Cistus ladaniferus

1. Labdanum Gum - a pure plant resin, extracted with water
2. Labdanum Absolute #1 (Ambreine #1) - an alcohol extraction of the concrete
3. Labdanum Absolute #2 (Ambreine #2)) - an alcohol extraction of the concrete

• Base note
• Sweet, warming
• Evocative
• Amber-like scent
• A traditional incense material
• Not for use during pregnancy

Labdanum is also known as the Rose of Sharon and is mentioned in the Bible in several locations.

An essential oil of this plant is also produced. It is typically called Cistus essential oil. Its aroma is very different from Labdanum and has less of the amber-like aroma. If you want to use Cistus for aromatherapy purposes be sure to purchase steam distilled Cistus essential oil and not Labdanum.

We carry three grades of Labdanum, which comes from the rock rose plant, a beautiful shrub native to the Mediterranean region. The first is Labdanum Gum, which is extracted simply by boiling the whole plant material in water for an extended amount of time. Labdanum gum is the most natural form of this oleoresin. It is also the most difficult form of Labdanum to work with as it is a solid mass that must be heated in a water bath prior to pouring. It is not soluble in vegetable oils, yet quite soluble in alcohol. However, it will turn your alcohol tincture to a very dark color. A small portion of Labdanum Gum can be burned on charcoal for incense, or mixed into incense formulas with other botanicals.

From Labdanum Gum, a variety of other Labdanum products are made. The most important for use in natural perfumery is Labdanum Absolute. Labdanum Absolute is refined from Labdanum Gum in a 2 step process. First a concrete is made using a solvent such as hexane or heptane. Next the Labdanam Absolute is extracted from the concrete using alcohol. Labdanum Absolutes can vary dramatically depending on how they are extracted and by which solvents are used during the refinement process.

The best Labdanum Absolutes (sometimes called Ambreine, a term we have used in the past for our Labdanum Absolutes) are lighter in color, more pourable, more soluble in fixed oils, and blend with other essential oils better than more common and lower quality Labdanum Absolutes.

Our Labdanum Absolutes #1 and #2 (Ambreine #1 and #2) are excellent fixatives and they have profound and very tenacious aromas.

Lavandula angustifolia

We carry four steam distilled Lavender essential oils

Origin - France (High Elevation, Wild, and Maillette)
Origin - Bulgaria
Steam distilled - from the flowers

• Therapeutic grade
• Middle to top note
• Floral, sweet, herbaceous
• Calming, soothing
• Aromatherapy use - Skin care and skin rejuvenation, wound healing; alleviates the pain of burns and insect bites; reduces nervous tension, infections, headache

Lavandula angustifolia is the true lavender (as opposed to spike lavender, lavandin, etc.). It is produced throughout the world, although France is considered the premier growing region. Bulgaria also is a large producer of Lavender essential oil.

Lavender oil is a very safe and much loved essential oil. It can be used for a broad array of ailments; burns, insect stings, headaches, calming formulas, cold formulas, etc.

Lavender oil is the most popular and most used essential oil in the states. Lavender essential oil can be blended into many formulas.

True Lavender essential oil has also been a part of fine fragrances for centuries.

1. Lavender Absolute:

Lavandula angustifolia
Origin - Bulgaria
Solvent Extracted - from the flowers

2. Lavender Seville Absolute:

Lavandula luisieri
Origin - Spain
Solvent Extracted - from the flowers

• Fine perfumery grade
• Top to middle note
• Crisp, clean aroma

Our Lavender Absolute from Bulgaria is an emerald green beauty and the ultimate Lavender for use in natural perfumery purposes! Lavender Absolute is smooth, luscious, and completely alluring. The courmarin-like sweetness of Lavender Absolute is more like the fresh botanical material - a perfumery must have!

Lavender Seville Absolute is a dark green viscous oil that is best used in perfumery to add a green note and an unusual Lavender aroma. Lavender Seville is a hard to find Lavender Absolute that comes to us from the distillery in Spain. Lavender lovers will want to add Lavender Seville to their palette of Lavender oils for use in natural perfume making.

Citrus limonum

• Therapeutic grade
• Top note
• Has anti-infectious properties

Lemon essential oil helps to lift the spirits with its amazingly fresh, clean, zesty aroma. It is reputed to be a powerful antibacterial and to have the ability to stimulate production of white blood cells in the body, thus improving the body's ability to defend against infections.

Lemon essential oil is also used to improve concentration and memory, strengthen circulation, support the immune system, and counteract acidity in the body.

Leptospermum pertersonii

• Therapeutic grade
• Top note
• Repels insects

Lemon Tea Tree has a clear lemon scent and is often used in natural insect and mosquito repellents, either on its own or blended with lemongrass, citronella, lemon eucalyptus, geranium, cedarwood, and/or other essential oils.

Lemon Tea Tree is also useful for easing nervous tension, depression, anxiety and stress.

Cymbopogon citratus

• Therapeutic grade
• Middle to top note
• Refreshing, lemon-like scent
• Calming, soothing

Lemongrass is one of the world's best-selling essential oils. It is loved for its refreshing lemon-like aroma and its wide application for aromatherapy.

Our Lemongrass is wild collected in Haiti, and has an excellent aroma.

Tilia vulgaris

• Fine Perfumery Grade

The real thing! Our Linden Blossom is very thick and difficult to work with, however the aroma of this dark green absolute is mildly herbaceous, dry, hay-like, and somewhat floral.