-Michelia Alba Leaf Essential Oil-
Michelia is a tree in the magnolia family, the flowers and scents vary from a traditional magnolia but the trees are similar in size usually 30-90 feet tall.
Michelia Alba is the most exotic and costly of the Michelia family, The flowers and oil have been traditionally used in Asian temple ceremonies to mark births, deaths and holidays.
Aromatic Notes: a top note with a strong aroma, it has a fresh, slightly green minty scent that has been described as exotic with a hint of the tropical, with bittersweet notes.
Essential Oil Effects: uplifting, balancing, soothing, and revitalizing.
Topically, it soothes the skin and helps replenish nature moisture. One of the main compounds in this oil is beta-caryophyllene which has anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce redness, puffiness and leaves the appearance of skin more even and luminous.
-Bergamot Essential Oil-
The Bergamot tree can grow up to 12 feet high, with star-shaped flowers. It is a citrus fruit bearing tree resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow. The essential oil is cold pressed from the peels of the fruit.
The name Bergamot is derived from the city Bergamo in the Lombardy region of Italy where the oil was first sold; this region is still the largest producer in the world for this oil.
Both the fruit and essential oil have been used in folk medicine since the 16th century, initially in Italy and then later throughout Europe. It is a key ingredient in Earl Grey tea to this day.
Aromatic Notes: a middle/top note with a medium aroma, it is citrusy yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality; reminiscent of Neroli
Essential Oil Effects: calming, soothing and focusing. Bergamot Essential Oil contains approximately 30% Linalyl Acetate, an ester that can have a calming or soothing effect. Linalyl Acetate is also present in Lavender Essential Oil and Clary Sage Essential Oil and is the component that significantly contributes to the relaxing properties of these oils.
Topically, it has antiseptic and astringent qualities. In this variety, the bergaptene content which causes photosensitivity has been removed. This allows the Bergamot to be used on skin without concern for phototoxicity after exposure to the sun.