Valerian is a perennial herb with short rhizomes, aromatic feathery leaves and clusters of small pink or white flowers that bloom from June through to September. The plant is native to parts of Europe and Asia, although it is now also grown in the United States. The name Valerian is supposed to have originated from either the Latin “valere” which means, “to be in health” or from the Roman emperor, Valerianus. “Officinalis” indicates that this was an official herb of the apothecaries & used for medicine. The ancient Greeks referred to it as “Phu”. Valerian has been used as a…
Author: Sylvia
Tangerine essential oil is extracted from Citrus reticulata (also known as Citrus nobilis, madurensis, unshiu, deliciosa) of the Rutaceae family and is also known as European mandarin, naartjie and true mandarin. Although the tangerine tree is most commonly found in southern Europe, South America, and Japan, the tangerine tree originated in China. It is a member of the citrus family and closely resembles mandarin orange. It is small in size and tastes sweeter than oranges. They have very similar taste and properties, the reason why they are often interchanged. Mandarin has light colored skin whereas tangerine’s skin has a darker…
Spruce tree has sharp and bluish to green needle like leaves which are the vital source for essential oils that is extracted with the steam distillation method. In comparison to other oils of evergreen family, it has mild and sweet scent with resinous and balsamic odor. This essential oil has cleansing and purifying properties that enhance clarity and openness of mind. Direct palm inhalation or if diffused, it lowers stress by eliminating sluggishness, sadness and mental fatigue. The color of Spruce ranges from clear to pale yellow. It has fresh, earthy, woody and sweet aroma. The spruce plant is also…
Savory essential oil is extracted from Satureia Montana through steam distillation of the blossom and Plant. The name Satureja is derived from Latin word satureia meaning herb. Savory essential oil is normally used as the booster of immune systems. It is also known as oil of Mountain savory. The fact is that there are many species belonging to Mountain Savory. All these come under the same generic label called savory. The fact of the matter is that there are some species of this herb that one cannot use for the therapeutic use. These types of species are interwined or substituted.…
Petitgrain oil comes from the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium. Originally from Southern China, the bitter orange tree was brought to Paraguay in the 19th century, and now flourishes easily in this part of the world. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. The tree reaches about 3 meters high when cultivated, but can attain up to about 6 meters when growing in the wild. It has stout branches with a smooth brown trunk. When compared to sweet orange tree it has a more erect stature and tighter crown of leaves. It…
Pine essential oil is extracted from the commonly known tree pine and its scientific name is Pinus Sylvestris. The tree’s origin is believed to be in Austria and Russia and later on it spread to other parts of the world. Pine is the common tree used world over as Christmas tree and it is a species of tree which is available all over the world. Pine essential oil is one product which is popularly available from this tree and it is quite easy to produce pine essential oil. Pine oil is obtained by the steam distillation of the needles, twigs…
Palo santo oil comes from the dead heartwood of the palo santo tree which grows on the coast of South America- also known as the “holy wood”. It must be at least two years old and come from the red wood to produce high quality oil. The longer the tree is dead the more powerful the oil. It is related to frankincense which can also be found in yogandha ground. Palo Santo oil is a true aromatic treasure and a Floracopeia staple. It is renowned for its distinctive uplifting fragrance and its distinct healing powers. Palo Santo Essential Oil is…
Myrtus, with the common name myrtle, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, described by Linnaeus in 1753. The myrtle plant was first mentioned in history in ancient Greece. Myrtle is an evergreen shrub that originated from Africa and has become a native plant in the Mediterranean region. Its small, dark green leaves, purple-black colored berries, and fragrant white flowers are all sources of myrtle oil. However, it is the leaves that produce the oil used in traditional medicine. The oil derived from berries is frequently used as a flavoring agent for beverages and alcoholic drinks. Normally…
Myrrh oil comes from a dried resin extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree, which belongs to the Commiphora plant genus. Just like frankincense, myrrh also comes from the Burseraceae plant family. Native to Northern Africa and the Middle East, particularly in Somalia, Ethiopia, Arabia, and Yemen, the tree grows up to five meters high, and can be recognized by its light bark, knotted branches and small white flowers. The word “myrrh” comes from “murr,” which means “bitter” in Arabic, probably referring to the resin’s bitter taste. In order to harvest myrrh the tree trunks must be cut to release the…
Moringa oil is a particular type of oil which is obtained from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree. This type of tree mostly grows in subtropical and tropical areas of the world which are known for being semi-arid. It is considered a true wonder plant, native from the tropical regions of Asia, Central and South America, and Africa. Called “the tree of life”, Moringa is regarded as a life-giving, health-restoring plant with endless benefits. The whole tree, from bark to leaves and seeds, has therapeutic properties and is used for food, health, and nutrition. However, of all the parts…
Botanically termed as Bursera delpechiana, linaloe is an aromatic plant known for producing aromatic oil which is used as a source of linalool and linalyl acetate. Native to Mexico, Brusera Delpechiana is commercially cultivated in India, and many Central and South American countries. India produces nearly 50 tons of oil in a year. Apart from linaloe it is also known as Mexican Linaloe Tree, Indian Lavender, and Tree of Fragrance. Plant Description Linaloe tree (also the Lavander of India) is a member of the burseraceae family. The berries and wood of the plant produces an essential oil which is used…
Also known as May Chang, Litsea Cubeba is a tree belonging to the Lauraceae family. Also known as ‘Mountain Pepper’ or ‘Chinese Pepper’, the plant is native to south China, Indonesia, Java, Sumatra and other regions of Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in Japan and Taiwan for its commercial uses although China remains the largest producer and exporter of the oil. Litsea Cubeba is a small deciduous tree that grows to a height of 5 to 8 meters (16-26 feet), with smooth trunk measuring 6-20 centimeters (2.5 to 8 inches) in diameter. The tree bears white or pale yellow,…
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like resin substance which is one of the wonderful herbal medicines in the whole world that is neither a plant nor animal product, but it is a mineral pitch that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas in the warmer summer months. It is actually a blackish- brown exudation, obtained from steep rocks of different formations found in the Himalayas at altitudes in between 1000 to 5000 meter of Central Asia. This resinous and nutrient-rich biomass has been touted for millennia by Ayurveda’s Materia Medica as the best carrier of energy and nutrition into the human…
Cubeb essential oil is derived from the cubebs plant, which mostly grows in Java and Sumatra. For this reason, cubebs are known by many names. Cubeb (Piper cubeba), also known as Java pepper, or tailed pepper, or shital chini / kabab chini in Hindi is a plant in genus Piper, cultivated for its fruit and essential oil. The fruit are gathered before they are ripe, and carefully dried. Commercial cubebs consist of the dried berries, similar in appearance to black pepper, but with stalks attached – the “tails” in “tailed pepper”. The dried pericarp is wrinkled, and its color ranges…
Citron, also known as Citrus medica, is a fragrant but inedible citrus fruit. The citron fruit is usually oblong and covered with a leathery adherent rind. The color of the citron varies from green to orange-yellow. It differs from the rest of the citrus species, such as oranges or lemons, by having a dry pulp that contains just small levels of juice. For many centuries, citron is used for medical purposes (against pulmonary and gastric-intestinal disorders), and for production of the essential oil, which not only smells nice but also possesses antibiotic properties. This sunny citrus is cold-pressed from the…
Cistus ladaniferus, also known as Rock Rose or Labdanum, is a small shrub that is cultivated in the UK but grows wild in the mountainous regions of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Cistus comes from a Greek word “kistos” meaning “evergreen shrub”. The word ladanifer is derived from “ledon” meaning “dark resin”. Dark resins are where chewing gum came from in ancient times! Apart from cistus it is also known as labdanum, Rose of Sharon or Rock Rose. Cistus essential oil comes from steam distillation of flowering tops and leaves of Cistus ladaniferus. True cistus oil is steam distilled…
Magnolia is one of the well-traveled flowers in the world, with species in South Asia, the Pacific, and North America. It is in the family of Magnoliaceae family. The term Magnolia is a general name that refers to the flowers that are in the family stated above. These types of flowers are native in East and South Asia. These types of flowers grow on shrubs and they are have adapted over time this has enabled them to survive even under harsh conditions. Not only have the flowers adapted but they have also developed nutrients that are valuable and organic compound.…
Carrot seed essential oil is the essential oil which has been derived from the dried seeds of wild carrot through steam distillation. Scientifically, it is called Daucus Carota. Its vital components are Alpha Pinene, Gamma Terpinene, Beta Pinene, Limonene, Sabinene, Camphene, Myrcene, Geranyl Acetate, Beta Bisabolene and Carotol. It is also known as Queen Anne’s lace and Wild Carrot. The color of the oil is yellowish brown. The oil has got woody, earthy and warm aroma. Carrot seed essential oil helps to lubricate cells inside the outermost layer of skin. It assists in restoration of moisture which could be loosed…
Boldo essential oil is the oil which has been extracted from the leaves of Peumus boldus (also called Boldoa fragrans and Boldu boldus) belonging to Monimiaceae family. The oil is extracted though steam distillation process. This oil has yellow color with an unpleasant odor. The main elements of Boldo essential oil are b-pinene, a-pinene, limonene, p-cymene, linalool, camphene, y-terpinene, ascaridole and 1,8-cineole. Ascaridole is known for its toxic behavior. This oil is used to cure stomach, digestive and liver problems and also used to support gallbladder and upset stomach. Being highly toxic, it should be used under an expert’s supervision…
Ucuuba scientifically known as Virola surinamensis is a tall tree that produces a small red fruit. It is a native tree of the floodplains found throughout the Amazonian region, but it is found throughout Central and South America. The indigenous name of the tree means grease (ucu) and tree (yba). Apart from ucuuba it is also known as Baboonwood and Wild Nutmeg. It prefers flooded regions, and reaches a height of 25 to 35 m. A mature tree can produce between 30 to 50 kg of seeds per year. The seeds are so rich in fats that butter extract yields…
Cupuassu commonly known as Brazilian Cocoa, Copoasu, Large-Flowered Cocoa, Cupuasu, Cupuacu, cupuazú and cupu assu is actually a tropical rainforest tree that is related to Cacao. Common throughout the Amazon basin, it is widely cultivated in the jungles of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru and in the north of Brazil, with the largest production in Pará, followed by Amazonas, Rondônia and Acre. Cupuassu scientifically known as Theobroma Grandiflorum is normally pronounced as (koo-poo-ah-soo). Cupuassu belongs to the cocoa family and grows to a height of 12-20 meters (30-65 feet). The fruit of the tree, which is called by the same name,…
Woodfordia fruticosa L. belonging to family Lythraceae is an ecologically as well as economically important shrub species of tropical dry mixed forests. It is endemic to India and is also available in Madagascar, Pakistan, Ceylon, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Indonesia and China. In India plant of woodfordia is distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and West Bengal. It is used as ingredient in many products for its medicinal values. At the same time, it is also used as a fermenting agent in Asava and Arishta (such as Dashamoolarishta). Apart from Fire flame bush it is also known as Red Bell Bush, Shinajitea,…
Babassu is actually a tall, evergreen feathery palm tree which is native to the northeastern part of Brazil. This palm is the source of babassu oil, which is extracted using the cold press method from the nuts that grow on it. It looks like small coconuts and when they are ripe they drop from the trees to the ground where they are picked up and processed by local workers. The palm is considered to be one of the most productive oil crops in the world. It fruits after about 7 years and reaches its peak between 35 and 40 years.…
The oil which has been derived from the grape seeds by extraction and pressing. It is also called grape oil or grapeseed oil. It is used for cooking as well as cosmetic purposes. It is a great substitute for canola and olive oil due to neutral taste and high smoking point. It is used in balms, massage oils, moisturizers, hygienic products, sunburn ointments and sunblocks. It constitutes of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-aging, adaptogenic and antimicrobial properties. It is used to treat the health conditions such as edema, arthritis, wrinkles, acne, age spots, dry or itchy skin, chapped lips, bruising, wounds,…
Avocado scientifically known as Persea Americana is a tree which is native to Central America and Mexico and classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The word “avocado” is said to be derived from the Nahuatl word “ahuacatl”, which means “testicle”. Obviously, it describes the fruit shape and likely refers to the potency of avocado, which is supposed to be aphrodisiac. Apart from Avocado it is also known as Alligator Pear, Alligator Pear, Avocado, Avocado Pear, Butter Pear, Guatemalan Avocado, Lowland Avocado, Mexican Avocado, Midshipman’s Butter, Trapp Avocado, Vegetable Marrow, and West Indian Avocado. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated…
Canola scientifically known as Brassica napus belongs to the same genus of the crucifer family called Brassica; the large family of plants which also includes turnip, mustard, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli …etc. Its name is a contraction of Canadian and ola (meaning oil). Apart from canola it is also known as Argentine Canola, Canola, Coleseed, Colza, Colza Rape, Oilseed Rape, Rapaseed, Rapeseed, Rappi, Summer Rape. Besides the U.S., it is grown in Canada and Australia, but canola oil is consumed all over the world. In the U.S., the ratio of supply versus demand of canola oil is about…
Sassafras scientifically known as sassafras albidum is a deciduous tree, from the Lauraceae family and native to eastern North America and eastern Asia. Apart from Sassafras it is also known as Sassafras root, Sassafrass, Saloop, ague tree, root beer tree, saxifras, cinnamon wood, white sassafras, sarifrax or smelling-stick, Bois de Cannelle, Common Sassafras, Kuntze Saloop, Laurier des Iroquois, Laurus albida, Saloip, Sassafras officinale, Sassafras variifolium, Saxifrax. Aside from being a fun word to say, sassafras has been a key component in culinary, medicinal, and societal development for thousands of years. The name ‘Sassafras,’ applied by the Spanish botanist Monardes in…
As the name suggests, quail eggs are the eggs laid by several species of quail, which are in the order Galliformes. Quail are actually a mid-sized birds found through Europe, North Africa, the southern United States and parts of Asia. It is commonly found in southern United States, Europe, parts of Asia and North Africa and normally inhabits woodlands, areas covered with bushes and open spaces. Quail is about 4.5 to 7.8 inches long and weight about 150 to 200 grams. Body is covered with brown, black, white, grey and blue feathers. They feed on seeds, leaves, roots, wheat, barley,…
Buffalo milk is not popular type of milk and it is not used everywhere in the world. But this type of milk also many health benefits such as protect the heart, lower blood pressure, stimulate circulation, build strong bones and promote growth. When we talk about milk we usually think of cow milk. Many of us do not know that the buffalo milk exists. But also there are many people who want to drink this type of milk. In Asia and India there are many different varieties of buffalo and there this kind of milk is it in the primary…
Krill oil is produced from krill (euphausia superba), a species of very small crustacean animal similar to shrimp. They can be found all over the world’s oceans and their name comes from the Norwegian word ‘krill’, meaning ‘small fry fish’. In many parts of the world, krill is a part of the human diet, while other countries have so far only used krill as a food for fish and other marine animals (in fish farms). Producing krill oil is a bit more delicate than the production of fish oil, because of a more reduced time limit. Fish oil can be…