Aqua Florida

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Aqua Florida, Florida Water, Florida water cologne, Agua Florida, Agua de Florida.

Description

Florida Water is a 19th century formula for a commercially-prepared toilet water that blends an array of floral essential oils in a water-alcohol base. It has become popular worldwide, not only because of its delightful fragrance but also because of the more than twenty uses attributed to it. It is believed to have cleansing and protective properties and to attract healing spirits. Florida Water is often used by shamans in Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Scent

Components of the scent include citrus and herbal notes along with spice and floral undertones. These delightful elements are provided by Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Cloves, Cinnamon, Lavender, Rose and Orange flower. When the fragrance is first applied the delicious citrus notes are most dominant, then the Cloves move to the front and the scent settles into an incredibly appealing dry spice.

Aromatic Properties

Skin refreshing, muscle and nerve toning, personal deodorant, (sick)room deodorant, spiritual cleaning, home protection, for clearing and balancing energy and also as an offering to the spirits when opening sacred space or praying for assistance.

Historical

Florida water is one of the oldest patented colognes still sold today. It first appeared in the United States in 1808. The name refers to the fabled "Fountain of Youth" said to have been located in Florida. It is remarkable that this commercial cologne should have assumed such a central role not only in the shamanism of the Peruvian Amazon, but also for magical purposes among people of African-diaspora descent in the United States and the Caribbean. Bottles of Agua de Florida can be found equally on the mesas of Amazonian healers and on the altars of Vodou priestesses in Brooklyn. Shamans often place perfumes and colognes on the bodies of patients, as crosses on their forehead, chest, and back, whistling a special song of protection, to seal, close, and protect the body. There is a type of shaman in the Amazon called a "Perfumero", who specializes in the use of such scents to attack, to heal, and to attract. (1) (2)

References

(1) Strong Sweet Smells, by Steve Beyer, from Singing to the Plants: Shamanism and the Medicine Path.
(2) Still Making a Splash They Say That Old-Fashioned Florida Water Cures What Ails Ya - And Smells Good, Too, By Lenore Skenazy, NY Daily News.
(3) Florida Water, Lanman & Kemp-Barclay & Co., Inc.

Related Products

Aqua Florida Soap (Aqua Florida Soap)

Lavandula angustifolia / Lavender / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula spica, Lavandula vera, Common Lavender, English lavender, True lavender, Lavendel, Lavanda, Lavandîna, Lavendin, Levandula, Laventeli, Lavandula, Levanta, and Lavender.

Description

Lavender is a very versatile plant. It is widely grown in gardens. Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourri. The flowers yield abundant nectar which yields a high quality honey for beekeepers. Lavender is also used as a herb, either alone or as an ingredient of "Herbes de Provence". Lavender is used to flavour sugar, the product being called "Lavender sugar", and the flowers are sometimes sold in a blend with black tea, as "Lavender tea".
Lavender is known to support relaxation and physical and mental well-being. It also helps digestion.(1) The plant is grown commercially for extraction of Lavender essential oil from the flowers, which is used in medicine and aromatherapy.

Scent

A pleasant sweet fragrance. It has a green, hay-like sweetness and gives "fruity aspects" in perfumes and other scented products. Perfume-note: Middle to Top.

Aromatic Properties

Lavender used in aromatherapy activates the crown chakra and stimulates activity of the medulla oblongata, bringing mental alertness. It is cleansing to all meridians and can be used effectively running the meridians. It can help open visionary states and helps establish emotional balance. Effective in meditation to determine the emotional blocks or conflicts that are creating health problems. Promotes consciousness, health, love, and peace. Calming, helps relieve pain.

Contents

The primary components of Lavender oil are linalool and linalyl acetate. Other components include alpha-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis- and trans-ocimene, 3-octanone, camphor, caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol and lavendulyl acetate.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Bergamot, Clove, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Rose, Jasmine, Citrus Oils, Chamomile, Geranium.

Historical

The historic use and recognition of Lavender is almost as old the history of man. As a herb, Lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times Lavender was used for mummification and perfume by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and peoples of Arabia. The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb "Nardus", after the Syrian city of Naarda. It was also commonly called "Nard". During Roman times, flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, which was about the same as a month's wages for a farm labourer, or fifty haircuts from the local barber. When the Roman Empire conquered southern Britain, the Romans introduced Lavender.
The name Lavender comes from the Latin root Lavare , which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit.
During the height of the Plague, glove makers would scent their leathers with Lavender oil, and this was claimed to ward off the Plague. This story could have some validity as the Plague was transmitted by fleas, which Lavender is known to repel.
Royal history also is filled with stories of Lavender use. Charles VI of France demanded Lavender filled pillows wherever he went. Queen Elizabeth I of England required Lavender conserve at the royal table. She also wanted fresh Lavender flowers available every day of the year, a daunting task for a gardener if you consider the climate of England. Louis XIV also loved Lavender and bathed in water scented with it.
Also called spike oil, Lavender oil is used as a medium in oil painting. Because more common painting oils (e.g. linseed) smell unpleasant, several artists prefer mixing their pigments with spike oil.

Health Warnings

Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to Lavender. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using Lavender.

Plant Description

It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is popular for its colourful flowers, its fragrance and its ability to survive with low water consumption. It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing to 1-2m tall. The leaves are evergreen, 2-6cm long and 4-6mm broad. The flowers are pinkish-purple (lavender-coloured), produced on spikes 2-8cm long at the top of slender leafless stems 10-30cm long.

References

(1) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(-) Lavender, University of Maryland Medical Center
(-) Lavenders, A Modern Herbal, by Margaret Grieve
(-) King's American Dispensatory, Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
(-) Lavender, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mentha piperita / Peppermint / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Of the members of the Mint family under cultivation the most important are the several varieties of the Peppermint (Mentha piperita), extensively cultivated for years as the source of the well-known volatile oil of Peppermint, used as a flavouring and therapeutic agent.

Sahumerios Incense

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Santalum album / Sandalwood / Santalaceae (Sandalwood family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Sandalwood, White Sandalwood, Sandal.

Description

The value of Sandalwood lies in its lovely fragrance. This aspect of the Sandalwood represents the divine qualities found in godly people or Gurmukhs. Being one of the oldest incense materials, Sandalwood has been in use for at least 4,000 years. According to mythology, Sandalwood originally grew only in heaven’s gardens. Temple gates and religious statues are carved from the wood because of this spiritual association and because of the exquisite scent. Sandalwood scent is believed to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation.

Scent

Sandalwood essential oil provides perfumes with a striking wood base note. Sandalwood smells not unlike other wood scents, except it has a bright and fresh edge with few natural analogues. When used in smaller proportions in a perfume, it is an excellent fixative to enhance the head space of other fragrances.

Aromatic Properties

Sandalwood is balancing and stimulating to all of the Yin meridians in the body. It can be used for protection. It stimulates greater concentration in any activity. Sandalwood fragrance is believed to bring about calmness and serenity. Some traditional uses: to lift melancholy, enhance meditation, heal the skin, help breathing, for calming and reducing stress, restful sleep. Emotional profile: to relieve possessiveness, lack of forgiveness, cynicism, insecurity, loneliness, nightmares, dwelling on the past.
It is said that individuals who use any form of touch to heal will increase their ability to channel energies through the hands by anointing the palms with a drop of sandalwood oil.

Contents

Chemical constituents: 3% to 6% essential oil, resin, tanins. The essential oil contains high amounts of alpha- and beta-santalol.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Cypress, Frankincense, Lemon, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Spruce

Historical

In Hinduism, sandalwood is often used for rituals or ceremonies. Its use as an embalming paste is used in temples on idols. A vast majority of hindus wear a small mark of this paste on their forehead right above the middle of the eyes. It is supposed to keep cool the body and the mind. Sandalwood is considered in alternative medicine to bring one closer with the divine. Sandalwood essential oil, which is very expensive in its pure form, is used primarily for Ayurvedic purposes. It is said to have been used for embalming the corpses of princes in Ceylon since the 9th century. In Buddhism, Sandalwood are considered to be of the Padma (lotus) group and attributed to the Bodhisattva Amitabha. Sandalwood scent is believed to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation. Sandalwood is also one of the more popular scents used for incense used when offering incense to the Buddha. Sandalwood, along with agarwood, is the most popular and commonly used incense material by the Chinese and Japanese in worship and various ceremonies. It is also used extensively in Indian incense, religiously or otherwise. Firekeeping priests, who have maintained sacred fires for centuries, accept Sandalwood twigs from Zoroastrian worshippers as their contribution for sustaining the fire.
Sandalwood oil is used in rituals for converting to Wicca.

Plant Description

It is a small evergreen tree with slender drooping branches, the sapwood is white and odourless, the heartwood yellowish brown and strongly scented. Leaves elliptic lanceolate, sub-acute petioles 1-1.3 cm long slender, flowers brownish red, inodourous, in terminal and axillary cymes shorter than leaves. The fruit is a drupe.

References

Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda: Vol.3., Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (Govt. of India)

Vanilla aromatica / Vanilla / Orchidaceae (Orchid family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Tlilxochitl, Vanilla , Vanilla aromatica, Vanilla fragrans, Vanilla planifolia.

Description

Vanilla is a genus of orchids native to Central America. Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. It is also the second most expensive spice after Saffron, due the extensive labor required to grow the seed pods used in its manufacture. Regardless of its high cost, Vanilla is widely used in both commercial and domestic baking, perfume manufacture and aromatherapy.

Scent

Vanilla has a complex floral aroma depicted as a "peculiar bouquet" and a flavor described as "pure, spicy and delicate" by author Frederic Rosengarten, Jr. described in The Book of Spices.
Psychologists and medical researchers were aware of our positive reactions to the scent of Vanilla long before perfume makers recognised its potential. In experiments where an odour universally regarded as "pleasant" is required, vanillin has been a standard choice for decades.(3)
A curious fact is that recently scientists have shown that a single gene that codes for one odor receptor determines whether someone perceives the pheromone androstenone (a key component in male sweat) as odorless, smelling like urine or sweet Vanilla.(4)

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Vanilla generates a sense of well-being and a feeling of relaxation. Its message of good temper and joy is antidepressant. Its aroma is euphoric and comforting, it attenuates bad temper and irritability, it loosens the tensions, diminishes insatisfaction and frustration, giving a sense of physical satisfaction related to the oral phase of the first infancy. For this reason the scent of Vanilla helps also to dominate nervous hunger, often caused by an affective emptiness, making us revive the primordial emotion of the totally satisfied baby after feeding. In fact, the aroma of Vanilla produces a beneficial regression, awaking in us the inner child. The fragrance of Vanilla also has a subtle aphrodisiac effect.

Contents

Natural Vanilla is an extremely complicated mixture of several hundred different compounds. Though there are many of these compounds present in the extracts of Vanilla, the one predominantly responsible for the characteristic flavour and smell of vanilla is known as vanillin.

Historical

The first to cultivate Vanilla were the Totonac people, who inhabit the Mazantla Valley on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the present-day state of Veracruz. According to Totonac mythology, the tropical orchid was born when Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover. The lovers were captured and beheaded. Where their blood touched the ground, the vine of the tropical orchid grew.
In the fifteenth century, Aztecs from the central highlands of Mexico conquered the Totonacs, and the conquerors soon developed a taste for the Vanilla bean. They named the bean "Tlilxochitl", or "black flower", after the mature bean, which shrivels and turns black shortly after it is picked. After they were subjected to the Aztecs the Totonacs paid their tribute by sending Vanilla beans to the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.
Vanilla was completely unknown in the Old World before Columbus. Spanish explorers who arrived on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the early sixteenth century gave Vanilla its name. The word Vanilla derived from the Spanish name of the spice, vainilla, a diminutive of vagina, perhaps motivated by the sheath-like shape of the fruit. Spanish conquistador Hernàn Cortés is credited with introducing both the spice and Chocolate to Europe in the 1520s. Attempts to cultivate the Vanilla plant outside Mexico and Central America proved futile because of the symbiotic relationship between the Tlilxochitl vine that produced the Vanilla orchid and the local species of Melipona bee; it wasn't until 1837 that Belgian botanist Charles Francois Antoine Morren discovered this fact and pioneered a method of artificially pollinating the plant. Unfortunately, the method proved financially unworkable and was not deployed commercially. In 1841, a 12-year-old French-owned slave by the name of Edmond Albius, who lived on Isle Bourbon, discovered the plant could be hand pollinated, allowing global cultivation of the plant.(1)(2)

Plant Description

Vanilla is a short-lived, tropical perennial orchid vine that can grow up to 10m. It grows in low mountain rainforests, humid lowlands, savannahs and prairies. Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, it is now cultivated in many other parts of the globe, such as Brazil, Honduras, Java, Africa, and the West Indies. This climbing vine has a thick, succulent stem, and entire, thick, smooth, bright-green, pointed leaves, 12-25cm long, and 5-10cm broad. They grow in a zigzag pattern clinging to the bark by aerial roots formed by each leaf node. The flowers are produced in axillary bunches of 8 or 10. They are yellowish-green with a yellowish-orange labellum and about 10 cm in diameter. Vanilla flowers all year round but blooms mainly from January to May. The fruit is a pendant pod, 12-25cm long, 3cm or more in circumference when fresh, and contains myriads of minute seeds. These pods, when properly cured and dried, are the Vanilla of commerce.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Norway

References

(1) Vanilla, Wikipedia
(2) Vanilla, Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
(3) The Smell Report - Vanilla, Social Issues Research Centre
(4) The Scent of a Man, Scientific American

Salvia apiana / White Sage / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage

Description

White sage is primarily used as an incense, and is burned to give a general sense of well-being as well as to drive away specific ailments. Several species are called "sage" and burned in this fashion, most of them in the mugwort genus. Salvia apiana, however, is a true sage, closely related to the sage used in cooking.

Scent

Strong and full, characteristic, bitter, Mediterranian.

Aromatic Properties

White sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans since it is used to make smudge sticks, a type of incense. White sage is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present. This power is said to be released from the plant by the burning of the leaves, which are typically bundled into a wand or stick. Today many Native American tribes still use the stems and leaves for smudging as part of purification ceremonies. The practice has also been adopted by some modern neopagans.(2)

Synergic Combinations

The fragrance blends well with Rosemary, Rosewood, Lavender, Hyssop, Lemon.

Historical

The Cahuilla Indians who referred to White Sage as "qas’ily" had several uses for this native plant. Seeds were ground into a flour for mush. Seeds were also used as eye cleaners. Leaves were used for flavouring in cooking. In herbal medicine the leaves were eaten, smoked or used in a sweathouse. They were also crushed and mixed with water to create a hair shampoo, dye and straightener. In addition leaves of the White Sage were used to stop bad luck, presumably for the male hunter, if a menstruating woman came into contact with a male Cahuilla’s hunting gear. (1)(3)
A poultice of the freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the armpits to treat body odours. (3)

Health Warnings

Since it can also decrease lactation, nursing mothers are advised not to use it.(2)

Plant Description

White sage is a sub-shrub that can reach over 1 meter tall. The leaves are widely lanceolate and tapered at the base. The margin is minutely toothed and rounded. The leaves are generally basal, covered with dense hairs, which gives it a white coloring, and are about 4–8 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike-like clusters with few flowers. The flowers are bilateral, about 12–22 mm in length, and are white with lavender spots and streaks. Both the stamens and styles are exserted. The fruit form into shiny, light brown nutlets that are 2.5–3 mm in size.(2)

References

(1) White Sage, The Living Desert
(2) Salvia apiana, Wikipedia
(3) Salvia apiana - Jeps. Plants For A Future

Salvia apiana / White Sage / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage

Description

White sage is primarily used as an incense, and is burned to give a general sense of well-being as well as to drive away specific ailments. Several species are called "sage" and burned in this fashion, most of them in the mugwort genus. Salvia apiana, however, is a true sage, closely related to the sage used in cooking.

Scent

Strong and full, characteristic, bitter, Mediterranian.

Aromatic Properties

White sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans since it is used to make smudge sticks, a type of incense. White sage is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present. This power is said to be released from the plant by the burning of the leaves, which are typically bundled into a wand or stick. Today many Native American tribes still use the stems and leaves for smudging as part of purification ceremonies. The practice has also been adopted by some modern neopagans.(2)

Synergic Combinations

The fragrance blends well with Rosemary, Rosewood, Lavender, Hyssop, Lemon.

Historical

The Cahuilla Indians who referred to White Sage as "qas’ily" had several uses for this native plant. Seeds were ground into a flour for mush. Seeds were also used as eye cleaners. Leaves were used for flavouring in cooking. In herbal medicine the leaves were eaten, smoked or used in a sweathouse. They were also crushed and mixed with water to create a hair shampoo, dye and straightener. In addition leaves of the White Sage were used to stop bad luck, presumably for the male hunter, if a menstruating woman came into contact with a male Cahuilla’s hunting gear. (1)(3)
A poultice of the freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the armpits to treat body odours. (3)

Health Warnings

Since it can also decrease lactation, nursing mothers are advised not to use it.(2)

Plant Description

White sage is a sub-shrub that can reach over 1 meter tall. The leaves are widely lanceolate and tapered at the base. The margin is minutely toothed and rounded. The leaves are generally basal, covered with dense hairs, which gives it a white coloring, and are about 4–8 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike-like clusters with few flowers. The flowers are bilateral, about 12–22 mm in length, and are white with lavender spots and streaks. Both the stamens and styles are exserted. The fruit form into shiny, light brown nutlets that are 2.5–3 mm in size.(2)

References

(1) White Sage, The Living Desert
(2) Salvia apiana, Wikipedia
(3) Salvia apiana - Jeps. Plants For A Future

Salvia apiana / White Sage / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage

Description

White sage is primarily used as an incense, and is burned to give a general sense of well-being as well as to drive away specific ailments. Several species are called "sage" and burned in this fashion, most of them in the mugwort genus. Salvia apiana, however, is a true sage, closely related to the sage used in cooking.

Scent

Strong and full, characteristic, bitter, Mediterranian.

Aromatic Properties

White sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans since it is used to make smudge sticks, a type of incense. White sage is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present. This power is said to be released from the plant by the burning of the leaves, which are typically bundled into a wand or stick. Today many Native American tribes still use the stems and leaves for smudging as part of purification ceremonies. The practice has also been adopted by some modern neopagans.(2)

Synergic Combinations

The fragrance blends well with Rosemary, Rosewood, Lavender, Hyssop, Lemon.

Historical

The Cahuilla Indians who referred to White Sage as "qas’ily" had several uses for this native plant. Seeds were ground into a flour for mush. Seeds were also used as eye cleaners. Leaves were used for flavouring in cooking. In herbal medicine the leaves were eaten, smoked or used in a sweathouse. They were also crushed and mixed with water to create a hair shampoo, dye and straightener. In addition leaves of the White Sage were used to stop bad luck, presumably for the male hunter, if a menstruating woman came into contact with a male Cahuilla’s hunting gear. (1)(3)
A poultice of the freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the armpits to treat body odours. (3)

Health Warnings

Since it can also decrease lactation, nursing mothers are advised not to use it.(2)

Plant Description

White sage is a sub-shrub that can reach over 1 meter tall. The leaves are widely lanceolate and tapered at the base. The margin is minutely toothed and rounded. The leaves are generally basal, covered with dense hairs, which gives it a white coloring, and are about 4–8 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike-like clusters with few flowers. The flowers are bilateral, about 12–22 mm in length, and are white with lavender spots and streaks. Both the stamens and styles are exserted. The fruit form into shiny, light brown nutlets that are 2.5–3 mm in size.(2)

References

(1) White Sage, The Living Desert
(2) Salvia apiana, Wikipedia
(3) Salvia apiana - Jeps. Plants For A Future

Cananga odorata / Ylang Ylang / Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata, Macassar oil.

Description

Ylang Ylang essential oil is distilled from the beautiful flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata (Perfume Tree). The tree is planted everywhere in the tropics because of its highly fragrant flowers. Ylang Ylang, meaning "the flower of flowers" has a rich floral, exotic, sweet, oriental, feminine fragrance that is said to have many beneficial properties. The essential oil is widely used in making high quality perfumes, in massage oils and in aromatherapy. One of the most famous perfumes that draws heavily on Ylang Ylang is "Chanel No.5".

Scent

Ylang Ylang has a rich, heavy, floral, exotically sweet odor that has several effects. It is refreshing and calming, but also sensual, seductive and exiting. The fragrance is reminiscent of Jasmine, because of its floral and sweet odor. Perfume-note: Base to Middle.

Aromatic Properties

The scent of Ylang Ylang, like Jasmin and Rose, has long been considered an aphrodisiac. This explains its popularity in the use of making perfume. The fragrance is both stimulating as also relaxing. It is said to release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings. It relaxes and calms exited emotional states. It minimizes feelings of anger, fears and frustrations, while it fosters feelings of love, security and serenity. Ylang Ylang is recommended by many practitioners in treating sexual disorders, especially when related to stress. Ylang Ylang arouses sensuality, creates erotic and euphoric moods, and induces deep relaxation. Women in the tropics have also used Ylang Ylang in a mixture with coconut oil, for a nice hairtreat.

Contents

Linalol, farnesol, geraniol, geranial, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate, eugenol, methyl chavicol, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, farnasene.

Synergic Combinations

Blends very well with all citrus oils like Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Tangerine and also Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Palma Rosa, Vetiver, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and for excitement, with Black Pepper.

Historical

The Perfume tree was introduced in the 19th century to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and Comores by the French. The Comores are called the "Perfume Isles" because, by now, they export 80% of the worlds supply of Ylang Ylang essence. Madagascar is the other major world producer. Ylang Ylang has a long history of use for erotic uses. In middle-eastern cultures women used the fragrance to create a sensual atmosphere in the harems.
In Indonesia the blossoms were thrown on the beds of just married couples, as an aphrodisiac. Ylang Ylang has also a history of being used in the most exquisite perfumes, for example Chanel No.5.

Plant Description

The Cananga Odorata is a South Asian member of the Custard Apple family (Annonaceae). Tall and evergreen, the "Perfume Tree" produces large yellowish flowers on downward drooping branches, all year round. The exquisite star-shaped flowers are gathered shortly after sunrise in either early summer or autumn. After picking they go through a steam distillation process, which lasts several days. The essential oil is extracted in three phases. In the last phase, the oil is the most strong in scent, this is called the third grade. Approximately 1,7 kilo of flowers go into a small bottle of 5ml. The oil is mainly yellow to neutral in color. Peculiarly, when the blossoms of the tree grow in the wild, their scent is not so strong. The more tender care they receive, the more fragrance they will spread.

Cananga odorata / Ylang Ylang / Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata, Macassar oil.

Description

Ylang Ylang essential oil is distilled from the beautiful flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata (Perfume Tree). The tree is planted everywhere in the tropics because of its highly fragrant flowers. Ylang Ylang, meaning "the flower of flowers" has a rich floral, exotic, sweet, oriental, feminine fragrance that is said to have many beneficial properties. The essential oil is widely used in making high quality perfumes, in massage oils and in aromatherapy. One of the most famous perfumes that draws heavily on Ylang Ylang is "Chanel No.5".

Scent

Ylang Ylang has a rich, heavy, floral, exotically sweet odor that has several effects. It is refreshing and calming, but also sensual, seductive and exiting. The fragrance is reminiscent of Jasmine, because of its floral and sweet odor. Perfume-note: Base to Middle.

Aromatic Properties

The scent of Ylang Ylang, like Jasmin and Rose, has long been considered an aphrodisiac. This explains its popularity in the use of making perfume. The fragrance is both stimulating as also relaxing. It is said to release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings. It relaxes and calms exited emotional states. It minimizes feelings of anger, fears and frustrations, while it fosters feelings of love, security and serenity. Ylang Ylang is recommended by many practitioners in treating sexual disorders, especially when related to stress. Ylang Ylang arouses sensuality, creates erotic and euphoric moods, and induces deep relaxation. Women in the tropics have also used Ylang Ylang in a mixture with coconut oil, for a nice hairtreat.

Contents

Linalol, farnesol, geraniol, geranial, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate, eugenol, methyl chavicol, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, farnasene.

Synergic Combinations

Blends very well with all citrus oils like Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Tangerine and also Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Palma Rosa, Vetiver, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and for excitement, with Black Pepper.

Historical

The Perfume tree was introduced in the 19th century to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and Comores by the French. The Comores are called the "Perfume Isles" because, by now, they export 80% of the worlds supply of Ylang Ylang essence. Madagascar is the other major world producer. Ylang Ylang has a long history of use for erotic uses. In middle-eastern cultures women used the fragrance to create a sensual atmosphere in the harems.
In Indonesia the blossoms were thrown on the beds of just married couples, as an aphrodisiac. Ylang Ylang has also a history of being used in the most exquisite perfumes, for example Chanel No.5.

Plant Description

The Cananga Odorata is a South Asian member of the Custard Apple family (Annonaceae). Tall and evergreen, the "Perfume Tree" produces large yellowish flowers on downward drooping branches, all year round. The exquisite star-shaped flowers are gathered shortly after sunrise in either early summer or autumn. After picking they go through a steam distillation process, which lasts several days. The essential oil is extracted in three phases. In the last phase, the oil is the most strong in scent, this is called the third grade. Approximately 1,7 kilo of flowers go into a small bottle of 5ml. The oil is mainly yellow to neutral in color. Peculiarly, when the blossoms of the tree grow in the wild, their scent is not so strong. The more tender care they receive, the more fragrance they will spread.