Sustainable Harvest
Join me as I explore the world of natural aromatics, the communities that bring them to us, the methods of working with them to sublimate their beauty.
Sumatrana Benzoin-A New sustainable resin for Medicine, Incense and perfume
Sumatrana Benzoin is harvested sustainably by farmer families in a small area of Northern Sumatra. This resin is unique in that it has floral notes other Benzoin types Lack. It has only recently been introduced to the Western market for use in perfume, medicine, incense and cosmetics.
Frankincense as Medicine-Truth, Myth, and Misinformation
The anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory Boswellic acids are not present in the essential oil of Frankincense. They are found only in the solid resin portion of Frankincense, and the only way to benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the Boswellic acids is to utilize the resin.
Sustainable Frankincense from the Samburu women of Kenya
The Samburu tribe has a unique relationship with the land, and harming trees in any way is frowned upon. This is due to their reverent relationship with their deity, the Nature God/Goddess N’kai, who resides in the mountains, the trees, lakes and animals. One could say N’kai protects the Samburu Frankincense and Myrrh trees, making sure they are not harmed.
How to make an oil extract of Frankincense-2 methods
There is a lot of interest in the healing compounds found in the different types of Frankincense. Notably, the the Boswellic acid family including AKBA which are ONLY found in Frankincense. With the right information these healing compounds can be incorporated in a broad range of cosmetic and therapeutic products in any kitchen.
Suhul Myrrh-A gift from the trees
Frankincense and Myrrh resins have been used for medicine, incense and perfume for over 6000 years. There are many variations of each of these aromatic treasures and in this post I will tell you about a special Myrrh resin called Suhul Myrrh. Suhul Myrrh is sweeter, lighter in colour and not as bitter as the regular type of Myrrh, and, it is sustainably harvested!
How to prepare Winter Medicine with local Tree Resins
As we enter another winter here in the Northern hemisphere we brace ourselves for the onset of coughs, colds, flus and respiratory issues. Pine and Spruce resins share a long history of use around the world as decongestants, muscle relaxants, wound healers and relievers of musculoskeletal pain.
A complete guide to Frankincense resins
With close to 20 types of Frankincense resin on the market, it can be a challenge to choose between them, especially for those that are new to Frankincense. For this reason I will start with the more familiar and common, or "Classic" Frankincense types"
Ambergris-How to prepare an oil, Attar and tincture
Ambergris is one of the rarest & most precious gifts of Nature, and has been coveted since ancient times for it’s value in perfumery, incense making and traditional medicine. Considered an aphrodisiac it fetches Astronomical prices for those lucky enough to find it washed up on beaches around the world.
How to prepare Castoreum and other aromatic delights
Castoreum has a deep, sensuous, tenacious, leathery, woody scent, often with smoky undertones and hints of forest trees and plants. It is used as a fixative and a base to middle note in “Masculine”, Oriental and Chypre type perfumes, and in leather accords, which it can generate almost single-handedly.
