In challenging times, trees stand as silent, steadfast teachers. They weather storms, shed old growth, and reach ever skyward, their deep roots an anchor to the earth. This month, our newsletter theme, “The Wisdom of the Trees,” invites us to reconnect with the power the enduring resilience and grounding power of these magnificent life forms.
We remain profoundly grateful for you, our community, and your shared belief in the potent, pure Earth medicine that these plant essences carry. Just as a forest ecosystem thrives in concert, our community draws strength from its individual members. We have curated a selection of these sylvan spirits to guide your journey this season.
There are also a number of customer favorites (and one of my favorites…Red Spruce…) in the group. As always, we will highlight the healing properties of each product; for your broader information, cultural and spiritual aspects of these beautiful offerings will be noted, as well.
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Benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis)
This beautiful essential oil is made from the resin of the tree, making it one of the more ancient essences. Oils from the resin help to release deeply held beliefs that no longer serve us. They also help us to access emotions that have been deeply repressed. They are about expression…making external (through voice and writing) what has been internal (thoughts, feelings). Great for “writer’s block”!
Benzoin is highly anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, supporting wound healing, skin regeneration and soothing irritated skin. It also has an astringent quality, and is often used in facial creams and serums to tighten and tone the skin. Benzoin also helps to clear mucus and ease breathing during colds or bronchitis, and its calming properties help to ease anxiety and promote sleep. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it was used to invigorate blood flow and ease respiratory congestion.
Spiritually, it was burned in ancient temples to sanctify and purify the space. Benzoin also invited in divine presence to mark life transitions, such as birth and death.
Culturally, Benzoin resin was revered as the “Frankincense of Sumatra”, traveling the trade routes across Asia and the Middle East, and traded alongside Frankincense and Myrrh.
Shared Wisdom: Remember that fixed ideas or behaviors are a choice; we have the power to revisit old experiences, beliefs, and habits with the new wisdom we hold today.
Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)
Cassia stands boldly on its own…fiery, ancient and deeply resonant. If you have not used this oil before, please remember to do a test patch before applying, as it does pack some heat!! You can also use it on the soles of your feet if you tend to have sensitive skin.
Therapeutically, Cassia is highly antibacterial and antiviral, as one of the key constituents in in this oil is cinnamaldehyde, which inhibits bacteria, fungi and viruses. Like all “spice” oils Cassia aids digestion. She stimulates digestive enzymes, relieves nausea and eases bloating and constipation.
Cassia also boosts circulation, helping to enhance blood flow, warm extremities and support cardiovascular health. Better circulation can also help to ease arthritis and rheumatism symptoms. On top of all of this…Cassia also helps combat fatigue and support our overall immune resilience.
Culturally and Spiritually, Cassia was used in rituals to release negative energies and shield against psychic attacks. She aids those who struggle with self-acceptance, and invokes the inner strength to overcome challenges, both physical and emotional.
Cassia was part of the Holy Anointing Oil gifted to Moses, and is mentioned throughout sacred texts. Known as Chinese cinnamon, Cassia Bark also transversed the ancient trade routes across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Shared Wisdom: How bright is your inner flame? Engage in thoughts, and in interactions with others, that build its strength, not diminish it. |
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Eucalyptus Blue Mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea)
Exceptionally high in 1,8 cineole (u to 90%) this essential oil is one of the most potent eucalyptus oils for clearing congestion, easing coughs and supporting bronchial health. That last point reminds us that you don’t need to use supportive respiratory oils just when you are sick! You can use them periodically in a “maintenance mode” to help prevent illness…soles of the feet a few times a week before bed, or a once-a-week French Inhalation, by itself or with other oils. See my earlier article on the French Inhalation Technique on our website: https://wisdomoftheearth.com/whats-old-is-new-again-more-about-oils-for-the-coronavirus/
Eucalyptus Blue Mallee is not usually “top of mind” for muscle and joint support, as we usually think of Birch, a Conifer, or Lavender. However its anti-inflammatory properties make it one we should include in our pain relief layering protocol.
Spiritually and emotionally, Blue Mallee’s sharp, camphoraceous aroma cuts through mental fog or fatigue, enhancing concentration and mental alertness. This no-nonsense aspect also makes short work of stagnant energy and emotional heaviness, so remember her for the diffuser to clear or purify a home office space. If you sometimes find yourself holding your breath without realizing it…this is the oil for you.
In Colonial times, the settlers embraced eucalyptus for its medicinal properties and incorporated it into their herbal salves, liniments and household remedies. Aboriginal Australians used the leaves for incense, skin healing, and respiratory support long before European contact.
Shared Wisdom: I can help you to take life in more fully, to fill your lungs and your energy with more of the “breath of life”.
Fir, Douglas (Albania) (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Another beauty for respiratory support, Fir Douglas from Albania opens airways, loosens mucus, and soothes inflamed bronchi. Again, refer to the article mentioned above for details on how to safely do a steam inhalation with this and other respiratory support oils.
This is also a gem for muscle and joint pain, especially when gently massaged into painful areas. If you regularly receive massage, ask your therapist to drip 5-7 drops over your back and shoulders before any massage oil is applied to receive the greatest benefit.
With regard to spiritual and emotional properties, Fir, Douglas is excellent at grounding and centering you during times of stress or transition; especially helpful for “frayed” nerves. With her limonene content as her “secret weapon”, she is another one for cutting through mental fog, and letting the light shine in! When you are feeling “down”, let her lift your spirits. Diffuse, put on the soles of the feet and over the heart…the energetic and emotional shift will quickly follow.
In early times, the Coast Salish burned Douglas Fir boughs to “cleanse human minds and hearts”. (https://libraryexhibits.uvm.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/uvmtrees/douglas-fir-tree/douglas-fir-tree-culture).
Noted Scottish botanist David Douglas marveled at the grace of this towering tree in the 1820s in his writings, and, like many botanists of the time, bestowed his name upon this particular species of Fir, which is the largest tree in the Pineacea family. (Yes, like many other botanical puzzles, this tree is technically a pine, though it’s historical “fir” designation remains part of its common name.) Finally, this tree essence, like the tree itself, reminds us to stand tall and rooted during the dark seasons.
Shared Wisdom: If you cannot physically lean against me, let us link hearts, and I will bring the light of the sun to give you strength.
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Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Like many tree essences, Eastern Hemlock offers strong respiratory support, easing coughs, bronchitis, and helping to strengthen those who are susceptible to respiratory illness. The latter is due to the predominant levels alpha-pinene and camphene in its chemical composition. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties ease muscular aches, poor circulation and rheumatism.
Another essence to boost the immune system, daily use of Eastern Hemlock not only benefits one’s ability to ward off infections, but also helps to reduce the severity if an infection does occur.
Spiritually and emotionally, Eastern Hemlock clears stagnant energy and supports spiritual clarity, especially during times of strife or transition. An essence of renewal and resilience, a few drops on the crown chakra, or over the heart at the start of each day brings fresh energy and perspective to the day’s activities and challenges.
Please note, this tree/oil is not to be confused with Conium maculatum (poison hemlock); it is a safe coniferous tree in the pine family.
In colonial times, settlers brewed Hemlock needle tea for colds and scurvy, and used its resin in salves and liniments. Native peoples used Eastern Hemlock for respiratory ailments, skin healing and ceremonial smoke. So, historically, it has a significant legacy of medicinal and ritualistic use.
Shared Wisdom: Always remember the strength that resides in your core…core beliefs, core values and physical endurance. You can count on yourself.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Now, that is a beautiful botanical name!!! I remember once, at one of our Master Distributor gatherings, we all chose a botanical name for ourselves. I picked Myristica fragrans!! Ok, enough about me…let’s talk about her.
Nutmeg’s inclusion in our Tree promotion is due to the fact that the oil is distilled from the seed of the fruit of the Myristica fragrans tree…the nutmeg is the inner seed kernel, and a substance called mace, which is also a spice, is a lacy red aril (fleshy seed covering) that surrounds the seed…see the promotion image of this oil to see the dramatic imagery of this beautiful plant part.
Another beautiful “spice” essential oil…so, you can count on her for digestive support…indigestion, nausea, flatulence , etc. Nutmeg is also good for muscle aches, arthritis and menstrual cramps. She would be beautiful layered with the Fir, Douglas or Eastern Hemlock for that purpose.
Nutmeg also supports the nervous system…calming nervous tension, helping with insomnia , and easing anxiety and clearing mental fatigue. In those cases, you would apply several drops where you are feeling the tension…stomach, shoulders, etc.; top of the head or base of the skull for mental fatigue; and over the heart or on the top of the head to facilitate restful sleep.
Nutmeg contains constituents like myristicin and safrole that help fight infections and support oral health; a drop on your wet toothbrush before applying the toothpaste will support healthy gums and sweeten breath.
Nutmeg is warming and stimulating…a couple of drops on the sole of each foot will awaken creativity, emotional vitality, motivation and mental alertness. She invokes your “inner fire” when you feel drained or subdued, and can also stimulate sensual energy. Spiritually and energetically, Nutmeg dispels negativity and brings good fortune.
Historically, during the 15-17th centuries, nutmeg spice was such a rare and valuable commodity that it helped to spark the “spice wars” of those times, as it was produced only in the Banda Islands of Indonesia.
Shared Wisdom: I am here to protect your open heart so that you can love and live without fear.
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Pine, White (Pinus strobus)
This powerful, but soft, conifer essence is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-septic. White Pine relieves muscle and joint pain, and stiffness associated with arthritis, fatigue, colds, and flu.
This essence supports healthy adrenal function, strengthens the immune system, and gently stimulates circulation. A natural cortisone, White Pine helps to reduce pain, swelling and redness (inflammation).
A highly effective respiratory support, White Pine is an excellent addition to a steam inhalation treatment, opening breathing passages and reducing mucus build-up. It can also be applied behind the ears and down the eustachian tubes to quickly relieve congestion.
Emotionally and spiritually, White Pine supports emotional resilience, offering strength through grief, grounding during change and clarity in times of chaos or uncertainty.
Historically, White Pine was revered by the Iroquois Confederacy (the Haudenosaunee) as “The Tree of Peace”, symbolizing unity, reconciliation and enduring harmony. It is said that a great peacemaker united five warring nations beneath the White Pine, burying weapons under its roots and planting the tree as a symbol of peace. Its five-needle clusters represent the five nations and its roots, stretched in all directions, were the “roots of peace”. I think that, in these chaotic and troubling times, this essence, applied to the heart and the third eye, may offer some stability and clarity.
Shared Wisdom: In all things, let your words be peaceful, truthful, loving and wise.
Spruce, Red (Picea rubens)
Red Spruce has a crisp, resinous and gently sweet aroma, gently opening the lungs, clearing the mind and offering a powerful sense of renewal. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic. The latter is especially important, since so many anti-parasitic essential oils are very hot (temperature-wise) and skin-sensitive. To have this therapeutic benefit in such a gentle oil is quite a treasure.
Red Spruce is also a nervine, offering support when emotions are frayed and mental chatter interrupts your thoughts. Some of her primary chemical constituents include borneol, which is known to have expectorant properties, α-pinene, a monoterpene with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
A key word to remember with Red Spruce is “moderation”. For those unfamiliar or less familiar with pure, potent essential oils, one like Red Spruce offers a gentleness that belies its effectiveness. So, she is a way to “start small” until you get used to the powerful effects of essential oils when they are pure and not diluted or blended.
Emotionally and spiritually, Red Spruce is all about the heart…healing it after grief, soothing it when it is broken, and allowing it to share its wisdom when you are making decisions or dealing with difficulties.
Historically, indigenous communities such as the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet brewed its needles, rich with Vitamin C, into teas to ward off scurvy during harsh winters — a practice later adopted by European settlers and explorers. This simple infusion became a lifeline, a forest-born remedy that offered survival through the harsh winters in the northeastern forests of North America. Further, its sticky resin, antimicrobial and aromatic, was used to seal wounds, soothe burns, and ease respiratory ailments through steam inhalation.
Shared Wisdom: In this moment, be love. Always ask, “What would love do now?” |
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Frankincense Hydrolat
Frankincense Hydrolat (Boswellia carterii)
The hydrolat that comes from the distillation of Frankincense essential oil is much milder, due to the minimal amount of oil remaining in the water from “the cook”. However, it still is quite powerful therapeutically. It can be sprayed on cuts or wounds to clean them, but also to promote wound healing and scar tissue formation.
As an astringent, it refines pores, tones skin and supports collagen health. As a mouthwash, it can soothe gum inflammation and treat canker sores.
If you use several sprays of the hydrolat to clear a room, Frankincense hydrolat can sanctify a space, and clear energetic stagnation or lingering energy of emotional turmoil.
Spraying yourself and your space before meditation or reflection can invite Divine presence, and communion with higher consciousness, and create a sense of inner peace.
Frankincense’s ancient lineage…from biblical times to its being a sacred commodity “worth its weight in gold”, to its use, even today, Omani families still burn frankincense resin to welcome guests and purify homes.
Shared Wisdom: I call upon the wisdom of the ancients, celestial beings, Nature and my own ancestral lineage for insight and guidance.
And, a little closing treat from one of my favorite poems:
From…The Day Before My Birthday
…the city smelled like frankincense this morning
oh so familiar tangy-pine aroma of magick
and mystery and mastery…
the city smelled like frankincense this morning
and when I breathed it in I knew
I could read the sign
I knew which way to go
I knew what I had been waiting for
and why I had been waiting
I knew
~Michael Valentine
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Argan Seed Oil
This oil is highly cherished tor its skin nourishing properties. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, it hydrates, softens and restores the skin’s natural protective barrier (also known as the stratum corneum) …a thin, waterproof layer that protects the underlying layers of the skin from external factors such as physical damage, irritants, allergens, microbes, and UV radiation.
The Argan nut contains 2-3 hard kernels inside, which are pressed raw to retain the natural, beneficial properties for topical use. These properties include Vitamin E, polyphenols and sterols, which sooth eczema, sunburn and irritation.
Argan oil is a great “anti-aging” product, helping to reduce fine lines, improve elasticity and support collagen production. Argan also accelerates tissue repair and reduces scarring, making it excellent for wound healing. Also, Argan oil can be added to smoothies, yogurt, etc., and ingested to help lower LDL cholesterol, support blood sugar balance, and reduce inflammation.
So, you might wonder…do nut and seed oils have spiritual and emotional effects as well? As a matter of fact, they do! Always remember that every part of a tree or plant, carries with it the identity, the make-up of the whole plant. So, the nuts, the leaves, the bark, etc., these parts, carry their own special energy, but also the energy of the whole.
With specific regard to Argan, interestingly, the term spinosa, in its botanical name, means “thorny” in Latin. Thus, the Argan tree is indeed thorny, and symbolically, they represent protection and armor. Just as the tree guards its fruits, the Argan oil strengthens the skin’s protective layer. A more spiritual perspective, versus a literal one, would be that beauty often arises from difficulty, protection begets a sense of security and safety. This is Argan oil’s legacy.
Worthy of note, in Berber tradition, women have long harvested and pressed Argan oil kernels by hand. The thorny tree can also be seen as a metaphor for the strength of these women – fierce, rooted and protectors of home and family.
Shared Wisdom: Nourish yourself daily…not only food and water, but a cherished remembrance, a beautiful thought, a line from a poem, a prayer of gratitude. Inner beauty is the most important beauty of all.
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