Welcome!! Our theme this month is Sacred Oils of the Himalayas. The botanicals of this land, which spans a number of countries, are interwoven into ancient Nepalese and Tibetan healing traditions. This month’s carefully selected oils include essences you may be unfamiliar with, but they are as common to the people of these lands as peppermint and lemon are to us. We hope that learning more about some of these rare offerings will encourage you to utilize their diverse medicinal properties for your own physical health, emotional balance and spiritual growth. We work directly with a wonderful farmer in Nepal who has introduced us to the powerful healing effects of oils like Davana and Eucalyptus masala, among others.
The following information will tell you how to participate in this special 40% off opportunity. Please read these instructions, even if you have participated before, as some ordering aspects may have changed.
1. The 40% off promotional offer on these select items runs through Friday, June 27th, starting at 12:01 am, Mountain Standard Time, and ending Sunday, June 29th at midnight, Mountain Standard Time. Insurance is included in the shipping cost, which covers leakage, damage or loss, if your order is being shipped. Let us know of any problem that might arise in this regard so that we can walk you through the process to document the claim.
2. If you normally order through your WOTE teacher or WOTE distributor, please do so for this promotion. You will receive the same 40% discount you would receive ordering directly from us, and doing so honors the ongoing relationship you have with our representative. They are also able to advise on your choices, if you have any questions regarding whether something would be helpful for you, and how to apply it most effectively for the use you have in mind, etc.
3. We have programmed the site to reflect 40% off prices; for reference, the regular price is shown in the product descriptions below. But when you place an order for any of these 10 products in our Sacred Oils of the Himalayas Promotion, the discounted price will be applied automatically. No coupons are necessary.
4. The name of each product in the descriptions below is a link to the product on our website’s on-line store, if you want to go directly to it, or you can just make a list of the ones you are interested in as you read through the descriptions, and use the search function on the website to take you to them. The pictures of each plant with the name of the product in the center are also “links”, and if you click on the name it will take you to that product’s location in the e-store as well.
5. The promotional pricing cannot be combined with any other discount you may qualify for (for example, our Locals’ 10% discount) on these 10 items, however if you wish to include other regularly priced items in your order, just enter your regular discount code, and it will be applied to the other, non-promotional products.
6. Please remember, these promotions result in lots of orders in a short amount of time, so we appreciate your patience, as it may take considerably longer than usual to process and ship promotional orders. We also have the 4th of July Office Holiday in the shipping timeframe, so if you have not received notice by email that your order has shipped by Monday, July 7th, please contact us so we can research your order status.
7. Important! If you experience any problems placing your order, let me know via the website contact us form, or send me an email at [email protected] explaining the issue. If we can’t get back to you until Tuesday, we will still honor the promotional pricing if you have contacted us during the promotional period.
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Sacred Oils of the Himalayas
The following products are being offered in this promotion: Artemisia titepati, Cardamom (Black), Cornmint, Chamomile (Blue), Davana, Eucalyptus masala, Himalayan Soti, Patchouli, Turmeric, and Valerian Root.
Here is a brief overview of the medicinal, cultural and spiritual aspects of these beautiful offerings from “The Mountains of the Gods”.
1. Artemisia titepati (Artemisia vulgaris)
Also known as Himalayan Mugwort, this botanical powerhouse has been the topic of recent research which detailed the anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and neuroprotective effects of over 400 Artemisia species. It has long been known to support the digestive process, and, with its purgative effects, it is useful for relief from constipation.
Traditionally, it was used to expel intestinal worms and other parasites, and also acts as a natural insect repellant. It is a very strong and powerful essential oil, so remember that a little goes a long way.
Artemisia titepati has strong anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis, fever and the flu. Many sources cite its effectiveness in helping to regulate menstruation.
Culturally, Titepati is used in ritual purification and spiritual cleansing. It is believe to ward off negative energies and protect home and property. This oil has deep roots in Himalayan folklore. One legend speaks of a sacred grove deep in the Himalays guarded by a spirit known as Pati Devi. A misty figure, she was said to guide lost travelers to safety.
Spiritually, some Himalayan shamans use this plant for divination, claiming that its scent enhances visions and provides spiritual insight.
Retail price: 15 ml $38; 120 ml $267
2. Cardamom, Black (Amomum subulatum)
Unlike its green counterpart, Black Cardamom has a smoky, earthy depth has has been prized in Himalayan and Tibetan medicine. In Nepal, it has been a trade staple for years, traveling along ancient spice routes and finding its way into both culinary and medicinal applications. It was historically used to warm the body and strengthen the respiratory function. Black Cardamom is also used for bloating, indigestion and stomach cramps. Some studies suggest that it supports heart function (its name is a great reminder of that), facilitates liver function and reduces inflammation. Cardamom contains cardamonin, a compound with known anti-cancer properties.
One of our students did her Level I Certification Paper on Black Cardamom, and I find this excerpt from her wonderful paper (which appears in our book Voices of Love, Voices of Light: Messages from the Plants & Trees) so compelling:
People love her. They don’t know why, but they are happy around her. Perhaps it’s that smokiness that takes us back to the first memories of fire and comfort. When I wear her, people chat me up. People linger. People smile. People who don’t usually do these things. It’s like they are instinctively drawn to gather around her for warmth and community.
But on the sub-physical level, she’s working even deeper magic. … She is the revealer of our deepest mysteries. Good and bad. Like it or not, Black Cardamom is, above all, authentic. And in her authenticity, she roots her power, and offers you this gift as well…the pathway to being grounded in your power by way of your purest, most authentic self.
Ahh, the power of essential oils to bring us to our authenticity…something rarely talked about, but something I have personally experienced, as did this student with Black Cardamom.
Retail Price: 5 ml $22; 15ml $57; 120ml $400
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Cornmint (Mentha arvensis)
Cornmint is a relatively unknown essential oil in the United States, but our farmer in Nepal brought it to our attention many years ago, and it is a staple for many of our students and customers.
Deeply penetrating, it is a must for joint pain, especially joints like hip or shoulder, which require something that will go deep into their dense muscle and bone/cartilage structure. It is generally more intensely penetrating than Peppermint (though our French Peppermint gives it a run for its money!).
Layered with other respiratory oils, it addresses sore throats and congestion. Again, like Artemisia discussed above, a little goes a long way. So start carefully to determine the strength that is most effective for you. When layering for respiratory issues, it is good to put a more gentle oil, like Fir, Balsam or Spruce, White, as the first layer, and Frankincense or Eucalyptus masala as the last layer, with the Cornmint sandwiched in between.
Historically, in Japan, mentha arvensis has been cultivated there for over 2000 years, and, medicinally, is particularly valued for its high menthol content. It was typically used in medieval Europe in tonics and poultices to relieve headaches and muscle pain.
Recent studies suggest that Cornmint’s bioactive compounds (the aforementioned menthol, as well as rosmarinic acid and terpenoids), may support cardiovascular health, and strengthen liver and immune system function.
Cornmint is an oil of resilience and renewal, ideal for those seeking mental clarity, cooling relief and an energetic reset. Layering with an oil like Blue Chamomile, which is highly calming, provides the opposing energies and sensations to stimulate tired, aching muscles and joints, as well as lift mental or emotional fatigue. If you don’t know this oil, give it a try…it will become one of your “go to” oils, guaranteed!
Retail Price: 15ml $30; 120ml $210
Chamomile, Blue (Matricaria chamomilla)
Also known as German Chamomile, this essential oil carries a profound legacy in both medicinal and cultural traditions. Rich in the phytochemical chamazulene, which gives it its gorgeous, deep blue hue and potent anti-inflammatory properties, Blue Chamomile is a stand out in medicinal aromatherapy.
Used over the heart or on the wrists, this beautiful oil brings a sense of calm that clears our mind and restores our focus in the daytime, or creates the opportunity for restful sleep at night.
Layered with an oil like Black Cardamom or Spike Lavender, her healing touch offers deep relaxation and emotional balance. Slow down, she says; meditate a moment and return to a sense of divine peace, which will lighten any earthly concerns you might carry.
Many use her for digestive support, to ease bloating, nausea and indigestion. Blue Chamomile is also antimicrobial and antifungal, addressing infections and disharmonies like eczema and athlete’s foot.
In ancient times, the Egyptians revered Chamomile as sacred to the sun god Ra. In medieval Europe, Chamomile was one of the nine sacred herbs in Anglo-Saxon traditions, believed to ward off illness and negative energy. Though not native to the Himalayan range, it found a place in Tibetan medicine, where it was cherished for its ability to calm the restless mind and soothe a weary body, thus earning a reputation as a “botanical of restoration”.
Retail price: 5 ml $28; 15ml $73; 120ml $511
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Davana (Artemisia pallens)
This exquisite oil, so unknown to most in the US, has deep roots in Ayurvedic medicine, spiritual traditions and perfumery. Davana is best known within our aromatherapy practice an incredible healer of wounds. And I don’t use the word “incredible” loosely. I once cut my thumb and immediately put Davana on it….within moments, I could literally see the tissue begin to knit together. It was so unbelievable, that I never told anyone about the experience, but one day a few months later, one of my students called me to tell me a story about her little granddaughter and Davana.
The child had cut herself while playing outside, and ran in crying to show her grandmother her wound. Her grandmother immediately got her bottle of Davana, and poured it over the cut. She said, “Audre, I know this sounds crazy, but I literally saw the wound begin to heal right before my eyes!” I told her, “Well, it doesn’t sound crazy to me, because I had exactly the same experience a few months ago!” Never doubt the healing miracle of these pure, potent oils!
Davana is also used in aromatherapy to address stress and anxiety. For respiratory issues, applying Davana to the chest, behind the ears and down to the shoulders helps clear congestion, ease coughs and support deeper breathing. For the yoga practitioners and yoga teachers out there, this oil is great to apply when you are working with the breath, or during savasana.
In Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, Davana was used for mental clarity, digestion and respiratory ailments. In modern medicine, in studies conducted world-wide, Davana has exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial and anticancer activity. The oil contains davanone, linalool, methyl cinnamate and sesquiterpene lactones, contributing to its therapeutic effects. Research has also explored Davana’s ability to prevent infections, reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. So…I wasn’t seeing things after all when I saw my finger heal!
For women, Davana helps to regulate menstrual cycles and ease discomfort. In the perfume industry, this oil is known for its ability to adapt a scent uniquely to each wearer. I love this aspect!
Culturally, in India, Davana was considered sacred to Lord Shiva, and the plant was often woven into garlands and temple offerings. Give this sacred offering of the Plant Kingdom a try…I think you will be deeply impressed with her abilities.
Retail Price: 5 ml $46; 15ml $119; 120ml $833
Eucalyptus Masala (Eucalyptus rostrata – camaldulensis)
We are often asked why we carry so many Eucalyptus oils…while they have many common characteristics (for example, excellent for respiratory, immune support), just like siblings in a large family, each has its own personality, as well! In this case, Eucalyptus masala is a very powerful variety…good for more serious respiratory issues like bronchitis and the flu, as well as the common cold. So, when someone has chronic respiratory issues, I will usually recommend Masala or Eucalyptus Blue Mallee, as I have found them more effective for chronic or more severe situations.
Research has also shown that Masala has phyto-chemistry that contributes to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. This variety has uplifting and clearing properties, making it useful for mental clarity and emotional balance. These are not properties typically associated with Eucalyptus oils, but I personally feel that this beautiful family has been “type cast”, due to its incredibly effective respiratory benefits, so it is good to try it for other situations.
For example, my hip was hurting after a lot of car and air travel lately, and I only had eucalyptus and lavender with me. We pulled over, I slathered my leg and hip with them, and the pain literally disappeared almost immediately. So, many references will tell you about how eucalyptus can help with sciatica and neuralgia, and my experience clearly supports that.
Culturally, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, eucalyptus was used for its warming properties and its ability to enhance overall vitality. This medicinal family has been used for centuries across different cultures and countries.
Retail Price: 15ml $25; 120ml $175
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Himalayan Soti (Cymbopogon sp.)
Himalayan Soti is a fascinating essential oil with deep roots in Nepalese healing traditions. It is distilled from the flowering tops of a wild East Indian variety of Lemongrass , and carries a light, fresh, herbaceous aroma with a hint of lemon.
Some of the most common uses include relieving mental exhaustion, supporting recovery from a concussion, and easing headaches. Soti also helps with respiratory issues like congestion and asthma. For deep respiratory support, warmth and grounding energy, you can layer Black Cardamom over Himalayan Soti. Black Cardamom’s smoky depth enhances Soti’s clearing properties, making this duo excellent for breathwork and breath-related yoga.
In the case of asthma, in general, you definitely always want to test this on an individual basis with tiny amounts (a drop or two) to gauge one’s tolerance, as reactions to essential oils from those who have asthma range broadly and are very individual.
Finally, Himalayan Soti is is highly anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-infections, making it a powerful, all-around medicinal oil for a wide variety of situations.
Culturally, this oil was used for aura purification and strengthening. It was considered a powerful agent of spiritual cleansing and renewal, and was/is often incorporated into rituals for times of passage.
Some called Himalayan Soti the Green Ray Healer, as its golden color has a hint of green in it. The Green Ray, in some traditions, was associated with the Archangel Raphael, whose name means “Divine Healer”. He radiates a soothing emerald green light — the color often associated with balance, nature and restoration. Archangel Raphael is also known as the “healer of hearts”, and interestingly, the color associated with the heart chakra is green. So consider Himalayan Soti for journeys of the heart and emotional healing.
Retail Price: 15ml $29 120ml $203
Patchouli (Pogosteamon cablin)
Before skipping by this one (because you hate the aroma) consider this the chance to give ours a try! The vast majority of what was out there in the “hippie days” or was offered in candle and incense shops, was synthetic or highly adulterated. When people get a whiff of ours, medicinal grade and scrupulously sourced, they have an entirely different impression of it.
When they learn that it is one of the most powerful heavy metal detoxifiers, and has other highly desirable health benefits like supporting circulation, lymphatic drainage and skin healing, it quickly becomes one of their “go to” essential oils. Patchouli supports liver and kidney detoxification, helping the body to effectively release harmful substances.
Its anti-fungal properties make it useful addressing athlete’s foot and other fungal skin infections. It also reduces inflammation, making it beneficial for eczema, acne and wound healing.
Emotionally, due to its ability to stimulate serotonin and dopamine production in the body, Patchouli helps to ease anxiety, depression and emotional trauma.
So, this is definitely not “your mama’s” Patchouli, but a beautiful, powerful healing agent that is suffering from “guilt by association”! 🙂
Retail Price: 15ml $34; 120ml $238
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
This botanical powerhouse is rich in curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Turmeric helps to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation, and the antioxidant properties are thought to help prevent or slow AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and cataracts, another age-related eye problem. So this information would suggest that using a daily maintenance regimen of turmeric…keeping it in the blood stream in an ongoing way…would be most helpful.
Turmeric has also shown promise in supporting brain health…memory retention and recall. This is another situation where a “hit or miss” application approach is unlikely to show much benefit. The Turmeric could be added to the water in a diffuser, and operate for a couple of hours each evening at bedtime. Due to the bright yellow color of this oil, you would need to be ok with some possible staining of the interior of the diffuser, or you could apply the oil to the soles of the feet before bed, as well. In that case you would want to put on a pair of old socks so that you do not stain your bedding. If you were working on both eye health and brain support, you could use a few more drops, e.g., and apply 7-10 drops on the sole of each foot, massage it in, and then put the socks on for the rest of the night.
Another lesser-known use of Turmeric essential oil is that it can enhance the absorption of other botanicals (e.g., oils, hydrolats, salves) when layered therapeutically. Its bioactive compounds act as natural penetration enhancers, helping other oils reach deeper layers of the skin or bloodstream more effectively. This makes it a strategic ally in protocols where you want to amplify the effects of other medicinal products, much like how we have taught that Helichrysum italicum should be used first or last in a layering sequence, due to its amplification abilities.
Culturally, Turmeric essential oil has a fascinating connection to lunar rituals and purification rites in traditional Himalayan practices. In certain regions, Turmeric is burned or diffused during full moon ceremonies to cleanse negative energies and invite prosperity. The oil’s golden hue is believed to mirror the moon’s transformative power, making it a symbolic bridge between earthly vitality and celestial wisdom.
Do not be afraid of her golden power…learn to work with Turmeric for your physical, emotional and spiritual benefit. You will be glad you stepped out of your comfort zone.
Retail Price: 15 ml $34; 120 ml $239
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis, v. jatamansi)
This pungent and powerful oil has been used for ages as a natural sedative and nervous system tonic. It has deep roots in European, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The sedating action works similarly to pharmaceutical sedatives, but without the same dependency risks. It also helps to promote restful sleep.
Historically, it has been used to ease muscle spasms, tension and convulsions. Valerian was employed as an anticonvulsant in the 18th and 19th centuries. This oil is also a natural analgesic, and has been used for headaches, menstrual cramps and digestive upset.
It is also effective on varicose veins and hemorrhoids. I have a relative who was extremely concerned because he had been told that he had to have hemorrhoid surgery. I suggested that he use Valerian Root EO to see if he could avoid having the surgery. We used a specific protocol, which also included Helichrysum italicum, for his situation, and lo and behold…in several weeks, there was no need for surgery at all. This was about 10 years ago, and he is a believer to this day!
As a support to the Central Nervous System (CNS), Valerian Root has been used to ease the symptoms of epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease, but due to the seriousness of these conditions, it is good to consult with a physician, preferably a Naturopath. Before doing so, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the relevant research that has been conducted on Valerian as a therapy for adults and children to assist in shaping questions and processing the answers.
It is good to remember that many of today’s advances are built on the practices of ancient civilizations. Hippocrates and Galen prescribed Valerian for insomnia and nervous disorders. In WWI and WWII, Valerian was given to soldiers and civilians to ease shell shock and air raid anxiety.
I wrote an article some years back called ‘What’s Old is New Again”, where I discussed the effectiveness of some approaches that our grandmothers and mothers used…and how they are effective even today. History repeats itself in virtually every aspect of life!.
Retail Price: 5 ml $42; 15 ml $109; 120 ml $764
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