by Dan Riegler | Mar 8, 2023 | Apothecary Arts, Fair Trade, Herbal Remedies, Natural Perfume, Natural Perfume ingredients, Resins & Saps, Sustainable Harvesting, Uncategorized, Wildcrafting
A new and unique Benzoin resin on the market Styrax Sumatrana is a type of Benzoin resin that has never been available on the international market. Locally called Kemenyan Toba, the Sumatrana Benzoin tree grows only in a small area of Northern Sumatra and, in the...
by Dan Riegler | Jan 24, 2022 | Boswellia, Boswellia Neglecta, Boswellia Rivae, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Sustainable Harvesting, Wildcrafting
A recent publication reveals the natural sustainability of two types of Frankincense growing in Northern Kenya. This information is especially relevant in the light of the steady decline of other Frankincense species. Rapid loss of our Frankincense trees. We are...
by Dan Riegler | Mar 4, 2019 | Apothecary, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Resins & Saps
Visiting the collectors of Frankincense and Myrrh in the Somali Region of Ethiopia February 2019 February 2019 brought a visit with the Camel and Goat herders of the Somali region of Ethiopia. What was once called the “Ogaden”. They are the collectors of...
by Dan Riegler | Feb 28, 2017 | Apothecary, Civet, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Natural Perfume
Civet paste is a rare, ancient and highly esteemed perfume ingredient as well as a traditional medicine in the East. Collected bi-monthly from the perineal gland of the adult Ethiopian Civet, it is still used in mainstream perfumery but mostly via black market back...
by Dan Riegler | Dec 2, 2016 | Apothecary, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Natural Perfume
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Madagascar and its Vanilla capital Sambava, was witnessing the hand pollination of (Vanilla planifolia-Bourbon Vanilla flowers. Originally from Mexico and central America, their natural pollinator, a species of Melipona bee,...
by Dan Riegler | Oct 30, 2016 | Apothecary, Distillation, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Natural Perfume, Resins & Saps
With only a day left in Africa, I feel I need to offer a brief overview of my latest aromatic trip just to keep everyone abreast. Once back in Canada I will write in detail about this last trip to Madagascar and Kenya. So much has happened during these past three...
by Dan Riegler | Oct 6, 2016 | Apothecary, Distillation, Essential Oils, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Resins & Saps, Wildcrafting
Well, I have my tickets to Madagascar. Now I deal with the anxiety of Oh My God what have I done, what am I forgetting to pack, and make sure you buy new underwear in case the plane goes down in a ball of flame. A huge, warm thank you to everyone who contributed to...
by Dan Riegler | Sep 12, 2016 | Apothecary, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Natural Perfume, Resins & Saps, Wildcrafting
I have been offered the opportunity to spend two weeks working in Madagascar this October. Short notice and an unexpected expense, but full of potential. I will stay with Vanilla farmers, distil an unusual Elemi, and look at creating value-added products and...
by Dan Riegler | Apr 1, 2016 | Apothecary, Civet, Essential Oils, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Natural Perfume, Resins & Saps, Wildcrafting
Since returning from Africa 2 weeks ago, it feels like I landed running, and I don’t yet see a respite in the near future. My keynote speech at the Viridis Genii Symposium is coming up fast which means I had better get travel arrangements to Oregon made ASAP,...
by Dan Riegler | Mar 7, 2016 | Apothecary, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Natural Perfume, Resins & Saps
A short update before I return to the Kenyan bush and comunication silence. Though I’ll focus on the more current events in Kenya with the Samburu women since they are fresh, I will return in the next few weeks to expand on the equally important landmarks of my...
by Dan Riegler | Feb 25, 2016 | Civet, Distillation, Essential Oils, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Natural Perfume
As some of you know, I am sourcing fair trade, sustainable and unique fragrance materials, resins and essential oils during my trip through Africa. At the moment I am in Ethiopia purchasing local aromatics and speaking with Civet farmers and exporters. My friend and...
by Dan Riegler | Feb 20, 2016 | Apothecary, Distillation, Essential Oils, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Resins & Saps
First night in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, reclining in a hammock, chewing on some Chaat and gazing at the moon at 2,355 meters above sea level. She feels closer somehow. Supporting a huge halo, I’m comforted by her unchanging presence no matter where in the world i...
