Description
Bushman’s Candle-Namibia. Sarcocaulon Mossemedense
Bushman’s Candle is the fallen bark from the desert succulent Sarcocaulon mossamedense, a member of the Geranium, (Geraniaceae), family found in Namibia and Southern Angola where it grows in mainly coastal areas in grit with little water and lots of sun.
When a part of the plant dies, the soft interior decomposes over time leaving behind fragrant hollow sleeves of bark.
The bark possesses a unique and enduring, soft, sweet Amber fragrance that is used in incense, perfume and body-care products.
It is used on its own as an incense material while the tincture and extract of Bushman’s Candle are also used in the creation of perfume.
The bark, made of waxy resinous material, endures the harsh desert climate for many years maintaining its fragrance, shape and chemical properties, though temperatures can reach over 60 degrees Centigrade. (140 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Himba traditionally use the bark to add a unique aroma to wild game that is smoked over the fire.
The wax will ignite and stay lit much like a candle that gives this material its colloquial name.
Bushman’s candle can be powdered and used directly in incense blends though, it is more common to make an alcohol tincture of the powdered bark which separates the aromatic resin from the waxy base.
Once the product is filtered and the wax separated, the alcohol is evaporated to leave one with a fragrant “Resin Absolute” which can be used as a perfume or incense ingredient.
Bushman’s candle has a beautiful soft Amber scent that is rich, sweet, warm, woody and tenacious.
While the resin and essential oil of Bushman’s Candle can be extracted with alcohol, the wax portion dissolves in warm oils and creates a fragrant wax that is useful in skincare products.
In theory, it should be possible to extract 2 separate products from the raw bark, the alcohol extract for perfume and incense and the wax which can be used in candles, Balms, salves and cosmetics.
This material is ethically and sustainably collected by a co-op of Himba tribespeople and fairly traded.
To learn how to make your own products from Bushman’s Candle, please read my post at https://apothecarysgarden.com/2019/07/26/bushmans-balm-extracts-and-formulas/
Dan
Treva Dickens –
We love everything from this shop! Everything is always such high quality! Thanks again!
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Eldred Lockman –
This has a beautiful aroma. Thank you for offering it!
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Faye Ward –
Amazingly fragrant with frankincense, benzoin and labdanum notes, even a touch of rose. I love this unusual material.
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Eldred Lockman –
Review has no content.
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Audra Rowe –
Not sure yet how to get much smell out of it on an electric incense burner but will keep experimenting. It does indeed stay lit like a candle if you light it.
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Alysson Ziemann –
Really interesting, can’t wait to try it in a scent.
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Simeon Hackett –
I just returned to Dan's shop to purchase the tincture of bushman's candle. The bark is great for incense but if you want to use it as a tincture just know that it needs a long time to macerate. Great instructions to create a tincture from the bark are on the Apothecary's Garden blog page. This is a fragrance that is very difficult to find commercially and I'm so glad I found a high quality product here!
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Evie Krajcik –
fabulous raw unique! will purchase again!
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Rodolfo Balistreri –
I am so happy!!! These are such high quality resins and I am blown away by the variety. Thank you very mich!! I’ve been working with the Siberian cedar which is epic!!!
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Norene Dickens –
One of my new favorite scents. I've used Bushman's candle in two perfumes in the past 12 months. I'm a fan. The scent is sweet and it lingers in the air. There is nothing else quite like it. Shipped quickly and arrived on time. Thank you!
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Alyson Doyle –
This is so nice. The reviews describe it well – it is a soft cologne like fragrance – lovely when mixed with lavender or sweet grass over charcoal. I really love it!
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Dagmar Hoeger –
This scent is a soft amber – just delicious. Thanks.
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Anjali Bergstrom –
Fantastic product and great seller!
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Leanna O’Conner –
Prior to now, I had had an opportunity to smell 'the real deal', and this Bushmans Candle it's truly amazing. Lit a few pieces on charcoal and it has filled my home with the most wonderful warm, earthy scent that is reminiceiet of the copper colored soil, and breezes of the Okavango river in Africa. Actually Inspired me to make a new perfume combining this and some of the other musky items I bought from Dan. Even a tad of his 'Skunk'.
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Herminia Trantow –
I LOVE this stuff!! Thanks so much!
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Liliane Veum –
Perfect!
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Lucinda Spinka –
Our favorite incense. I don't have the vocabulary to describe the aroma, but it's a wonderful one. This is our second order, and we'll definitely be back for more!
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Santa Durgan –
I am super happy about my recommendation to this shop by a customer of mine. She has impeccable taste 😉 I can't wait to incorporate this into my concoctions.
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Maia Volkman –
As always, very high quality materials from Dan. My first package got lost in the mail, so Dan resent it. The second package arrived very quickly, and well packed. I'm very excited to use this botanical!
Thanks, Dan!
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Marjolaine Blick –
Nice quality! Smells heavenly! Thank you!
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Abbigail Haag –
Everything purchased from Dan has brought new thoughts
and perspective for me.
This one is illusive, need to figure out how to really 'smell it'.
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Bernice Nolan –
i LOVE this stuff❗️
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Daniella Roob –
Excellent! Thank you so much!
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Alexandria Donnelly –
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Alexandra Bartell –
Fine quality with a good smel!!!
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Paris Rohan –
This was a gift for a friend! They absolutely love it and started using it immediately. Thank you!
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Greta Denesik –
Omgosh wowwwww, smells so good , I put a little on charcoal so I could see how it smells , it’s absolutely beautiful, thankyou Dan! Always such good quality and rare findings you have to offer!
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Duncan Stamm –
As described, pictured, and promised. Obvious care is taken in packaging, customer service, and the selection and explanation of the product. Helpful, practical notes, links and illuminating stories and history in the descriptions. The respect and nurturing of the sources are reflected as the materials nurture and respect you.
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Rhianna Sipes –
Lovely scent & great quality!
Would recommend
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Jeffry Heidenreich –
Hands down one of the best around. Not just on Etsy, but anywhere. Amazing plants gathered in a good way. And the best service around. Thanks, Dan!
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Jordi Wilkinson –
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Sedrick Turcotte –
I’m not burning this, rather making a perfume tincture. After just a couple of days the bushman’s candle is releasing its scent. I have high hopes for it.
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Jordy Langosh –
Gorgeous scent! Packaged carefully, shipped quickly. Great shop!
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Jude Tromp –
Love it and it smells great!
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Velma Rolfson –
By far the best! I feel like a bushman, this is a very authentic and natural aroma, destinctive and pure, yet subtile..
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Kailey Luettgen –
Exceptional Quality like everything from Apothecary's Garden!
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Arvilla Kautzer –
Arrived just as described. Very interesting plant. Great quality. Really lovely, a comforting, warm, sweet scent that is helpful in grounding an over active nervous system. Excited to add to loose incense blends
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Jacklyn Kessler –
Excellent quality, fast shipping. Highly recommend to try it.
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Blanche Cummings –
Review has no content.
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Hilma Hegmann –
Look forward to trying this incense. Came in swiftly. Well packed.
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Mollie DuBuque –
Review has no content.
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Jackie Williamson –
Very unique ingredient, burns forever on charcoal as incense and useful in balms and salves aswell!
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Lyda Hettinger –
Quality products, over two weeks from Canada to US
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Rosalinda Schmitt –
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Cecelia Davis –
absolutely love it! Thank you for fast shipment!
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Rebekah Hoppe –
Review has no content.
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Bruce Kautzer –
This is absolutely 💯 divine. Love it 😀
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Marjolaine Blick –
nice! will come back again!
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Tyra Morar –
Review has no content.
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Norene Dickens –
I can't get enough of this strange creature! It's unique in every way, from its appearance to its deliciously musky, sweet scent. One of my all-time favorites from Apothecary's Garden.
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