Marjoram is a small perennial plant, with hairy stems and dark green oval leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa and was often planted in graveyards to bring peace to the departed spirits.
Some 15 species of this tall evergreen tree yield a useful essential oil. The leaves and oil of the plant have long been a household remedy in Australia, where the Aborigines, who know it as "kino", use it to dress wounds.
This adaptable oil has been widely used since antiquity, when it was thought to keep evil spirits at bay. The essential oil is strong when pure but when diluted sweetens. It comes from a perennial shrub covered in tiny hairs, which bears small pink flowers and has pointed, serrated leaves from which we obtain the essential oil, though all parts of the plant are scented.
On my resent trip back to Japan this spring I learned a new style of aromatherapy treatment called 'Raindrop'. It's a special foot and back massage that uses lots of pure essential oils. Many people had this treatment in May and they all loved it very much. I'm very excited about it and it seems to work very well!
Fresh strong and versatile, it harmonizes well and adds character. Particularly effective for arthritis, rheumatism, cellulite, nausea, diarrhea, and haemorrhoids.
Peppermint is a perennial herb that is cultivated throughout the world. White peppermint has green stems and leaves, the black variety has dark-green, serrated leaves, purplish stems and reddish-violet flowers. Legend relates how Mentha, a nymph pursued by Hades, was trampled into the ground by Hades' jealous wife Persephene. Out of compassion for her treatment, Hades transformed Mentha into the herb.
The grapefruit tree is cultivated for its delicious large, yellow fruits. The tree reaches about 10m/33ft in height and bears dark glossy leaves and white flowers. It is native to tropical Asia and the West Indies, although it probably originated in Asia as a hybrid of the orange tree.
You may have heard of myrrh from Biblical stories, as it's one of the precious gifts (together with gold and frankincense) offered by the three wise men to the newborn Jesus. This valuable element actually has a long history of use, especially in ancient civilizations. Today, myrrh is most commonly known as an essential oil.
The use of hot stones is to bring about total balance within the body, which aids the natural healing process. Stone therapy is a native American practice used since ancient times as a healing therapy for many different ailments and a source of natural heat.
Frankincense (also known as olibanum) is an inspiring and contemplative oil that comes from the gum of a small tree or shrub grown mainly in the Middle East, with most of the oil produced in Iran and Lebanon.
