Eugenia Essentials

Neroli, the Princess’ Favorite

The time is not far off when the air in Central Florida will be heavy with the intoxicating sweet scent of orange blossoms. One of the most fragrant is the bitter orange blossom. The bitter orange tree yields three distinct oils, one from the blossoms: Neroli; the rind of the fruit: bitter orange; and the [...]

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The Queen of Flowers

This Valentine’s Day some lucky ladies will be receiving roses, “The Queen of Flowers.” The reputation  for roses symbolizing love goes back to ancient mythology where the 1700’s Spanish opera “La purpura de la rosa” or “Blood of the Rose” describes a scene in which Venus’ lover Adonis has been wounded by Marte (Mars) disguised [...]

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Refreshing Citrus Paradisi!

I always look forward to when citrus is in season, in particular Grapefruit. Grapefruit is much maligned by some because of its tartness, but I absolutely love eating a fresh grapefruit each morning. I mean really, how could you say anything bad about a fruit whose botanical name is “Citrus Paradisi?” The name alone sounds [...]

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The Magi’s Gifts-Part Two: Myrrh

The story of the Magi has always fascinated me. Who were they and where did they really come from? There is much controversy about the origins of the Magi, whose names we have commonly accepted today as Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar.

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Earthy Patchouli

I love the scent of Patchouli! It is high on my list of favorite essential oils. The smell of it evokes visions of barefooted earth mothers with flowers in their hair, wearing peasant blouses and long gauze skirts. While it was the perfume of choice with the 70s hippy crowd, Patchouli never really went out [...]

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