Fenugreek CO2

Overview

Fenugreek CO2 Total Extract

Fenugreek CO₂ total extract is a rarely seen, hard-to-find specialty oil – the steam distilled version (essential oil) of Fenugreek even more so. It has valuable aromatic and skincare properties and is sometimes used in perfumery in extremely minute amounts. Its fresh, sweet, calming aroma is diffusive, warm, and powdery, with soft spicy-nutty-earthy undertones and a maple syrup and licorice-like sweetness; the soft, sweet-spicy, nutty notes are very tenacious. “Traces of Fenugreek extract can ruin a perfume…if used in the wrong combination; but equally minute concentrations of Fenugreek extract can do wonders in certain compositions: Oriental bases, aldehydic-herbaceous topnotes, chypres, fougères, lavender compositions, new mown hay bases, etc.”¹

Native to the Eastern Mediterranean area and Southeast Asia², the largest producer of Trigonella foenum-graecum is India.³ Historically, Fenugreek was grown as fodder for livestock according to Cato the Elder, as stated in his book De Agri Cultura (On Agriculture), published ca. 160 BCE.⁴ Fenugreek has a tremendous amount of historical use across many cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans,⁵ a tradition that continues to this day.

While Fenugreek CO₂ has a distinctive aroma, the aromatic components are virtually undetectable by normal analytical methods, yet they still contribute to the unusual scent. The lower temperatures required for supercritical CO₂ extraction provide an edge over steam distilled Fenugreek seeds – the presence of the primary constituents linoleic, linolenic (about 8 times higher than that of virgin olive oil) and oleic polyunsaturated fatty acids – making possible a truly valuable and complete oil for aromatherapy purposes.⁶ In low proportions it may add a sweet, burnt sugar aroma to skincare and perfume blends.

For information regarding the attributes of Fenugreek, please see:

• The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless, 2013, pp. 91-2.
• Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2016, pp. 257-8

Storage Suggestions: We recommend that this oil be stored in a refrigerator and used within 1-2 years of the purchase date.

Blending Suggestions: Our Fenugreek CO₂ is an aromatic vegetal oil, and depending on the type of product you are formulating, you can use between 2% to 30%. For a massage oil, we suggest a median range, combining between 5% and 10% Fenugreek CO2 with another carrier oil, or a combination of other carrier oils, such as Sunflower Oil - Organic, Jojoba Oil, Golden - Organic, or Fractionated Coconut Oil - Organic.

Solubility: Soluble in fixed oils, insoluble in alcohol.

Appearance:  Dark yellow to brownish yellow, transparent, somewhat viscous mobile liquid.

Aroma: Warm, powdery, with soft spicy-nutty-earthy undertones and a maple syrup and licorice-like sweetness; the soft, sweet-spicy, nutty notes are very tenacious.

Blends Well With: Amber Oil - fossilized, Amyris, Ambrette, Balsam of Peru, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cistus, Clove, Coffee, Coriander, Helichrysum, Labdanum, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Tonka Bean, Turmeric, Vanilla, Vetiver. "Traces of Fenugreek extract can ruin a perfume…if used in the wrong combination; but equally minute concentrations of Fenugreek extract can do wonders in certain compositions: Oriental bases, aldehydic-herbaceous topnotes, chypres, fougères, lavender compositions, new mown hay bases, etc."⁹

Safety Considerations: If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, please consult with a physician before use. Due to the presence of camphor (a ketone)⁸, we recommend avoiding use with children less than 10 years of age, the elderly, those with epilepsy, and pregnant and/or nursing women. Dilute before use. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Eden Botanicals as to the medicinal value of any products from Eden Botanicals. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.