Have You Heard of This Essential Oil?

Today is the day to try something new. I love all of my essential oils and I do have my favorites. However, today I am going to dip my toe in the water (so to speak) and try something completely new and different. I have searched out a few to think about that I haven't heard of before (have you?) and we will see where it leads us!

Amyris Essential Oil Amyris is a thick, pale yellow essential oil.  It is steam distilled from the wood of a tree native to Haiti and other tropical climates. Because of its very high oil content, native peoples burned it as a torch to light their path through darkness; so another name for it is Torchwood.  Its aroma is slightly sweet top notes that are almost vanilla-like with underlying woody base notes that are balsamic, rich, and warming. It is described as a lovely, subtle woody scent.  it will help you calm muscles and your mind.

Angelica Essential Oil This one is referred to as the "Angel of Essential Oil" because of its calming scent and vast therapeutic properties.  It is traditionally known for uses in rituals, purification and as a protector against chronic bronchitis, asthma, the flu, pneumonia, sinus infections, and coughs. It is also used for detox, menstrual pain, and skin care. 

Broom Absolute  The Broom Absolute or Spanish Broom is a shrub which belongs to the Fabaceae family. It originated from southern Europe, Northwest Africa and South Asia. It grows well in sunny weather and can thrive in the dry and sandy soils as well. It is said to have a very sweet, floral hay/honey-like aroma. It is used for treating pain, stress, mental fatigue and depression. 

Cistus This essential oil shows antimicrobial properties against Staph, E. Coli and Candida. Cistus is known for its wound healing abilities. It is effective for chronic conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Cistus acts fast to stop the bleeding from a fresh wound.  It increases lymph drainage, is beneficial for acne and oily skin, as well as wrinkles and mature skin. I love this one already!  It has been used during the Middle Ages in Europe to treat ulcers. It can grow up to three meters high and is a small, wild growing shrub. Cistus has lanced shaped leaves that are white and woolly beneath and sticky on top, with fragrant white flowers. Can we talk more about the benefit to wrinkles?

Fokienia (Also known as Siam Wood, Pemou, Po Mu, Fujian Cypress, Coffin Wood, and Bois de Siam) It is a precious wood oil from the evergreen conifer Fokienia hodginsii. Apparently,  it is a not often used essential oil in Western aromatherapy. It is known for healing and calming properties as well as it's low cost and pleasant smell. 

Hemp Hemp essential oil (Cannabis Sativa L.) is relatively new to the market and has the potential to become a significant new addition to the range of aromatherapy oils used by therapists as the amazing scope of its medical uses and therapeutic benefits are identified. Although it comes from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, hemp is not pot even though it is frequently confused with marijuana due to the similar leaf shape. It cannot be used as a drug because it produces virtually no THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in Hemp essential oil contains less than 10ppm D9THC). 

Hemp is especially suited for protracted and chronic health problems and pains. Its properties include:

• Creates feelings of tranquility and peace
• Extremely relaxing and anti-spasmodic
• Stress-relieving, good for insomnia
• Anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling
• Alleviates skin irritations and allergic reaction
• Beneficial for respiratory tract problems/infections
• Relieves asthma, hay fever, sinusitis
• Boosts energy, optimism and confidence
• Reduces nervousness, fear and apprehension
• Holistic: Opening, releasing, balancing and uplifting
• Hormone balancing: regulates female hormone system

Last, but not least, Kunzea Essential Oil. It grows profusely in the wild, especially in Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands.  Kunzea is used for a variety of ailments. For example, relief of arthritis, relief of flu symptoms, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension, stress, mild anxiety and temporary relief of rheumatism.  Kunzea works to relax the muscle and reduce inflammation to alleviate pain, while also working to increase blood flow to calm painful nerve endings. The key components in Kunzea target the source of the pain, by deeply penetrating layers of skin to help promote the body's own healing process.

There you are, seven lucky essential oils to try. They all sound pretty good to me. I am particularly interested in trying Cistus Essential Oil first.  I just want to check out that wrinkle thing they were touting about. I think I am going to add a few drops to my moisturizer and see how it goes. 

Do you think you will try any of these? Let me know!

Kris Bitar