Botanical Name: Cistus ladanifer
Country of Origin: Spain
Cultivation: Wildcrafted
Extraction Method: Solvent extracted
Extraction Date: Feb 2023
Minimum Shelf Life: 3 Years
Viscosity: Solid/Semi-Solid - Warm to liquefy
Grade: Fine Perfumery
Plant Part: Resin
Perfume Note: Base
Aroma: Animalic, resinous, sweet, balsamic, leathery, notes of amber and ambergris
Blends well with: Balsam Peru, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Champaca Pink, Cinnamon Bark, Cocao, Cypriol, Fir Balsam, Geranium, Jasmine sambac, Jasmine grand, Lotus Pink, Myrhh, Opopanax, Patchouli, Rose Moroc, Sandalwood, Tuberose, Vanilla, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang Extra
Several fragrant oils are made from Rock Rose, Cistus ladanifer. Labdanum Absolute is from resin whereas Cistus essential oil is steam distilled flowers, leaves, and sometimes branches. When resin is steam or hydro-distilled, rather than solvent extracted like with this Labdanum Absolute, the result is Labdanum essential oil. An easy way to remember the difference: Labdanum is from resin, Cistus is from vegetation.
This Labdanum Absolute is a thick viscous substance and can not be poured from the bottle at room temperature or below. Liquefy first using the warm water bath method. Once mixed with other oils it remains mobile. We also have Labdanum Absolute pre-mixed in clear odorless Fractionated Coconut Oil that is completely mobile and requires no warming. See Labdanum Absolute 20%. Also to be considered for aromatic similarity and ease of working with is Cistus Absolute.
How to liquefy and work with: Labdanum Absolute is quite vicious; you will find it needs to be gently warmed in order to liquefy and be easier to work with. I find a shot glass works well with small bottles. Place bottle in shot glass and add enough warm water (not hot/boiling) to almost reach the bottom rim of the cap. As water cools off refill with warm water until it reaches a more workable liquid state. Usually 10-15 minutes and a couple water changes is all it takes. Beware that once liquefied be prepared to work fast because this absolute will become gummy and start to re-solidify quickly.
Because of the different extraction methods and plant parts used (vegetative or resin) the choice for aromatherapy use is Cistus essential oil. For perfumery, meditation, and scenting home fragrance items such as candles Labdanum Absolute provides a remarkably rich, tenacious, sweet, warm, balsamic amber-like aroma. The deep aromatic quality of the absolute is a prime choice among perfumers.
Aromatherapy use: Refer to Cistus Essential Oil
General use: Natural perfume, meditation, candle and soap scenting, home fragrance
Contraindications: None. Always highly dilute.
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