Essential oils – P

Essential oils are the volatile oils from the distillation of aromatic plants. Essential oils may contain as many as 10 plants per bottle!

We stock the following oils:

Palmarosa/Cymbopogon martini – Palmarosa leaves have a lovely oil that contains high amounts of Geraniol & Geranyl acetate, therefore it is very similar to Geranium. This oil can be used topically to fragrance skin creams as it is good for aging skin as well as added to the diffuser for its lovely smell & relaxant action. Blend with a base note such as a Cedarwood to balance its floral smell. Country of origin: Nepal

Palo santo/Bursera graveolens – Palo santo is from the South American continent, extracted from mature wood of fallen trees. It is woody, citrus and fresh as it contains Limonene, Menthofuran & a-Terpineol. One of its common names is Holy Wood as it is used for rituals and cermonial uses similar to incense. Diffuse this with other woods, citrus & florals to make a truly unique scent of your own. Country of origin: Ecuador.

Patchouli/Pogostemon cablin – We stock Patchouli dark, a deeply intense, musky Patchouli that is a favourite for those who make their own scent in perfumery & scented skincare. It is helpful with aging skin. Patchouli is best blended with other florals & base notes as it combines to make a whole new aroma. On its own it may remind some of the hippie movement of the 60’s where it became popular. Country of origin: Indonesia.

Pepper black/Piper nigrum – Black peppercorn is the most common kitchen spice, you will know its smell but to smell the 100% essential oil will reveal this spice to you on a whole new level. It is immensly aromatic, as you experience the full flavour profile without having to sneeze! It is a beautiful spice to add to any base notes to give it a pick me up but Black pepper also has some amazing properties. It contains beta-Caryophyllene & high levels of Sabinene. Topically it is a rubefacient meaning it draws blood to the surface of the skin. This makes it useful for chill blanes & poor circulation. Country of origin: India.

Pepper pink/Schinus molle – Pink peppercorns have a slightly more fragrant smell but also a beautiful musky aroma. This oil is great for perfumery or for those who take delight in blending oils to create new smells. Mixes well with other spices to round out their scent and to take a blend to a new level. Country of origin: Kenya.

Peppermint organic/Mentha piperita – Peppermint essential oil is the famous oil used by the food industry to flavour chewing gum and other products. Its freshness comes from the high content of Menthol, Menthone & Menthofuran produced by the leaves. Peppermint is cooling and if used in a topical cream will cool the skin quite considerably. This makes it useful for pain & injuries and can also be used to counteract heat from other oils like Chilli or Ginger to balance the sensations for the user. Peppermint is also lovely to diffuse as it is a fresh, invigorating, morning aroma that often helps wake up the brain. Students will like this for this reason. This is a certified organic Peppermint oil. Country of origin: India.

Peru balsam/Myroxylon peruiferum – Peru balsam is a uniquely sweet & spicy resin, from the bark of the tree. It has a lovely spicy smell which comes from the Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate & e-Cinnamic Acid. Blend this with other spices or woods to add some sweetness. It is also great to diffuse for respiratory issues and excess mucous along with some Eucalyptus or other antiseptic oil such as Tea tree. Peru balsam can also be used on the skin for wound healing & it mixes well with Tea tree oil for minor wound care, cuts & scratches. Country of origin: El Salvador.

Petitgrain/Citrus aurantium – Petitgrain is a lovely citrus oil from the leaves of the shrub. It has a similar pretty smell to that of Neroli not as strong, perhaps a bit more Orange. It contains Linalyl acetate (from Bitter Orange), Linalool (from Lavender) & Limonene (from Lemon). Use Petitgrain in the diffuser as you would any citrus to increase feelings of wellbeing & to add brightness to your day. Country of origin: Paraguay.

{Please come in store to smell testers}

Refills: We refill most essential oil bottles {except for the sticky ones} so please think of the planet’s resources and save your bottles. We dont mind which brand of oil the bottle is we will refill it with the same oil for a much cheaper price. See here for the oils we have in stock for refilling or call us to request your favourite oil.

If you would like larger amounts we can order in especially for you in 25ml, 50ml, 100ml or 200ml – please enquire by email or phone.

Zurma essential oils are the highest quality, pure & natural essential oils. Each batch has a full certificate of analysis, so you can be assured that Zurma oils are not adulterated in any way.  Zurma is our favourite brand of essential oils & is a local business within Christchurch so has a low carbon footprint.

Please see below for safety considerations & more information on how to use oils. Enjoy!