Ingredient Knowledge · ROSEWOOD

Rose is one of the best-known ingredients in the perfumery. In addition, it is an ingredient with a rich history. But when we think of rose, we soon think of rose petals. However, more and more rosewood is also used.

Rosewood is the collective name for several species of wood smelling roses, originating from trees from different genera. Known as Brazilian rosewood, Aniba duckei, Aniba parviflora and Aniba rosaeodora var. Amazonica, the latter mainly in Brazil (Amazon) and Peru.

The Aniba rosaeodora is a tropical tree with a reddish bark and yellow or pink flowers, belonging to the Laurelids, which occurs in Mexico and Guyana and is the supplier of the so-called lemon wood (bois de rose).

Due to excessive felling, the old tree trees in the Amazon region have almost disappeared. In Mexico, plantations have been laid out for the production of essential oil, but the wood can only be used after 40 years for the production of oil.

The essential oil is extracted by distilling wood chips. 100 kilos of wood provides 1 kilo of oil. An equivalent oil is also extracted from the Dalbergia sissoo from India.

Rosewood oil has a rose-like fragrance and is wonderful to perfume the house for example with a cream diffuser. The soothing effect of the Rosewood oil makes people more receptive to enjoying all the beautiful things around them and has a harmonizing and relaxing effect on the mind. Traditionally, the essential oil is also used to reduce stress and stimulate the immune system.

Next time we will discuss different roses, because we also have a lot of variations.