The resin and gum symbolize the life force that oozes out from a tree’s bark or stems. This article discusses those resins and gums, answering the question: What is the difference between resins and gums? Further, the following terms are reviewed in detail: Gum resin, sap, and resinoids. The amazing aromas that can be found in resins and gum resins are a true delight. However, there are several species that produce aromatic resins that have become threatened. As a professional aromatherapist and an “impactful consumer,” it is important to be aware of unsustainable essential oil species.
In herbalism, elderberry syrup has always been a popular remedy for use with colds and flu during the colder months, and elder tea is a welcome drink for sniffles and aches. But although elder is a time-honored herbal remedy, it can be adapted for today’s aromatherapy practice in other ways, beyond that of traditional essential oil use. For example, both a hydrosol and infused oil are made from the extracts of the elder tree. Elderberry infused honey can be added to aromatherapy skincare products. My recipes for all of these uses are included here for you to try!
Having horses for much of my life, I’m never without both German and Roman Chamomile essential oil and hydrosols. These are my go-to botanicals for aromatic first aid and wound cleaning/healing. I worked with a horse that came from a rescue situation. His hooves had been badly neglected and stunk so bad you could smell them feet away. The new caregivers tried everything and they were having good results with their farrier getting the hooves back into shape; however, the lingering bacterial and fungal mess was still a problem. The horse was also very tender-footed due to the lack of care and sensitive to touch of his body and hooves.
Cucumber, although treated as a vegetable, is a type of botanical berry or pepo and is comprised mostly of water, about 95%, along with 2 to 3% of the daily value of numerous vitamins and minerals, and a notable amount of Vitamin K at 16% of the daily value.4,5
Plant–pollinator interactions are determined through floral scents and reward components by floral chemistry. Plants release organic volatile compounds which are secondary metabolites. These fragrant compounds are then often extracted and used in aromatherapy as essential oils. The purpose of these compounds serves multiple purposes for the plant, but flowers use them to entice pollinators for reproduction.