Description
Ammi visnaga, known as khella or toothpick weed, is a white-flowered member of the carrot family that grows wild in fields and dry grassland around the Mediterranean, especially in Morocco. After flowering, the stalks of each umbel harden and draw inwards, and these stiff rays were long used as toothpicks. In summer, local harvesters cut the ripe heads by hand, dry them in the sun and thresh out the small ridged seeds for the still. The oil is pale yellow and thin, with a sweet, soft, herbal and slightly fruity smell.
Details
| Botanical name | Ammi visnaga (khella) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Morocco |
| Part used | Seed |
| Extraction | Steam-distilled |
| Aroma | Sweet, herbal, earthy |
| Size | 1oz (30ml) |
| Ingredients | 100% Ammi visnaga seed oil |
Why supply is limited: only a few distillers, mostly in Morocco, produce khella oil, the seeds ripen unevenly over a short summer window, and the yield per kilo of seed is small.
How to use
- Diffuser: add 2 to 3 drops to water in your diffuser.
- Body oil: add 1 to 2 drops to a tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil.
- Perfume: use as a soft, fruity herbal note.
Essential oils are concentrated. Always dilute before use on skin, patch test first, keep away from eyes and out of reach of children, and do not take internally. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before use.
FAQs
Why is it called toothpick weed?
The stiff stalks of its dried flower heads were once used as toothpicks.
What does it smell like?
Sweet, soft and herbal, with a slightly fruity note.
Why is it expensive?
Only a few distillers make it, and the seeds give very little oil.
Gloria Steinem –
Thanks for the oil.