, obesity, rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pain, circulatory problems, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, uterine tumors, as it purges stagnant blood out of the uterus.

 

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, Alterative, analgesic, antifungal,  astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant,  disinfectant, immune stimulant, circulatory stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary.

 

PERSONALITY: (A cousin of Myrrh, thus similar, but more towards the feminine.)

+  Hidden depth.

+  Sincere, imaginative, optimistic, warm, inviting, a little "sweeter" than a Myrrh.

+Enjoy expressing themselves, masters of body language, in getting their point across. However, they can be quite subtle and secretive.

+Extraordinary memory…not only words, but actions and expressions.

+Tolerant, accepting, non-judgmental,  passionate, but patient in whatever they do and supporting to others in their path.

+Their expressive words are precise and may use the words "perfect" and "exactly."

+They either show up at the "wrong" time or the "right" time depending on circumstances.

+They can exude a sense of warmth, safety and support.

+Have a bit of an adventurous spirit.

+Thrive best in a warmer climate.

 

BLENDS: Horse Whisper,  Sitalpu,  Turquoise,

 

ARCHETYPES:  MYSTIC, ANGEL, ADVENTURER, MENTOR,, RESCUER,, SAMARITAN,   

Blends with FRANKINCENSE, LAVENDER, PATCHOULI, SANDALWOOD, BENZOIN, OAK MOSS, CYPRESS, JUNIPER, MANDARIN, GERANIUM, PATCHOULI, THYME, MINTS, PINE AND SPICES (Really, almost anything)

 

Major constituents:  bisabolene, ocimene, santalene, bergamotene, germacrene, decanol



Saturday, March 6, 2021

Buddha Wood

Eremophila mitchelli -- Steam distilled from heart wood and bark. Very little information on this Australian oil. Also known as False Sandalwood and Desert Rosewood.  Although, many say it does not smell like sandalwood. Has a delightful woody, smoky, resinous complex somewhat floral aroma that blends well with a broad range of fragrance bases. Some call it a "smoky chocolate covered tobacco". Some call it a "love child" of Vetiver, Sandalwood and Cedar. Used especially in fragrances for men.

CAUTIONS:  Due to the high ketone content it should be treated with respect and not used on a daily basis for pain relief and it should not ever be ingested.

 

CHARACTER:  "Meditative Friend"  Mindful, Focused, Clear, Grounding, Peaceful

GEMS:  Smoky Quartz, Rainbow Jasper, Picture Jasper, Tiger Eye, Obsidian

CHAKRA:  Root

PERFUME NOTE:  Fixative, Base even Medium

ENERGY:  2,4

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: : Loving strength, elegance, memory, supportive, calm, relaxation, sleep, massage analgesic, creating a layer of protection around the auric field

 USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS:  To clear unwanted or negative energy, Stress

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:   pain relief

PROPERTIESanti-termite (repellant and insecticide), antimicrobial and antibacterial, anti-depressant, sedative, deodorizer, anti-viral

 

PERSONALITY:

+Makes a great counselor or therapist,  their calm and self-assured nature being able to help others work through their grief and traumatic memories

 + Ethical, compassionate, dedicated to their causes, seeking out injustice

+  Determined to have an impact on the world, making it a better place

+ Serene and aware of emotions, and direction in life

+ They are able to uplift others' moods, helping to dispel anxiety, depression and tension

+  Likes being out in nature

 

BLENDS:   Dragon Quest,  Caldera, 

 

ARCHETYPES:   COUNSELOR, DIPLOMAT, LIBERATOR, SEER

 

Blends well with almost any other oil, especially woods and florals.

 

CONTAINS:  Ketones

Eremophilone 40.0-60.0%
Hydroxyeremophilone 6.0-15.0%
Dihydroeremophilone 15.0-30.0%
sesquiterpenes

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Niaouli

 

Melaleuca viridiflora -- distilled from the leaves and twigs.  Large evergreen tree, a Member of the Melaleuca family along with CAJUPET, TEA TREE, MANUKA and  LEMON TEA TREE, but smells more like EUCALYPTUS. Has a camphoraceous, fresh, somewhat fruity, earthy and somewhat harsh sweet, musty aroma. It is less likely to irritate the skin than Tea Tree. It is one of the least expensive oils and should be in everyone's arsenal of oils.

 

CAUTIONS: Inexpensive and a great choice for diffusing, however do not use it on the face of babies or young children. The 1,8-cineole is toxic for them if they inhale it.

 

 CHARACTER:   "Confident Uplifter"  Fresh, Supportive

GEMS:  Ruby Zoisite, Botswana Agate, Sugilite, Tiger Eye, Lapis Lazuli,     

NOTE:  Top to  Middle       

ELEMENT:  Air   

ASTRO:   Mercury

ENERGY TYPE: 4, 1

CHEMICAL FAMILY; Oxide

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Concentration,  Invigorates heart and mind, Encourages Creativity, Lifts Vibrations. Used more for physical rather than emotional benefits.

 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Depression

 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  muscle tension and aches, intestinal and urinary infections, respiratory infections, acne, insect bites,  poor circulation, colds, flu, fever, sore throat, digestive problems, dermatitis, neuralgia, arthritis, wounds, headache, toothache, gout, acne, rashes, MRSA, shingles pain, burns, herpes, athlete's foot, yeast overgrowth, head lice, herpes

 

PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, decongestant, insecticidal, stimulant, anti-viral,  anti-biotic against staph, strep, candida, detoxifier, analgesic, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, vermifuge, antirheumatic, balsamic, decongestant, digestive,    Stimulant for the circulation as it increases the growth of white blood cells.

 

PERSONALITY:  Similar to Tea Tree,  Palmarosa, Thyme Linalol

 

+No hidden motives.  Direct, encouraging, instills inspiration in others. However, occasionally their directness can "rub" others the wrong way.  It is not a reflection of their authentic nature, but indicative of the  dysfunction of those who may be offended.

+Very good leader.  Believes in fairness and justice. Good teacher.

+Loving, strong, inviting respect.

+Supporting—people flock around for emotional support

+Able to look through a difficult past and see a future as easier and more pleasant. Just because it has been difficult does not mean that the rest of my life will be the same.

+ They live within the flow and feel good about the future and life, keeping difficulties in perspective

  

BLENDS CONTAINING: Anasazi, Way of the Leaf, Eucalyptus Rain, Moki 

ARCHETYPES:   HEALER, CHILD (ALL), RESCUER, TEACHER, COUNSELOR, LEADER, REDEEMER,

 BLENDS WELL WITH: Basil, Cajeput, Eucalyptus,  Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Myrtle, Orange, Pine   Rosemary   Peppermint,  Tea Tree, Thyme

 

CONTAINS: Up to 58% cineole, 15% terpineol, beta-caryophyllene, benzaldehyde, pinene,  limonene, linalool, viridifloral, aldehydes and esters.  There are two types: One is high in cineole and one is high in linalool.

 



Monday, March 1, 2021

Massoia

 

Cryptocarya massoia, C. aromatica, Massoia aromatica --Steam distilled from the bark.  Belongs to a species of 200 evergreen trees. Has been described as fruity, coconut, tropical, quirky, rich, golden, caramel, nutty. It is definitely a "flavor", not a main ingredient. Mostly used in perfumery. 

CAUTIONS:  Massoia has a fair amount of lactones and should be used with care.  Can be very irritating to the skin.  Dilute to at least less than 1%. 

CHARACTER:  "Delectable Masterpiece", Balanced Yin/Yang, Centering  

GEMS:  Botswana Agate, Wood Agate, Ametrine, Golden Amphibolite, Mookaite Jasper, Golden Obsidian, Topaz 

CHAKRA:  Root, Sacral, Heart

SACRED SYLLABLES:  Lam, Vam, Yam

ELEMENTS: Earth, Water, Air

PERFUME NOTE:  Base or Fixative (some sources say Top with low to medium tenacity)

ASTRO:  Venus 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: : Calming to nervous system  

 USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS:  Emotional sensitivity, grief, anxiety

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:   to stimulate new cell growth, regenerate tissues and help minimize lines and wrinkles, acne, headaches, colds, coughs, fever and infections, ticklish or sore throats, candida, pituitary gland, respiratory problems, sore throats


PERSONALITY

+ Strong, powerful "I can do anything" attitude.

+ Needs to feel part of a community or family 

+ Self-assured, calming, especially good at comforting during trauma or grief.

+ Drawn towards seeking knowledge with patience and true dedication.

+ Offers authentic insights and direction.

+ Seems to be especially blessed with spiritual gifts.

+ Adapts well to new situations and good at organizing. 

BLENDS:   Mother of Pearl,  Dreamsicle, Into The Woods,  Ocean Jasper,  Sacred Rim, Silver River,  


ARCHETYPES:  MOTHER, COUNSELOR, WISE WOMAN 

PROPERTIES:  Anti-infectious, antibacterial, anticatarrh, antifungal, sedative, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, vermifuge

Blends well with: Vanilla, Benzoin, Tobacco, Ho Wood, Geranium, Oranges, Bergamot, all cedars, Chamomiles, Cinnamon, Lavender, Patchouli, Spearmint, Jasmine

Chemical Constituents : Lactone. Benyl benzoate, caryophylene, pyrones

 

“I smell the heavenly sweetness & beauty within me.”

 

 

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Siam Wood (Pemou)

 

Fokienia, hodginsii -- distilled from either the wood/bark OR the roots from an evergreen tree with peeling bark and green leaves.  The wood oil is known as SIAM WOOD and the Root as PEMOU. Also called Coffin Wood, Po Mu, Fujian Cypress. Has a scent reminiscent of rosewood, sandalwood, and hints of cypress. It is in the Cypress family and thus shares much of the same personality. The fragrance is warm, rich, sweet and creamy. It is used as a less costly alternative to Sandalwood in perfumery.

 

Contraindications: Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, with infants or children. Possible skin irritant, use in moderation.  Untested oil.  Do not use on sensitive skin. 

 

CHARACTER: "Eternal Shifter" Protector, Righteous, Wise, Direct, Expansive, Grounding, Softly powerful, Transition, Renewal, Achiever, Oil of the Covenant, Yin  

CHAKRA:  1, 4, 7

PERFUME NOTE:  Base, Fixative

ENERGY TYPE: 3, 4; Warm & Dry 


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Strength, Comfort, Direction, Understanding, Balance, Sensitivity,   Confidence, Trust, Spiritual Guidance, Feeling Safe, Grounded

Spiritual aid for transitions.  Sense of who you are will expand. 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES:   Opinionated, Jealousy, Lethargic, Weak willed, Fearful, Timid, Isolated, Inconsolable, Frustrated,  Regret, Distracted, Grief, Despair, Lack of concentration, Emotional inflammation, Feelings of: abandonment, isolation, being all alone in the world, disconnectedness, estrangement from society, vulnerability and introversion.


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  Adrenal fatigue, skin inflammation, arthritis, purify and disinfect air


PROPERTIES:  Anti-inflammatory, Insect repellent (Mostly the Wood, considered more effective than Citronella), antiseptic. 

PERSONALITY:

+Strength within.  

+Outspoken, firm in their views,  

+A sensitivity that wells in sympathy to sorrow and loss. 

+Helpful for transitions and change. An expert in this.

+Demands straightforwardness, but sees both sides of the story, even if they disapprove.

+People turn to them for advice and comfort.

+Able to sort out most problems.

+Honest, lawful, have an unbending search for the truth.

 +Dwells on spiritual matters and has no fear of death.

+Drawn to "sacred ceremonies." Makes a great spiritual guide.

+ I know my place in the world. I have purpose and meaning. I have the right to break life contracts that are no longer meaningful and write a new one.

 

BLENDS:  Into the Woods, Horse Whisper, Marzipan, Tropical Trail

ARCHETYPES:  PROTECTOR, ADVOCATE, ATTORNEY, COUNSELOR, DIPLOMAT, MYSTIC, SHAMAN  

Blends well with BLOOD ORANGE, BENZOIN, CYPRESS, MUHUHU, TONKA BEAN, BLACK SPRUCE, FRANKINCENSE and many others


Contains:  Sesquiterpenes, nerolidol, fokienol, elemol, etc.

https://www.edenbotanicals.com/siam-wood.html