Aqua Florida

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Aqua Florida, Florida Water, Florida water cologne, Agua Florida, Agua de Florida.

Scent

Components of the scent include citrus and herbal notes along with spice and floral undertones. These delightful elements are provided by Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Cloves, Cinnamon, Lavender, Rose and Orange flower. When the fragrance is first applied the delicious citrus notes are most dominant, then the Cloves move to the front and the scent settles into an incredibly appealing dry spice.

Aromatic Properties

Skin refreshing, muscle and nerve toning, personal deodorant, (sick)room deodorant, spiritual cleaning, home protection, for clearing and balancing energy and also as an offering to the spirits when opening sacred space or praying for assistance.

Historical

Florida water is one of the oldest patented colognes still sold today. It first appeared in the United States in 1808. The name refers to the fabled "Fountain of Youth" said to have been located in Florida. It is remarkable that this commercial cologne should have assumed such a central role not only in the shamanism of the Peruvian Amazon, but also for magical purposes among people of African-diaspora descent in the United States and the Caribbean. Bottles of Agua de Florida can be found equally on the mesas of Amazonian healers and on the altars of Vodou priestesses in Brooklyn. Shamans often place perfumes and colognes on the bodies of patients, as crosses on their forehead, chest, and back, whistling a special song of protection, to seal, close, and protect the body. There is a type of shaman in the Amazon called a "Perfumero", who specializes in the use of such scents to attack, to heal, and to attract. (1) (2)

References

(1) Strong Sweet Smells, by Steve Beyer, from Singing to the Plants: Shamanism and the Medicine Path.
(2) Still Making a Splash They Say That Old-Fashioned Florida Water Cures What Ails Ya - And Smells Good, Too, By Lenore Skenazy, NY Daily News.
(3) Florida Water, Lanman & Kemp-Barclay & Co., Inc.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Fountain of Youth

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Aqua Florida Soap (Aqua Florida Soap)

Aqua Florida Soap

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Fountain of Youth

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Aqua Florida (Aqua Florida)

Bali Flower Blend

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Contents

This mixture contains Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) and Frangipani (Plumeria alba) flowers.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Champaca (Michelia champaca)
Frangipani (Plumeria spp)

Myroxylon pereirae / Balsam of Peru / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Scent

The odor is the typical balsamic, rich, sweet, cinnamic benzoic, soft and very tenacious, showing an increasing vanilla note on drying out.

Aromatic Properties

Peru balsam has outstanding staying power and is one of the best fixatives for use in aromatherapy essential oil blends.

Contents

50-65% essential oil comprised mainly of benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, cinnamyl cinnamate, free benzoic and cinnamic acids, vanillin, farnesol, styrene, nerolidol and coumarin

Synergic Combinations

Peru balsam blends well with Cinnamon, Clove, Heliotrope, Labdanum, Musk, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang, floral bases, oriental bases, powder type perfumes and numerous types of sweet and heavy blends.

Health Warnings

Peru Balsam should not be applied to the skin as it may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Plant Description

A large and beautiful tree with a valuable wood like mahogany, and a straight smooth trunk; the last is coarse grey, compact, heavy granulated and a pale straw colour, containing a resin which changes from citron to dark brown; smell and taste balsamic and aromatic. Leaves alternately, abruptly pinnate, leaflets two pairs mostly opposite, ovate, lanceolate with the end blunt emarginate; every part of the tree including the leaves abounds in a resinous juice. The mesocarp of the fruit is fibrous, and the balsamic juice which is abundant is contained in two distinct receptacles, one on each side. The beans contain Coumarin, the husks an extremely acrid bitter resin, and a volatile oil; a gum resin, quite distinct from the proper balsam, exudes from the trunk of the tree and contains gum resin and a volatile oil; the tree commences to be productive after five or six years, and continues to yield for thirty years; the flower has a fragrance which can be smelt a hundred yards away.

References

Balsam of Peru, A Modern Herbal, by Maud Grieve
Myroxylon, Wikipedia

Bathing Salt

Mentha citrata / Bergamot / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Cinnamomum camphora / Camphor / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Camphor, Laurel Camphor, Camphor Laurel, Cinannamomum camphora, Gum Camphor, True Camphor, Hon-sho, Japanese Camphor, Formosa Camphor.

Scent

Powerful, penetrating and medicinal are three words to describe the unique fragrance of Camphor. Most people know the typical odor from moth repellent (moth-balls).

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Camphor increases Prana, opens up senses and brings clarity to the mind, eases headache and awakens perception.

Contents

Alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, sabinene, phellandrene, limonene, 1, 8-cineole, y-terpentine, p-cymene, terpinolene, furfural, camphor, linalool, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, caryophyllene, borneo, piperitone, geraniol, safrole, cinnamaldehyde, methyl cinnamate and eugenol.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Rosemary, Basil, Cajeput, Chamomile, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Juniper, Melissa, Wintergreen.

Historical

Camphor has a big variety of uses. It has been, and still is used in the Mahashiva Ratri celebrations of Shiva, in India. It burns cool without leaving an ash residue. In the 19th century there was a big demand for it in the use of making celluloid. An edible form of Camphor is currently widely used in flavouring sweets and desert dishes in Asia. Other modern uses include moth repellent and other anti-insect products, embalming, fireworks. Is is an active ingredient in vapor-steam products. Camphor is a well-established folk remedy(1).

Health Warnings

Camphor is poisonous if ingested in large quantities.

Plant Description

Camphor trees of the Lauraceae family are found on Borneo, Malaysia, Sumatra, Japan, China and are a close relative of the Cinnamon tree. White Camphor crystals are found in some old trees, whereas other trees produce only oil. The oil can be oxidized into crystals. Also the clippings, roots and wood chips of the tree are steam distilled to produce Camphor crystals and Camphor oil. The sturdy tree has glossy, waxy, dark green aromatic leaves. When mature, the tree can reach a height of 20-30m.
The wood itself repels insects, moths, flies and is very durable against the erosion of salt air. The tree must be at least 50 years old to produce oil.

References

(1) Monograph, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
- King's American Dispensatory, by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898.
- Camphor: A Diminishing Industry of Great Importance, by Amanda Boyd, Ethnobotanical Leaflets

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cinnamomum camphora - Wikipedia

Michelia champaca / Champaca / Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Champaka, Champak, Champac, Champa, Sampige, Shamba.

Scent

Champaca has an intense, intoxicating, sweet, floral aroma that acts as a fragrant magnet. On warm humid nights, the scents can easily be enjoyed several hundred feet away. Even just driving by in your car, you will notice the scent immediately.

Aromatic Properties

Champaca emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a peaceful state, reducing stress and allowing one to relax and breathe easily. It is especially useful for moments of tranquil contemplation. Champaca's nature is to remind us of the Divine in all things.

Contents

The essential oil of Champaca contains 1-Linalol, Eugenol, Methyl-Eugenol, Methyl- and Ethyl-Ethers. It is one of the most expensive in the world because it requires many flowers to produce.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Rose, Frangipani, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood and other floral scents.

Historical

Champaca is an important flower in many Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. It is used in Ayurveda, ceremonies and massages, and is often planted near temples. It is considered sacred to the god Vishnu. In Bali the flowers are put in water, which is used in house cleansing and praying rituals. An extract of the flowers is used in perfumes, incense sticks, aromatherapy, cosmetics, soaps, food flavors. All parts of the plant are used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

Plant Description

Champaca is a tree related to Magnolia. It has alternate, lanceolate leaves to over 20 cm long that are slightly curved. The flowers are fragrant, a mustard yellow colour, and in each flower the ovaries are free from one another. The central stalk or receptacle elongates and bears the developing fruits along it. When fully developed each individual fruit is about 2.5 cm long, with a reddish tinge and whitish pustules; this follicle opens to release orange-red seeds.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cinnamomun Zeylanicum, True Cinnamom, Ceylon Cinnamom, Kwai, Kaneel, Canela, Canella.

Scent

Cinnamon has a peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woody fragrance.

Aromatic Properties

It is believed by some, that burning Cinnamon in incense will induce higher spirituality and aid in healing. The fragrance of Cinnamon makes one feel warm and protected. Some people also believe it can stimulate the passions of a male.

Contents

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, essential oils, eugenol, metholeugenol, muscilage, sucrose, starch and tannin.

Synergic Combinations

In a smudge or incense mixtures Cinnamon combines nicely with Ceder, Juniper, Sage and Sandalwood.

Historical

Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term "Amomon", meaning "fragrant spice plant". Ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for "Cannon", Italians called it "Canella", meaning "little tube," which clearly describes Cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon has a huge variety in possible uses in its history. Most common uses are for medicine and cooking. Cinnamon has also a history as a warming and healing ingredient in incense and aromatherapy. Cinnamon has had many medicinal purposes in many cultures throughout the history. It is mentioned in the Old Testament a few times. As a spice it is most known in sweet desserts, but in meditterenean dishes also used with meat (because of its preservative properties). Many wars have been fought over Cinnamon. In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world's largest Cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese, demanding outrageous quotas from the poor laboring Chalia caste. When the Dutch learned of a source of Cinnamon along the coast of India, they bribed and threatened the local king to destroy it all, thus preserving their monopoly on the prized spice.

Health Warnings

As a widely used food spice, ground Cinnamon bark is believed to be safe. However, Cinnamon's essential oil is much more concentrated than the powdered bark commonly used. There is some evidence that high doses of Cinnamon oil might depress the central nervous system (1). Germany's Commission E recommends that pregnant women should avoid taking Cinnamon oil or high doses of the bark (2). Maximum safe doses in young children, nursing women, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined. When used topically, Cinnamon bark oil may cause flushing and a burning sensation (3). Some people have reported strong burning sensations or mouth ulcers after chewing Cinnamon-flavored gum or candy (4-5). However, these reactions disappeared within days of discontinuing the gum.

Plant Description

Cinnamon is the common name for the trees and shrubs that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Cinnamon spice comes primarily from the Sri Lankan Cinnamon known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It is obtained from the plant by drying the central part of the bark, which is then sold in stick or powdered form. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the waste products of drying and the pointed black fruits that the tree bears. It is a small tree, to 90m. Leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, to 18cm long, obtuse or acute; panicles as long as leaves; flowers inconspicuous, yellowish.

References

(1) Harada M, Ozaki Y. Pharmacological studies on Chinese cinnamon. Central effects of cinnamaldehyde (in Japanese). Yakugaku Zasshi. 1972;92:135-140
(2) Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 110.
(3) Perry PA, Dean BS, Krenzelok EP. Cinnamon oil abuse by adolescents. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1990;32:162-164.
(4) Allen CM, Blozis GG. Oral mucosal reactions to cinnamon-flavored chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;116:664-667.
(5) Mihail RC. Oral leukoplakia caused by cinnamon food allergy. J Otolaryngol. 1992;21:366-367.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum - Ethnobotanical Leaflets