AMBRETTE
SEED
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the Seeds .
Description
& History
The liquid oil
of Ambrette seed is a valuable adjunct in high – grade perfume compositions, to
which it imparts strong and characteristic musk – like
notes. The oil possesses a much
smoother odor than synthetic musk ambrette.
The crude (Concrete) oil can be used in cosmetics.
Caution
Because of its powerful, lasting odor, it must be dosed most carefully.
FRANGIPANI
(PLUMERIA
ALBA)
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description
& History
An evergreen or partly deciduous tree, 7m high, with fleshy
branches and copious latex, grown for ornament almost all over
India
, particularly in the vicinity of religious places and burial
grounds. The leaves are 15–30 cm in length, borne at the end of the branches. The flowers are white with a yellow
centre and sometimes pink-flushed outside.
The development of perfume continues for some time even in plucked flowers. The latex of the plant has rubefacient
and purgative properties.
Caution
Do not take internally.
HONEYSUCKLE
(LONICERA)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the Flowers.
Description
& History
Quite a number of species of Lonicera grow wild in many parts
of the world, or are cultivated in gardens.
Harvest take place in mid – June.
The oil contained neither aldehydes, ketones, nor nitrogenous substances.
Nothing further is known about the chemical composition of the natural oil
of honeysuckle. In the past only very
small quantities of absolute of honeysuckle have been produced in the
Grasse
region. The
absoloute is used in high – grade perfumes of the French type, to which it imparts
alluring tonalities.
JASMINE
(JASMINUM GRANDIFLORUM)
Extraction
The concretes is obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description & History
Cleopatra used oil of Jasmine to woo Mark Antony, and
today it is an ingredient of many fine perfumes.
The oil is highly esteemed for treating problems for the nervous system,
dispersing depression, tension, listlessness, and fear.
It is often included in natural skin care products for its smoothing and
softening effect on the skin, and is useful for preventing scarring by increasing
the skin`s elasticity. Jasmine is called
"The King of Oils". Anyone who has inhaled the intoxicating scent of this rich and
luxurious floral oil. Jasmine is also
one of the most expensive. It takes about 50 pounds of jasmine petals to produce
one ounce of jasmine oil! Add to this the fact that the jasmine petals need to be
harvested before dawn when they are at their most
fragrant, and the process becomes even more costly!
Caution
It is non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitizing.( an allergic reaction has been known to occur in some individuals).
LAVENDER
(LAVANDULA OFFICIANLIS)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation fresh
flowering tops, leaves and steams.
Description & History
Commercial perfume houses use Essential oil of Lavender as the basic ingredient of many
fragrances. A universal oil, well know, beneficial
for skin conditions may help in allergies, burns, inflammations,
good for all skin types, pains, aches, infections abdominal cramps, nervous
tensions, insomnia, depression, stress related conditions, PMS etc.
It is also used in a variety of cosmetic aids such as mouthwash,
skin tonic, and eye – lotion, in addition to making a natural insect repellent. The balancing properties of lavender
can correct emotional problems and feeling of instability.
Its calming effect will induce a restful sleep.
Caution
It is non-irritant, non-toxic & non-sensitizing.
LILAC
(SYRINGA
VULGARIS)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the Flowers.
Description
& History
The common lilac, Syringa Vulgaris
L. a native of
Iran
was introduced to
Europe
three hundred to four hundred years ago.
It has been cultivated widely in
many parts of
Europe
, and now grows also semiwild.
The natural flower oil of Lilac is not produced commercially as none of the extraction
methods, including steam distillation, yields products representing the odor as
it is contained in the flowers. On
the other hand, numerous synthetic compounds have been developed which reproduced
the delightful scent of lilac quite remarkably.
LOTUS
(NELUMBO
NUCIFERA )
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description
& History
The Leaves are pilate and are 60 to 80 cms. In diameter. The flowers are solitary and are white or
rosy in colour. The oil works wonders
on irritated skin; it is cooling and highly astringent.
Also considered sacred by the hindus, an oil can be made from the seeds,
the roots and of course a very exquisite
perfume made from the petals. It increases
clarity, devotion, prosperity and is extremely opening to the heart charka. Lotus is good for headaches and vomiting
and can be used for morning sickness.
Caution
It is rare, expensive and highly priced.
NARCISSUS
(AMARYLLIDACEAE)
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the Flowers.
Description
& History
Three species of
Narcissus are processed in the
Grasse
region of
Southern France
for the extraction of their natural flower oils:-
1. Narcissus
Poeticus L., which grows wild in many parts of the Departments Alpes Maritimes,
and Basses Alpes, Maures Mountains Comps, Riez, Moustier, etc.
The flowers are white and possess a strong perfume.
2. Narcissus
Tazetta L., which is largely cultivated,
but also grows wild. The color of the
flowers ranges from light to dark yellow.
Plantations are located in the
Grasse
region, near Cogolin, Magagnose, Tourette,
Opio etc.
3. Narcissus
Jonquilla L. the common jonquil.
The Absolute is used in high – grade perfumes of the French type, to which it imparts exquisite,
strong and heavy tonalities, difficult
to identify. Absolute of
Narcissus blends particularly well with Jasmine.
ROSE
(ROSE CENTIFOLIA / DAMASCENA)
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description
& History
Rose is one of the most difficult essential oils to distill,
and takes the most raw material, hand picked at great expense, to produce a small
amount of oil. If
Neroli is the Princess of essential
oils, then Rose is the Queen. Rose gives a sense of security and spiritual attunement. It keeps the heart open and connected
to all things. It reduces anger and
strengthens liver function. It is a
special gift to women and is important in menopause formulas.
In skin care it is important because of its astringent and antiseptic nature,
and can be especially beneficial for Pitta-type inflammation and skin allergies.
Caution
Restrain use if high Kapha condition is present. It is rare, expensive and highly
priced.
SAMBAC
(JASMINUM
SAMBAC)
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description
& History
A suberect or sometimes climbing shrub with pubescent branchlets. The leaves are simple, opposite and elliptic. The flowers are white, very fragrant,
solitary or in 3-flowered terminal cymes.
The plant prefers dry locations and grows profusely when in
India
for ornamental and religious purposes.
In
China
the flowers are used for flavouring tea.
The plant has several medicinal properties.
The crushed flowers are used as lactifuge.
The leaves are applied as poultice for skin complaints and ulcers.
Caution
Do not take in ternally.
TUBEROSE
(POLYANTHES TUBEROSA)
Extraction
The concretes are obtained by extraction
from the flowers.
Description
& History
An erect herb, 60-120 cm high, with stout tuberous rootstock. The leaves are linear, those on the stem
much shorter. The flowers are white,
funnel-shaped, waxy and fragrant. Believed
to have originated in
Mexico
or the
Andes
of
South America
, this herb is cultivated commercially in
South India
. Tuberose is
propagated by off sets or from seeds.
It grows well in loose friable soil.
The flowers are used for ornamental purposes.
The bulbs are considered to have diuretic and emetic properties.
Caution
Do not take internally.
VIOLET
LEAF
Extraction
Essential oil by steam distillation from
the flowers .
Description
& History
Formerly, the natural perfume occurring in the flowers of
Violets was obtained exclusively by maceration with hot fat.
This process has been largely abandoned in favor of extraction with petroleum
ether, whereby the so – called Concrete and absolute of Violet flowers are obtained. Concrete of Violet flowers is a waxy,
solid, yellow – greenish mass, only partly soluble in 95 % alcohol.
The color of the Concrete from Parma Violets is somewhat lighter than that
from the
Victorias
. The odor is
most pleasant, and characteristic of the flowers.
Violet flowers was an esteemed and highly priced adjunct in expensive Perfumes,
being used particularly in violet scents or in floral bouquets of the “heavier”
and fancy type.
Caution
Do not use in condition of high pitta ; will aggravate bleeding
disorders; skin irritant in high dose; convulsive in high doses.