Basil

Ocimum basilicum-distilled from the flowering herb.  Has a light, fresh sweet spicy scent with balsamic undertones. There are many chemotypes.   The methyl chavicol type has a harsher odor and different constituents.  The Linalol type (French) is gentler, more calming and much preferred  for aromatherapy use.   There is also "Tulsi" or "Holy Basil" which is ocimum sanctum.

CAUTIONS: Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating. Possible sensitizer.  Dilute well for topical use.  ALWAYS confirm phenotype.

CHARACTER:  "Purposeful Genie" Uplifting, Awakening, Clarifying, Stimulating, Steady, Kind, Focused, Precise, and mentally activating—like a sharp mind guided by purpose.  Basil is the moment clarity becomes action.

ETHERIC COLORS: Bright Emerald Green, Blue, Violet, Silver, Sharp yellow-green

NUMBER:  1      

 CHAKRA:  Solar, Third Eye, Heart and Sacral  

 ELEMENT:  Air and Fire       

 NOTE:  Top/Middle 

MUSICAL:  D or G MAJOR; violin, Trumpet, plucked strings; A clear melodic line that knows exactly where it’s going

 ASTRO:  Mercury, Mars, Gemini, Virgo

CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Botswana Agate, Labradorite, Hematite, Bloodstone, Fluorite, Sodalite, Tiger Eye, Carnelian, K2 Granite, Indigo Gabbro, Peridot, Citrine, Green Aventurine

ENERGY TYPE: Predominately 4, 3

USED FOR THESE  POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Positive, Purposeful, Concentration, Assertive, Decisive, Straightforward, Trust, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Clarity, Calming but Uplifting.   Helps one maintain open mind. Helps “call energy back” from distractions.

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Indecision, Mental fatigue, Negativity, Lack of direction, Burnout, Apathy, Bitterness, Resentment, Addiction, Conflict, Fear of intimacy, Doubts, Melancholy, Anxiety, Depression, Cuts through mental fog.

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  Arthritis, Muscle Spasms, Insect bites, muscular aches, bronchitis, coughs, ear infection, sinus, nausea, colds, fevers, flu, insomnia, migraine, fibromyalgia, improve digestion, expel excess water, urinary tract infection, improve circulation, acne, oral health, gout

PROPERTIES:   anti-spasmodic, Nervine + neurotonic (supports the nervous system and adrenal cortex), intestinal antiseptic, anti-inflammatory

BLENDS: Timberline, Way of the Leaf, Dragon Quest, Chaco, High Rain,

Blends  with BERGAMOT,  LIME, CITRONELLA,  HYSSOP,  Citrus oils, Black Pepper, Atlas Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Coriander, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Niaouli, Palmarosa, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, and Thyme Linalol, Frankincense

Key constituents depend on chemotype and may include Linalol (40-68%), methyl chavicol,   eugenol, limonene, citronellel, beta caryophyllene, cineole.

ARCHETYPES:  ENTREPRENEUR, SLEUTH, ARTIST, AUTHOR, MYSTIC, SCHOLAR, STRATEGIST, MESSENGER, COMMANDER, SACRED PLANNER, MENTAL WARRIOR

PERSONALITY: 

+ Often the entrepreneurs of the world.  Able to see what others may not even know exists.

+Ambition, enterprise, drive, flair, get them where they want to be, usually honestly. 

+They enjoy academic pursuits more than sporting ones.

+ Wisdom far beyond their years, plus a fair amount of luck.  Brilliant flashes of inspiration get them out of difficult situations. Basically optimistic.  Generally charming, sexy lovers of life, despite their calm, sometimes sullen exterior.

+ Sometimes it seems they have spiritual intervention.

+ Very direct and blunt, particularly if you don’t get their point.  May seem patronizing, but they mean no harm and may feel they are doing you a favor by being blunt.

+ Power holds a great attraction.  They often become bosses in commercial organizations. Also found in jobs involving law or espionage. The seamier side of life fascinates them.. They are drawn to the mysterious, fascinated by the paranormal, and will apply cool logic.

+They are often the genies in life—the eccentric artists, mad poets, sacrificed writers. Perhaps it is their deep wisdom that allows them to glance into unknown realms.. May experiment with mind altering drugs as they quest for surreal and spiritual communication.

+Everything has a place and there is a reason for everything. Protectors of ideas, imagination and free will.  

+”What actually matters right now? Act on that.”

Not soft like rose

Not deep like frankincense

If negative, may be mentally harsh or overcritical and push toward over-control or rigidity.

(Updated Apr. 1, 2026)

Bergamot

Citrus Bergamia-extracted from the cold pressure of the rind of the nearly ripe fruit or steam distilled.  Fresh, sweet-fruity, slightly balsamic and herbaceous undertone. Used extensively in the fragrance industry—a classic ingredient of colognes and flavoring for Earl Grey tea.

CAUTIONS: Generally considered non-toxic. May be irritating.  Sensitizer  and Phototoxic. Dilute well for topical use. Steam distilled and “FCF” bergamot do not cause phototoxicity or hypersensitivity to sunlight. Wait at least six hours before going out in the sunlight if you use cold pressed bergamot.

CHARACTER:  "Joyful Adventurer”Refreshing, Uplifting, Encouraging,   Optimistic, Spontaneous, Clarity, Ethereal lightness, Bright shield of positive energy

 ETHERIC COLORS: Deep Greens, Blue, Magenta, Orange

NUMBER:  2  

CRYSTALS/GEMS:  Watermelon Tourmaline, Carnelian, Dark Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Lepidolite, Citrine, Tiger Eye, Fluorite, Garnet  

CHAKRAS:  Solar, Heart, Throat 

ELEMENT:  Fire, Air 

MUSIC NOTE: Treble D, E, G; Solfeggio 639, Flute, violin, Harp, Celesta or Glockenspiel; light classical chamber music, joyful folk melodies

PERFUME NOTE:  Top/Middle 

Blending Factor: 7 - 10

ASTRO:  Sun, Leo, Libra, Mercury

ENERGY TYPE:  Predominately 1 or 2; Cool, Dry; “Light is returning.”

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Concentration, Confidence, Balance, Strength, Joy, Motivation, Cheer, Harmony, Alertness, Assertive, Creative, Focused, Self-esteem, Rediscover spontaneity and optimism.

USED FOR HEALING THESE NEGATIVE EMOTIONS: Addiction, Amnesia, Anger, Anxiety, Apathy, Burnout, Confusion, Depression, Exhaustion, Fear, Grief, Hysteria, Loneliness, Stress, Insomnia

USED FOR HEALING THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, wounds, sore throat, cystitis, colds, fever, flu, ulcers, candida, digestive problems, intestinal worms, fungal infections, muscle aches, cough, herpes simplex, inflammation, PMS, psoriasis, shingles,  asthma

  

PROPERTIES:  antispasmodic, insect repellent, analgesic, cellular regeneration, deodorant    

BLENDS Containing: (the list is significant.) Anahata,  Caldera, Chocolate Jelly Rings,  Cinnamon Bears, Deep River,  Dragon Quest,  Green Tourmaline,   Legend, Horse Whisper, Kachina,  Kayenta,    Legend, Kolob Trail, Manipura, Moonstone,   Moon Watcher,  Mother of Pearl,  Noble Spirit,  Opal, Princess Bride, Point Sublime, Rose Spirit, Sacred Rim, Sitalpu,  Sunrise, Symphony,   Timberline,  

Tree of Life, Tropical Trail,  Visudda,

Blends well with any oil, especially CISTUS, HELICHRYSUM,  JASMINE, CYPRESS, GERANIUM, LEMON, CHAMOMILE, JUNIPER, CORIANDER, and VIOLET.

 Has over 300 chemical constituents.  (Linalyl acetate (30-60%), linalol, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, bergapten, limonene, beta pinene, gamma terpinene)

ARCHETYPES:  SPOKESPERSON, ACTOR, CHILD ETERNAL, COMMUNICATOR, MAGPIE, ENLIGHTENED HEART, HEALER/OPTIMIZER, REFINED TRAVELER, SEEKER/EXPLORER, MAGICIAN

PERSONALITY:

+Caring, considerate, full of energy.  Joyful approach to life.

+Being around….is as joyful as walking through a field of sunflowers.

+Found usually in the caring professions or any job requiring skill, energy, ambition.

+Positive, confident, out-going, charismatic.

+Not afraid to put themselves in line for the best position.

+Often drift toward the media, where they enjoy being up-front as presenter or spokesperson.

+Good with children.  Energy level compatible.

+Enjoys the thrill of new adventure…fun is climbing mountains or running white water.

+People always feel so much better after seeing them. They have incredible empathy for others who are feeling distressed, even to feeling  emotional pain.

-If negative, can plummet into the depths of despair, but doesn’t allow people to see how sad they’re feeling.  People are inclined to think they don’t have a care in the world.

(Updated Feb. 15, 2026)

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum-distilled from the peppercorns, dried and crushed.  Has a fresh, dry-woody, warm, spicy scent.  Used in the food industry and for unusual effects in perfumery, such as with ROSE. Has been used in the East for over 4,000 years for medicinal and culinary.  There is also a "White pepper" from which the hulls have been removed and a "Pink Pepper" (Schinus molle) which essential oil has a sweeter character than black pepper, going well even in fruit sauces, vinaigrettes, and desserts. 

CAUTIONS:  May cause skin irritation, so always dilute and use moderately. Use no more than 1% dilution when applying to the skin in massage oils. Not recommended for baths.

CHARACTER: " Unabashed Motivator" Secure, Comforting, Directional, Enduring, Courageous, “Controlled flame.”  Warm confidence.

ETHERIC COLORS: Deep Brick Red, Burnt Orange, Warm copper brown, Golden Yellow

CHAKRAS:  Solar, Root; removes blocks to energy movement between the Chakras

ELEMENT:  Fire, Earth       

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle  

CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Bloodstone, Poppy Jasper, Old Jade, Tiger Eye, Carnelian, Obsidian, K2 Granite, Onyx, Hematite, Pyrite

ASTRO:  Aries, Mars, Sun

ENERGY TYPE:  4 or 3

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Comfort, Stamina, Endurance, Motivation, Acceptance, Alertness, Grounding, Stability, Assertiveness; Bravery to venture forth into places unknown and unseen; fearless in progress; The desire to get going on a new project or with a new direction in life.  

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Emotional blockage, Compulsion, Confusion, Fatigue, Indecision, Irrational, Anger, Frustration, Emotional coldness, Apathy, Mental Exhaustion

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  (Not considered compatible with homeopathic remedies)  Anemia, Arthritis, Muscular/Joint Pains, Fibromyalgia, Poor circulation, Sprains, Chills, Colic, Digestive upsets, Colds, Flu, Viruses. 

BLENDS :  Anasazi,  Cairn,  Grand Staircase,  Hopi Legend,    Obsidian,  Princess Bride, Timberline,  Wood Badge, Warrior Shield 

 

Blends with FRANKINCENSE, SANDALWOOD, LAVENDER, ROSEMARY, MARJORAM, other spices.  

( Constituents are mainly monoterpenes:  thujene, pinene, camphene, sabinene, carene, myrcene, limonene, phellandrene. Some sesquiterpenes and oxygenated compounds.)

ARCHETYPES:  DICTATOR, COUNSELOR, ACCOUNTANT, ATTORNEY, JUDGE, KING, BUILDER, TRAIL BLAZER, COMMANDER

PERSONALITY:

+Considered older, sterner among the oils, but also livelier.  They may seem old for their age, whether the baby who seems thirty or the 12 yr old who acts 42.

+Will reprimand you for not having behaved correctly, particularly if you are a carefree MELISSA.  Very upright and self-righteous, and if suitable, dictatorial.

+Can be charming, trustworthy, kind, and very loyal, if they wish (and like you.)

+Can be stimulating, encouraging everyone to succeed and tend to take on responsibility for everyone in their family circle.  If female, she will be the type who has to be obeyed.

+Can be flirtatious, but more to convince themselves they can be passionate.  They are not warming in love and find it difficult to recognize true love. May go through life with a lot of lovers, perhaps trying to find once again, true love that may have been let go.

+Will tolerate anyone for the sake of appearances.

+Unabashed showoff and has to be better than everyone else at everything.

+Might adopt a holier than thou attitude.

+They are welcome in help with financial matters, at which they excel.  Good at advising on investments, taxes, law procedures, etc.

+Found in all walks of life, but prefer jobs that give power and money. Excel at being lawyers, judges, bankers, accountants, financial advisors, military life, prison services, traffic wardens.  They will never be happy unless they are in charge.

+Warms to indifference

-If negative, will blame everyone else for their emotional state and become irritable, cold, and possibly violent.

-They find it very difficult to express love, even when they feel it.

-Can be exasperating to those around them because of lack of empathy and lateral thinking.

-May blow their tops with indignation and frustration, usually over the stupidity of others.

(Updated Apr. 1, 2026)

Cardamom

elletaria cardamomum - distilled from the dried ripe fruit (seeds).  Has a sweet-spicy, warming fragrance with a woody-balsamic undertone.  Has elements of spice, fruit, & seed. Used to flavor pharmaceuticals, extensively as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes. Flavor ingredient in curry and spice products—the most frequently used spice in Indian cuisine and is most often found in Masala curry and chai tea.

CAUTIONS: Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating. Possible sensitizer. Dilute well for topical use. (1–3% topical)Can cause skin irritation if sensitive skin. Not for children under 5 years old, as 1,8 cineole can also cause CNS and breathing problems in young children. Use with caution on children between 5-10 years old.

CHARACTER: "Weaver of Inspiration" Clarifying, Stimulating, Encouraging, Enthusiastic, Refreshing, Invigorating, Stable, Content, Bright, Warm, “Light in Motion”, Faith expressed through action; "Queen of Spices".

ETHERIC COLORS: Sunlit Orange, Green, Blue, Soft Honey Gold, Pink, Violet

NUMBER:  4      

CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Carnelian, Sugilite, Tiger Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Citrine, Sunstone, Labradorite, Amber, Yellow Calcite

CHAKRA:  Solar, Heart, Root  

ELEMENT:  Fire with an airy lift

PERFUME NOTE:  Primarily a middle (heart) note, though its bright initial "sparkle" allows it to function as a top note.

   

ASTROLOGICAL:  Venus & Mercury, Taurus, Sagitarius, Jupiter

MUSIC NOTE:  D major; Bright expansive, sparkling  tones, oboe, clarinet, acoustic guitar, mandolin, wooden flute

ENERGY TYPE:  3 or 2; Warm & Dry

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Monoterpene ester

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Clarity, Concentration, Direction, Motivation, Straightforward, Enthusiasm, Confidence, Courage, Purpose

USED FOR HEALING THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Mental stress and fog, Apathy, Confusion, Inflexible, Judgmental, Intolerant, Unreasonable, Burnout, Suspicion, Sluggish, Self-pity, Bewildered, Rigid

USED FOR HEALING THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Anorexia, cramps, indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, Bad breath, edema, bacterial infection, coughs, bronchial congestion

 

PROPERTIES: Aphrodisiac, expectorant, anti-catarrhal

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, mild stimulant, decongestant 

BLENDS:  Brave Heart,  Caldera,  Carnelian,   Cinnamon Bears,  Circle of Light,  Desert Serenade,   Dragon Quest,   Gingerbread,   Muladahara,  Princess Bride,

  Red Jasper, Timberline, Vanilla Pie Spice,  Yellowstone,      

     

Blends well with ROSE, ORANGE, BERGAMOT, CINNAMON, CLOVE, CARAWAY, YLANG YLANG, CEDAR, and NEROLI.

Common constituents:  Cineol, terpinyl acetate, limonene, sabinene, linalol, linalyl, pinene, zingberene.)

ARCHETYPES:  LEADER, PIONEER, REBEL, SEEKER, VISIONARY,  THE PRESERVER, JOYFUL EXPLORER, FLAMENCO DANCER, ELOQUENT CHARMER

PERSONALITY: 

+ Allows the spiritual to become interwoven with the physical. Can clear the mind for insights into improving our spiritual welfare.

+ Strong, forthright, stimulating.  You know exactly where you are with them.  Naturally optimistic.

+ No hidden motives. Instills inspiration in others.

+ Believes in fairness and justice. Good teacher.

+ Wears an air of detachment as if nothing worries them.

+ Financially careful, probably frugal.  Never gets into any shady deals.

+ Likes to have a few pennies tucked away for impulse buys.

+ Loves flattery.  Can be passionate, and love romance, possibly dreaming up crazy and exciting things to do. They uplift rooms without overpowering them.

+ Never dull.  Leads interesting life, everything seems like an adventure.

+ Can be strict with their children.  May expect them to be carbon copies of themselves.

+ Warm but refined.

-If negative, mostly suffers mental stress that can make them apathetic.

-Can become suspicious of everyone who tries to help.

-If steamed, they go for the jugular.

https://www.alphaaromatics.com/blog/cardamom/

(Updated March 13, 2026)