Amyris Essential Oil
Commonly referred to as West Indian Sandalwood oil or West Indian Rosewood, although there is no relationship, the Botanical origin of the tree yielding this oil remained obscure until 1886. The main area of origin today is northern South America, Central America and the West Indies where the oil is obtained by steam distillation from broken up wood & branches. Distillation takes place mainly in Haiti and in Dominican Republic. Occasionally the wood is exported to Europe and/or the USA for distillation.
The locals call it ‘candle wood’ because of its high oil content; it burns like a candle. It is used as a torch by fishermen and traders. It also makes excellent furniture wood.
The production of this oil has dropped with the passing of time due to adverse climatic conditions in Haiti.
| Botanical Name: | Amyris balsamifera L. |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Synonyms: | Schimmelia oleifera, Amyris clair oil, West Indian Sandalwood oil, West Indian Rosewood, Poor Man's Sandalwood, Jamaica rosewood, |
| See Also: | Amyris Bark Oil |
| Parts Used: | Broken up, seasoned wood and branches |
| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation |
| Appearance: | Light yellow to amber slightly viscous liquid |
| Aroma Description: | Warm musty, woody |
| Perfume note: | Bottom |
| Consistancy: | Thin |
| Strength of Initial Aroma: | Medium |
| Blends well with: | Geranium, pine, spruce, cedar wood, myrrh, galbanum, frankincense, cypress, clove, aniseed, lemon, orange, cistus and rose absolute. |
| Historical Uses: | None known |
| Modern Uses: | Chiefly used as a fragrance substitute for Sandalwood Oil, in soaps, perfumes and cosmetics. Some use as a fixative. Minor usage as a flavouring in liqueurs. |
| Cautions: | Not for internal use, fairly non-toxic, non-irritant. Avoid with low blood pressure. |
|
|
|
