All essential oils come from plant material of some kind and if we group the oils according to the part of the plant from which they are obtained we can get a detailed insight into their properties and uses.
Whole plant
Oils from the flowering tops/whole plant often come from herbs in the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families. These include many of the fragrant culinary herbs such as Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, mints and Oregano as well as Helichrysum and Yarrow. Also Lavender, which by its sheer popularity and variety probably deserves a column of its own.
The whole plant also gives us oils from the Apiaceae family including Dill, Lovage and Sea Fennel although other members of this family more commonly give an oil from the seeds. Finally a couple of more unusual sources; from the Cannabaceae we have Hemp and then there is Seaweed (actually a type of algae).
The variety of plants in this category gives a wide array of benefits however if I had to pick one it would be their subtle, energetic effects. Within these oils there is something to balance every state of mind. Try Melissa to reduce overactive thinking or Basil for concentration.
Leaves
Amongst the tree leaves are eucalypts such as Niaouli, Eucalyptus and Myrtle and from the Lauriceae family we have Bay Laurel, Ravintsara and Ravensara. All of these have strong antimicrobial effects and are often used as a support for the respiratory system. The oils obtained from grasses, such as Ahibero and Palmarosa are gentler but still effective and their antibacterial properties are helpful effective in maintaining clear and balanced skin.
Flowers
If we consider oils that are produced solely from flowers then we have an array of complex, exquisite aromas that are amongst the most precious of all the oils. These include steam distilled essential oils from Rose, Ylang Ylang and Neroli as well as absolutes from Jasmine, Tuberose and Osmanthus. The theme here is sensuality, beauty and our connection to ourselves.
Needles
In common with many leaf oils, the oils from tree needles are often used for respiratory support however these oils also have a stimulating, energising effect which is effective against tiredness and fatigue. Black Spruce is especially useful as a pick-me-up and Silver Fir brings vitality and release.
Wood
There are actually surprisingly few oils made from the wood and they are precious simply because of the time it takes for a tree to mature before the oil can be produced. Sandalwood and Cedar are by far the best known but all of the wood oils bring comfort and peace. Wood oils from the Lauraceae family such as Rosewood and Ho Wood have a high linalool content which is relaxing and sedating.
Resin
Resin oils have long been associated with spirituality. The best known are Frankincense and Myrrh, often used in meditation and religious ceremonies where their sweet, dry, balsamic aroma aids the search for a higher consciousness. Resin oils also include Benzoin, Styrax and Tolu-balsam which are prized in perfumery for their rich, exotic aromas.
Roots & Rhizomes
Root and rhizome oils tend to be slightly different in that root oils are generally more sedating whereas rhizome oils are more stimulating and warming. Rhizome oils such as Ginger and Plai are often found in blends for everyday aches and pains and general creakiness. Spikenard and Vetiver tend to be high in sesquiterpenes and have good anti-inflammatory properties. Many also have sedating and grounding properties which are particularly effective in cases of worry and overthinking.
Fruit
These oils come from the whole fruit, although of course there are many oils from parts of the fruit, which we will look at separately. Whole fruit oils include Nutmeg, Juniper Berries, the Pepper oils and May Chang. A beautifully varied selection of effects with a tendency towards the spicy. Certainly stimulating… many of these oils have a warming properties.
Peel
Most people would think of Orange and Lemon and whilst you can commonly find the essential oils of Lime and Grapefruit as well there are other citrus oils that you won’t often find in your fruit bowl. Citron is a large, thick-skinned lemon-like fruit and Yuzu looks like a small grapefruit. Whilst their appearance may vary, citrus oils share many common properties. They are all anti-bacterial, cleansing and uplifting. Their use on the skin can be restricted as some are phototoxic however for inhalation they bring light and cheer.
Seeds
The majority of seed oils come from plants in the Apiaceae family, including Carrot, Aniseed, Dill, Fennel, Coriander, Celery, Cumin, Caraway. Also known as ‘umbellifers’, these ethereal yet structured plants are related to common hedgerow plant cow parsley. The foamy flowers turn to large, airy heads from which the seeds are easily obtained. A couple of additional seed oils are obtained from Ambrette (possibly the most precious and costly oil that we stock!) and Nigella which is also produced as a pressed vegetable oil.
Seed oils tend to be energising and spicy, supportive to the digestive and respiratory systems. Emotionally they are warm, invigorating and uplifting.
Bark
Oils from bark are relatively few and far between and they include some of the most powerful. Birch bark is well known for its use in traditional medicine and pain relief and Cinnamon is stimulating and invigorating.
There are of course a few oils that stand alone including moss oils which are prized in perfumery although very much restricted in their use due to safety concerns. Vanilla is slightly unusual in that it is made from the outer part of the fruit (the husks) and is generally extracted using alcohol. We do however stock this oil as a CO2 extract which gives a beautiful, pure vanilla aroma. And finally there’s honey absolute, also known as beeswax absolute. Not even from a plant, or at least it takes a very roundabout route from plant to oil but much loved all the same.
Multitasking plants!
Some plants, such as Clove, Angelica and Bitter Orange give oils from more than one part of the plant.
Angelica: Root and Seed
Clove: Bud (flower), Leaf and Stem
Bitter Orange: Bitter Orange, Petitgrain and Neroli
For an in-depth look at the different plant families try Salvatore Battaglia’s Aromatree, an excellent resource for learning about essential oils in a different way.
