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Ambreine Absolute
Ambreine also known as the Gum Rockrose (Cistus ladanifer) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cistaceae. It is a native of the western Mediterranean region, growing wild from southern France to Portugal and in north-west Africa. It is a shrub growing 1-2.5 m tall and wide. The leaves are evergreen, lanceolate, 3-10 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, dark green above and paler underneath. The flowers are 5-8 cm diameter, with 5 papery white petals, usually with a red to maroon spot at the base, surrounding the yellow stamens and pistils. The whole plant is covered with the sticky exudate of fragrant resin. Ambreine Absolute oil is mostly produced in Spain.
Labdanum Gum, which is extracted simply by boiling the whole plant material in water for an extended amount of time. Labdanum gum is the most natural form of this oleoresin. It is also the most difficult form of Labdanum to work with as it is a solid mass that must be heated in a water bath prior to pouring. It is not soluble in vegetable oils, yet quite soluble in alcohol. A small portion of Labdanum Gum can be burned on charcoal for incense, or mixed into incense formulas with other botanicals.
| Botanical Name: | Cistus ladanifer L. |
| Family: | Cistaceae |
| Synonyms: | Labdanum, cistus, European rockrose, gum cistus, ciste, cyste, Labdanum gum. |
| See Also: | Cistus Essential Oil (From Crude Gum)
Cistus Essential Oil (From Leaves and Twigs)
Labdanum Absolute
Labdanum Resin |
| Parts Used: | Crude gum - concrete |
| Extraction Method: | Solvent extraction |
| Appearance: | Pale orange to dark brown viscous liquid. |
| Aroma Description: | Warm herbaceous, amber like. |
| Perfume note: | Base |
| Consistancy: | Viscous |
| Strength of Initial Aroma: | Medium |
| Blends well with: | Bergamot, calamus, clary sage, cypress, juniperberry, lavender, lavandin, oakmoss, olibanum, opopanax, patchouli, pine, moroccan chamomile, sandalwood, vetiver. |
| Historical Uses: | In ancient times it was also used for embalming and aphrodisiac purposes. Various classical writers mention its use as an emetic, for weak stomachs and livers, disorders of the spleen and diarrhoea. It has also been used for hair loss, scurvy, catarrh, asthma, stomach ulcers and cancer, as a protection against the plague and as a fumigant. |
| Modern Uses: | Today, ambreine oil is most often used as a fixative and fragrance for perfumes and lotions, powders etc. it lends a musky, balsamic fragrance to balance heavily floral scents. Also used in conditions such as in oily skin and acne, menstrual and; abdominal cramps, swollen lymph nodes, bladder inflammation, cellulite, coughs and bronchitis, restlessness and anxiety. |
| Cautions: | Generally non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, Avoid during pregnancy |
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