Our Siberian Rhododendron essential oil has a green, woody/leafy, wine-like body note with distinct fruity top notes and great natural freshness. While most of the Rhododendron essential oil found in the market is from the Rhododendron anthopogon species from the Himalayan mountains of Nepal – a fine oil with many aromatherapy applications – the R. adamsii species of Siberian origin is noted for its unique, fruity/berry top note that is prized by natural perfumers. Essential oil from leaves and stems of R. adamsii contains 4-phenyl-2-butanone, the structure of which is similar to that of the so-called ‘raspberry ketone’ 4(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, which is used by the fragrance industry.[5]

Rhododendron adamsii grows high in the Sayan Mountains, a range located in southern Siberia, Russia (the Tyva Republic specifically) and northern Mongolia.[1],[2] Plants grow wild in ecologically clean areas near Lake Baikal in out-of-the-way places at an altitude of 5000-6500 feet above sea level. Leaves and young stems are manually harvested and carried down from the mountains for distillation.[3] Efforts to cultivate Rhododendron adamsii so far have not been successful – these plants appear to thrive only in the mountainous areas surrounding Lake Baikal where soil, air and microclimate are so unique.[4]

R. adamsii is considered to be a rare and vulnerable species, thus it is currently under regional protection. Environmental policies aimed at optimizing natural resources management in the Lake Baikal ecosystem have been implemented to protect the area’s biodiversity.[6] In light of this, R. adamsii oil is one we will not purchase in large quantities in order to help ensure the environmental sustainability of the plants from which we source.

Our specific Rhododendron oil is an unusual offering that will probably always have limited availability. But it is a rare and special treat that is sure to inspire creativity in natural perfumes and aromatherapy formulas.