Champaca, Red (absolute)

Champaca is often described as an essential oil. The flower is too delicate for the still. What is sold under the name is an absolute, extracted with solvent, and a red champaca absolute differs markedly from the white.

01 · Origin

Michelia champaca, also listed as Magnolia champaca, is a tall evergreen tree of the magnolia family, native to South and Southeast Asia. Its orange-yellow flowers are offered in temples and worn in the hair across India. This absolute is extracted from the blossoms in India, from conventional cultivation. White champaca, Michelia alba, is a separate species.

02 · Process

The flowers are extracted with a solvent to give a waxy concrete, which is then washed with alcohol to separate the aromatic absolute from the waxes. Phenylethyl alcohol, the rose-like alcohol, leads. Methyl anthranilate brings an orange-blossom, grape-like nuance. Benzyl acetate and linalool add sweetness and lift.

03 · In Practice

Rich, sweet and fruity-floral, with tea-like and apricot facets over a warm, slightly leathery base. A heart note of considerable tenacity in natural perfumery. Used in very small proportion. Massage blends, meditation practice and olfactory study, ideally alongside Champaca, White (No. 1247). Blends with sandalwood, jasmine, rose, vetiver, vanilla and orange.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.