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

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.

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.

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.

 

 

  

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

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

PROPERTIES:  anti-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