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May 30, 2016

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May 26, 2016
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Narrow-Leaved Tea-Tree Distillate (Melaleuca Alternifolia) ☸ Herbal distillates ☸ Base / General

Narrow-Leaved Tea-Tree Distillate (Melaleuca Alternifolia)BASE / GENERAL Melaleuca Alternifolia, commonly known as Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Narrow-leaved Tea-tree, Narrow-leaved Ti-tree, or Snow-in-summer, is a species of tree or tall shrub in the plant genus Melaleuca. Native to Australia, it occurs in Southeast Queensland and the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales.

It grows along streams and on swampy flats, and is often the dominant species where it occurs.
The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use "Tea Trees" as a traditional medicine by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied. In addition, Tea Tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 13, 2014)

Damask Rose Essential Oil (Rosa Damascena) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Damask Rose Essential Oil (Rosa Damascena)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Rosa damascena

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Part Typically Used: The petals of various types of rose

Color: Light to mid yellow. Pale yellow or greenish tint

Consistency:  Thin

Perfumery Note: Top/Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Deep, sweet, floral, with touch of low citrus, sensual, rosy, strong.

Rosa Damascena, more commonly known as the Damask Rose, or sometimes as the Rose of Castile, is a Rose hybrid, derived from Rosa Gallica and Rosa Moschata. Further DNA analysis has shown that a third species, Rosa Fedtschenkoana, is associated with the Damask Rose.

The flowers are renowned for their finefragrance, and are commercially harvested for Rose oil (either "Rose Otto" or "Rose Absolute") used in perfumery and to make rose water and "Rose Concrete". The flower petals are also edible.

They may be used to flavor food, as a garnish, as an herbal tea, and preserved in sugar as gulkand. The Damask Rose is a deciduous shrub growing to 2,2 metres tall, the stems densely armed with stout, curved prickles and stiff bristles. The leaves are pinnate, with five leaflets. The Roses are a light to moderate pink to light red.

The relatively small flowers grow in groups. The bush has an informal shape. It is considered an important type of Old Rose, and also important for its prominent place in the pedigree of many other types.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Rose de Mai Essential Oil (Rosa Centifolia) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Rose de Mai Essential Oil (Rosa Centifolia)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Rosa centifolia

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted Absolute

Part Typically Used: The petals of various types of rose

Color:
Light to medium yellowish-green slightly viscous liquid

Consistency: Slightly viscous liquid

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma:
Voluptuous, sweet, smooth, with distinct yet subtle honey and green notes and the soft, delicate sweetness of a fresh bouquet of roses.

Rosa centifolia (hundred leaved/petaled rose).Plants of roses for reproduction and breeding of new varieties were imported in the 18th century from Holland and Belgium, where exterior trade with the Orient permitted the importation of new botanical roses from overseas. Born in France in the 16th century from several crossings of botanical roses, Rosa centifolia or "Cabbage Rose" with its hundred petals, was introduced in Grasse for the production of rose essence.

Rose de Mai has a long and revered aromatic history in the Grasse region and was one of the main aromatic essences distilled and extracted there along with Jasmine, Tuberose, Violet, Neroli and Mimosa. In that special Mediterranean environment all the natural elements were found to grow Rose de Mai to perfection. Even today, though the land devoted to its cultivation is greatly reduced from the golden era in the late 19th and early 20th century, Rose de Mai Absolute of France is considered the finest in the world. The flowers are commercially harvested for the production of rose oil, which is commonly used in perfumery.

Individual plants are shrubby in appearance, growing to 1,5–2 m tall, with long drooping canes and greyish green pinnate leaves with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are round and globular, with numerous thin overlapping petals that are highly scented. They are usually pink, less often white to dark red-purple.

On the average a single bush produces 250 grams of flowers. The harvest takes plant in May, very early morning(from 4-8 AM) before the dew has disappeared from the flowers. One harvester can pick from 4-10 kilos per hour. After collection, the roses should be processed as soon as possible, otherwise they will wither and give a poor yield on extraction.

Absolute extraction :

In the solvent extraction method, the flowers are agitated in a vat with a solvent such as hexane, which draws out the aromatic compounds as well as other soluble substances such as wax and pigments.

The hexane washes over the flowers and removes from them waxes, volatile oil and pigments. The "washing" takes about 10 minutes and then is pumped off. This process is repeated three times. The three extracts are then collected together and subjected to vacuum distillation which removes the hexane from the solution leaving behind the odiferous waxy concrete. The hexane is saved for future extractions.
To obtain the absolute the concrete is dissolved in warm alcohol and subjected to chilling so that the nonalcohol soluble pigments and waxes precipitate out. The solution is then filtered and subjected to vacuum distillation to remove the alcohol from the solution, leaving behind the absolute.

It takes about 400-500 kilos of Rosa centifolia flowers to make 2,2 lbs of concrete and from the concrete one obtains 1,1 pound of absolute.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Tea Rose Essential Oil (Rosa Odorata) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Tea Rose Essential Oil (Rosa Odorata)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Rosa odorata

Common Method of Extraction:  Solvent Extracted Absolute

Part Typically Used:
Flowers

Color: Pale golden

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note:
Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Soft, green, ambery, roseaceous bouquet with a delicate warm pungent, spicy undertone.

Rosa odorata
cultivated in China and introduced to Europe in the 1800s, having fragrant tea-scented yellowish or pink flowers.

The name 'Tea rose' is the result of a misunderstanding - the rose was created in the Fa Tee nursery near Canton in China. In 1810 it was discovered by an Englishman who sent a specimen to England. It is the ancestor behind several yellow and yellowish modern roses.

However, the scent of these roses is rather different from that of traditional roses. Surprisingly, their scent is strongly influenced by the aromatic compound orcinyl dimethyl ether, or 3,5-dimethoxy-toluene, which is chemically related to the oakmoss odorants. This phenol ether has a warm and sweet, nut-like, earthy-mossy odour - according to Arctander.

Immediately upon their introduction in the early 19th-century breeders went to work with them, especially in France, crossing them first with China roses and then with Bourbons and Noisettes. The Tea roses are repeat-flowering roses, named for their fragrance being reminiscent of Chinese Black Tea (although this is not always the case).

The colour range includes pastel shades of white, pink and (a novelty at the time) yellow to apricot. The individual flowers of many cultivars are semi-pendent and nodding, due to weak flower stalks. In a "typical" Tea, pointed buds produce high-centred blooms which unfurl in a spiral fashion, and the petals tend to roll back at the edges, producing a petal with a pointed tip. The Teas are thus the originators of today is "classic" florists" rose form.

According to rose historian Brent Dickerson, the Tea classification owes as much to marketing as to botany. 19th-century nurserymen would label their Asian-based cultivars as "Teas" if they possessed the desirable Tea flower form, and "Chinas" if they did not. Like the Chinas, the Teas are not hardy in colder climates.

Rose absolute oil
has high levels of antioxidant, vitamin C, tocopherols, phenolics and beta carotenes.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Summer Damasks / Gulab Rose (Roses Gallica x R. Phoenicea Hybrid) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Summer Damasks / Gulab Rose (Roses Gallica x R. Phoenicea Hybrid)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Rose gallica x R. Phoenicea hybrid

Botanical Origin: Persia

Common Method of Extraction: Rose Attar (Itr) - rose distilled into Sandalwood essential oil.

Distillation Type:
Rose petals distilled into Sandalwood essential oil.

Part Typically Used: Petals

Color: Light yellow in colour, sometimes possessing a green tint

Consistency: When cooled, it congeals to a translucent soft mass, which is again liquefied by the warmth of the hand. The congealing point lies between 15 degrees and 22 degrees, mostly between 17 degrees and 21 degrees
 
Perfumery Note: Top / Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong odour of fresh Roses. Sweet and floral, deep. Warms with its sweet, heavy core note.

Blends Well With:  Jasmine, Vetiver, Ylang-Ylang, Carnation, Neroli, Vanilla and Geranium essential oil.

Common name:
  French Rose, Gallica Rose, Gallic Rose, GULAB Rose (India), Summer Damasks, Rose of Provins.

Chemical structure: Geranic Acid (Suspected of having an analgesic property. Very little current data available).

Geraniol (A terpene alcohol. Fragrant and regarded as highly valued oil in aromatherapy and the perfume industry. Terpene alcohols are antimicrobial but are a lot gentler on the skin than the phenols).

Nerol (A terpene alcohol).

Terpene Alcohol (Valued for their fragrance, gentle reaction on the skin and membranes and healing properties Terpene Alcohols have earned the name of "Friendly Molecules". Alcohols are amongst the strongest antimicrobial compounds in essential oils but lack the irritant properties of other antimicrobial constituents like phenols).
 
Citronellal and Citronellol (Citronellal a Terpene Aldehyde and Citronellol a Terpene Alcohol. Fragrant and regarded as highly valued oil in aromatherapy and the perfume industry. Terpene alcohols are antimicrobial but are a lot gentler on the skin than the phenols. Citronellal from Citronella grass has a more pungent smell and is less gentle on skin. Aldehydes are sedative, antiviral and antimicrobial but can be an irritant to the skin).

Geraniol (A terpene alcohol. Fragrant and regarded as highly valued oil in aromatherapy and the perfume industry. Terpene alcohols are antimicrobial but are a lot gentler on the skin than the phenols).

Eugenol (Anaesthetic, antimicrobal, disinfecting, stimulant, aromatic and anticonvulsant.Eugenol is a Phenylpropanoid in the Phenols group. Eugenol is widely distributed in the plant kingdom.Potentially irritant. Sensitivity should be tested before using this substance or oil on the skin).

Monoterpenes (One of the many terpenes, monoterpenes (the smallest of the terpenes, although one of the most widely occurring) are mostly found in essential or volatile oils. Aromatherapists use monoterpenes as a mucus membrane tonic as decongestants and to ease nasal and other mucus membrane discomfort. Monoterpenes evaporate easily and have a low boiling point. Monoterpenes are mostly colorless and odorless, prone to oxidation. Oxidants from monoterpenes could be irritant.Monoterpenes are antiseptic, antiviral and bactericidal),

Note: Essential oil and Atar extracted differently should not mix these concepts, but this two substances you can mixed with each other (if you making your own perfume).



Rosa Gallica, also known as the French Rose, is believed to be indigenous to Iran where these species have been cultivated since time immemorial.

The cultivation of the Rose probably started in ancient times in Persia.

Rosa Gallica (Gallic Rose, French Rose, or Rose of Provins) is a species of flowering plant in the Rose family, native to southern and central Europe eastwards to Turkey and the Caucasus.

 The variety of Rosa Gallica Officinalis that is cultivated in many regions across the globe is also known as Apothecary's Rose.

The Gallicas are probably the oldest of all garden Roses. They were grown by the Greeks and Romans.

In the 17th century the Dutch started to breed new varieties, and later the French continued their development on a very large scale. Among them are to be found some very fine Roses with magnificent mixtures of colour - particularly among the crimson, purple and mauve shades - and they have beautiful flower formation.

Plants of this species are deciduous shrubs that often grow up to 1,5 meters in height. Although Roses of this species have developed naturally over several centuries into the plants we are now familiar with, they were first developed by breeders during the early 1800's. Plants belonging to this family of Roses have even stalks bearing piercing thorns. The stems of the plants possess spikes and bristles with glands. The edges of the leaves are jagged like a saw and each leaf has three to seven pairs of leaflets that are bluish-green. These deciduous shrubs cover a large area forming a green covering. The flowers appear in bunches of one to four, while each flower has five single petals that are aromatic and profoundly pink in hue. The hips resemble globes or have an ovoid shape and vary in diameter between 10 mm and 13 mm. Their color ranges from orange to brownish.

People who are involved with aromatherapy utilize the Rose as a mild tranquilizer, anti-depressant and also to cure inflammations or tenderness.

Several researches have established that the petals of the Rose and the preparations with them are similar. In addition to the therapeutic uses of the Rose mentioned above, the petals of the flower and medicines prepared with them have proved to lower elevated cholesterol levels in our bloodstream.

Conversely, Rosewater is mildly caustic or astringent by nature and hence, it is incorporated as an important element for preparing a cream that is used to heal swelling as well as eye pains.

The Rose has always been a symbol of love and over the centuries many marriages have been celebrated with scattered Rose Petals and romantic Rose Petal baths.

The Rose Blossom’s distillate was used to prepare Rosewater, Rose Vinegar andperfume.

What is Rose Attar and how it is born:


True Attar distilled in large clay containers a lot of manual labor and a large knowledge of substances efficiently. Distillation Attar depending on the kind of takes from three months to two years. Sometimes Attari distilled in Sandalwood oil, and sometimes the flowers are distillating together with Sandalwood powder and chips slowly distilled in the same clay or copper boiler.

Sandalwood oil
acts as a fixative and a kind of receptacle extremely fragile and unstable floral aromas. Sandalwood aroma is total aromatics quintessence - quality Sandalwood smells like "emptiness", covering all faktors spaces. Sandalwood aroma protects and cares, but does not impose himself .

Comprised of traditional Indian Rose Attar. Roses are placed in copper distilling vessels where they sit in heated water. Vapors pass over into a receiving vessel containing Sandalwood oil, which absorbs the Rose essence over a period of 20 days or 2 months or 2 years. New flowers are distilled each day.

Enchanting and captivating with the scent of Rose Gulab "Regal Queen of Flowers" shimmering above a grove of Sandalwood a lit with Oud.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Summer Damasks / Gulab Rose (Roses Gallica x R. Phoenicea Hybrid) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Medicine / Health

Summer Damasks / Gulab Rose (Roses Gallica x R. Phoenicea Hybrid)MEDICINE / HEALTH
Therapeutic Properties :

Diuretic
Hepatic
Antiphlogistic
Sedative
Antispasmodic
Tonic
Antibacterial
Antiseptic
Uplifting

Fields of application:.
Mature Skin Tonic, Irregular periods, Aphrodisiac, Premenstrual tension, Impotence, Frigidity, Broken capillaries,

Contraindications : There is no information.

Pregnancy / Lactation: There is no information. The smell of this oil is reflects everything what is feminine, maternal, so do not be afraid the small amount of this oil in pregnancy or lactation period.

Children: 2 - 3 years

Guidelines:
Sometimes you do not even dilute, just slide your finger over the bottle here is containing the fragrant oil.

Rosa Gallica flower oil derives from the Rosa Gallica plant, known for its beauty and sweet-smelling scent.

In Arabian history distillation of Rose oil dates back to the 10th century and balms were made from Rosa Gallica to treat respiratory disorders.

Avicenna, an Arabian physician who lived between 980 A.D. and 1037 A.D., was the first to make Rosewater with Rosa Gallica or French Rose.

It is interesting to note that the herbal medicine practitioners recommended the use of Rose during the Middle Ages and also during the Renaissance to cure depression as well as sadness.

The essential oil (Attar) extracted from the Rose Blooms is widely utilized in perfume making. In addition, this essential oil also forms an important ingredient in formulations that are added in skincare lotions and lukewarm bath water for treating skin problems. Apart from the essential oil extracted from the flowers, even Rose Water is used in skin care and bath water formulations.

Rose oil (Attar) has a pleasantly calming, balancing and harmonising effect on your mental state. After a stressful day, the scent of Rose Gallica caresses your mind and helps it relax. A drop of Rose oil added to a Scent Lamp has a calming effect on stressed out school kids.

Rosa Gallica flower essential oil (Attar) is a very beneficial external tonic that can be used to sooth and calm irritated skin, reduce wrinkles, heal bruises faster, or as a general skin care product.

Used in this way, it can also treat eczema, acne and shingles and will strengthen and help heal capillaries.

It is also an effective anti-bacterial agent when applied externally.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Summer Damasks / Gulab Rose (Roses Gallica x R. Phoenicea Hybrid) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Spiritual Practises

Summer Damasks / Gulab Rose (Roses Gallica x R. Phoenicea Hybrid)SPIRITUAL PRACTISES
Applying Rose Attar to the body and Chakras can calm the nerves, redirect thinking and set the tone for mindful meditation. 

An emotional and physical harmonizer, Rose Attar oil is extremely useful during times of mourning and extreme grief since it makes highs and lows more bearable.

Cooling astringent properties are known to alleviate tension, lighten the weight of heavy thoughts, and invite an overall essence of purity and sensuality.



Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

White Champaca Essential Oil (Magnolia x Alba) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

White Champaca Essential Oil (Magnolia x Alba)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Magnolia × alba

Common Method of Extraction:
Steam Distillation

Part Typically Used:
Blossom

Color: Pale green in hue

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Light, fruity-floral with sweet buttery undertones, a little sharp edge, intensely green and herbaceaous.

There are more than 200 different species and it is not easy to discern exactly which is which. The plant is considered to originate in Central Asia, the Americas and West Indies. In the Himalayas, China and Japan it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Later it was brought to many other countries and continents to finally be introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Magnolia is believed to be one of the most ancient flowering plants, fossilized specimens have been dated as far back as 95 million years. The tree existed well before the bee and pollination was, and still is to a degree, done by beetles.

White Champaca
, the leaves, flowers, and form of which resemble Magnolia, but the blossoms off Michelia generally form clusters among the leaves, rather than singly at the branch ends as Magnolia does. It does belong to the Magnolia family. It is sometimes known as Michelia Alba or White Sandalwood. Magnolia (Michelia x Alba) is a cross between Magnolia champaca and Magnolia Montana, with a fragrance similar to Magnolia champaca. It is a tall, evergreen tree with creamy white flowers.

The essential oil of Magnolia comes mainly from China. Michelia x alba (also called “White champaca”, “White Jade Orchid Tree”, “Bai Yu Lau”) and Magnolia fargesii are the main species, from which the flowers are distilled. The flowers are picked at night, when the scent is at its peak and the scent is absolutely divine. The flowers start emitting the perfume early in the morning, the fragrance becoming more intense during late afternoon and by night fills in the entire space around.

Magnolia × alba matures to 30 meters with evergreen leaves. The flowers have a count of 12 sepals. Magnolia × alba is widely cultivated as an ornamental in Asia, particularly tropical and subtropical regions of China and Southeast Asia for the strongly fragrant flowers. Plant magnolias in full sun or partial shade. The more sun light, the more flower production, but many species are subject to leaf sunburn in hot areas. Most magnolias prefer full sun.

An essential oil is extracted from the flowers. In China, where it is known as bai lan, the flowers are used to prepare yulan tea. Michelia x Alba is a symbol of one of the largest cities in the world Shanghai, the Capital of economic zone of China.

Owing to its exotic and beautiful fragrance, the flower extract is used as a primary ingredient in various most expensive perfumes of the world.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum Austrocaledonicum) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum Austrocaledonicum)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Santalum austrocaledonicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Part Typically Used: Heartwood and roots

Color: Pale yellow

Consistency: Slightly viscous liquid

Perfumery Note: Middle/Base

Strength of Initial Aroma:  Rich, soft, sweet, creamy, balsamic, smells like precious woods. The heart note is softer and creamier in aromatic texture than the Sandalwood from India and Sri Lanka.

In natural perfumery its application is almost universal as it serves as one of the finest fixatives known in almost all perfume types. It is notably used in high class florals, Oriental bases, precious woods accords, woody-floral bases, fougeres, chypres, sacred perfumes.

Santalum Austrocaledonicum
typically grows 5 to 12 metres tall, and around 4 to 8 metres wide. The trees flower after 6 - 7 years, and fruit matures in about 3 months. The trees have gray bark, and short branches bearing light-green leaves. They are considered semi-parasitic in their early stages. Their roots drink the sap of their host plant.

Austrocaledonicum was discovered in 1840 on Pins Island, New Caledonia. In India, many temples were built with its fragrant wood. Some excerpts from the Bible make reference to the use of Sandalwood for the crafting of harps, lutes and railings for the Temple of Jerusalem, in the time of Solomon.

Sandalwood is still today very much used in Hindu ritualsand ceremonies. For instance, it enters in the composition of pastes used in the Temples of Shiva for embalming.

Sandalwood essential oil from New Caledonia is rich in Santalol, the constituent that gives Sandalwood its signature aroma.

The species Santalum Austrocaledonicum, not to be confused with Indian Sandalwood Santalum Album, grows in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. The essential oil distilled from the heartwood is sweet and woody, tinged with warm, milky notes.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Indian lotus Absolute (Nelumbo Nucifera) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Indian lotus Absolute (Nelumbo Nucifera)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera

Common Method of Extraction: Food Grade Solvent Extraction. Lotus Absolute in Kampur.

Part Typically Used: Blossoms

Color: Very dark, orange-red

Consistency: Viscous liquid. A molasses-like consistency that may require special use instructions to blend.

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: A honeyed, very intense floral, earthy and somewhat sweet, with ripe-fruit and coumarin-like undertones, a tenacious, deep richness, and a soft yet bold green top note.

Lotus Absolute white and Pink is actually cultivated and extracted in South India. The Pure Lotus Absolute is very nice perfume ingredient.

Nelumbo Nucifera, also known as Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, Bean of India, or Simply Lotus, is one of two species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. This plant is an aquatic perennial. Under favorable circumstances its seeds may remain viable for many years, with the oldest recorded Lotus germination being from that of seeds 1,300 years old recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.

The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters, but some unverified reports place the height as high as over 5 meters. Researchers report that the Lotus has the remarkable ability to regulate the temperature of its flowers to within a narrow range just as humans and other warm blooded animals do.

An individual Lotus can live for over a thousand years and has the rare ability to revive into activity after stasis. In 1994, a seed from a Sacred Lotus, dated at roughly 1,300 years old ± 270 years, was successfully germinated.

The White Lotus, Nelumbo Nucifera is revered as the sacred lotus of Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and Egyptian cultures and is native to India, Tibet and other warm parts of Asia to Australia.

The Lotus plant is cited extensively within Puranic and Vedic literature. Hindus revere it with the divinities Vishnu and Lakshmi often portrayed on a Pink Lotus in iconography. In the representation of Vishnu as Padmanabha (Lotus Navel),a Lotus issues from his navel with Brahma on it.

It is also the national flower of India and Vietnam.

Nelumbo Nucifera flowers are usually obtained through a process of solvent extraction. The resulting oil is so highly concentrated and potent that very small amounts can be used for aromatherapy purposes. Due to the high cost of the extraction process, it is one of the most expensive oil on the market. It's a very expensive absolute it cost around 6000 dollar a kilo.

Absolutes are usually more concentrated than essential oils. Also, the efficiency and low temperature of the extraction process helps prevent damage to the fragrant compounds. With a good understanding of the solvent they are using, extractors can produce absolutes with aromas closer to the original plant product.

The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera) is one of the most important and attractive wetland plant species in India.                                              


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Neroli Essential Oil (Citrus Aurantium) ☸ Essential oils ☸ Base / General

Neroli Essential Oil (Citrus Aurantium)BASE / GENERAL
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Part Typically Used: Blossoms

Color: Coffee Brown

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Base note

Strength of Initial Aroma: Intensely floral, citrusy, sweet and exotic and is appealing to both men and women.

Neroli oil is a plant oil produced from the blossom of the Bitter Orange tree (Citrus Aurantium). As with Lavender, thisessential oil is one of the most popular essential oils.

Orange Blossom
is a fragrant distillation of fresh Bitter-Orange flower. This Orange, also known as Sour Orange, is usually too sour to be enjoyed out of hand, but this very same bitterness makes this type of Orange much more aromatic than the rest of the Orange varieties. Almost all parts of Bitter Orange are used to produce beautiful and aromatic materials for the fragrance industry: the essential oil is derived from peel of a fruit, orange leaves are used in production of Petitgrain oil, while delicate white flowers serve in production of Neroli and Orange Blossom absolute.

Neroli originates from Asia, but is now produced all over the world in the Mediterranean, North Africa and China. The oil produced in France and Tunisia is believed to be the finest of them all.  The best Neroli oil come from Tunisia, Sicily and France, but the volume from the latter has decreased in the past few years.

Worldwide the annual production does not exceed 2 tonnes. 1 tonne of flowers is needed to produce 1 kg of oil - thus Neroli is highly expensive.

In their favoured Mediterranean or sub-tropical climate, Bitter Oranges can grow to a height of 9 m. It is also known as "Orange Blossom" and it takes about 1000 lbs. of Orange Blossoms to make 1 lb. of Neroli oil.

Although Oranges had been known since the first century, it wasn’t until the late seventeenth century that Neroli oil was discovered.The name is said to have originated from the Italian princess, Anne-Marie de la Tremoille (Countess of Nerola) who used the oil as a perfume and to scent her bathwater and gloves. By the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, Italy, introduced the essence of Bitter Orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the term "Neroli" has been used to describe this essence.

Neroli
has a refreshing and distinctive, spicy aroma with sweet and flowery notes. It is still an ingredient for making traditional smelling eau-de-cologne.

Orange
petals are often associated with marriage, purity and brides, as brides traditionally wore Orange buds in their hair.

Orange flowers have been used in wedding traditions since the times of ancient China. In Chinese tradition, orange flowers were omens of purity, innocence and moral virtue, but also a symbol of fruitfulness and fertility. Brides of all nations have always worn some kind of a floral embellishment on their wedding day, and the tradition of using Orange flowers has spread from the East to Europe, during the times of the Crusaders. Maidens have used fresh Orange Blossoms to decorate their hair on a wedding day, and this custom was so widespread that that the expression "to gather Orange Blossoms" took completely different connotation by starting to mean "to seek a wife".

Neroli oil is extracted from the small, white, waxy flowers of the Bitter-Orange tree by steam distillation and yields 0.8 - 1 %. The blossoms are gathered, usually by hand, in late April to early May. The oil is produced by water distillation, as the blossom is too fragile to endure distillation with direct steam.

In perfumery Neroli is used as both a base note and a top note depending on the oils that it is blended with.

Chemical composition:


The main chemical components of Neroli oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, a-terpinene, nerol, neryl acetate, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerolidol, linalyl acetate, methyl anthranilate and indole.

Neroli has an intensely sharp, green and floral aroma, which comes alive when diluted and imparts a refreshing scent.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 12, 2014)

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) ☸ Base oils ☸ Base / General

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)BASE / GENERAL
The Almond (Prunus Dulcis, Prunus Amygdalus, Amygdalus Communis, Amygdalus Dulcis) is a species of tree native to the Middle East and South Asia.

Almond tree originates from warm regions of the Near and Middle East, where, according to archaeologists started using the nuts of wild trees 780,000 ago. In Iran was cultivated 5,000 years ago in China - 3000 ago, and in Greece - 2500 years ago.

The Sweet Almond tree has dark-colored bark, rose to white flowers in early spring, and dry-fleshed fruit with a pitted stone containing the nut. The Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis produces Almonds, which are formed with an exterior hull, an interior shell, and in the middle of it all, a seed.

The fruit of the Almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed (which is not a true nut) inside. Shelling Almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed. Almonds are a rich source of oil, with values ranging between 36 to 60% of seed dry mass.

Sweet Almond should not be confused with Bitter Almond, which contains Amygdalin and can be broken down into the poisonous substance Hydrocyanic acid (Cyanide).

Chemical structure:

Pure Saweet Almond oil contains many nutrients including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins E, B9 (Folate) and B12. These nutrients nourish the body on the outside when applied topically.

A study by Venkatchalam and Sathe suggests Almonds contain approximately 44% oils, of which 62% is monounsaturated oleic acid(an omega-9 fatty acid), 29% islinoleic acid (apolyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acid), and 9% is saturated fatty acid:

Natural Almond oil in 36 g (28-30 Almonds) 32 g / 30 ml:

Calories - 208 - 205 calories
Protein  - 7,7 g - 4,9 g
Carbohydrate - 7,1 g - 6,9 g
Fats - 18,2 g - 19,2 g
Saturated - 1,4 g - 1,8 g
Monounsaturated - 11,6 g - 12,4 g
Polyunsaturated - 4,4 g - 4,0 g
Fibers - 4,2 g - 1,2 g


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 11, 2014)

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) ☸ Base oils ☸ Food / Cooking

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)FOOD / COOKING
The oil is expeller pressed from the kernels of the nut to produce an oil that is light yellow in color with a distinctive soft marzipan like flavor. It is more used by the chefs in the kitchen of the Caribbean.

In the Middle Ages Almonds were used to prepare soups and desserts. It can be used to add a subtle nutty flavor to salad dressings and stir fry's, but is also delicious in cookies, muffins and cakes.

Substitute for plain cooking oil in baked goods such as pastries, muffins, and breads. It is surely a healthier substitute to salted butter and shortening in baking.

Almond oil should be treated as more of a finishing oil, added just before the meal is served.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 11, 2014)

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) ☸ Base oils ☸ Medicine / Health

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)MEDICINE / HEALTH
This brilliant and extremely useful composition presented to us by nature in an Almond nut or in a small drop of Almond oil was used for medicinal purposes and beauty treatments for centuries.

The oil is good for application to the skin as an emollient, and has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session. Almond oil has Vitamins A, C, E and D, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, bioflavonoids.

Vitamins A
and E are also called “Vitamin of youth”, strengthen cell membranes and have a positive impact on the elasticity and adaptability of skin cells to environmental influences. They are very good antioxidants.

Vitamin D plays an important role for the immune system and regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

The available Vitamins of group B (B1-thiamine, B2-riboflavin, B3- niacin, B9-folic acid) improve blood circulation, help for the proper healing of damaged tissues, smooth functioning of brain and eyes, strengthen metabolism.

For healing purposes Almond oil is used internally and externally, by using its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, a soft effect and penetration in depth in healing massages.

The most pleasant way of internalreception is as salad oil, especially mixed with other vegetable oils, and for base is used Olive oil (50%):

 Almond oil is good for:

Colds, pneumonia and bronchitis (The oil relieves coughs and hoarseness).

Chronic constipation and colitis.

Based on animal studies, Sweet Almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar.

Early studies in humans and animals report that whole Almonds may lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL / "bad" cholesterol) and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL / "good" cholesterol").

 It's impact is even more effective than the Olive oil. Theoretically, Almonds may add to the effects of herbs or supplements that lower blood cholesterol levels, such as Fish oil, Garlic, guggul, or Niacin.

For pain, especially headache is recommended Sage with 3-4 drops of Peppermint and 30 drops of Lavender essential oil added to 30 ml almond oil. A little known is the fact that Lavender essential oil has not only relaxing but also analgesic effects and in combination with Almond oil can be used in many cases to relieve muscle spasms and cramps in the limbs.

Almond oils recommended for skin diseases and allergic skin reactions, for psoriasis, itching, painful dermatitis and eczema.

Almond oil also contains beneficial monounsaturated and linoleic fatty acids, specifically omega-6 and Omega-9. Combined with omega-3, these healthy fatty acids have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce the likelihood of dying from cardio-vascular related problems.

Researchers are especially interested in their level of monounsaturated fats, as these appear to have a beneficial effect on blood lipids (High in monounsaturates and low in saturates).

Also, if applied directly, Almond oil can often provide relief from muscular pain. Ingesting Almond oil is also great for boosting the immune system, which will in turn lessen your chance of becoming ill.

Side effects:

Clinical studies indicate that Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis oil does not cause irritation or sensitivity in individuals who do not have Almond allergies.

It was also discovered that Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis seed meal does not create dermal irritation. However, it is important to note that individuals with allergies to other members of the Rosaceae family may experience irritation when using products containing either Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis oil or Seed Meal.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 11, 2014)

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) ☸ Base oils ☸ Beauty / Cosmetics

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)BEAUTY / COSMETICS
Almond oil good for:

To treat and relieve the condition after sunburn.
To refresh and maintain the skin colour.
For the treatment of acne and scars of different rashes, very effective is the combination of almond oil (25%) and tea tree oil (75%).
Lightens dark circles.
Cures chapped lips and body rashes.
Good As a makeup remover.
Almond oil is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E, and as a result is great for the skin.

Almond oil
quickly affects and makes the skin of any type and any age to feel wonderful - nourished, hydrated and velvety soft and smooth. Absolutely suitable for babies, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

Almond oil good moisturizer for all skin types, simply because it is easily absorbed. One of the most important Sweet Almond oil benefits is that for dry and chapped skin. Using Sweet Almond oil will surely make your skin soft and supple. Applying Sweet Almond oil is a natural beauty treatment. You can use Almond oil for dark circles. It will also rehydrate the skin and reduce the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Sweet Almond oil is commonly used as a skin conditioning agent to lubricate and soften the skin or as a lubricant in hair products to promote shine and manageability. It acts as an emulsifying agent, binding water and oil together.

This oil features a light consistency and is not oily, so it is readily absorbed by the skin. It has been included in formulas designed to reduce fine lines on the face, moisturize the skin, soothe dry, chapped lips, and relieve itching.

It is a rich emollient that moisturizes the skin with renewed hydration, helping to minimize signs associated with premature aging. It creates a glow to the skin when absorbed, can be used to reduce discoloration or inflammation, or to neutralize skin and hair irritations. It is frequently used in fragrance, lipstick, sunscreen, skin care, night skin care, and cleansing formulas.

Almond oil is an ingredient of the most used products from cosmetics series for babies and children, because of its substance of nutrients. It comes in a synergistic interaction with other natural oils and herbal extracts to nourish the skin in depth and make it silky soft, smooth and perfectly hydrated.

Massages with Almond oil are recommended during pregnancy, after birth, for sudden weight gain or weight loss, against stretch marks and stretching of the skin all over the body;

Indeed Almond oil is often used as the basis for many other procedures and massage blends. Almond oil massage will help to get rid of dry skin, impurities, dead cells. It soaks easily in the skin and gives a glowing touch to it.

The benefits from using Sweet Almond oil include reducing discoloration on the skin, adding moisture to chapped or chafed skin and lips, improves the overall complexion and prevents dry or flaking skin. Since almond oil features Vitamin E, it also helps to reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin. Improves complexion and retains glow.

Use of Almond oil can cure or prevent dandruff and itchiness of the scalp. It removes the dryness and replaces with varnished, shiny and healthy hair. It rectifies and prevents split ends from developing and the hindrance of growth of the hair. Also being an ingredient in many shampoos and conditioners, use of Sweet Almond oil cleanses the hair regularly and assisting the long and nourishing hairs to grow.

For tired and aging skin, removes small and deeper wrinkles, especially around the eyes, lips and nose. To prevent their occurrences begin with regularly massages of the face and body with Almond oil at an earlier age, especially if you are often on “a diet”.

Almond oil has a fine texture, so as a result it will not leave your skin feeling greasy or block your pores.


Submitted by OperaDreamhouse (March 11, 2014)
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