Bergamot oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the Citrus bergamia fruit. Like Sweet Orange, it is rich in limonene, and like Petitgrain and Clary Sage, it is rich in linalyl acetate, a soothing ester also found in lavender. Aromatherapists associate both with a calming rather than stimulating quality, and early research suggests that inhaling Bergamot may help ease feelings of stress and anxiety. We use a bergapten-free (FCF) Bergamot, which greatly reduces the sun sensitivity associated with regular bergamot oil. In Botanical Sanctuary, its bright, uplifting scent opens the blend, there to help lighten a heavy mind.

In traditional aromatherapy, Jasmine is prized for its uplifting, mood-lifting qualities. It is a rich, intensely floral absolute, and unlike many calming oils it is traditionally described as energizing, lifting the spirit without a heavy, sluggish feeling. In Botanical Sanctuary, Jasmine brings a rich, luxurious warmth to the heart of the blend, there to lift the spirit while the mind settles.

Clary Sage is valued in aromatherapy for its calming qualities and may help ease feelings of stress and soothe frazzled nerves. It's naturally rich in linalyl acetate, often making up 60–70% of the oil, which makes it one of the richest sources of this soothing ester in aromatherapy. In one small study of menopausal women, cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, was lower after inhaling Clary Sage, though the study had no comparison group. In Botanical Sanctuary, Clary Sage adds an herbal depth, there to help quiet the mind's constant spin.

Please note: as a precaution, avoid Clary Sage during pregnancy or if you have a hormone-sensitive condition, and check with your doctor first if you take hormone-related medication.

Steam distilled from the wood of Cedrus atlantica, a majestic evergreen native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, Atlas Cedarwood has a warm, woody, sweetly balsamic aroma. In aromatherapy it is valued for its grounding qualities and traditionally used to encourage a sense of steadiness during times of stress. In Botanical Sanctuary, Atlas Cedarwood is the base of the blend, there to anchor it and invite an overstimulated mind to settle down from racing thoughts and back into the body.

Rose absolute is extracted from the petals of Rosa damascena, and it takes a great many blossoms to produce even a small amount. Long treasured as an oil of the heart, Rose is traditionally associated in aromatherapy with comfort and nurturing, and with feelings of self-compassion and emotional ease. In Botanical Sanctuary, just a touch of Rose adds a velvety depth to the blend, there to wrap the mind in a sense of tenderness and safety.