“Life is Better with  Aromatherapy!”  

So many of our customers have been with us for years, and they tell us stories of how they have used an essential oil or hydrolat for a situation that arose and had great success with it!  So we want to celebrate how having a home apothecary of essential oils and hydrolats, and the knowledge to use them wisely, empowers you to deal with everyday issues as they arise, whether it be  using essential oils to clean and sanitize your countertops or, like at our house recently, how to calm an allergy flare-up in the middle of the night.  (More on that later!)

This month’s selection of products runs the gamut from upgrading your skin care routine to what to do when your child comes home from school with a runny nose.  But the underlying message is that Nature offers many remedies for supporting our health and happiness…and all we have to do is keep that in mind when we are deciding how to approach the many situations that arise in a typical day.

Patchouli
Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli’s rich, earthy aroma offers a welcome invitation to slow down and reconnect with the present moment.  Known for creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, it is a favorite for meditation, reflection, and unwinding after a busy day.

An aside to those new to Wisdom of the Earth…this is not the Patchouli so many remember from the ’70s!  This is a pure, natural, unadulterated therapeutic oil that is often a great and welcome surprise to those who visit our Shoppe and experience OUR Patchouli in person!  They will take a sniff, look at me and say “Now, this Patchouli is wonderful!!”

For generations, Patchouli has been valued in traditional botanical and aromatic practices for supporting healthy skin. Modern research has explored its benefits for skin wellness, and Patchouli remains a favorite among aromatherapists for inclusion in skin care preparations. Because Patchouli can be intense on sensitive or compromised skin, consider applying a thin layer of Cucumber Seed Oil first, followed by a few drops of Patchouli, then gently smoothing the oils into the skin.

Research has also investigated Patchouli’s role in supporting a healthy scalp and hair, making it a popular addition to hair and scalp-care preparations.

Carried along historic trade routes and cherished by perfumers across generations, Patchouli continues to connect us with a rich heritage of botanical craftsmanship and plant wisdom.

Retail Price: 15 ml $37; 120 ml $259  

Rosemary verbenone, Organic

Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone

Rosemary Verbenone offers many of the beloved qualities of Rosemary, yet with a softer, gentler aromatic presence than the high camphor or cineole types. Fresh, herbaceous, and softly uplifting, it is often chosen when mental clarity, focus, and renewed energy are needed.

When seasonal challenges arise, Rosemary Verbenone is a multi-purpose oil to keep nearby.  Add several drops to a diffuser, inhale directly from the bottle, or include it in a chest or neck application with other respiratory oils like Eucalyptus or Laurel Leaf.  Remember the neck can be a skin sensitive area, so do a test patch or put a very thin layer of something like Cucumber Oil or Rose Hip Seed oil first, before applying the other oils. 

If you react strongly to seasonal allergens, like my hubby, Chris, Rosemary is a great oil to have on hand.  The other night he woke up sneezing and coughing and couldn’t get back to sleep.  As late as it was, he did a steam inhalation with Rosemary verbenone, Eucalyptus Gully Gum, and Myrtle cineole.  His symptoms quieted down almost immediately, and he was able to go back to sleep.  Steam inhalations with the oils are very powerful, so do not try it without some information or guidance.  Here is a link to an article I wrote a couple of years back about the French Inhalation Techinique…one of our “go to'” techniques that we teach in our Level I Certification classes.  The article, “What’s Old is New Again,” quotes from a report written by a UK academic researcher on how to safely do the Inhalation Technique for respiratory issues and viral infections (Covid was rampant at that time).

Rosemary, like many oils made from common spice plants, is excellent for digestive support.  So, oils of Basil, Cardamom, Ginger…literally all of the spices that are available in Essential Oil form…will ease a stomach ache, bloating, and gas.  Most are warm on the skin so always do a test patch or layer them over a very gentle oil like lavender or a nut or seed pressed oil like Hazelnut or Rose Hip.

Many aromatherapists value Rosemary for helping clear mental fog and restore a sense of alertness when feeling tired, sluggish, or overwhelmed. It is so clarifying and uplifting! Great for long periods of studying or doing paperwork. Students find that it is It is great for supporting recall when taking tests.  A few drops on the sole of each foot, and a drop or two on the top of the head takes care of test anxiety.

A modern “staple” in aromatherapy, rosemary also has a deep history.  This plant been treasured throughout the Mediterranean world as a symbol of remembrance, vitality, and resilience. Students wore rosemary garlands while studying, and the herb was widely incorporated into daily life for both practical and ceremonial purposes. This rich heritage continues to inform its modern use for health and well-being.

Retail Price:  5 ml $29; 15 ml $75; 120 ml $525  

Tansy, Common
Tanacetum vulgare

Herbal history, as well as some contemporary research, points to Tansy’s anti-oxidant and anti-microbial/anti-viral benefits. However, due to its high thujone chemical content, compared to many commonly used essential oils and herbs, we advise that Common Tansy be used conservatively.

We are not encouraging fear concerning this oil, but we do believe it deserves thoughtful and respectful use. We do not recommend Common Tansy for pregnant or lactating women, children, or teens. Fortunately, aromatherapy offers many other oils with similar health benefits that may be more appropriate for these populations.

In many ways, the nature of this oil offers a powerful lesson in boundaries, restraint, and conscious use of any substance we place in or on our bodies.

When used with care and in limited amounts, Common Tansy’s bold character can be a valuable ally when life feels overly intrusive or draining. Its strong presence reminds us to stand firmly rooted in our own space and honor the boundaries we establish for ourselves. If we cannot uphold our own boundaries and commitments, we inevitably invite others (though unconsciously) to disregard them as well. Common Tansy is truly a “lesson in a bottle.”

Common Tansy has earned a reputation over centuries as one of the great utility plants of the herb garden. Its powerful aroma made it a traditional favorite for maintaining freshness in living spaces and helping protect stored belongings from insects and environmental deterioration. Generations of herbalists valued it as a hardy, resilient plant that seemed to thrive wherever it was planted.

Today, Common Tansy is appreciated by aromatic practitioners who value its unique place in herbal history, its unmistakable character, and the expansive wisdom it continues to offer to those willing to listen.

Retail Price: 15 ml $40; 120 ml $280 

Vetiver, Wild
Vetiveria zizanoides

Deep, rich, and earthy, Vetiver is often called the “oil of tranquility.” A tall tropical grass, its aroma carries the stabilizing qualities of the earth itself. Interestingly, the length of the roots from which the oil is distilled literally equals or exceeds the height of the grass (in this picture, the grass part of the plant has been cropped short for processing)! So balance is in its DNA.

For centuries, Vetiver has been cultivated throughout India and other tropical regions, where its remarkable root system has helped anchor soil and prevent erosion. In many ways, the plant teaches the same lesson: strength comes from being deeply rooted.

As all essential oils from grasses tend to have purifying properties, you will find numerous companies using Vetiver in their natural deodorants, and many of our students and customers personally do the same.

One of our favorite practical uses for Vetiver is to apply a drop or two to the bottoms of the feet, the back of the neck, or along the shoulders during times of stress or overwhelm. When sleep feels elusive, a small amount applied before bedtime can become a comforting evening ritual.

Vetiver has touched many over the years. One of the most memorable stories came from my late husband, Leonardo, who chose Vetiver as the subject of his Level 1 Aromatherapy Certification paper because of the comfort it brought him following a serious automobile accident that left him with severe nerve pain in one of his legs. After trying numerous conventional approaches, he found Vetiver offered a level of comfort unlike anything else he had tried. That assured Vetiver a starring role in his paper, and a lifelong appreciation for the pain relief he experienced.

Another student acknowledged that she was “unprepared for the depth of its (Vetiver’s) presence and it immediately anchored her, stirring something deep within. As she explained in her paper, “As I inhaled its scent, a sense of stillness settled over me, quieting the noise of my thoughts and grounding me in the moment. The essence is like a hug from mother earth, I thought, and coincidently enough, I was introduced to Vetiver through my mama dearest. Vetiver carries an ancient wisdom that truly speaks to my soul.'”

Today, Vetiver remains a favorite for those seeking steadiness, resilience, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves and Mother Earth. 

Retail Price: 5 ml $23; 15 ml $59; 120 ml $413 

Wintergreen (Organic)
Gaultheria fragrantissima

With its unmistakable fresh, invigorating aroma, Wintergreen brings to mind movement, vitality, and the satisfaction of a body well used. Whether you’ve spent the day gardening, hiking, working in the yard, standing at a trade show, or simply sitting at your computer for hours, Wintergreen’s uplifting scent can feel wonderfully restorative.

Due to its analgesic properties, Wintergreen, used with others in our Promotion, such as Rosemary and Lavandin, make a great combination for a massage or in foot soaks for soothing tired muscles or aching joints after a long day.  Wintergreen has an intense, penetrating energy, so remember that a little goes a long way.

Wintergreen is also great for making your own cleansing spray for yoga mats, martial arts gear, gym bags and more with several drops added to a base of water and a little vinegar. You can also add several drops of Lime, Lavandin and Rosemary, which add aromatic punches to your cleansing spray. A drop or two of Wintergreen in the washing machine makes a big difference when washing sweaty and/or very dirty clothes.

If you don’t want to make your own products, you can always add these types of oils in small amounts to your commercial cleaning products, not only for a fresher, more natural smell, but also to boost their  cleaning and disinfectant power.

Retail Price: 15 ml $33; 120 ml  $231 

Cucumber Seed Oil
Cucumis sativus

Light, silky, and wonderfully refreshing, Cucumber Seed Oil offers comforting support when skin feels dry, tired, or depleted from everyday living. Whether you’ve spent the day gardening, returned from a week of traveling, or simply navigating changing seasons, this nourishing oil leaves skin feeling soft and renewed.

Rich in naturally occurring vitamins A and C, Cucumber Seed Oil delivers powerful antioxidants that actively defend your skin against environmental stressors and premature aging.

Everyday Uses

• Apply as a lightweight facial oil to support dry or mature skin.
• Use as a moisturizing body oil after bathing.
• Use after time spent outdoors to replenish skin exposed to sun and wind.
• Massage into hands, elbows, and other areas that appreciate extra moisture.

This beautiful oil is unrefined and as nature made it.  It is lightweight and easily absorbed, leaving skin feeling soft and supple.  Excellent for daily facial care, it is a beautiful addition to your morning or evening routine.

Retail Price: 15 ml $30; 120 ml  $210 

Born of the high desert, Desert Sage Hydrolat carries the fresh, clean aroma of rain-soaked sagebrush and open sky. Traditionally valued for its cleansing and refreshing qualities, this hydrolat offers a simple way to bring the grounding spirit of the desert into everyday life.

Desert Sage Hydrolat has mild antimicrobial properties (not nearly as strong as an essential oil), so it would have a cleansing effect when spraying a minor cut or scrape.  You can also mist it into the air to freshen and revive your space.

For skin care, it can be used as a cooling facial or body mist after time outdoors or as a refreshing foot or body spray after activity. Spray onto exercise mats, bed linens, or in meditation spaces for a sense of freshness.  A few sprays of Desert Sage Hydrolat will give you a quick “pick me up” after a long session on the computer, bringing clarity and uplifting energy.

When life feels hurried or overwhelming, a few sprays of Desert Sage Hydrolat can help create a moment of pause, bringing the clean, expansive feeling of the desert indoors.

Please note:  This hydrolat was previously identified as Purple Sage Hydrolat, however, we have verified that the most commonly used regional name for this plant, and products derived from it, is Desert Sage or Great Western Sage.  We gravitated toward the Desert Sage option, loving our high-desert life in the Sedona area.  

Retail Price: 120 ml  $37  

Rose Hip Seed Exfoliant
Rosa rubiginosa

This is an amazing exfoliant powder made from the pulverized, dried seeds of the plant rosa rubiginosa.   As you exfoliate, the natural texture sloughs away dull, dead skin cells without causing irritation or micro-tears. As a result, even those with sensitive skin can enjoy a fresh, smooth feel.

With regular use, you’ll rediscover your skin’s natural radiance while enjoying an invigorating sensory experience.  Embrace this simple, nutrient-rich ritual and watch your skin glow with health—naturally!

I had used the same facial regimen for years (rose hip seed oil as a base and then several drops of helichrysum, geranium, carrot seed and cistus essential oils). Years ago, Cynthia and Barry came back from South America raving about this rose hip exfoliant from our farmer.  They gave me some to try, and when I would come into the office each day, they would ask me “Did you try it yet?”

I was kind of “stuck” in the regimen I was happily using, so weeks had gone by, and I still hadn’t used it, so they were bugging me about it!  One morning I tried it.  Oh my heavens…my skin felt SO SOFT.  I came strutting into the office and they started yelling, “You tried it, you tried it!!!”  And I said…”Yep!  And my skin feels like a baby’s butt!”  They cracked up laughing, and I have been using it ever since!

Don’t wait as long as I did!  Give it a try…you’ll be glad you did.  PS:  This must be used with water!  The instructions for use are on our website ecommerce store in the Rose Hip Exfoliant description, and an instruction sheet will be included in the shipping box for those who order it.

Retail Price: 4 oz $25;  8 oz $40; 16 oz  $60