SEEDS, BLOSSOM & FRUIT!
Spring is here!
Spring is all about growth, and with this dry sunny spell after all the awful rain of the last few months there is bound to be an explosion of life, Everything is about to get verdant!
All essential oils come from a single botanical source, i.e. from seeds, fruits or even blossom.
Seed essential oils
The seeds that have been lying dormant for months are about to burst into life. The seed oils, and there are many, tend to support the digestive system.
Coriander, Coriandrum sativum has a fresh woody, sweet aroma. It is useful for when stress impacts on the digestive system. It can also be used as a mild sedative. Another seed oil is Cardamon, Elettaria cardamomum. Also useful for digestive issues but unlike Coriander is most definitely not a sedative, in fact it’s a mental stimulant and can ‘blow away the cobwebs’ something we all need to do right now after the dark of winter!
Blossom essential oils
Blossom for me is the best sight of Spring, one moment a tree is just all twiggy and bare and the next its covered in pretty delicate pink, orange, red flowers… colours of joy, wonderful blossom!
My favourite blossom essential oil is Neroli, unfortunately not one that grows freely in England, Its native to South East Asia but now grows in abundance in the Mediterranean and comes from the Orange tree – Citrus sinensis. This oil is sublime, highly aromatic and fragrant! Two of its therapeutic properties are to nurture the skin and uplift the emotions. A wonderful Aromatherapist and author Gabriel Mojay describes it as having the ability to promote ‘lightness of being’. It brings us hope and joy, something I definitely feel when spring is in the air!
Fruit essential oils
After the blossom comes fruit and the fruit Essential oils are mostly from the citrus family. Fresh sweet and refreshing. Grapefruit – Citrus paradises, bitter and sweet, has cleansing properties, great for a spring detox. Bergamot – Citrus bergamia, a gentle immune tonic. Unfortunately with the change of any season bugs and viruses quite often appear; a few drops in a burner can help combat colds. Or how about Mandarin, Citrus reticulata, again sweet and uplifting in its aroma but also good for the skin. Slightly astringent for oily skin but also good for dry skin, it may even prevent stretch marks.
All these musings make me think of pregnancy, the seed of conception the blossoming of mid pregnancy and can you call your newborn a fruit? Why not, it’s all cyclical. Spring eventually comes around, and when it does it makes everyone feel so much better!