A-Z: Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural oils that have the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. Our essential oils are 100% pure aromatic steamed distillates or cold pressed from reputable distillers we know and trust.
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BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) Sweet, herbaceous, fresh, and true to the herb used in cooking. A native plant of Africa and Asia, Basil essential oil is derived through a steam distillation process. The bushy plant grows to a height of about 2 feet and has white, blue or purple flowers.
BERGAMOT (Citrus bergamia)
Cold pressed from the fruit peels of a citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a pear-shape. This bright citrus is fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral similar to Neroli. Non-photosensitive, due to the bergaptene being removed.
BIRCH TAR (Betula alba)
Steam distilled from the bark of the tree to create a thick and viscous brown to orange oil. Scent is reminiscent of tar, charred wood and smoke.
Steam distilled from leaves and twigs. Cajeput has a fresh, camphorous aroma with a slight fruity note.
Steam distilled from chipped wood, root stumps and branches. Camphor is sharp, has a woody undertone to it.
CASSIA (Cinnamomum cassia)
Spicy, warm, yet spicy aroma to it; similar to Cinnamon Leaf.
CEDARWOOD (Juniperus virginiana, Virginia)
Slow-growing, coniferous evergreen, that has a sweet and woody, sometimes reminiscent of sandalwood.
CINNAMON LEAF (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Steam distilled oil that has a highly aromatic, spicy, warm, clove - like smell.
CLOVE BUD (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Steam distilled from flower buds, this oil has a warm, spicy, yet woody aroma to it.
EUCALYPTUS, Lemon (Eucalyptus citriadora)
Steam distilled from leaves & twigs, camphoraceous scent with sweet, citronella notes.
EUCALYPTUS, Radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)
Steam distilled from the leaf, this oil has a clean, refreshing aroma, sweeter and warmer than Eucalyptus globulus.
FIR NEEDLE (Abies siberica)
Fir Needle Siberian has a fresh, woody, earthy, sweet scent that is much like the outdoors.
FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia carterii)
Being an old-world essential oil, Frankincense-Carterii, has an aroma is almost indescribable: aged wood, balsamic, subtly sweet with hints of citrus, unlike it's cousin Frankincense-Serrata. Blends well with Lemon, Myrrh, other citruses and resins.
FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia serrata)
Frankincense-Serrata essential oil is often used to inspire mindfulness and balance. Serrata offers a brighter citrus aroma than other types of Frankincense, including Carterii. Steam distilled from resin tears, Serrata is found to be herbaceous, resinous, and earthy with piney undertones.
GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus paradisi)
Cold pressed from the peels of pink grapefruits and has a fresh, sweet citrus smell that is very characteristic of the fruit.
GINGER (Zingiber officinale)
Steam distilled from the rhizomes. Ginger has a warm, spicy, woody scent with a hint of lemon and pepper.
HELICHRYSUM SLOVIAN (Helichrysum italicum)
Steam distillation of fresh flowers; it has a powerful scent that can be described as a rich and honey-sweet. It is both woody and fresh.
LAVENDER, Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)
The highest quality Lavender grows at altitudes above 2,000 feet in Bulgaria. Lavender is an evergreen plant that grows to about 3 feet and produces gorgeous lilac-colored flowers. The flowers are then steam distilled yielding a rich floral oil that is somewhat fruitier, mellower and less camphoraceous than Lavender 40/42 (lavandula officinalis); smells more like fresh cut lavender.
LAVENDER, Population (Lavandula angustifolia)
Steam distillation of fresh flowers, specifically the flowering tops cultivated in France. Sweet, fresh, floral with a dry herbaceousness and undeniably Lavender aroma that we have all grown to love.
LEMON (Citrus limon)
Cold expression from the peel. Lemon has a strong citrus scent and blends well with other citrus essential oils.
LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Steam distilled, lemongrass is a tall, aromatic grass that is native to warmer and tropical climates. It possesses a fresh, bold, lemony aroma that is stimulating yet refreshing.
LITSEA (Litsea cubeba)
Known as May Chang, Litsea has a crisp, citrus smell. It has been compared to lemongrass and lemon verbena. It is considered sweeter and softer than lemongrass.
MANDARIN (Citrus reticulata)
A member of the orange family, mandarin trees are smaller than orange trees with small leaves and fruits. Mandarin has an intense, sweet, fresh scent characteristic of citrus fruit.
NEROLI (Citrus aurantium)
Steam distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.
ORANGE, Blood (Citrus sinensis)
Cold pressed from the peel, originates from Italy. The oil has a warm, fresh citrus scent that is tangy, while possessing a middle note of medium aroma.
ORANGE, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
Possessing a citrusy and tart aroma, this oil is cold pressed from the peel, making the aroma profile that is reminiscent of lazy weekend mornings with skillet offerings and a freshly pressed glass of juice.
PATCHOULI (Pogostemon cablin)
Possesses a warm, mellow, earthy scent that was especially popular in the 1960's.
PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita)
Steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. Peppermint has strong minty notes with herbaceous warm undertones.
PINE LONG LEAF (Pinus pinaster)
Steam distilled from needles and twigs. Pine Long Leaf has a woody, sweet resinous, fresh, pine evergreen scent. It is often viewed as representing the smell of Northern forests.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)
Described as like 'apples and straw' for an exotic, yet rich scent.
ROSE GERANIUM (Pelargonium graveolens roseum)
A rich, warm yet sweet rose scent. Similar to Rose Otto, but without the heavy price tag.
ROSE OTTO (Rosa damascena)
Steam distilled from the floral petals, hand picked at dawn when the fragrance is at its best. Around 1200 roses are used to make just 1ml of this exquisite essential oil. Beautiful and joyful, known as the "Queen of Oils".
ROSEMARY (Romarinus officinalis)
Steam distilled from the flowering tops. Rosemary has a strong, clear, penetrating, camphorous and herbaceous aroma.
SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata)
Steam distilled from the flowering tops. Spearmint has a sweet, yet fresh minty smell reminiscent of Peppermint, but not as harsh.
TANGERINE (Citrus reticulata)
Cold pressed from the peels of the fruit. It has a beautiful, tangy yet sweet tangerine aroma.
TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Characteristic minty, woody & camphorous notes.
YLANG YLANG (Cananga odorata)
Steam distilled after the first ten minutes of the distillation of the flowers. Possesses a sweet, intensely floral, jasmine-like aroma.
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DISCLAIMER
The Green Rift provides information regarding essential oils for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our information gathered here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.