Vanilla
Now , I think that I can safely say that most of us go crazy for a great vanilla scent. I practically can swim in sulfur water if it is scented with vanilla oil (okay so I’m not going to go that far) but vanilla can be pretty intoxicating. While I know that most of us are familiar with vanilla, it doesn’t hurt to go over some facts right?
What is vanilla?
Vanilla , scientific name Vaniila (hahaha), comes from the Mexican-native planifolia orchid. It is grown worldwide, but comes mostly from Indonesia, Madagascar, and China.
What does vanilla look like?
The vanilla orchard has white and light green petals. The flowers actually grow as vines where it would “climb” on a pole or tree.
What does vanilla oil smell like and where is it extracted from?
Vanilla has a sweet and soft smell with smoothness to it. It is derived from the pods of the vanilla orchid.
What are the benefits of vanilla oil?
Vanilla oil is used as an antioxidant, aphrodisiac (there goes that word again), antidepressant, a relaxant, and to regularize menstruation.
Where to buy Vanilla essential oil
Sandalwood
What is sandalwood?
Sandalwood is actually a wood (go figure) that is derived from the santalum trees. It is abundantly grown in India. What is amazing about sandalwood is that it can retain its fragrance for decades, talk about long lasting!
What does the sandalwood look like?
Sandalwood is red to yellow, heavy, and fine grained. They are also very slow growing trees so this wood is truly valued.
What does sandalwood oil smell like and where is it derived from?
Sandalwood has a very strong fragrant smell. It is mostly described as a creamy, soft and milky wood scent. It is mostly used in oriental type fragrances and as a base for citrusy and floral fragrances, kind of like the leaf to a flower. Sandalwood is the oil that is derived from the actual wood of the tree.
What are the benefits of sandalwood oil*?
It is used as an antiseptic, internally and externally. It is also used as widely as an antimicrobial on both the skin and scalp, which means that scalp problems are highly reduced when used in your hair regimen.
But caution ladies; please please please dilute sandalwood oil* with carrier oils such as olive oil* or coconut oil* because it is extremely strong on its own.
Where to buy Sandalwood essential oil
Patchouli
What is patchouli?
Patchouli , pogostemon cablin, is a large perennial which is a part of the same family as the sage, mint, and lavender plant. It is cultivated high in Indonesia and also in the Philippines, India, China, Malaysia, and some parts of South America.
What does the patchouli plant look like?
The patchouli* flowers are small flowers that are pale-pink in color. The leaves are evergreen leaves and resemble herb leaves like mint and sage.
What does patchouli oil* smell like and what is it derived from?
Patchouli is another fragrant oil that is known and widely used for its strong smell. It is normally described as musky and with deep, earthy notes. Its oil is derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant.
What are the benefits of patchouli oil*?
Patchouli* is used in aromatherapy as a massage oil to fight cellulite and wrinkles. It is used as a bug repellent, to soothe cuts and bruises, athlete’s foot, and most importantly to fight dandruff in hair.
I would have thought vanilla would be number 1. It is in so many fragrances even many for men these days.
The Real Person!
They are not in any particular order. Personally I love vanilla the best 🙂
I LOVE Vanilla scents! definitely my top favorite…these were all great scents…I think Imma need to stock up lol
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Hi Danni, I’m here in the DMV too, a native but a resident in MD for decades but I love my city. Your hair looks great! Your article about essential oils got my attention, as a Clinical Aromatherapist (as you can imagine). I applaud you for qualifying your article by saying it is about perfume fragrance essential oils. For many people, perfume/fragrance is a priority but as a Clinical Aromatherapist, it’s important to have products that go beyond a good ‘perfume’ fragrance or beyond being perfume grade (even though they may say ‘pure, therapeutic grade’). Many people going natural want to remove toxins and other additives from their bodies so using unadulterated essential oils which are truly pure, therapeutic is imperative. It says ‘Speak Your Mind’, and I appreciate that, so I must unashamedly share my choice of industry standard essential oils for life, Young Living Essential Oils which I’ve been using for over 12 years for many issues, including my hair in all styles. Just sharing…Keep reaching out and sharing!
Thank you for this update. As I was reading this article, I called a location who carries these oils. Hopefully they last a while because he is closing his store for good. He doesn’t have the “Sweet Orange” oil but an “Orange” oil nonetheless. I’ll purchase what you have listed and play with the scents to see what I like best; also, thank you for giving some uses for these, much appreciated!!!
The Real Person!
If you are anything like me you will love the sandlewood Ruth! Best of luck 🙂
hi, i’m judith, i’m here to learn but i want to known what can i do for make the perm out of my hair to start being natural.
My name debra I’m going I’m going through menopause so I am always sweating and the sweat breaks my hair off and makes it very dry so I went bald this summer so what can I do to have my hair grow back healthy and strong
So sorry to hear of your hair problems. I am not a expert, but have encountered hair problems. I suggest as your hair grows back not to cut it, but send for a hair analysis. Since you know what causes the problem the solution is probably easy. I had one and she analyze strands from your hair and will send a photo from the microscope.
She explains hair porosity, and problems with strands from root to tip. Provides a chart that helps you determine best ingredients based on the analysis (conditioner and shampoo). Must avoid shampoos, oils and best use, the best regime (ex. for afro natural hair avoid butters, henna use etc).
You will need to advise detailed information for best results. This was a game changer for me. Prices rang from $20 I think to $85.00. The best and cheapest is goosefoot prints, but she only takes a limited # of samples per month and she is booked, but hope this helps!!! FYI her price is on the lower end.
Hello i am Jeana,
You were saying your hair is breaking off real bad? But the best thing you can do is a deep conditioner and cover with a plastic cap and sit under a medium heated dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. A good product i would recommend is Shea moisture shampoo and conditioner and to also purchases a good leave in conditioner. Make sure you purchase sulfate free products. Now i am going to be honesty with you it is pricey. But that is your choice. Keep your split ends clipped every two weeks, it helps growth. Massage your hair scalp i normally do morning and bed time it helps to stimulate growth. Use a satin bonnet/pillow case. These things works wonders for me and good luck with your natural hair journey.