Palma rosa (Cymbopogon Martini) Oil
The smell of palma rosa is quite similar to rose geranium oil, since it also has a high level of the component called geraniol. It has antimicrobial properties and has been said to help with rashes and other skin problems. In aromatherapy it is used to aid in clarity of mind.
Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) Oil
Patchouli is also known as Pucha-pat and originates from the Malay peninsular. The leaves are used to prepare this essential oil, and it is traditionally used to fragrance clothes. Popular in the Sixties to mask the smell of cannabis, this persistent woody oriental fragrance, which has the hint of mint deep in its heart, is now gaining popularity as a component of many fragrance compositions. In aromatherapy it can either excite or relax depending on the person receiving the treatment - a fact that is confirmed in the literature.
Peach (Prunus Persica) Kernel Oil
This oil is virtually identical in appearance and skin feel to sweet almond oil. It is a fast-penetrating, skin protecting oil that is absorbed quickly into the skin to leave it feeling perfectly moisturised, without feeling greasy.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil
Peppermint oil does not really require any explanation, since it is widely used as a flavouring agent and component of perfumery. It has always been considered cooling, since it contains a natural source of menthol. Literature considers peppermint to be anodyne (alleviates pain), good
for pruritis (itching), anti-inflammatory and soothing. In aromatherapy,
it is used to activate all the senses and responses, because it is
highly invigorating.
Petitgrain (Citrus Aurantium) Oil
A wonderfully sensuous oil is extracted by the steam distillation of the small twigs and unopened buds of the orange tree (just before it comes into blossom). It has many of the same fragrant overtones as its more expensive cousin Neroli, but is slightly more authorative and more powerful in its base notes.
Plankton Extract
Plankton contains phospholipids, lipids, sterols (cholesterol derivatives), proteins, vitamins and trace minerals (sometimes called oligo-elements). This rich harvest of skin nutrients is particularly applicable to intensive skin treatments designed to revitalise and deep-moisturise the skin.
While every care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this glossary is accurate, neither the author, nor ESPA, nor the publishers can be held responsible for the claims arising from the mistaken identity of any herbs or the inappropriate use of any remedy or healing regime.
We must stress that the medical use of plants requires expert knowledge. In this respect, the book is a reference work rather than a guide to practical application. Under no circumstances should readers use the information in theses pages for home treatments of self-administration without first taking expert advice from their medical profession or qualified herbal practitioner.
Always seek medical advice for any persistent symptoms and never undertake self-education if already on a course of prescribed treatment, without the advice and guidance of your doctor.
NOTE: Essential oils must never be used undiluted on the skin, they must always be used with care.
Herbal materials should only be used by qualified medical practitioners or herbalists. The use of herbs for self medication is not recommended, and a doctor should always be consulted
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