Marjoram Origanum Majorana

Marjoram Origins

This is a small plant found in the eastern Mediterranean countries, southern Europe and north Africa.

Marjoram Essential oil

Steam distillation of the flowers and leaves produces an oil that ranges in colour from pale yellow to rich amber. It has a warm, spicy aroma.

Marjoram Most common uses

• calms and regulates the nervous system
• good for insomnia, depression and anxiety
• relieves aching limbs and rheumatic conditions
• helps nervous stomach and digestion

Marjoram Used in excess

Can have a narcotic effect, in high doses.

Myrrh Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh Origins

Myrrh is a sturdy bush growing in north-east Africa and Arabia. The oldest-known perfume, it was first recorded as long as 3700 years ago. The ancient Egyptians used myrrh for embalming mummies.

Myrrh Essential oil

Resin flows out of an incision in the stem in small, rounded pear shapes. Steam distillation of crude myrrh produces a thick, pale yellow oil with a warm, spicy aroma.

Myrrh Most common uses

• has anti-inflammatory action
• good for bronchitis, influenza, laryngitis, chronic catarrh and coughs
• stimulates the digestive tract and is good for poor digestion and flatulence
• has antiseptic action on the urinary tract
• improves menstrual flow
• helps heal wounds
• excellent in skin care

Neroli Citrus Aurantium

Neroli Origins

The main producers are France, Italy and Tunisia but it is also produced in Morocco, Algeria and the Comoro Islands. Neroli is also called neroli bigarade oil or orange flower oil.

Neroli Essential oil

Water distillation of the flowers of the bitter orange tree produces a pale yellow oil, which becomes darker as it ages. It has a powerful, exotic, floral perfume, and creates a warm and relaxing atmosphere. After distillation orange flower water is obtained from the remaining water, in which there are still some remnants of the essential oil.

Neroli Most common uses

• fortifies the nervous system
• calming for palpitations
• helps insomnia
• relieves anxiety
• good for acne and eczema has anti-inflammatory effect

Niaouli Melaleuca viridiflora

Niaouli Origins

The tree grows wild in the French Pacific islands of New Caledonia and in Australia.

Niaouli Essential oil

Steam distillation of the leaves produces an oil which varies from colourless to greenish yellow. It has an aromatic perfume, reminiscent of camphor.

Niaouli Most common uses

• helps the respiratory tract and is useful in cases of colds, influenza, pneumonia, sinusitis and catarrh
• antiseptic to urinary tract and good for cystitis
• Antiseptic to intestinal tract and helpful in cases of diarrhea
• purifies the atmosphere
• Good for rheumatism

• encourages wounds to heal, including small cuts, sores and burns

Olibanum (Incense) Boswellia sp.

Olibanum Origins

This is a small tree growing in north-east Africa and south-east Arabia. Its name means oil of Lebanon. Incision of the bark produces a white resin that resembles teardrops. These are broken off the branches and collected from the ground where they sometimes fall.

Olibanum Essential oil

Steam distillation of resin produces a pale yellow oil with a rich, peppery smell. It has an excellent purifying effect on the atmosphere.

Olibanum Most common uses

• good for mastitis
• eases cases of asthma and bronchitis
• has an uplifting effect on mood
• recommended for ulcers
• increases powers of concentration and is conducive to meditation
• stops bleeding and is a good remedy for deep wounds

Orange Citrus Aurantium

Orange Origins

The orange tree originated in China. The main producers are Spain, Israel, the US, the West Indies, Papua New Guinea, Sicily and Brazil. Essential oil

The oil is expressed from the rind of almost ripe fruit from the sweet or bitter orange tree, either mechanically or by hand. It varies in colour from pale yellow to brown, and has a fresh, aromatic smell. It does not keep well, as it oxidizes very quickly.

Orange Most common uses

General tonic to stimulate the nervous system

• reinforces the immune system
• helpful in the treatment of fevers
• good for constipation
• diuretic

• regulates the digestion
• combats travel sickness
• cleanses the blood
• natural tranquillizer in cases of depression and anxiety
• strengthens muscles
• helps with problems of the mouth, including gum disease and ulcers

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