This monthly series will introduce you to the plants behind your essential oils! We have a deep love of plants and a passion for natural healing and sustainable living. In this series, we'll share a wealth of knowledge so that you can better understand your essential oils and the beautiful plants they come from.
While specific traditional uses of Agonis fragrans by Indigenous Australians are not well-documented, it's worth noting that related species within the Myrtaceae family, such as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), have been used by Aboriginal communities for their medicinal properties.
It is often mistaken for common ginger (Zingiber officinale) but has distinct characteristics, including its bluish-purple rhizome and more intense camphor-like aroma. Some might even call this plant “Ginger’s cooler cousin”.
Oregano has long been valued for its medicinal benefits. It possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, primarily due to its high content of carvacrol and thymol.
The roots of Chrysopogon zizanioides are the source of vetiver essential oil, a highly valued product in the perfume and cosmetics industries.
Nepeta cataria is known for its resilience and ability to grow in diverse environments.
As a part of forest ecosystems, this species supports biodiversity by providing an excellent habitat for a large number of birds and small mammals, which facilitates its regeneration and contributes to the overall health of its environment.
They revered the goats from whose beards this celestial substance was gathered, and pharaohs would adorn themselves with fake beards of goat furs saturated in labdanum (cistus resin) to symbolize their connection to the heavenly world.
If you have a friend or neighbor with an established Tulsi plant, you can simply take a cutting and remove any flowers, and a few leaves growing on the bottom of the stem.
Laurel has a host of common names, including bay tree, bay leaf tree, bay laurel, sweet bay, sweet bag, Grecian laurel, and true laurel.