The Aroma Tree - fun aromatherapy

Learning about essential oils using the plant parts is a fun way to start your aromatherapy journey. Understanding what part of the plant the oil is derived from can help you learn what it is useful for. Learning about essential oils can be daunting so this ‘tree’ is designed to provide inspiration. It is intended only as a fun learning aid and should not be considered as medical advice, specifically it does not cover safety issues or methods of use.

Flowers

Flowers relax, soothe, calm and are gentle. Think of the flower as the head of the plant. They are generally the top notes and can help the nervous system. and therefore can be calming and relaxing. They are in charge of the mental and emotional realms and can open and soothe our hearts and minds. (Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli).

Fruits and berries 

Designed to protect and nourish the seed, fruit can be nurturing, stimulating, detoxifying/cleansing for us and our space and can also aid digestion. Fruit oils can support the lymphatic system and are generally uplifting to the spirits. (Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, Juniper berry)

Leaves, grass and needles

Leaves help plants breathe and photosynthesise. Their oils can help with breathing and respiratory issues, cold, flu and lungs and also infections. They can help clear the mind, stop overthinking, and help us to ‘breathe’ when we are stressed and anxious. They are generally middle notes. (Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Pine)

Resins

Resin heals a tree when it is injured, so do the resin oils for us emotionally and sometimes physically.  Often base notes, these oils are grounding and calming, can help with mucus membrane and lower respiratory system issues. Traditionally resins were used for protection and meditation and can support us in this too. (Frankincense, Myrrh)

Wood and bark

The trunk of the tree is the conduit of the nutrients from the soil and leaves up and down the plant. It is much like our muscular/skeletal system, helping us to move what we need around our body. Wood oils can be centering and can help us with pain. (Australian Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Rosewood)

Roots, rootlets, rhizome

The roots provide strength, stability and nutrients and are usually grounding base notes. They can replenish us like they do for the tree and can provide a balancing steady influence. (Vetiver, Ginger)

Seeds

Seeds are designed for reproduction and therefore their oils are often good for new growth and can support our reproductive system. Emotionally they can help us remove blockages and start us on new paths. (Carrot seed, Fennel, Anise)

Culinary herbs

Traditionally used not just for flavor but to aid digestion, herbal oils can help boost digestion and can also help with respiratory system issues, amongst many other things. (Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage) (oils are not to be used internally).

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