Products in Essential Oils: Skin Serums

Conventional or organic available Yarrow has been known by several common names including Devil’s nettle, Old Man’s Pepper, Yarroway, Woundwort, Milfoil, Angel flower. The Achillea genus contains over 120 species and several subspecies. Achillea millefolium is widespread throughout Europe while A. lanulosa is common to North America although A. millefolium has been introduced as well. These two species are practically identical Achillea millefolium is native to Europe, Asia and has naturalized throughout North America as well as to other temperate zones of the world. It is a perennial herb with several erect stems arising from multiple rhizomes below the ground. The compound leaves are bright green and feathery. Numerous small, white to pink flower heads are borne in flat-topped clusters (Van Wyk and Wink, 2004). Yarrow is a venerable plant of ancient medicinal repute (Hatfield, 1971). According to legend, the Greek hero Achilles is said to have utilized Yarrow to stop the bleeding (styptic) of his soldiers as well as his own wounds during the Trojan War. It is thought that the genus name, Achillea, comes from this great warrior of Greek mythology. Roman centurions knew this plant under the name Herba militaris and later by ‘Soldier’s Woundwort’ and Carpenter’s Weed, reflecting its use for treating wounds. The species name millefolium is derived from the common name Milfoil which comes from the French mile feuille, meaning ‘1000 leaves’, referring to its feathery leaves, which are divided into thousands of tiny leaflets (Balick, 2014). Yarrow was formally named Achillea millefolium by Linnaeus in 1753 (Keller, 2014).

The blood orange is an intriguing variety of sweet orange that shares the same botanical name, Citrus sinensis. The blood orange is named as such because its fruit segments are blood red in color. Aromatically, both Sweet Orange Essential Oil and Blood Orange Oil are similar. However, Blood Orange Essential Oil is a bit more tantalizing, bright and tart. As the aromatic and therapeutic properties are similar, Blood Orange Essential Oil can be used in place of Sweet Orange Oil in both aromatic and therapeutic blends. The distinct dark flesh of the Blood Oranges us due to the plentiful presence of a certain kind of antioxidant pigment called anthocyanins.

Tangerine oil is extracted from Citrus reticulata of the Rutaceae family. The name comes from Tangier in Morocco, the port from which the first tangerines were shipped to Europe. Tangerines originate from China but are now grown in a variety of regions around the globe including Australia. Tangerine has a long history of use in Chinese culture and herbal health practices. Citrus reticulate are small trees about 2-4 m high with slender branches, and lance shaped shiny evergreen leaves. Flowers are white and attractive to bees. The fruit is similar to the mandarin. Tangerine oil is extracted from the peel by cold expression. This uplifting zesty citrus oil is refreshing and rejuvenating with many beneficial compounds.

Nerolina: Melaleuca quinquenervia CT ‘Nerolina’ Native to Australia, Melaleuca quinquenervia CT ‘Nerolina’, commonly known as broad-leaved paperbark or the paper bark tea tree, is a small- to medium-sized tree of the Myrtaceae family. It is an evergreen tree that grows up to 35 feet and has papery bark, fragrant leaves and green or red flows. Nerolina is the linalool chemotype of Niaouli. Nerolina essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the leaves and green branchlets. Nerolina is grown in plantations, in northern New South Wales and Queensland, wild harvesting also occurs. Nerolina essential oil has a fresh, aromatic, earthy, fruity aroma with distinctive notes of lavender and lilac. Nerolina Australian essential oil is a valuable blending oil with the ability to ‘lift’ ordinary aromas with small additions to the compound. In cosmetics and perfumery, Nerolina can be very cost effective, and it can be successfully used as an adjunct to the top grade Lavender oils.

Provence Essential Oils Thyme Essential Oil is an evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean basin. It grows wild on the vast scrublands of southern France, principally in Provence region. Its flowering branches are hand-harvested or reaped in May, June and July. Thyme has been recognized as an herb and medicinal plant since ancient times. The Egyptians used Thyme essential oil in embalming rituals, and the Greeks burned it as incense to honor their gods.

Provence Essential Oils Helichrysum Essential Oil is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Mediterranean region. Its name Helichrysum comes from the Greek helios (sun) and chrysum (gold). It has the spicy smell of curry, so this scent led to its nickname curry plant. Helichrysum is a small shrub with gray-green leaves covered with a silvery-white down. The angular, twisted stems bear small, sunny yellow flowers with an intense, characteristic fragrance. Everlasting is heliophilous and thermophilic (sun-loving and heat-loving) and grows wild in the scrubby and arid seaside areas. The harvest of its fully bloomed flower heads takes place in June and July. Cuts are made high on the plant to avoid compromising the regrowth the following years.