Tag Archives: Complexion

How to Use Essential Oils: Coriander

Better Living, Essential Oil Information, How to Use Essential Oils, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coriander essential oil, distilled from the seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant, has a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet aroma that differs from the fresher scent of cilantro, which comes from the leaves of the same plant. Used for centuries in both cooking and traditional wellness practices, coriander seed oil is prized for its ability to support digestion and ease occasional discomfort. Diffused, its soft and inviting fragrance can create a calming and centered atmosphere, making it a popular choice in blends that relax both the body and mind.

Beyond its aromatic qualities, coriander essential oil is often used to promote balance and tranquility. It pairs beautifully with citrus oils such as bergamot or spice oils like cardamom, creating uplifting diffuser combinations. When properly diluted, it can also be added to massage blends to comfort tired muscles and joints. With its warm yet gentle character, coriander seed oil bridges the worlds of spice and wellness, offering a versatile option for both home and self-care.

Did You Know? Coriander seeds have been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs, showing their value as far back as 1500 B.C. The seeds were not only used in food and medicine but also in rituals and offerings. Coriander is even mentioned in the Bible—in Exodus 16:31, manna is described as being “like coriander seed.” More recently, coriander has been grown aboard the International Space Station as part of plant studies, making it one of the few herbs to journey beyond Earth.

Hawaiian Sandalwood-Did You Know?

Better Living, Essential Oil Class, , , , , , , , , ,

SandalwoodDid you know of the two dozen or so species of Santalum that are known, the Hawaiian islands are home to four of them? it takes over 50 years for a sandalwood tree to mature enough to get a high quality essential oil. After the arrival of Europeans to the islands, they became aware that sandalwood occurred quite widely on the Hawaiian Islands. They were also aware that the demand for sandalwood from southern Asia did not satisfy the market.

200 years ago Sandalwood was the number one trade from the Hawaiian islands. Their trees were among the most prized in all the world and were in great demand. The Hawaiian king, King Kamehameha, sent seven ships to China bearing Sandalwood. (It has been estimated that about 6,000 trees had to be harvested to fill a ship). The Chinese were offended by this, and wanted to come collect the Sandalwood themselves.

Later the ships returned to Hawaii. When the Chinese arrived in Hawaii to collect the Sandalwood, King Kamehameha was likewise highly offended at their actions and set fire to the seven ships bearing all the Sandalwood. Not only that, but he ordered the Sandalwood forests to be cut down and burned, and the ground was seeded with thick grass that prevented the Sandalwood from returning. Since then, Sandalwood from Hawaii basically ceased to exist, until now.

Hawaiian sandalwood essential oil delivers a variety of benefits, including smoothing skin and enhancing moods. With thousands of years of documented use, this oil has a high value to many users. Hawaiian Sandalwood has a rich, sweet, woody aroma that instills calmness and well-being, making it a perfect oil to incorporate into massage or aromatherapy.

Sandalwood is very soothing and nourishing to the skin, making it highly sought after in body and skin care products. Hawaiian Sandalwood can reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, and stretch marks while providing an overall youthful-looking complexion. In addition to being soothing and nourishing to the skin, Hawaiian Sandalwood provides these same effects to the mind, helping to reduce stress and tension and promote emotional well-being.