Sunday, February 9, 2020

Palmarosa


C Cymboprogon martini var motia or sofia "Gingergrass" )distilled from the dried grassy leaves before they flower.  It is used extensively as a fragrance component in cosmetics, perfumes and especially soaps due to its excellent tenacity. Has a sweet, floral fragrance with a hint of rose. One of the "star" upholders of skin health.  


Generally considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating in low doses.  Dilute well for topical use, dermal maximum of 7%.

CHARACTER: "Rejuvenating Day",Strongly cleansing, Refreshing, Rejuvenating, Nurturing, Cool down, Relational harmony, Emotional Hydration, Harmonizing, “Love yourself gently.”

ETHERIC COLORS: Magenta, Leaf Green, Dark Yellow, Light Pink, Golden Glow

ETHERIC GLAND:  Thymus

CHAKRA: Heart, Sacral, Solar

PERFUME NOTE: Middle 

MUSICAL:  F, C; soft acoustic guitar, gentle harp, light piano, subtle choral, flowing, but balanced  

ELEMENT:  Water, Cool and Moistening, Earth


GEM/CRYSTALS:  Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Apatite, Kunzite, Moss Agate, Rose Quartz, Aventurine, Rhodonite, Sunstone, Citrine, Peach Moonstone, Opal


ASTRO:  Libra, Cancer, Venus, Moon

ENERGY TYPE:  Mostly 2; 

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Monoterpenol


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Concentration, purification of the energy system, washing away traces of and leaves one in a state much like a freshly laundered and ironed bed sheet - bright, clean smelling and ready for more action.


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Stress, Depression, apathy, despair, shame, guilt, feeling dirty, feeling used, abused, old and stale, exhaustion, nervousness 


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Flu, acne, alopecia, viral and bacterial illness, skin care, fever, colds, digestive troubles, sore muscles, wounds, dehydration, sepsis, psoriasis, eczema,   lymphatic drainage


PROPERTIES: antiseptic, bactericidal, digestive, febrifuge, hydrating, anti-viral, stimulant (digestive, circulatory),  promotes growth of cells, insect repellant


BLENDS:  Butterfly Kisses,  Kayenta, Moss Agate, Rose Spirit,  Serenity's Child,  Sitalpu,  Sunrise, Way of the Leaf, Noble Spirit,


Blends well with: ALMOST ANY 

The chief constituents of this oil are geraniol, geranyl acetate, dipentene, linalool, limonene, and myrcene.

ARCHETYPES: GENTLE COUNSELOR, ADVOCATE, PHILANTHROPIST,  DIVINE MOTHER, COMPANION, HEART GARDENER, COMPASSIONATE FRIEND, SACRED COMPANION


PERSONALITY:   

+Most of us love being around them. Being around them can be both uplifting and calming.

+Warm, friendly, always ready to comfort and solace under their wing.  They exude warm confidence, self-respect. 

+Make really good friends; are solid, steady, organized, calm, straightforward, yet enthusiastic.

+Gentle, sensitive, soft spoken, loyal, understanding, yet a tower of emotional strength and stamina.

+Compassionately accepting. 

+Enjoys life, but chooses to show it in caring.

If negative, may “give too much” when care giving.

Boundaries may be "too soft.”

 (updated Feb. 26, 2026)

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Ledum

Ledum

Rhododendron groenlandicum (formerly  Ledum groenlandicum)  is distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the Ledum plant which is not a moss, but a shrub growing up to 5 feet tall.  Sometimes known as either Greenland Moss, or Labrador Tea. The oil is extremely rare and expensive.  I save it for special blends and just inhaling it is heavenly. It is woody and balsamic with a wild, warm, slightly sweet herbaceous scent. Fun fact, when the British imposed higher taxes on tea during the American Revolution, they used Ledum to replace the tea.


CAUTIONS:  No formal testing. Appears safe at normal low physiological dose.     


 CHARACTER:   "Harmonizing Renewal",   Balanced, grounded, protective, purifying, transforming “cool northern air moving through pine and moss.”


GEMS/CRYSTALS:    Chrysanthemum Stone, Chrysocolla, Water Jade, Moonstone, Unakite, Amber, Apple Jasper, Moss Agate, Malachite, Chrysoprase, Moss Opal, Serpentine, Labradorite


ETHERIC COLORS:  Forest or Moss Green, Mist Gray, Icy Blue

ASTRO:  Scorpio, Capricorn, Pluto, Saturn

ELEMENT:  Water and Earth

CHAKRAS:  ALL; Primary=Root then Heart and Crown

MUSIC:  Low D or B; low flute, wind chime, distant drum

PERFUME NOTE: Middle       

ENERGY TYPE: Yang (leaning toward neutral), 4, 2

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:   Calm, Reassured, Creative


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Insomnia, Releasing trapped emotions and old patterns, ADD, addictions, anxiety, stress, depression, overwhelmed, irritable, angry, impatient, worried, restless sleep disturbed by bad dreams, obsessive compulsive


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Kidney and liver detox, supports liver health (including elevated liver enzymes), congestive cough and cold, influenza, fever, laryngitis, bronchitis, respiratory, urinary tract, skin conditions, inflamed lymph nodes, edema, allergies, headaches, low metabolism, skin care, thyroid problems


PROPERTIES; Immune system stimulant, anti-carcinogenic—  No traditional essential oil uses are documented.


BLENDS CONTAINING:  Ocean Jasper, Tropical Trail, 

Moss Agate,, Sitalpu,


 BLENDS WITH:  Lemon, Rosemary, Juniper, Celery Seed, Helichrysum, Fennel, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Lavender, Myrrh, Petitgrain, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Cedar.  Especially with Bergamot (assists spiritual healing)

Key constituents:  sabinene, beta selinene, gamma terpinene, beta pinene, beta bisabolene,  cymene, myrtenal, alpha-pinene and volatile acids  

ARCHETYPES:   HEALER, ENVIRONMENTALIST, WANDERER, INNOVATOR, DREAMER, GOURMET, REVOLUTIONARY, WILDERNESS HERMIT, ARCTIC GUIDE


PERSONALITY: 

+They learn from what happens. Every experience is a benefit. 

+Deep love of learning, but can be an extremist politically or otherwise. Has wilderness wisdom.

+Thrives on a good debate, constantly expanding their horizons.

+ Quiet but intense.  Prefers solitude for renewal.  Understated.

 +Innovative, whether ideas or inventions.

+Rarely has any illnesses. Germs pass them by.

+Usually good at expressing their truth.  Clears emotional toxins without drama.

+A bit better than the rest of us at facilitating knowledge and understanding.  Processes deeply.


(updated Feb. 24, 2026)

Davana

Davana

Artemisia pallens~~ Steam distilled from blossoms and whole plant, usually from India. Sweetly balsamic, green and herbal and... warmly floral... a floral wood note, with just a hint of spice...smells differently on each person. black currant note, an undertone reminiscent of hay absolute, with a fruity, winey dryout.

There is a story behind the blossoms from which this amazing aromatic is extracted. Each day, in India, the faithful offer Davana blossoms to Shiva. The flowers remain on his altar throughout the day, and at the end of the day are removed. They are then dried in the shade for a week, prior to extraction.   If you believe that the energy and the intent of those handling the botanicals affects the oil produced from them, then the spirituality of this Davana will be wonderful. Often used in luxury formulations. Generally considered gentler than many Artemisia species.

CAUTIONS: It is another untested oil and although it does not appear to be an irritant or a sensitizer, it should be avoided on broken skin. Its high Ketone level means that it could be toxic in high doses, and should be used with moderation.


CHARACTER:  "Perfect Chameleon"  Expansion, Throwing off Limitations, Adaptive, Balancer, Relaxing, Liberating; Magnetic attraction; Creative inspiration; Intuitive alignment


ETHERIC COLORS: Deep Rose, Burgundy, Honey Amber, Mauve

ELEMENT: Water and subtle Fire

GEMS/CRYSTALS:  Rutilated Quartz, Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Pink Tourmaline, Moonstone, Labradorite, Amethyst, Ruby, Carnelian


CHAKRAS: Sacral, Heart, subtle Crown

MUSIC: A or F; cello, sultry saxophone, slow harp; intimate and flowing

PERFUME NOTE:  Base to Middle Tenacious—Fixative; Enhances personal scent chemistry        

ASTRO: Venus, Moon, Pisces, Scorpio

ENERGY TYPE:  2, 1

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Esters, Ketones, Sesquiterpenes


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Positive thinking, mental clarity, calm, uplifting, balances rather than sedates.


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: anxiety, anger, nervous, stress, tension 


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: wound healing, skin infections, coughing attacks, spasmodic coughs, soothing to dry, rough skin, nausea, menstrual cycle support, 


PROPERTIES:  Antiseptic, aphrodisiac, Anti-infectious, anti-depressant, antiviral, mild decongestant, mild antibacterial, mild anti fungal, carminative


 Blends well with:  SANDALWOOD, VETIVER, JASMINE, ROSE 

 BLENDS CONTAINING: CROWN PRINCE, Onyx,

Key Constituents:    davanones (58%), isodavanone, nordavanone, artemone,  difuranes, esters,   acetoeugenol, cadinene, linoloo, bicigermacrene, geraniol, davanic acid, cinnamyl cinnamate

ARCHETYPES: Sacred Lover, Enchantress, Romantic alchemist

PERSONALITY:

+ Truly a chameleon.

+Can change reactions and interactions according to the situation. Has quiet intensity.

+Versatility is the watch word.  Can be easily masculine or feminine. Adaptable yet deep.

+Encourages one to feel relaxed, yet wanted and desired. Emotionally perceptive. Draws others in naturally. Magnetic without being loud.

+Interacts in a most intriguing manner.  Like a mirror that reflects unfathomable depth. Moves intuitively.

+Easily crosses bridges to other chapters in life.

+The person you go to,  to work through self-defeating patterns.

+Encourages belief in oneself and one's abilities.

+Is romantic but not naive.


(updated Feb. 24, 2026)

Bay

Bay

Pimenta racemosa --steam distilled from the dried leaves and berries of the bay rum tree. Has a woody, masculine, clove-like smell and is both warming and stimulating. An ingredient in the famous Bay Rum, used to buy slaves in the 1700's and 1800's. Bay Rum was also used as a hair tonic to prevent hair loss. Can be found in fragrances, soaps, detergents, perfumes, aftershaves, hair lotions and as flavor ingredient. There are several different species of bay and they have different chemotypes. There is often confusion between laurel leaf or bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) which is not related to this Bay.  


CAUTION: Bay oil has high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid the use of bay oil even after its dilution to prevent any sensitizations. Children and infants should also be kept away from bay oil due to their delicate nature. Maximum dermal use .1%.


CHARACTER:  “Victorious Spirit.” Warming, Protecting,  Fatherly, Strong, Defender, Yang, Uplifting and Reviving, Energizing, Fortifies, Fiery Motivator, Radiant, Warrior Momentum, Igniting, Declarative


ETHERIC COLORS: Golden Amber, Deep Blue, Deep Flame Orange, Red-Gold Spark

GEMS/CRYSTALS: Bloodstone, Mookaite, Obsidian, Tiger Eye/Iron, Red Jasper, Leopardskin, Onyx, Kambaba Jasper, Sunstone, Carnelian, Hematite, Golden Calcite


CHAKRAS:  Solar, Root, Sacral

NUMBER: 3

MUSIC:  E, B, open fifth; brass instruments; acoustic guitar; snare drum 

PERFUME NOTE:  Top 

ASTRO:  Leo, Aries, Mars, Sun

ENERGY TYPE:  Generally 3, 4

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Phenol


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:   Trust, Self-Love, Courage, Decisive, Assertive,  


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: for feeling lost, fatherless, alone, not enough to face a situation, not strong enough, Stressed,  Confused, scared, not safe, abused, sorrow, grief, depression, exhaustion, tension  


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  poor circulation, cellulite,  muscular aches, strains, sprains, neuralgia, colds, flu, digestion problems, dandruff


PROPERTIES: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, astringent, scalp stimulant, Analgesic, anticonvulsant, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, astringent, circulation stimulant, moth repellent


BLENDS:  Palomino,  Way of the Leaf,   Wood Badge,   


BLENDS WELL WITH  Lime, Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme and Ylang Ylang. 


  Key Constituents:  Eugenol up to 56%, myrcene, chavicol, methyl eugenol, linalool, limonene.


ARCHETYPES:  FATHER, INNOVATOR, HISTORIAN, SCHOLAR, CHAMPION, GENERAL, PIONEER, FIRESTARTER, VICTOR


PERSONALITY: 

+ They are their own authority and need no permission to be themselves.

+ They have a sense of balance within, able to work well with both women and men, compassionate, feel deeply.

+ Deep love of learning, most at home in a research lab, classroom or library.

+ Good at seeing the broader perspective, taking in the big picture.

 +Entrepreneurial aspirations.  They’ve got the charisma and ambition.

 +Leadership and decisive action under pressure, assertive.


(updated Feb. 20, 2026)