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Black Pepper: Product Highlight
Plant Details Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) is a perennial flowering vine in the Piperaceae family. It is native to Indonesia and areas of southern India and is now grown commercially in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Madagascar, Malaysia, and Brazil. Black Pepper plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and the vining plants grow on rough-barked trees in the wild. The woody vines can grow to around fifteen feet in height and the roots spread anywhere that the stems touch the ground. Black Pepper leaves are a simple almond shape and dark green in color. The leaves are two to three inches long with prominent veins, growing alternately along the vine. The flowers of the Black Pepper plant are small and yellow-green to pale yellow in color, growing in clusters of about fifty on the spikes. The flower spikes sprout near the leaf nodes, initially growing from one to three inches and lengthening to three to six inches as the fruit matures. Following the Black Pepper flowers, small round berry-like fruits called drupes appear on the plant. The drupes are around one centimeter in diameter and grow in clusters on the spike, each enclosing a single seed. Black Pepper drupes transition from bright green to red as they ripen though only the dried unripe fruits are considered black pepper. White pepper is made from the dried ripe fruits. Cultivated Black Pepper plants can reliably bear fruit at four or five years old and will continue to fruit for around seven years. History The name Black Pepper is derived from the Latin word “piper” and the Old English word “pipor” as well as the Sanskrit word “pippali” which means long pepper. In Ancient Greece, the possession of Black Pepper or Black Pepper Oil became a symbol of power and wealth. The spice was not only used as a currency but also to gain political and social leverage. Hippocrates is said to have written of the virtues of Black Pepper Essential Oil as a medicinal ingredient and favored those applications over its use as a spice. The Ancient Romans were found to have used single peppercorns were used to pay dowries, rent, and taxes. Black pepper was used in Europe during the Middle Ages to help preserve meats as well as to cover odors and it was an important good in the spice trade for centuries. Major cities such as Florence and Venice relied heavily on the trade of Black Pepper for economic success during this time. Wild Black Pepper plants grow in the Western Ghats region of India. The forests in that area contained expansive wild pepper vines into the nineteenth century. Scottish physician and botanist Francis Buchanan recorded evidence of this wild growth in his book A journey from Madras through the countries of Mysore, Canara, and Malabar (Volume III). Deforestation has decreased the wild population to limited patches from Goa to Kerala and the quality and yield of cultivated Black Pepper Essential Oil have improved meaning there are very limited amounts of wildcrafted oil on the market. Grafting of commercially cultivated plants onto wild plants has been attempted but no success has been achieved to date. Extraction Black Pepper fruits that are used for essential oil production must be harvested while the drupes are still green and unripe. The harvesting process will usually begin when one or two fruits at the base of the spike begin to turn red to ensure the fruits are fully mature but not yet ripe. The fruit-bearing spikes are collected from the plants whole and dried before the peppercorns are removed. After harvest, the Black Pepper fruits are sometimes briefly boiled before drying, a process that ruptures the cell walls of the fruit and helps them to dry more quickly. The fruits are then dried by machine or in the sun for several days. During this time the skin will shrink and wrinkle around the seed, darkening to a black color over several days. Once the unripe fruits are dry, they are now referred to as black peppercorns. The peppercorns are then crushed before distillation to maximize extraction. Black Pepper Essential Oil is extracted from the dried, crushed unripe fruit of the plant through steam distillation. The resulting essential oil is thin and clear to yellow with a dry warm and spicy aroma. Benefits & Uses When used in aromatherapy, Black Pepper Essential Oil is believed to both soothe and invigorate the mind. It has been found to ease feelings of stress, nervousness, and negativity to help combat the onset of anxiety and depression. Black Pepper is thought to balance emotions and encourage self-awareness for a grounded state of mind. Black Pepper Essential Oil is known to stimulate brain function and boost mental energy for improved alertness and motivation. It may help to strengthen critical thinking processes and enhance focus. Black Pepper Essential Oil may also help to soothe the respiratory system when diffused and inhaled. It has been found to ease coughs and break up congestion for easy breathing. Diluted and used topically, Black Pepper Essential Oil has a warming sensation that may help to ease discomfort throughout the body. It is believed to help reduce pain in the muscles and joints while also working to alleviate stiffness for improved movement. Black Pepper is known to help provide relief for arthritis and rheumatoid conditions. The warming sensation of the oil has been found to increase circulation to muscles, helping to ready the body before exercise and improve muscle tone. Black Pepper Essential Oil may help to stimulate appetite, soothe digestive discomfort, and support healthy digestion when applied topically to the abdomen. Used in perfumery, Black Pepper Essential Oil acts as a middle note that blends well with citrus, spices, and many other essential oils. It is used to add warmth and depth to a fragrance while working to marry together lighter top notes and heavy base notes. Here are some recipes using Black Pepper Essential Oil that we love… Peaceful Thoughts Diffuser Blend Ingredients 4 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 2 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Quick Recovery Massage Oil Ingredients 2 oz Amber Bottle with Dropper Top 1 oz of Sweet Almond Oil 1 oz of Jojoba Oil 20 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil 10 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil 10 drops of Oregano Essential Oil Instructions Add ingredients to the bottle and shake to combine. Add a few drops to the palms and gently massage into sore muscles and joints. Awaken the Mind Shower Steamers Ingredients Witch Hazel Extract in a Misting Spray Bottle Hard Plastic or Metal Molds 1 cup of Citric Acid 2 cups of Baking Soda 10 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil 10 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil Instructions Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well using your hands. Spritz a small amount of witch hazel onto the top of the powder mixture and stir it in. Repeat this process until the mixture packs together easily with a texture similar to wet sand. Scoop the mixture into each mold one at a time and pack them down tightly. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. To use, take 1 shower steamer into the shower and wet it under the stream of water. Place the steamer at the far end of the bath/shower stall away from the direct flow of water to help it last longer. Critical Focus Room Spray Ingredients 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol 2 oz of Distilled Water 10 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 5 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil Instructions Add 2 ounces of high-percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray around the room before work or study for a brain boost. Tummy Soother Roll On Ingredients 10 ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle 1/3 oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil 4 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil 3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil Instructions Add the essential oils to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the rollerball and cap, gently shake, and roll across your skin. You may also enjoy… Roman Chamomile: Product Highlight Sore Ease: Meet the Ingredients Essential Oils & Crystals: Tiger's Eye Essential Oil Recipes for Wellness while Traveling
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Camphor: Product Highlight
Plant Details Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is a species of large evergreen trees in the Lauraceae family that is referred to as True Camphor, Common Camphor, Gum Camphor, and Japanese Camphor. It is native to areas of India, Taiwan, Southern China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Camphor trees grow between sixty and one hundred feet tall with stout cylindrical trunks. The bark is bright green with a tinge of red on younger trees and transitions to gray-brown with a rough, fissured texture as the trees grow older. The leaves of Camphor trees are bright green and ovate, with a smooth, glossy appearance. Leaves grow alternately along the twigs and produce a strong odor when crushed. Camphor trees produce clusters of small flowers that are white to greenish-white in color and have six petals. The flowers briefly appear on the trees in the spring before transforming into berry-like fruits called drupes. Camphor drupes are round and black in color, growing to only around one centimeter. History Camphor trees have long been cultivated for essential oil production and timber. It is estimated that Camphor began being extracted through distillation in the ninth century. Taiwan produced and shipped large amounts of Camphor in its solid form from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, prior to and during their Japanese colonization. At this time, Camphor was used to produce smokeless gunpowder and celluloid for film and toys. Historically, Camphor Essential Oil has been used in areas of India and China for medicinal purposes and religious ceremonies as it was believed to heal both the mind and body. Camphor wood was also utilized in China to construct temples and ships. It was used in Ayurvedic treatments in India where it was added to remedies meant to soothe symptoms of colds and the flu, such as coughing and vomiting. Camphor has also been used in treatments that were believed to treat speech impediments and psychological disorders. During the time of the Bubonic Plague in fourteenth-century Europe, it was an ingredient in disinfectants used to fumigate areas as well as being used in embalming procedures. When the many benefits and uses of Camphor became more widely known, its cultivation and essential oil production spread to areas of Egypt, South Africa, and Sri Lanka where the climate was also suitable for growth. Camphor trees were introduced to Florida in the late nineteenth century where they were used as ornamental shade trees. It then spread all across the Gulf Coast as it began to be cultivated for essential oil production as well. As time went on, Camphor trees escaped cultivation and spread into natural areas via birds who consumed the fruits and it is now considered an invasive species in Florida. Extraction Camphor Essential Oil is extracted from the wood of the tree through steam distillation. After distillation, the essential oil is vacuum rectified and filter pressed to produce four different grades of oil: white, yellow, brown, and blue. White Camphor Essential Oil is the only grade that is suitable for aromatherapeutic applications. White Camphor Essential Oil is thin and clear with an intensely fresh, cool, and peppery aroma. Benefits & Uses When used in aromatherapy, Camphor Essential Oil is believed to refresh and invigorate the body and mind. It has been found to support healthy respiratory function by helping to relieve congestion and ease coughs to encourage deeper breathing. Camphor may also work to boost the circulatory and immune system processes to help the body combat illness and heal faster. It is thought to reduce feelings of stress and nervousness while calming the mind and promoting a state of relaxation. Camphor Essential Oil is believed to soothe the pain of headaches and migraines and promote deeper, more restful sleep. Diluted and used topically, Camphor Essential Oil is known to have cooling and soothing effects that may reduce inflammation and ease pain in muscles and joints. It is believed to stimulate circulation which may decrease inflammation and swelling caused by arthritis or injury. Camphor may help to achieve a firm and clear complexion when used on the skin. It has been found to deeply cleanse the skin and eliminate bacteria which can help to tighten pores and combat the formation of acne and blemishes. Camphor Oil may help to calm irritation and reduce redness while working to lessen the appearance of scars and marks on the skin. Calming and pain-soothing properties allow Camphor to diminish itching and soreness from insect bites, minor scrapes and burns, and rashes while helping to inhibit infection and support quick healing. Camphor Essential Oil is known to promote full, soft hair when utilized in haircare routines. It has been found to cleanse the scalp and combat hair loss while also smoothing hair texture and boosting growth. Here are some recipes using Camphor Essential Oil that we love… Calm & Cool Diffuser Blend Ingredients 4 drops of Camphor Essential Oil 3 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Breathe in Relief Vapor Rub Ingredients 5 oz of Sweet Almond Oil 1 oz of Beeswax Pearls 2 oz of Unrefined Shea Butter 30 drops of Camphor Essential Oil 30 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil Instructions Heat beeswax and shea butter on a double boiler until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in sweet almond oil and essential oil blend. Pour immediately into the container and allow it to cool and harden for several hours before using. Complexion Refreshment Facial Toner Ingredients 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle 2 oz of Witch Hazel Extract 1 oz of Distilled Water ½ oz of Sweet Almond Oil 20 drops of Camphor Essential Oil 20 drops of Geranium Essential Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Mix all ingredients in a 4 oz glass amber bottle. Shake well to combine. To use, soak a cotton round with the toner and then gently rub it over the face and neck. Shake well before each use. Store in a cool dark place for extended shelf life. Smooth Growth Scalp Oil Ingredients 2 oz Amber Bottle with Dropper Top 1 oz of Sweet Almond Oil 1 oz of Jojoba Oil 10 drops of Camphor Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 10 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil Instructions Add all ingredients to the bottle and give it a good shake to combine. Part the hair, add a few drops to the scalp, and gently massage. Allow the oil to sit on the scalp for at least 30 minutes before shampooing as usual. Drift Away Soothing Bath Melts Ingredients 2 oz of Cocoa Butter Wafers 1 oz of Jojoba Oil 1 tbsp of Dried Lavender Buds 10 drops of Camphor Essential Oil 10 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil Small Silicone Molds Instructions Heat cocoa butter and jojoba oil in a double boiler until completely melted and combined. Remove the combination from the heat and stir in the essential oil blend. Place a few lavender buds into each cavity of your silicone mold. Pour the melted butter and oil mixture into each mold. Allow it to harden at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator for thirty minutes to one hour. You may also enjoy… Fir Needle: Product Highlight Jasmine: Product Highlight Cycle Support: Meet the Ingredients Pinene: Terpene Highlight
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Clary Sage: Product Highlight
Plant Details Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to areas of the northern Mediterranean region, southern France, as well as some parts of northern Africa and central Asia. Clary Sage grows to three to four feet in height and has thick stems that are squared and covered in hairs. The plant has long leaves that reach approximately 12 inches at the base and around six inches higher on the stems. Clary Sage leaves have a wrinkled appearance and are covered with fine glandular hairs. The flowers of the plant can vary from white to pale purple to blueish purple in color and grow in loose clusters of two to six. Clary Sage blooms open widely and the petals have pointed tips. Clary Sage is a short-lived perennial and typically lives for two seasons with some plants continuing weakly for three to four years. History The name Clary Sage comes from “clarus”, a Latin word that means “cleansing” or “clarifying”. The medicinal use of Clary Sage and its essential oil have been documented as far back as the fourth century BCE in the writings of Theophrastus. It is also mentioned in the ancient writings of Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides dating to the first century CE. Throughout history, Clary Sage seeds have been used to support eye health and improve vision, leading people to sometimes refer to the plant as “clear eye” or “bright eye”. Clary Sage seeds of the plant were often used to help remove foreign objects from the eyes. The seeds have a mucilaginous coat, allowing them to stick to the object and remove it from the eye more easily. Nicholas Culpeper documented this practice in his book, Complete Herbal in 1653. Clary Sage Essential Oil was also used as an ingredient in the production of wine and beer. Elderflower-infused Clary Sage oil was added to Rhine wines in sixteenth-century Germany to make a more potent variable called Muscatel. Clary Sage Essential Oil was sometimes referred to as Muscatel Oil because of this use. The oil was used in a variety of cleansing rituals and potions and was considered a sacred plant throughout the Middle Ages. Many believed that Clary Sage Essential Oil is thought to have magical properties. During this time, it was also referred to as the “Eye of Christ” because of its prolific benefits. Clary Sage Essential Oil has also been a valuable ingredient in perfumery for many years. It was prized for its unique rich aroma for a top note and a slow evaporation rate that helps to anchor fragrance blends. Extraction Much like lavender, Clary Sage plants can thrive in high altitudes and produce more essential oil there than at lower elevations. The plants are harvested in late summer during the flowering period. When harvested by hand, the plant is cut with a sickle, ensuring to not include much of the woody stalk. This part of the plant contains little to no essential oil and it is best to distill only the tops of the plants. Clary Sage must be distilled when the plant is still fresh to prevent essential oil dissipation. Clary Sage Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant using steam distillation. The resulting essential oil is thin and clear with a sweet, earthy, herbaceous aroma. Benefits & Uses When used in aromatherapy, Clary Sage Essential Oil can help to ease stress and enhance the mood with its calming and uplifting properties. It works to improve concentration and mental stamina while also giving a boost to self-esteem. The enhanced state of awareness and mental peace, makes Clary Sage Essential Oil useful during spiritual practices such as meditation and focused prayer. The soothing and anti-inflammatory abilities of Clary Sage Essential Oil also allow it to ease the pain and tension of headaches and promote restful sleep. It can combat negative moods and emotions while also stimulating libido to produce feelings of positivity and passion. Clary Sage works to soothe coughs and respiratory issues associated with conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis when diffused and inhaled. Used topically, Clary Sage Essential Oil offers benefits for both oily and dry skin types. It helps to balance the production of oil and sebum on the skin to prevent breakouts and irritation. Clary Sage can work to soothe inflammation, redness, and rashes and can exhibit a cooling effect on the skin. It helps to strengthen skin while also tightening and toning due to its rich antioxidant content, encouraging a calm and clear complexion. Clary Sage is known to ease the pain of sore muscles. When applied to the hair and scalp, Clary Sage Essential Oil is known to stimulate hair growth while working to strengthen hair strands to prevent breakage. It also helps to regulate the production of oils on the scalp, helping to combat dry scalp and dandruff. Clary Sage Essential Oil can be beneficial when applied to minor wounds, burns, and skin irritation. It helps to prevent to growth and spread of bacteria that can lead to infection while also facilitating a quicker rate of healing. Clary Sage can be beneficial for easing muscle aches and strains, as well as joint stiffness and sprains. It works to relax muscles to reduce cramps and spasms while also stimulating circulation. Clary Sage Essential Oil can also help to regulate the menstrual cycle while reducing associated bloating, pain, and cramping. Here are some recipes using Clary Sage Essential Oil that we love... Mind Body Spirit Diffuser Blend Ingredients 3 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 3 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 2 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil 2 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Healing Hydration Dry Scalp Scrub Ingredients 1 cup of Fine Sea Salt ¼ cup of Sweet Almond Oil ¼ cup of Vegetable Glycerine 10 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir together thoroughly. Scoop into jars or another airtight container. Scrub into the scalp to eliminate dry skin and dandruff. Cleanse & Protect First Aid Spray Ingredients 4oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 3 oz of Witch Hazel Extract ½ oz of Aloe Vera Oil ½ oz of Vegetable Glycerine 20 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Spray on minor cuts and scrapes to ease pain and facilitate quick healing. Tranquil Joy Roll-On Ingredients 10 ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle ⅓ oz of Sweet Almond Oil 5 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 5 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil Instructions Add essential oils to the bottle and fill the rest with Sweet Almond Oil. Replace the roller rollerball cap and gently shake to combine. Roll across the wrist and temples during times of stress and negativity. Cramp Soother Massage Oil Ingredients 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle 2 oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil 1 oz of Jojoba Oil 20 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil 5 drops of Ginger Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake to combine. Add a dime-size amount to your hand and gently massage into the cramping area. You may also enjoy... 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