Discover the Power of Fragonia™ for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness

Botanical Name of Fragonia™ Essential Oil

Fragonia is the common name of the Agonis Fragrans plant, which belongs to the Myrtaceae family. The scientific name for this plant can also be referred to as Taxandra Fragrans. INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, which is used to identify and categorize ingredients used in cosmetics. The CosIng database is a skincare ingredients checker that can help identify the use of Fragonia™ in cosmetic products.

Aromatic Profile and Shelf Life

Agonis Fragrans essential oil (Fragonia oil), is made by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the small tree. This pale yellow oil has a fresh, cineolic, slightly spicy aroma with fruity floral notes, hints of citrus, and just a hint of cinnamon spice and balsamic undertones. This oil is very stable. As long as you store it correctly, in a dark bottle away from heat, it will easily last for 2 years or more. Every bottle will have a BBE (best before end) date on the label anyway. 

The Background Story of Agonis Fragrans aka Taxandria Fragrans

Fragonia is extracted from a small shrubby tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. The plant is native to South Western Australia and typically grows up to 3 metres tall. Initially, the long leaves and twigs were only used as filler stems by florists for bulking out flower displays.

In 1996, a farming couple (John and Peta Day) discovered a specific chemotype of the plant and started cultivating it because it was so fragrant. They conducted extensive testing and by 2001, they were growing small plantations of it. The pure and natural oil distilled from the plant had enormous potential, and their business (the Paperbark Co) trademarked the name Fragonia™.

This was the first time an essential oil had been trademarked, ensuring that when customers buy a bottle of Fragonia™ Essential Oil, they know that it originates from the Paperbark Co and are getting exactly what they paid for. It means they also know the names of the couple who grew it – how cool is that?

The couple lost most of their plants during the Australian bushfires a few years ago. However, the root tubers of the shrub are quite bulbous and starchy, and many of them survived the fires. They are back in business now, which is why Fragonia is slightly more expensive than other essential oils. Quality products are more expensive but worth it due to their amazing benefits and the guarantee of no adulteration. Other farmers have tried to grow the shrub in different places, but it doesn’t seem to grow well or enjoy living anywhere other than its native habitat.

Essential Oil Chemistry

Aromatherapy oils have many chemical compounds, but we can summarise them so that aromatherapists can make better decisions about which ones are important.

Terpene Profile

The chart displays average data, which may change with each harvest. However, it is clear that the three main groups of compounds are roughly equal in proportion, each accounting for about one third. This is unknown in other essential oils, where it is usually one group of compounds that is massively dominant. This makes Fragonia a very well-balanced oil. In fact, Pénoël refers to this nearly perfect ratio as “the golden triangle”.

These are the three main groups of compounds.

Oxides – 1,8-Cineole. Oxides are good decongestants and good at shifting mucous. They are respiratory stimulants and are mentally stimulating.

Monoterpenes – Alpha-Pinene, Limonene, Beta-Pinene, Myrcene, Para Cymene and Gamma Terpinene. These are part of the larger Terpenes family and make up a large part of an essential oil. They penetrate the skin easily (diluted of course) and are generally very fragrant, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral,  decongestant, rubefacient and stimulating.

Monoterpenols – Linalool, Terpinen-4-ol, Alpha Terpineol, Myrtenol and Geraniol. These are generally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral. On the whole, this group is considered to be uplifting and generally very desirable in skincare products.

Benefits and Uses of Fragonia™ Essential Oil

As Fragonia is steam distilled, it is highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil before use. You can apply it topically through massage, as a cream, or use it in an inhaler for aromatherapy.

This oil has a unique chemical makeup, which has been extensively tested in a laboratory setting. Its practical applications are well-documented, making it a reliable choice for those seeking its benefits.

It pretty much does everything that Tea Tree essential oil does, which is no surprise as the plants are related. It could easily be used as a replacement for Tea Tree. However, testing has shown it to be much more potent than Tea Tree.

Despite its many practical and physical benefits, some people, including myself, consider this oil to be a very esoteric and spiritual. I’ll go into this later in the blog, but be open-minded about it, and utilising all aspects of this amazing oil can provide maximum benefits.

Benefits and Uses For Skin

Fragonia is a versatile oil that has numerous benefits for the skin. It is well tolerated by all skin types without any adverse effects. Here are some of the benefits of Fragonia for skin:

Anti-inflammatory: Fragonia reduces the inflammatory response to infection or tissue injuries. This is useful for many situations, from serious medical conditions like psoriasis and eczema to minor cuts and scrapes.

Antibacterial: Its properties appear to be just as strong as Tea Tree Oil. It has a very good safety profile, so even youngsters who are getting spots can use it. It’s one of the few oils that can be used undiluted as a spot control treatment. It’s just as effective later in life if you are having problems with spots from hormonal changes.

Antifungal: The need for new antifungal agents is increasing due to drug resistance. This oil is a very effective antifungal, so it would be an excellent addition to foot creams or foot gels to combat athlete’s foot. 

Analgesic: As a good analgesic, Fragonia alleviates the pain of arthritis very quickly, as well as other muscle and joint pain. This is thought to be because of the combined effect of the Para-Cymene and the Myrcene terpenes. This effect is enhanced if it is blended with Plai, Eucalyptus Globulus or Black Pepper oils.
Obviously this would make it very useful in an unscented lotion or gels for pre- and post-exercise, maybe blending it with Rosemary Verbenone or Cajeput.
My particular choice is to add it to foot creams where it melts away the aches and pain of a long day on your feet.

Benefits and Uses for Hair

Anti-inflammatory: Psoriasis is a problem for so many people, and it be even more distressing when it is on the scalp or can be seen on the hairline. Fragonia can be added to a toner and either misted or dabbed onto the affected areas with cotton wool balls. It can reduce a lot of the inflammation as well as the redness. If the skin is flaky, use a conditioning toner.

Shampoos and conditioners: It can be added to shop-bought products or it is so easy to make your own. It smells great, and it makes it an easy way to make it part of your daily hair care routine.

I have found no evidence to suggest that Fragonia has any direct benefits for hair shaft itself. However, it certainly provides an uplifting fragrance when used in hair products, such as shampoos. 

Other Benefits and Uses

Respiratory conditions: The high level of 1,8-Cineole makes it an excellent respiratory oil for chest infections and problems, sinus problems and as a really effective expectorant to help break up mucus. It is safe enough to use with children, but, obviously, in very small amounts. Think of it in the same way as you would use other oils that contain 1,8 Cineole like Eucalyptus and Niaouli. Make a simple balm or add it to a cream and use it as a chest rub.

Coughs: It can be very effective in treating coughs. Its strong antimicrobial properties make it perfect for use as an inhalant in a bowl of hot water to effectively break up mucus. You can put a drop or two on your handkerchief or on the front of your T-shirt and breathe in small amounts throughout the day.

Immune Support: Clinical aromatherapists have discovered that this oil is an excellent natural remedy for supporting individuals with weakened immune systems, effectively acting as an immune tonic. Practitioners say that applying a dilution of the oil around the major lymph nodes has been very effective.

Improved Sleep: A good night’s sleep is a great healer. A study showed that a simple cream made with Fragonia in it was given to a group and the results were longer and improved sleep, as well as a reduction in tension, anxiety and pain.

Top Tip: A blend of 1 drop of Fragonia, 1 drop of Blood Orange and 1 drop of Roman Chamomile is a good way to get a good night’s sleep.

Is Fragonia Suitable for Use in Perfumery?

Yes, it is valued in perfumery for its unique aroma that blends well with other essential oils such as Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Palmarosa, and Rose Otto. It can add a fresh, floral, and slightly woody note to perfumes and personal care products. When I used to make a spa range for a high-end business, mixing equal amounts of Fragonia and Frangipani made the finished product smell incredibly expensive and worth every dollar!

Anecdotal Usage

I can’t find published research for this next section, but many well respected aromatherapists are reporting good results. I expect it will take a long time before more research is done because Paperbark Co will probably not be able to afford their own research, and gold standard research should always be independent anyway.

• It’s important to note that Fragonia should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and anyone with a medical condition should consult their healthcare provider before using it. However, for those looking for a natural way to support emotional and physical wellbeing, it may be worth exploring.
  
• Some therapists have used it as part of a treatment plan for digestive disorders, including candida. This makes sense as it is a strong antifungal. As a Colonic Hydrotherapist, I know just how many of my clients struggled to control gut candida. I retired before coming across this oil, but I strongly recommend diluting it with a carrier oil and applying it onto a cotton cloth.
  
  Apply this to the abdomen with some plastic film on top. Apply a hot water bottle and relax for about twenty minutes. This allows the aromatic molecules to penetrate into the gut.
  
• I have heard on the therapy grapevine of other therapists using it when working with the female reproductive system. People have reported a reduction in breast tenderness and menstrual pain. As the oil is a strong analgesic and antispasmodic, that also makes sense to me. This would be a great area for some research.
  
• Other people have been looking to use it for mild depression and long term fatigue. I tried it after having COVID for the first time and then experiencing fatigue for months afterwards. Just saying that I think it helped me isn’t considered research. If any researchers or universities are reading this blog and looking for their next project, you’re welcome!
  
• Regular travellers have found that it can help with jet lag symptoms by regulating the pineal gland. This can be really helpful for people who have to work different shifts, including night shifts.

Using it in a diffuser

When using this oil in a diffuser, it is best to use a timer to ensure it is only used for short periods of time. It’s effective to clean a sick room, but not recommended using it continuously for hours at a time. This can be counterproductive and may even cause adverse effects.

A good diffuser to use is one that has a timer, allowing for short bursts of diffusion. For maximum sleep benefits, try blending it with Roman Chamomile and diffusing it before bedtime to encourage deep relaxation. I use this diffuser because it is powered by USB and does not need to be connected, so I can place it anywhere. It has a timer function and just works really well.

What Does Fragonia Essential Oil Do Spiritually?

As I said right at the start, it was the lectures from Pénoël that triggered my interest in the oil. Listening to one of his lectures can be equally enlightening and intimidating. I later learned about it from a friend in New Zealand who practised homeopathy and was chosen to participate in the “proving” of the oil.

In homeopathy, “proving” is when experienced therapists receive a homeopathic dilution of a substance without prior knowledge about it. They use their expertise to remove extraneous information and sift through the information they receive and provide insights into the capabilities and potential of the product. Once the group information is gathered, it is analysed as a whole and the findings were remarkable, as everyone reported experiencing similar emotional reactions.

I imagine I lost some of you as soon as I mentioned the term homoeopathy and you bailed out. That’s okay, and that is your choice. I may lose a few more people along the way who think this gets far too “witchy-woo”! If you are still with me, thank you for your open minds.

• One homeopath gave a very clear explanation: “You know when you keep repeating the same behaviour?” You know it’s not good for you, but you keep doing it. It almost provides the familiar comfort of self-harming. It might be overeating, it might be smoking. It might be that you keep choosing bad partners. It could be abuse or neglect from childhood. It could be not getting the promotion you deserved simply because you are female.
  
• Whatever the origin, it has been something that affects YOU! You pick at the scab that never heals because you keep picking it. She then gave the analogy of playing the same record over and over. Fragonia™ Essential Oil “erases” the grooves of the record, meaning that you can’t keep playing it over and over. The impact of that really struck a chord with me, and it was at that precise moment that I knew I had to experience this oil for myself.

A week after I got my bottle of oil, I was teaching a 3-day class to a group of 16 trainee cosmetologists. At the end of the first day, I asked them if they would partake in a very informal experiment. They all agreed. I explained that it was an essential oil. I did not say whether it was new or give any details – not even the name.

I gave each a small jar with a few drops in. I asked them to not try and identify it or give it any thought at all. I reassured them that it was not known to have any harmful side effects regarding blood pressure or other issues. Then, the next day, we would discuss it.

I asked them to write down a brief summary of what they encountered and bring it in. Being the old cynic that I was, I collected these notes up before we discussed it. Having a brief look through what was said I was amazed. What a revelation! 13 of the 16 participants had very strong statements. I confirmed that everyone was happy to discuss what they had written in this small group and everyone was okay. The 3 who had no response explained it was simply that, but were curious to know what the others said.

• One woman started by saying she had been sexually abused by an uncle of hers from the age of 7 for 3 years. Now, as a woman in her 40s she had blocked it from her mind mostly. She said that in her dream she could smell his pipe tobacco in the pocket of his tweed jacket as he came up to her and put his arm around here. She said that this did not disturb her because, in her dream, she walked out of the room and went into the kitchen where her aunt was. She sat and chatted with her aunt, whom she adored, whilst her aunt made cakes. She said she felt warm and loved. She was quite amazed with herself that she could say this in front of the group without crying, but she said she felt calm about it. She said she would like to explore this further.
  
  
• Another woman mentioned leaving a well-paying job because her boss was a bully who targeted her for being “just a typical woman”. The intention was not to compliment, but rather to continuously belittle and remind her to stay in her designated role. She left and found a better job with a company that appreciated her skills.
  She said that in her dream, she smelled the floor polish that was used in her old office building. It took her right back there, and she saw her ex-boss’s face. She laughed out loud in front of our group and said what a silly little man he had been, and she wondered what issues he was trying to compensate for. She then said she actually felt sorry for him. All very calm and centred.

The “smoothing of the record grooves” often seems to happen in the dream state. I have never heard of anyone experiencing nightmares because of it or being traumatised from it.

Fragonia and Cannabis

So, this is a cannabis blog – where’s the weed, you might be asking? There are so many ways that you can combine the two, but here’s just one idea:

Make this Cannabis Muscle Rub – it’s really quite simple to do. You can substitute the Eucalyptus oil for Fragonia. You can then use that balm for applying locally to arthritic joints, aching shoulders and so on. If your cannabis infused oil used a strain that is rich in Myrcene, that will enhance the Myrcene that is also in Fragonia.

Help With PTSD

I step out of my comfort zone here, because I am certainly no expert in this field. I have PTSD symptoms and Complex PTSD. They are both something that I have been working through for some time now. I want to make it clear here – I am NOT saying that Fragonia is a cure or treatment for PTSD at all! If you feel that you have this condition, then I encourage you to seek out professional help. It is a complex issue and takes skilled professionals to help you. For me, it is part of my “toolbox” that I use for self-help, but I have no illusions that I need more than just this oil.

I know that many people with PTSD also use cannabis as part of their toolkit for managing, so that is why I have included it here, because I have found it teams up very well with Fragonia.

Much of what this oil can do seems to happen whilst in the dream state. Your dreams may have greater depth and can be very expansive. This can help to release long held blockages and release old patterns of behaviour and old patterns of thinking and help in rebalancing with new ways of seeing something coming to light. It has a growing reputation for promoting emotional peace and harmony, especially during difficult times. Resilience seems to be a recurring aspect of this oil, especially emotional resilience from old trauma and emotional pain. It’s a gentle oil, and it’s kind to you, so be kind to yourself.

Vibrational Energy

As a clinical aromatherapist, my training combined scientific research and holistic practices, including herbalism and esoteric sciences. I draw on all aspects of my knowledge when formulating essential oil blends to balance and align the chakras.

2nd Chakra / Sacral Chakra / Swadhisthana / Lower abdomen

The second chakra is located in the lower abdomen and is associated with creativity and sexual energy. It also governs how we relate to our own emotions and those of others. When the sacral chakra is open, we feel abundant with well-being and sexuality. 

• Mantra: “I always honour others, but not before myself”
• Colour: Orange
• Element: Water
• Stone: Tiger’s Eye

4th Chakra / Heart Chakra / Anahata / Centre of chest, above the heart

The fourth chakra is located in the centre of the chest, above the heart. It serves as a link between the lower chakras, which are more material, and the upper chakras, which are more spiritual. This chakra influences our ability to give and receive love, both to ourselves and to others. When the heart chakra is open, it allows empathy and compassion to flow freely. 

• Mantra: “When I love myself, loving others comes easily”
• Colour: Green
• Element: Air
• Stone: Rose Quartz

6th Chakra / Third Eye Chakra / Ajna / Forehead, between the brows and the eyes

The sixth chakra is located between the brows and the eyes and is associated with intuition and wisdom. It allows us to see the bigger picture and register information beyond what is merely visual. When the third eye chakra is open, our intuition increases, and we have an increased imagination for visions. This is perhaps the predominant chakra that Fragonia will work with.

• Mantra: “I am open to exploring what cannot be seen”
• Colour: Dark Blue / Purple
• Element: Light
• Stone: Amethyst

Essential Oil Basics & Adverse Effects

As a Clinical Aromatherapist, I always make sure to research the essential oils I use, and their potential contraindications to ensure safe usage.

• Undiluted aromatherapy oils should never be used, and it’s important to always dilute them with a vegetable oil before use. 
• Never take essential oils internally. They do not work in the same way as they do topically, and can cause very serious illness.
• Remember to do a patch test if you have not used the oil before. Start with just a few drops to avoid adverse effects. Adverse effects may include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues.
• Always consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant. Remember to prioritize safety when using essential oils and keep them out of the reach of children.

Conclusion

Fragonia™ Essential Oil, derived from the Agonis Fragrans plant, offers a unique blend of well-documented skincare and respiratory benefits. With a uniquely balanced chemical composition and versatile therapeutic properties, it stands out in the world of aromatherapy. Its esoteric and vibrational aspects may be considered even more useful by others. I am completely enamoured with this oil, but I guess you’ll have worked that out by now.

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