Description
Gurjun is a very tall tropical tree, often 30 to 45 metres, of the forests of north-east India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Forest villagers tap the same trees over many years: a cavity is cut into the trunk and a small fire is lit inside it to melt the hardened resin and restart the flow. The liquid balsam is ladled out every one to two weeks and carried to traders, then steam-distilled. The oil is pale yellow to amber and somewhat viscous, with a soft, woody, balsamic scent. It is mostly alpha-gurjunene and caryophyllene.
Details
| Botanical name | Dipterocarpus turbinatus (gurjun) |
|---|---|
| Origin | India, Southeast Asia |
| Part used | Trunk oleoresin |
| Extraction | Steam-distilled |
| Aroma | Woody, balsamic, soft |
| Size | 3.4oz (100ml) |
| Ingredients | 100% Dipterocarpus turbinatus balsam oil |
Why supply is limited: the balsam is tapped from mature forest trees, not plantations, and trees must be rested to keep them producing.
How to use
- Perfume: use as a mild fixative to round out woody blends.
- Massage oil: add 3 drops to a tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil.
- Diffuser: add 3 drops with cedarwood, vetiver or citrus.
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
What does gurjun balsam smell like?
Soft, woody and balsamic.
What is a fixative?
An ingredient that helps a perfume blend last longer.
What does it blend with?
Cedarwood, vetiver, sandalwood and citrus oils.
Donna –
It suits me!! Thanks