Orientation:
Your animated helper, Trish, will give you an overview and orientation for this calming but complex family.
Please take the time to listen to her talk.
Then, head over to the Ship’s Library for self-study. Remember to bring a beverage, your laptop or notebook, scent strips, scent impression sheets, and any essential oils you have from this family to sniff. Read the lesson and watch Laurie’s video on Shielding your Aura with Yarrow and Robert’s video discussing the Compositeae Family at the end of the page.
You will also have your Practical Potion downloads at the bottom of the page.
Introduction to The Compositae Family–
Compositae is the most prominent botanical family. On the other hand, Lamiaceae is the most widely used family in aromatherapy. Between them, you will find many essential oils commonly used in aromatherapy. The Compositae family grows all over the world. They prefer open spaces where they are generously exposed to light.
Chamomiles are well-known members of the Compositae family. All chamomiles are anti-inflammatory and treat burns, eczema, and skin irritation; however, if you have a ragweed allergy, many plants in this family could be possible dermal or histamine sensitizers. Some essential oils in this family are toxic if taken internally. Please remember that they are less concentrated when you use them in their herbal form.
Chamomile mixta
(Chamamelum mixtum) Ormensis multicaulis, previously Anthemis and O. mixta
From: France, Morocco, Spain, Egypt
Steam distilled flowers
Class: Alcohol
3 Key Constituents: Santolina alcohol, alpha-Pinene, Germacrene- (Toulemond & Beauverd 1984)
Cosmetic: Dilute in a gentle carrier oil for sensitive and dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and even severe skin infections. Do not use chamomile mixta on traumatized skin. *Always patch-test skin before using anything, especially if the skin is traumatized or sensitive.
Digestive: Dilute and rub onto the tummy and the affected area for liver and spleen congestion, gastritis and colitis. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 145
Genito: Dilute it and rub it onto your tummy to induce menstruation and ease period and menopausal pains. Use it in a bath for PMS.
Nervous system: Chamomiles are excellent for nervous depression, insomnia, or irritability. Add a few drops to the bath or diffuse Chamomile mixta for a calming, relaxing effect.
Dilute and rub onto the temples, neck, and shoulders for a headache or a migraine.
Perfumery: Top-mid note; odour intensity mid-high, herbaceous, balsamic, sweet, hay-like.
Blends with Artemesias, bay, benzoin, bergamot, cardamom, cedar, clary, coriander, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, labdanum, lavender, lemon, mandarin, marjoram, orange, oakmoss, patchouli, petitgrain, oakmoss, orange, vetiver, ylang, and yuzu.
Cautions: It is nontoxic in low doses. Please do not use it during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or with children under three if you have a ragweed allergy; this plant is like most in this family. It may be a skin sensitizer or even cause histamine reactions. Keep away from pets.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
An Animated Film by AMKK, The Story of Flowers
Chamomile Roman
Chamamelum nobile,
synonym Anthemis nobilis
From: France, Morocco, Spain, Egypt, United Kingdom, Hungary, Chile
Steam distilled flowers
Class: esters (72-78%), lactones
3 Key Constituents: Isobutyl angelate, Butyl Angelate, 3-Methylpentyl angulate. (Chialva et al 1982; Srinivas 1986; Zani et all 1991; Lawrence 1998f p.49)
Favourite Use: In baths to soothe the psyche, skin and also address vaginal irritation and itch.
This essential oil is one of my five favourites. It is extremely calming to the skin and emotional system. It is gentle and very versatile. I recommend everyone have some on hand.
Cosmetic: Roman chamomile is restorative to the skin. It can be used for acne, allergies, boils, burns, and cuts. It is fabulous for dry itchy skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, hypersensitive skin, broken veins, and inflammations. Diluted and applied, it may ease puffiness, strengthen tissues, and is an excellent cleanser. Roman chamomile is a skin repair kit unto itself!
Respiratory: Diffuse for asthma of nervous origin.
Muscular: Roman chamomile is superb for massage. Dilute and enjoy its analgesic abilities. It may help ease arthritis, neuralgia, low back and muscle pain, rheumatism, sprains and inflamed joints. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 145
Immune: It has been used with chronic infections as it stimulates the production of white blood cells. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 145
Digestive: Apply on mouth ulcers or gums for a toothache.
Roman chamomile has been used herbally to relieve gastritis and ulcers. For constipation, colitis, colic, or nausea, dilute and rub the herb onto the tummy area. Alternatively, buy the herb and drink Roman chamomile tea.
Genito: Dilute and apply to the tummy area or create a bath to induce menstruation, ease painful and difficult periods, regulate cycle, PMS and irritability.
Roman Chamomile is the most calming essential oil for the bath- it works on the skin and mind and is very soothing to the genital area.
Nervous System: The mental-emotional effects of Roman Chamomile have been used for centuries. It has a hypnotic quality. Roman Chamomile helps relax, sedate and soothe. Used in a bath before bed, it is helpful for insomnia. It eases anxiety, nervous system shock, tension, anger, and fear. Roman Chamomile helps to calm the mind and re-center. It may be helpful in phobias, panic attacks, and PTSD.
Nostril Wicks-For Meditation, Kind of Quirky, but They Work!
This exercise is meant for competent and healthy adults. Please do not use it on children, people with learning disabilities, or mental incapacity.
Dr. Penoel and his wife, Rosemary, use Roman chamomile for meditative purposes. In a class in Edmonton they gave us in the 1990s, they demonstrated how to make nostril wicks for meditation. Get a tissue and roll it up into a skinny cylinder to create a “wick.” Put a few drops of essential oil of Roman chamomile diluted to 10% with a carrier of your choice onto the two end parts of the tissue.
Get comfortable, put on some relaxing music, or meditate. Place one end of the Kleenex dipped with essential oil into each nostril. Ensure you do not burn your nostrils or inhale the whole wick. Relax and breathe for 10-20 minutes.
It helps relieve depression and is suitable for meditation.
On a personal note, this is my favourite chamomile. I like the smell and find it incredibly soothing.
Perfumery: Fruity, herbaceous. Sweet, Top-mid note, Odour Intensity mid-high;
Blends with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, labdanum, lavender, neroli, oakmoss, and rose.
Mythology and Spirituality: Julia Lawless, Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, pg. 80, mentions that Roman Chamomile was called the Plant’s Physician since it promoted the health of plants that grew near it.
In A Druid’s Herbal, pg. 35, Roman Chamomile is mentioned as a plant that can bring the sun’s power into any room to help rid it of dark influences. It can enhance potions and love spells, increase abundance and bring purification.
Planetary– Sun
Research:
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities:
This study evaluates Roman Chamomile essential oil’s antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities, demonstrating its effectiveness against various pathogens and its potential as a natural preservative and health-supporting agent due to its high antioxidant properties. “Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Six Aromatic Medicinal Plants with Cosmetic Properties,” Antibiotics, 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/12/4/721
Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities:
This review provides an extensive overview of the chemical constituents of Roman Chamomile and its associated pharmacological activities, highlighting its use in traditional and modern medicine for a variety of health conditions.
Full Citation: “Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies,” Molecules, 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/1/133
Therapeutic Applications:
This comprehensive review discusses the wide range of therapeutic uses of Roman Chamomile, including its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, as well as potential applications in hepatoprotective, anticancer, and anti-hypertensive treatments.
Full Citation: A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile, Pharmaceuticals, 2022.
Cautions:
No internal use. Avoid this during the early months of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Roman Chamomile is prone to oxidization and should be stored in a cool, dark place. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Note: Roman chamomile should only be used for the agitated or nervous type of depression, not the melancholic or liver type, nor any depression arising from a weak, neurasthenic condition (Holmes 2016).
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Chamomile and Lavender Facial Wash
• 3/4 cup chamomile floral water or filtered water.
• 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner’s liquid, Castile Soap.
• 1 tsp. avocado or almond oil
• 3 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
• 7 drops of Lavender essential oil
Instructions
1. In a 4 to 6 oz. Add liquid Castile soap, avocado or almond oil in a foaming soap bottle.
2. Add essential oils as desired.
3. Fill the bottle close to the top with chamomile floral water or water.
4. Shake well and use as needed.
How to Use:
1. Shake bottle well.
2. Wet your face with warm water.
3. Add 1-2 pumps of Face Wash to the palm of your hand and then use both hands to massage onto the face.
4. Massage face for about 1 minute.
5. Rinse with warm water.
6. Follow with a facial serum or cream of your choice
This mixture is not preserved, so please use it quickly.
Chamomile German
Matricaria recutita, formerly Matricaria chamomilla
From: France, Germany, Croatia, Hungary, Egypt, Nepal
Many chemotypes of blue chamomile vary significantly in their chemical make-up. We are focusing on the blue Chamomile from Germany.
Steam-distilled flowers; low yield. Adulteration is expected due to the high price.
Some love the scent, and others do not. According to Holmes (2016), it has a unique mossy-seaweed green fragrance with apple overtones.
Class: sesquiterpenol, sesquiterpenes
3 Key Constituents: Alpha-Bisabolol oxide A, Chamazulene, Alpha-Bisabolol oxide B (Bruny et al. 1992)
Favourite Use: Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory.
Skin: This oil is fabulous for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, allergies, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, sensitive skin, inflammations, damaged skin, infected skin, cellulitis, boils, rashes and inflamed capillaries. It is reportedly superb for leg ulcers. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 275. It regenerates skin tissue.
It is also used for teething pain.
Muscular: It is also excellent, diluted in a carrier oil and massaged onto the skin for arthritis, inflamed muscles, shooting nerve pain, joints, neuralgia, sprains, tendons and joints, and rheumatism. It pairs well with cousins yarrow & helichrysum for inflammations.
Digestive: German chamomile has been used for centuries as an herbal extract for digestive conditions like colic and indigestion. Like Helichrysum (red oil), it calms the liver associated with irritability, resentment, and shallow, restless sleep (Holmes, 2016).
Genito: It is helpful for cystitis and regulates periods, PMS pain, and menopausal problems. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 275
Nervous system: You may also dilute and rub it into the temple, back, and shoulders for a headache or migraine. Use it in a bath for insomnia or nervous tension. This is a classic relaxing and heat-clearing oil.
Metaphysically, German Chamomile is suitable for the throat chakra. In TCM terms, it regulates Qi, settles the heart and calms Shen.
Perfumery: Top note: German Chamomile is generally not used in perfumery, and the scent may need to be “tamed” to use in therapeutic blends. It has a very high odour intensity, making it an overpowering smell. It lends a stunning blue tint to a blend.
Blends with benzoin, bergamot, chamomile roman, clary, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, and labdanum. Lavender, lemon, marjoram, niaouli, patchouli, pine, ravensare, rosemary, tea tree, and ylang.
Research:
Sedative Effects:
German Chamomile essential oil’s sedative properties were analyzed, and they showed effectiveness in promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Shi, S., et al. “The effects of aromatherapy on sleep improvement: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 21, no. 2, 2015, pp. 180-189. Link
Cautions: No internal use. Avoid in the first stages of pregnancy. Please do not use it with young children. It is prone to oxidation and should be stored in a dark, cold place. There can be drug interactions and internal use- Tisserand pg. 243. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Drawback– The scent of German Chamomile is very strong and not appealing to some people. It can be more manageable if blended down. Yet, its anti-inflammatory qualities are impressive. It also gives a beautiful blue shade to other oils. It is an intensely blue colour.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Chamomile Wild Blue/Blue Tansy
Tanacetum annum is related to common tansy (T. vulgaris).
Steam-distilled aerial parts.
Favourite Use: Robert adds a drop or two of Wild Blue Chamomile essential oil into shampoo. He loves the slightly apple-like fragrance. I find it overpowering, even when diluted.
From: Morocco
Class: Ketones, sesquiterpene
3 Key Constituents: Chamazulene, B-Myrcene, Camphor (Lawrence 2001a p.48-51). Its content of Abilene is higher than that of German chamomile.
Cosmetic: Used in cosmetics and perfumery for its sweet, apple-like scent.
Mental: It has a hypnotic effect on the mind.
Perfumery: Top-mid note; apple-like scent when diluted. The odour intensity is very high.
Look at German Chamomile for some blending ideas. Use very little, or you will overpower your blend.
Mythological and Spiritual: Evert Hopman, In a Druid’s Herbal, pg. 45 talks about tansy being used for embalming and preserving dead bodies.
Planetary– Uranus, but healing for the Mars, Type A personality.
Cautions: It contains toxic ketones, so use it sparingly and carefully. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, with children, pets, and with epilepsy. Please do not take it internally. There are drug interactions; do not take it orally—Tisserand, p. 439. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family might potentially be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
This is a large family to journey through.
Have a chamomile tea. Be sure to stretch and take a break when you desire!
Davana
Artemisia pallens
There are over 300 Artemisia species worldwide, with only a few available as essential oils.
From: Mysore, India
Class: ketone
3 Key Constituents: (Z)-Davanone (25-52%), Nerol, Unidentified furans, (E)-Davanone. (Lawrence 1995a. p.54) Also contains isodavanone, nordavanone and artemone.
Respiratory: Coughing attacks with thick mucous and spasmodic coughs.
Sheppard-Hanger pg. 121
Nervous system: Nervine eases anxious feelings.
Perfumery: Top note; Odor intensity high. Hypnotic, very sweet. One of Robert’s favourite oils.
Mythology and Spirituality: Artemisia directly relates to Artemis, the Greek goddess of untamed spaces. It is also associated with Chiron, the wounded healer, who had a particular affinity with herbs.
Cautions: It can be toxic. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding with babies, children and pets. Use sparingly. Of course, there is no internal use. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions. I would not use this essential oil in a product you market due to its relative toxicity.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Helichrysum is Also known as Immortelle or Straw Flower.
Helichrysum italicum synonym H. angustifolium
Class: Alcohols, esters (45-70%), terpenes, Sesquiterpenes
3 Key Constituents: Alpha-Pinene, gamma-Curcumene, Neryl acetate (Weyerstahl et al. 1986)
From: Madagascar, Spain, Italy, Croatia, North Africa
Steam-distilled fresh, flowering heads.
Very Low Yield, hence the high price and the chance of adulteration.
There are a variety of Helichrysum oils, and they can be harvested and processed together so that the constituents can be mixed, which is somewhat unpredictable. Tisserand pg. 309
Favourite Use: As an anti-inflammatory component for blends.
Cosmetic: Dilute and apply to skin for cuts, wounds, bruises, ulcers, herpes, acne, scar tissue, bruises, couperose skin, mature skin, and burns. Psoriasis and frost burn may also be helped by helichrysum. It helps protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. Sheppard-Hanger pg.233
Respiratory: Diffuse for a chronic cough, bronchitis, or whooping cough. It can counter allergic reactions such as asthma. It relaxes and dilates the bronchi.
Muscular: Helichrysum is a beautiful essential oil for massage and is very anti-inflammatory. Dilute and massage in, or use in a bath for rheumatism, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
Genito: Use in baths to help induce menstruation and aid painful menstruation. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 233
Mind: Dilute and rub onto temples, neck, and shoulders to help with headaches. It helps regulate overstimulation. It may be helpful in shock, anxiety, and addictions, including food addictions (Holmes, 2016). It is a prime remedy for closed and deeply wounded hearts, combining well with rose.
It can help with drug detoxification, including nicotine. Combine this with lemon and rosemary verbenone. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 233
Perfumery: Fruity, dry tea. Top-mid note; Odour Intensity high;
Blends with bergamot, black pepper, boronia, chamomile german, chamomile roman, clary sage, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, labdanum, lavender, lemon, mandarin, mimosa, oakmoss, orange, palmarosa, Peru Balsam, pine, rose, rosemary, sage, thyme linalool, vetiver and ylang.
Research:
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties Helichrysum italicum essential oil is praised for its antioxidant capabilities, which protect against cellular damage and manage inflammation. This is necessary for skin health and anti-aging applications. Research has confirmed its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities due to its rich content of bioactive polyphenolic compounds (Furlan & Bren, 2023).
Skin and Wound Healing This essential oil promotes the healing of scars, stretch marks, and wounds, supports skin regeneration, and provides hydration, making it beneficial for treating skin conditions like eczema. A study reviewing various applications of Helichrysum italicum essential oil confirmed its effectiveness in wound healing through its biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects (Wijayadi & Kelvin, 2022).
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activities Studies show that Helichrysum italicum essential oil has significant antimicrobial and antiviral properties and is effective against various pathogens, supporting its use in infection prevention and treatment. The essential oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, inhibiting the growth of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (Djihane et al., 2016).
Neuroprotective Effects The potential neuroprotective effects of Helichrysum italicum may be beneficial in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and enhancing cognitive functions. This oil’s antioxidant properties contribute to its potential neuroprotective benefits (Furlan & Bren, 2023).
Support for Digestive and Liver Health The oil aids in liver protection and detoxification, which enhances liver function and overall digestive health. Helichrysum italicum has been traditionally used to treat digestive and liver complaints, and its efficacy is supported by its antispasmodic and hepatoprotective properties (Rigano et al., 2013).
Cautions: No formal testing on safety has been conducted. It appears safe at low doses—the possibility of skin irritation. No internal use. Do not use during pregnancy or with children. Avoid with anticoagulant medicines- may cause a hemorrhage. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Inula
Inula graveolens
From: Corsica, Asia
Class: Ester, Sesquiterpene lactones
3 Key Constituents: Bornyl acetate, Borneo, T-Cadinol. (Tisserand p. 310)
Distilled from the root or the flowering plant.
Cosmetic: Inula can be used for acne, boils, inflammations, rashes, insect bites, and dermatitis; however, it is costly, and I would use cheaper oils for these issues.
Respiratory and Immune: This is where Inula shines; it is wonderful for asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, dry coughs, laryngitis, colds, visual infections, and unproductive coughs. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 245
I would dilute Inula with eucalyptus or ravintsara aromatica and use it in a diffuser for rhinitis and sinus infections. It is very thick and expensive alone, so a little goes a long way. Another way to use Inula is to put a few drops into boiling water in a bowl. Put your head over this bowl with a towel covering it. Do not burn yourself, but make a good steam.
Genito: Urinary tract antiseptic, reduces itching & inflammation in vaginitis. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 245
Mental and Nervous System: Inula calms the central nervous system. To get cognitive benefits, diffuse it, use it in a bath, or massage it.
Research:
Anti-bacterial Effects A study found of this oil found significant anti-bacterialactivity (Guinoiseau et al., 2010).
Neuroprotective Potential Inula graveolens essential oil has promising neuroprotective effects, which could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases. This aspect of the oil is attributed to its potent antioxidant properties. The chemical composition and biological activities of Inula graveolens essential oil from different seasons showed notable antioxidant power, supporting its neuroprotective potential (Sellem et al., 2020).
Gastrointestinal Benefits The essential oil of Inula graveolens has been used traditionally to aid in various gastrointestinal issues, supporting digestion and acting as an anti-spasmodic agent. Research into its antiproliferative activity found it effective against various cancer cell lines, which may also contribute to its gastrointestinal benefits (Afifi et al., 2015).
Respiratory System Support Due to its expectorant properties, Inula graveolens essential oil effectively clears respiratory tract congestion, making it useful for bronchitis and asthma. The essential oil’s chemical composition includes significant amounts of compounds beneficial for respiratory health, such as bornyl acetate and borneol (Blanc et al., 2004).
Cautions: Avoid during pregnancy with babies, children and pets. There’s no internal use. In some cases, ironically, it may make coughs worse. Monitor your response. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Inula helenium
(Closely associated with Inula graveolens)
The medicinal plant elecampane is commonly used for lung congestion, but as an essential oil, it caused skin allergies in 23 out of 25 people tested. Use it as a tea or in herbal form instead. Possibly anti-tumour and anti-mutagenic.
Sheppard-Hanger pg. 245
Cautions: It is very sensitizing. Avoid it in pregnancy. Please do not use it with children. There’s no internal use. They are not generally used in aromatherapy. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Camphor/thujone rich mugwort.
From: Morocco and North America
Distilled: Whole plant
Class: Biochemicals vary with plant maturity and location. They include ketones, oxides, monoterpenes, alcohols, and esters.
3 Key Constituents: Camphor (<21%), alpha-thujone (12%), and Artemisia alcohol (15%). (Haider et al. 2003)
Mugwort is a weak insecticide and larvacide.
Favourite Use: As an herb, it is often used in dream pillows. It can increase dream volume and vividness.
It is used mainly in herbal form, as it is potent and somewhat toxic as an essential oil.
In A Druid’s Herbal, pg.72, Evert Hopman says Mugwort’s magical use is to protect travellers. A crown made with it is used on Midsummer’s Eve. It is used to contact the heavenly realm. It is also used to purify magical instruments, in scrying, and to wash mirrors and crystal balls.
It is also helpful as an infused oil, such as FES’s Mugwort Moon Magic. (It is less concentrated in this form.)
In a dream pillow or as a very dilute pillow spray, mugwort may help deepen the dream state.
Planetary– Mugwort Moon
Perfumery: Top-mid note; medicinal scent; odour intensity high.
It blends with cedarwood, clary, lavandin, oakmoss, patchouli, pine, rosemary, and sage.
Research:
Antimicrobial Activity Artemisia vulgaris essential oil demonstrated significant antimicrobial activities against various fungal pathogens and bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests potential use as a natural antimicrobial agent in various applications (Singh et al., 2023).
Insect Repellent Properties A study highlighted that Artemisia vulgaris essential oil could serve as a viable natural alternative for insect repellent, reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals. The essential oil showed strong repellent activity against the stored-product insect pest Tribolium castaneum, demonstrating its potential as an effective insecticide (Wang et al., 2006).
Neuroprotective Effects Research indicates that the essential oil from Artemisia vulgaris could have neuroprotective effects, offering potential benefits in managing neurological disorders or protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. The oil’s antioxidant properties contribute to its neuroprotective potential (Jiang et al., 2019).
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties This oil has shown potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, suggesting its use in formulations to reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. In various studies, it was found to exhibit strong antioxidant activity and significant anti-inflammatory effects (Sapkota et al., 2022).
Caution: As an essential oil, it is an oral toxin that should be avoided with babies and children during pregnancy and breastfeeding—possibly abortive. Please do not take it internally. Tisserand (p.353) says that mugwort may be neurotoxic, and convulsions could be a risk. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions. This oil is pretty toxic and should be used only in tiny amounts or not at all. Please do not use it in a product submitted to Health Canada. Keep away from pets.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Tagetes- French Marigold
Tagetes minuta
From: Mexico, South Africa.
Steam distilled, flowering plant, concrete absolute.
Class: Ketones
3 Key Constituents: (Z)-B-Ocimene, (Z)-Tagetenone, Dihydrotagetone. (Lawrence 1996e p. 64-68) Tisserand p. 435
Note***– This is not Calendula.
Tagetes is on the Government of Canada hotlist. It is safe at such a low dose that it is best left out of products.
Tagetes oil and absolute 8016-84-0 a) Leave-on products a) 0.01% safety level.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-hotlist-prohibited-restricted-ingredients/hotlist.html
Cosmetic: Tagetes is very potent and somewhat toxic. It is used for small, concentrated applications, mainly to treat unwanted growths on feet, like calluses, corns, and fungal infections. Dilute the oil and put it directly into these areas. We know a podiatrist used it in this manner. Protect the skin around the area being treated. Avoid Tagetes if you have sensitive skin.
Perfumery: Top note/mid-note. High odour intensity.
Blends with bergamot, chamomile roman, clary, coriander, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, linden blossom, orange, sandalwood, tea tree, ylang, and other citruses in tiny amounts.
Cautions: Tagetes may cause skin reactions in hypersensitive individuals. Avoid Tagetes if pregnant, breastfeeding, or with babies, children, and pets. It is toxic. Please don’t take it internally. Sheppard-Hanger pg.. 401 Tisserand p. 435. Phototoxic. Please do not use it before going into the sun. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Robert recorded The Song of Tagetes using the music of the plant’s device, which recorded Tagete’s actual “voice.”
Please record your impression of this oil in your Journal.
Tarragon
(In 2024, Canada is considering putting Tarragon on its Hot List of Dangerous Oils.)
Artemesia dracunculus
From: France, U.S.A., Belgium
Distillation- whole plant. Moderate yield and low chance of adulteration.
Class: Ether, Phenol, Ester
3 Key Constituents: Methyl chavicol (60-87%) Estragole, (Z)-B-Ocimene, (E)-B-Ocimene. (Lawrence 1993 p. 5-6)
Muscles and Joints: I prefer this plant in its herbal form. It can be toxic as an essential oil. As an herb, it eases rheumatism, neuromuscular spasms, neuralgia, cramps, sciatica, gout, and arthritis. It can be diluted with carriers, rubbed externally, and used this way by Dr. Penoel.
Antibacterial: effect on Candida albicans, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Enterococci, E. coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosin, Salmonella pullorum, Staphylococcus albus, S. aureus, Streptococcus pyrogens and beta-hemolyticus. Deans & Svoboda J. Hort. Sc. 1988 63:3
Perfumery: Tarragon has a green, herbal scent. It has a base note and a top note. Like citruses, tarragon perishes quickly and should be kept in the refrigerator.
It blends well with angelica, basil, carrot seed, chamomile, clary sage, fir, galbanum, juniper, labdanum, lavender, lime, mandarin, oakmoss, pine, rosewood, vanilla, and verbena.
Mythology and Spirituality: The name dracunculus relates to dragons, and tarragon is the herb of dragons or serpent-eating birds. Its roots curl around like a dragon’s tail. It was falsely thought to cure snake bites.
Cautions: It is toxic internally and possibly carcinogenic—avoid it with hormonal cancers. Avoid it during pregnancy, if breastfeeding, and with babies, children, and pets. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions.
Inhibits blood clotting, Tisserand p. 439.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium / B-Thujone CT
Steam-distilled, flowering plant
From: France,
Class: ketone
3 Key Constituents: beta-Thujone (33-60%), (Z)-Sabinyl acetate (6-32%), alpha-Thujone (2-3%)(Lawrence 1995g p. 12: Tucker et al. 1993)
Immune: As an herb, wormwood may have anti-cancer and anti-malarial properties.
Wormwood has many uses as an herb, but it may be too potent and potentially toxic as an essential oil.
Genito: Promotes menstruation.
Insect repellent qualities.
Perfumery: Top note: sharp and fresh scent. Use only a tiny amount of precious oils—high odour intensity.
It blends with hyacinth, jasmine, lavender, oakmoss, and orange blossom.
Mythological and Spiritual: In A Druid’s Herbal, pg. 29, Wormwood increases psychic powers. When burned in a graveyard, it may summon the spirits of the departed.
Cautions: Avoid altogether during pregnancy and breastfeeding with babies and children. Do not take internally—toxic—Tisserand, p. 472-Neurotoxic, abortifacient, embryo-fetotoxicity. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions. Keep away from pets.
Could you record your impression of this oil in your Journal?
Yarrow- Blue
Achillea millefolium
Steam-distilled flowering plant
From: Europe, Asia,
Class: monoterpenes (20-68%), Sesquiterpene, ketone
3 Key Constituents: Sabine, Chamazulene, beta-Myrcene Tisserand p. 475 (Rondeau)
Class: Aerial parts-monoterpenes
Oil from the flowers and leaves of yarrow is a strikingly beautiful, dark blue. Oil from the stem is greenish-white, and from the root, colourless to slightly yellow. You can, however, buy both blue yarrow and green yarrow essential oils.
Yarrow is closely related to German chamomile and contains chamazulene, a potent anti-inflammatory. Blue yarrow has a higher percentage of this component.
Skin: This essential oil is beneficial for burns and sunburns. You may add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and spray it onto the skin, or mix it with rosehip seed carrier oil and dab it on. Cantele and Purchon, p. 116, suggest combining it with aloe vera gel to help heal wounds.
Yarrow may also protect the skin from radiation burns. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 93
It is a splendid aftershave. It is effective against various skin conditions, including warts, eczema, rashes, allergies, inflammation, scars, ulcers, varicose veins, wounds, and skin rashes.
A study has shown yarrow essential may be as effective as many commercial anti-wrinkle remedies.
Yarrow encourages perspiration and balances oily skin.
Hair: Add to shampoo to promote hair growth. It helps to balance an oily scalp.
Healing: May help deter skin cancer and tumours.
Respiratory: Dilute and diffuse for head and sinus congestion, infections and catarrh. The essential oil of yarrow is, however, very strong smelling.
Blend with manuka, lemon, and cypress to treat viral infections and soothe mucous membranes and sinuses—Purchon and Cantele p. 116.
Muscles and Joints: Dilute the dandelion carrier with yarrow to make a pain-relieving massage oil. This oil is also suitable for rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia.
Cardio: Use in a bath or massage for high blood pressure and hypertension. Yarrow may stimulate blood renewal. Dilute and rub onto varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 93
Digestive: As an herbal for constipation, colic, cramps, gas, and gout, it encourages appetite and aids detoxification of drugs and alcohol. Bleeding hemorrhoids.
Genito: It may also be helpful in pelvic inflammatory disease, cystitis, bladder, and kidney infections. Yarrow may balance urine flow, induce menstruation, and help breast fibroids. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 93
Perfumery: It would not be used as a personal fragrance, but if you blend with it, the scent could be described as green and herbaceous. It is a top-mid note; odour intensity is very high.
Combines with bergamot, birch, black pepper, cedar, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, ginger, helichrysum, lavender, lemon, manuka, marjoram, myrtle, oakmoss, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage, valerian, vetiver, and ylang.
It is a challenging scent to work with!
In a Druid’s Herbal, pg. 175, Yarrow is used in love spells, wedding decorations, and even hung over the bridal bed. If large patches of yarrow grow in a field, Evert Hopman says it is a grounded energy spot that is an excellent place to sit and relax.
Mental and Nervous system: Insomnia and stress. It balances and supports intuition and nurtures an opening to cosmic energy. Protects against radiation. It is also helpful as a flower essence for spiritual protection. Holmes (2016) suggests it is helpful during change and transition, including menopause, menarche, or career change. It helps let go of the old and move forward.
Very dilute yarrow essential oil can be diluted in water and misted on the skin. As a flower essence, it is also protective of the aura.
Before starting this exercise, please prepare a 50 ml spray bottle with water, add 2-3 drops of yarrow essential oil, and shake well. If you have yarrow flower essence, add this as well. Hold the spray bottle 18-30 inches away from you. Gently mist your crown and around your body, including your back and feet. Put the bottle down.
Video- Strengthening Your Aura and Shielding with a Yarrow and Water Mist:
Research:
Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities Study Findings: This study highlights the strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Yarrow essential oil, suggesting its potential in treating skin infections and inflammatory conditions. Yarrow oil showed significant inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus species. Citation: Issabeagloo, E., & Abri, B. (2012). “Antimicrobial effects of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) essential oils against Staphylococcus species.
Cautions: Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, with babies and children. Please do not use it internally. Green yarrow may be an abortifacient. Tisserand pg. 476 May cause skin reactions in those with “weed” dermatitis. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 93 The scent of yarrow is robust and does not agree with everyone. If you have a ragweed allergy, many plants from this family could be skin sensitizers or even cause histamine reactions. Keep away from pets.
Yarrow Song- Sonja – on Vimeo.
Enjoy this Haunting Melody by Sonja
Could you record your impression of Yarrow in your Journal?
Robert’s Video on the Compositae Family
Turn your volume very high for this video.
You can scroll to the bottom of this page to get your Practical Potions and Journal downloads for the Compositae family. Here is your link to the Scents Impression Download Page- https://www.northernstarcourses.com/lesson/f-the-scent-impressions-sheet/