Temperate Herbs and Trees

Temperate-zone medicinal plants have been used in Europe since prehistory, although their essential oils have only been extracted for about 600 years. Three plant families dominate the scene: the lipflower family (Labiatae/Lamiaceae), the carrot family (Umbelliferae) and the daisy family (Compositae). The seven plants below are the ones currently most used in aromatherapy.

• The two blue camomiles for their sweet-apple and fresh scent and relaxing, soothing effects.
• Roman camomile for its deep floral-green scent and cooling, relaxing effect.
• Spearmint for its sweet-green scent and cooling, relaxing effect.
  Peppermint for its sweet, fresh-green scent and energizing, awakening effect.
• Angelica root for its fresh-spicy and rooty scent, and grounding and calming effect.
• Fennel for its spicy-sweet-licorice scent and balancing, harmonizing effect.