Cinnamomum camphora / Camphor / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

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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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

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Camphor is the white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomum camphora, native to China, Japan and adjunct parts of East Asia. Although the oil extracted from the tree is much valued by the Chinese for medicinal preparations, the penetrating, fragrant odour is a well known preventative of moths and other insects such as woodworm. Indeed natural history cabinets for entomologists are made from the wood. Older Camphor is bought by the Chinese at a great price and used in funeral rites but also embalming, being less volatile than ordinary Camphor.

			Amount/Price *	Quantity
	crystalline gum China, excellent quality [ details ] [ view ]		10 g - $ 1.00  25 g - $ 2.50  50 g - $ 4.40  100 g - $ 7.80  250 g - $ 17.50  500 g - $ 32.50  1000 g - $ 59.00
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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

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Cinnamon is an ancient spice mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is a bushy evergreen tree of the Laurel family. Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Burma, Cinnamon is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice consisting of its dried inner bark. The light-brown spice has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavor. It was once more valuable than gold. Today Cinnamon is used as a spice, for incense, and in aromatherapy. The oil is distilled from bark fragments for use in food, medicine, liqueur, and perfumery. There are many species of Cinnamon, but the dominating species used for incense and spice is the Ceylon Cinnamon. It has a more delicate aroma and is the dominating quality on the Western market. Essential oil can be obtained from its bark and leaves.

			Amount/Price *	Quantity
	bark (2) finely powdered Bali, Indonesia, excellent quality, limited stock ! [ details ] [ view ]		50 g - $ 3.90  100 g - $ 6.90  250 g - $ 15.75
	bark (2) whole Bali, Indonesia, excellent quality [ details ] [ view ]		50 g - $ 4.00  100 g - $ 5.30  250 g - $ 11.75  500 g - $ 21.50  1000 g - $ 39.50
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Ocotea quixos / Ishpingo / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

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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

Flor de la Canela, Ishpingo, Roble Americano, Canela.

Scent

The aroma closely resembles that of Cinnamon.

Contents

The essential oil of Ishpingo fruit calices contains trans-cinnamaldehyde (27.9%), methylcinnamate (21.6%), 1,8-cineole (8.0%), benzaldehyde (3.6%), and β-selinene (2.1%).

Historical

Among the three South American Lauraceae with cinnamon odours, Ocotea quixos Lam. is distinguished with the richest historical legacy. In the 16th century, a large Spanish expedition perished, almost down to the last man, while searching for the origin of this spice.
In the foothills of the Amazon region it has been heavily exploited for its timber. Its bark is used in herbal medicine. Ishpingo has also been used in tea and flavoring.

Plant Description

Tree with lanceolate leaves. Slow growing when young. Only about 6 inches a year for the 1st 2 or 3 years. Leaves have a very pleasant smell like Dentene gum. Bark can be harvested like cinnamon. Seeds are about 3/4 inch in diamter. The tree can be found in the foothills and the Amazon basin of Colombia and Ecuador, from sea level up to 1000m in altitude.

References

Chemical composition and biological activities of Ishpingo essential oil, a traditional Ecuadorian spice from Ocotea quixos (Lam.) Kosterm. (Lauraceae) flower calices
Geographic Spice Index, Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
Ocotea quixos, American cinnamon, J Ethnopharmacol

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Ishpingo is the Quechua word for the native Ecuadorian "Cinnamon" tree Ocotea quixos (Lauraceae), found only in a small region of Amazonian Ecuador and Colombia. It is in the same family (Lauraceae) as the common Cinnamon and has a similar aroma. It has been used locally as a spice and flavoring agent since pre-European times.

			Amount/Price *	Quantity
	seed husk (1) whole Equador Amazon, excellent quality [ details ] [ view ]		25 g - $ 4.00  50 g - $ 7.20  100 g - $ 13.25
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Aniba rosaedora / Rosewood / 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

Rosewood, Aniba rosaedora, Palo de Rosa, Pau Rosa, Bois de Rose Femelle, Pau Ferro, Cara-cara.

Scent

Rosewood has a fantastic warm and woody fragrance, while at the same time being both floral and fruity. Perfume-note: Middle.

Aromatic Properties

Rosewood oil fragrance has calming and steadying effects on the nerves. The scent is relaxing and calming, and works as an aphrodisiac. Uplifting and reviving to the senses. It is used in meditations, because it is a good oil to burn that relaxes without causing drowsiness. There are various ways to use Rosewood oil to help in natural healing.

Contents

Alpha-pinene, camphene, geranial, neral, myrcene, limonene, 1, 8-cineole, linalool, benzaldehyde, linalool oxide and a-terpineol.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Lavender, Orange, Lemon, Tangerine, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Palma Rosa, Geranium, Neroli, Jasmine, Pine, Rose, Ylang Ylang.

Historical

Rosewood oil has for a long time been used in the preparation of more expensive perfumes and soaps. Brazil is the main producer of the essential oil. The oil contains high amounts of linalool, which can be transformed into a number of derivatives for the flavour and fragrance industries. Nowadays the industry uses mainly synthetic forms of linalool. The wood itself has a long history of use for making furniture, boats, turnery, flooring, plywood, veneer and the making of musical instruments. Because of its density and durability, Rosewood is often used in Chinese martial arts weaponry, particularly as the shaft of spears.

Plant Description

It is an aromatic, evergreen tree that is native to Southern Brazil and to Bolivia. It is a fast growing thornless tree which blooms in spring. Leaves are briefly decidious, leathery and trivial. They are alternate, opposite and imparipinnate. They can be up to 12cm long. Individual leaflets are about 6cm long. The foliage of the Rosewood is similar to that of the Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia. Flowers are grouped in axillary or terminal racemes, and bloom in spring. They are yellow, with a brown part at its basis. The fruits are brown, flattened and winged, similar to that of some Maple trees, and can be more than 7cm long.
Rosewood oil is steam distilled from the wood, branches and roots of the tree.

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Rosewood oil is extracted from the Cayenne Rosewood tree, which grows in the Amazon region and French Guiana. The essential oil is extracted from the wood, branches and the roots and has a woody and floral fragrance. Rosewood oil has been widely used in perfumery in the making of expensive fragrances.

			Amount/Price *	Quantity
	wood (1) oil, bottle 5 ml Peru, top quality [ details ] [ view ]		1 - $ 7.20  2 - $ 13.25  5 - $ 29.00  10 - $ 55.00
	wood (2) oil Peru, excellent quality [ details ] [ view ]		10 ml - $ 7.00  25 ml - $ 15.75  50 ml - $ 28.50  100 ml - $ 52.00  250 ml - $ 118.00
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Sassafras albidum / Sassafras / 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

Ague Tree, Cinnamon wood, Common sassafras, Red sassafrass , Sassafras, Sassafras albidum, Sassafras officinale, Saxifras, Smelling stick, White sassafras.

Contents

The main chemical components of Sassafras are: safrole, 5-menthoxy-eugenol, asarone, coniferaldehyde, camphone, thujone, anethole, apiol and eugenol. Several monoterpenes (α-pinene, limonene, cineol and camphor) have been found. The root-bark contains a heavy and a light volatile oil, camphorous matter, resin, wax a decomposition product of tannic acid called Sassafrid, tannic acid, gum, albumen, starch, lignin and salts. (4)(5)

Historical

Sassafras leaves, roots and bark have been used medicinally for centuries. Sassafras was employed by the Native Americans in the 16th century to ward off evil spirits and illness. The inner bark, especially that from the roots, was once an important commercial product. It was one of the first products exported from the New World to Europe.
Europeans got the idea that Sassafras albidum was a “wonder drug” that could alleviate many conditions. Even better yet, the belief somehow developed that Sassafras would retard old age. Oil of sassafras extracted from sassafras root bark was used as a food flavouring and was the basis of root beer, a popular non-alcoholic drink. The FDA banned the use of Sassafras oil as an additive in 1960, as safrole was found to cause liver cancer in rats. The root bark extract and leaves are now treated commercially to produce a safrole-free product, the root bark being used as a flavoring agent and the ground dried, leaves for filé powder. Filè powder is still used as a condiment and soup thickener in gumbo and other Cajun dishes. The (safrole free) root bark extract is used in perfumery, as a flavoring for candy, beverages, and to make an aromatic tea. (1)(2)(3)

Health Warnings

The oil can produce marked narcotic poisoning, and death by causing widespread fatty degeneration of the heart, liver, and kidneys, or, in a larger dose, by great depression of the circulation, followed by a centric paralysis of respiration(4). Safrol is found to be slowly absorbed from the alimentary canal, escaping through the lungs unaltered, and through the kidneys oxidized into piperonalic acid. A teaspoonful of the oil produced vomiting, dilated pupils, stupor and collapse in a young man. Its use has caused abortion in several cases. Research in the 1960s suggested that safrol is carcinogenic.

Plant Description

Sassafras is native to the entire Eastern United States and Canada as well as Mexico. It is commonly found in fields, open woods or along fences. Sassafras is an attractive deciduous tree that potentially can reach more than 80 ft (24.4 m) in height, but typically is only 20-30 ft (6.1-9.1 m) tall. It has a rather slender, pyramidal shape, with horizontal branches in distinct tiers. Sassafras sometimes forms shrubby thickets by root suckering. This long lived tree begins flowering while still quite small. Sassafras saplings have smooth, orange-brown bark but the trunk becomes deeply furrowed in larger trees. In autumn the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. All parts of Sassafras are aromatic, smelling like root beer. (1)(3)

Legal Remarks

Safrole, and sassafras not certified as safrole-free, have been banned in the United States as food additives or flavoring agents by the FDA since 1976 due to safrole's designation as a carcinogen. Sassafras leaves do not contain sufficient amounts of safrole to be covered by the FDA ban. (2)
According to US and European legislation Safrole is considered a precursor since it has been used to manufacture MDMA and other illegal substances. Sale of pure Safrole and Sassafras oil is controlled. (6)

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Sassafras albidum, Floridata
(2) Sassafras albidum, Wikipedia
(3) Great Americans: The Long History of Sassafras Albidum, The Monday Garden, Ontario Trees and Shrubs
(4) Sassafras, A Modern Herbal, by Maud Grieve
(5) Sassafras (U.S.P.)-Sassafras. King's American Dispensatory
(6) Safrole, Wikipedia

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”Long, long ago, the first people began life as a doubled tree. God separated the two trees, gave them souls, turned the branches into arms and legs, and made the crowns into heads filled with the gift of knowledge. Other trees also wanted to become people. They tried, but didn’t make it. However, some of their leaves, like Sassafras’, are shaped like human hands, showing our ancient link to the trees.” The original true flavor of root beer comes from Sassafras root. American Indians smoked the root bark in a pipe, which is highly aromatic and inebriating.

			Amount/Price *	Quantity
	bark (1) shredded Brazil, excellent quality [ details ] [ view ]		50 g - $ 6.00  100 g - $ 10.80  250 g - $ 24.50  500 g - $ 45.50  1000 g - $ 81.00  5 kg - $ 362.00
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