Diluting Attars????

From an earlier "Monday's With Marge"  "There is a strong emphasis on the importance of diluting essential oils for safe usage. Wouldn't the same safety concerns and dilution guidelines apply when it comes to using attars and natural perfumes? I went looking for information on this, and the only explanation I found from what I would consider a reputable source suggests that the sandalwood oil acts as a carrier, providing the necessary dilution. Something about that doesn't seem right to me. I would love to hear your thoughts on this!"

Christine, GREAT question!!!

In traditional attars Sandalwood oil is put in the receiving vessel to enhance, add to, the very very rare item being distilled. Because the botanical being distilled will not yield its essential oil otherwise. They are lovely, and mysterious, and unlike any other aromatic. 

But you are now looking at a 100% dilution of Sandalwood and other botanicals.  It is my understanding that in the case of most attars, you have probably about 95% - 98% Sandalwood essential oil and the remaining 2 - 5% is .. other.

But it is still 100% essential oil.  and saying it acts as a carrier perhaps misuses the term 'carrier'... yes, the sandalwood "carries" the aromatic molecules of the other aromatics... but it is not a diluent..which is how WE use the carrier oils.. to safely dilute the essentials.

Now, there are those who wear Sandalwood undiluted as perfume.  There are those who wear Patchouli undiluted, as perfume.

I think you know my stance on that one!   We recommend a 10% dilution for perfumery.   And that, of course, is for pulse points only, not ever for full body.  True Indian Sandawood, santalum album, is one of the safest, gentlest and most benign oils, and there have been those wearing it undiluted for .. as long as it has been distilled. But then again, everyone used to say that Lavender was safe to use neat, and I am sensitized to it. And to oils that share its components.

Sandalwood is an oil that I love, and it is BEST diffused by the human body... it has an unique affinity for our body chemistry, in my opinion.  But refusing to dilute it to 'perfume dilutions" leaves you open to the chance of being denied it. Perhaps a slim chance. But still a chance.   WHY would you risk that?

What the Heli?

What the Heli? (Don or Serotinum: Deciphering Nature’s Gift Helichrysum Varieties)

(Marge's note: Christi wrote this. She is normally very much the lady and properly spoken.  I rather think she enjoyed being a bit naughty with this title!)

Healing Helichrysum italicum from the Island of Corsica (France) is the industry “gold standard” for Helichrysum Essential Oil.   

Helichrysum - Corsica is becoming scarcer because large cosmetics conglomerates are buying up entire crops for a year or more.  Marge has worked very hard to hold onto her reputable, artisan producer/distiller Helichrysum resources on the Island, and has committed to making this most healing of all essential oils available to our clients for as long as possible.

So what the Heli?  Ever since we began offering two Corsican Helichrysum EO’s (G. Don and Serotinum), we continue to receive questions about which oil is the best to order.  The prices are very close and neither is inferior to the other.  They are both Corsican Helichrysum.  The GCMS data is very similar, too. 

Where to go?  First to the website to our healing Helichrysum page, where Marge shares much knowledge, helpful for the decision-making process: G. Don or Sero?  I.E., which Heli works best for this or that particular purpose?  

Let’s look at G. Don, first.   The GCMS analysis reports it is highest in Neryl Acetate, an ester, which is responsible for relaxation, reducing inflammation, and pain relief.  And now the Serotinum, which shows it is very high in Italidiones (di-ketones) which should be the best choice for skin and scar healing.

Marge’s answer to the quandary is based on experience, research, and logic.  Based on the chemistry, we reach for the G. Don for pain relief, and the Serotinum for scar healing. There is one caveat.  Aroma!  The G. Don is a bit earthier aromatically.  The Serotinum is the same Heli italicum we have offered for years with the buttery nuttier aroma (said in the nicest way possible!) you’ve come to expect.  

So, now, what the Heli?  A solution is to ask for free samples 10% of both in the comments section at checkout when you next order at www.naturesgift.com.  If you have an aroma preference regardless of the issue, then go with your aromatic preference.  

Before we go, we know you have other questions, like: What is Heli Gymno, anyway? And why do you offer so many types of Heli, anyway? It is a different type of Helichrysum, high in the powerful 1,8 Cineole which is helpful for respiratory ailments.  It is not “italicum,” and really doesn’t “resemble” Heli italicum in any way.  Read about it here.

We currently offer the G. Don in a 10% dilution for skin-safe use and the Serotinum in a 5% dilution of Rose Hip Seed Oil for scar healing and both are available undiluted as well. 

We hope we’ve answered (albeit briefly): What the Heli? (and made you smile, too!)