FRAGONIA - Oct 22, 2011

Fragonia is an exciting, relatively new essential oil from the south of Western Australia. The oil is steam distilled from the small lignotuberous shrub, Agonis fragrans (Myrtaceae family),

Agonis fragrans grows to a height of 2.5 metres. It has erect flowering branches with fine, rigid leaves and small clusters of white flowers, each with 5 petals and a pale pink centre. Commonly referred to as coarse tea tree, it has long been used in the cut flower industry, both for fresh and dried flowers.

Noongar Aboriginals from the south of Western Australia make reference to the use of the 'tea tree' in their traditional medicines, Leaves were warmed and placed as a poultice on wounds They were also rubbed into their hands to extract the oil to keep flies away and the foliage used for bedding.

Fragonia has an aroma reminiscent of the Australian bush. Its olfactory description is "very fresh, camphoraceous top note, green / herbaceous, hay and slight floral heart with fleeting aniseed aspects and a significant fruity note, slightly spicy, earthy and aldehydic base, tenacious green, spicy, slightly balsamic dry down". (Valerie Gearon, B.App.Sc, Dip. Perfumery, Recipient, IFEAT International Award, 2001)

Gas chromatograph analysis of several harvests of Fragonia shows the following typical percentage ranges of the chemical constituents of the oil:

Fragonia has exciting potential in applications utilising its distinct Australian bush aroma.

However, early on, there were several indicators that Fragonia also had significant potential as a therapeutic oil. This included early work by Dr Daniel Penoel, a world renowned French physician, who specialises in the therapeutic use of essential oils. He believed that this oil had a unique balance in its chemical constituents which could contribute to the oil's ability to generate a state of physical and emotional balance.

It has become apparent that while Fragonia, like so many other essential oils, is effective in treating a range of physical conditions, it has its own additional unique properties.

The apparent uniqueness of Fragonia, first identified by Dr Penoel, is its ability to work at a deep level, releasing blockages and having the capacity to bring harmony, peace and balance at an emotional, physical and for some, a spiritual level. It has the ability to regulate, bringing the body's natural healing abilities back into line.

Information collated from scientific and clinical research as well as extensive anecdotal and testimonial feedback shows Fragonia to be effective in:

Rebalancing / shifts in levels of awareness

• Fragonia has the ability to balance, regulate, calm and help people let go of negative patterns of behaviour. It helps induce a deep and holistic healing process
• Valuable in dealing with unresolved core issues and transforming troubled family relationships (Robbi Zeck, Australian Kinesiologist and Naturopath)

Influence on the Respiratory System (Dr Penoel, 2005)

• Anti-inflammatory
• Decongestant - breaks up mucus
• Fights most common respiratory infections from the nose through to the lungs
• Soothes the irritation and nervous cough reactions linked to the lungs
• Strengthens and balances the immune system
• Has an analgesic effect when used externally

Anti-microbial and Anti-fungal

• Studies at the University of Western Australia have shown Fragonia to have significant anti-microbial activity, similar to that of other recognised anti-microbial essential oils, including tea tree oil. It was shown to be as effective as tea tree oil in treating Candida albicans or thrush
• Very pleasing scent, not medicinal
• Fragonia hydrosol creates an acidic environment in the throat when gargled, which is beneficial in treating cases of bacterial tonsillitis

Anti-inflammatory

• Preliminary research by the University of Western Australia supports the potential of Fragonia as an anti-inflammatory oil

Analgesic

• Fragonia can be used to assist in relieving minor pain, including joint and muscle pain through topical application

    'It appears that Fragonia has some remarkable analgesic properties' (Dr Penoel, 2005)

Strengthens the Immune System

• Being a very gentle oil, Fragonia can be applied on a daily basis to the skin over the lymphatic nodes in the side of the neck, the armpits and groin to strengthen the immune system (Dr Penoel, 2005)

'It is particularly effective over the winter months' (Dr Penoel, 2005)

Influence on the Female Menstrual Cycle

Karen Wallwork, an Australian aromatherapist, has found in her clinical research on 'Agonis fragrans and the Female Menstrual Cycle' that Fragonia seems to have the ability to assist in regulating the hormonal imbalance which comes under the control of the pituitary gland. The constituents of Fragonia allow it to penetrate, decongest and disperse allowing the body's homeostasis to be restored.

• There was a significant improvement relating to pain, depression, anxiety, breast tenderness and bloating. There was also a positive shift in relationships and productivity and duration of symptoms decreased from 3 -5 days to 1 - 3 days.
• Applications of the oil or cream to the brow or lower abdomen were both effective
• Normally several oils in varying ratios are required to treat the presenting symptoms. The study found that Fragonia used alone was effective

As well, some feedback has been received on the positive effect of Fragonia with hot flushes and in treating migraines associated with menstruation.

Being a 'female' orientated oil, Fragonia helps balance and regulate the reproductive system at a holistic level. (Dr Penoel, 2011)

Jet Lag and Regulation of the Body Clock

• Feedback from several travellers has indicated that Fragonia appears to have a very positive effect in preventing or minimising the symptoms of jet lag. Many shift workers report that Fragonia has seemed to lessen their requirement to use alcohol (to relax) and coffee (to stimulate) to regulate their body clock. (Karen Wallwork, 2007)

The Tao - the Yin and Yang of it all!

Dr Penoel believes Fragonia represents the yin or female aspect of the Tao and Kunzea, the yang or male aspect. The Tao indicates the interdependence of yin and yang energies. An extreme condition in one will make the other unbalanced and a state of ill health can arise. The combination of both oils seems to reunify the Tao and to provide a new level of results that cannot be obtained just with the individual use of each oil. The combination will depend on the needs of the client.

For Karen Wallwork, this made perfect sense. Fragonia seems to assist in the female or yin condition (menstruation). Yin is also associated with damp/heavy sinus conditions. At an emotional level it particularly helps alleviate grief and sadness, while dispersing, clearing, opening up, balancing, calming and bringing harmony. Kunzea assists more with the male or yang energy - anger and frustration, inner conflict, agitation, restlessness, frustration as well as skin conditions and muscle tension. (KW 2007)

Safety Considerations

Fragonia is a very safe and gentle essential oil. It is well tolerated on the skin, though patch testing with sensitive skin is recommended. Diluted it is safe to use with children and pregnant women. (Dr Penoel, 2011)

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