Friday, February 20, 2026

Frangipani


 - Plumeria alba or obtusa - also known as Plumeria,  

Flowers are most fragrant at night in order to lure sphinx moths to pollinate them. The flowers have no nectar, and simply dupe their pollinators. The moths inadvertently pollinate them by transferring pollen from flower to flower in their fruitless search for nectar.  Used almost exclusively in the perfume industry with a musky, floral, peachy, creamy, lush, soft, fruity and slightly sweet scent.  Exotic smell similar to "lei" garland.

Extracted by Food Grade Solvent or steam distillation. Most commercial “frangipani essential oil” is actually a frangipani absolute or infused oil, not a steam-distilled essential oil.


Usually used at low dilution (1%).


CHARACTER:  "The Silver Lining" —Warmly inviting, positive, strong, sunshine, angelic, fresh, brightening, lightening, hopeful, positive expectations, inner peace, tranquility, peaceful paradise, rejuvenating, harmonizing, uplifting

 

CRYSTALS:  Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Rhodochrosite, Sunstone, Citrine, Moonstone, Amethyst, Blue Lace Agate, Watermelon Tourmaline, Seraphinite, Kunzite

CHAKRA:  Crown

MUSICAL NOTE: Base G        

ELEMENT:  Water, Warm Fire          

ASTRO:  Venus, Moon, Taurus, Libra, Leo

ENERGY:  2, 1

NOTE:  Middle-Top, Fixative


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:   Self-awareness and confidence, Peace, Acceptance. Euphoric and calming properties. improves positivity and self-confidence, deep emotional cleansing. 
Its seductive and beautiful fragrance produces a celestial atmosphere that soothes, relaxes and strengthens the mind after a stressful day.  


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Stress, Insomnia,  feeling down, sad, defeated  


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:   Headache, skin care, 


PROPERTIES:  Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, Stimulant, Antioxidant, Aphrodisiac, Sedative


BLENDS CONTAINING: Sitalpu, Tropical Trail, Twelve Flowers,


Blends well with: Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood and other floral scents and all citrus oils.


Contains: limonene, linalool, a-cedrene, caryophyllen oxide and farnescene, etc.


ARCHETYPES:  SEDUCTRESS, GOURMET, LOVER, ARTIST, DESIGNER. DIVA, FEMME FATALE, MUSE, ROMANTIC POET


PERSONALITY:  

+ Pure femininity.  Gentle & charismatic.  Sensual without being overpowering.

+ Beautiful from within.  Is effortlessly magnetic.

+  Seems to have a special connection to divinity.

+ Like the perfume, they have enchanted the world since time began.

+ Confident, comfortable with who they are.

+ Enjoy the  exotic perfumes, cashmere against the skin, and the scent and aroma of flowers.  Loves beauty and atmosphere.

+ Found in all walks of life, but happiest when they can use their instinctive intellect and behavior.  Will be unhappy as an accountant, but make good designers, artists, gardeners.

+ Ability to attract love and lift the spirit.  Feels deeply but expresses it gracefully.

+An ability to help someone suffering through a loss, almost magical in their presence.

+Love is one of their gifts.

+They inspire trust, appreciation and admiration.  Holds both romance and dignity.

+ Remember that the sun always shines, whether we can see it, or not.  Luminous and inviting — soft but confident.

 

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Catnip

 Nepeta cataria~~distilled from the flowering tops and leaves. Carries a soft, green, slightly minty-herbal aroma with gentle sweetness. Some such as I, find it unpleasant. Unlike sharper mints, catnip has a whimsical, heart-opening quality mixed with nervous-system relaxation.There is much research on the herb, which is a stimulant for felines and calming for humans. The essential oil should NOT be used around animals due to its potential to overwhelm sensitive systems.  So far, I have only used it as insect repellant.


CAUTIONS:   Dilute well for topical use. DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY or on children. Can cause skin irritation.


CHARACTER: "Euphoric Paradox"  Euphoric for cats, Calming to humans. Bonding, Courage, “whimsical healer”,  soothing, slightly magical.

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle to Top

 CRYSTAL/GEM:  Malachite, Opal, Indicolite, Golden Prehnite, Citrine, Sunstone, Aventurine, Lepidolite, Blue Lace Agate, Amethyst, Gray Moonstone

 ELEMENT:  Water, Air 

ASTRO:  Venus, Taurus, Gemini, Pisces, Mercury

ENERGY TYPE: 4, 3 


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:   Serenity, Repose, Relaxation, Soothing for Nervous system, Playful creativity, Inner Child Healing


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: Nervous, Stress, Tension, anxiety,  Insomnia, hyperactivity


USED FOR HEALING THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  dandruff, fever, migraine, colic,

cramps, chronic gas trouble, colds, flu  


PROPERTIES:  mosquito and fly deterrent, digestive, sedative, diuretic, nervine, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, anti-inflammatory   


BLENDS:   None

Blends  with GRAPEFRUIT, LAVENDER, LEMON, MARJORAM, PEPPERMINT, ORANGE, ROSEMARY, SPEARMINT, LIME, EUCALYPTUS, MYRRH, CITRONELLA, GERANIUM.  It easily overtakes a blend in even a tiny amount.


Composition: Nepetalactone isomers, nepetalic acid, Dihydronepetalactone, Caryophyllene oxide, (E)-beta-farnesene, Humulene oxide, Piperitone, Alpha-Caryophyllene, Beta-elemene, 3-Hexenyl ester


ARCHETYPES:  TRICKSTER, JOY BRINGER, DREAMER, CHILD WITHIN, MOONLIGHT COMPANION 


PERSONALITY:

+ Extremely rare. Has a mischievous sparkle. Calms others through humor.

+ Sensitive, spiritual, but sometimes impetuous nature.

+ Playful, and doesn’t dwell on things too long. Moves between play and stillness.

+ Knows how to laugh at stress.

  • Feels safe yet spontaneous.

+ Friendly, obviously a "cat" person

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Savory

 


Satureja montana, Mountain Savory, also known as Savory Winter, is a resilient perennial, native to Europe and North Africa. It can reach a height of 30 cm (12 inches). Its grayish green leaves create a bushy exterior. It is steam extracted from the flowering herb.  Has a sharp, medicinal, herbaceous odor. should not be confused with Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis), which has a milder demeanor.  Summer savory is often compared to thyme and oregano. It is powerful, warming, and protective — but generally considered slightly gentler than mountain savory   though still strong.

Winter Savory is a dermal toxin, dermal irritant, and a mucous membrane irritant. Avoid during pregnancy. It is recommended that this oil be used only by experienced aromatherapists. Maximum 0.5% topical dilution. VERY POTENT OIL!!!

CHARACTER:    “Fierce clarity”, protection, disciplined fire, protective, strategic, and precise, “warrior herb.”It has a bright, sharp “brass-like” quality rather than a soft string tone — more trumpet than flute.

ETHERIC COLORS: Deep golden yellow, red-orange, burnished copper                

CHAKRA:  Solar, Root

CRYSTALS: Hematite, Red Jaspers, Tiger Eye, Carnelian, Garnet, Obsidian, Clear Quartz, Fluorite

MUSIC NOTE: E or C       

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle

ELEMENTS:   Fire, Earth               

ASTRO:  Aries, Mars, Saturn

ENERGY TYPE:  3, 4

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Improved Memory, Focus and Mental clarity.  Enhanced concentration.


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: Fatigue; to ward off evil spirits


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  Insect bites and bee stings, arthritis and rheumatism, inflammation of the lymph nodes, scratchy/sore throat; respiratory support, stimulates sluggish digestion

PROPERTIES:  anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, and anti-fungal, circulation stimulant, analgesic, immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, carminative, pest repellent

 

BLENDS:  Shaman


Because it is strong, it blends best with grounding or softening oils. Blends well with Cedar, Fir, Pine, Amyris, rosemary, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Grapefruit, Basil, Frankincense, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Spruce


Contains: Carvacol, thymol, p-cymene


ARCHETYPES: WARRIOR STRATEGIST, GUARDIAN, HERBAL KNIGHT, FIRE ALCHEMIST, SURGEON, MOUNTAIN SENTINEL


PERSONALITY:

  • + Acts quickly and decisively.  Is mentally sharp.
  • + Doesn’t tolerate nonsense. Is direct and tactical. 
  • + Not soft or ornamental.
  • + Has strong personal boundaries.
  • + Protects what matters.
  • + Thrives in challenging situations. Adapts to difficult circumstances.

- If negative, has a need for control and a big ego.



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, Purifying, Yang. Unlike soft woods (rosewood, sandalwood), Cade feels wild, ancestral, and elemental — more bonfire than temple incense.   

CRYSTALS:  Dragon Blood stone, Tiger eye/tiger Iron, Indigo Gabbro, Mookaite, Obsidian, Onyx, Pyrite, Black Tourmaline, Hematite, Smoky Quartz

CHAKRAS:  Solar, Root and Brow      

ELEMENT:  Earth, Fire        

 NOTE:  Base (very strong!)    

 ASTRO:  Taurus, Jupiter, Sun, Scorpio, Pluto, Mars

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE TRAITS:   Decision Making, Strong, Success, Safety, Prosperity, starting over, grounding, 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, leprosy, soothe toothaches, relieve aches and pains, kill lice and their eggs, dandruff, dermatitis, itching, eczema, 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, Dragon Breath

ARCHETYPES:  DEFENDER, EXORCIST, HERO, OLYMPIAN, PROTECTOR, RESCUER, WARRIOR, WIZARD, SHAMAN, SURVIVOR, SHADOW WALKER

PERSONALITY: (similar to Juniper, but more intense)

  • All experiences are valuable.  Has survived storms
  • Carries intensity without apology
  • Isn’t afraid of uncomfortable truth.
  • Values authenticity over approval.

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

+Is fiercely protective of loved ones.  Has strong boundaries.

  • 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.