Monday, March 16, 2026

Lemon Myrtle

 



Backhousia citriodora-- Steam distilled from the leaves —sweet, crisp, and intensely citrusy aroma with green, herbaceous undertones similar to Lemon verbena, Eucalyptus, and Sage. Used in perfumery, aromatherapy and in cooking. More “lemony” than true Lemon oil due to a citral content that can reach up to 98%—significantly higher than actual lemons and produces the purest natural form of citral in the world. Considered the "Queen of Australian or Lemon herbs" and is highly uplifting. Is reputed to be a much more effective germ killer than the more familiar Tea Tree. 

 CAUTIONS: Avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin. Must be diluted heavily, typically a maximum of 0.7% to 1% in a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Avoid use on children under 2 years old, those with highly sensitive skin, or in pregnancy without consultation. Best for diffusing.


CHARACTER: “Bright Clarity”  Precise and cheerful; Truth-clearing intelligence. “Clear it out. Speak clearly. Move forward.”


ETHERIC COLORS:  Electric Lemon yellow, Leaf Green, White-Gold


CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Citrine, Fluorite, Peridot, Green Aventurine, Yellow Calcite, Blue Lace Agate, Chrysocolla, Ametrine


MUSICAL:  F#, C#; clear bell tones, light marimba, crisp acoustic guitar, upbeat but not frenetic


PERFUME NOTE:  Top   

CHAKRAS:  Solar, Throat, subtle Third Eye      

ELEMENT:  Air, light Fire       

ASTRO:  Libra, Gemini, Mercury, Sun

ENERGY TYPE:  4,2

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Aldehyde


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Relaxation, Uplifting emotions, Soothing sleep, Purifying Air, Promote positive mood, 


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Stress, over-analysis, anxiety


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: colds, flu, sinus problems, oily skin, acne, chest congestion


PROPERTIES:  anti-bacterial, germicide, antiseptic, antifungal, insect repellent 

Blends with:   All citrus, eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Patchouli, Lavender, Sandalwood, Rosalina, Bergamot, Jasmine, Elemis


BLENDS CONTAINING:  Tomahawk, Walk Softly, Anasazi, Brave Heart, Eucalyptus Rain, Kayenta, Manipura,  Point Sublime,. Sitalpu, Sunrise, Thunderbird, Lemon Meringue,


May contain: geranial (54%), neral, isocitral, geraniol, contains 87+% citral.


ARCHETYPES:  ILLUMINATOR, TRUTH SPEAKER, STRATEGIST ,COGNITIVE CLEANSER, BOUNDARY CLARIFIER


PERSONALITY:  

+Loving, strong, inviting respect.

+Mentally agile

+Humble, but energetic

+Direct and honest speaker; wants to hear the “bottom line” rather than an ego building story. 

+ Wants the clear, simple truth. Wants to correct misinformation.

+Not tolerant of “circling an issue.”  “Let’s remove what isn’t accurate.

+Confronts politely but directly.

+Supportive—people flock around for emotional support; they make good therapists and mediators.

+Mild mannered, at ease around children and elderly.

+Ego has no entrance pass with this personality.

+They are not comforting of confusion, but expose it, cutting through cognitive fog.

Not nurturing like Orange.

Not grounding like Vetiver.

Not stabilizing like Frankincense.

-if negative, may be overstimulating to sensitive people and too blunt



Sunday, March 15, 2026

Anise

 Pimpinella anisum— steam distilled from the dried and crushed fruits (seeds)—possesses the distinctive aroma of black licorice. Although you may not be a fan of black licorice, a single drop or two can dramatically enhance an otherwise dull blend.  Anise and Star Anise  are often grouped together and sometimes are confused with each other as both possess a similar aroma and have similar, but not completely identical properties. And that is their only relationship — odor. They are two very botanically different plants. Star Anise is beautiful, each of the beautiful seeds has eight points and each point contains a seed.


CAUTIONS:  It should be used with caution and avoided in estrogen-dependent cancers. Avoid use on or around infants and young children due to the risk of neurotoxicity and respiratory distress. Should never be applied undiluted to the skin. Doing so can cause significant irritation, redness, or hives.

  

CHARACTER:  “Expansive Comfort”  Emotionally warming; Joy without escapism.  Curious, imaginative, whimsical and delightful. 

“Warmth and kindness bring people together.” 

“Life is meant to be shared and celebrated.”


ETHERIC COLORS:  Golden yellow, Honey amber, White, Pale green

CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Citrine, Yellow/Honey Calcite, Amber, Carnelian, Autumn Jasper, Poppy Jasper, Sunstone  

CHAKRAS: Sacral, Solar  

ELEMENTS:  Air

MUSICAL:  G Major:  waltz-like flow; clarinet, oboe, violin, accordion, wooden flute; folk traditions    

PERFUME NOTE: Top 

BLENDING FACTOR:  4-6

ASTROLOGICAL:  Jupiter + Venus, Sagittarius, Pisces, Libra

ENERGY TYPE:  1, 3; Upward and Outward

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE TRAITS:  communication, imagination, and emotional openness, joyful creativity 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Emotional coldness, stress, anxiety, nervous tension 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Bronchitis, Colds, Coughs, Flatulence, Muscle Aches; Useful in diffuser and inhaler blends intended to help ease bronchitis, colds and the flu.  

PROPERTIES: digestive aid, disinfectant, antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal against insect larvae, mosquito repellent.  

CONSTITUENTS:  90% trans or E-anethole, methyl chavicol. Anisealdehyde, himachalene

BLENDS WITH:   Coriander, Star Anise, Rosemary, Caraway, Cardamom, Coriander, Dill, Fennel seed; flower oils such as Jasmine, Lavender and Rose; citrus oils like Lemon, Mandarin, Orange or Petitgrain; the conifer wood oils like Cedar and Virginia Cedar; or the conifer needle oils like Fir and Pine; spice oils like Cinnamon and Clove and many others.

BLENDS: Gingerbread,.  Legend

ARCHETYPES:  Sage, Seer, Protector, The Campfire Story Keeper, Village Host, Child of wonder

PERSONALITY:

+“delicate souls, who are deeply feeling”.

+Expressive, magnetic and open—draws people together through warmth and humor.

+Playful, laughs much, loves conversation.

+The storyteller around a fire; shared laughter and stories strengthen the human spirit.

+The friend who hosts gatherings; Creates friendly social atmospheres.

+The musician who inspires dancing and/or the artist who inspires artistic endeavors.

 +Frequently evokes feelings of nostalgia and joy, bridging the gap between playful gourmet scents and sophisticated, mysterious allure. 

-If negative, may talk excessively or be distracted and avoid emotional work



The task of anise essential oil is "to make the conscious mind aware, even if protesting, that there is a conductor of the universe, and we are all part of the orchestration,”  Valerie Worwood

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Valerian


 Valeriana officianalis distilled from the plant roots.   The aroma is earthy, musky, strong like stinky socks.  Many find it extremely unpleasant.


CAUTIONS: It is powerful and should be used respectfully. Use at very low dilution (≤0.5–1%). Not recommended for children.  May cause drowsiness — do not use before driving.


CHARACTER:  Grounded Stability”, Integrated, Calming, Deeply Restorative. It does not float. It descends.Roots wrapped in moonlight.


ETHERIC COLORS: Deep indigo-purple, Earthy brown, Maroon red

CRYSTAL/GEM: Green/Black Tourmaline, Moss Agate, Bloodstone, Amethyst, Moonstone, Lepidolite, Smoky Quartz, Hematite, Obsidian, Labradorite  


CHAKRA: Root, Sacral


MUSICAL:  Low C, F; low cello bow drawn slowly across a thick string; contrabass in dark cathedral; Music is descending, enveloping, and ancient.


ELEMENT: Earth, Water

PERFUME NOTE:  Base

ASTRO:  Pisces, Moon, Saturn

ENERGY:  4     

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Supports parasympathetic activation, Calms overstimulation, Deepens dream states, Supports subconscious insight


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Restlessness, ADHD, Quiet mental chatter


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  Get a good night’s sleep; Insomnia, bruxism; Improve cognitive function, Nervous disorders, High Blood Pressure, Heart Palpitations, Improve Digestion, Skin Health, Relieve bites and stings, Menstrual cramps, PMS, Restless Leg, Edema, Acne, Muscle spasms, Arthritis, Migraines


PROPERTIES: anti-viral, anti-microbial, antispasmodic,  digestive, febrifuge, nervine, detoxifier, sedative, muscle relaxant


BLENDS:   Onyx,


Blends well with: Cedarwood, Lavender, Sandalwood, Neroli, Amyris, Citrus, Frankincense, small amounts of Citrus, Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile 


 Contains: Mostly sesquiterpenes, B-Caryophyllene, valerenene, pachtoulene, humulene, valerenol, a-bisabolol, esters, valerenic acid


ARCHETYPES:  DREAM KEEPER, ROOT HEALER, NIGHT WATCHER, HERMIT, MOON PRIESTESS,  GUARDIAN


PERSONALITY:

+Is calm and deeply centered.  Holds space for emotional storms. Honest about discomfort.

+Fiercely loyal; “Old Soul”

+Not charming or social.

+Unconcerned with appearances

+ They are capable in cutting through pretense and falsehoods, bringing us into the light. But, is comfortable with darkness and quiet.

+ Moves slowly and deliberately.  Speaks little, observes everything.

 +Values rest and restoration.

 +Opens the way to healing, and gives a strength as it roots us to the ground and uplifts our spirits.

 +Grounds others simply by being present.

+Intensely interested in dreams and deep ancestral memory.

+Doesn’t smile often — but when they do, it means safety.

+Sits beside you when the lights go out. “You can sleep. I will keep watch.”

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Carrot Seed


Daucus carota--
Steam distilled from the seeds of Queen Annes Lace that is also called Wild Carrot. Close cousin of orange Carrots we all know. There is a carrot oil that is steam distilled from the whole dried carrot plant. Does not have carotene or vitamin A in it.  The odor is not apparent in the seed until after distillation. The scent is Woody-earthy, slightly spicy, strong, fruity, warm, herbaceous and musky with a subtle green brightness. Considered one of the best essential oils for mature skin. Used to flavor liqueurs and perfumes.

Generally considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing, possible irritant in low doses.  Dilute well for topical use.  Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.


CHARACTER:  “Nourishing Root”, Yin, Renewal, Restorative, Humble, Grounded wisdom, Quiet Rebuilder (from the inside out) Regenerative, does not shout or sparkle.


ETHERIC COLORS: Earth tone Ochre, Golden amber, Red, Light Green

PERFUME NOTE: Middle to Base

CHAKRA: Solar, Root, Sacral, subtle Third Eye


MUSIC:  E flat, B flat; Viola or low violin; French horn, hand drum with soft rhythm; slow folk melodies; grounded chamber pieces


ELEMENT: Earth and subtle Water


GEMS/CRYSTALS:  Malachite, Serpentine, Moss Agate, Smoky Quartz, Sunstone, Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger Eye, Red Aventurine, Scolecite, Chrome Diopside, Yellow Jasper, Petrified wood, Amber


ENERGY TYPE: 4, 2; like sunlight filtered through soil

ASTRO:  Virgo, Capricorn, Mercury, Saturn

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Sesquiterpenol


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  improve brain function, circulation, grounded, calm, rebuild confidence, vitality, recovery from exhaustion

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Feeling invalidated for what you perceive, confused, manipulated, dependent on others for your feelings and thoughts, Stress  

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  Liver detox, infection, arthritis, gout, edema, rheumatism, indigestion, intestinal parasites, rashes, wrinkles, other skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis  

PROPERTIES: Carminative, diuretic, anti-carcinogenic, supports skin renewal, mildly anti-microbial, digestive stimulant 

BLENDS WELL WITH Cedar, Frankincense, Lavender, Rosewood, Blue Cypress, Geranium, Patchouli, Orange. This is one of those oils that doesn’t smell great full strength or on its own, but it plays well with others.


BLENDS CONTAINING: Yellowstone,, Horse Whisper,   Dark Horse, Caldera, Gingerbread,

 

Key Chemical Constituents:   Pinene, carotol, daucol, limonene, bisabolene, elemene, geraniol, daucol


ARCHETYPES:  HERBAL ALCHEMIST, HEALER, WISE FARMER, INNER ARCHITECT, REBUILDER, EARTH SAGE, INNER COMPASS, ROOT GUARDIAN


PERSONALITY:

+Values inner work over outer display.

+Quietly wise and patient.  Guides others back to authentic direction.

 +They see what they need to see.  It is all right to disagree with someone and be disagreed with. Observant before speaking.

+Nurturing without being coddling, providing a stable presence that allows for deep introspection and the facing of difficult emotions without fear or rage.

+Viewed as a companion or partner that fosters growth in others, much like the wild plant provides a home for insects.

+They like to see clearly, feeling strongly about what they perceive. They need no validation from outside.  Unconcerned with superficial approval.  does not chase attention.

+Restores through discipline—restorative without being dramatic.

-If negative, Sometimes they do not get that their truth is within. It can be confusing if those around do not validate experience or agree about what is happening. 


-May need others approval to feel good. If there is lack of agreement, they -doubt themselves.

May be resistant to new perspectives.