 By Ana-Elena Sastrias, Natural Aromatherapy Teacher Botanical Diversity in the study of Ethnical or Regional Essential Oils Ethnical Aromatherapy invites us to look beyond the essential oil itself and return to its true origin. An essential oil is not simply a fragrant extract — it is a complex and concentrated expression of a plant, shaped by its land, its climate, and its botanical identity. Obtained through distillation or cold pressing, each essential oil carries not only its chemical composition, but also the imprint of its country of origin and its genotype. Understanding this diversity is fundamental to both the art and the science of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is both an Art and a Science that involves healing oneself with the use of Essential Oils. Ancient civilizations, including Egyptians and Greeks, used aromatic plants and oils for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. When talking about Aromatherapy, we usually refer to Lavender, Rosemary, Rose Geranium, Basil, Chamomile (German and Roman), Jasmine, Rose, Clove, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Mint, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Juniper (Juniper berry), Cypress, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Star Anise, Ginger, Carrot Seed, Orange Sweet, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Mandarin, etc. Each Essential Oil has specific properties depending on the Region of Extraction and the type of soil and Genotype. It is important to know that there are different varieties of plants and each of those varieties of plants provide an Essential Oil with a different scent profile and may provide a different therapeutic use. Carl von Linné, in the 18th century, dedicated his scientific work to making a general classification of plants and animals. He described each classification by three names: Family, Genus and Species. Usually, these three names will be given Latin names, as a universal language. In his book Species Plantarum , Linné defined a binomial nomenclature, using two names): 1. Gender Name 2. Species Name This binomial term classification continues to be used up to date. Gender in ˆLatinized” capital letter. Species in “Latinized” lower case letter. The Species name is often based on characteristics of the plant by their shape, properties, country of origin, smell, color, number of flowers, time of growth or flowering. For instance: Eucalyptus has 3 species: Eucalyptus radiata (Peppermint like gum scent, NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, Australia) Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon like gum scent, Queensland, Australia), Eucalyptus globulus (Woody camphoraceous like gum scent, Tasmania, Australia). Each of these 3 different species of Eucalyptus will have a different aroma profile and therapeutic use. Eucalyptus radiata is used to treat congestion in the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, pharynx), while Eucalyptus globulus is used to treat congestion and infection in the lower respiratory tract (lungs, bronchi, trachea, bronchioles). Eucalyptus citriodora has been used as an insect repellent, also it is decongestant in the upper respiratory tract, use in pain relief as an anti-spasmodic treating arthritis, muscle pain; and it is an antiseptic used for treating wounds and cuts. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) and the International Code of Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants (ICNCP) have 114 classified existing botanical families, including:
These families’ names are in Latin:
This means that it is a genuine botanical source and contains no fillers, additives or other impurities or adulterations. The Chemotype or Chemical Race is like an ID card of a plant. The “chemotype” makes it possible to distinguish two or more essential oils of different chemical compositions produced from plants of the same species. For instance:
Basil Chemotypes:
Chamomile Chemotypes:
 Cedarwood For Cedarwood, there are four Chemotypes:
Both have lymph-tonic and draining properties, significant lipolytic skin regeneration and scalp tonic. Beware, these varieties have abortive and neurotoxic properties in the long term. Each country grows local, ethnical aromatic plants, and this is important to know regarding diversity and the use of essential oils sourced locally.  Indian Sandalwood Sandalwood: Currently, Australia is growing two varieties of Sandalwood: Deadwood Sandalwood and Northern Sandalwood. Both Australian Sandalwoods have a very distinctive aromatic profile and also, they have a different aromatic profile from the Indian Sandalwood. This allows perfumers to get out of their habits and experiment with new varieties of the same species. In Yucatán, México, there are aromatic plants that come from the same species of Marjoram or Oregano and Basil:  Spanish Hill Oregano Lippia graveolens Kunth: (Spanish Hill Oregano) it is grown in Texas, USA, and Mexico, Central America. This Mexican Oregano is used as an antiseptic, antipyretic, analgesic, abortive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diabetes and menstrual problems. The essential oil extracted from this plant has carvacrol, and timol mostly. It has been used as a Flavor component, in Perfumery, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals and Liquor. Ocimun campechianum Mill: (Hill’s Basil) it is grown in USA down to South America. It is used in traditional medicine to treat intestinal inflammation, ulcers, gastritis, dysentery, vomit, and stomachache. The Essential Oil from this plant is extracted from its leaves. It contains eugenol, beta-elemene, beta-caryophyllene, eucalyptol, metil-E-cinnamate and carvona.  India Lavender Tree Bursera linanoe: (Indian Lavender Tree) is native to Mexico, and it is cultivated in India for the extraction of the essential oils from the wood and berries. This tree species produces a combination of Lemon and Jasmine scent. This Indian Lavender Tree is a different species compared to Lavandula shrub. This species contains linalyl acetate and is used as a substitute to Bergamot. In Guerrero, Mexico, there is an Artcraft production of decorated wooden boxes called “Cajitas y Cofres de Olinalá” made from the Linaloe wood of this Indian Lavender Tree.
REFERENCES: 1. Plantas Aromáticas de Yucatán - Calvo Irabién, Luz Ma. 2. Natural Aromatherapy IPF Certification Course - Sastrias, Ana Elena
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 By Ana-Elena Sastrias, IPF Chair Australia and Natural Aromatherapy Teacher Natural Aromatherapy - The Ultimate Reconnection to your Body. It was through various personal life experiences that I gradually became more aware of certain health conditions I was facing - and how they were not just influenced by genetics, but also profoundly shaped by the environment around me. In our families, we learned traditional remedies passed down through generations. Some of these practices continue to prove their value, while others have been labeled as myths or dismissed by modern science. Yet, we now find ourselves in a time when people are increasingly seeking to reconnect with Nature, and through this reconnection, we are rediscovering profound truths about our bodies, our emotions, and our inner world. This renewed relationship with the natural world is offering us a key: a deeper awareness of what is really happening in our bodies and how to begin healing - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Science is also beginning to recognise the value of traditional healing practices, acknowledging their purpose, effectiveness, and the ancestral wisdom behind them. These remedies have been tested through generations, rooted in the millenary knowledge of ancient civilisations dedicated to agriculture, herbal medicine, alchemy, and holistic healing. Today, with greater knowledge of allergens, hormone disruptors, phthalates, phenols, and other harmful ingredients, we are becoming much more selective. We are more mindful of the products we use, the medicines we take, and the therapies we choose - seeking those that are in alignment with our individual health, values, and well-being.  I have been observing a new market trend for selling scents for public spaces or for homes. Personally, I do not enjoy going to businesses that have a very concentrated scent that persists all day with the same intensity. There is no story behind the scent, there is no other intention aside from showing off the scent and getting overwhelmed.
Be mindful about businesses who sell space-aroma-kits which do not show the kind of ingredients these scent products are made of and whether they will provide some therapeutic function or not, or whether they would need to be contraindicated to certain populations. In many of the cases, companies who sell Space Aromas are doing it for aesthetic purposes and for defining companies or organisations brand identity only. They are not precisely interested in people’s health. This is not Aromatherapy, even though it is marketed by that name. At The International Perfume Foundation (IPF), we use the term "Natural Aromatherapy" to clearly distinguish our practice from conventional "aromatherapy." We believe that “true aromatherapy” must be practiced using only high-quality essential oils that are ethically extracted from natural sources. This means: • No synthetic ingredients • No pesticides • No GMOs • No synthetic fragrances or isolated compounds • no phthalates, no parabens • No Phenoxyethanol • No Glycols • No Ethoxylated compounds Natural Aromatherapy, as IPF defines it, works exclusively with Nature’s purest ingredients: ethically sourced essential oils, floral waters (hydrosols), organic ethanol alcohol, cold- pressed vegetable carrier oils, oil macerates, and natural vegetable glycerin, among others. Through our Natural Aromatherapy Certification Course, you will begin a powerful journey of self-healing, guided by an IPF Certified Natural Aromatherapist. You will learn to understand the body’s systems holistically and how to support them using the therapeutic power of essential oils in meaningful, targeted applications. This is not just a course about blending oils - it’s about learning to understand your body and the relationship of plants and essential oils in your health. This practice will give you a deeper connection with your own self and Nature, by exploring Nature’s medicine cabinet offering support for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. By the end of your journey, you will hold the keys to true holistic healing - grounded in Nature, supported by Science, and guided by ancestral knowledge. Whether you're a professional seeking new skills or someone on a personal wellness journey, this course is a gateway to transformative self-care and professional practice. The Natural Aromatherapy Certification Course is one of the three core courses required to become a Certified Natural Perfumotherapist - a professional who blends the art of natural perfumery with therapeutic applications for health and well-being. You are welcome to learn more about your pathways to become a Natural Aromatherapist, Natural Perfumer or a Perfumotherapy through IPF. |
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