Fokienia (Siam Wood)

Siam wood is sometimes assumed to be a sandalwood or a relative of Siam benzoin because of its name. It is neither. Fokienia hodginsii is a conifer of the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and its oil belongs with the cedars and cypresses.

01 · Origin

A large evergreen of the mountain forests of southern China, Laos and Vietnam. It is the only species in its genus. The timber has long been valued for its durability. This oil is distilled in Vietnam from the roots of wild trees.

02 · Chemistry

Sesquiterpene alcohols dominate. Trans-nerolidol leads, with elemol and eudesmols following. Alcohols of this weight evaporate slowly and give the oil its soft tenacity. Monoterpenes, which make most conifer needle oils bright, play little part here.

03 · In Practice

Soft, dry and woody, with a sweet, faintly resinous character and a long drydown. A base note and a useful fixative in natural perfumery. Massage blends, meditation practice and diffusion. Blends with Hinoki (No. 1566), cedarwood, sandalwood, frankincense, vetiver, bergamot and lavender.

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.