Where Do Essential Oils Come From?
Essential oils are extracted from a wide range of plants worldwide. Where plants grow depends on factors such as their tolerance to frost and if there’s sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Many oils thrive in Mediterranean areas and in subtropical and tropical climates.
Traditionally, most essential oils were harvested from the wild, and this is still the case for some abundant species such as juniper. However, as aromatherapy grows in popularity, with markets expanding in the US, there is increased pressure on plants grown in the wild, and it can be a struggle to keep up with demand.
To ensure a continuous supply of oils, many plants are specially cultivated, with suppliers creating the soil conditions and irrigation needed to grow crops. So, whether it’s peppermint or lavender oil, we all follow nature and focus on sustainable access to essential oils rather than collecting them from wild plants. That’s what Homasy has been doing.
Now, let’s take a look at the source of essential oils worldwide: five continents: Asia, Oceania, Africa, Americas, Europe.
Asia
Essential oils from Asia are mainly from the south of the continent, where tropical conditions provide ideal growing conditions for spices such as cardamom and nutmeg.
China: Wintergreen, Cinnamon, Litsea cubeba, Tea tree, Camphor
India: Cardamom, Cumin, Patchouli, Sandalwood
Indonesia: Benzoin, Citronella, Galangal, Nutmeg
Iran: Rose
Nepal: Wintergreen
Oman: Frankincense
Philippines: Elemi
Sri Lanka: Black pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Citronella, Ginger, Lime
Thailand: Plai
Turkey: Rose
Vietnam: Cajeput, Litsea cubeba, Star anise
Oceania
Much of Australasia is semiarid, suitable for drought-resistant plants such as tea tree.
Australia: Eucalyptus Globules, Fragonia, Tea tree
New Zealand: Manuka
Africa
The variations in climate across Africa produce a diverse range of plants, from exotic ylang-ylang in the subtropical southeast, to myrtle and cedarwood in the north.
Comoros: Ylang-ylang
Congo: Geranium
Ethiopia: Myrrh
Egypt: Basil, Jasmine
Kenya: Tea tree
Madagascar: Clove, Niaouli, Palmarosa, Ravintsara, Vanilla, Vetiver
Morocco: Cedarwood, Mimosa, Mugwort, Neroli, Myrtle
Réunion: Geranium
Somalia: Frankincense, Myrrh
South Africa: Buchu, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemongrass
Uganda: Palmarosa
Zimbabwe: Eucalyptus Smithii, Tagetes
Americas
The humid, tropical climate in South America provides fertile growing conditions for citrus fruit, while pine forests grow abundantly in the cooler conditions in Canada.
Canada: Pine
Brazil: Eucalyptus Citriodora, Orange, Rosewood, Tangerine
Paraguay: Petitgrain
Peru: Lemon verbena
West Indies: Allspice, Grapefruit, Peppermint
Europe
Europe is a major source of essential oils. The range of climates means that a variety of plants can be grown, from citrus fruit in the hot and sunny climates of Spain and Italy to more frost-tolerant plants in northern European countries.
Bosnia: Bay laurel, Helichrysum
Bulgaria: Parsley, Rose, Valerian
France: Angelica, Caraway, Carrot, Cedarwood, Clary sage, Cypress, Fenugreek, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon balm, Mullein, Oregano, Pine, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme, Tuberose, Violet
Germany: Chamomile (blue), Hungary Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Roman chamomile, Savory, Yarrow
Italy: Bergamot, Helichrysum, Lemon, Orange
Sweden: Birch
Spain: Cistus, Eucalyptus Globules, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage
United Kingdom: Lavender, Peppermint, Roman chamomile, Yarrow
0 notes
As we’re now winging our way into summer, and hopefully some more sunny weather, I thought it was time to share with you some of my beauty empties from the Spring. Now I will admit I should have done this sooner as my empties basket has gotten a bit out of hand and I was a little shocked by the pure weight of it as I brought it downstairs to write this post! Due to the sheer mass of products in there I’m going to leave out the usuals like the Glow Tonic, eye make up remover and dry shampoo (they’re in there believe me!), I think you’ve seen me proclaim my love for them on more than one occasion and don’t need to be put through that again. So here are some of the other beauty products I’ve been trying out…
Tony & Guy Damage Repair Conditioner (travel size) – I actually yoinked this from a travel set I bought my husband at Christmas as he doesn’t use conditioner and I needed something for when we went swimming, and I’m so glad I did! So much so that I’ve gone on to purchase the full size version as it does such an amazing job of leaving my hair so silky and shiny without weighing it down. Plus it smells beautiful. Repurchase? – Definitely.
Elemis Superfood Facial Wash – This cleanser came in the latest Tili Box (Try It Love It) from QVC and is such a lovely product. It comes in the form of a green gel which is full of nourishing superfood seed oils such as broccoli, pumpkin, orange, rosemary, kale & wheatgrass. I liked using this in the morning as the texture and fragrance is so refreshing, and I do in fact think that men would enjoy this too as there’s nothing flowery about it whatsoever. Also, even though Elemis’ website doesn’t give a lot away, after a little digging around on the internet I do believe they are in fact cruelty free! Repurchase? – Yes I would.
Bare Minerals Smoothing Lightweight Emulsion – A facial moisturiser aimed at combination/oily skin. This stuff is probably the most lightweight moisturiser I’ve ever used and is so well suited to my skin type as it dissipates quickly, creating the perfect base to apply make up on top of. Repurchase? – On my shopping list.
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – Affordable, covers well, brightens and lasts. Seriously what is not to love? – Repurchase? – Already have.
Organic Surge Clove, Orange & Geranium Foaming Bath – Another TK Maxx gem! It’s beautifully fragrant and bubbles well under running water. If you love those almost christmassy scented notes that I’m sure you would adore this. As an added bonus, I love that Organic Surge are supporters of the baby care unit in Kenya’s Children’s Home so it’s great to think that any proceeds from purchase this go to a worthy cause. Repurchase? – Yes, If I can find it again!
Westlab Magnesium Flakes – Supposedly able to help calm and de-stress the body and mind, these flakes were easy to through in the bath along with any bubble bath of choice. They dissolved quickly so didn’t cause any irritating discomfort in the bottom of the bath, but I don’t think they really did a lot in regards to helping me reach my Zen. this 1Kg bag cost me around £5 so wasn’t a bank breaker and are readily available all over the high street, but I just didn’t see any benefit from using them compared to bathing without. Repurchase? No.
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara – Now this I love! I was able to try it through an Influenster VoxBox and haven’t looked back since. I gives lift, fullness and even though there’s a little fall out (which can be fixed by using a clear top coat) I am desperate to re-stock. Sadly the only UK retailer that sold it which was John Lewis appear to have stopped stocking it online (sad face), however I’ve been informed that Net-a-Porter have some available so I’ll be placing an order with them if I can’t get my hands on any during my next visit to a JL department store. Repurchase? – Yes!
Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser – (travel size) – I ordered this as I’m already a massive Pixi fan, and had some Pixi points to use up. This little 15ml mini cost £6.00 and was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but still a great way to try something new without committing to the cost of the full size version. I class this almost as a sister product to the much-loved Glow Tonic, as just like that Glow mud contains Glycolic acid, a re-surface exfoliant. Again this was another A.M product and even though rich and cream, was easy to wash away and left my skin feeling smooth and clean. Repurchase? – Yes I would if on offer.
Kiko Pure Clean Powder – Kind of like a cheaper version of Dermologica’s Microfoliant this comes in the form of a grain like powder that almost foams up on the skin, slothing away any dead skin cells. I did actually compare the two in a past blog post, and found it to be very effective, especially considering the price difference. The only thing I didn’t like was that this one contains talc as a filler, and had the matching scent to go with it (which I didn’t actually mind). Repurchase? – Probably not as there are other physical exfoliators that I prefer.
Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser (travel size) – Having tried Caudalie products in the past I had high hopes for this and it didn’t disappoint. This SLS free foaming cleanser is so light and refreshing with a wonderful fresh scent, perfect for a quick easy morning cleanse. It’s not the cheapest cleanser, but it’s certainly not as expensive as others out there. Highly recommended by me! Repurchase? – Yes – already on order from LookFantastic (£12 for 150ml).
Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ – This was something I tried through the Love Me Beauty subscription service. Essentially It’s a very expensive serum which boasts to aid in anti-aging and I wrote a full review here. All in all I didn’t see any visible results after trialling for a month but it’s always fun to try! Repurchase? – No, far too expensive for little effect.
Peabody & Paisley Rose Hibiscus Body Mist – As a rose lover this was never going to fail me! It’s a fab hydrating, light mist that was perfect for spraying all over my body post shower or bath. This is my kind of moisturising. No rubbing, or waiting to get dressed, just soaks straight in and away you go! Repurchase? – Another TK Maxx find and if i can find it then yes!
Needless to say there is more, but a lot of it you’re seen before in one of my empties posts, and I’ll probably send you to sleep if I list the lot!
Would be fab to hear if any of you have tried the products above, and let me know what you’ve used up this month in the comments below.
With Love
Spring’s Beauty Empties As we're now winging our way into summer, and hopefully some more sunny weather, I thought it was time to share with you some of my beauty empties from the Spring.
0 notes