Your Aromatherapy Star Sign - Taurus (21 April - 21 May)

Ruler: Venus
Colour: Green
Element: Earth
Season: Autumn
Aromatic: Sandalwood, Geranium and Rose

Sandalwood (santalum album)
Sandalwood is emotionally comforting to men and women and is very kind to the skin. It has a balancing effect to bring dry or oily skin to a state of equilibrium. It is a well known antidote to nausea and it generally calms the digestive system. It also has a soothing effect on the nervous system, calming the nerves and inducing sleep. The therapeutic properties of Sandalwood have been known since the fifth century BC. The wood has been considered sacred by most civilisations and was used to build temples whilst the oil has always been used in the embalming processes of ancient civilisations. The Indians believe that Sandalwood imparts energy into those using it and that it has the power to enlighten the mind. The Japanese use Sandalwood in their worship of and communication with Buddha ,whilst the Muslims believe that Sandalwood will purify body and soul and carry prayers heavenward.

Geranium (pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium has a close affinity with the female system and is a popular oil for the aromatherapy beginner as well as the professional. It helps to treat hormonally unbalanced skin, broken capillaries, blemishes and bruises and is a gentle insect repellent. It also works on the mind to ease grinding teeth, nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anger and female rages and can also help with soothing period-related pain and problems, settling the cycle after miscarriage or preparing the body to conceive. Geranium is emotionally soothing and has a fabulous scent that makes it ideal for room fragrancing.

Rose (rosa centifolia)
Rose Oil, which is extracted from the petals by distillation or solvents, is in my personal opinion beyond compare for treating stress related conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. It has a very gentle but strong uplifting effect on the psyche and a balancing effect which can help individuals to “see problems in proportion." Many aromatherapists believe that Rose can mimic the effect of hormones so it is often used to treat psychological problems linked to female bodily functions such menstruation or child birth, e.g. PMS or post natal depression.