Fragonia™

We recently received in a new shipment of this Australian oil, and I was reminded that Christi has researched Fragonia™ for her Aromatherapy Certification Course.   We thought you might find her research interesting.

Essential Oil Profile Outline

Common Name:  Fragonia ™   Referred to as “coarse Tea Tree,” in the cut flower industry.   

Latin binomial/family:  Agonis Fragrans originally but recently moved to the Taxandria Genus and renamed Taxandria Fragrans as part of the Myrtaceae family. (Closely related to Tea Tree, Rosalina, Niaouli, & Eucalyptus within the Myrtle family of trees & shrubs.)    Note that the company that produces this unique oil still refers to it as agonis fragrans in its literature & on its website. 

Plant Description Origin: 

A “fine leaved shrub,” growing to approximately 2.4 meters; found only in the Southwestern corner of Western Australia on the coast.  (Unique in that the oil has been trademarked by Paperbark Oils due to the specific balance of this particular oil raised for its chemotype on a large plantation in Western Australia.)

Extraction Method:  Steam distillation from the leaves & young branches.

Primary chemical constituents:  1.8 Cineole, Alpha-pinene, & linalool.  Balanced in a near perfect 1:1:1 ratio of oxides (cineole), monoterpenes (alpha-pinene), & monoterpenols (linalool & other constituents), according to the producer, making it a unique oil. 

Description (Oil & Aroma): 

Color:  Clear

Aroma:  The aroma is described as "a pleasant fresh cineolic odor with a hint of a citrus note (which becomes more pronounced after a few minutes) mixed with a slight spicy cinnamon tonality and sweet balsamic undertones. The dry down is very faint being sweet, soapy and woody balsamic." (copyright Tony Burfield 2004).  Less medicinal aroma than Tea Tree. 

Perfumery: Top Note

Chakras:  Because this is a relatively new oil, there is no specific information, however, a Queensland aromatherapist/energy worker has experimented with the oil in her practice, over a seven day period, having clients apply the oil to each of the specific chakra points before sleep.  Subjects reported the upper chakras were more affected than the lower chakras & felt an impact on their spirituality, dreaming, self awareness, insight, & the ability to more easily resolve old issues.  Additionally Dr. Daniel Penoel & Robbi Zeck both report release of blockages by applying it to the tip of the spine just below the neck before sleep. 

Properties:  Significantly antimicrobial. Also, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, decongestant, gentle expectorant, immune building,

Aroma-therapeutic Indications:

Body

Skincare:  Non toxic & non irritating. Very gentle for use in skincare.  Safe enough to use on children.

Respiratory:  Excellent for use in sinus & respiratory infections, gently clearing lungs.

Immune system:  Can be applied to lymph glands to boost immune system per Dr. Penoel.  (neck, armpits, groin area) 

Infections:  Helpful for both bacterial & fungal infections. Case studies showing impact in fighting bacterial tonsillitis & staphylococcus aureus.  Effective against Candida albicans.  Synergistically said to work well with KunzeaAmbigua. 

Pain Reliever:  Indicated for arthritis, joint & muscle pain, as well as mild dental pain. 

Mind & Spirit:  This is where Fragonia ™ shines.  Amazingly powerful effect on the mind & emotions.  Thought to be a balancer of emotions.  There are case studies of individuals using Fragonia ™ to release longstanding emotional blockages bringing peace & harmony to the mind.  Releases tension & can have a calming effect on the mind. 

In The Blossoming Heart, Robbi Zeck says, “Like a candle carrying the light of dignity, Fragonia ™ is fertilizer for the spirit, taking you beyond lingering hurts & emotional meshments stemming from any unresolved family issues…”  She further states, “Fragonia ™ carries a unique energy pattern bringing the gift of the power of love.” 

Spiritually harmonizing & uplifting. 

Safety Data & Precautions:

Non toxic & non irritant. 

As with all essential oils, dilute for use on skin, however, some sources, including Dr. Penoel, say it is safe to use it neat on lymph nodes for immune building & others promote the use of it neat on chakras for spiritual use.

References:

The Journal of Essential Oil Research (JEOR), July/August 2007, “Composition of an Essential Oil of Agonis fragrans,” by Lowe, Robert F., Russell, Michael F., Southwell, Ian A., Christopher, J, & Day, John. 

Microbiology & Immunology, Volume 52, Issue 11, October 2008.  “Antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory activity of five Taxandria fragrans oils in vitro.”  Hammer, Katherine A., Carson, Christine F., Dunstan, Janet A., Hale, Jasmine, Lehmann, Heidi, Robinson, Christopher J., Prescott, Susan L., & Riley, Thomas V.

“The Medicinal Essential Oil Awakening,” article by Sana Turnock of Joyful Living Consulting.  www.aromacasa.com, 2011

www.paperbarkoils.com.au, John Day, 2011 

www.naturesgift.com, Marge Clark, 2010

www.sunrosearomatics.com, Roseanne Tartaro, 2010

The Blossoming Heart, Zeck, Robbi, 2008, pages 80-81.

Teleconference text, Alliance of International Aromatherapists, March 2007, “Breakthroughs with Fragonia & Kunzea Essential Oils,” Penoel, Dr. Daniel. 

  

Blue Lotus Love

(Kate is one of the "friends we haven't met yet"...an client of Nature's Gift for years, a Yoga Teacher, a Wise Woman. she recently shared an experience with our Blue Lotus Infusion, and I asked her to expand a bit on it.)

The very first oil blend I ever created for myself had Lotus essential oil in it. That was seven years ago. My love for this haunting ethereal aroma endures. 

 I was first drawn to blending essential oils because I was fascinated by the emotional and spiritual potential of these potent substances. As a dedicated yoga practitioner, I actively seek the union of body, mind, and spirit, so essential oils are one of the means I employ. Because the Lotus is a symbol of enlightenment, it was one of the first oils I wanted to try.

I've experimented with White, Pink, and Blue Lotus, both full strength and in 10% dilution. Each one of these oils is subtly different in aroma, but all have a similar effect on the mind and spirit. Much as I expected to find from this sacred flower, Lotus brings serenity and tranquility, and supports a state of relaxed awareness, making it the ideal addition to a meditation blend. In fact, this first blend I made for myself was specifically designed to support my meditation practice, and I named the blend "Samadhi", the yogic word that describes the final meditative state of bliss. For a blend with this high aspiration, I knew it had to contain Lotus.

Recently, my favorite supplier of essential oils, Marge Clark of Nature's Gift, sourced a very special treat: Blue Lotus Infusion. When I first heard about how this oil was made, I knew I had to have a sample of an oil that was made with such painstaking dedication. As explained by Marge, "The producer [uses] equal amounts of pure Jojoba oil and fresh Blue Lotus blossoms. Seal, cover, allow to stand overnight. Drain off the jojoba, discarding the spent blossom, and add freshly picked blossoms to the Jojoba. Continue this process for 25 days. At the end of this period one is left with the most marvelously sweetly scented Blue Lotus infusion." I knew I had to try it.

It was love at first sniff. Regular Lotus essential oil can be difficult to love undiluted. It has a deep, sharp undertone that frequently masks the more delicate floral notes it contains. Lotus is a water-borne plant. It roots in the mud, but floats upon the water. It really likes to be diluted to lift the more subtle notes out of the oil. On the other hand, the floral notes are so subtle that other oils can easily subdue it, making it a difficult note to elevate in a blend. But this Blue Lotus Infusion was different. It was bliss straight out of the bottle.

Knowing it was diffused in a skin-safe jojoba, I dabbed a drop on my wrist as soon as I could pull my nose out of the bottle. I was eager to see how it reacted to my skin chemistry, since some florals seem to fall flat on my skin. Blue Lotus Infusion held up beautifully, so I immediately filled my essendulum so I could have this on hand throughout the day. Rarely have I ever fallen so in love with an oil, but this one was definitely just what I needed.

I lead a weekly meditation class, so of course I began using this oil in conjunction with meditation sessions. It is such a beautiful oil that it inspired a new meditation blend. I use it as an antidote to anxiety, grounding me in a time of great difficulty. It focuses my awareness on the present and brings peace when I let worry overtake me. It centers my mind and steadies my spirit.  

I call this blend Blue Dawn because it evokes the same sense of peace and optimism.

 

Blue Dawn:

4 parts Blue Lotus Infusion

2 parts Jasmine grandiflora 10%

1 part Patchouli

Equal parts Fractionated Coconut oil (or carrier oil of your choice.)

 

As a devoted Jasmine lover, I usually prefer the Sambac variety, which has a richer, heavier floral than the grandiflora. I chose the lighter grandiflora here so that it wouldn't overcome the sweetly delicate Lotus. The Patchouli is needed to ground this heady mixture, acting both as a perfume base as well as an emotional base. But be careful: a little Patchouli goes a long way; even diluted against the Lotus and Jasmine, people were able to detect the Patchouli immediately in this blend. But what a winning combination! I have been using this blend nearly every day as emotional support during a difficult and anxious time. Just pulling the stopper and taking a deep breath is enough to ground me and reconnect to the present.

This blend has been a true gift to me. I believe we are drawn towards oils that help us heal on whatever level needs healing. If we allow our intuition to inform our noses, we will be attracted to the oils we need most. Blue Lotus Infusion has become a powerful tool in my quest for serenity and peace.

Namaste.

Kate Ashworth

Guilderland Center, NY

Kate@Orendayoga.org

(We thank Kate for sharing her eloquence with us...and wonder if it is serendipity or intent that lead her to use three Indian oils in her Blue Dawn blend.)

Early Roses

I have a huge, sprawling rambler rose on the side of my house that I seldom see.  Most Junes, it gives perhaps a half dozen blossoms. (It's in shade, not sun, and terribly neglected.) It has never bloomed before Memorial day.  Today I went around to that side of the house, and there it was, with far more roses on it than it's had the entire time I've lived here.

Last year a workman took down its trellis. Instead it has climbed and sprawled all over the hibiscus tree that grew outside it.    At you can see, it's grown almost roof high.   For the first time, I have roses enough to DO something.  I was thinking Pot Pourri,  but remembered last night's AIA teleconference.

Mindy Green gave a presentation on Aroma-Herbalism, using traditional herbal infusions, tinctures and other traditional herbal products with the essential oils we love.  (If you missed the presentation, you may order a CD from the AIA here.)

While talking about using herbs for depression she shared a timely recipe. She specifically mentioned Lilacs, blooming now for some of the listeners, but said that Roses, Calendula, Yarrow, violets, any edible flower would work.

Cold water infusion - Springtime Beverage:

Pick fresh UNSPRAYED Lilacs, yarrow, chamomile, rose, any edible flower that know has not been sprayed.  Fill a pitcher with the blooms, cover with cold water. Let stand over nightin the refrigerator. Drink and enjoy!   She suggests that this needs to be used within three days at the longest.

I think I may go back out to the garden, gather all the roses I can reach, and make myself some rose water to drink.  (or to boil into rose syrup...that's another thought...)