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…
Category: health
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…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — L — Lavender
On St. Luke’s Day in the 14 and 1500s, young maidens sipped lavender in hopes that they would be granted a dream in which they would see their true love. Lavender tucked under the pillows of young men was thought to encourage them to ask for a lady’s hand in marriage. And completing the circle,…
A2Z 2020 — carrier of essential oils — K — kukui (nut oil, carrier oil) and a few words about Carrier Oils
A Few Words About Carrier Oils Essential oils (EO) are rarely used undiluted. When diluting EOs, the ways of using them increases. The easiest ways of diluting EOs are to use a carrier oil. Sweet almond oil is the most suitable carrier oil and has been the default oil in all of the recipes I’ve…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — J — Juniper Berry
History of Juniper Berry Essential Oil Greek origins: Juniper was commonly burned in spiritual ceremonies by the Ancient Greeks to combat epidemics. Medicinal folklore: Juniper Berry Oil has been traditionally used in ancient medicine by various cultures. The Zuni Indians for example used it to assist in childbirth. Ward off evil spirits: Juniper berries have…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — I — Immortelle
The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek words helios meaning sun and chrysos meaning gold, which refer to its numerous clusters of tiny yellow flowers. These dried flowers were presented as an offering to the Gods in Ancient Greece, used in Medieval Europe as potpourri, and have flavored sauces in various cultures around the…
A2Z 2020 — essential oils — H — hemp seed oil (carrier oil)
The cultivation of hemp began more than 10,000 years ago in the region that is modern day Taiwan. Perhaps the first agricultural crop, hemp served as the foundation of sustainable civilization. Ancient farmers found that hemp was an ideal crop for conditioning their soil. The leaves would fall to the ground and create fertilizer…
