Olive Leaf Hand Cream

The leaf from an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, laurel leaf, also known as bay leaf, has been flavoring soups, stews and other dishes for centuries. In fact, the laurel wreath has symbolized victory since ancient times. Extracted through steam distillation, its essential oil is herbal, spicy and slightly floral.

A flowering plant in the mint family, lavender is most closely associated with the Provence region of France, where it is a thriving industry. Steam distilled from the freshcut flowering tops and stalks, the essential oil has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma celebrated for its calming benefits. It is unrivaled in its popularity and combines well with many oils.

Now mostly grown in Indonesia, patchouli was brought to the Middle East and Europe along the Silk Road to preserve handmade textiles from moths. Obtained by steam distillation of the dried leaves of a small, tropical bush, its viscous oil has a rich, sweetish, rooty-earthy-woody fragrance.

A tree that thrives in cold boreal climates, the balsam fir is identified by its needlelike leaves, gray-green bark and cylindrical cones. Extracted through the leaves, its refreshing essential oil emits a lush, resinous scent that balances sweet and crisp.