The genus Satureja is named for the satyrs, ancient Greek mythical demigods of the forest, who where known for their lusty habits and half-man/half goat shape. Legends held that the satyrs wore crowns of Savory, and the herb was once held to be an aphrodisiac [summer savory.] – from chaofbc Savory, summer (satureja hortensis) Plant…
Category: essential oils
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — R — rosemary
Beginning with the written word as early as the fifth millennium B.C. references to rosemary were found written in cuneiform on stone tablets. – from Ad Lunam Labs Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) Plant appearance: dense bush of thin branches with spike-like green leaves with grayish undersides Parts used: leaves, twigs, flowers It has been used…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — Q — quinquenervia, meleleuca (aka Niaouli)
Melaleuca quinquenervia (broad-leaved paperbark) is the most damaging of 60 exotic species introduced to the Florida Everglades to help drain low-lying swampy areas. Introduced in the early 20th century, it has become a serious invasive species, with damaging effects including the displacement of native species, reduction in wildlife habitat, alteration of hydrology, modification of soil,…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — P — peppermint
In Greek mythology there was a Naiad nymph called Minthe, who was the daughter of Cocytus, the god of the river that flowed through the Underworld realm of Hades. Minthe was Hades’ lover. Hades decided to abduct Persephone and make her his wife. When Persephone was abducted, Minthe was cast aside by Hades. Minthe, jealous,…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — O — orange, sweet
In folklore, oranges exchanged among the unmarried was a subtle way of saying, “Let love blossom.” In Greek mythology, they had ties to fertility and innocence. In Victorian times, orange blossoms were used for garlands, bouquets, and tiaras for brides as symbols of youth, purity, and eternal love.—NUVO Magazine Orange, sweet (citrus sinensis) Plant appearance:…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — N — nutmeg
Often associated with Samhain and Yule, nutmeg is also one of the traditional spices used in the Jewish ritual farewell to the feminine aspect of God on Saturday evening, when warm spices are sniffed to remind us that Her presence should permeate the week, like the sweet smell of a spice permeates the air. Nutmeg…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — M — Marjoram, Sweet
Native to the Mediterranean and Eurasia, Origanum species have been cultivated in Egypt for over 3000 years, were used by the ancient Greeks since classical times and have been grown in England since the 13th century. Some of the earliest records of Origanum use date back to 1600-1200 B.C., when images of the plants were…
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