Benefits of Popular Botanic Oils

By Tamra Cantar

Aromatherapy Oils and Their Benefits
Botanic oils: Salvia Sclarea or Clary Sage, Citronella Java or Cymbopogon Winterianus, Citral, Chilly Seed, Chenopodium, and Choulmogra are some of the more popular botanic oils that make up aromatherapy blends.
Salvia Sclarea or Clary Sage is indigenous to Bulgaria; it is a large herb with fuzzy large leaves. The oils are drawn out by a steam distillation process. The oils are light golden yellow and used frequently in aromatherapy for many, many things such as antispasmodic, deodorant, antidepressant, sedative, easing of hypertension, and it has also been known to relieve symptoms of asthma. The medium or strong scented oils blend well with a variety of other oils, including: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Neroli, Jasmine, Rosewood, Lavender, Orange, Geranium, Sandalwood, and Ylang Ylang oils.
Citronella Java or Cymbopogon Winterianus oils are derivatives of gum plants. They are also steam distilled and extracted from the plants. The origination point for citronella is Sri Lanka. It is a tropical bluish green grass with lemon scented leaves that contain yellowish brown aromatic oils that are used as aromatherapy. The oils are used in perfumes, soaps, scented candles and as insect repellent. They lessen the symptoms of colds and flu; can treat oily hair/skin and acute perspiration. The medium scents blend well with Pine, Bergamot, Lavender, Bitter Orange, Orange, Cedarwood, Lemon, and Geranium oils.
Citral is another of the botanic oils. The oils are extracted via the steam distilling process, from stems and roots of Chinese Citral plants. The light yellow oils produce a strong lemon scent, as well as an herbaceous scent. They are used as an antidepressant, an antiseptic, to soothe aches and pains, and to reduce stress. The oils can treat foot odor and itching, acne, scabies, and oily skin.
Chilly Seed oils of Mexico originate in Southern and Central America. The oils are distilled from the seeds of the plant. The rich reddish-orange oils are often used in aromatherapy. They have analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents; they comfort spasms associated with the digestive system. The strong scents do not blend well with other oils.
Chenopodium or American Wormseed Oils are extracted from the plant’s fruits and leaves and are steam distilled. The Russian plant’s oils can remove Ascariasis or roundworms, as well as function as diuretics. The strong scent does not blend with other oils.
Chaulmoogra is an aromatherapy oil that can treat rheumatism, skin disease, eczema, bruising, sores, and sprains. The oils originated in India but are currently used all over the world.
About the Author Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information on aromatherapy and essential oils. Visit Aroma Oil Essentials to view more articles and discover an array of high quality, therapeutic grade aromatherapy and essential oil products.