OAKMOSS ABSOLUTE | Pure Plant Extract
Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri) is a species of lichen native to the mountainous temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of France, Portugal, Spain, North America, and much of Central Europe. Oakmoss grows primarily on the trunk and branches of oak trees, but also on the bark of other deciduous trees and conifers such as fir and pine.
The oil is a dark green, semi-solid or solid mass, with a dry, earthy, pine-like top note over smooth, rich notes of moss, wood, decaying leaf, fungus, lichen, and damp earth notes.
It is traditionally used in perfumery as a fixative, especially in chypre fragrances, to add a deep, mysterious, evocative scent. Magically, it is related to prosperity.
It blends well with anise, bay, bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, lime, orange, palmarosa, tea tree, vetiver, and ylang ylang.
Traditionally, this is an ingredient meant for perfumery and requires a bit more work and experience than a mobile substance like an essential oil. Ways you can render your Oakmoss more mobile is by gently heating it in a double-boiler - or, you can dilute it by mixing the smallest bit of ethanol, perfumer's alcohol, or similar directly into the bottle. If you planned on using this absolute for a perfume blend, you can use a small wand, or a toothpick, to gather some of the absolute from the bottle and then to soak it into your blend.
Type: agrestic
Note: base
Characteristics: earthy, smooth, rich, warm, sweet, with honey-like or hay-like (agrestic) undertones
Presented in a 5ml or 15ml black glass bottle with a euro dropper.
Essential oils, absolutes, and other pure plant extracts should not be applied to the skin without being properly diluted in a cosmetic carrier (such as jojoba oil, ethanol, Epsom salts, etc.) Always patch-test when using an essential oil or absolute for the first time, and research whether or not the extract you are using is skin-safe and in what quantity or that it is appropriate for its intended use. Do not ingest essential oils or apply them internally, and avoid contact with the eyes. Keep out of reach of children and pets, and consult a knowledgeable health practitioner before use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Store in a cool and dry area.
