health and wellness

 Sweetly anise-scented spikenard originated in the Himalayas and was valued in Ayurvedic and Greco-Arab medicine as an additive to perfumes and incense, as an essential oil, and for treating insomnia, birthing problems, and headaches. The plant grows to 3 feet in height and displays green lanceolate leaves and dense clusters of pink, bell-shaped blooms, the root is dried and steam distilled to create an aromatic oil. Healers advise using spikenard oil as a rub for easing nausea, and as an inhaled sedative to calm stress, and as antibacterial facial massage to banish wrinkles.

 Often known as the “queen of the lemon scented herbs,” lemon verbena is native to western South America. When the Spanish introduced it to Europe, it became a vital raw material for the perfume trade. The plant is a deciduous shrub that can reach 6 feet in height and produce glossy, lanceolate leaves and clustering, aromatic, small white or purple flowers on panicles. Once used as a sedative and to relieve stomach and joint pain, asthma, colds and hemorrhoids, it is known to possess anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant qualities. Today it is used to aid digestion, relieve arthritis pain, reduce tension, and as an expectorant

 Did you know that Herbs contain phytohormones; that heal, stimulate, soothe and moisturize the skin. And thus, the reason of why they are used in skin care products and cosmetics…

 Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant aromas and Essential Oils for beauty and health treatment purposes; it involves the use of highly concentrated, non-oily  and volatile Essential Oils to induce such reactions as relaxation and invigoration, or to simply create a pleasant fragrance during a service.

 Also known as herb-of-Grace, Rue is an ornamental and medicinal herb with a pungent, soothing scent. Originally native to the Balkan Peninsula, it is now found around the world. The plant reaches three feet in height and Bears velvety bluish leaves and bright-yellow flowers that mature into fruit. Rue was once thought to heighten creativity and improve eyesight, making it a favorite of artist like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Modern healers recommended it for treating headaches, joint pain, insomnia, nerves, stomach cramps, and renal problems as well as skin ailments such as psoriasis. there are some indications that rue, when combined with certain other herbs, may possess antiviral qualities.

 Lavender’s role ranges from a garden staple and culinary flavoring to a medicinal oil and insect repellent. The two most popular species are English lavender and French lavender. Native to the Mediterranean, this Hardy evergreen shrub bears narrow gray-green leaves and pinkish purple flowers on spikes. The Egyptian applied it as perfume and included it in the mummification process. Healers have used it, topically or inhaled, it works against insomnia, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, tooth aches, and sprains, and for healing burns. Diffused lavender oils may prevent cellular damage that can lead to cancer and also protects the body from the components of diabetes.

A long symbol of seduction and sensuality, richly scented jasmine is a garden favorite. Native to Persia and India, this evergreen shrub is a climber that can attain 40 feet in length. It bears pinnate green leaves and cascading clusters of white star-shaped flowers. Early Asian physicians esteemed jasmines leaves and flowers for treating headaches, insomnia, joint problems, gall stones, skin outbreaks, and scabies. The herb is recognized today as an astringent, antibacterial, antiviral; its oil is beneficial to aging skin and will heal sores and abscesses when combined with sesame oil. Studies in Tokyo indicate the Herb can increase alertness and stimulate brain waves.

 Minty, slightly bitter hyssop maybe used to flavor food but it is also valued in the production of cologne and administered as a warm tea against colds and flu. The plant, which is native to southern Europe and the Middle East, is a semi-woody evergreen mint that can reach three feet in height, with square stems, oblong leaves, and whorls of scented bluish-purple flowers. Used for purification in biblical times, the herb today is known to have an antiseptic, antispasmodic, antidepressant, expectorant, and diuretic properties. It improves circulation and treats female complaints, and its astringent qualities lend it to healing skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. 

 More than 700 species of a eucalyptus, or gum trees, occur throughout Australia. The genus originated in South America, where it is no longer native. They are mostly evergreens featuring lanceolate, petiolate, and alternate leaves with a waxy or glossy green surface. The flowers have multiple fluffy stamens in white, yellow, pink, or red and Cone-shaped fruit that release rod shaped seeds. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, an antibacterial properties and is used to treat wounds, muscle aches, joint pains, mental exhaustion, and skin problems.

With its woodsy citrus odor, the essential oil of Bergamot  Orange is used in one-third to one-half of commercial perfumes. It is distilled from the rind of the orange, the fruit of a small winter-blooming tree found in south east Asia. For many years it has been used to improve circulation, stimulate hormone secretion, maintain metabolism, elevate mood, aid digestion, prevent infection, and ease pain. It also helps to heal skin irritations and eliminate scarring.

This lanky garden favorite is a Midsummer bloomer that also has time tested medicinal uses. The perennial mint is native to the eastern United States-it was a value treatment for infections in Native American culture-but has spread to parts of Europe and Asia. The plant can reach two or more feet in height; has a grooved, square stem; paired, toothed leaves; and cluster tubular flowers in rich colors. Healers used the leaves and flowers to ease gas and as a diuretic, stimulant, and antiseptic, it can be taken as an infusion to relieve colds, headaches, gastric and menstrual pain, insomnia, and when inhaled as steam, it quickly loosens the congestion of bronchitis.

 Did you know?? That aromatic herbs which are deeply scented herbs have for millennia been the source of perfumes, incense, cleansers, disinfectants, and many essential oils. When it comes to treating health concerns, they are used topically or via inhalation, and rarely through ingestion.