ESSENTIAL OILS

Scent: This resin has been often described as vanilla like. I find that it does have the same warm, mellow quality but not quite as sweet. It is nice used to soften a scent and doesn't cause some of the problems vanilla does if it has an alcohol base. Very little is needed. Gives a beautiful rich colour to soaps, creams and balms.

One of my favourites, it mixes better if it is slightly warmed or mixed into a warm base.

I find that you can "infuse" the scent into an oil base by putting a few drops into a bottle. The Balsam Peru will settle but the oil will take on it's scent, so you can refill the bottle again.

Note: base

Blends to try: cinnamon, bay, clove, geranium, lime, coriander, mandarin, orange, petitgrain, rosemary, tea tree, sandalwood, amyris, cedarwood, patchouli

Uses: anchoring, strengthening, antibiotic, antifungal, chaffed dry skin, excema, parasitic

Safety: Dilute well, do not use with high blood pressure.

Scent: Surprisingly sweet, this basil has an almost licorice like tone reminscent of anise. There is a freshness to it with a slight hint of spice such as clove or bay. I find it perks me right up and makes me happy, possibly because I am addicted to black licorice candy :0)

Note: top

Blends to try: bay, bergamot, citronella, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, orange, rosemary.

Uses:skin tonic, acne, sluggish complexion, cheering, clarifying, energizing, invigorating, stress, fungicide, insecticide, colds, cough, deodorant, insect bites, muscle relaxant and muscle aches, nausea, PMS moodiness (I'll take 2 :0)

Safety:Avoid during pregnancy. Use moderately at low percentage. May irritate sensitive skin.

Slightly spicey, mellow.

I can see how it would make a perfect man's blend, especially the bay/lime blend I keep hearing about.

BLENDS: anise, clove, lime, nutmeg, cinnamon.

USES: insect repellent, antidepressant.

CAUTIONS: may irritate sensitive skin

A nice mellow citrus, this oil is nice in many blends for it’s scent too, I especially love it with vanilla.

Altered so that it is not photosensitizing, a big bonus for summertime.

Cedarwood is a great base note, it seems to stick to the skin and in soap. My husband doesn't wear aftershave or cologne, so I always like it when he uses this soap.

Scent: This one is very warm and woodsy, no sharp or burnt notes.

Covers or blends with the smell of neem. Blends well with patchouli.

Uses: Known as an insect repellent.

This is another one of my favourite oils. It gives an extra sparkle to many exotic Christmas blends and adds strength and staying power. It is both economical in price and very little is needed.

Scent: Fresh, spicy with and almost fruity note. Great pick me up.

Note: base

Blends to try: peru balsam, chamomile, frankincense, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, orange

Uses: Can be used in the same manner, highly dilluted, as clove oil for toothache. A circulatory stimulant, rheumatism and gout pain, insect bites. Not a childrens oil, always use highly dilluted.

Safety: Irritant. Avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children. A sensitizer.

This is one of my current totally crazy for oils.

It is said to be a woman's oil, great for PMS, that explains it!

Terrific blended with lavender, at almost any ratio depending on what outcome you are looking for.

Also said to be astringent, skin toner good for wrinkles and acne.

Safety: Avoid during pregnancy, low blood pressure or estrogen dependent cancers or cysts.

Clove oil makes a really nice addition to any spice blend, especially nice with citrus oils. Very little is needed. Clove is an irritant so it is best to keep it at a low percentage.

Great care should be taken with this oil. It is a very therapeutic, warming oil, but can burn the skin if applied neat and care should be taken to protect the eyes in case of a splash.

Safety: Avoid if pregnant or history of high blood pressure. Never take internally. Always dilute well.

This clove oil is less sharp than the one above and has a more "perfumey" scent. I was amazed with this oil.

Clove oil makes a really nice addition to any spice blend, especially nice with citrus oils. Very little is needed. Clove is an irritant so it is best to keep it at a low percentage.

Great care should be taken with this oil. It is a very therapeutic, warming oil, but can burn the skin if applied neat and care should be taken to protect the eyes in case of a splash.

Safety: Avoid if pregnant or history of high blood pressure. Never take internally. Always dilute well.

Scent: I love the conifers that have a slightly sweet background note. Cypress to me is similar to Juniperberry, with a touch of a Spruce.

Note: mid to base

Blends to try: bergamot, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, , orange, spruce, sandalwood, cedarwood, myrtle.

Uses: Oily skin, acne, insect repellent, deodorant, stimulates circulation, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle cramps, stress, PMS, menopausal hot flashes, lack of concentration. I love it as an air freshener spray in the house. Purifies and cleanses, great deodorizor as are all of the conifers.

Safety: Avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure. cancers, uterine and breats fibrosis (may act as a female hormone stimulant). Tested non-toxic and non-irritant and non-sensitizing at low dose.

SCENT: Dirt...Earth...Bare Feet on a Hot SummerDay...Grounding...Solid...Base...Inner Strength...Balancing...Relaxing...Energizing... All these things come to mind when ever I use this oil. One of my favourites, it gives any blend it’s used in a little something extra, can be addicting :0)

CAUTIONS: non toxic, not irritant and non sensitizing at low dosages. Cross reactions (sensitization... see below) have been shown with cinnamon and turpentine and juniper.

SCENT: Tea Tree has a camphorous, herbal scent, medicinal in some blends, but it also puts me in mind of a spring rain, especially with lavender or patchouli.

Blends to try: Tea Tree blends with a lot of things. My favourites are patchouli and lavender, together or seperately. Also try clove, lemon, marjoram, rosemary, ylang ylang or nutmeg.

Uses: Tea Tree is one of those oils that is commonly used for a lot of things. It is used as a deodorizer, coolant, antifungal, insect bites, anti inflammitory, anti infectious, antiviral, wounds, itching, infections, ring worm to name a few.

CAUTIONS: Tea Tree is a common insecticide, often used in head lice treatments. It may depend on the Tea Tree, but when I tried it, it only stunned the buggers, I watched them come back "alive". It is said to be an excellent deterrent however.

Please remember that Tea Tree Oil will burn if used too strongly, if your child tells you it is uncomfortable, rinse immediately.

May irritate sensitive skin.