Essential oils with a green fragrance remind us of the lush, cool, moist fragrance of herbs and leaves, with all their grace and poise. Many of them, such as Lavender, Camomile and Rosemary, belong to the lipflower or mint family that originate in Mediterranean countries including Greece, Italy and Spain. Almost all green oils are actually steam distilled from the flowering herbs of lavender, rosemary, marjoram and many others.
Green oils generally exert a relaxing and cooling effect, and can therefore help us cope with negative or unproductive stress. They are perfect when we simply need a breather from life's constraints – when we feel the need to let it all hang out. Green oils are unsurpassed for relieving nervous tension, for easing worry, anxiety and insomnia (and frankly whenever a situation arises that clearly demands a calming, even a sedating, effect!). They are excellent for those who run hot, have a red complexion and tend to be quick-tempered.
On the emotional level, green oils offer the gift of renewal and openness. They present us with the opportunity to let go and move foreward. Irritability, mood swings, stuck anger – these and many other kinds of emotional distress can be transformed with the help of these gentle but powerful allies to our emotional well-being.
The sweet-green and herbaceous-green oils and blends below are excellent for winding down in the evening and easing the transition into downtime, as well as providing restful sleep (think Lavender and Clary sage). They work especially well when blended with other fragrance types, especially with sweet and lemony oils.
Sweet-Green – rejuvenation from the traditional physick garden
Singles: Blue tansy, German camomile, Roman camomile, Sambac jasmine
Blends: Harmony, Moon Cycle, Rejuvenate, Worry Free, Sedate Wood
Herbaceous-Green – refreshing coolness from the aromatic herb gardens
Singles: Lavender, Lavendin, Marjoram, Hyssop, Clary sage, Thyme linalool, Holy basil
Blends: Sweet Dreams, Regulate Qi
Pungent-Green – the uplifting freshness of wild Mediterranean herbs
Singles: Rosemary, Spike lavender, Green myrtle, Laurel, Spearmint, Peppermint, Sage, Oregano, Thyme thymol, Galbanum
Blends: Adrenal Support, Muscle Relax, Cramp Ease, Head Ease, Menopause Support, Respiratory, Sedate Metal, Activate Blood & Qi