Amyris - Essential Oil
Amyris balsamifera
Amyris Essential Oil is steam distilled from the heartwood and branches of the small evergreen Amyris balsamifera tree native to Asia, Haiti and other Caribbean islands, as well as Central America. With its dry, earthy, balsamic aroma, Amyris Essential Oil has become popular as a key ingredient in natural perfumes, being noted for its calming nature, as well as for its anti-aging properties in skin care.
Indigenous to Haiti, Amyris is of great value to locals who use it for firewood and, since the hard-grained, dense wood is heavy with aromatic resins, branches serve as excellent, bright-burning torches. Amyris is also sometimes called West Indian Sandalwood; however, its properties are different and it is not botanically related to true Sandalwood Oil. These two wood-based oils have very different top note aromas, but do have similar woody dry out notes. They can be used in the same ways when fragrance blending, but are not suitable substitutes for use in aromatherapy.
Note Classification - Base Note, Fixative and Sandalwood substitute
Extraction Method - Steam Distillation
Parts Used - Wood and Branches
Other Names - West Indian Sandalwood
Benefits & Uses
Chemically, sesquiterpene alcohols dominate most of Amyris Oil's composition making it exceptionally safe and non-irritating. For this reason, you'll often find it in skin care products as well as in natural perfumes. It can also help regenerate skin cells, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and add elasticity to the skin.
Amyris is also an anti-inflammatory agent that may provide relief from mild inflammation such as insect bites, contact irritations or other skin conditions. Amyris Oil is often used to ease unwanted muscle spasms and help with minor pain and inflammation management.
Amryis Essential Oil is also extensively added in soap perfumes, as it blends well with other oils and substances such as Lavandin Oil, Coumarin, Citronella Oils and Oakmoss products.
Energetically & Emotionally
An inexpensive and sustainable alternative to Sandalwood, Amyris Essential Oil is calming and nourishing to the heart as well as the nervous system. The benefits of Amyris Oil include reducing the stress levels, releasing tension, bringing mental clarity, and encouraging motivation during times of anxiety, stress and depression.
The calming, sedative properties also help promote sleep for those who suffer from insomnia.
Precautions & Safety Information
- Considered generally safe
IMPORTANT NOTICE - We do not recommend that Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, or Hydrosols be taken internally unless under the supervision of a trained professional who is has qualified in clinical Aromatherapy - specifically in using these items internally. Please speak to a member of staff for more information.