The Aromatic Apothecary

02/12/2025

Every day, trillions of microscopic plastic particles infiltrate our soil, water, and even our bodies. These silent invaders disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife, and pose mounting health risks for humans. The truth? Once they’re in the environment, they’re nearly impossible to remove, unless we take bold, science-backed action now.

A study explored how a combination of lemongrass (C. flexuosus) and the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium M. luteus WN01 clean up soil contaminated with both crude oil and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics. Over 90 days, the researchers observed that M. luteus significantly enhanced lemongrass plant growth and total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation—by up to 79%—while simultaneously stimulating the partial oxidation and co-metabolic breakdown of LDPE microplastics in the rhizosphere. Despite the presence of microplastics altering root structure and reducing hydrocarbon bioavailability, the lemongrass–M. luteus partnership maintained robust bioremediation performance and clearly benefited lemongrass plant growth and EO production.

Overall, this study demonstrates synergy between lemongrass plants and M. luteus as a highly effective strategy to remove both petroleum hydrocarbons and microplastics from soil. The combination not only detoxifies petroleum pollutants but also initiates biodegradation of persistent plastics—an inspiring model for restoring co-contaminated soils through nature-based, economically valuable solutions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41030065/

26/11/2025

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics and food packaging, is nearly everywhere in our daily lives. From water bottles and food containers to cash register receipts, our exposure to BPA is almost unavoidable. Research has linked BPA to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. As awareness grows, it's crucial to understand where BPA lurks and how it might be impacting our well-being.

A preclinical study investigated the protective effects of myrtle EO against bisphenol A (BPA) male reproductive toxicity and compared it against vitamin E. BPA administration led to testicular damage, decreased s***m quality, hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, and altered lipid metabolism. At the highest doses tested, myrtle EO improved s***m quality, restored testicular tissue health, preserved cell membrane integrity, and normalized steroid hormone levels—testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol. Additionally, the EO prevented abnormal decreases in body weight. Although vitamin E provided better protection of the seminiferous tubules found within the te**es, myrtle EO offered broader benefits across multiple parameters. These findings suggests that myrtle EO may protect the male reproductive system against BPA toxicity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12547839/

20/11/2025

17/11/2025

Healing severe burns is a long and painful process. Traditional wound dressings often fall short, leaving the door open for stubborn infections and oxidative stress. Recently, researchers engineered a new polymer hydrogel film featuring Chitosan, Gelatin, Sodium Alginate, and most excitingly, lemon EO! This dressing offers a natural way to protect against microbes, inhibiting both bacteria and fungi, plus a remarkable antioxidant activity to calm that inflammation and speed recovery. The Lemon EO is perfectly encapsulated for a controlled, sustained release, proving this cutting-edge, biocompatible solution is a game-changer for faster, safer wound healing.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41110341/

12/11/2025

Tyrosinase inhibitors reduce the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is involved in the production of the pigment melanin, so reducing its activity could have a skin brightening effect. Rose essential oil demonstrated the ability to inhibit tyrosinase in laboratory research, making it a novel option to combat skin conditions involving abnormal melanin production and promote an even skin tone.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39323629/

29/10/2025

Hydrosols, sometimes called floral waters or distillates, are the gentle and water-based counterpart to essential oils. They’re produced during the steam distillation process and carry many of the same therapeutic properties as essential oils, but in a much gentler form.

27/10/2025

Inspired by the beautiful Body Butters our group created yesterday, I finally found the motivation to get back into the workshop last night. I’m excited to share that a fresh batch of Nirvana Body Custard is now back in stock!

This much-loved product has been unavailable for a while due to challenges sourcing a responsible and sustainable supply of one key ingredient. Now that it’s back, I don’t expect it to hang around for long—be quick to avoid missing out! This one smells divine!

27/10/2025

Thank you to all who came and made brilliant Body Butter's with us yesterday. You were a great team and created some marvellous natural creams! Your skin will be as soft as the proverbial baby...

26/10/2025

Thank you to all those who came to our Build a Body Butter from The Aromatic Apothecary Class today. You all made some beautiful balms and butters! A huge shout to Calli Pizza Cafe for hosting us and a lovely lunch too!!

25/10/2025

All the Ingredients are lined up ready to go and we are very excited to welcome you all to Build a Body Butter from The Aromatic Apothecary tomorrow. There is still last minute space available of anyone is looking for something to do on a soggy sunday!

23/10/2025

A recent study founf that rose essential oil and rose floral water possesses antiviral activity against HSV-1—a virus associated with cold sores. Specifically, both rose essential oil and floral water directly acted on viral particles—directly damage or neutralize virus particles—and reduced viral titer—fewer active viruses to infect cells—as well as significantly inhibited viral adsorption—blocked the virus from sticking to cells. Pretreatment of healthy cells with either rose product significantly protected cells against HSV-1 infection, with the EO being more effective. These findings suggest that rose essential oils and floral water are promising anti-HSV-1 solutions that could help prevent or manage cold sores.

Research Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40806646/