Bay ( Pimenta Racemosa)- its origin form roman era, knows as Laurus nobilis (roman laurel) not only the sign of health, but to ward off evil spirit. Greek priestess chewed the leaves for their soporific effect and after gastronomic banquets it was chewed as breath fresher.
It’s a popular as a culinary herb; bay is an attractive evergreen shrub whose shiny leather leaves produces cluster of yellowish-green flower in spring. The spicy smelling oil is extracted from the leaves and is yellowish-brown in color.
The therapeutic effects – as a pulmonary antiseptic it help relieve bronchitis colds and flu. Also used to aid digestion and sleep to soothe rheumatic aches and pain, also as a general tonic.
Uses- inhalation bath and massage. Widely use in perfume and exotic bath essences for its uplifting effects.
Benzoin ( Styrax Benzoin) – it origin from Far East the gum from the benzoin tree was one of the main ingredients used in increase to drive away evil spirit. The compound tincture is highly potent and it is used in friar’s balsam and as a fixative in perfume.
The benzoic tree is cultivated in Borneo, Java, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand. Its like a rubber tree, the gum is taken away from the bark by making a deep incision in the trunk. The gum is dark with reddish – brown colored streaks. These pigments contain the fatty oils, which exude a delicious aroma similar to vanilla.
The therapeutic effects – for treating urinary infections, it warming relaxing, action suitable for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, cough. Also effective for relieving skin condition and for grout.
Uses – inhalation massage and in cough medicines, this is an energizing oil which can be used in one of two forms, simple tincture or compound the former is not toxic and is preferable for skin conditions.
