Botanicals

BOTANICALS
Botanicals are natural substances composed of plant roots, leaves, stalks, flowers or bark. Their use goes back to ancient times and continues through today being used for their healing and aromatic properties. Never pass up the opportunity to use botanicals in aromatherapy. Botanicals are used in some applications where essential oils alone would not be practical such as in dream pillows, sachets and eye pillows. Herbs are sometimes used in place of some skin irritating essential oils as the herb itself, being less concentrated is a safe and effective substitute. Botanicals unlike essential can please both our olfactory and our visual senses when utilized in things such as potpourri mixes.
Balsam Fir (abies balsamea)	The common "Christmas Tree". Fir needles are very aromatic imparting an outdoors, airy feeling.
Calendula (Marigold) (calendula officinalis)	Calendula is an excellent skin softener that is healing, soothing, and somewhat antiseptic. It is used for dry irritated or damaged skin irritations/rashes and for bee and other insect stings.
Calamus Root (acorus calamus)	The cut root of this hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant is used as a fragrances fixative in potpourri and botanical mixes.
Catnip (Calamint) (nepeta cataria)	Catnip is a mild tranquilizer containing nepetalactone isomers which are similar to the constituents of valerian, another sedative herb. Aids in pain reduction. Mood uplifting
Chamomile (German/Blue) (matricaria recutita; matricaria chamomilla) (Roman) (anthemis nobilis)	There are many different types of chamomile all distinguished by their daisy like flowers. Chamomile's fruity, floral aroma has a definite calming effect, and the benefits of Chamomile are numerous. In fact, chamomile oil became so popular in Germany as a medicine that it became known as "alles zutruant" meaning "capable of anything". Besides it's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is an effective sedative and muscle relaxant making it helpful for tension headaches and sleeplessness. It also speeds healing, reduces swelling and calms inflammation and allergies. Properties: Soothing, mildly antiseptic, analgesic, calming, muscle relaxant, digestive, balancing. Should not be used in the early months of pregnancy. Individuals allergic to ragweed should avoid as chamomile sometimes causes similar reactions.
Cinnamon (cinnamomum cassia)	The name cinnamon is derived from the Malay "kayu manis", meaning "sweet wood". Cinnamon has a soft sweet aroma and is derived from the bark of the plant. A strong antiseptic cinnamon has a cleansing effect and also warms and stimulates the skin. Traditionally used as an astringent, toner, anti-inflammatory agent, aphrodisiac, skin conditioner, deodorant, and remedy for flu, nausea, fatigue, and depression. Properties: Antiseptic, digestive, respiratory, toning for skin, aphrodisiac, haemostatic, astringent.
Elderberry (sambucus canadensis)	A common plant useful for cuts, sores, rashes, and insect bites.
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globlus)	A very aromatic, camphor-like, smelling herb, eucalyptus is often included in sore-muscle remedies because of it's skin warming and muscle soothing properties Well known for it's use in inhalants and chest rubs, it is also useful for wounds and insect bites.. Traditionally Eucalyptus has been used as a deodorant, antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, and insect repellent. Properties: Head clearing, refreshing, stimulating, uplifting ,invigorating, respiratory, decongestive, antiseptic, cooling, cleansing, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic.
Frankincense (botswellia carterii)	Frankincense was once one of the most highly prized substances of the ancient world. This fragrant tree gum was usually burned as incense. Properties: Nervine, respiratory, restorative, rejuvenating, comforting..
Horsetail (Shavegrass) (equisetum hyemale)	Useful in treating fungus infections. Not to be confused with equisetum arvense, also commonly known as Horsetail/Shavegrass. This version is irritating to the skin.
Lavender (lavendula officinalis) (lavendula angustifolia)	A fragrant perennial that is used in many aromatherapy products. Lavender is a very well known relaxant, soother and conditioner, and is also known for it's ability to ease headaches. Properties: Head-clearing, respiratory, skin healing, nervine, muscle relaxant, digestive, sedative, calming, balancing, analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial, decongestive, antidepressant.
Lemon Balm (melissa officinalis)	A mildly lemon-scented herb used in aftershaves, lotions, and bath soaks for treatment of bruises and sore areas. It's aroma is said to relieve depression, anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension.
Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) (cymbopogon schoenanthus)	An aromatic grass native to tropical regions having a sweet lemony aroma that refreshes. Said to improve circulation and muscle tone. A gentle cleanser, generally used for normal-to oily skin. Lemongrass is also an antiseptic sometimes used for treating athlete's foot and acne.
Lemon Verbena (aloysia triphylla)	Native to Chile and Argentina this shrub has lemony aromatic leaves. In folklore, it is said that the aroma of lemon verbena produces feelings of lightness and even flying while dreaming.
Marjoram (origanum marjorana)	Although most commonly known as a cooking spice, marjoram's fragrance is relaxing while it's oils are soothing and relaxing to the skin also speeding up the healing of bruises and skin injuries and calming muscular aches, sprains, and arthritic pain. It's aroma is said to ease nervousness and restlessness during sleep. Properties: antispasmodic, carminative, respiratory, nervine, calming, muscle relaxant, digestive, sedative. Caution: Should not be used by pregnant women.
Mugwort (artemisis vulgaris)	A bitter, drying herb once regarded as onte of the "nine sacred herbs" by the Anglo-Saxons. In folk lore it is claimed that the smell of Mugwort helps the dreamer to remember his or her dreams. Encourages relaxation. Avoid during pregnancy.
Patchouli (pogostemon cablin; pogostemon patchouly)	Having a penetrating cedar-musky like aroma that is calming and sensual. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, antiseptic, and for the treatment of athlete's foot, headache, acme, dandruff and eczema. Patchouli also has natural insect and moth repelling properties.
Peppermint (mentha piperita)	Mint was prescribed by Greek an Roman herbalists for just about everything. Peppermint oil, particularly as an inhalant, relieves nausea and respiratory problems, and aids digestion. Peppermint oil added to a water or oil base makes a cooling lotion for sensitive skin. Properties: Digestive, carminative, respiratory, anti-inflammatory, balancing, cooling (and warming), clearing, muscle relaxant.
Pine (pinus spp.) (pinus sylvestris)	Pine has been used in products for skin ailments, oily skin and eruptions for over a hundred years. The oils are relaxing and soothing in bath blends.
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis)	Although most commonly known as a cooking spice, rosemary is an antispasmodic and is helpful in treating sore joints and stiff muscles. In folklore rosemary was used to keep away bad dreams and ensure restful sleep.
Shavegrass (Horsetail) (equisetum hyemale)	Useful in treating fungus infections. Not to be confused with equisetum arvense, also commonly known as Horsetail/Shavegrass. This version is irritating to the skin.
Thyme (thymus vulgaris)	Although most commonly known as a cooking spice, Thyme is an antispasmodic and is useful for healing cuts and wounds and helps sooth the itching of insect bites.
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